Season Turning Festival

[graveyounglady]

season turning festival

winter turns to spring

The Oval Playground, just south of the Old Bridge Street Burying Ground had seemed the perfect place to set up for the Winter to Spring Turning Festival that this get-together has become. It's a grander affair than Mercy had first envisioned, but she's glad for the shift given Rue's help. The air is brisk, the day clear, and colorful tents have been erected on the open green up against the northern edge of the park… not terribly far from the graveyard, if one were to hop a fence. It's no grand city festival, but there are more than a few activities and foodstuffs to catch the eye of those who might deign to drop in for the fun.

Everyone who does stop by will be immediately directed to a table where winter-themed flower crowns can be picked up. Each one is unique and there seem to be enough crowns for any who might want them.

A photo area has been set up with a tasteful background and a variety of Seasonal Props (and just cute or interesting things Mercy and Rue have come across) one may wear or hold: cornucopias, bouquets of flowers, heart pillows, a skull with antlers, and all other manner of odds and ends that seem seasonal to winter or the coming spring. Some of them are a bit more macabre than others.

There is food and drink aplenty to be found within the tents. Nothing excessively grand (or too alcoholic), but set out in a very pleasing array with a chocolate fountain at the heart of the display. A variety of unique and wintry centerpieces are dotted about to add some additional flair.

There are also sign-ups for a Blanket-wrapped Race and Campball with promised prizes for the winners. These come along with another sign-up for a Fashion Show to be judged by Rue and Mercy at the end of the afternoon's festivities. Wear your seasonal best to the festival or step into the Fashion Tent where you'll find an offering of clothes and accessories to help pull your winning design together!

sampling the season

celebration in style

Introduction
Mercy isn't usually nervous about giving speeches. She's spoken to all kinds of people for her work both as an undertaker and as a healer… even as a rebel, after a fashion. But this is particularly important, sharing something with others that's part of her homeland, something that's not technically her right to do. She adjusts the flower crown atop her head, steps up onto a makeshift little platform, and raises her hands for attention.

"Thank you, kindly, friends, for coming out. Me'n- The Honorable Rue and I have been working to put together a little shindig we thought folk might enjoy, something to liven the spirits while we're coming out of this long stretch of dark and cold. Where I'm from, Evergreen Abbey, we got a tradition of celebrating the changing of the seasons. Spring to summer, summer to fall, fall to winter, and winter again into spring. The world is cycles. A deep breath in and another out as the earth, hisself, breathes.

"With a season turning comes a naming. We honor the time we've spent with the past and present even while we look to the future. It's the right of the Abbot or Abbess of Evergreen to name the season, but seeing as we ain't got one of them on hand…" She manages a crooked grin. "I name this the Winter of Kindled Flames. Whether that's warmth in fire or in friendships, both'll see us through to what's ahead." She looks to Rue and steps aside in case the owlbear would like to say their own words.

Of course crowned in their own set of vibrant flowers, Rue’s glamoured countenance beams down at Mercy before they turn their charming smile on the crowd. They wave an arm out - and for any familiar with Rue’s true form, it would be easy enough to imagine the grand flourish their feathery wing would make - directing the attention to them. “My friends, we only ask that you open yourselves up to the true beauty of the changing seasons. It must be said, that although the aim of this festival is to bring some lighthearted reprieve into our lives, it would not behoove of us to simply ignore the fear we have all been faced with as well. But as a wise woman once spoke -” And though it’s quite subtle, Mercy would feel a gentle, feathery paw at her elbow. “‘Fear falls when it's faced with bonds it can not break.’ So please, we welcome you to enjoy the grand festivities planned, while you engage with friends, both old and new.”

I. Flower Crowns and Photographs
A table is set up and regularly replenished with a variety of unique flower crowns that seem to have been handmade. Each is different, featuring little touches of interest here and there, whether in an unusual color combination or arrangement. There are even some supplies in a nearby box and some basic instructions laid out should one want to fashion their own flower crown or add to an existing one. A small sign accompanies the table of crowns, written in Mercy's neat and very old-fashioned looking handwriting:

We weave the world together
And place each blossom bright
To find ourselves the vigor
To carry on our fight
And with each crown we place
Our hearts alight with yearning
We name ourselves the vessels
For joy and season's turning

- Mercy Summermist, Hero of Evergreen Abbey

Not far beyond the flower crown station is a photo point. This place seems to have been set up specifically to provide an excellent opportunity for any person (or persons) to pose for a picture. There are rich cloths draped artfully over some branches of a tree and little lanterns and faerie lights that twinkle in the shade. There are a few logs and stumps that have been rolled over to provide seating or something to stand on for those who might wish to be a bit taller than usual. Off to one side of the photo area, there is a cardboard box filled with all manner of eclectic items. Some of them are sensible and seasonal. Others are just a bit odd. You might be surprised what you find in that box to join you in your photo. The stranger things undoubtedly came from a certain gravedigger, but it's best not to ask where she might have acquired them.

II. Food, Mingling, and a Grave Path
Tables have been set up in some of the tents and out on the green of the park that sport an assortment of foods and beverages. They're mostly the standard platters of fruits, cheeses, veggies, and meats one might be able to purchase at the local grocery store, but they've been arranged on nicer plates. There's one table set up as the central and most prominent display. In the center is a chocolate fountain and assorted dipping items. There are also whimsical candies here from the newest shop in Gloucester that's making an invertebrate splash!

In addition to the tables for food, there are little seating areas that are a combination of chairs and whatever else could be found at Bonnie's and on short notice to serve as seating. These more… eclectic sitting locations are covered by comfy-looking blankets and set up around small fire pits where they're available. Enjoy a plate filled with food or a big cup of hot chocolate or coffee from a nearby drinks station.

For those who are less keen on mingling with others or who just need a moment to themselves, there is a gate leading out of the park to the north and directly into the copse of trees that surround the Old Bridge Street Burying Ground. The graves here date back to the 1700s and some of them look… strangely fresh considering their headstones. Has something been digging here? Have zombies been clawing their way from the earth, itself? Who can really say? There does seem to be a pattern to the graves with turned earth. They appear to be the grandest and most well-preserved headstones in the yard. What curious times we live in!

III. Campball Lessons
"Campball's the easiest thing you ever played," Mercy tells those assembled on the pitch. She has a soccer ball in hand as the closest equivalent to a campball that she could find. "No touching the ball with your hands." She drops the ball down and dribbles it briefly between her feet. "But anything else goes so long as you ain't drawing blood or breaking bones." Her enthusiastic grin might be just a bit too much for the faint of heart. "We got goals set up on either end of the pitch. You can take turns kicking and guarding to start, then move on to running the pitch with the ball. Got some cones set up for you there. Practicing stealing the ball from each other'll be next. Don't be afraid to get a little rough. Or getting sneaky. I seen one team win a match using tricks to keep the other team guessing where the ball actually was."

"The first team to score 5 points is the winner, and we'll take breaks every 20 minutes. We'll try to make the teams even on numbers, and I'll be watching off to the side while you do drills so's we can even the skill out, too."

Those assembled will be unleashed upon the practice pitch in pairs to test their mettle. Occasional encouraging words will be thrown out over the course of the 30-minute practice before everyone is dismissed for refreshments and preparation for the battle game to come. Perhaps you've been lured by the game itself or some curiosity. Perhaps you've been lured by the promise of a free, tailored outfit for each member of the winning team. Either way, there's practice to get to and a campball championship title to be won!

((OOC: Sign-ups for the campball teams are below. Terri will RNG the winning team on March 1st.))

IV. Blanket-wrapped Race Strategizing
The Blanket-wrapped Race is a curious sort of affair. People are asked to pair up in teams of two, one to wrap their partner in the blanket and the other hop, waddle, or roll their way to victory while cocooned. The blankets provided come in a range of sizes to accommodate competitors of different builds, but they're all thick and stiff. There are colorful bungee cords available, as well, a nod to these modern times. Mercy would usually use standard rope, but she doesn't want to make anyone suffer having to figure out knots on the fly.

Instructions are provided that the one being wrapped must have the blanket bungeed to them at the ankles, waist, and shoulders, at a minimum. They'll be checked before they're let off the starting line. Once on the move, the pitch isn't the longest in the world, but to someone wrapped in a blanket, it might seem quite the distance… especially considering the hazards laid out before them. There are down tree branches, patches of ball bearings, and well-hidden trip-wires.

Attentive partners to the blanket-wrapped will run ahead of them to warn of hazards or maybe even move them into the way of competitors who might be behind or ahead of their racing companion. Work with your companion to test different wraps and strategize for your run down the track before the starting bell.

((OOC: Sign-ups for the Blanket-wrapped Race are below. Terri will RNG the winning pair on March 1st.))

V. Fashion Show Prep
“Now remember,” Rue is thrilled to remind those eager to participate in the festival’s impromptu fashion show. “Half of a fashionable presentation is simply being confident. Whatever you end up wearing, as long as you feel most glamorous, you’re certain to leave the judges panel in absolute awe. But having said that, sticking to the seasonal theme will certainly net you a few bonus points in the final tally.”

Those wanting to participate are welcome to use from their own collection or to peruse the clothing racks provided in the changing tents. There’s a little something for everyone in every shape and size, Rue has made certain of that, so no non-humans should be feeling left out if they want their chance to strut down the improvised runway.

The esteemed panel - Mercy Graves, Delloso de la Rue, and Neal Caffery - will be sitting on as the judges this afternoon, each scoring every participant separately only for Rue to round up all of the points at the end of the festivities. Come and show off your own special brand of fashion, dance your way down the catwalk, or maybe come give a friend a hand in the hopes they’ll walk away with the top prize of the evening.

((OOC: Sign-ups for the Fashion Show are below. Mey will RNG the winning pair on March 1st.))

♡

Comments

RNG Sign-ups

[graveyounglady]

CAMPBALL

[graveyounglady]

Select one team for your character to join and post under that!

BLANKET-WRAPPED RACE

[graveyounglady]

Put yourself and your character's team partner together on the sign-up!

FASHION SHOW

[graveyounglady]

Share some pictures or a description of your character's outfit for the judges!

Mercy Graves | OC | OTA

[graveyounglady]

II.a. Food/Mingling
Mercy's ready to enjoy some of the festivities, herself, which is why you might catch her lurking around the chocolate fountain and staring at it, mesmerized, when she's not dipping morsels in. It's clear she's not even hungry after a certain point when she dips a strawberry on a stick into the chocolate and offers it to the nearest person. "There you go! Ain't this just the neatest thing? Rue bought!"

II.b. Grave Path
Mercy's a social person, but she does love a good graveyard walk, as well, and with it being a clear and crisp day, it seems like the perfect sort for a stroll. Her feet carry her to the gate into the graveyard, and she meanders over to some of the grander headstones she hasn't liberated the possessions of, yet, to have a look at them. One catches her eye, in particular, and she kneels beside it to get a better look at the inscription.

"Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise, were you?" There's mild amusement in her tone as she gives the marker a pat. "That's a right good thing to know. Lived a nice long life, too, didn't you?"

III. Campball Lessons
"You need some help there?" Mercy's eagle eyes hone in on a potential player, and there's a fierce smile on her face. "Happy to run you through some of the basics if you need 'em. Campball don't got too many rules. It's more about feeling out where the ball wants you to put it."

Wildcard
Hit me up with any of the prompts! Mercy will be around everywhere at the festival, helping out with anything and everything.

mingles baybee

[ruevealing]

It's late into the day, long after the competitive sports and the fashion show have all come to an end, when Rue slides up alongside of the young woman. Though Rue's glamoured face lacks the warmth and expressiveness of their true feathery countenance, for once, Rue is almost near beaming in satisfaction.

"I'd say that was quite the success, Lady Graves."

III

[edalyn]

"Mm... I think I'm alright," Eda says, grinning as she kicks the soccer ball up onto her foot and then bounces it there a few times before moving it to the other. She's not so much used to the no hands part of this, but she supposes it's not the worst thing.

"Wait," she adds, tilting her head to the side and kicking the ball up to grab it, ignoring how the game works for the moment. She holds it up to peer at.

"Are you just saying that or are these things alive here too?" She thought that kind of thing might be 'weird' in the human realm.

II.b

[cacophonish]

"Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise," Jeff repeats, a light sing-song quality to his voice as he approaches from, eh, wherever. He's not sneaking up on Mercy or anything, but he doesn't bother saying anything to make his presence known until he's standing close by the grave, a few steps behind her. "Sounds like they hit the jackpot," he remarks. "Some of us don't even get one of the above, let alone all three."

There could be bitterness, or self-deprecation, lacing through a comment like that, but in Jeff's case, there's only a trace of laughter.

"You ever expect them to talk back?"

II a, ze food!

[wewillwewill]

Around this time is when Elidibus is collecting a plate of samples to have an excuse to sit and converse with others.

He finds himself presented with a chocolate dipped strawberry on a stick.

"Do you refer to the rolanberry?" he questions as he takes it. "Or the fountain?"

That Rue bought. After a moment's consideration, Elidibus decides to eat the strawberry.

II a

[failedpromise]

Cortana blinks in surprise when the strawberry is offered to her and then, smiling, shakes her head.

"I can't actually eat, you know. Still, the fountain is a nice touch."

IIb

[punched_hitler]

Steve is not necessarily by nature a party person. Of course, he's enjoying the festival - it's nice, not quite like anything he's been to before - but he can't help but "step out" after a while, both craving just a little bit of quiet for a few minutes and curious about the nearby graveyard.

He slows his steps when he comes upon Mercy, though. "I'm not disturbing you two, am I?"

His tone is light, but there's something in it, and in his almost apologetic expression, that says he won't bother her if she wants a little time alone.

(He is also absolutely wearing one of the flower crowns, in blue and white.)

martin blackwood | ota, i'll match your format!

[lowficharm]

i. [flower crowns] stand up straight, talk right, don't let up

[Even though he's not very familiar with them, Martin is finding he enjoys parties. He's gone to more of them here than he has possibly ever at home, and even if he still isn't sure what to do at them, he's having a good time.

Still, however, this means he is taking flower crown selection Very Seriously, because he doesn't want to do something dumb like mess this up with... flowers. Sure. Regardless, he's looking intently- almost worriedly- at the crowns, picking up one and then very gently placing it back down as if it's a loaded gun. Finally, he'll just point to one and turn to whoever is next to him.]

Should I-- this one, you think? Or a different one? I don't want to look-- er. Out of place.

[Martin, you're making it worse just by doing whatever this is right now.]

ii. [food] be funny, be cool, keep running

[Okay. Listen. He's not going to go up to Mercy or Rue who have obviously put so much thought into this and tell them something is wrong, but also Martin can be found staring down the centipede pops like they insulted him, his boyfriend, and his shoes. They're just... bad, okay? They're just bad.

So maybe, if you're watching, you can see him gently slide one off the table and push it into the nearest plant so only a little bit of the tip is sticking out. There we go. No one saw that, probably. Until he turns, sees you, and immediately slaps his hands behind his back.]

Hi! Hey, it's-- great food here, right? So good.

iii. [fashion show] honey, keeping secrets don't matter to me

[Martin's kind of hovering around the fashion tent, not exactly going in but also not... leaving. He seems to be occasionally peeking inside, or sometimes even walking in and out again, staying firmy in the shirt and pants he arrived in. But he's looking. Maybe he just needs a suggestion or a push? At least he'll hold open the flap for anyone who wants to enter like it's his job or something.

Feel free to drag him into a fashion montage or just ask him why he's taken up a post there. He might have answer, or you might just make him sweat a bit. It's fine.]

iv. [wildcard] and i can't sleep

[Want something else cute with Martin?? Hit me up at cancerously and we can figure something out :>]

iii henlo fashion owlbear is here

[ruevealing]

Are you thinking of entering?

[Surprise, Martin, Rue is right there behind you, peering owlishly even while glamoured.]

You should! It's going to be quite the highlight of the festival. And the prize isn't half bad either.

ii

[friendsfordinner]

[ Hickey is literally just here for the food. No fashion, no flower crowns, none of that blanket race nonsense, he is here to stuff his face and eat an entire goddamn plate of those tiny little cheeses.

No bugs, though. It's as he's filling up his plate with nothing but cheese, meat, and fresh fruit, he spots Martin shove that centipede pop into a plant. He lets out a small chuckle before quietly pointing out, ]

Mate, I wouldn't mind if someone 'accidentally' kicked that football into the entire table of insects.

[ Chocolate covered bugs are weird, so says the secret cannibal. ]

i

[cacophonish]

Dude...

[ Jeff picks up a flower crown-- the brightest, cheeriest, boldest one he can find-- and places it on Martin's head. There's a chance it may clash with his outfit, but c'mon, it's not like the fashion police have jurisdiction here, right?

Right.

After a beat, he beams at the man. Look at that, Martin, you're wearing a flower crown and nobody's come out to scold you and tell you it's the wrong one! ]

It's not that serious.

Elidibus | Final Fantasy XIV | OTA

[wewillwewill]

What better way to observe the people than to attend this festival? To get to know and know of, Elidibus will be a presence in the crowd. Games? Fashion shows? Kitschy festival photos? Probably not if he can avoid it. How long that resolve may last is anyone's guess.

He looks like a youthful man in his twenties, classic college age. With silvery white hair to his shoulders and blue eyes with an internal luminance. Though this latter trait is hidden behind sunglasses on this clear day, so one must get close and at an angle to observe it. Winter's end still brings a chill to the air, so he's wearing a white turtleneck, jeans and brown boots. With a lined brown jacket and a backpack, he might as well be the college kid he appears to be.

Those working in the ADI might have seen Elidibus. He's joined the Research Department and been seen talking to HR, in the library, and the canteen since early February. He might be known by 'Elidibus' or 'Themis Galvus' in those environments. Outside of the office, those living in the D building of the company's assigned apartments will certainly have seen a new tenant of D1 coming and going. Whether they know his name yet is another story.


1. Grave Graves

Elidibus does not have the habit of lingering around graveyards without reason. Today he's not even lingering around the graves for the usual reason he might have back home. The recently disturbed earth around very old graves is a curious mystery. Someone has been up to something, but what? And to what end?

It may not even be a mystery Elidibus needs to worry about. But there has been talk of ashkin and while old graves mean less preserved bodies, perhaps someone wasn't picky. There's other possibilities too, such as grave robbers, the need to hide another body or a more official exhumation. Mortals so often had strange sentimentality about where their dead were buried, even on his world.

"I wonder the purpose of this disturbance," someone might hear him say as they pass, walk up or otherwise linger in the same area. To treat it as a rhetoric or a direct question would be entirely up to the listener; Elidibus has spoken up on purpose regardless.


2. Fundamental Food (Open to single or group, note if okay with threadjacking for the latter.)

Sometimes one has to eat. While Elidibus doesn't experience hunger pangs exactly, it seems he still retains some enjoyment in the experience. Besides which, lingering around food tables and not eating would raise some questions. While he's mingling with the gathering near them, a small selection of the offerings have been assembled on a plate. It is far from a lot and probably not what anyone would consider a meal. At least three different chocolate-dipped somethings have found their way into the mix. It's possible two others have already been enjoyed.

Despite his mysterious existence, he also finds the hot chocolate a comforting warmth.

Elidibus then crosses to the seating arrangements. Table or comfy arrangement around a firepit, either are open for approach but he will make sure the place is already occupied even if there are other free and empty spots.

"May I join you?"


3. Merrily...? Mingling

Food and mysterious gravesites aren't the only reason for Elidibus to be found in the vicinity, though he seems to be quick to move past events someone might try to good-naturedly try to pull him into participating. There's a chance he might pause and approach because he overheard- honestly probably eavesdropping but he's quite good at disguising that he was- or became interested in an individual. For the latter there is a simple request. All but expected from a newcomer to the area.

"Pray forgive me for the interruption. Do you have a moment to speak?"


4. Wildcard Waiting

May the gods grant you luck in any endeavors to strongarm encourage or convince Elidibus to participate in any of the key events of the festival. By which I welcome brainstorming ways to get further involved. Much of his reluctance is more because he's a ghost and his original clothes need to stay within ten feet of him (hence the backpack). Or other wildcardy type things that don't quite fit a prompt! PM, maruah or Discord: Everyworker#8128 if interested!

3

[ruevealing]

Sweeping around the park in their extravagant, over-the-top dress, Rue excludes the type of energy that says they're the one keeping everything running smoothly here. So when the question comes, for a brief moment to speak, even though they appear to be on a mission elsewhere, the glamoured owlbear still pauses at the man's inquiry, turning towards him and smiling softly.

"Certainly. How can I help you? Are you quite enjoying yourself?"

delloso de la rue | ota

[ruevealing]

i. [mingling] i had watched you taking in the spring

[Though Rue is happy to step aside and let Mercy bask in the glow of hosting such a delightful festival, the glamoured owlbear is still floating around from here to there at all times, swooping in to fix any problems they see rise up or to gently set any mischief-makers straight.

Glamoured as they already are, Rue's used just a touch of their newly accessed magic to amplify their outfit to fit with the theme, an elegant, champagne-colored dress accented in lines of gold that shine just so when it hits the sunlight. The sleeves that glide so divinely behind them as they move, that almost look like an imitation of their own feathery wings, are covered in that same glimmering gold that stretches out like tree branches across each swooping sleeve, connecting dozens of delicate spring flowers together. Upon closer inspection, the flowers are all living, caught in Rue's magic to blossom over and over again over the course of the afternoon.

Though the dress pools like liquid around Rue's dainty feet, the hem remains perfectly pristine the entire event, untouched by the muddy earth. Rue's hair is pulled up on top of their head into artfully messy curls, a crown of gold tree branches keeping it secured off of their elegant neck.

Though Rue's on a mission to keep the festival on track and running smoothly, they'll absolutely take the time to visit with any familiar faces they spy out among the crowd or to simply engage with anyone looking a little lonesome.]

ii. [fashion fashion] through dusty, sun-kissed bodies wandering

[As an Official judge, Rue can't give too much help to the participants, but if they just so happen to see someone looking absolutely helpless around the clothing racks, they'll just have to step in and lend a hand. Or feel free to flag them down in the case of a true fashion emergency.]

iii. [wildcard] between you and me, as if they don't see this distraction

[ooc: please hit me up if you want a specific prompt from me or go wild here! i'm usually down for anything, but hmu if you have a question!]

i

[friendsfordinner]

[ And this is when Hickey learns that his enhanced senses can help see through glamours! Because as he looks over at Rue, he gets a whiff of that scent of bird and he knows exactly who the tall person in the ostentatious dress is.

And, oddly enough, he can't help but bet a little annoyed by that? There's a pause before he walks over to Rue and asks, ]

Why'd you change your look?

John Carter | ER | ota

[setthetone]

(ooc: will match format if prose is prefered!)

i. mingling

[It's nice, getting out. Having a gathering. Even the flower crowns and the idea of spring are uplifting. While there is a cynical part of him that keeps whispering that it's a waste of time and that he's really not in the mood with all the terrible things going on, there's the other that understands events like this? Are even more important when things are so dire.

Mercy and Rue did good here, he thinks. So even though he feels weary and haunted, he makes an effort to be sociable, finding a spot and a hot chocolate and trying to catch up with people.]

Man, I haven't sat around a fire since I was a kid.


ii. a grave path

[While he knows how to be social and mingle, it's been a trying time and Carter is glad when he can step away for a bit to recharge his batteries. A graveyard isn't exactly his idea of an afternoon stroll, however, so he lingers at the entrance to the grove. That is, until he sees the upturned earth at one grave. Huh. At first he doesn't think too much of it, maybe an animal that...

And then he spots another where it happened too.

He frowns, glancing at the dates on the headstones, at the ground, then moves further into the place while keeping a healthy distance to the actual graves. When he turns back and sees another visitor he winces, realizing he's become a little jumpy.]

Hi. Didn't see you there. Hey, uh, is it just me or do the graves look...

[He's not sure if he wants to say it and he pauses, searching for words that aren't too creepy.]

... like they've been, uh, messed with?


iii. fashion show

[While he's vain, Carter would rather fling himself into every Dogtown trap than walk a catwalk like that. He'll watch with amusement, though, glad that people are having fun and a way to unwind. If he spots a contestant that looks like they need a hand, he's willing to give that, too.]

Hang on, hold still, you need to--

[He'll lean in to fix a collar or smooth a rumpled shirt, maybe even fix broken accessory with a few stitches should the need arise. There. Perfect.]


iv. wildcard

[for anything else that might come up!]

ii. a grave path cw: PTSD, amnesia

[cuttypie]

[It was the last straw.

He can see himself, feeding off Carter's terror, being the worst thing that Carter could see, doing this to him, making him feel this way, destroying his promise and being something dangerous--

--he had enough. It was simply enough and not worth it to even try. He knows what happened to Pyre, and he knows what it feels like when you don't feed, what it does to you, what it takes out. How they feed on you instead.

He's done.

So he met the thing in the mirror one night, using his ability on himself, and saw...himself.

And he gave it up. Being an Avatar, all of it.

But it came at a price and he gave up an important part of who he was. He woke up without any memory and ability of his medial knowledge, and he was no longer a doctor. And he knows that he can never be again.

He should have told Carter right away, but it's been so hard to work up the courage to, after what he...did to him.

Even now, in the middle of a graveyard, he almost runs away instead of talking to him. He was a little shy around crowds now, still skittish after what he'd done, who he'd been, not used to not being...dangerous around them...

...plus seeing Carter, after all that had happened. How badly had he ruined things?

He remembers their date, wonderful it was, it hurts to think he might never have that again.

But here is Carter, and he needs to tell him even if just to tell him he cannot work as a doctor anymore.]

I think someone has dug things up.

[It's low, a little shy, awkward. What does he do with his hands.]

Uh...hi. I thought I might find you here.

Not at the graveyard, I mean--just, the festival.

[Great start.]

jeff | ota

[cacophonish]

i. flowers!
Guess who shows up, dragging Tim Drake along with him. If the other boy seems like he'd rather be anywhere but here, don't worry: Jeff's sunny and sociable enough for the both of them! He's humming happily at the flower crown station, making one of his own with sunflowers and accents of lavender and wildflowers.

"How's it look?" He places it on his head, and smiles brightly, before doing a little spin to show off. "You think I can pull it off?"

(Also, if you're hovering nearby, determined to be a wallflower, or refusing to get in the floral spirit, Jeff will absolutely plant a crown on your head like some kind of driveby flower terrorist.)

Later, he'll be helping himself to some snacks-- at least, the vegetarian offerings. No bugs for him, thanks, they go against his (...loose and very questionable...) ethics. You can find him by the bonfires, and when he isn't chatting with people, he's watching the flames, humming or singing softly to himself. If you stare at the fires long enough, or catch it at just the right moment, you may notice faint shapes (like people, or creatures?), or strange movement, manifesting in the flames, there and gone, but-- nah. That's just your imagination, right? Maybe you shouldn't watch too long; it's not good to keep staring at fire like that.

Speaking of things that may or may not escape notice: Jeff's totally avoiding the photo area, and if anyone tries to cajole him into taking a picture with them, he'll laugh it off, change the subject, distract, walk away, playing it totally casual. And if anyone's roaming around the party, playing photographer, Jeff will just make sure he's out of frame, or he happens to be turning away, as soon as the camera's on him.

ii. graves!
Eventually, Jeff can be found walking the Old Bridge Street Burying Ground, an unfocused look in his eyes, as he holds his flower crown in his hands, fingers fidgeting and twisting at the petals, one, after another, after another.

He's thinking about... holes in the ground, paths to places not-here. He remembers rabbit holes in Dogtown, and wishing so badly that he could fall into one and find some unreality on the other side. He remembers dying in Gloucester, magic and blood spilling on a stage, and he's pretty sure he should be in one of these holes right now.

What would've happened to his body, if his death had stuck? How would people remember him? A pitiful tragedy, a cautionary tale. Lived fast, died young, what a waste.

He lets out a short laugh, absolutely fucking contemptuous of the path that could've been (should've been), and yanks a fistful of petals from his flowers, tossing them down on a grave.

"Sucks to be you," he remarks to the headstone, and who can say if he's talking to the corpse laying 6-feet-under, or to the version of him who should be down in the earth with it.

If anyone should approach him, Jeff will immediately turn 'on' again, bright, cheerful, friendly smile lighting up his face.

"Hey! What's up?"

iii. fashion!
Jeff's lurking around the changing tents, looking through the clothes with some mixture of curiosity and yearning. He's not going to do the fashion show. He won't, because it's just the sort of event people will probably be taking pictures at, and you know, he's really trying not to hand out clues that he kicked his humanity to the curb nearly a year ago now.

But-- but--

There's a lot of cool clothes here, and he's never had the cash for anything like this. Not back home, and not in this world. Here he is in thrifted clothes, too big, too ripped, looking like a grunge gremlin from the 90s because, well, he is a grunge gremlin from the 90s, but, like.

It would be cool to play dress up, just for fun.

Jeff picks out a fancy looking gown, holding it up to his chest and smiling playfully, you. know, like he's just joking around.

"Think I could win?"

iv. wildcard
[ go wild, throw anything at me ]

II. Graves cw: mention of zombies, guns, death

[ferriswheelsandfootball]

The last thing he should be doing is standing around a bunch of graves. He can practically hear Elizabeth’s voice, giving him one of her patented looks, or Teyla’s soft disapproval and gentle touch to lead him away. Ronon would prob just drag him over to the food.

And Rodney, well… he’s kinda worried he might actually be around to see him doing this.

But he couldn’t help himself. You couldn’t just come back from the dead and not have a morbid moment to contemplate mortality in the most dramatic way possible. And it wasn’t like he hadn’t come close before. He’s been on the cusp of dying before—multiple times, felt the darkness dragging him away, but it’s different. What happened here was…different. It felt different. It wasn’t just his heart stopping. It wasn’t just his breathing stopping. He felt his life leaving him, and getting stuck somewhere, somehow, in between.

He’d cheated death so many times before and now when it came back to collect what he owed he simply ducked out again, for good.

What does that do to a person?

He stares at a grave, one of the freshly dug up ones and thinks about the zombie that shot him. If he hears that whistling again any time soon he’s gonna run. John kneels down, checking the dirt, letting it fall out of his hands. He would have been here if it wasn’t for the Hunt. If he didn’t say yes to being its minion, its monster, its Avatar.

Also he’s a little worried about the soil disturbances. Are they about to get more zombies? Cause that would suck.

He hears a short laugh and looks up to see Jeff throwing some petals and looking like he was in deep thought.

John gets up, brushing the dirt from his hands, nodding over to him.

“Hey. You okay?”

Malcolm Bright; OTA

[abrightboy]

Food & Mingling

Malcolm is looking better than he has in a while and certainly more lively than he has been since the death of George Milton. He's wearing a brand new ring on his ring finger, a glint of diamond and emerald as he moves his left hand. At the food tent, he nibbles on a sugar cookie before picking up a grape and trying to dip it in the chocolate fountain, eyes going wide as it falls off the toothpick into the fountain. He peers at the murky chocolate trying to figure out how to fish it out without contaminating the fountain. He might have to set down his cookie.

Blanket Wrapped Race

Malcolm and Neal can be found preparing for the blanketwrap race and then competing in it.

Fashion Show

He has to support Rue. They dressed Neal's proposal and will probably be dressing their wedding. He sits eagerly near the stage, waiting for the event to start, and not only because it's nearby the judge's table, where Neal is sitting as a judge.

chocolate fountain

[conning]

Neal walks up behind him as he's inspecting the chocolate, carefully setting a flower crown woven from red roses, forget-me-nots, and little splashes of baby's breath. ...He might have made this one himself.

He's wearing one that he chose off the table, a mix of flowers in various shades of blue that bring out the glacial shades in his eyes.

"Thinking of taking a dip?"

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[For all that he's a comparatively newer arrival, Emet-Selch has been... only mostly reclusive. People who pass by the apartment he shares with Elidibus may well have noticed him going in and out, and those working in either Technology or Research may have seen a tall man with pale hair and sunglasses - introduced as either "Emet-Selch" or "Solus Galvus" - about the place.

For those who have not, he looks no less tall, here, and is still determinedly wearing a pair of sunglasses, though he is also bundled up very thoroughly against the cold (to the best of his ability) and looks faintly displeased about the winter chill besides.]


{IIa: food and mingling}

[Emet-Selch has never much been one to complain about food. True, he certainly has his preferences, but he knows well enough that an occasion like this is hardly going to be catering to everyone's taste, and that it is not fancy is nothing he minds. After all, he has spent more time not involved in anything that would lend itself to fancier affairs, and even had he not he is hardly blind to the fact that this is meant to be a largely informal gathering.

That said, even after he has managed to claim a plateful of food he seems far more inclined to simply settle into to just spend some time watching people rather than actually bothering to mingle, but he does make no few trips to the chocolate fruit - and seems to largely favor fruit when he does so.]

{IIb: Grave Path}

[For all that Emet-Selch cannot, currently, even so much as tell if there is an aetherial sea present on this world, he cannot entirely help but feel like he ought to know at least something of the general funerary systems of this world. Even if they should be not dissimilar to those of his own, and while he might not have any responsibility for the dead of this world... he is still Emet-Selch, and that duty has ever been a hard one to truly shake.

Plus he's curious, and between one thing and another he does eventually drift his way over to the gravestones. Nor does he seem particularly amused at the disturbances he finds there.]

I would assume this to be not typical of this sort of place?

{III: Campball}

[Sports are not, typically, the sort of thing Emet-Selch tends to indulge in. But after some nudging on behalf of his colleague (who has chosen to remain on the sidelines) he has indeed taken to the field. Admittedly, he's done his best to find himself in a position where he has to do as little running as possible, but regardless of where he should find himself he should find himself, he gives his absolute best to situation.

(The potential reward of a tailored outfit may, in fact, have been the deciding factor, though he is unlikely to say as much.)

In light of the fact that the activity is a little more involved than most others, however, he has chosen to remove his sunglasses. Which means that anyone who happens to get close enough to him will in fact be able to notice that his eyes are not only a distinctly unusual color but also seem to be glowing faintly.]

{V: Fashion!}

[Once his impromptu foray into sports has concluded, Emet-Selch instead turns to his favored pastime - people-watching. Or rather, settling in to observe the fashion show, his sunglasses once again back in place. That it also serves as a sort of information gathering definitely doesn't hurt, even if it's little more than a general sense for the people present and the sorts of things they might otherwise get up to with what they have and what has been offered for communal use.

There are even some few nods from his end, enough to suggest that he approves of at least some of the outfits that are being shown off.]

iii, campball

[friendsfordinner]

[ Hickey isn't a jock, per se. But he's gotten used to games of football with the men on the ice, while Terror was frozen in, before everything went to shit. And since this is proper football, not the bastardization that Americans call football, he's found that he's halfway decent at campball.

His teammates on the other hand... ]

Oi! [ he yells at Emet-Selch, not bothering to hide the annoyance on his face. ] The rules of the sport aren't stand around and look at the sky! If you're not sweating by the end of this, you're doing it wrong.

[ Does Hickey care about sports? No. Does he want to win? Yes. ]

Luka Kovač | OTA - Will Match Format!

[cuttypie]

I. Flower Crowns:

[Luka's never tried on a flower crown before, but he picks up a particularly bright and cheerful one, inspecting it before going to see if he can make his own.

There's something sad about his smiles, but he seems to be putting on a good face, and besides, he really does need to find something else to do, either a hobby or a job since giving up being an Avatar robbed him of his medical knowledge.

But it was worth it.

You may find Luka deep in concentrating, trying to string a couple of roses together and some twigs. It's not going very well, and the flowers fall apart in a burst of red petals. He should be good at this kind of thing, but maybe losing his medical knowledge affected this, too? Or maybe he just sucks at arts and crafts.]

I'll get the hang of it soon enough.

II. Foods:

[There's a chocolate fountain.

Luka stands in front of it, taking several sticks and several dipping items and deciding that he simply must try them all.

Some of them all at once.

You can fit five marshmallows at once on a skewer, right? Luka might find someone staring at him and he'll laugh, sheepish.]

Are you waiting your turn? I'm sorry!

III. Fashion:

[Luka is very shy, but he also loves costumes. While he's not entirely sure if he can be persuaded to go on the catwalk himself, he'll hover around here and there, talking to people and admiring their choices. There's a part of him that is kind of tempted to try things out himself. He digs through the racks and finds something ornate and velvety, that looks like a duke from the 19th century would wear in some historical drama.]

What do you think? Would this be too much?

Eda Clawthorne | The Owl House | OTA

[edalyn]

Food and Mingling

a)
Eda can be found idly leaning on a hand at the table with the chocolate fountain. Instead of the items specifically meant for it, what she appears to be dipping are some of the already-candied insects from Bumble Gum.

She tosses one into her mouth and crunches happily, regardless of whether this seems to be bothering anyone. Well, she might be being a little more obvious about it, if it seems to be.

“It’s nice finding some food that isn’t weird here,” she comments, sounding completely sincere about this.

b)
As much as the festival is fun, it’s also a lot. While she’s been socialising more since settling in to Gloucester, it’s still not her favorite activity. She’s partly at the festival to support Rue–how she wound up with a close friend who’s this much of a social butterfly is anyone’s guess, because she certainly can’t explain it.

At more than one point throughout the day, she decides she needs a little bit of time to sit, and, if not avoid people entirely then at least be somewhere that isn’t terribly noisy.

She can be spotted sprawled on a blanket near a fire pit, sipping hot cocoa or, perhaps, providing a little ambiance by picking away at soft tunes on her cithrinchen.

Campball Lessons

Eda hasn’t had an excuse to dust off her sports skills in a while. This may not be the game she used to excel at, but it’s still an excuse to kick a ball around and she’ll take it.

She’s idly switching between kicking said ball around the space and bouncing it on her feet and occasionally knees. Right now she seems like she’s mostly getting a feel for the weight, and the whole not using her hands thing. Or perhaps she’s just remembering that having something like this to play with constantly is relaxing for her.

Unfortunately, it’s probably a lot less relaxing for anyone else in her vicinity. She grins when she spots someone she knows–or maybe even someone who she doesn’t.

“Think fast!” And with that she sends the ball right towards their head.

Fashion Show Prep

For someone who certainly talks enough about how good she looks, Eda seems perhaps surprisingly uncertain about the fashion show.

Maybe it’s a case of stage fright; maybe she still feels a little silly in some of the fancier outfits a certain owlbear has been adding to her wardrobe lately.

Namely, at the moment, a flowy, dark blue dress with a pattern of golden branches across it, currently paired with a crown of small red flowers, woven leafy branches and a few feathers perched on her recently-cut hair. The feathers look like they come from something at least loosely related to an owl.

She’s hanging around the tent looking undecided about all of this nonsense. Maybe someone should talk her into–or out of–entering.

Wildcard!

Throw me any starter you want or hit me up for one. Ilya#4143 necromancatrix

Campball Lessons

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus hadn't intended to participate in the game. Or the lessons for that matter, but he was still lingering around since Emet-Selch had been convinced to do so. Loosely on the sidelines, he might very well have been looking like a person who deserved to have a ball kicked at their head because they refused to participate in something fun like sports.

So clearly it's okay that Eda does so and at least she calls a warning.

Elidibus also knows the sport is not something you're supposed to use your hands for. Unless you're the goalkeeper? Or was that the local 'soccer' variation? He reacts quickly, in part because he's observant and also because of Eda's call, resulting in catching the fast-traveling ball with gloved hands.

There's clearly a moment where he considers simply throwing it back and bowing out. Instead Elidibus approaches Eda.

"Were you in need of a practice partner? I do not intend to participate, though I would not mind aiding you for a time."

Aelwyn Abernant | Fantasy High | OTA

[dangerousmind]

I. Introduction

[Aelwyn grins when Mercy stands up and gives her speech, sipping from a mug of hot chocolate. There's a glimmer of pride and affection, which is common whenever Mercy does anything really, and for once Aelwyn feels more willing to let the warmth spread to her own horrid little heart.]

She really pulled out all the stops. [They both did but she's here for her girl.]

II. Flower Crowns

[She can be seen a bit later, trying a flower crown on. It reminds her of Penelope, and for once she doesn't feel so against that concept. It doesn't make her feel guilty or sad or angry or spiteful. She adjusts it on her head and looks at whoever she knows nearby.]

Wanna get a photo?

III. Graves & Food

[The attention brought towards the graves being disturbed... worries her a little. She does her best not to react to any of it beyond a vaguely concerned hum.

Yes, zombies are certainly a possibility, of course. She can make doubly sure using magic, if it comes to that, since this is a grave potential threat.

She wishes she had the magic to make the grass grow over the dirt so everyone would shut up about it. She might be snacking on some chocolate strawberries when she's found sat upon one of the graves, watching the guests with something approaching caution or skepticism.

Come see what's up?]

II

[bossyboiler]

Kate has picked a simple flower crown for herself. When Aelwyn asks her if she wants a photo, she stops adjusting her hair around the crown. (Vanity! Thy name is Kate.)

"Yeah. Sure."

Urianger - OTA

[archonloaf]

It's hard to believe he's been here over a month now. There's an almost comfortable routine to his days in research (almost, because sharing a desk with a Paragon doesn't feel like the sort of thing that should ever become comfortable), and it's likely other people will have seen the too-tall pointy-eared eccentric going about his business. Given his interest in folklore and myth, though, there's no way he's going to miss this Spring Turning Festival, even were it not also supporting Rue (who has been so terribly kind) to be here.

Unlike Elidibus he isn't quite as willing to compromise on the 'robes' thing as long as it remains merely eccentric and not actively censure-worthy, having so relatively-recently embraced a very particular aesthetic and begun, for the first time since childhood, to feel remotely comfortable in his skin, and it's to that aesthetic that he clings today, in defiance of the cold - a simple black smock with suns and stars picked out in silver, perhaps just ever-so-slightly flouncier than the versions of the same thing he wears about the office.


[FLOWER CROWNS]
He inspects them carefully, as if the choice is Terribly Important and not something to be done lightly; the plants are a mix of similar-enough and totally unfamiliar, and the craftsmanship merits appreciation. There's one, though, that draws him, the blend of pink-and-orange-and-blue (almost, but not quite, garish) close enough to the hills of Lydha Lran to make him woefully nostalgic. If he closes his eyes, he can almost picture himself back in the Bookman's Shelves, pixies laughing at how terribly clever they are to have 'pranked' him with hot leaf water and biscuits, Thancred trying to make whatever dangerous foray he's just returned from sound terribly dull, Ryne stretched out on the carpet with a book interjecting just enough to render those efforts moot...

... and now he's just daydreaming awkwardly between you and the crowns, and whether it's a touch or a polite cough or just proximity that snaps him back to the moment he's terribly sheepish about it, setting the crown back down and stepping aside.

"My apologies; which dost thou favour?"


[WILDCARD]
He's here, he's one giant nerd much comfier spectating than participating, and I'm going to throw him at a bunch of things but please have at him or hit me up via Discord (CogGirl#2029) or Plurk (CogGirl)

Flower Crowns

[bossyboiler]

She had cleared her throat. It had been the polite way of getting his attention back to the ground and out of the clouds.

When he comes out of his daydream she smiles and points to a simple white crown. "I've been eyeing that one. Some of them are a bit too ostentatious for me." Plus, a lot of them would totally clash with her outfit.