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

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.

GOOD GET HIS ASS

[lowficharm]

[For being a Big Guy, Martin still acts like a mouse when spooked and looks like he's about to jump out of his skin. Instantly he whirls around, hands behind his back like he's been caught in the cookie jar, a nervous laugh barely escaping through his teeth.]

What? Me? No, oh-- oh gosh, no, I wouldn't-- I'd probably look terrible, I mean, I'm not a fashion person, I-I mean, look at me.

[He halfway gestures to himself, but mostly to his belly.]

[ruevealing]

[Martin, Rue will kick your ass. (affectionate)]

Speaking from experience as one full-bodied figure to another, I assure you that fashion has nothing to do with being skinny. Truly, there's nothing at all wrong with the way you are shaped, just as there's nothing wrong with my shape either.

[And just to prove a point, Rue is just going to come around the rack and elegantly flick through the various outfits until they find something meant for a figure like his, a pale lavender suit with just a dust of glitter over the square shoulders and an obnoxiously adorable bowtie dipped in that same sparkling glitter. They push the hanger right into his hands.]

If you change quick enough, I can even make a few quick adjustments before you go on.

[because like, he's definitely going on.]

[lowficharm]

[No, kick his ass. Kick his ass so hard. He sputters near immediately, words happening and not happening at the metric speed of sound.]

I didn't-- I mean, that wasn't about you, i-it, you look lovely all the time, I'm j-- on? Me? On the--

[He takes it, because it's in his hands now, but his face is going bright red.]

I-- I can't go on stage. People don't look at me. I mean, it-- they-- shouldn't, no--

[martin.exe has stopped and needs to reboot]

[ruevealing]

[Rue's stare could bore a hole right through him.]

Martin -

[But they lift a paw to his shoulder, careful of their unseen talons, tipping close enough that he'd be able to feel the warmth of their true form beneath the glamour, feathers brushing against him.]

I believe in you. And if people are not looking at you, then we shall give them a good reason to finally look, won't we?

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. ]

[lowficharm]

[He jumps just slightly when he hears someone addressing obviously him, putting his hands behind his back as he stands awkwardly in front of the plant. Oh, wait, thank god this guy's agreeing with him, hot fuck.]

Okay, it-- I don't want to, you know, ruin anyone's fun necessarily, but-- I mean look at them who wants to put that in your mouth?

[Not everyone has bug trauma like you, Martin,]

[friendsfordinner]

Right? [ Hickey sighs. He gives the table a frown, as if the bugs will somehow jump up and swarm them before pointing out, ]

Also, they're bugs. Since when has anybody ever said 'oh boy, a bug, that looks delicious, I want five of them.'

[ He judges and he judges profusely. ]

[lowficharm]

[It's okay, he's also a little bit of a catty bitch and this has been building up for a while.]

I know, right? I know there are like-- other cultures and places that eat different things, but it's just-- who can do that here after seeing all the bug stuff??

[Especially since this bug stuff popped up out of nowhere, and in Gloucester that means it absolutely cannot be trusted.]

[friendsfordinner]

[ Hickey nods sagely before pointing out, ]

Those bugs probably came from a person.

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.

[lowficharm]

[Well, the fashion police might considering Rue is running part of this party, but they're not here and it's also not what he's worrying about here. Martin blinks for a moment, looking a bit up to his head before he lifts it off to take a look again.]

You don't think it's too-- I don't know, too much? I don't want to take something someone might really like, or, I guess-- I don't know. Be too much for... me?

[The residuals of a man who got within two steps of being a Lonely avatar, everyone.]

ii

[graveyounglady]

Aye!

[Mercy's smile is bright and knowing.]

So good you're sharing it with our cousins in the soil, Mr. Martin? Ain't never fed a plant sugar before. You reckon they like it?

[lowficharm]

[Mercy's greeting almost makes him jump clear out of his skin, whipping around to face her as he grips his hands behind his back and puts on the most awkward smile. No, he wasn't destroying your party!! It's fine!! At least he can bullshit his way out of this one.]

Oh, uh-- they do, actually! You're supposed to feed plants sugar water, you know, it-- it's good for them. Helps them grow.

[See, that's totally what he's doing. Helping.]

A-And you know, when bugs decompose it, it helps the soil! So! It'll love it.

[graveyounglady]

Mmhmm...

[She takes a step closer to him, continuing to smile.]

Now, you wouldn't go fibbing at me, Mr. Martin, would you? You're a better boy than that.

[lowficharm]

Wh-- it's true, though!

[It's like 70% true. All of those things individually are at least 70% true. The best lies have some truth in them, after all.]

That's how you take care of plants! And, and, uh-- s-shouldn't they party too? With us?

[no this lie is worse]

ii

[byeeeeeeeee]

[Hunter saw that. He raises a brow at the little bit of candy still visible, then looks at the guy who discarded it.]

If you didn't want it, I'd have taken it. [Nevermind that he's already got a centipede snack in hand.]

[lowficharm]

[Martin whirls around at the voice, immediately trying to look as innocent as possible and failing miserably.]

No, it's-- it's not that I didn't want it. Just. The, uhm. The plants, you know, they should celebrate also. Right? I mean, i-it's a spring festival. For them.

[no, martin, please.]

[byeeeeeeeee]

[Hunter glances at the poorly hidden candy again, and looks honestly surprised.]

Huh! I didn't know human plants liked candy.

[lowficharm]

[oh thank god he's buying it--]

Oh! Uhm, yes, actually, they-- they like sugar. Not too much, o-of course, but it does help them in bits, and-- as the candy melts, y-you know, it's good for them.

[It's not... totally untrue. But you really shouldn't just be DOING this.]

i

[failedpromise]

Cortana isn't nearly so serious about her own choice, though she's still having a bit of trouble deciding between several crowns she likes and - oh.

"Hmmm... I was looking at that one, actually." She smirks at him. "Clearly, you have excellent taste."

[lowficharm]

"Oh! Well, uhm, d-don't let me take it from you." He offers it up to her with a little gesture and places it on the table in her direction.

"I, I'm not married to it or anything, I mean-- they're all quite lovely, right? It makes it hard to choose." Oh, he's no closer to picking one as he was when he started this. And now he's worried he might be taking something someone else really likes. "Maybe you should pick first. So I, uhm, h-have less options."

[failedpromise]

Cortana snorts. "It's alright, buddy. I'm not that attached to it." She does take a moment to look at it again though.

"Was sort of torn between it and this one, actually." She holds up another, rather plain looking crown mostly composed of very dark greenery and only a few soft blue flowers to liven it up. She places it on her head, looking thoughtful. "What do you think?"

[lowficharm]

This is the problem with fashion- it's saying something about you, it wants to be looked at, and Martin is not the kind of person that gets looked at. Or well, he specifically tries not to be looked at. All of this is deeply overwhelming, but he'll stick out worse if he doesn't pick one, so he lives in Indecision Hell. At least now Cortana is asking about her, and the shift in focus does help.

"Oh, it's-- it's really lovely. Understated, but uhm-- elegant, sort of. In simplicity? It-- it's nice. Is what I mean."