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Luminous Imp Vice Captain
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 Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 5:16 pm
Luminous Imp  This prompt is the big group activity for the week. Everyone is encouraged to throw a pet - or more than one - into the fray. The more, the merrier! There will only be one of these each week, led by Lumi.
Posts will go in this thread, after Lumi gets things rolling. There'll be a new thread each week.This week's prompt Come one, come all to The Otter Oasis Ball! Or so say the invitations being handed out around the reserve. It seems as though that most festive of otters, Clopin, has taken it upon himself to liven up the place a little, and has organized a masquerade ball for the residents to attend. It seems like everyone's gotten an invitation (or have they?), but it remains to be seen who'll show up, of course! The clearing has never looked better. The decorations and refreshments are all set to go. It's bound to be a night to remember, but will it be for good reasons or bad?
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Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 5:28 pm
The demonic had surely outdone himself this time. He surveyed the clearing with pleasure. Tables of refreshments lined one edge of the open grassy area, all stocked and looking delicious. Piles of snacks - ones to tempt any otter and perhaps a predator or two - tottered high on silver trays and the last of the daylight glinted off a large punch bowl filled with red liquid. Paper lanterns in shades of purple, magenta and gold were strung between the tree branches, highlighting streamers in the same colors. Here and there, he'd placed planters holding delicately manicured topiaries each of which also held small lanterns and paper decorations. No doubt there'd be some quiet moments shared that evening in the small slices of privacy they afforded. A band of minis was only just starting to play music as the last of the day's sun sunk behind the horizon. Clopin adjusted his mask - newly bejeweled for the occasion - and slunk off into the shadows to observe as the first guests started to arrive.
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Luminous Imp Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 7:16 pm
The strawberry blonde had come upon an invitation and while she hadn't paid it much attention at the time, it had ended up dredging memories that she had attempted to part ways with. It obviously wouldn't be attended by anyone she knew. Not that it stopped her from hoping to see a white mask or the quiet ballet rat that she considered a sister. Sometimes, she rather wished she had taken a moment to ask--plead with--Meg to leave Paris with her. Even if it would have been wrong, given that Madame Giry had little else but her daughter left. She shook her head to stop from thinking about all the faults and mistakes, once more. The topic was exhausted and exhausting. And if there was a masquerade, she could relive pleasanter memories (though they, too, seemed to end badly--everything did really). She may even consent to dance if there was music. Not that it would at all compare to the music she loved or the wooden stage darkened behind curtains as she watched the real ballerina dance. It was nothing like the opera house, few things could be. She didn't know whether to think it garish and outlandish or absolutely charming. A little bit of both perhaps. And she wasn't entirely sure why she had bothered with a mask at all. No one knew her in the first place. Still maybe she would be glad of it later. On the other hand, unlike Lucienne, Ivy had seen no such invitation. She was on the hunt for something to feed her weak Venus Flytrap. Nothing so trite as a squirrel, something with more substance. She could also play it off as a pet for Harley and then kill it to feed her plant. It didn't really matter either way. But then she had come upon the lavish--absolutely hideous--set up. She easily (though a tad clumsily) climbed a tree on the outside edge of the clearing and rested on a thick branch to watch how things would unfold. It was hard telling what she might do. She might get bored and leave or get enraged and attempt murder. For the time being she merely watched, green eyes glittering in temporary interest.
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Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 3:07 am
Parties. They were one thing that Damshe Ralke had never been experienced with in his life. Even in his high school days, he wasn't much of a partygoer.
He'd gone to one Halloween party. He'd only been invited because his sister had been. He hadn't done much of anything except some poorly choreographed dancing and laying around where he wouldn't be noticed. The only thing that he had been fine with was eating. He just wasn't much of a partying type.
Now, here before him in the clearing seemed to be a rather large and festive setup for a party. Standing amid the shadows of the trees, he shifted his feet nervously.
Although his intentions in being here were to relax a little and live alot, several factors held him back from this shindig. For one, he hadn't recalled being invited and he wasn't sure it would be nice to crash whoever's party it was. Which brought up point two: he didn't know who was throwing this and why. And as if his mediocre high school memories weren't bad enough, he wasn't even dressed for the occassion. He wore his black leather jacket, a pair of blue jeans, black leather gloves, sunglasses, and tennis shoes. He didn't have any formal wear.
Damshe felt his unshaven chin as he bit his lip in consideration.
"I suppose it couldn't hurt to meet the host," he said to himself. "Maybe find out why they're throwing the festivities and give congratulations if necessary... Then, just leave and try not to ruin everybody else's fun. Yeah, that sounds great."
But if it sounded great in theory, it did not seem so great in practice. Damshe hung quietly back in the shadows, reluctant to move into the lights of the celebration.
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Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 10:00 am
Moonglow strode into the clearing a few paces behind her excitable blue miniature companions, who immediately headed for the snack table. She gazed up at the decorations quietly- it was like a little patch of magic in the middle of the woods. She helped herself to some punch, then sat quietly near the rather pleased-looking demonic with the feathered hat. Was this his party? It seemed to be so. Nodding at him in appreciation, she sipped at her punch. "Lovely party."
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Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 3:32 pm
La Esmeralda was completely thrilled, because a masquerade meant that perhaps Clopin's dark mood had lifted at last. No doubt their adventures and wild escapades had helped remind him of brighter times. Esme adjusted her red mask again securing the ribbon behind her head with a small bow. She danced her way through the coming otters smiling and then in a whirl of red silk and pale gauzy purple she stood before the gypsy king.
"This is amazing Clopin, how many do you think will come?" She whirled around excitedly her eyes sparkling. "It almost reminds me of January 6th..." She grinned and then tossed her hair over her shoulder glancing back at him. "No that was a bit more...scandalous..." She laughed and then tried to calm down to sit and watch the others with him, except her body refused to still, she was a creature in constant motion ad like water she could not be perfectly stilled, the faintest breeze or touch set her rippling again.
Melantha felt foolish, her brother had mercilessly forced her to attend the ball. He thought she needed to be more social, HA what a hypocrite, he wooed one female and suddenly thought he was social. Still if she hadn't gone along with him he would have had their mother on her back, and Melantha would rather just let Will have his way then dare try and hold up against mama. So there she was, her short red hair featured a long curling feather that swept down to frame her face. A face obscured by an ornate phoenix mask of red, gold, and orange. Her black pants and red shirt were gone replaced by an elaborate ruffling red silk gown. Dresses...bleh...she moved low and steady like a predator and a dress made her clumsy. She tried to stick to the shadows certain no one would recognize her, but not wanting to draw attention anyway. Of course with an outfit like that it would be rather hard not to draw attention, no doubt Will realized that...the scoundrel!
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Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 10:39 pm
Clopin smiled when La Esmeralda danced over to where he was lounging with his back to a tree. He'd spent all day setting it up with her and some of the minis (Though the minis made more goofs than actual work), and really it had all been for her. Despite her reassurances, the former king still thought that she missed the life they used to have, filled with singing and dancing and great celebrations that filled the whole forest. Making sure his people were safe and happy had been Clopin's top priority, and since Esme was the last of his people still with him, so he could put all the effort forward making her safe and happy in this new place.
"I was going for a Fête style. But I didn't think our usual faire would go well in this area, not yet. We should give them time to... adjust," he replied with a chuckle, smiling fondly at her.
His clever gaze turned to the new female that approached them.
"Thank you, miss. I hope you enjoy it."
Connor looked nothing like himself.
He wouldn't have gone to the party otherwise, but it had been Oya's doing that goaded him here tonight. He had met her several weeks prior to and had taken an interest in the eccentric wolf. She had somehow known his connection to his mother and had treated him with a kindness he hadn't received since 'Di had left. He had been mistrusting at first, but grew to be a bit more relaxed in her presence of late. She had told him that the spirits would be cross with him if he didn't go to this get-together.
Now, while he didn't exactly believe in these spirits of hers, he didn't completely shut out the idea of them and if they were real, he didn't want to upset them and bring more hardship down on himself or his family. So he had allowed her to dye his wings and hair a coal black and to dress him in a suit that he couldn't tell if she made or stole. Could have been either or really, it was a little worn in places. She'd given him a plain black mask as well, no real theme to be had, though he sort of looked like the angel of death, if he was a businessman.
He tried to hang out of sight for the most part, but he paused when his eyes settled on a red dress, fire mask, and a soft feather. He'd know Melantha's red hair anywhere. Should he approach? Reveal it was him or try to see if she could see through the voodoo mistress' ministrations and find her "guardian angel"?
The young angelic walked slowly up to her, his ears set back ever so slightly.
"Good evening," was all he said, giving her a small smile.
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Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 9:52 pm
She waited as he greeted another otter, such a good host, meanwhile her body swayed and twisted until she was dancing alone. Ahh it felt so good to be in a crowd again, to hear music, to see lights, and color. The world was such a wide place and while it possessed many shadows there was so much beauty in it to be appreciated. She waited for a moment until Clopin was no longer so occupied and then softly tugged his paw.
"Come dance with me?" She murmured and turned her eyes up towards him pleadingly. She even grinned and eyed his puppet making a pouting face that was half obscured by her mask. "Make him dance with me!" She laughed and stepped in place eagerly awaiting his response.
Melantha was startled by the voice and the smile of the male that accompanied it. He had spotted her in the shadows, of course she stuck out in this outfit, she would throttle Will. She blushed a bit and then took a moment to look him over, he wasn't familiar to her, she didn't know any black winged otters, and his mask hid his features. Still that didn't mean much she wasn't exactly a social butterfly, hence being forced here tonight.
"Good evening..." She murmured softly and smoothed the dress down a bit nervously. She glanced around and then slowly relaxed, it was a pain always looking over her shoulder for danger...for Angelus.
"Quite a lot of people came, this will be a night to remember..."
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Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 10:15 pm
Clopin smiled at her when she asked him to dance, about to somewhat reluctantly deny the request. But she seemed so determined, even asking his puppet, who was perched on his tail-fin.
"Oh, dance with her, you big goof!" the puppet squeaked, waving his arms about. Clopin could only sigh in response before slipping the puppet under his hat as he rose.
"Very well, chere, just one dance," he replied, letting him lead her away from his shady corner.
Connor placed his paw on Melantha's, the one that had just smoothed her dress. She didn't recognize him, but he wasn't surprised that she didn't. He certainly didn't look much like himself. He gave her another smile, deciding this might be an advantageous situation. He'd come to know her fairly well as he had done his best to watch over her, keep her from hurting someone. And she had forgiven him for attacking her younger brother. He knew how terrible her life had been lately, perhaps now he could give her some time away from her problems.
"They did. But I don't see anyone as lovely as you among the crowd. Do you mind if I sit with you for a time, or would you like to dance?" he asked, his hooded eyes just barely glowing in the shadows of his mask.
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Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 10:27 pm
She smiled and quickly took his paws pulling him out of the darkness to slowly twirl about together. She couldn't help it, the moment was so perfect and a chance like this didn't come often. She slowly slid up against him pressing herself close and softly nuzzling against his neck.
"Clopin..." She murmured softly and then in a half sigh, "you mean the world to me..." Alright so it wasn't exactly what she wanted to say, but it sounded much less pathetic then some sappy declaration of love. Still the L word was right there on her tongue bouncing around undecided even as she swayed close to him. If only she could stop time and hold this moment forever, perfect.
"Oh well...no of course I don't mind...thats what parties are for right? To...well not sit, we could dance...be...social." She laughed a bit surprised that she was agreeing, ah Will and his scheme. Well it worked now her brother could be happy, she was socializing.
"Shall we then?" She glanced over to where a few otters already danced, paws moving with a bit less grace on land then water...well some, some still moved with complete grace. She wouldn't of course, not in this dress, not unless the male swept her off her feet. She eyed his wings and couldn't help a small smile. They were certainly large enough for the task, as big as Connors wings, though his were white, the perfect angel...her smile faded a bit. She didn't like to think about Connor it made her stomach tight and floppy and reminded her that she was...evil...something that needed controlling. Why couldn't she control herself, why wasn't she good like him, or like Will? She tore away from her dark thoughts and forced a smile for the male.
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 1:54 pm
Clopin let her lead him to the area they had cleared for dancing and gave her a little squeeze when she slid close. He swayed and started to twirl them about when she whispered to him. He looked down at her, trying to figure out if she had said what he thought she had said, and what she meant by that. Sure, there was the easiest way he could take that, that she loved him. But she didn't, couldn't... Could she? No, she couldn't. She was young and he'd been like her older brother when they were younger, her benevolent king when she was older. There was never anything that he could deny her, not when she was young and no now. When he thought it was better to execute the suspicious, he bent at one word from her. But she had her champion, her golden warrior of righteousness. He had even taken the male aside before he left to tell him what the gypsies would do to him should he ever hurt La Esmeralda.
But she had left, had followed her king as he ran from his heart-ache, had left her home and her friends. For him...
"What do you mean, Esme?" he asked, one clawed paw reaching up to weave in her hair, concerned dark eyes watching her waving hair from behind his mask.
Dance, Connor hadn't expected her to agree to that one. She didn't seem the dancing type. And he certainly wasn't, but he wanted to lift her spirits. It would have been different if he hadn't had all of the disguises Oya had given him. He would be a reminder of her problems, of his father. And really, she didn't have a problem, not from where he was standing. His father hunted nightly and killed so many. She only took a bit from a couple of minis every few nights.
He took her paws in his but didn't move her out of the shadows where they stood.
"Dancing doesn't have to be social," he replied softly, carefully turning her. If she wanted to move from their secluded little spot, they could, but he would leave that up to her. He knew her expressions, at least enough to know that her smile was forced. His face softened and he touched a paw to one of her cheeks.
"You seem troubled. How can one so sweet and lovely be so troubled?"
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 4:17 pm
It had all been so sudden so strange she had gone from trying to help someone to being persecuted by a mad judge. She had been afraid, but unwilling to yield so easily. Then he had come along 'sun god' he was charming, amusing, and she had even felt a spark. Still she had quickly realized that it would never work, he was a good friend but it was a love born from fear. She had been vulnerable, he was in a position of power, a captain of the guard. She could never renounce all that she was, and what would a captain do with a gypsy mate? Sooner or later it would have ended with one of their spirits crushed. He was still her friend, but she knew in her heart her true loyalty, her true love would always be for Clopin. She had spent her life trying to show him in little ways, always there, until he had found a mate. Then it had been a long time alone, dancing, earning her way from one small forest settlement to another. Except Clopin's mate was dead and gone, and he was alone and hurting. She knew then that she had to leave, despite not being as heavily persecuted she knew where she belonged.
She gazed up at him trying to find the words to say, the right words even as he leaned in. His paw felt so warm so right as it moved into her hair and for a moment she felt as if a fire had been lit inside her chest. Was this true love then? Was this a true desire, the need to have someones love?
"I just...I wish I could do something to help you...I know how painful it was for you when..." She didn't want to remind him though she didn't want to see pain in his eyes. "I've always loved you Clopin, I'd always wished that I had been the one..." Except that wasn't right either, it was wrong to say such a thing when nothing could change what had been.
Melantha was surprised by how astute the male was and she ducked her head with a sigh. "It's not you really...I just...I've been tired lately. I should have stayed home instead of coming here. This all seems so frivolous knowing that there are wicked otters and predators about who would prey on everyone here. It seems silly to think we can just relax ourselves, I feel...vulnerable I suppose" She shook her head and then looked back at him.
"Forgive me, I shouldn't spoil your fun with my dark mood. It was my brothers insistence that I attend, he fails to see how poorly I do in social situations." She lifted the gown a bit and tried to settle it back down in so she wouldn't trip over it.
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 7:31 pm
Damshe was still trapped in the shadows just off the clearing and away from the main group of celebration. Having surveyed the events that had taken place, he soon determined that this was no normal party. The only arrivals that he had witnessed were those of otters. So, this was clearly an otter party. He was not an otter. Yet another thing that disqualified him from parties.
It was almost a relief. Otters were much easier to be around than other humans. At least, at parties he felt this to be the case. He could understand most every word human beings uttered and not all of it was nice. Otters just chittered, growled, and squeaked. That was cute. And he never knew what they meant so it couldn't possibly offend him.
Still, he wasn't about to set foot in any party, otters or not. He didn't want to ruin their fun. But he did want to get somesketches of the festivities.
Unfortunately for Damshe, his spot in the shadows had become a bit popular. First, one otter in a red dress showed up and then another in a suit joined her. Damshe controlled his breathing as quietly as he could and stood right up against the tree behind him. His stealth and his black leather jacket seemed to have spared him detection but these otters showed no signs of leaving.
Crouching slightly, Damshe pushed off the ground and silently leaped into the branches of the tree. He lay flat against the branch and peered down to see if he had been spotted. Hopefully not. He didn't need anymore trouble for tonight.
However, it seemed he might get some anyways. He hadn't bothered to check the tree before he jumped into it. Had he done so, he might have noticed that it had another occupant. Yet another otter.
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:52 pm
What could he say to that?
Clopin stopped moving, frowning softly down at the female in his arms, stilling them on the dance floor. She loved him. He couldn't believe it, but he knew she wouldn't lie to him, not about that. His heart clenched at the thought of Chantal, but he knew she would want him to be happy. But he'd already lost one mate. He didn't know if he could bear the thought of losing another.
But he did love Esme. She was the brightness, the cheer and love left in his world. Without her, he'd be a miserly old drunk, for certain. She brought color and music back into his life. He had loved her like a brother would his sister, when she was a pup, singing to her, telling her stories, showing her his puppets. Chantal hadn't been much older than her when they first met. The difference was that Chantal had gone. He knew her more as the adult than the pup she had been when he had first rescued her. Esme, she had grown into a beautiful otter queen right before his eyes. Was his mistrust towards other males who eyed her some sort of unconscious jealousy?
He sighed and his eyes closed as he rested his forehead against hers.
"I've no idea what you see in me, Esme..."
"But if you had stayed home, I would never have been able to ask you to dance," Connor replied with another smile. This was... just so nice. If he had known that by letting that crazy mutt dress him up and send him to the party he would be able to dance with Mel, would be able to help her relax, he wouldn't have put up the fight that he did.
He brushed his paw across her cheek again and touched his nose to hers.
"You're so tense, even when everyone else is so relaxed, your mind is on those who could hurt you. Why don't you let me protect you tonight, Firebird, just for tonight?"
Connor's gilded eyes glanced up at a sound in the trees, catching the faint scent of human. But it hadn't attacked them. There were enough otters, and several particularly vicious fighters here as well, himself and Mel included that he didn't worry about it unless the human did something to threaten them. He had better things to do.
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 9:17 pm
She waited with her hear in her throat trying to find the bravery to stay put. She wasn't some pup, no matter what Clopin said she would be alright...she hoped. She'd stay, she could do that, there was no point in running off just because he didn't feel the same way. Besides where would she go? Back home to the court, it was empty now almost lifeless, it had driven her off. She thrived on passion, color, life, music, and...she needed her leader, she never really felt safe until Clopin was near. Oh sure she could protect herself but it was different knowing one of your own was there for you.
She had stopped moving at last as if she couldn't bear to even breath after what she'd said. Then he rested his head against hers and she let out a sigh sigh of relief. At least he hadn't pushed her away, she was terrified, she would never ever be able to replace..her...but she didn't want to...she just wanted there to be a little room for her too.
"You've always been there for us...for me..." She softly brushed his paw with her own her bracelets jingling.
"Thats true, I'd hate to deny you." She smiled a bit and slowly relaxed as she heard his words. Someone to protect her, that sounded awfully nice...she thought of how Connor had agreed to protect her from herself. Her smile brightened a bit and she blushed, firebird...yes well she certainly looked like one.
"Alright..." She slowly slunk closer to him moving towards where others were dancing. Amazingly the dress rippled and flowed around her paws, she didn't trip. Maybe Will knew what he was doing after all, but she wouldn't tell him that! She giggled and then stopped startled by the unfamiliar sound coming from her lips.
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