No Diretide This Year

On the hallowed night of the ending month, the citizens of Elze were in a festive mood, frolicking through the streets in costumed attire. Once a year, this unofficial "holiday" is celebrated by children and adults alike for varying reasons, be it perusing though residential streets in hopes of acquiring free treats, or grouping up with their peers, plans on enjoying the night shared amongst the many.

Luna, the Dark Moon Barista, was none of them. She was content in relaxing in her own apartment, watching the late night Diretide specials in her usual sleep attire, a glass of juice in her hand while the other was scratching little Nova's fur, the small kitten sleeping on her lap. She glanced to her right, looking at the dorms across the apartment building, shaking her head at the bustling commotion the college students were in. She shook her head at their antics, wondering if a certain part-timer was enjoying herself.

A knock on the door drew her attention away from the window, disrupting her little peace. At first Luna thought it was Mortred; coming back from her evening grocery shopping, but remembering that her temporary roommate had a key to her apartment, she silently cursed at whoever was outside, hoping it wasn't anybody trick or treating.

Putting Nova on the empty spot beside her, Luna made her way to the door, the constant knocking still echoing through her apartment. When she reached it, she looked through the peephole, sighing defeatedly at who was outside, slowly unlocking the door to greet her guest.

"Hey Luna." Her young student neighbor greeted, laughing nervously upon seeing the older woman's eyebrow twitch.

"Why are you here, Lanaya?" Luna questioned, crossing her arms over her chest.

Lanaya scratched the back of her neck, forming her response. "Can I stay for a while again?" she asked. "There's too much chaos going on at the dorms, and it's slowly getting on me."

She stared down the part-timer; who looked away from Luna's piercing gaze; wondering on what her decision would be. Feeling generous, she stepped aside, allowing the grateful Lanaya to enter the apartment. Closing the door, she finally gave what Lanaya was wearing a proper look.

The part-timer was dressed in a white cotton shirt and black leather pants; something that would fit in a Renaissance setting. She unclasped her cape that also had a hood with a pointed end. All kinds of jewelry adorned her chest to further compliment her whole outfit. Her usual face mask was replaced with another one in black with a tighter fabric.

Lanaya, upon folding her cape, saw Luna eyeing her down, making the part-timer to suddenly feel self conscious. "What's wrong?"

"What are you wearing?" Luna asked.

Lanaya looked down onto her attire, wondering what Luna meant till she remembered she was wearing a costume. "I'm an assassin." She answered with a laugh.

Luna scoffed, shaking her head as she went back to where she sat. Seeing this reaction, Lanaya pouted, upset at not getting a more favorable response.

"What's wrong with it? I worked hard on this." She said as she sat beside the older woman.

"It just looks weird, like all the other costumes people wear on this day." She replied.

"You don't like Diretide?"

"It's a pointless day. There's nothing to it." Their eyes met, Lanaya flinching slightly from Luna's gaze. "Especially since you're not much of an assassin."

"But it's fun! Have you never tried dressing up when you were young?"

"What do you think?"

Lanaya froze when she remembered about Luna's past; and more importantly reminding her of it; turning away from the older woman's face, fearing a venomous retort to come her way. When nothing came of it, she slowly turned back to see the unamused expression on Luna's face.

"I think you'll be a great warrior." Lanaya said as she tried to steer the conversation back. "Maybe a warrior of the moon? I'm sure you'd look majestic."

"Sure, Lanaya." Luna replied before taking a sip of her juice.

With a dejected sigh, Lanaya leaned back on the sofa, taking of her mask as she made herself comfortable. Feeling that something was off, she looked around the apartment, till it finally clicked on what was missing.

"Where's Mortred?"

"She went grocery shopping. She should be back by now, though. I don't know what's taking her so long."

"Does she usually take this long?" Lanaya inquired, with Luna shaking her head in response.

As if on cue, the sound of the door knob turning with made them turn their attention to it, seeing the door slowly open. Mortred peered through the door, not yet entering the apartment.

"Hey, Luna… How's your mood?" she asked out of the blue.

Lanaya was confused at Mortred's question, but judging from the barista's expression, Luna already has an idea on what was going on.

"Who did you bring?" she asked, annoyed at the prospect of her room having more people.

With a nervous smile, Mortred opened the door, allowing Luna to see the other people who were hiding behind the baker, as pointless as their attempts may be.

Behind Mortred were Mirana and Shendel dressed in white and purple dresses, respectively. Behind them was Magina, dressed in a simple violet colored robe. Lanaya could see the four of them looking nervous, Luna responding with an icy glare that's doing its job in freezing them in place. She stood up and made her way to them, Lanaya trailing behind her.

"Why are you three here?" Luna asked, allowing Mortred to enter, relieving the baker off of responsibilities.

"That party Selemene brought me to was boring." The manager answered first. "I found out that Shendel was also there, so we ditched the place."

"Aunt Aviliva brought me along too." Shendel added.

"So we decided to leave." Mirana continued on.

Both women felt uncomfortable under Luna's gaze, but sigh in relief when she shifted her gaze away from them, turning to Magina while allowing them room to enter.

"And what's your excuse, Magi?"

"I don't have anything clever to answer you with, Luna. Those two just came by me when I was walking." Magina answered, trying his hardest to not quake. "I didn't even know they were going to your apartment."

They stared each other for what felt like hours, till Luna closed her eyes, sighing as she relented and heading back inside, leaving the door opened for Magina to enter, which he followed suit. Upon closing the door, his eyes wandered around the room that he was in, surveying each crevice of the apartment. His line of sight fell on the women; both older and younger than him; all around the room.

Mortred had gone straight to Luna's kitchen, already preparing something with the flour she got out on the counter. Lanaya was beside her, assisting the baker while preparing a more appropriate dinner for all of them. Mirana and Shendel had situated themselves on the dining table, conversing with each other about the party they had run away from. The home owner was back at her sofa, ignoring using the T.V. as background noise as she played with the purple kitten in her hands.

Finding no suitable spots for him, he shrugged and went to sit at the solo couch, watching whatever was ignored by Luna.

"What are you supposed to be?" she asked. Magina turned to see Luna not even looking up.

"I'm a monk." He answered plainly, seeing Luna shake her head at him.

"And you two? What are you, princesses?" Mirana groaned at Luna's use of her nickname.

"No, it was just a "classy" party." Shendel answered for the both of them.

"You know, all we're missing is Sylla." Lanaya commented, earning a laugh from the two dressed women.

"He was actually there, also at the party." Shendel answered.

"Yeah, but he liked it, so we didn't invite him." Mirana added. "He was dressed pretty nice too. For an old man." The whole room (barring Magina) erupted in laughter at the image.

"How come you're not dressed, Mortred?" Lanaya asked to the baker beside her.

A knowing chuckle escaped the baker's lips. "Did you forget who this apartment belongs to?"

"Speaking of that, this apartment is barren. There is literally no decoration whatsoever." Magina commented offhandedly.

"Careful Magina, you wouldn't want to be kicked out." Said Mirana, seeing the glare that Luna was giving Magina.

"None of you are staying here." Luna announced, earning the cries of everyone in the room. "You're all leaving before I go to sleep."

"What time are you going to sleep, then?" Shendel asked, Mirana nodding beside her.

"I don't know, I'm not tired yet. Why?"

"Oh, then that means we'll just keep you awake all night long!" Mirana said with glee.

Falling into their trap, Luna could only relent, knowing that no matter the reputation she has, she couldn't do anything against the five of them. She groaned, knowing the fact that it was Diretide made her experience much worse.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

back, just in time for Diretide.

so, first off, i'd like to say how awesome it is, finding out that this fic is linked on Tv Tropes. it might not be a big deal, but being a troper myself, it's such an awesome feeling. :D

also, in regards to Lanaya's costume, those who follow Diredude's tumblr (diredude tumblr com) would know what i was trying to go for. (and no, no spoilers)

anyway, once again, thanks for reading!