Like thunder screaming out for a flash of lightning

[flawed_immortality]

[Cor's not great at this whole party thing, especially as this time it's not just a family gathering but intended for the friends they'd made here as well. The video starts with Cor sitting in a cushy white and grey striped armchair, a stone fireplace beside him glowing warmly. It's a classy set up and far above the townhouses they've been in.]

It's New Years, celebrations are in order. His Majesty, Ignis, and I have obtained a larger space and we'd like to offer our home for the festivities. Feel free to stop in, have some snacks, and await midnight with us.

[Locked from Regis]
[He looks a little paranoid at first, double, then triple checking that he's done this right.]

It's also his Majesty's birthday. He's always eager to sweep it under the New Years celebrations but he has no reason to shy away from any such celebrations here. Don't let him.

[Action - Party Start~]
[The new house is really very nice. It's nothing compared to the Citadel but it is very nice. Clean and homey with the accents of warm wood that, if Cor didn't know better, he'd have thought was reclaimed.

There's a fire in the hearth, hor d'ouerve trays laid out on the kitchen counters. The replicator is of course available to anyone who wants something specific, though you might be surprised to find she responds to voice commands and is distressingly cheerful to talk to. The house is open for examination! Go on, explore folks, mingle away.]

[Action - Midnight]
[As chill as the night is Cor makes a point of slipping through the crowd throughout the evening. There's a number of Lucis Caelums and other magic users as well. So when the time comes near he does his best to usher everyone into the backyard, or at least onto the back porch.

He's certainly not the one to lead the countdown, no someone more energetic can do that, but at the final count a series of spells get fired into the night sky. They may not be traditional fireworks but a few Flares, Thundaras, and spells he has no names for will work well enough, don't you think?]

Comments

[scourgingstars]

I wouldn't have dared miss it. Surely I would never hear the end of it if I did.

[flawed_immortality]

Smart man.

[Cor can't help the faint smirk that accompanies the words even as he leads Ardyn to one side of the house, past the kitchen and into a short hallway. Three doors, the center one clearly a bathroom. To one side is Ignis' room and the other... Cor opens the door to another neat bedroom, gesturing Ardyn inside.]

It's a spare room for now and I know you have your fiancee... But if you ever need to get away you're always welcome. Even if you just need to slip away tonight. I think there are going to be some people that show up just for the sake of seeing one of the larger homes.

[scourgingstars]

While the thought is truly appreciated, you needn't worry so much, Cor. I'll be fine, I assure you.

[flawed_immortality]

[He just gives Ardyn the most deadpan Look.

Have you meet him?]

[scourgingstars]

...Fair enough. But your diligence is something I'm grateful for.

[flawed_immortality]

You say that now, my friend. I daresay you'll be done with it before long.

[scourgingstars]

Very likely.

[he likes you, really]

But for now, it's a steady thing to rely on.

[flawed_immortality]

[Cor actually laughs at that, clapping a hand on Ardyn's shoulder and nudging him back towards the door.]

Alright, then. Go on. See if I try to rescue you from socializing again.

[scourgingstars]

I've not a doubt in mind that you would do so the instant I asked.

[flawed_immortality]

[Wow rude!]

I- [He flounders for a moment, chuckle growing into an outright, full on laugh.]

I absolutely would.

[scourgingstars]

[Oh no. Oh no, that's cute.]

[And worse yet--an extremely rare smile of Ardyn's own broke out on his face, sincere and open.]

Ah, how terrible. I can read you like a book already.

[flawed_immortality]

I'm not usually that predictable.

[Except when it comes to his family he'll fuss and fuss and bend over backwards for them and everyone knows it.]

[scourgingstars]

[Ardyn laughed softly into his hand, shaking his head.]

No, not at all. Rest assured, your dark secrets are safe with me.

[flawed_immortality]

Yes, of course. Such terrible secrets that absolutely no one else will ever figure out.

[Can you hear the eye roll there, Ardyn?]

[scourgingstars]

However could they, when you're so subtle about it?

[flawed_immortality]

Precisely

[Cor snorts softly but nods towards the kitchen.]

We have some snacks if you want anything? But I actually have a favor to ask of you.

[scourgingstars]

I'm alright. What can I do for you?

[flawed_immortality]

Well.... one of Regis' favorite parts of the holiday has always been the fireworks. I'm afraid we don't have any actual fireworks, however.

I was hoping we might be able to make something of a spectacle through magical means at midnight.

[scourgingstars]

Hm...I think I could help with that, if you like.

[flawed_immortality]

I would greatly appreciate that. And if there's anyone you're aware of having magic that might come in handy here I would appreciate it if you would spread the word, Ardyn.

[scourgingstars]

I'll do what I can. 'Twould be tragic if my nephew were to be disappointed on his birthday.