happy birthday, how much more can you take?

[roundandaround]

WHO: Rinku, Evangeline, everyone who knows the latter even a little
WHAT: Evangeline birthday party number 1: The SFW One
WHEN: February 8
WHERE: Shining Karaoke
WARNINGS: None so far, this is the clean party.

Rinku had booked out the biggest room at the karaoke bar for the entire night. Everyone who had so much as an acquaintanceship with Evangeline was invited, so it might get a little crowded even so. The machines had just been updated with songs from all over, allowing everyone to sing whatever they wanted – though maybe holding off on the inappropriate ones would be good, at least while the kids were awake.

Pizza had been trucked in, many different kinds. Of course they had plenty of pepperoni mushroom, the birthday girl’s favourite, but Rinku had also ordered everything from cheese to spinach feta to spicy pepper, shrimp and mayo, dill pickle, and a heavy, topping-laden one just labelled ALL. If there’s one you want, it’s probably there. Drinks were available to order from the bar, including all kinds of non-alcoholic options. Cake and ice cream also came in by request; the cake is a large chocolate one with an abstract creature that the cake decorator clearly thought constituted a “cool monster” on it.

Karaoke, discussion, food, presents at a table at the room door... what else did a party need?

Comments

[urtitan]

She does! She's a good girl. How have you been, though? Time always goes by so fast! Have you gone on any other quests?

[Rinku always seems to find time for so many things - work, quests, training, and all kinds of events in the city -, it never ceases to amaze her.]

[roundandaround]

Yeah, yeah! Even though the whole demon thing out in Winter is pretty scary. They've even got the guild leaders out there trying to keep them under control!

[urtitan]

It is scary. I wonder where all the demons keep coming from when the portal is supposed to be sealed off now... or are they just that hard to kill?

[As usual, she doesn't like the idea of killing enemies rather than just driving them off, but given that they're talking about demons, she realises that she needs to make some concessions to her morals.]

Have you gone out to fight them? I have to confess, after what happened with the corrupted fae I've been too scared.

[On top of being dangerous, the demons are said to look terrifying in a way that she'd find hard to stomach! Yet she can't help but feel restless over her own lack of initiative. Would her titan not be a valuable asset out there?]

[roundandaround]

Yeah... but I dunno if we made much headway if they're still out there. [Rinku kicks her feet.] Maybe sealed off doesn't mean closed.

[urtitan]

[Frieda mulls over the matter for a moment.]

If even the guild leaders are struggling, it has to be really bad... how did it go for you?

[Rinku is seriously one of the bravest people she knows - probably the bravest.]

[roundandaround]

I managed, but we didn't get all of them. I guess it's gonna take a long time.

[urtitan]

No, I mean... how did you fight them? Did you find out what their weaknesses are?

[She pushes herself to ask more bluntly.]

Do you think I'd be able to make a difference with my abilities?

[roundandaround]

[Rinku blinks. She wants to say everyone can -- she believes everyone can. But Frieda's really serious about this...]

Hm... I know they're really, really strong. I have trouble without other people. [And Frieda hasn't been fighting that long.] But if everyone works together, then everyone's gonna make that difference. I know they have that whole dark energy aura thing that means Ellipsa magic's gonna be stronger against them than abilities from other worlds.

They look scarier than the one I saw before at the little old lady's place, too. Like they have more body parts than usual, and some of them had long tongues that grab stuff, like Mecchan's but not cute.

[urtitan]

[So even Rinku couldn't have done it without solid help, the demons' aura nullifies otherworlders' native powers, and they look grotesque... Frieda's discomfort only grows. She exhales.]

I'll think about it. If I can find someone really strong to team up with, then... then I want to do my part. You've already done yours, so I don't want you to go out there again just for me.

[Given how helpful Rinku always is, she feels the need to preempt a potential offer.]

[roundandaround]

[Rinku looks concerned, but then smiles. She leans against Frieda.]

Thanks, Frieda-chan. You gotta be safe out there too, okay? But I bet you can do it with everyone helping!

[urtitan]

[She smiles back and gives her shoulder a squeeze. Now she once more turned the atmosphere all serious - Evangeline's birthday is supposed to be a happy occasion, and here she is worrying Rinku!]

I'll only go if I have a questmate who can back me up as well as you can, I promise.

[How reassuring is that really when the two of them just bumble into quests with good intentions and a mere year or two of combat experience? But they sure feel like they need to do their utmost!]

[roundandaround]

Okay. Sorry for worrying, Frieda-chan. You're gonna do great, I'm sure! You're working so hard!

[urtitan]

So are you! And don't apologise; I appreciate your care.

[This calls for a proper hug - and over Rinku's shoulder, she sees that Evangeline is now freed up.]

I have to catch the birthday girl while I can! But thank you, Rinku. You always give me courage.

[roundandaround]

Ehe. Thanks, Frieda-chan!

[Snug! She waves her off.]