[PQ+] I'm talking drink, dance, smoke, freak, party all night

Kaisel

Getting Flora out of the house is not a difficult task, she's the queen after all, and that requires boss bitching all up and down the coast quite frequently. However, it does mean they have a strict timetable for when she'll be back, so after kissing her goodbye and feigning nothing is amiss, it’s fucking time for ACTION.

He immediately waves Sohalia and Ronin into the house where they’d been hiding around the corner, ushering them in like they’re about to pull off a grand heist. Kaisel has specifically assigned Remi to delay Flora should she try to return too soon, and the Bastion has been tasked with getting her into a fabulous party outfit before she returns. Kaisel could have arranged for an in-depth spa day for her, but he doesn't want her to suspect anything, so pretending today is nothing but ordinary is the best approach. Except it's not ordinary, so none of them can fuck up their part in operation Ambient Refinement of Interior Spaces Everywhere (A.R.I.S.E. for short).

”Okay okay, we have roughly until nightfall before she’s expected back and we can’t waste a moment.” Kaisel tells them in a rush as he swiftly crosses the hall to his personal room and begins to haul various boxes of decorating supplies out. ”First,” he says with a fluff of his hair as he runs impatient hands through it, practically vibrating on the spot with the anxiety of pulling this off properly. ”We should decide on a theme. We could go floral, for obvious reasons, although is that too on the nose?” He’s also shoved a lot of flowers at her lately. Daily, in fact, if the ring has anything to say about it. Not that he thinks flowers ever really fail to convey some manner of love, but well, with a green thumb for a brother living with her and ring producing a new bloom every morning, perhaps the impact is less for her than others.

”So I was also thinking, we could do something about starlight. Orrrrr, go Torchline coded, make everyone wear something that’s the color of her eyes?” He scratches his head, tilting it with thought. ”Or fully fun, and make it a masquerade, or have everyone wear a wig. Maybe arrive as some version of Flora herself?” Fighter Flora, Queen Flora, Sexy Flora… ”Actually, maybe not that last one.” he decides.

---

This is a PQ+ to decorate Wildering House for Flora's Birthday Bash this season. Posting order is a lie and we must get to 4 pages by April 1.

First order of business: settle on a party theme!

Wanted me to fail out of spite, I didn't
All bark but they don't bite, they timid

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

we shall heal our wounds, collect our dead

Ronin does his absolute best to step into Wildering House with a spring in his step, but there's no getting away from the drawn lines of tension in his jaw and across his shoulders, his hands resting stiffly in his pockets as he hears Kaisel out. Leafchange is a difficult time for the Knight in any case, but with the imminent arrival of twin babies, it's safe to say he's firmly aboard the struggle bus this season.

But he and Remi had made a promise to both Flora and Mateo that they wouldn't be forgotten in lieu of their new siblings, and Ronin is determined to honour that promise. So here he is, determined to aid in preparations and to celebrate Flora's birthday as intended, even if he'll need to force the mindset at least for the start of all this.

"Florals might be too on the nose," he agrees, making himself offer the other man a quick smile. "I like the idea of a Torchline theme, though. Like a luau, maybe. Or you could always try enchanted forest - she was born and raised in the Greatwood after all."

---

Ronin arrives and offers the suggestions of either a luau theme for Torchline or an enchanted forest to honour Flora's upbringing in the Greatwood.

THE WHITE KNIGHT

and continue fighting

As the sky opens up and pulls me in
I can see, I can breathe, I can feel again

Sohalia was, if anything, just as nervous as Kai. She was taking this assignment - the first major thing she'd attempted since the fall of Stormbreak - extremely seriously. When Kai waved she and Ronin into the House, Soh came bearing a clipboard with a list of items that they might need to discuss. She hovered near Kai as he began hauling out boxes, double checking her notes and surreptitiously trying to peer into the boxes he was bringing out, scribbling furiously as she circled a few items on her list and crossed others out.

"Yeah, flowers might be too much. Plus we'd have to find a florist that could fill a massive order on short notice, if we went with a floral theme and wanted to go all out with decorations." Sticking the end of her pencil between her teeth, she considered for a moment, then shot a smile towards Ronin. "Torchline would be good. We wouldn't have to tell people what to wear then - they'll probably be dressed for it already. And it might make the decorating load lighter, which, given our timetable..."

---

Soh arrives and votes Torchline luau because lOgIsTiCs.

And I'll wave goodbye to the ones below
As I float on by to the great unknown

Sohalia

Kaisel

Ronin is more taut than usual, but given the timed event they have and how quickly hours feel like nothing more than sand slipping through their fingers, Kaisel wrongly assumes it's fatherhood (for isn't party decorating just that?) wearing on the Knight and little else beyond the season's hormonal coaxing. There's no time for pleasantries or idle chit chat, so Kaisel does not comment on it, and indeed barely registers it as they sweep into planning. "Luau is definitely a favorite of hers," he agrees with a snap of his fingers and a point towards Ronnin, a smile breaking through the stress.

Sohalia comes with all the preparedness he could have hoped for, and he's ever grateful she's brought her woman's touch to the pair of him and Ronin that could otherwise lead this horribly astray. Hearing her echo the theme has him nodding his head, cementing it. "Alright then, luau it is, we're agreed." First order of business, complete!

"Okay, so this is all just...general stuff. Colored streamers, party hats, paper horns, and so on. So, I think next we head into town and hit up some stores. Does one of you want to tackle getting the cake ordered, catering booked, and table linens rented? Maybe Ronin?" He considers the Knight given his kitchen expertise, but does not mind truthfully. "Then maybe if Soh, you want to pick up balloons, more on-theme decoration items for hanging and adding to tables or the floor? We're also gonna need more candles, I was thinking ones that come in other colors, and we should add tiki torches now too, I bet you can find all the lighting in one place." He lifts his brows expectantly at her. "I need to finalize the invites with the theme, touch base with the band I booked, and see about the ice sculpture options."

---

Next round! You have been assigned 3 different tasks to do in town - you will not be doing all 3 in one post, but you can decide what order you go in.

Ronin: cake, catering, linens
Sohalia: balloons, decorations, lighting
Kaisel: invites, band, ice sculpture

Wanted me to fail out of spite, I didn't
All bark but they don't bite, they timid

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

As the sky opens up and pulls me in
I can see, I can breathe, I can feel again

With the theme agreed upon, Soh wasted no time in continuing to mark up her list, adding notes in the margins at a rapid, scribbled pace. "Balloons, decorations, lighting. Got it!" she said, forcefully dotting her i's and crossing her t's as she looked up towards Kaisel and Ronin with a bright smile. "We've totally got this. Later!" And then she was out the door, practically skipping with energy.

After collecting Anani from her room, where the cloud wyrm had been napping, Soh took to the streets of Haulani. First things first: lighting. She'd need to get that squared away before anything else. As a large part of the decorations, Soh felt like getting the tiki torches and candles and other light fixtures decided upon could influence the rest of the decor. So she made her way quickly across town, her companion draped across her shoulders, to a lighting store that she thought might have everything she was looking for.

---

Soh elects to shop for lighting first, and heads to a lighting store to do just that.

And I'll wave goodbye to the ones below
As I float on by to the great unknown

Sohalia

we shall heal our wounds, collect our dead

Ronin almost points out that they do have a florist in the building who might be able to fill such an order (Mateo), but with the luau decided upon and, as Sohalia rightly points out, logistically much easier to pull off than any other theme, he's happy to agree with the majority. Glancing over the general chaos of the decorations Kai has pulled from storage, the Knight is about to ask whether they ought to start sorting through it when the soldier offers them a laundry list of other things they need first.

And even with the season making him uncharacteristically crabby, Ronin will never not brighten at the opportunity to order cake and organise food, and he straightens up with a nod. "I can get on that," he says. "Let me know if you need extra help here, though. Perks of being able to be in two places at once."

Providing Kai doesn't have need of his duplicate, Ronin will set off a couple of minutes after Sohalia, opting to order the cake first and foremost given that it's the centrepiece of the entire catering situation.

---

Ronin chooses to take care of the cake first, and also offers to leave his duplicate behind if Kai needs it.

THE WHITE KNIGHT

and continue fighting

Kaisel

"You know actually, if Dupnin (that's duplicate Ronin) wants to track down Remi and let him know the theme, that way he can ensure Flora picks out an appropriate outfit, that'd be super!." Kaisel had planned to have a courier hunt the Bastion down, but he suspects Ronin will know his husband's hiding spots much better. With everyone set, Kaisel makes his way out the door too, pulling on a vibrantly orange rain jacket as he heads out, just in case.

Sohalia enters a shop called Scentimental, and it is ripe with aroma. The door chimes as she steps in, Kristen Bell greeting her with a merry wave of her hand, head popping up over the plethora of shelves and variously sized waxes and wicks stuffed upon them. Kristen wastes no time bustling over to greet Sohalia, eagerly thrusting her latest concoction of blood orange and pine at her in what she calls, juicy tree. Kristen might be known for her wide variety of options and good handiwork, but her naming schemes leave a lot to be desired. She is free to assist Sohalia as they pilfer her supplies, and perhaps Soh will be inspired to find a luau scent to set the mood as much as the flames will.

Ronin will find the most suitable cake bakery called Whisk Takers, which is colorful enough to put Lisa Frank to shame. Inside, the sugary aroma is nearly nauseating with how sweet it is, but that only serves as proof of the decadent desserts within. A very thin and tall man by the name of John Candle peeks up as he hears Ronin, and he greets him with a shrewd demeanor that's utterly at odds with the explosion of bright charm all around him. John takes cake preparations very seriously, and wastes no delay in shaking his head if Ronin selects anything that would be a bad pair together. John will not permit Ronin to make a decision without tasting it all first, so he stalks around with the long-legged grace of a spider and organizes several taste test plates for the Knight.

Kaisel gets to the courier office, where Piper Book greets him. She's a short and squat woman who giggles unrepentantly after every sentence. She laughs about nothing as she shows him to the wide selection of parchment and letterhead, alongside all variety of wax seals and indulgent envelopes. He had gone a bit heavy handed on the first invite, but he thinks that while the update he needs to send out about the theme should match the party look, he could maybe avoid being so extravagant, especially with the rush delivery aspect being tacked on now. Leafing through his options, Piper keeps offering up more, shaking her head and tittering at every one he refuses as if it's some grand joke.

---

Sohalia is in the lighting store and must make her selections, which includes smelling a few candles and either picking scented or non-scented. Make it clear what next store you go to (balloons or decorations)

Ronin is at the cake store and must try three different cake flavors, settling on the taste and design of the cake. Make it clear what next store you go to (catering or linens)

Kaisel is at the courier office to send out the updated party theme invites and must decide on the message and stationary then send them out. Make it clear what next store you go to (band or ice sculpture)

Wanted me to fail out of spite, I didn't
All bark but they don't bite, they timid

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

we shall heal our wounds, collect our dead

Having sent his projection off on its errand with a perplexed sort of smile at Dupnin, Ronin focuses on the much more important task at hand: cake tasting. It isn't his first time ordering from Whisk Takers, but it's his first time organising something as grand as a birthday cake for the Queen of Torchline, and hopefully John Candle will be pleased to realise that the Knight is just as serious as he is when it comes to flavour combinations.

Ronin starts with a classic - chocolate and hazelnut - and whilst he doesn't dislike it one bit, it feels a little heavy for a luau. The second tasting of lemon and raspberry is very close, and he even goes back for a second bite to determine whether he really needs to try anything else, before ultimately opting to play it safe. It's a decision he doesn't regret in the end. Announcing, "That's the one!" to John with a snap of his fingers, he settles on what basically turns out to be an edible version of a piña colada.

That is to say, Flora's birthday cake will be a tall, colourful creation flavoured with coconut rum, brown sugar and pineapple juice, with a smattering of small pineapple upsidedown cupcakes for snacking on or leftovers. Feeling particularly successful, Ronin leaves the cake shop and heads straight for more food-themed fun: catering.

---

Ronin settles on a colourful cake (see image for inspo) flavouered with coconut rum, brown sugar and pineapple juice, along with a collection of pineapple upsidedown cupcakes to go with it.

He chooses catering next!

THE WHITE KNIGHT

and continue fighting

As the sky opens up and pulls me in
I can see, I can breathe, I can feel again

Scentimental was quite the shop, and Sohalia entered with a spring in her step to check out all of the various goods that awaited her. The shop was relatively empty, and the shopkeeper was quickly at her side to assist her in picking out only the best items for the party. After explaining the theme - and the need for speed - to Kristen, the shopkeeper wasted no time in whisking her away to a tropically-themed section of the store, where Soh eagerly began to browse candle scents.

The first few (poorly named) selections were not what Soh was looking for - one of which was named Fruity Fran and had an overwhelming blend of pineapple, peach, and mango notes. As Kristen launched into an explanation of the different notes of the scent - top notes versus middle notes versus base notes - Soh continued to browse and finally settled on a scent that was simply named Aloha. This one was more floral and light, something that Soh thought would be rather pleasant to smell all night through the party. Pleased with her selection, she gently interrupted Kristen to say she'd take every candle the shop had in this particular scent. "The more variety in size and shape, the better," she explained.

With the shopkeeper thus distracted, Soh wandered over to some tiki torches and selected several of an unscented variety to avoid them clashing with the Aloha scent she'd already found. When she finally left Scentimental, it was weighed down with bags and carrying her tiki torches over her shoulder. She flagged down a courier and paid him handsomely to ensure her goods arrived safely at Wildering House, and then she was off to find decorations.

---

Soh selects a scent called Aloha with floral and tropical notes for a variety of candles, purchases a few unscented tiki torches, and heads off to shop for decorations!

And I'll wave goodbye to the ones below
As I float on by to the great unknown

Sohalia

Kaisel

With the help of Piper, Kaisel settles on some stationary that is a various pattern of pineapples doing typical Torchline tourist activities, such as sunbathing by the shore with large sunglasses on, sipping drinks out of bowls as large as their fronds, building sandcastles, and even one is riding an encantado. The pattern is lighter in the middle, and that's where Kaisel decrees the invitation update.

Important Birthday Update

Theme: Torchline Luau
Dress Code: Your finest party beachwear.

One request — wear something the color of Flora's eyes. Aqua. Seaglass. Sunlit water. The kind of blue that feels alive. Imagine the sea when it is happiest, and that's the right shade.

Piper helps him draft the number needed, reassuring him it will be sent out with the fastest of their crew. So Kaisel nods, relieved to accomplish another task off the list, and moves on towards the band. It requires a bit of finding them amid the market stalls, but he follows his ears their way.

Ronin 's cake selection will be meticulously crafted and delivered by John Candle just in time for the party, although John does have a few choice grumbles about the short notice and rushing perfection. As Ronin continues on his errands, he'll step into one of the many fine restaurants around town, which in this case means it's off the main path and is a small enough building that cozy is the most suitable description. Get Kraken is owned and operated by Mumford and her sons, and she has been cracking since dawn, so the entry inside will greet Ronin with a wash of warmth and mouth-watering aromas. Mumford is busy, but one of her boys hears the door and greets Ronin, offering a table first. As talk of catering will come up, Mumford will eventually stroll out of the kitchen and hash out details and the menu with Ronin, of which he has a few options to choose from.

Sohalia 's properly loaded down until the courier hauls it all away for her, freeing her from her first objective and moving her onto her next. Get This Party Arted is a large locale with sections of walls and shelves dedicated to various themes, colors, and items. Chase's status as the owner means he's in the midst of restocking when he hears the bell charm, so he lifts up his feathery face masks above one of the rows and waves them while calling out a greeting. Chase will direct Soh to the luau area, although it is one of the larger theme options so she's now burdened with the problem of decision making. The more chosen, the more work and money, so perhaps finding what will give details without going too far will be best.

---

Ronin has made it to the restaurant to discuss catering, please decide on the main dish, side dish, and dessert!
Sohalia has made it to the decoration shop, please decide on one eye-catching signature piece and a few additional, smaller additions.
Kaisel has found the band, please complete booking them and deciding on the song list for the night.

Wanted me to fail out of spite, I didn't
All bark but they don't bite, they timid

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

we shall heal our wounds, collect our dead

Having ensured that he leaves Whisk Takers full of praise for John Candle and his impeccable talent and workmanship (and also offering to come back for an afternoon to help deliver his various orders), Ronin promptly starts his search for a restaurant fit for a queen. Which, as has already been very well established in Torchline, means a place that's economic on space, almost buried at the end of an alley somewhere, and is likely only known about via word of mouth. Enter Get Kraken.

Were it not for the fact that he's here specifically to pin down catering for his daughter's party, Ronin might have spent a few very fine hours in the establishment with Mumford and her sons. Alas, after enjoying a few appetisers and a drink while he waits for the woman of the hour, it's all business from there on out.

Luckily it's the sort of business Ronin can literally and metaphorically get his teeth into, and it doesn't take long to pin down a menu he thinks Flora will be proud to share with her friends and family. A main dish of Kalua pulled pork with a side of baked Molokai sweet potatoes, and for dessert? A spread of fresh fruits and chocolate haupia pie.

---

Ronin picks the following!

Main: Kalua pulled pork
Side: Molokai sweet potatoes (baked)
Dessert: Fresh fruit and chocolate haupia pie

THE WHITE KNIGHT

and continue fighting

As the sky opens up and pulls me in
I can see, I can breathe, I can feel again

Get This Party Arted was Sohalia's next stop, with the owner, Chase, being just as attentive as the last shopkeeper she'd spoken with. After explaining her needs, Chase led her to an overstocked luau section, which Soh promptly began to mentally categorize as yes, no, and maybe. There were plenty of gaudy pieces that she quickly discarded, but her eye caught on one particular area, where luau met elegance.

Along one wall was a large square of greenery - what looked to be some sort of mossy plant that Soh was sure Mateo could identify easily. In bold, cursive letters scrawled across the green wall was a name, and after verifying that the name could be customized on her timeline, Soh quickly selected the green wall as her signature piece. Next up were the table settings, which she designed with gusto: palm fronds beneath a beautiful centerpiece containing submerged flowers and floating votive candles. And then, finally, some other supporting pieces, including pineapple vases, table skirts that looked like hula dancer skirts, and various other luau paraphernalia.

Then it was on to the balloons. After arranging for her selections to be delivered as quickly as possible to Wildering House, Soh was on her way.

---

Signature piece: greenery wall
Supporting decor: table centerpieces and place settings, pineapple vases for flowers or other decor, and luau table skirts

And I'll wave goodbye to the ones below
As I float on by to the great unknown

Sohalia

Kaisel

Ronin 's order is diligently taken, Mumford occasionally conferring with her sons to ensure they have the time and stock to adequately serve the headcount being expected at a party for the Queen. One of the boys nods and then immediately takes off running from the restaurant and down into the markets of Torchline. All in all, Mumford agrees with a wild-eyed chuckle, seeming to enjoy the pressure of the task and the promise of good food.

As Ronin departs to Weave Got You Covered, he'll enter a shop that at first glance appears deserted. The door opens without struggle and the open sign is clear in the window, but there's not a soul to be found. Eventually, Ronin will hear the muffled cries for help further back, where a mountain of assorted colors of table cloths has tumbled over and buried Mr. Krabs in fabric. Once helped free, the squat man who's either very red in the face from struggle or from sunburn, will assist the Knight in deciding on the right color and fabric type.

Sohalia ends up selecting quite a few fine pieces alongside Chase, who jots down notes about the custom name and scurries into the back to get enough of a certain supply to meet the required count. The luau section has definitely taken a hit by the time Soh departs.

As she heads to the balloon store, Air Apparent, she'll walk into a sea of ribbons. Above her, various styles of balloons are on display and all their tide of colors, looking rather like a mock jellyfish swarm. Russell and Kevin greet her from the counter, each in the midst of blowing up another balloon to add to the tide, and seeming to argue about the ribbon color that ought to go with it. Which, as Soh will soon find, is something they deem important. Together they will assist her, and argue with one another over their suggestions for balloon choices.

Kaisel is with the band, and though he's familiar with their playstyle, as he finalizes the day and time (today, tonight) with them, it inevitably leads to a few jams to test out his tastes. To fit the theme best he does suggest a few tropical songs get slipped in, but otherwise the usual upbeat things one could dance to, and the few slower songs to snuggle up to someone with. The top three songs he selects are:

Tropical: https://open.spotify.com/track/4fHDlIntT...86e9c34949
Dance: https://open.spotify.com/track/6Uqn6Gbmi...366e87401c
Slow: https://open.spotify.com/track/7so0lgd0z...d65cb04316

With the band secure, Kaisel heads to the ice sculpture next, Ice & Easy. There, he's met by a frantic man who goes by Edward, who has a weird set of gloves he uses to shave the ice with all manner of scissor and blade. Barely giving Kaisel a glance, the artist continues his efforts on his current sculpture, which is an elegant walrus.

---

Ronin at the linen store select the color and fabric type
Sohalia ar the balloon store select the balloon look and string color
Kaisel at the ice sculpture store select the ice design

Wanted me to fail out of spite, I didn't
All bark but they don't bite, they timid

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

As the sky opens up and pulls me in
I can see, I can breathe, I can feel again

Sohalia made her way to Air Apparent, entering the store to find two people arguing over the color of the string to go on the balloons they were currently blowing up. Soh watched them blankly for a moment before they seemed to realize that someone had entered the shop; she hadn't considered string color in her mental list of preparations - but, fortunately, Russell and Kevin would be sure to offer their (unsolicited) advice in that regard.

She began to browse, listening idly as the two workers argue about just about everything. Given that she was hoping for an elevated luau theme, she declined the first suggestion of balloons in a rainbow of colors. Too gaudy, and it would clash with the rest of her decor. Instead, she gravitated towards balloons in a beautiful shade of gold, accented by additional balloons in various shades of green. The strings, though, were the hard part - and gods help her if she wasn't ready to wring the shopkeeps' necks by the time it was decided on. In the end, she settled for gold strings, hoping that the simple, one-size-fits-all approach would tie everything together.

Along with the balloons and strings, she also ordered a balloon arch to go with her greenery wall, and with that, her order was complete. Now that she'd accomplished everything on her list, it was time to hurry home and put it all together.

---

Soh picks out gold, sage green, and dark green balloons in both stringed and balloon arch varieties.

And I'll wave goodbye to the ones below
As I float on by to the great unknown

Sohalia