While there was a lot of festivity going during Mardi Gras, there was also a bit of serious work. For instance, Sophie and Courtney were going over what will be happening the next weekend. "So once school lets out on next Friday, we're going straight to the airport or are we going to wait for the next day?" asked Courtney.
"I think we'll be leaving on Friday, but not immediately after school," said Sophie, "We don't want to leave too late because there's a 6-hour time difference between here and Britain. I don't think Lord Chumley's, I mean, Lord Dorian's estate will be too far off the beaten path, but we probably don't want to reach it at midnight. We'll be spending Saturday there and we'll be heading back home on Sunday."
"A little pity that we can't visit Ireland on St. Patrick's Day," said Courtney.
"Actually, I think Mayor Clara got a call from the President of Ireland or somebody," said Sophie, "It was an invitation for us to make a stopover in Ireland before we head back to Lyre. I'm not sure if it's going to be a lot. Mostly seeing the parade in Dublin and having a meal there. We're too young for the alcohol-related stuff."
"What about your friends?" asked Courtney, 'The double-dosed ones? Aren't they legal to drink?"
"I suppose they could, but it's not really something we want to encourage," said Sophie, "Besides, alcohol tends to be a bit too bitter for Animalians. Frankly, the only time an Animalian drinks is when they're purposefully trying to get drunk. And that's a pretty rare thing in itself."
"So you don't mind them going to the adult parties while you're doing the organizing for the trip?" asked Courtney.
"Well, I'm not an adult yet," said Sophie. Yes, her maturity had gotten a boost when she became a Pterodactyl, but she still had some growing to do. "And it's not all me. The others have been helping plan this out. We want to be able to get as much detail as we can before we head back on Sunday and the Spring Festival starts."
"Most people would want to leave home for spring break," commented Courtney.
"Well some of those people will be coming here," said Sophie.
==========
Meanwhile, Abby and Samson were taking a look at one part of Mardi Gras, namely the masquerades. "I'm not sure why people are doing this. Is this supposed to be like Halloween?" asked Samson. He was wearing a purple top hat, a matching mask, and a purple coat with green trim, but no shirt underneath it. He had his normal jeans on.
"I think it's supposed to be an expression of the release of impulses," said Abby, "As well as appearing grotesque, it gives people anonymity to act upon their baser urges." Her costume was a bit more extravagant. It consisted of a small top and skirt, both bedecked with gold, green, and purple feathers. Her mask was similarly plumed.
"Anonymity? I don't think these outfits are going to fool anyone," said Samson.
"Well, it works better for humans than Animalians," said Abby.
Just then, a guy who had obviously been given into 'indulgences' that evening staggered over to Abby. "Hey, baby," he said in a slurred voice, "I always thought horse feathers were fake, but your body looks so real."
Abby and Samson gave each other bemused looks. "Sir, do you know who I am?" asked Abby.
"You're an angel come to earth," said the guy, "In the form of a big, busty horse."
Abby turned to Samson and said, "See? Someone didn't recognize me in this costume."
"In his state, I don't think he would recognize his own sister," said Samson flatly.
Then the guy put a hand on Abby's bare stomach and said, "Good horsey."
Abby gave the guy an annoyed look and said, "Ok, this is getting a little too far." Putting a hand in front of the guy's face, she flicked his forehead. Of course, since her fingers were tipped with hooves, it hurt a bit more than what a human would do. The guy staggered back, clutching his forehead, tripping over himself not long after.
Samson gave a small snort and said, "He's gonna regret that when he wakes up. He'll have such a headache."
Abby leaned down and asked, "Does it look like I left a hoofprint on his forehead?"
"Not specifically," said Samson, though there was a bit of a red spot.
"Hmm...got a marker?" asked Abby.