houseofcards_rp | It's Swing Time~

It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out Elisha's motivation for organizing - or, honestly, delegating the organization of - a semi-formal dance party. Lucinda had suggested a ball, with stars in her eyes. She probably had already picked out ballgowns and themes in her head when Elisha had nixed the thing and - in a moment of desperation, with the memory of the swing-themed Fox wedding still in his head - suggest a Spring Swing, instead.

Everyone had run with it, and Elisha was pleased to say it had come out well. He was even more pleased to say that he didn't have to wear a suit, even if he stepped out into the lantern-lit gardens in everything but the tie. He paused near the raised dais provided for dancing and gave the small band the signal to start up the music before he attempted to fade back in the crowd. Not that that ever worked.

"Let the games begin," he murmured to no one in particular as he picked up a glass of champagne off a tray.

Note: Open to everyone and their brother; tag around, have fun!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

To his credit, Ethan didn't blanch, swear, or display any other negative behavior when he espied Julien drifting his way. Instead, he kept his face neutrally blank, going so far as to rise from his chair at the greeting. Spades were sticklers for formality, after all.

"Thank you, Julien," he replied with a polite nod. "I appreciate it." There wasn't any time like the present to face the fire, was there?

He will certainly appreciate the gesture of standing. At least it will keep things relatively stable here, less likely to turn sharp.

"Though I imagine there are quite a few of higher rank than you held that might feel...slighted."

He's not actually specifically meaning himself here. He hadn't expected to return to Ace any time soon, after all.

A good point; Ethan had considered the possibility himself. He'd been sure Clive and/or Katya would have somehow dragooned Victor into taking over. "An understandable reaction, I agree." But it hadn't been his decision.

"As it stands, no one was more surprised than I was. But I was hardly in a position to question their Majesties' decision." Then. Now, of course, was an entirely different story.

"No, it would seem when we have united Royals, they become something of an unstoppable force." Within their own Suit, anyway. It was still a bit of a strange sensation, for someone who spent so much of his life on the Deck, and certainly in his career as Ace, having served opposing Royals. One more than the other, of course.

"Well, I can only hope you are prepared for the challenge, then. As I am neither in any position to question their Majesties' decision." Not openly, anyway.

Ethan nodded. "As it should be." God help them all if they had to live through such a nightmare as their former monarch's peculiar brands of insanity.

And Julien wasn't the only one questioning Ethan's ability to handle his new job. When Clive had given him the "good news", Ethan himself had spent the rest of the day wondering what sin he'd committed to be trapped in such a nightmare. Eventually, realization dawned and he'd become resigned to the reality. But he wasn't about to admit such misgivings now, not to this particular Spade.

Instead, he gestured, calling over one of the servers, asking, "Drink, Julien? Good press and all that."

"Would hate to turn down our hosts' hospitality." So yes, he'll accept a drink, give a bit of a nod to the server.

"May I ask what your plans are for your new position?"

He doesn't really expect a fully truthful answer, but it would be interesting to see what Ethan would say, at least.

Taking a fresh tumbler from the tray, Ethan swirled the amber liquid in the glass, pondering exactly how to answer. What he finally decided on was, in fact, the honest truth, as it was the exact same thing he'd been preaching since ten years of age.

"My 'plans' are, as such, to do whatever's necessary. In order to maintain the integrity of my Suit. As well as ensure its survival regardless of what the future might throw at it."

Idyllic? Yep. But not impossible. And Ethan fully expected Julien to either scoff, snort, roll his eyes or give that ever-so-creepy-half-smile, too. Either way, he wouldn't be surprised.

Actually, if truth were to be told, it doesn't sound all that very different from Julien's own philosophy for the rank, though his tended to boil down to serve the Suit in whatever capacity required of him.

"How very political, you could likely run for office on the Outside," but that didn't mean he wasn't going to snark, at least a little.

Ethan snorted an ironic laugh. "I'll pass on that one, thanks. Political chicanery doesn't hold that much appeal. Although the bribes and assassination attempts would be fun, come to think of it."

"Oh, but you have no experience with thatsort of villainy, do you? And here I thought Aces were supposed to be utterly upstanding."

More like upstanding in the face of things the others of their Suits would prefer not to have to see or think about. That really ought to be how the job description went.

"I'm certain we can find someone to attempt an assassination though, if you like." It's not exactly a threat, but it's not exactly said in good humor either.

Ethan's smile went just a touch razored. "I said it held little appeal, Julien. Not that I didn't know how to play the game." Honestly, did he look that much of a bumbling amateur? It wasn't for lack of work that he'd opted to come back to the Deck, after all.

He didn't turn a hair to the passive-aggressive commentary, simply swirled the ice in the bottom of his glass. "No doubt. I'll have to see about penciling it into my schedule, if so."

His comment had nothing to do with implying Ethan was a bumbling amateur. It had, actually been intended to be ironic and imply the exact opposite.

"Good luck with that, the, Lord Ace. I wish you all the best of it."

"Thank you, Sir Nine." Ethan returned him a bland smile and a small salute with the half-empty glass. "I'm sure it'll be an adventure like no other."

It's Swing Time~

lol, i'm sure the rest of the party would be appreciative. ;) works for me!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject