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

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."

[graveyounglady]

"I'd say you're right, Your Grace!" Mercy's relaxing by one of the firepits and motions for Rue to join her. "Folks seemed like they enjoyed it, which is the real marker. You have fun, yourself? You been running around the whole time."

Not that Mercy can much talk. She'd been keen to help everyone with the sportier side of events and she's feeling the pleasant burn of a good bit of physical exertion. She'll sleep soundly tonight... perhaps chase away some of the nightmares that plague her.

[ruevealing]

Rue laughs, nudging the young woman in the side gently.

"Oh hush! Please, you must call me Rue. You and I are of the same standing. Besides, we are friends, are we not? After all of this, we are much too close for that."

Putting together a festival from nothing, that is bound to bring two people together stronger than anything else ever possibly could.

"I believe that I did. To be honest, I feel most revitalized. I hadn't even realized how much I missed this."

[graveyounglady]

Her smile is playful as she takes the nudge without complaint. "Aye. Last few times I tried getting something like this off the ground, something ended up messing with the village or all of us. Glad it finally came off. Know it's too much to hope we can do this every season turning, but... I think I'd like it if we could try again for something like it in October, 'round the time my people's- Brother Earth's holy days is. I ain't... one of his no more, but it's something me and my family always celebrated when I was growing up.

"Missed it the last few years with all the nonsense we got on around that time. Seems like the Fates got smile where your hand touches, though. Gave us a nice day and now fears trampling through the festivities."

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.

[graveyounglady]

Mercy whistles and nods her head, clearly impressed. She's only seen one other person that good with a ball. What would Ciaran have thought of Eda? The question has her chuckling as her musings are cut short.

"Naw, they ain't alive, near as I know. Mind you, if one of 'em starts getting a mind of its own about where it wants to go, I'm ready to scare it into submission. I don't want no rogue balls for the game." She wags her finger playfully at the ball.

"You got campball with living balls, though, Ms. Eda? Never heard of nothing like that."

[edalyn]

The first comment gets a little snort, and Eda has a fleeting thought about making some kind of joke to the effect that maybe they shouldn't be scaring anything--but she decides against it.

"Well, not campball," Eda says with a shrug. "Grudgby. You can touch the ball," she adds, setting it spinning on top of an index finger, just to show off a little more.

"And you can use magic." Which means she can't really force people to play it with her here, at least not that version. "And the balls we use have eyes. Sometimes they do get ideas, if you're not careful."

[graveyounglady]

"Grudgby? Sounds like you're rowing with the other folk you're playing against. Mercy considers that and taps her lips. Maybe you can teach me a little bit of it? Got a few folk I wouldn't mind stomping in a little match." Her eyes cast toward Hickey, in particular, where he seems to be lurking and practicing. She's trying not to let her distaste for the man color things, but he's one of the few here she doesn't have a very good opinion of.

Anyone who disparages Garner's name has the blackest mark in her book.

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?"

[graveyounglady]

That's a voice she hasn't heard in a long while, and it's one that fills her will a surprising amount of dread. Mercy turns quickly from the grave, and pull on a smile. Jeff. Jeff's back! That's right, she'd seen him slinking in and out of Bonnie's. And he's nice, as she remembers. Most of the time. Yes. Just... She pushes away the memory of that wild dance and losing herself to his music. That's nothing about him, just her head playing tricks, she's sure.

As she turns and stands, Jeff will have a clear view of her face. Burn scars marr the side of her face, extending down to her neck. They look old, though, rather than something fresh.

"They always talk back if you're listening right." She taps the side of her head. "You can hear 'em in the wind and the leaves. The snap of a branch. Folks down below are all around us here in the soil and the plants. Only gotta listen to them to get a sigh or grumble.

"Welcome back, Mr. Jeff. Ain't seen you in a spell and ain't had a chance to say hello with all the planning me and Rue've been doing for the festival. You here for that?"

[cacophonish]

There it is, that tang of fear, sharp and sweet in the air, and for a moment, Jeff looks at Mercy like a cat watching a mouse-- wait, he's vegetarian, hang on.

Like she's a particularly ripe piece of fruit.

There's something bright and attentive in his gaze, like he's not looking at Mercy, exactly, but rather like he's trying to stare into her, then--

His expression softens into something warm and friendly, as he puts the mask of the sweet, vapid burnout back on his face.

"Right on." He looks up and around them, as if he can see ghosts flitting about in the wind. "Mm... Kind of comforting, I guess." He manages something like a serene smile as his gaze drifts back down to the girl and lingers at the scars on her face. This is his first time seeing them, like, really getting a chance to see them, so hey, can you blame a guy for being curious?

And then his gaze shifts, just so, as if he'd never been looking at the burns at all. Staring's rude, after all, and he'd never do that.

"Yeah, I mean, you know me. Can't say no to a party!" He gestures around them vaguely. "But I kinda wanted a breather, so." You know. Here he is. "Guess you'll be around Bonnie's a lot more now that this is done, huh."

[graveyounglady]

She lets it slide. She let's everything slide. That look, the too-attentive gaze. If she pretends she didn't notice it, doesn't acknowledge what she's seen, then she might still be safe. Which is a terrible thing to think about the nice boy smiling at her now. Mercy grins right back. She's always been fairly good at masking her negative emotions when she has a need to.

"Sure will. What do you think of the renovations we done since you been gone? Got a little memorial wall we can... probably take your name down from, coming to think on it. Sorry! We didn't know where you'd gone. But- well, where have you been, sir? Rambling around?"

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.

[graveyounglady]

"Rolanberry?" She tilts her head. "Ah! We call 'em strawberries. Don't rightly know why..." A small curiosity. "But it's the fountain, sure enough. Chocolate spilling all outta it. It's great! We don't got nothing like it where I'm from. And talking of, I'm Mercy. Mercy Graves, follower of Pelor."

She offers a polite curtsey. "Haven't seen your face around ADI very much, sir. You just dropped in?"

[wewillwewill]

There are still a few things to learn. Fortunately it doesn't seem using the wrong local name for the berry has caused too much alarm.

"Forgive me, I misspoke. 'Strawberries', is it?" One might as well ask him why they were called rolanberries where he came from. There's always an origin. It's probably not too important. A second bite finishes the chocolate covered berry. "It has a pleasant taste."

"I am Themis Galvus." Though as had been mention earlier, she might know the name he tends to go by in the halls of the ADI. "You may call me Themis." Pelor means little to him, though he gives no indication of this indifference other than the fact he doesn't seem to recognize the name. But that shouldn't be any surprise; on this world alone there are so many religious figures and deities worshipped, let alone those from other worlds.

And Mercy certainly just indicated she is in the know due to her affiliation with the ADI. Elidibus nods his head.

"I have only just arrived in this city. Though I will be employed by the ADI. Both in research and counseling." The latter has taken him a bit more time to be approved and established but he's already begun work in the research department, much to the chagrin of his trainer and desk partner.

"With that in mind, I expect we will see more of one another in the future. What of yourself? May I ask how long you have been in Gloucester?"

[graveyounglady]

"Right you are, Mr. Themis." He might have another name, but if that's the one he's giving her now, it's the one he'll keep until she's told otherwise. Given how ADI seems to assign people names if they're not 'normal,' after all, she can only guess at which is his 'real' one.

"I seen the seasons turn near on two full times since I been here. Been working in medical and dabbling into research when they need a ready pair of hands. It's my sweetheart you're like to run into more for that department, though. Aelwyn Abernant." Her gaze leaves him briefly to spot the other woman in the crowd, and her expression softens for just a moment.

"Counseling, though? That's a mighty hard job around here. Only known one other fellow who took up the mantle, but he's gone now. Ain't dead, near as I know, just disappeared. You do a lot of comforting folk back home?"

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."

[graveyounglady]

"Oh! Sorry about that." Mercy withdraws the strawberry to nibble at it, herself. She looks to the fountain, then back at Cortana. "Is there- maybe it ain't human food, but is there anything you like having? I didn't even think about the folk who can't eat these kinds of things. I'm awful sorry, Ms. Cortana."

[failedpromise]

Cortana laughs. "I cant eat at all, Mercy. It's fine." It really is, honestly -- eating was never the part of being human that she was most interested in.

"Besides, as interesting as taste might be, digestion really doesn't seem worth it."

[graveyounglady]

"Just a natural part of life." She shrugs with a small smile. "Whether it's a gut or the ground doing the digesting. Well, how about a few of the other things, then? You gonna join in for my campball match later? Reckon we could still get them feet of your kicking if that's in the cards."

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.)

[graveyounglady]

Mercy looks up quickly, but there's an easy smile on her lips. "Naw, we got quiet dead around here, near as I can tell." She rises and dusts herself off. "I like your crown. Suits you." Much as all of the crowns suit everyone here. They're some of Mercy's favorite pieces for this particular festival.

"Catching a little breath from the fun and festivities, are you?"

[punched_hitler]

"I kinda want to say that's a good thing," Steve admits, not-so-fondly remembering those corpses that had crawled out of the ocean a couple months ago. "At least, in a situation like this."

But at the compliment, he grins. "Yeah? I'm thinking I have you to thank for it. And, obviously, the rest of it. "He gestures back toward where the festival is in full swing. "I guess I did need a breather, but that's more a me thing than any slight to all your hard work. I've never been to something like this before. It's really something."

[graveyounglady]

"Rue's to thank, as well! I never seen anyone throw themselves at a celebration like this 'cept the Head Cellarkeeper at the abbey when she was tapping the oldest barrels for the annual Ale-ing and Wassailing competition. You want a rowdy party, give everyone a cauldron of ale they gotta finish afore tromping through town singing their hearts out and hoping to win prettiest singer of the night by the end of it." Mercy shakes her head with a quiet chuckle. Gods she... misses that. She misses the community of it.

"Anyroads, it was fun putting it together. Already talking about a next time, maybe 'round October. And maybe a smaller thing for the summer turning. It's nice getting everyone together and not having something strange or terrible happen. Seems like it's been a spell since we managed that."