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Post by neverlandlostgirl on Feb 15, 2018 7:48:50 GMT
Another Valentine's Day had come to Bellerouge and with it came the Valentine's Day carnival.
A tradition for several years now, the carnival was located in one of the larger plazas that could be found in the French Quarter and while most people were still getting over their hangovers from the Mardi Gras celebrations just a day before, many couples had turned out for some romance and fun.
Various booths selling everything from heart-shaped foods to red and white trinkets occupied the eastern portion of the plaza along with the typical carnival games given a face-lift for the holiday. Towards the north section of the plaza a small stage festooned with red, white and pink cupids saw a continuous cycle of performers coming and going as they sang, played music, did small acrobatic stunts, and performed comedy skits. And towards the west were the old carnival rides, the tried and true contraptions found at carnivals all over with a ferriswheel towering over everything else.
Anna took all this in as she sat on one of the picnic benches that formed the outskirts of the carnival, happily munching on a heart-shaped cotton candy while swinging her feet idly back and forth. She was by herself but more then content despite it being Valentine's Day. Sure, she was currently in a relationship with Axel and yes she had told him her interest in going to the carnival but she had also made it perfectly clear that he didn't have to come just for her. She only wanted him there if it was what HE wanted to do. She had a pretty good idea that Valentine's Day as a whole might not be the Fire Demon's favorite holiday and she wasn't about to force him to go out if he didn't feel like it. If he showed up that was fine and if he didn't that was fine too.
Besides, she wouldn't necessary be spending her time alone even if he didn't come. Maybe she'd run into someone she knew while at the Carnival. After all, it was a popular place for couples to go and spend the holiday together. |
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Post by Zuyuri on Mar 1, 2018 4:54:12 GMT
The Valentine's Carnival was probably one of the few things that wasn't dark in this town.
Mardi Gras may have been big, but the vendors came out with many specifics. Witches and faeries and other kinds of people often used the holiday as a chance to sell strong love potions or charms. Tourists laughed, but some eager buyers walked off...possibly getting the attention the wanted.
Elsa was cutting through the crowds, rolling her eyes at the countless wolf whistles aimed at her. Some guys were even looking at her. Someone offered a potion to her and she weaseled her way out. Her heart belonged to Ralph, and she wasn't going to let some hexes or potions steer her away from him. She hadn't seen him in a while. Then again, she hadn't seen anyone in a while since she got absorbed with cases and her collaboration with Adrien to get some of her fashion designs for prom out. Speaking of prom, the high schools were planning them in April. If Elsa wanted to get her designs out, she needed to be snappy. As Elsa weaved away an admirer, she let out a sigh and a huge beam at the redhead chewing cotton candy nearby.
"Anna!" she waved exubrantly.
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Post by neverlandlostgirl on Mar 2, 2018 11:34:48 GMT
Anna was just finishing up the last of her cotton candy when she heard a familiar voice call out her name over the babble of the crowd. Turning where she sat, she quickly spotted Elsa as the other woman waved and made her way over. Smiling widely, she bounced of the bench to her feet and met her as she approached.
"Hi Elsa!"
Tossing the remains of her treat into a nearby trash bin, she immediately stepped up to the lawyer and gave her a brief but strong hug before pulling back and looking her up and down.
"It's been way too long since I've seen you around the BPD. What have you been so busy doing?"
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Post by Zuyuri on Mar 2, 2018 17:21:25 GMT
Elsa had to stifle a laugh. Anna was always a fine line between ugly duckling and swan. She could be so graceful then do something bubbly to make up for it. She was caught up in a hug, and she returned the favor. The crowd was suddenly behind her as Anna tugged then to sit.
“Well, you know how it is. Trial preparations just keep flying in. And then I made a deal with Adrien Agaste about opening a fashion line so business with that is a hassle..”
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Post by neverlandlostgirl on Mar 6, 2018 3:45:17 GMT
"Shut up, your fashion thing got approved?"
Anna released Elsa from her hug but never let the smile fade from her face. It had been a while since she's see her lawyer friend but she was so happy to hear she was doing well even if it also meant she was busy.
"That's great to hear! And you can bet I'll be one of your first customers. I need to replace some clothes after... after some things."
She paused for only a split second as the memory of what had happened with her serum passed her mind. She'd destroyed the clothes she had been wearing then and her current ones were somewhat loose. However, that wasn't something Elsa needed to know.
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Post by Zuyuri on Mar 6, 2018 5:44:33 GMT
“Uh Huh.”
The smile did not leave Elsa’s face. It was so big but it was a true smile. People hardly saw this fun side to the ice wielding lawyer, but it was there. Anna’s own enthusiasm was just as addicting and hard to frown at.
But there was just a trace of sadness when Anna mentioned getting new clothes. Elsa knew exactly the kind of things she had been talking about. She patted her friend’s shoulder, a reassuring smile coming up.
“You apologized and everyone’s gotten over it. I say that’s worth a discount.”
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Post by neverlandlostgirl on Mar 9, 2018 12:53:50 GMT
Anna managed to nod her head at Elsa's words and soon enough the smile had returned to her face as she gestured towards the surrounding stalls, games and rides.
"I'm kinda surprised to catch you here on Valentine's Day by yourself... unless you brought Ralph with you."
She raised an eyebrow as she mentioned the Giant, her tone playful but in no way mocking. She knew that Elsa was trying out her relationship with Ralph again even if the lawyer hadn't said so in as many words. Despite appearing to be an airhead to some, Anna was pretty good at picking up on the subtle signs others gave off. Couple that with a keen sense of intuition and it was hard to keep things from her for very long.
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Post by Zuyuri on Mar 9, 2018 15:50:09 GMT
Elsa followed Anna's glance at the festival. A man was handing a woman something he won from the ring toss. The plush was cheap looking, but her joy made up for it.
"I've been trying to call Ralph and see if he wanted to do anything, but he hasn't picked up. I assume he's on a case. What about you? Where's the redhead you've been sneaking around with?"
Rumor had it Anna had been dating the fiery bartender at Bourbon. What was his name again? Axel? Elsa remembered him being incredibly nice the time they had found that ice cream at the river and, seemingly, he had left her and Ralph work out their issues. She was staring at Anna with a coy smile. The happy girl deserved someone to share that happiness with.
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Post by neverlandlostgirl on Mar 10, 2018 4:27:40 GMT
"Oh, he's not really into all this kind of stuff."
She motioned to the carnival as a whole. As she spoke, she began to walk away from the picnic table and towards one of the avenues formed by the various structures that filled the plaza.
"I told him I was gonna go check it out but he didn't have to come if it's not his scene. Besides, I'm going to spend some time with him at the bar tonight. And I don't mind having some time to myself to just think me thoughts, although I'm really glad we ran into each other. I haven't been as much of a social butterfly lately so its good to see a friend."
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Post by Zuyuri on Mar 10, 2018 5:34:24 GMT
"Okay, fair enough. Byt at least get him something while you're down here."
Elsa knew she couldn't tell couples how to act, But what she could do was reassure that the respect they had for their partners was compromised. Anna led her to one of the empty picnic tables in the plaza, and the lawyer settled in, nodding as she listened to Anna talking about Axel and running into her.
"You'll be a social butterfly soon enough. Have you gotten the invitation to Sunshine and Riku's wedding yet? I'm sure you're on the guest list."
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Post by neverlandlostgirl on Mar 16, 2018 11:18:20 GMT
Anna nodded her head eagerly at Elsa's question, causing her braids to bounce lightly in response. This was something that had made her feel excited in a way she hadn't really experienced since the serum incident. It was good to know she could still feel that way about things, thrilled and happy just for the sake of it.
"Oh yes! I can't wait to see those two tie the knot. And I'll bet dollars to donuts that the celebration will be just spectacular. I'm actually hoping that Sunshine might let me help out getting things set up for her and Riku's big day. I just haven't gotten the time to ask her yet but I'm sure she'll say yes."
The medical examiner said all of this through a wide grin as she sat next to Elsa, lightly clapping her hands around her knees as she watched the various couples pass them by on their way to the food stands or the booth games or the carnival rides. It really just seemed like a perfect kind of day to spend with someone you cared about and not just in the romantic sense either.
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Post by Zuyuri on Mar 19, 2018 14:57:06 GMT
“Oh I think she has enough help already. Plus, you and I both know how stubborn she can be.”
Elsa flipped her thick side braid over her shoulder. She would have to think of a new style for the wedding. It was about time she got invited to some social gathering. Ever since she defended Weiss against her parents, the upper crust wanted nothing to do with her. She was doing alrerations for Sunshine’s dress, but honestly the dress was beautiful enough. She followed Anna’s gazevout. Yes, there were couples, butvthat didn’t mean another kind of love could be explored.
“Say, what do you want to do? I’ll tag along.”
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Post by neverlandlostgirl on Mar 23, 2018 10:36:12 GMT
"Well, if she does end up needing an assists, I'm ready and waiting. Weddings and tying the knot and all, that's a lot to get done even when you and your soon to be husband aren't both BPD officers."
Anna looked up at the sky as she swung her feet, beating a gentle rhythm against the bench they both sat on. Her attention was wandering just a bit when she was brought back to the present by Elsa's question. She dropped her blue gaze from the even bluer sky to look at her friend.
"Oh, well I was thinking about maybe going on a ride or two and trying to win a prize for Axel at one of the stalls. We have a bet that the games I rigged and I won't be able to do it but I've got my own set of tricks up my sleeves."
At this she lightly tugged at her arms as if pulling up invisible sleeves, all the while the large grin staying on her lightly freakled face.
"Interested in joining me on the mini coaster or maybe the ferris wheel?"
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Post by Zuyuri on Mar 23, 2018 14:19:12 GMT
“At least you’re slowing down and not jumping on the help bandwagon. Most of the stuff is already set.”
The wedding was set for the end of May. Just thinking about it made Elsa giddiy. She had invited Ralph to escort her in case he wasn’t working. He had close ties to Shadow, who the best man. It was a bit of a weird feeling, being so happy for someone. Anna glanced at her, giving her share.
A prize for Axel on a bet? It was thoughtful and admittedly kind of sweet. Watching her play was worth it, as was getting some rides in.
“Why not?” Elsa smiled. “It’s better than going on alone.”
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Post by neverlandlostgirl on Apr 6, 2018 6:07:33 GMT
"Awesome!"
With that said, Anna leapt from her seat on the bench and motioned for Elsa to follow her as she turned her sights onto the nearby vendors and the games they offered. She began to walk between the different booths, a small skip in her step as the people manning the games tried to entice her to play. However, most of the games were indeed rigged as far as she could tell and she was looking for a very specific kind of game, one that she knew how to beat.
Suddenly, she her blue eyes landed on what she was searching for and, with a little squee, she made her way over and waited for Elsa to join her. It was none other than a hit the jug game, only this version was slightly different. Instead of trying to knock over empty milk jugs from where they sat on a shelf, you tried to knock over the prizes lined up along the various shelves at different heights. The lowest tier had the smallest and cheapest of prizes while the upper tier had the biggest and only slightly less cheap prizes. As she stepped up to the desk, immediately the vendor of the stall appeared with a toothy grin and a loud, winning voice.
"Good evening ladies! I see you've decided to stop at my humble booth and I assure you that you've made the best choice of games here at this carnival!"
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