Mardi Gras in Animalia was particularly lively this year. Part of the reason was that the last two Mardi Gras were hampered by the pandemic. And while the coronavirus was still around, it's gone down to a more manageable level by this point. And considering the trouble that was brewing in Eastern Europe, some people were looking for good excuses to keep their minds off of it. There weren't any big parades like there were in New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro, but there were a few parties going on.
==========
At Fennec Manor, Joanne was hosting a masquerade ball. The costumes needn't be too elaborate. A tuxedo or a fancy dress would have been enough, provided they were also wearing a mask. Compared to other Mardi Gras parties, it was a bit more refined, mostly people drinking from fancy glasses and ballroom dancing. It was one of those upper-crust soirees where the elite go to mingle.
Though there was one particularly noteworthy event during the ball, technically two. During one of the toasts, Joanne had handed Philip a glass of champagne. He was quite surprised when he found a gold ring clinking against his teeth. While it may not be a Leap Day, it was close enough to it and Joanne couldn't see why she shouldn't pop the question first. Phillip would have probably dithered about, trying to find the perfect ring or set up the perfect way to propose. So Joanne took the initiative and set up the engagement herself.
Not to be outdone, Lars had offered Nicole a piece of king cake. It's rather traditional for people to hide little figurines called fève inside king cakes. These figurines usually represented baby Jesus. Those who found the fève were said to be blessed with luck for a year, as well as host next year's Mardi Gras. The way Lars offered Nicole the piece of cake, Nicole had a feeling he had made sure she had gotten the fève. She was rather surprised to find not a plastic figurine, but an engagement ring.
The other guests were quite thrilled about the two engagements. The two couples had been around long enough that some of them were wondering when they were going to get married. Though considering their relations, jokes regarding Philip and Lars becoming 'their own grandpa' were inevitable. Probably the only one who wasn't thrilled was Morgan, who was one of the servants at this party. And she may be displeased now, but she had no idea that part of her four-punishment system would involve her ex-husband and son's double-wedding.
==========
Not everyone was necessarily going to parties, but a few restaurants were serving some Cajun cuisine for the occasion. Many couples who went out today were treated to some delightful delicacies from the Deep South. One noticeable double date were Tuxing and Liao going out with Lenard and Wayne. Both tigresses felt some fancy towards Lenard, who was showing himself to be a very dedicated older brother to Mikey. It didn't hurt that he was a large, handsome Siberian tiger. Wayne may seem less impressive compared to Lenard. But he was so earnest, that they felt like he at least deserved a chance. His impressive climbing during the Zodiac Mountain race helped, even if he wasn't the one who got the crown.
Maybe Wayne felt the need to show off and compensate, which is why he ordered the spicier dish. His bravado didn't quite last very long as he was soon needing to cleanse his palate. Liao thought she could handle that same dish, accustomed as she was to the quite spicy food back home. She was sorely mistaken. Tuxing and Lenard also tried some, but not so much that they had to bolt for the nearest restroom like the other two. It certainly showed that strength of muscles didn't mean toughness of tongue.
==========
Overall, Mardi Gras was a good way to get the livery and debauchery out of one's system before Lent starts. And while March may be starting a little soggy, it might get more pleasant towards St. Patrick's Day.