They do what they can with such a small budget.

[to_theleft]

Who: Anyone. Everyone.
What: A party on the Antoinette, for Haruhi's birthday.
Where: The docks at Isla Empieza, and on-board the Antoinette.
When: February 4th, afternoon and evening
Style: Whatever floats your boats!
Status: Open to everyone! Come enjoy the celebration.
Warnings: None yet; will be added as they occur.

The docks are usually loud and busy, but today, one ship sticks out as being particularly energetic. Those on the Antoinette are preparing a surprise for one of their crew, and they are not being quiet about it in the least. Instructions are shouted from one end of the deck to the other about decoration placement; some unlucky passers-by may wind up with rejected decorations on their heads, as anything deemed 'not good enough' will be carelessly tossed over the side of the ship.

A steady stream of food is being delivered to the Antoinette, and placed on top of a series of makeshift tables decorated with over a dozen drawings of happy tanukis, each enjoying a different meal, and each with a party hat on. Anyone who comes onto this ship and tries to eat something without permission will be swiftly descended upon by a member of the crew - this food is not to be enjoyed until the birthday girl returns.

Games have been planned; some more carefully than others. They've not managed to find a decent musician around yet, so unfortunately this party is sadly lacking in the music department - anyone with an instrument and talent would be welcomed.

All entrances to other parts of the ship have been roped off, and any attempt to explore beyond the deck will result in Trouble.

Come enjoy the party, and make some new friends!

Comments

An elf and a dog walk onto a ship...

[bloodandbattle]

[Sydni was not sure what to expect as he made his way up the gangplank with Cuddles nosing insistently at his rear for him to hurry and move so he could explore the deck. The ship was a decent size, but he'd never been to an actual party on a boat before. It seemed like they were trying to deck it out like a ballroom. The level of taste shown was currently not that high, but they were going through many decorations and moving things about.

Onces Sydni was on the deck proper, Cuddles took off to start barking at and bouncing happily around the nearest person. Unfortunately Cuddles was practically the size of a small pony and built like any proper war hound should be. At least he was obviously playful?]

[to_theleft]

[Unfortunately, Hikaru is currently struggling with a large pot of water. He's currently stumbling across the deck with it, and - almost as if it's fate - he stumbles right near Sydni and his pot goes flying. Sorry, stranger! Hopefully it misses and you don't get wet.]

Sorry! [His apology is quick to come out of his mouth, hands raised to shoulder height. Despite the remorse he should be exhibiting, he's grinning brightly, a picture of good cheer.] Are you alright?

[bloodandbattle]

[It didn't miss and only Sydni's face avoided being soaked completely as the water splashed out and the pot rolled past him. Some did get his face, of course, but it was barely any compared to the rest of him. That was not the best of greetings and for a few moments he was silent and staring at Hikaru with a very displeased expression.

It was gone quickly enough as he shook his head and began pealing his clothes away from his skin to shake them out.]

I am. Just very wet. I hope you didn't need that water for anything, replacing it when you can't carry it properly will be difficult.

[to_theleft]

[He shrugs, not bothered by the water loss. They're docked, so he can always just go get some more without having to worry about using what they've stored away.] It's just water, it'll be easy to get some more.

[He's not going to acknowledge the mess he's made unless he has to. He notices the huge, rambunctious... dog, he thinks it is, harassing another soul on deck. His grin only widens further at the sight of it, and he points over to it.]

Is that yours?

[bloodandbattle]

I'd think you'd be more worried about carrying it.

[He replied off-handedly as he looked over to see what Hikaru was asking about.]

He. And yes. Cuddles is my war hound. Not that he's acting like much of one right now.

[to_theleft]

Why would I be worried about carrying it? [Said blithely. He really doesn't care enough to see the problem, especially when there's a giant playful war hound on the ship.]

'Cuddles'! [There's laughter in his voice, and he's trying very hard to not break into giggles. Any guy who walks around with a massive dog is probably not the kind of person he wants to piss off by laughing at.] Is that a fierce name where you're from? Does he do any tricks?

[...He's not entirely skilled at the 'not pissing people off' thing.]

[bloodandbattle]

No. It is not a fierce name. It's what he likes to do after he's covered in blood from ripping the throats out of my enemies. Fortunately, he also enjoys licking blood off of me that happens to get on my clothes.

[This is actually said with quite a bit of affection and a small smile as Sydni looks to his dog.]

When a couple hundred pounds of dog likes to smoother you in your sleep, it's rather easy to name them something less frightening. He's good enough at scaring people when he needs to without an attempt at an intimidating name.

[After a beat.]

And it's a lot more humiliating for those who live long enough to hear me call his name in a fight. Can you imagine how it must feel to be run down by a dog named Cuddles?

[to_theleft]

[Well, that's just disturbing... but kind of cool. Mostly disturbing, though. Hikaru's going to pretend he didn't hear the part about ripping out throats and licking off blood; it's kind of gross to think about. Instead, he'll focus on how embarrassing it would be to be taken down by something named 'Cuddles'. This guy has a point! It does sound pretty good.]

What about 'the honour of battle' and all that though? [All he knows about war and fighting, he's learned from movies.] Aren't you supposed to show respect to your enemy or something? Tackling them with something named 'Cuddles' kind of defeats that.

[His tilts his head slightly, looking at Sydni with genuine curiousity.]

[bloodandbattle]

Honorable battle exists in formal duels. On the field, and particularly against the Darkspawn, honorable conduct means little. And it's someone, not something. Cuddles is a Mabari, the smartest breed of dog in Thedas. He can understand you when you speak to or about him.

[Cuddles, as if on cue, barked sharply and came over to begin sniffing at Hikaru. He was close enough that the odd paint he was covered with could be smelled. It was not particularly pleasant.]

[to_theleft]

[Oh man, that's fascinating. Hikaru can only imagine how Mori would react to hearing about the no honour.]

What's a 'darkspawn'? [You've really got his attention, Sydni. He wrinkles his nose when Cuddles draws close, leaning away slightly but not making any move to stop the sniffing.] I think your someone needs a bath.

[He kind of wants to pet the giant hound, but he's not sure if he'll just get his fingers bitten off or if it's even clean enough to touch.]

[bloodandbattle]

He had a bath.

[Sydni replied with a light laugh as he reached out to lightly rub the spot between Cuddle's eyes with a knuckle.]

You're smelling the kaddis on him. It's a kind of war paint that makes it easier for him to find me in the heat of battle. I have it on my boots and he has it on his back and body. We smell the same, thus we are the same and even with all the spilled blood or dead that may be around, he will always be able to sniff me out.

[Cuddles enjoyed the rub, but he was still leaning in close to Hikaru. After a moment he let out another bark and jumped back so his head was low and his butt in the air. The entirety of his body shook from side to side with the sheer force of his excitement and the wagging of his stubby tail.

Sydni frowned at the dog over this and put a hand to his hip.]

No. You can't keep him. How many times do I have to tell you this?

[Cuddles stood up and whined, moving to butt his head into Hikaru's side as if pleading for him to say he wanted to come. Or maybe just pet him.]

[to_theleft]

[He's doubtful about this dog having been bathed any time in recent history, but deems it safe enough to pet after Sydni does. Dogs aren't exactly his favourite animal, but he likes them well enough to be amused by how excited this one is. It doesn't seem like a war hound at all, really. More like an extremely overgrown puppy.

He obliges Cuddles by petting the top of his head after being butted, more than a little confused by being told he can't keep him. It doesn't occur to him that Sydni is talking to Cuddles - the whole part about Cuddles being intelligent hasn't quite registered.]

I never asked if I could keep him.

[bloodandbattle]

I was talking to him.

[Sydni gestured with his free hand at the oversized puppy.]

Every time he meets a kid he likes he tries to convince me to let him keep them.

[to_theleft]

[He's not sure how he feels about a dog wanting to adopt him. At least it likes him...? It's better than having it hate him, at least. Do you like having your ears scratched, Cuddles? That's where his hand is going to go next.]

Does he try to kidnap kids often?

[bloodandbattle]

Kidnap? Him? Never.

[Cuddles leaned his head into the petting. Then one paw came forward. Then the next... In moments, he was sitting down next to Hikaru and leaning his whole body up against the kid's nearest leg and tucking his head upward so the top of it could lay against Hikaru's chest at the perfect angle to get his chin scratched. Cuddles had little regard for personal space.]

No. He'll just happily let eager kids run off with him and not insist they return to their parents.

[to_theleft]

That's pretty much the same as kidnapping. [His tone is dry and deadpan; come on, dude, just call it what it is.

This dog is heavy, and Hikaru has to readjust himself so that he can lean most of his weight onto one leg. He's not complaining, though - despite Cuddles still smelling bad, he's starting to grow on Hikaru. He'll happily provide the chin scratches, since that's obviously what the giant dog is gunning for.]

Where did you find this guy, anyway? [It's actually said to Cuddles, rather than Sydni. Not that he expects an answer from the canine.]

[bloodandbattle]

It is not!

[So offended his laughing tone is.]

Kidnapping would be taking by force and not letting them return if they did not want to.

[Cuddles let out a whine at Hikaru's question. Then a bark. Then another whine before he dropped his head and gave a fake cough. When he lifted his head again, he pulled away to give a happy bark and turn in a circle. When that was over he returned to his spot leaning against Hikaru's side.

He was, of course, telling the epic tale of how Sydni had seen him at Ostagar, shown no fear in putting a muzzle on him, then braved the Kokari Wilds to find medicine that would heal him of the poison in his blood. They then met several weeks later on the road to Lothering where Cuddles came and saved him and his friends from a Darkspawn attack.

Cuddles' stubby tail wagged happily.

Sydni, for his part, answered simply.]

At a war camp.

A few moments after Sydni's arrival.

[princelycharm]

[Tamaki was busy running around the deck when he notices the huge hound looking around. Instinctively, he and Antoine run towards the said hound without a hint of fear in their eyes at all.]

He's so huge!!!

Re: A few moments after Sydni's arrival.

[bloodandbattle]

[Cuddles' head snapped up at the scent of the other dog and he barked excitedly at their approach. His attention was very much on the small puppy as he bent down to bark at it in greeting, the whole of his body shaking from the force of his stumpy tail wagging at top speed.

Sydni, in contrast, straightened his shoulders and offered a polite bow of his head to Tamaki.]

Captain Tamaki, it is a pleasure to greet you person. And yes, he is quite large. He's very friendly though.

[princelycharm]

[That is such a huge hound, and Tamaki couldn't help but give Cuddles a pet after Antoine happily barked at him and lick his nose. Antoine jumps in the immediate vicinity were Cuddle's face was and looked once or twice at his master to show him that he has a new friend.]

[He gives Sydni a bow as well.]

It is my pleasure as well to host your arrival. I bet it must be quite enjoyable to have him sleep with you at night!

[So much fur to cuddle.]

[bloodandbattle]

[Sydni laughed and shook his head.]

Were he not prone to laying atop me I would be more inclined to agree!

[He bent to offer a hand to Antoine.]

Preparations for your daughter's party seem to be coming along well. I hope she will not be bothered by my presence. Or Cuddles'.

[princelycharm]

[Tamaki looked at Sydni with his eyes sparkling a lot.]

That sounds so adorable. Having such a lively dog pounce on you! You are very lucky!

[The golden retriever takes a few steps back as he examined the hand. But then he immediately jumps near it and licks it as much as his little tongue would allow him. This man was not his master, but he seems nice.]

Oh, I'm sure she would not be. Haruhi is very open to other people. She's very kind and very warm! You should meet her!

[bloodandbattle]

Will you be introducing me, then?

[With a welome like that from the dog, Sydni felt safe bringing his other hand into the mix and giving the puppy a good, healthy, rubbing.]

[princelycharm]

Of course. She should be back this evening~!

[Antoine laps on both his hands and jumps happily around it. He then playfully rolls over when he receives that rubbing and gives the man a look that says, 'More please!']


((ooc: I shall inform Haruhi mundane!))

[bloodandbattle]

I look forward to it.

[Sydni pulled one hand away to slip it under his robes and produce a squeaky red ball. Which he held up and squeaked twice.

Though it had been intended to get Antoine's attention, Cuddles was instantly on alert. His eyes locked on the ball and he hunkered down, ready to launch himself after it when it was thrown.

Sydni let out a sigh and stood up, throwing the ball toward the other end of the deck. It was a relatively weak throw. He didn't want the two hundred plus pounds dog to wreck anything as he went after the toy.]