[05] [video] / [action - goldenrod]

[purramedic]

[video]

[If you wanted a Meowstic and a Luxray purring and rumbling over each other on video, today is your lucky day. Even Pinsy the Skitty seems in a pleasant mood, and peers at the camera from atop the Luxray's head. Their trainer is also in shockingly good spirits compared to his last few public broadcasts. And look! He even shaved the beard off!

Yes, the video's a bit crowded, but what matters is the message.]

Happy First Day! I don't know if that means much to anyone here -- there seemed to be a lot of partying last night -- but it has a bit of significance in my world. It's a time to celebrate the previous year and the friends and family who made it wonderful.

So, on behalf of most Thedosians here, I'd like to extend an invitation to everyone, friend and stranger alike, to a gathering this evening at the Goldenrod Inn. Just ask for the private ballroom. There will be food -- and free drinks.

[Anders gives a wink before shifting the camera to get Hawke rather than his team in the background of his shot, though her smile is about as sardonic as usual.]

If any of our friends are unable to attend but would like to see us today, let us know and we'll do our best to meet up before this evening.

[Attached is a file noting the address and time of the party.]


[action - goldenrod inn]

[The gathering itself is pretty low-key for the setting. There are a few tables set up together in a fashion suspiciously reminiscent of a medieval banquet hall. Some hors d'oeuvres, main and side dishes, and desserts for humans and Pokemon, nothing too fancier than you'd find at a casual dinner, are placed upon the tables, and drinks of both non- and alcoholic variety can be acquired from their own bar. The only hotel attendant actively engaging is here, and only to make sure minors don't grab the rum or something.

The rest of the hall is open enough for a few dozen people or large Pokemon to move around in comfortably. Eat, drink, and be merry!]


[Making your own toplevels for friends old and new is a go! uvu]

Comments

[action]

[purramedic]

[for acquaintances or strangers]

[Warden Commander Floppington, a Meowstic donning a hand sewn blue and grey tabard, waves and meows in greeting from his trainer's arms. Yes, he's basically just a fuzzy child. Anders himself offers them a smile and an awkward wave of his own, tangled between Flop's tails.]

Thank you for coming. Feel free to let your team mingle, there's plenty of room. And help yourself to food and drink!


[for friends, cr, people who've spoken a couple of times, etc]

[If you look like you'd be okay with it, you're getting a hug. Sorry, he doesn't make the rules, but he will refrain if you seem uncomfortable and just skip to greeting you very warmly instead.]

I'm glad you could make it! It wouldn't be First Day without you.


[for pokemon, bc fuck you]

[Pinsy can be found lounging anywhere a Skitty fits, especially if it's inconvenient for someone else. Right where someone is trying to walk, in the bowl of poffins...

Typically, Trixie is looming near Pinsy, but if another Pokemon wants to play, she will be very easily distracted from her charge.

Maggie and Tiny are sticking to a corner, or as close to one as they can get. They're a jumpy, anxious couple, but they're confident enough to visit with others as long as they're together.

Though he would prefer to cuddle up in his trainer's arms, Flop gets curious about strange new Pokemon and scuttles over to greet them. He will also be delighted to say hello to anyone he's familiar with!]

[action]

[11121_assumption]

Walter was wearing the scarf Anders had given him and was travelling with Chaos beside him, having made it clear to her she would be spending time in the PC box if she acted out, and Eileen, his Audino. He has his coat open but didn't take it off, looking around. He'd never been to a party before; hence the choice of Pokemon he brought with him. Chaos was a strong bodygaurd and Eileen was able to help him stay focused on his surroundings, rather than sink into his thoughts.

"Anders-" He started to greet him, when a pair of arms embraced him. He froze. He had literally never been hugged before by another person. Ever. It had taken him this long to get used to affection from the established members of his team; he was still weirded out by Eileen and Joseph being so...cuddly. Eileen tugged his hand after Anders spoke to him, noticing that he was zoning out and still stunned.

"Y-yes. Hi. Happy New Year."

[purramedic]

[If Anders was drunk yet, he might cry. He'd hoped, but not actually expected any of his friends to wear the ridiculous things he knitted for them.

There is a slightly apologetic smile as he releases poor Walter, but to be fair, that hug was a long time coming. He gives a pat to the other man's shoulder before looking down to greet his Pokemon.]

It's nice to meet you in person, Chaos! And who is this lovely creature?

[action]

[brokencode]

[Angel pressed her face into the feathers of Anders' mantle, hiding the unabashed combination of grin and blush. She reigned the former in as she pulled back, instead gazing up at him with a simple, friendly sort of smile.]

I am not sure of the exact connotations of the holiday, but nevertheless, I am delighted to be here, my friend.

[purramedic]

[He is very much delighted by Angel's enthusiasm, and may take her hand to place a kiss upon it just to fluster her.]

In some places, it was once a yearly check in with distant relatives. Now it's mostly an excuse to get drunk with family and friends, to show them appreciation for the previous year. [He's positively beaming.] I, for one, am deeply grateful I met you.

[action]

[mustachioedmagister]

[Dorian hovered at the very edge of the growing crowd for a period of time. Though he wore a grin, his eyes seemed tight, surveying the group warily. The last major function he'd been to had nearly resulted in the assassination of an empress. It had been an entertaining affair, even with the threat of murder in the air.]

[But after the long walks and rather disjointed start of Dorian's adventure, he was looking forward to simple downtime. Whether or not he would get that remained to be seen -- the scion wasn't sure what kind of party to expect from a church destroying apostate.]

[Things looked to be innocent and friendly enough. At the very least, he didn't think anyone could wield a blade well enough to stick it between his ribs the second he left his back undefended. With that in mind, he made his way over to the blond the second he seemed to have a moment of peace.]

So I finally get to meet the troublemaker himself. [Dorian's voice came out almost as a purr. He held a hand out, smirk giving way to a crooked and flirtatious grin.] Dorian Pavus, in case you needed the reminder.

[purramedic]

[Anders gives Dorian a careful look, somewhere between reproval and sly amusement, before shaking his hand with a firm grip.]

Says the one who's been skulking about. This is a time for celebration. Celebrate a little. Or are Tevinters as allergic to goodwill as everyone says?

[action]

[tearsofademon]

[Sion dragged him here, and his discomfort with parties kind of shows, but oh well, might as well make the best of it, right?]

Ahh, thanks. It's a nice set-up you've got here.

[purramedic]

[Anders catches on, and the smile he gives Ryner is a little apologetic.]

I would have liked a smaller setting, but a bar is restrictive and a smaller room wouldn't allow for many Pokemon to join. They're family too, yes?

[Stranger]

[pikapikajankenpo]

[Yayoi had traveled quite a ways before arriving here in Goldenrod. It had been mildly tiresome and she was ready for bed, but after an invigorating shower and a major primping of Pichu, she and the mouse Pokemon was ready for Anders event.]

Thank you for the invite. We had just gotten into town when we saw the notice. I'm Yayoi Kise, and this is Pichu.

[purramedic]

You're most welcome. You can call me Anders, and my fluffy lump here is Warden Commander Floppington. It's lovely to meet you both.

[In spite of being a cat, Flop gladly trills with hospitality at the tiny mouse.]

[action] 1/2

[notvaljean]

[Oh gods what is this why is this happening?]

Anders, I...

[action] 2/2

[notvaljean]

[Okay, you know what, it's been a long ass time since anyone has hugged him, and Jean is going to take it. He's going to take it so good, and hug Anders right back!]

[Congrats, bro, you've unlocked Actual Affectionate Teenager.]

Thanks for having this.

[Jean is wearing his Voltorb hat, and a Litten pokes his head out of his coat pocket.]

Our eggs hatched.

[purramedic]

[Hug Got! Anders is ridiculously pleased by this.]

Of course. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the friends I've made here.

[He's moved, really -- and also distracted. Those kittens are even more adorable in person. Pocket kitten. He won't cry. He won't.]

Oh! Look at you! Polo, isn't it?

[pokemon action]

[notvaljean]

[Oh no, what's this? Is this a Litten kitten who got away from his trainer and is stalking around the party? Has he found a pair of adult kitties who look like they might be more fun to play with than his usual playmates?]

Polo scales the side of a table with his claws, and creeps up on Pinsy and Trixie. The mighty hunter goes low to the ground, his ass high in the air and wiggling, as he prepares his ferocious assault...]

[purramedic]

[Pinsy flicks her tail idly where she lies, hearing the inexperienced paws stalk behind her and trusting -- or rather, expecting -- her knight to defend her.

And defend her Ser Trixie does! After watching with only her ears and eyes peeking up over the surface, the Luxray leans up to slam her paws and head on the table, jostling it and everyone at it with her weight. She proceeds not to roar, but to give a few playful huffs.]

Video

[dreamsofahero]

Well, that's quite the generous invitation.

*I mean, free drinks? does Anders even have any idea how much someone like Sion can put away...?*

Though that reminds me, have you had a chance to meet Ryner yet? If not, I could probably bring him along and intro--

*SUDDENLY SKITTY FACE IN CAMERA because what's this what's this she thought she saw a friend??*

--duce you. Ah, hello, Iris, did you see something interesting?

*and he just casually picks up the skitty, giving her scritches as he removes her from the 'gear like she isn't some sort of tiny ball of terror, with Iris mewing happily at the attention*

Or have the two of you met already?

[purramedic]

[He gives a little chuckle as he settles back down onto the bed.]

I've never had the coin to spoil my friends before coming here. I enjoy the opportunity.

[And his eyes light up instantly at the sight of a fuzz. Poor Pinsy, who had been about to jump down, is snatched back up and held up as well. She looks significantly less amused than she had a moment ago.]

Look, Pinsy, you match! Well, minus the crown. Of course, you're still quite lovely, Iris! Hello!

[dreamsofahero]

*chuckles*

I suppose I can see the appeal, so long as you don't spend more than you have.

*and oh boy is that a new friend it IS a new friend HI HI and there goes Iris cheerily waving (or is it swiping?) at the gear while Sion deftly avoids being smacked in the face full-force by her tail in the background*

[ ACTION, OTA! ]

[11121_assumption]

Walter wasn't sure what to do with himself at the party. He didn't remove his coat but left it open, revealing a knitted red scarf around his neck and a cream sweater. He was escorted by two Pokemon; a large Luxray, which seemed to keep glancing around the room with narrowed, gleaming yellow eyes, and an Audino, who kept touching his hand or tugging on his coat to give him calm, reassuring smiles.

He'll nod if he's familiar with you or generally seem very awkward and shy. But his Pokemon, notably the Audino, will wave and tug on him to try and get him to open up; which will get you an eye to eye look and a quiet greeting. "Hello."

[Action, OTA]

[mustachioedmagister]

[Don't mind the suspicious-looking man in the corner of the room. He and his Servine certainly aren't watching you, expecting you to kill him at any given moment. No, no. He's just.... intensely watching.]

Finally, these two can say hi!

[11121_assumption]

Chaos caught the look Dorian was casting around the room. The moment his eyes swept over her and her trainer, she made a point of bearing her fangs at him threateningly. At hearing her low rumble, Walter glnaced down at her and combed his fingers through her fur soothingly.

He lifted his head, following her gaze to Dorian. He paused, taking him in carefully. Was he one of Henry's friends? Walter hoped not.

Action!

[dreamsofahero]

[A]

Sion had never been a fan of fancy parties--despite being obligated to attend any number of them as king--but between wanting to make sure Ryner and Anders were properly introduced and the offer of free drinks, well. Who was he to say no?

Needless to say, he can nearly always be found in a glass in hand, and is perfectly happy to give out recommendations.

"Though I must say, offering free drinks is rather generous indeed..."


[B]

Of course, then there's Iris. The little level 100 hyperactive skitty that Anders had just insisted Sion bring along. Unsurprisingly, the moment she's let out of her ball Iris is dashing here and there, mewing excitedly as she investigates all the new people and things and paying absolutely no mind to how that might inconvenience anyone else in the area.

"Iris!" Sion calls sternly when the skitty jumps up onto one of those tables. In response to her questioning look he holds out a small treat. "If you stay off that I'll--"

He doesn't even get a chance to finish before she hops down and zooms over, probably without hearing a word he said. This is probably going to be a long evening...


[C - LATER...]

Sion wasn't kidding when he'd called Anders's offer of free drinks 'generous'. He could put away quite a bit himself with little more than a faint buzz to show for his efforts. Hopefully everyone else has mostly had their fill as he drains some last drops from his latest glass, as the bar's started to become seriously depleted.

Action, open to all

[tearsofademon]

[Ryner is not and has never been particularly good at big parties. (In another life, perhaps he might have been more practiced, but that's kind of irrelevant here.) Parties are something the rich nobles participate in, and something that shunned orphans like him do not.

But, when your asshole of a best friend decides that he's going to drag you along to a party, and your boss of a Clefairy decides that socializing is good for you and therefore won't let you make excuses not to, well, there's not really any way to say no at that point.

So, Ryner is here. He's hovering by the hors d'oeuvres table, as is the time-honored tradition of awkward people who get dragged to parties and don't know what to do with themselves there, but he is here. Maybe glancing in Sion's direction every so often, because some instincts never go away completely.

...His Clefairy is around too, her rose ear clip now with a glittering Life Orb attached in the center of it, generally exploring the place and looking for fun things to do and Pokemon to play with.]

[picture]

[notvaljean]

[Instead of a textual response at first, Anders is going to get a picture. It's on a very familiar Electrode, wearing his fancy tea-cozy-esque sweater, lounging on a pillow with a pair of Litten kittens crawling all over him. It's all very homey and freaking adorable, especially since Blitz is smiling and the two kittens are clearly playing King of the Mountain on his head.]

[Consider this Jean's RVSP.]