apocalypsehowcomm | Log - Catch-all for December

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Log - Catch-all for December - Open

Who: Mercy Graves & OTA
When: Throughout December
Where: Around Gloucester
Summary: Mercy meets a new roommate... only to explain she's leaving, converts to become a servant of Pelor, and practices with her dead friend's glaive
Warnings: discussion of character death, mention of grave-robbing

I. Hello, Goodbye (for Rue)
With the Flophouse's repairs complete, Mercy's been eyeing a date to move to the new residence sometime in early December. It's hard to believe this is happening, but with just her and Aelwyn and their ever-revolving third roommates, this feels right. They need to have it just be them, find a little more privacy for the elf to practice and study away from ADI's watch. Mercy isn't going to complain about the lack of curfew that should allow for an easier time where her night-time wanderings are concerned. They've finished the Flophouse, certainly... but more coin could go toward Helping Hands or some other charity. She remembers Kugrash trying to organize getting clothes and blankets for the unhoused people of Gloucester last year. His efforts should carry forward, really.

For now, though, she's sitting in the shared living room with a basket filled with branch holly bush and pine branch sprigs, small pine cones and nuts, and a few hard red berries she'd found growing on some of the bushes. She's busy weaving the materials into a few different crowns. Things keep happening to ruin her efforts toward a Season Changing festival, but by Pelor, she's going to have at least a private celebration for the winter.

She glances up when she hears someone at the door, but turns back to her task, thinking it's Aelwyn returning home. "Welcome back, mine liking. Got a kettle on if you got a taste for some tea to warm you up. It's gone mighty cold out there today."

II. Pelor
Mercy's still not sure about this, but it feels... well, it feels more right than the Spring Tide or Brother Earth do at the moment. It's just before dawn, and she's down on one knee out in front of ADI Headquarters. She's making no effort to be discreet as she's settled directly next to the path leading up to the front door. Her head is bowed in supplication; though, she's not wearing her usual white novitiate scarf atop her head. Just as the first rays of light begin to spill over the horizon she springs abruptly to her feet with a joyous shout and outstretched arms.

"Good morning, Dawnfather!" This is how you worship Pelor, right? She really should have asked Garner more about his rituals. But... well... she's trying. Any god could appreciate that, right?

III. Sparring Practice
The glaive is too long for her. Mercy grits her teeth as it whips to the side of where she wants it to go, sinking into the training dummy's shoulder instead of across its neck. She's not controlling it right, the balance isn't like her shovel. She yanks the weapon out of the dummy and huffs a sigh as she presses the bottom of the shaft onto the ground and just leans there for a moment.

The glaive is too long for her, but she needs to figure out how to wield it, anyway. Garner left this to her. She needs to honor his memory by learning to use his weapon as surely as she's turning to his god. This was wielded by a follower of the Dawnfather, and she will ensure its fearsome legacy is carried on through her. In a moment. She glances to the side toward anyone watching or who might have joined her. "How're you doing over there? That there dummy giving you any trouble?"

IV. Wildcard
Hit me up for more specific plotting at

switalia!

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Well, they are one of the most gracious people Mercy's met here. But then, if they are some manner of divine being... to forgive is a godly virtue. "I'll thank you kindly, Rue, and I'd be happy to tell you anything you need. I ain't- I'm not the most learned person here, but I keep an ear to the ground. Best way to help out's knowing what's going on in the first place."

She finishes with the tea and prepares it to Rue's specifications before carrying it over to the owlbear.

"And I hear we've been having a rough time of it with all the festivities we've tried to have since I been- since my arrival. The changing of the seasons was celebrated in my home world. The coming of winter's meant to be a marker of hard times ahead, but coming together as a community to weather it all. There's no survival without accord. Whether that's other people and food stores or an understanding with the snows and animals and trees that'll keep you and yours through the longer nights.

She goes back for her own tea as she explains. "We have a big party and name the season, as well. Or... well, the Abbot or Abbess is meant to do that. Whether it's a call back to what's happened the previous season or a hope for the one to come. I seen the Winter of the New Pass when there was terrible floods in the autumn that washed out all kinds of trails and forced us to build something into the start of the snows. Winter of the Pumpkin Pasties was my favorite naming we ever had. The pumpkins just about overrun the fields and the stores were full to brimming with them to see us through. I think I had pumpkin every way you could that year."

Honestly, if Rue had any inclination that Mercy thought they were some sort of divine being, they'd feel quite flattered! Especially considering that most humans tend to view the owlbear only through the lens of fear.

It warms Rue's heart that Mercy doesn't seem to be flinching at their every movement, that her eyes aren't following Rue's talons and beak as if she's afraid of a surprise attack.

"Oh! Winter of the Pumpkin Pasties is quite a lovely theme." They accept their tea with a warm word of thanks before continuing. "I've hosted many a season's end party. I admit, that mine were mostly used as excuses to get drunk and act a fool by many a fey, but the intent behind them was always about celebration and thanks. If I were to help you out, I'd want to do so keeping true to your memories of festivals past. If we were to prepare for a winter festival, what name would you give it? What has this autumn so far meant to you?"

Edited (i know what season this thread started in) 2022-12-24 00:58 (UTC)

For a moment, Mercy's smile falters. What has the autumn meant? Fear. Death. Loss. Dogtown's growing threat, Garner, her faith in the Spring Tide. But that's not all it's been, has it? She forces herself to take a sip of tea and think on kinder things. "It's meant... it's meant finding out who the most important people are to me and connecting with them in ways I ain't thought I could. It's meant restoration... of places and even some people. It's meant doing as much good as we can when we're facing awful things... and holding fast to the friends you still got."

Another breath as she touches burn scars that mar her cheek and stretch down her neck, disappearing beneath the collar of her top. "Autumn's been hardwork and sacrifice in sweat and blood, and forging new paths through a world that's been changing and making itself more a threat. For the winter, I think... something to look forward to? The Winter of Kindled Flames. Whether that's warmth in fire or in friendships. They say the things here, their evil gods, ain't--don't--got anything to fight them, but they're based on fear. And fear falls when it's faced with bonds it can't break."

Even without a mouth, Rue's gentle, warm smile is easy to see in their eyes. Though Mercy is speaking about her own recent experiences, the owlbear can't help but find themselves in agreement. Those connections are truly the pieces that have mattered the most to Rue these last few weeks and those are exactly the things they will take into the new season holding high above the rest.

They settle back into their chair - carefully, not all human furniture is always owlbear accessible - sipping from their tea and watching the young woman work through her own thoughts. Already, she reminds Rue so much of Binx.

"I find myself feeling exactly the same way. The last season has been a very important one to me, not just for myself but the relationships I've been forming. I find those relationships are becoming the most important thing to me, something I want to treasure and watch grow." And then there's the ones that Rue most desperately wants to rekindle, even if that's beyond their reach in this place.

They watch the way Mercy touches her scar, no judgement or question in their gaze, just that same kind understanding.

"Then that is exactly what we should reflecting going into the new season. Please, you must tell me everything you have planned." A beat, their claw tapping gently against the cup. "Though we can always dive into the whole of it later. Whenever you like, I am amenable. My experience and my help is always at our service. For now, perhaps, I can help you with your flower crowns and we can simply get to know one another better?"

"I'd rightly appreciate any help you can give. I'd be honored by it!" To have the hand of a godlike being in a season turning festival would be truly spectacular. That also means this is going to have to be much grander than her original intentions. She needs time to think up things that might be feasible, so she's relieved when Rue gives her that out.

"But you're right. You're just starting out here and there's lots to talk about that... that isn't party planning. We can start there while we work." She sets down her tea and motions to the supplies spread out on the table. "I don't have any specific pattern I was using. Just trying to make each of them look a little different so folks can feel special wearing them. Had a notion I'd make about 30. Even if folk don't end up coming to the festival, I can hand them out at ADI headquarters. Brighten a few days with something fun and fancy to wear.

"You said you had questions when you come--came--in, though. You been kind as you like, and I'm happy to answer what I can."

"What a lovely idea. I can't think of anything that would make me happier than to work alongside of you to brighten the days of those living here. Thirty sounds like a perfect number to begin with, Lady Graves."

Even with their claws, Rue is surprisingly dexterous and gentle for a creature their size. They've spent millennia putting together the finishing touches on all of their events, though it's been a long time since they've weaved a flower crown by hand, the motions will certainly come back to them quick enough.

"Oh, well. I'm afraid that as far as questions go, I have many. This place is foreign to me. Not just in location, but in technology and culture and just about everything, I imagine. Even the manner of dress and speech, I feel a little out of my element. I'm grateful to have arrived with my beau, I can not imagine trying to face this world alone. Would there be a good place where I could learn such little things, do you think? There's so much for me to catch up on."

Mercy is well impressed with the dexterity Rue has. They seem far more graceful than her, even with Granny teaching her to write beautiful letters for death announcements. She admires the work for a moment before flushing and getting on with things herself. She can't just sit here gawping at someone else being busy. Granny and Mama would tan her hide for that sort of rudeness.

"Oh, it's all difficult to understand at first. You got that right. There's-There are folks dedicated to helping us learn, though. You might want to talk to Ms. Cortana. She's a lady who's lit up all in blue at ADI HQ. She gives lessons on how to work with technology. Clothes is... mm... Well, I got a sewing machine to my name. If you wouldn't mind none-if-if you would not mind coming with me to a shop to pick out fabrics and patterns, I could help on that front. I don't think there's much in the shops here that would suit you." Size-wise, certainly. "And folks don't barter for goods. That's something I learned early on. Whatever it says on the little tags they got, that's what they're asking for. Won't take anything else."

"How fascinating!" If Rue catches the young woman staring, they don't make it known, happy to save Mercy from further embarrassment. "I most appreciate knowing that. The value of gold in the faerie realm means so little, I never would have guessed the value of a human dollar to be so significant. But I shall keep that in mind. No more trading for owed favors."

Rue takes a bit of holly to work into their crown, humming softly to themself as the shape begins to take form.

"You are too kind, little one. I imagine you'd be quite right, there so rarely is anything that fits me without a great deal of tailoring, but that's why I long since learned to make my own clothing. I just hope I won't be so woefully out of fashion while I catch up on local trends. Would you be willing to shop fabrics with me another day? I'm always happy for a second opinion."

"Of course! I been getting used to that myself. Thing I seen- The fabric I've seen the most of is something called... 'jean.'" She pouts her lips in thought. "There's some left over from a pair of trousers I made for a fellow not too long ago. I can show you. It's nothing so fine as your dress. Seems like everyone's dressed for hard labor a lot of the time, but they ain't going to work the fields.

"For any accessories or the like you buy in the shops, as well, be careful to check the quality. I don't mean to speak ill of them, but some tailors here don't take pride in the craft when it's big stores. The hemming don't come out looking right sometimes. Some folk have told me it's actually machines making clothes in some places, rather than people. And that's why the quality ain't- why it's poorly."

"Jean..." The word sounds so strange on Rue's beak, they can't even begin to imagine what such a fabric would look like. "You're so right. How strange they dress! It's such a departure from what I'm used to, where your best, most expensive clothing is always expected for every gathering. But I frequently see humans in flannel shirts or leggings or even their own pajamas out in public! It's fascinating."

Though Rue doesn't completely mind it. Seeing the shifting fashion, following these new trends, they enjoy seeing just where this new knowledge can be brought into their current wardrobe.

"Truly?" Rue's claws gently set aside a beautifully weaved crown, already reaching to begin another. "Selling poor wares is common in this place? Do these people take no pride in their products?" They scoff, the soft feathers of their neck puffing up and ruffling at the very idea. How ridiculous. "I will be careful of what I spend my funds on. I think I should like to try a sewing machine, simply to see how it works, but by hand seems the most reliable method."

"Oh! I got a sewing machine. Happy to let you try it out 'fore me and Aelwyn head over to Ms. Bonnie's. It was a strange thing to figure out how to use. Threads going every which way through it, but it's fast and if you do it right and careful-like, it's good quality. Thinking the tailors in them big shops are more concerned with getting things out in bulk than getting things that'll hold up and suit the folk they're clothing."

She shakes her head slightly. "That's some of the bad stuff, mind, but they got lots of wonderful things here, too. Chocolate! Have you had chocolate before? I only ever tried it a few times at special occasions. That's precious goods in Evergreen. Here, you can walk into any shop and buy pounds of it, if you want."

"Why, I would love that! Thank you for the offer, dear. If nothing else, it will be something new and exciting to try!" Even if so much of Rue's future feels up in the air while they adjust to this new world, they are making a silent vow to continue to push themself to try as many new things as possible. It would be so easy to get caught up in doing what they know, boxing themself in to what makes sense, but that is exactly what Rue has done for the last few millennia.

No matter how silly or frightening, they want to experience everything this place has to offer.

"I have. Do you enjoy it very much?" Rue has so far felt at such a disadvantage compared to most of the people brought in to work for ADI, but at least with Mercy, even Rue has perhaps just a touch more experience than she does at times. The thought is darling. "Have you ever seen a chocolate fountain? I've used quite a few for events I've hosted, they are quite the sight to see!"

"Oh, it's lovely! Only can have it in small bits 'fore it sets my teeth to aching, but it makes you feel like a queen having it all right there. My big brother, Colm, he'd lose his mind in a place like this. Got a sweet tooth that fills up his whole mouth sometimes. I think he'd lose himself in some of the candy shops they got here." It aches, talking about him, but the pain isn't so sharp as it was a year and a half ago.

"But a chocolate fountain? That sounds like magic! Is it like for hot chocolate? Stick a mug under it for a pint?"

The more time they spend together, the fonder Rue grows of this darling girl. Her enthusiasm is infectious.

Finishing off another flower crown, Rue sets it aside and turns their attention softly on Mercy, smiling with their eyes.

"No! It's not too hot, just warm enough to remain running smoothly in the fountain. Usually, we dip things into it. Strawberries or shortbread cookies, like a little chocolate dip to add with anything you like. We must find one here! Perhaps when you settle into your new home, we can throw you a housewarming party. A chocolate fountain would be the perfect addition there!"

That's magical in its own right. "That's even better!" She waves the crown in her hand for a moment. "And they got all kinds of fruit and cookies here, too. More'n I ever seen at the markets or even at some of the festivals all in one season. They got folk shipping things in from all around so they got variety. There's second-hand shops around here. Wonder if some of them might have that kinda thing.

"Feels strange for a house-warming when I'm moving into a building shared with other folk like this one, but a little get-together down in the common areas'd be right nice. Very nice, I mean."

She'll happily regale Rue with stories of fixing up the Flophouse over the past several months, making use of everyone's different skills for repairs and retrofittings, the murals Mr. Neal has painted on the interior walls to give the place more character. She leaves out how she'd helped to acquire some of the funds. Eda knows something of her grave-robbing activities, but that's not for polite company. And she's happy to answer any of the owlbear's questions about ADI and the world they've been thrown into, as well, working away at the flower crowns until they've run out of supplies.

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Log - Catch-all for December - Open

I'm so sorry for the delay. My brain decided to say NO to all tags for a stretch there.

its so fine!! <3

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