☣️ the court, the church, love, all left behind | OPEN

[enblightened]

Who: Bigby the Abomination, OPEN
What: Catch-all for January! Includes a prompt for the Snake Den and Shedding Ceremony. Prompts will be broken up into comments for ease of finding and tracking.
When: January
Where: Snake Den and other various locations

Content Warnings: References to severe depression, self-loathing, forced transformation/body horror, torture, and religious zealotry. Snakeden is considerably lighter in tone if that's what you're looking for. Crimson curse prompt includes cannibalism, gore, and body horror.

Comments

☣️ SNAKEDEN

[enblightened]

A. dancing and mingling (the wallflower wilts)

[It took a bit coaxing on his own personal level, but eventually Bigby does make his appearance. He is washed, freshly shaven, and what hair he does have is woven into a simple braid draping over his shoulder. A suit and cape alike were gifted to him from Madame Generosity, perfectly fitted for him. And really, it's the first time that Bigby appears anywhere completely dressed in something besides his usual ragged trousers and pathetic shroud. The man even has a fine pair of shoes on instead of bare feet enduring all.

The chains remain, crossing over his arms and chest, his shackles gleaming under the cuffs of his coat. Even in all of his gradual acceptance to being here, he cannot risk himself.

Should he find you on your own, he does offer a hand politely. It is still bony, rough with calluses, but his touch is always careful.]

Might I steal you away for a dance?


B. drinking is a fine stress relief (no afflictions)

[Typically, when Bigby drinks, it isn't to be social. It is drown away, to escape the horrors of his own mind and find rest somehow. Yet here it's... pleasant. Fun. Be it wine or ale, it doesn't matter; he finds himself marvelling at how utterly relaxing this evening has been.]

I do not know many games, truthfully, but there is one a comrade enjoyed. I Never, she called it.

Is that perhaps also popular in other realms? Though I am amendable to other ideas, of course.

A

[droptheious]

[Varian is slowly but surely recovering from his corruption. Having Fern back is making a huge difference and now all that remains of the whole ordeal is a slightly grey-tinge to his skin. In an attempt to see people again and encourage his healing, he's come to The Red for some time to relax. He's wearing a pretty fancy jacket, too!

He lets out a surprised little laugh as Bigby offers up his hand.]

Bigby! You look good! [He's a little disappointed to see the chains still there, but he knows it's gonna be baby steps- it's a miracle in of itself that Bigby is out here at all. He gestures at his prosthetic. ] Okay, but I warn you, even before I got this thing I wasn't a good dancer. I'm probably gonna tread on you a lot.

[enblightened]

[It is a tempting thing to embrace Varian, relief flooding Bigby as he'd like nothing more than to reassure his young friend how important he is. But he refrains, and instead offers a faint smile.]

And you as well, Varian. In any case, please know I am not concerned.

...I am also immensely out of practice, but I would still like to.

[droptheious]

Thanks, it...uh just showed up? I think it was a gift from Madame Generosity? Which is weird, she's not my Patron.

[He really wouldn't turn down a hug. He's not the most tactile person in the world, but he definitely wouldn't mind - it's a special case after all. ]

Then sure, we can...awkwardly stumble on the dance floor and try not to do horrible damage to each other's feet in the process.

[enblightened]

She came for all, if I'm not mistaken. Where else might I have gotten my own clothing? As it was not of my own volition.

[A chuckle escapes him, a quiet and humbled sound as he gently guides Varian with him.]

I think we will manage, you and I.

[droptheious]

Awww, and here's me thinking you'd finally decided to treat yourself.

[His tone is teasing as he lets Bigby lead him off towards a better dance space. ]

At least if we end up making a mess of this, we can be disasters together, right?

A.

[rosae]

( The thought of dressing up again is strange, at first. It feels like a lifetime ago that Rose was attending a charity event or elaborate business party with Christopher, or playing hostess at their own home for a crowd of friends dressed to the nines — though it really couldn't have been more than a few months back. Still... so much has happened, and she isn't the same person she once was.

She does her hair and nails and feels like a stranger with herself, at first. Then, it becomes less and less so, and she begins to ease into the familiarities. She's always loved this: getting dressed up, being around people. She wanders around the Snake Den, still new enough to this place that she recognises very few faces, but she's smiling at strangers all the same.

Her own attire is a bit of a sassy little red thing, paired with a few golden bangles, heels, and a matching clutch. It's the sort of thing she would certainly have worn back home, and she isn't shy in the least about showing some skin; in fact, she's sort of in her element, here.

When she hears a familiar voice and turns towards it, Rose's eyes widen with a mix of surprise, recognition, and a friendly delight. She's reaching to take the man's offered hand before she even has to think about it, her other one coming to join it, both of her hands clasping over his for a moment. )

Bigby, it's great to see you! You look wonderful!

[enblightened]

[For a moment, Bigby is quiet as he takes in Rose and her dress alike. It isn't the kind of clothing he's used to seeing, considering he comes from a place that's more akin to 18th century fashion, but he does appreciate it for what it is regardless.

Briefly, he appears bashful, a hint of green blush on his face before he eases into a faint smile. Politely, he bows his head.]

You are too kind with your words, and I thank you.

And you-- you are lovely, Rose. I'm glad to have run into you.

[rosae]

( Rose's smile warms at his words as she keeps looking him over — in parallel to her own very modern clothing, his looks like something one could see from a different place and time and it's very suiting for him, she thinks. He looks lovely. )

It's not too fancy, but I was never really a ballgown kind of gal. I like something you can move a little bit in.

( There's a brighter grin, and she gives his hand a soft pat, simultaneously offering a little tug along with her towards an open space. He might have asked her to dance, but she's taking a bit of lead herself, chatting amiably all the while. )

Are you having a nice time so far?

[enblightened]

Understandable. Though I could imagine you would also look marvelous in a gown. Rather, if it were a desire of yours.

[He tries very hard to not stumble over his words or make it horribly awkward, praying he has been successful in some way. Regardless, he does follow Rose's lead quite easily.]

Surprisingly, yes. I thought a crowd might have been too much, yet this is the most relaxed I have felt in a very long time. Perhaps it was Madame Generosity's doing? Either way, I am quite glad I have come.

[rosae]

( She smiles more brightly at that — Rose, alternatively, is not too shy when it comes to receiving compliments, or to conversing comfortably. )

You flatter me. Maybe sometime I'll try it, if this place is going to keep handing out such nice things.

( She wouldn't say no to more nice dresses, certainly. But her smile is softening a bit at what Bigby says next, that he's feeling more relaxed than he has in a long time. She's known his nerves, the way he carries himself so withdrawn and cautious, and she certainly understands why, given what lives inside of him. It's very nice to hear he's able to enjoy himself, rare as it may be for him. )

I'm so happy to hear that, and I'm glad you decided to come! It's nice to have a friend here with me.

( Is it too bold to consider him a friend? But Rose doesn't think so. Truly, he was the first friend she made in this place, and she feels very at ease with him tonight. Her smile returns, a little playful now. )

Are you really a dancing man, Mr. Bigby, or were you just being charming?

B, eyes emoji

[gunviolence]

[Aki does know this one. It was one of Himeno's favorites; really just an excuse to get her and Aki drunk quickly while teasing him at the same time, as it was with most of them, and somehow it always ended with Aki keeling over first. It wasn't a game Aki can say he enjoyed so much as tolerated.

It's a bittersweet association at best for that reason, and Aki's first instinct is to decline. But he's had a few drinks himself, and something about the place is putting him in a more agreeable mood, and maybe in a way it would be a way to honor her, wherever she is now. To show her he's capable of still living. (This is a lot of meaning to ascribe to a drinking game, but Aki is nothing if not broody when left alone with his thoughts.)

So he shrugs one shoulder and sidles across from Bigby, his own drink in his hand.]

Sure. You start.

HELLO

[enblightened]

Ah. Hm. Very well, then.

[Somehow, he didn't expect to be put on the spot like that. So it takes him a moment as he rubs his thumbs against the cup in his hands.]

I never... started a bar fight?

[gunviolence]

[Aki's all about getting to business, Bigby!! Regardless... he appears to be thinking about it.]

Define bar fight.

[Technically, he has fought in a bar.]

[enblightened]

A... fight in a bar?

How else might one define it?

B.

[laminae]

[Fern is mainly sticking to the sodas tonight. While he can (and has) had beer, he knows alcohol in large quantities is utterly toxic to plants and he's trying to take it easy.]

Really? How do you play it?

[enblightened]

The rules are quite simple. I make a statement like I never have participated in a snowball fight or something like that. If it turns out everyone else has done that, they have a drink.

I am... told it is fun. But I rarely participate in these kinds of things.

[laminae]

Oh, huh. That sounds pretty easy. Wanna play it? I can get a beer or something, if you're supposed to play it with alcohol.

[enblightened]

I think perhaps what you have now is fine, my friend. I would hardly wish to do you harm with beer when you've just returned to us.

A

[anagnorises]

[After his own turn on the talent show, Fakir had settled into people-watching easily enough. The effects of the Snake Den and his own blood won't keep him from socializing if anyone approaches, but for the moment, he's content.

The offer is something of a surprise. Both due to the contrast of the man's looks and his manners, and because, well-]

I only know ballet.

[Which is definitely not the style being used on the dance floor.]

[enblightened]

Which is exceptionally more skilled than anything I know, rest assured.

[Ah, another for ballet. Briefly, he wonders if this boy knows Ahiru? If not, they ought to sometime. He knows how badly Ahiru wishes to continue her lessons, after all.]

If you'd like, I can lead. I promise it is not a complicated step I know. If even I can manage it, you will follow with ease.

[anagnorises]

[Well...why not? Maybe it's the influence of his blood, or the atmosphere, but Fakir thinks it can't hurt to expand a little, learn something new. The stranger is certainly being polite enough about it.

He takes the offered hand carefully.]

I'll follow, then.

A

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul's currently dressed up in a suit that fits his red-and-black complexion perfectly. With even a pair of red gloves for his hands, Maul actually likes the clothes he's in for once when usually he couldn't give a damn about what he's dressed in. Still, despite liking his clothes, he feels uneasy in The Snake Den. The Sith Lord isn't one much for "fun" in the usual sense of the word, so he's been hanging off to the edges of the gathering. There's no way he's going to get up on stage even if forced at gunpoint.

When he's approached, Maul's eyes go wide with surprise before a green tinge that's from his Vileblood comes to his face as he blushes. For once, the self-assured Zabrak has been caught off-guard.]

Ah.....I don't know how....

[He confesses. The first time he'd ever danced had been last year in the Grady Hotel in Deerington when his lover and now mate Reaper had gotten him out onto the dancefloor, taking charge so that Maul didn't have to do much more than shuffle his feet along. He hasn't seen the need to indulge since.]

[enblightened]

[An assuring smile forms on Bigby's face. Perhaps awhile ago, this man's appearance might have startled him, but he's become much more adapted to the possibilities of other worlds and realms. Besides, who is he to truly judge on an appearance, considering his own affairs?]

That's quite all right. It has been decades since I've last had the opportunity, so I will surely stumble as well.

Still, I should like to, if you are amendable.

OMG This got buried at the bottom of the inbox I am so sorry!

[survivalthroughhate]

Well.....

[Maul glances out at those on the dance floor. He still thinks they all look like they know what they're doing a lot more than he does, but if this guy doesn't know either, at least they can both be idiots together.]

......Alright. Just know that my feel are metal prosthetics, so I apologize in advance if I cause any pain by stepping on your feet.