OPEN ♔ I WISH I COULD SAY IN JUST ONE SWEEP WHAT YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME

[socialgraces]

♬ Silent Shout - The Knife

WHO || Anyone and everyone! [OPEN]
WHAT || Francesca's birthday party
WHERE || One of the big parlor rooms on the castle's second floor.
WHEN || [Backdated] July 11, Evening
HOW || Actionspam

 

[Earlier in the week all DRAKENET devices received a message announcing Francesca's birthday party, courtesy of Sir Bancroft, to be held the evening of July 11. No RSVP needed. It's especially good timing now that many mission groups have returned to the castle, at least for the time being.

As the guests make their way in, it's clear the party's been well stocked with food and drink. There's plenty of room for mingling and some music in the background. Gifts are completely optional, but welcome. Come in and get comfortable.]

(OOC: Feel free to make your own threads/threadjack, etc.)

Comments

[bancroft]

The like of which this world may not see again. C'est la vie.

[socialgraces]

Finding it once is all one needs, and more than most get. [She feels very strongly about this, ok. Especially when she's drunk.] But I don't need to tell you that.

[bancroft]

Not at all. I consider myself entirely satisfied on the point. One of the reasons that particular oath never gave me a moment's pause.

[socialgraces]

[She gives him a soft smile.] Your integrity is most admirable. If only there were more men like Sir Thomas.

[Her face takes a more mischievous look.] But the way you said that... What oath did you hesitate on?

[bancroft]

Fancy a guess, love?

[socialgraces]

Unlike you, I never have been, nor will I ever be, well-versed in the Dragon's Claws' oath.

[bancroft]

The thing about my office is it's a 'for life' deal. Which is a much large commitment when one has no idea how many years or decades or centuries or millennia they have left.

[socialgraces]

I thought you could retire, if you wished? Of course, where would you go from here? It's not as if you could just go back to your previous station. But maybe you could find a life in the outside world? Has that ever piqued your interest?

[bancroft]

It's been a long, long time since any Dragon's Claw retired, and you know that as well as I do. The office is meant to be to the death, which, generally speaking, usually comes well before old age for the Claws. And even when one has the skills like I do to stay alive that long, old age and retirement could be centuries off as well.

No, leaving doesn't cross my mind. Feels a great deal like quitting, to be honest.

[socialgraces]

Perhaps you're right. So how do you calm your mind when plagued with the possibility of an eternity of service, with little to no escape? [Her tone starts out light, but she quickly becomes sincerely curious, as if she had never contemplated such a situation before.] How did you bring yourself to make such a commitment?

[bancroft]

By comparing it to the thought of an eternity of regret over saying no.

[socialgraces]

To no regrets. [She casually tips her glass in his direction.] That sounds like an awfully good way to live.

[bancroft]

The only way. [ he clinks his glass to hers and gives her a meaningful wink ] Consider it my birthday advice to you.

[socialgraces]

I'll have to give you my full thanks sometime later when I become bold enough to overcome my inhibitions. If only I were as brave as you. [Sh can't hide the grief in her voice, knowing full well how it feels to die with regrets.]

[bancroft]

You'll be braver. [ and he boldly leans in to plant a kiss on top of her head, toss her a wink, and then disappear into the crowd with his drink ]