forum arcana (CLOSED)

Started August 29, 2021 by @_luxlibson

tune

Fio had gotten ready for Mardi Gras already, and was now out looking for his siblings. It would be his triplets' first Mardi Gras; he had gone last year, with their father. Now, his father would stay home and prepare for the party, while Fio would be responsible for keeping his siblings in check. The young man wore a white button up, the top three buttons left undone, with a blue vest over top, and black slacks. A silver necklace hung down around his neck, and rings adorned his fingers. He prowled the house first, checking corners and nooks and crannies, and windowseats, trying to locate them. Lou was the most likely to be inside, and who knew where Emi was.

Emilio slipped back into the LaTour main house, frantically trying to brush the dirt off of his pants and jacket before anyone would notice. He had promised to go to the festivities tonight with his siblings and even if he had to put off his job of helping the spirits rest, he would spend time with his family gods damn it! He missed them! Lou was always all over and well, Fio was just quiet. Sure, Emilio might hold a little resentment to the older for the distance and the plain aloofness that he radiated, but he still loved him.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck," He muttered under his breath, shooting a glance to a lone spirit who was watching him from upstairs. Emilio held up his finger to his lips and made a shushing sound to her, as well as a kind smile.

James kept brushing his unwilling hair, which gave no signs of cooperating any time soon. "Come on… Please get in place already. You have to look nice for a few days of the year, and Mardi Gras is–" His voice was interrupted by the sound of keys being played mezzo-piano coming from downstairs. James' room was right above the lobby, where the grand piano abode. He quickly recognized the piece- Chopin's Etude Op. 10 No. 3. It was a beautiful piece, and Leo somehow made it sound even better.

The hair finally settled in a decent position, and James walked downstairs. The grand lobby was large and made for amazing reverb. The song was reaching the climax, but it abruptly stopped as Leo stood up. He was already dressed in his signature maroon tuxedo. Leo smiled. "James. I can see your hair is cooperative as usual." James groaned. "It took forever to get it into this position, give me some respect." Leo laughed. "We're almost ready to leave. Excited for the night?"

James nodded. "The festival will be fun to attend, certainly. The sights and sounds, it's always pleasant to take in." Leo smiled. "Certainly. Have you been practicing your shifting?" James nodded. "I daresay I'm better than you." Leo shook his head and laughed once again. "I find that hard to believe. But let's not prove it now, no need to get our clothes all wrinkled. We should get going soon…" Leo turned to face the stairs that led to the second floor, where the bedrooms were. "Remi! Are you ready!?" He yelled, and his voice echoed many times throughout the large room.

@The-Tower

Serafine was up in her room getting ready for the festival, sitting at her dressing table while she wove several colourful silk strands into her wildly wavy, ashen hair. A gentle smile graced her lips when she reminisced through memories of past Mardi Gras she had attended; she remembered the brilliantly bold colours and laughter from everyone who gathered. It was a joyous time when everyone came together, despite the differences between each and every citizen.
This was going to be the first one she had attended since she lost her sight 5 years ago. Despite being the eldest, despite the fact she was supposed to set an example, it had really scared her when she lost her sight and she had somewhat convinced herself that she wouldn't be able to enjoy the festivals the same way. Well this year she wanted to prove her insecurities wrong.

With the strands finished, she ran her fingertips over the array of jewelry laid out on the desk. Serafine was already adorned in several beautiful pieces of jewelry, but there was never any harm in making an effort, especially for an ocassion such as the Mardi Gras.
She selected a sapphire ring and slid it onto the middle finger on her right hand—it complimented her other rings nicely. After attaching two gold cuffs to each wrist she deemed it was about time to be heading to the festival.

She picked herself up from her dressing table and made her way out into the hallway, subtly keeping one hand to the wall while listening to the echo of her court shoes on the tiles. One of the tips her mother had given her to ensure she could still move freely without bumping into things often, was to listen to the sound around her. Thanks to a lot of time practicing, Serafine was now able to confidently locate every room in the house, and it was a rule in the house to keep everything neat and tidy to avoid potentially tripping over something.
Now came the task of locating her younger siblings, Daus and Delphi. No doubt, Daus was going to be reluctant about attending the festival and potentially find a way of getting out of it, while Delphi would be smoking somewhere. At least, this is what Serafine personally thought they would be doing, so when she heard voices coming leading away from the family altar she found herself pleasantly surprised. The smell of cannabis was also a dead give-away that Delphi was nearby.
"Are the two of you ready?” She called softly, hoping that one—if not both—of them would answer.

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Remi was staring out of his bedroom window, his hands delved deep into his trouser pockets. Why did he have to attend a meaningless event such as the festival? He attended them every year, couldn't he miss it just this once? He would much rather train than have to deal with the large crowds of people and all the shouting, that's an enjoyment which only fools could enjoy—in his opinion.
"Tch. This is pointless." Although he was half in mind to attend just to make sure James and Leo weren’t touched by any undesirables.

The rest of his family were fools, enjoying such things as music and bright colours. Bright colours… He glanced down at his wrist, running his other hand over the soft material. The blue silk had been a gift from someone he had met a few years ago, though the memory was a little faded, and for some reason he couldn't bring himself to get rid of it. He wasn't a fan of colour, not in the slightest, but there was something almost comforting about the silk around his wrist.

A gentle breeze wafted through his window, ruffling his hair and filling his senses with the herbs and spices that were already being prepared at the festival. His stomach growled obnoxiously. Oh that's right, he hadn't left his room yet. Perhaps it was worth going to the festival for the sole purpose of food… And his siblings.
With a sharp sigh, he buttoned up his shirt, slipped on his sunglasses, and grabbed his coat that sat draped on the edge of his bed—pulling it on as he made his way downstairs. “I guess I’m ready, just don’t expect me to actually pay attention.”

"Almost," Daus softly called out from his room, a smaller alcove along the main hall. He enjoyed being closer to the hearth, or center, of the family estate, close to Serafine's room and unfortunately near Delphi's that stunk of smoke and the boys she liked to drag in.

He moved a bit frantically around the room, unsure of how to make himself more presentable for the festival as he struggled to pull on one of his nicer linen shirts. His delicate, gold septum piercing was slid back in, as well as a few more jewels along his ears, contrasting softly against his toffee skin and bringing out his spray of freckles. As for his hair, Daus wasn't even sure how to tame it, leaving the white curls in a bright splay around his head.

He still felt…disassembled. How were Delphi and Serafine so put together, elegant in their attire, when he can't even form sound words when he was in public. The eyes on him when he walked in the town square alone made him anxious…his bright hair and tall physique didn't help. He could only hope that the chaos of Mardi Gras would distract the crowd from him and his siblings as he went to meet them in the courtyard.

Delphi was already out with Serafine, crossing her arms against her chest in an standoffish way as she waited impatiently for Daus. Unfortunately, as much as she hated to admit it, he served as the mediator…and she did not feel up for small talk with Serafine about what not to do at festivals. She's had enough of that these last years.

"Now, now, Remi, I know you aren't that much of a fan of Mardi Gras, but the festival isn't the main night's attraction. We can use tonight's party to get on the good side of the other families - and bring ourselves to power." Leo said in a voice completely calm, yet powerful. James watched Leo as he spoke. He was always in awe as to how Leo managed to be so formal to Remi, knowing that they are competing for the spot as the heir of the Mounier legacy.

Leo kept an unfathomable face, staring Remi in the eyes. He thinks of us as fools, does he not? Doesn't he see the opportunity to create bridges, especially to the LaTours?

James interrupted the silence and said, "Well, Remi, now that you're ready, we can depart. The festival awaits." James turned on his heel and made for the door. Leo glanced at Remi for one more second, then followed James outside.

Serafine listened to the slightly rattled breathing of her sister, keeping the sustain she felt towards the girl’s smoking habits to herself as she stood patiently waiting for Daus. She stood with her hands clasped politely in front of her, a small smile plastered on her lips. “Does my outfit look somewhat put together?” The woman asked softly, knowing full well that Delphi wasn’t interested in small talk. Today was a special occasion so she was willing to make an effort.

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A soft sigh left Remi’s lips but no words followed. He would always stand his ground, especially with Leo. Remi wasn’t a fool.

As the Mouniers arrived at the festival, Remi already wanted to turn back and head home. Festivals weren’t his vibe, and the sheer volume of the town was enough to make him wince.
His stomach growled again as the scent of fresh shrimp gumbo drifted his way. Okay, maybe there was at least one good thing about the festival.

With a slight sigh, he turned to his brothers. “If there is anything you need me for, speak now or forever hold you peace.” While Remi wasn’t the best person in the world, or the best sibling, he did try to be a brother to them. In his own way.

James glanced at Remi. "No, thank you." He said in a slightly disapproving tone. After all these years, he still wasn't very good at reading Remi. Leo, though, understood what Remi meant. He smiled. "I'm fine as well. Go do whatever you'd like."

Once Remi left, James and Leo drifted apart, going to do their own thing. Leo got a glass of wine and walked around the crowd. (someone from another family notice him and approach) James drifted to the side and literally tried reading. During the festival. He enjoys the festival, but he also likes reading. Every now and then, he'd look up, searching for people he knew.

"I really don't want to go Arlo" Opale yelled, following him closely behind as he walked down the hall of the Maison de Marais, the Swamp house, he didn't seem to be listening to her "You can't make me go" his face was unbroken, he definitely wasn't listening to her at all "Arlo, what could you be taking out of the cupboard that's so important?" They had walked to the kitchen and he was reaching into the back of the cupboard where they kept all the confectionary. Aunt Sanglante liked her sugar. He pulled out a faded pink jar, it didn't seem like it saw the sun much "It's my jar of confectionary sugar, for special occasions" he smiled so wide she doubted he had even heard what she said, so she asked "What for?" He raised an eyebrow at her, his face still in a shining smile "For my oatmeal cookies" he raised his eyebrows "Oh dear lord you've never tasted Aunt Sanglante's Oatmeal cookie recipe" his smile returned and he went about his work, pouring the sugar into a porridge bowl "Well you're gonna be pleasantly surprised when we get to that party" she sighed, putting both hands on her face " I just said that I'm not going" he turned to her again "What?!" His face contorted in horror "You HAVE to come!" She sighed " I don't have the energy to deal with that many people in one place today. Besides, Momma and… my father wouldn't want me to be there" she looked almost scared " I'm not exactly the most liked member of my family" she looked up " And neither are you or Aunt Sanglante" he looked at her " You're right" his face was still, which was very odd coming from him " That's why I'm going. And that's why you should go too." He smiled again " And you'll get to try my oatmeal cookies" he said in a sing-song voice. She wanted to say no, but his smile was the most genuine smile she had seen in a while. " Alright" he cheered and clapped " You won't regret it, I promise"

Arlo had dressed up in a Southern Belle type costume, he wore a hoop skirt, a pair of pantalettes, a wide brimmed and feathered hat and even a corset, which simply accentuated his already feminine physique. That along with his androgynous voice and facial features would get him confused for a woman all night. Though Opale knew he WAS a woman. And a man. And both and neither all at once, he seemed to encompass the joyful freedom of expression that she never seemed to receive, or to understand. She knows she shouldn't be frustrated at him for this, but she can't help it, it's like he's everything she ever wished to be, like a caged canary watching a macaw fly free in the jungle. She tries to shake these thoughts out of her head and heads to her room. She still needs something to wear. She searches in her drawer and she sees the blouse. THE blouse. The one from her father. should she put it on?

She pulled it out of the drawer and held it up to the light, the pastel blues and yellows mixed perfectly with the grey curlicues of vines tipped with a pop of bright yellow magnolia flowers sewn in. She thought about just how much her Daddy would have had to pay for such an extravagant garment. Especially since he was a personne de couleur here in the South. They probably overcharged him. It probably cost him about 30 dollars, that's about half his living wage right there. She began to tear up when Arlo stepped into the doorway, his scarlet gown and hat barely fitting through the door. His lips were a heavy red and would have seemed constantly pursed if he kept a straight face, but as always he has a pleasant smile " Oh you simply must wear that one, you'll be the main attraction of Mardi Gras, no way could they ignore you in that." She knew he was right, so she tried to come up with an excuse not to put it one " Oh, I would, but I don't have any hats that could possibly match with these colors" Her first mistake was assuming that Arlo also didn't have a hat that matched " Oh!" he rushed to his room, surprisingly swift for somebody in a hoop gown " I have just the thing for you Poppy" she smiled at the nickname, it reminded her of her fond times with Momma before her father had sent her away, carving out pumpkins for pie while Momma would tell her stories of her daddy and her Grandpa, chasing rabbits out of the garden and catching some from time to time to make a roast, around the fire and they'd huddle up all her sibling and Momma and she'd tell them about the creatures of the forest. While she was reminiscing, Arlo came back with a beautiful baby blue had with a yellow sash and white egret feathers on it, it was definitely the perfect fit for the blouse. "Oh, I couldn't possibly-" but he cut her off " Don't you worry your little self, it's Aunt Sanglante's, not mine. You know she doe'nt wear that stuff no more" She knew he was right " All right… I'll where em" he clapped and turned around " Parfait, you put that on and we'll be ready to go to the party" she smiled, his cheeriness was really contagious. She knew that with him at the party she wouldn't be sad or alone. What neither of them could have known was that that night, Sanglante would mysteriously pass away.

(Ice ice ice ice I have an idea- What if when he has the freezes, it's his soul trying to escape his body and when that happens Emilio can hear his spirit? You don't have to but I think it'd be a neat thing)

(oooooh that would be neat! I was actually thinking something similar so that sounds great! And maybe Emi is like "bro why tf can i hear your spirit, that makes no sense" and Fio just,,,, has no fucking clue lmao)