Network - 04 (Posted on March 15, before the start of the event)

[graveyounglady]

Who: Mercy Graves
Username: mercyme
Warnings: reference to underage drinking

To the Gentlefolk of Other Worlds,

The spring of this world is nearly upon us! The 20th of March will mark its turning, and I would propose a celebration to mark this. I will have flowers and ribbons to weave crowns and fresh bread, berries, and cream to share, along with what alcohol I can carry. At Evergreen Abbey, my home, we would celebrate the turning of the seasons with a grand feast and games from dawn until dusk. I fear I do not have the means to give this to you, but I would like to give you something.

At the end of the feast, the Abbess or Abbot would name the season, as well. I am no one so grand, but I would make a proposal: The Spring of Dawn's Light. For the dawn represents so many things:

Guidance - The dawn will always give us direction when we feel lost. As surely as a stone will fall when dropped from a height, the sun will rise from the east.

A New Beginning - The dawn hails a new day, something that may be different than the one before. We close the chapter of the day before and open something else with the rising of the sun.

And Hope - The dawn is a reminder that darkness cannot stand forever. Light will bleed through, it will kiss the earth and spread across her as a lover. Warm tendrils that invigorate and call waking.

I know that not everyone has inclination to come to the ADI offices, so I would propose the Oval Playground at Centennial Avenue and Harvard Street. It is very near to one of the cemeteries, and I would lay flowers for some of the graves there, on that day of celebration. Those who have died should know the joy of a turning, as well, for they are the soil that feeds us and lets the spring come forth.

I will be there to celebrate from the sun's breaking to its height. Please be wary of the shadows if you come.

May the spring bring life to you and yours,
Mercy Graves

Comments

[abrightboy]

I wasn’t going to die. I was probably going to vomit.

[graveyounglady]

Mr. Malcolm, where I am from, that may be the start of a fever and illness that could kill someone in days. I know I am not so learned as some here, but I have seen such things with my own eyes.

[abrightboy]

I'm aware of that, but where I come from it can also mean you drank too much, ate a bad chicken salad sandwich or came down with a flu. Most of the time, those things don't require hospitalization.

[graveyounglady]

Can you tell me, truly, that you would have been better off physically, had I left you as you were? I cannot speak to your emotions as a healer.
But for your body. As I said, I can promise to ask for another's council before proceeding in future. But if no council is there, I cannot promise to leave you as you are, even if I am in my right mind.

[abrightboy]

I understand.

[He won’t comment on the question of his physical wellbeing. At this point in his life, he both understands and resents its relationship with and impact on his mental health. But it also feels secondary to his ‘emotions’.]

I appreciate that you care. I do. I just can’t have anyone doing THAT to me again. Okay?

[graveyounglady]

All right. I shall do my best to see to your wishes, Mr. Malcolm.

[Which is about the best she can offer.]

[abrightboy]

Thank you.

Do you need any help getting the festival ready?

[graveyounglady]

If you would like to assist in the set-up, I would not turn you away. I have Martin helping with the baking and Mr. Garner offering to carry things along with Mr. Jaskier. Once we arrive, another set of hands to place things out would be welcome.

[abrightboy]

I’ll be there.