Afterparty I: Once Upon a Hotpot Dreary...

[heroicact]

[It's very likely that many want to be alone after all of that (and it was a lot, all of that altogether), but there's also merit in gathering together and rebuilding connections after everything that was upended in something as contentious as a trial in a tree. They even had to all slide down from the heights afterward, unfortunately for those with a fear of heights.

So what Jack sets about doing is simply passing on a message by word of mouth at the bottom of the absurd tree slide, tapping shoulders and nodding at those moving away as well, there will be food and drink and company later on in the lounge should it be needed. No one needs ballroom memories on top of everything else, yes?

And so anyone who comes out of their room will be hit by the wonderful smells of fresh bread and pastries, fragrant whiffs of hotpot (it's unfortunately left over from the other day, but it's hotpot so surely it's fine), the inescapable spices of curry and who knows what else has been thrown together in the moment. Jack certainly isn't the cook here, but he can heat things up in a pinch.

There are no signs or fanfare or decorations, unlike the other day; this is just a gathering place, for those who wish to shake off the weight of the days and lives on their shoulders.]

Comments

[mirrite]

[It's quite a while before Marcus emerges from his and Phil's room. Fortunately, Phil is sleeping for the moment, and the scent of something delicious is enough to lure him out if only because they're both going to need something to eat at some point.

When he spots Jack and all of the food, he wanders on over with a smile, albeit one that seems rather thin and strained.]

You really went all out here. Props to you for that, and sorry that I wasn't around to help with it.

[Though he's trying to keep up his usual energy, he just sounds... tired, really.]

[heroicact]

Oh, I hardly did more than heat up some of the amazing dishes we had from the other night -- I'm told that they are still quite good the next day, but -- those in the kitchen did what they could on short notice.

[Jack, for his part, merely brightens up a little and doesn't force the exchange of smiles -- he is here to drum up the atmosphere a little, make sure those who are interested have a bite or two, and perhaps simply to contribute a word or two to the collective quiet left in the wake of the trial.

They did lose two of their louder members, at the least.]

But you needn't worry. There are enough of us to provide for each other.

[The word hangs in the air, still, there are enough of us still, but Jack is not one to lay it down. There is enough weight on this gathering.]

[mirrite]

Oh yeah? Give 'em my thanks, then, because it smells delicious. Glad we have at least a few other people around who know how to cook.

[Casual, impersonal conversation. He can handle that much right now, and not much more. He's already let his emotions get the better of him once this evening - to a deleterious effect - and now he feels more drained and wrung dry than anything else.]

Could I get two plates? I need to make sure Phil eats something too.

[Neither of them really has much of an appetite at the moment, but... details.]