OPEN Party 'til the Sun's Up // Masquerade

[Project K]

FATED, FAITHFUL, FATAL...

It hadn't even been three days, let alone an entire week, since the Knight Captain had returned, and yet Lady Rosencrantz had assigned him with getting the yearly masquerade set up and underway. Project had chosen the East Hall, the Halnaker Hall, as the location for the week's evening activities. The cobblestones were swept and cleaned by a few of his apprentice knights and squires, those of which had very little to say to the Knight Captain in ways of complaints, especially those who were present for his return to the order. Others had begun to drape purple and gold tapestries across the entrances to the grand hall, emblems of the Rosencrantz family hanging in plain view, celebrating the family they all lived and died for, the very people Project was sworn to service for, the Lady who had ensured his survival from the cannibal. The peg-legged, bandage wrapped officer was flanked by a duo of the Praetorian Guard, both of which had taken turns in supporting the still wounded wolf's weight to alleviate the stress that standing was putting on his new prosthetic. 

"I know you both don't get paid to help an old man stand, but I appreciate the support." Came a hushed, low apology, the Knight Captain's pride hurting almost as much as his body. "Can't believe I got saddled with this task by the boss lady. I mean seriously, I haven't been to one of these things in eons. How do you two recommend we kick this off? We've had most of the work done, aside from the food and drink, but that's a bit beyond my scope." He asks, watching the handful of his working party scuttle about before heading into the Hall to continue their decoration. 

"Sire, we are paid to protect you, as the same for The Lady and the Grand Marshal. Offering you support when standing is an honor we accept as Praetorians." The gold armored guard to the wolf's right answered, earning a soft chuckle from the veteran. The laughter brought forth confusion from the duo, only dismissed when Project shook his head. 

"Very by the books, eh Praetor? I appreciate that, but that doesn't help me much." The wolf spoke, sighing as he leaned back into his Guard's side, watching the work continue. "Well, times wasting. I recommend you wrangle me some Knights to spread word of the gala, we will be starting as soon as sun goes down, understood?" Project continued, raising his voice so his bark could be heard clearly across the cobbled commons, his Knights and Squires pausing to look up at the Captain before a unanimous 'yes captain' was reported back. 

Short hours seemed to speed by, and before anyone knew it, sun was beginning to set over the crests and peaks of the surrounding mountains, basking the manor in a rich, purple light, with golden rays of light being emitted from the multiple ceremonial braziers casting their glow across the masked masses who had since assembled in anticipation of the ball. At the door stood the golden clad Praetors flanking a black and orange wolf draped in the red and black dress uniform of the Knights Order, purple accents indicating he held the rank of Captain. His bandaged face was hidden with a full-face mask, porcelain white swapped out with decadent gold, polished to shine like that of his two silent companions. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to announce that the gala is beginning. Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow, we may die." Came Project's loud bark over the stilled crowd, the two large, heavy doors opening behind him as he stepped aside, letting the crowd pass by him into the grand hall, purple and gold fabrics and metal iconography decorating the building. The Captain was excited to see what his Knights had done, beyond proud of seeing how well they had done with such short notice. 


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[Jelloshots]

I HAVE TO HOLD ON
The voice brought the recluse out of hiding. A voice she knew all to well. Could he be alive? Could he truly be here? The woman had dawned a pastel pink cloak and mask. She was beautiful, in her opinion, but that was a rare one to have. Her paws guided her to the hall of her home. She had not spoken sense joining. She had watched faces pass and not bothered talking. How had she missed this one though? Was she going blind?

The woman entered the hall, among the crowd of new arrivals. This was going to be fun. Yet, she didn't seem to notice him in the crowds as she made her way to the far wall. Settling in to watch the dancers with a faint longing in her eyes.

( ? ) I HAVE TO BE STRONG | @ cobra

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[Project K]

FATED, FAITHFUL, FATAL...

Once the doors were opened, Project had managed to get his Praetorians to leave his side, the golden and red clad guardians out and mingling amongst the revelers of the gala. Pressed against the back wall, the gold masked captain was sat, trying his best to put on a happy face despite his prosthetic limb causing discomfort to him. The warrior, despite his self-proclaimed awareness, hadn't noticed the cherry pink hybrid settle in close to him, away from the crowd, his blue eye fixed on watching everyone dance with a clear gaze of envy. The things he would give to have a partner to dance with, as well as his own, natural limb to dance upon. 

Turning his head to address one of the younger squires- no, they were an apprentice knight now, how could Project have forgotten, the wolf smiled and ducked his head down to the feline's level to speak normally yet remain heard over the louder music. "You're nervous, aren't you? Relax, kiddo. This is a time of jubilation, you've no need to fear of making a fool of yourself. Why, I remember, when I was your age, eons ago, I ended up meeting a girl at one of these types of events. She ended up being my wife for a while, actually. Jelloshots, or just Jello." His voice faded as he smiled, a bittersweet memory crossing his mind before he simply shrugged. "Anyways, kid, I'm telling you this because I remember being young, being able to go out and dance. Don't waste the opportunity, you feel? You've got so much fun you can have, and I don't want you to feel like you're being held back all 'cause I'm here. I may be the Knight Captain, but I want my subordinates to be able to have fun, especially at the gala." Project said with a warm, fatherly smile before nudging the Apprentice with his shoulder, watching them disappear into the crowd. 

A sigh left his lips, shoulders sagging as he let the memories of the one he thought long gone resurface in his mind. Project simply wanted to see any of his lovers once more, even if he figured it to be impossible. The nights were getting longer, colder, and the Captain was... Tired, definitely tired, yet he remained. He cleared his throat, shaking his head afterward, trying to will the thoughts out of his mind, to dispel the negativity that had clawed its way into his mind. Tonight was supposed to be a night of revelry, celebration of another year, successfully spent in service to The Family.

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[Jelloshots]

I HAVE TO HOLD ON
The woman heard the voice of a man. The voice of a man she knew. Her heart thundered in her chest as she turned her gaze towards him as her name left his lips. Her eyes studied the battered and bruised male a while longer before a soft smile graced her maw. "You asked me to dance and I never could get the steps right. Doubt that has changed now." She mused as she looked away to watch the others dancing the night away. "We met when you joined my mothers homeland. But that Gala was where we finally fell in love truly, I feel. But old age takes away some of my own memories I suppose."

He had been gone when she died, but she knew he found out upon his return. She knew he thought her long gone. Hell, she thought him to be long gone. Yet, they sat beside each other at a gala. Old memories of this moment all those years ago. She laughed. That laugh like silver bells on the winter wind. Soft and melodic. Her eyes turned back towards him. She was happy he was alive, but gods what had happened to him. He was her lover and best friend. Now he was battered and bruised. Not the same energetic man she once knew.

"Project.. What have they done to you..?" Her words were sad. Broken in their tone.

( ? ) I HAVE TO BE STRONG | @ cobra

@ teef

[Project K]

FATED, FAITHFUL, FATAL...

That voice, the silver bells ringing in his ears, it was startling to Project. "Our dance was so long ago, Jello." He murmured, swaying side to side to the music. "Have you come to take me, finally? Is it my time?" The wolf continued, turning to face her from beneath his golden mask. "You're not real, are you? How would you be here?" Comes the next question, a long sigh leaving his lips before he laughed softly to himself. 

"Darling, your age matters not, you look stunning as always. Besides, I'm certain your memory is much better than mine." Project assured her, offering Jello a smile, unsure as to if he was imagining her presence, or if she was truly and currently before the Knight Captain. His memory wasn't good enough to properly recall the last time the two had interacted, other than it wasn't on good terms, regardless, he was appreciative of her being present and concerned about his wellbeing. "It's nice to see you again, Jello. I... have missed you, to be frank. I was hopeful to see anyone." 

Then she asked what happened to him. Gods, what did happen? He had seen more lifetimes between their meeting and departure than he knew how to articulate. More pleasure and pain than he could make sense of. "With... What? My body? I was tortured months ago and left to make my way back here on my own. I lost my leg to infection, some ribs were broken or removed." Project spoke slowly, his blue eye watching Jelloshots with an amused gaze, not quite believing she was truly before him.

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[Jelloshots]

I HAVE TO HOLD ON
The way he spoke almost broke her heart. Her heart was shattering at the way he seemed to think she was some spirit here to claim his life. As if she was an angel of death. She let her body sway with him. Sadness blocking out the music that floated on the air. "It was so long ago, but it feels so recent.." She almost whispered the words as she drew herself closer to him.

"I am not a ghost, dear. It is not your time. Not yet." She soothed as she moved closer still. Wanting to touch him. Wanting to take his pain away. "I am real. I am here with you." She felt pain in her chest. Last time they were together, he had joined that raid and never come home.

She had died. Ripped apart by someone she trusted. "Age is a fickle thing, isn't it?" She mused as she aimed to rest her muzzle against his cheek. Breathing in his scent as she shivered. "I have missed you too. I wish I had been here to help you. To protect you from this.. I'm sorry." She felt her eyes water as she pulled away from him. Some wife she had been. they fought and parted ways and now.. Well.. This.

( ? ) I HAVE TO BE STRONG | @ cobra

@ teef

[SAKURA R. LINGRÉ]

Sakura scampered up the steps of the manor, jaws clamped over a handle from which a basket of drinks and small, paw-made cups swayed clumsily. Sakura bore an extravagant mask that covered half of her face, and loose clothing. A sash over her chest, that wrapped around her belly and back to hang over her hips and thighs. Gold and silver chains decorated where cloth had not.

Humming a sweet tune, mildly in sync with the music, she set up shop by a wall, away from the dancing. Despite her wanting to do so, she didn't know who to dance with. Or if anyone was willing.

[Project K]

FATED, FAITHFUL, FATAL...

"Yes, so very recent, no?" Project repeats, closing his remaining eye as he drew in a deep breath, trying to calm the panic that was rising in his chest. His swaying stilled as Jello neared him, feeling the warmth of her body as she drew into him. "Careful, you. I'm not the spry young man you once knew. I'm grey in the hair, blind in an eye, and a bit stiff." He joked, trying to play the unease off as temporary unfamiliarity. 

She wasn't a ghost? That was impossible, in all of his time since then, he was yet to find anyone else from before. It may not be his time yet, that he could cope with, but he was unwilling to believe that Jello was truly before him, that she was not some hallucination that his pain drowned mind was conjuring before him. Swallowing hard, the Knight Captain took a deep breath before letting it out again. "Okay. Yeah, you're real and you're here. Hey, can I get you a drink? I think I spot my friend with her little booth; I can get you something." The wolf spoke softly, an edge of fear bleeding into his words. An edge that lasted until her muzzle pressed to the smooth gold cheek of his mask. 

The singular blue eye shot open, a hitched breath leaving as a cough. "Yeah. I wish you were here before too. But you're here now?" Project asks, still in disbelief as the fact set in. Jelloshots Chase, his wife, er... widow? Ex-wife? Regardless, she was special to him, and she had made a return to his side, through means unknown. But... Why? Why was she back? Emile was back, somewhere, but he was returned at the whim of the gods. Jello? Jello didn't have anything to do with his circumstance as one denied from either afterlife.

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