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

[ruevealing]

[Alright, that kills the good mood!]

Spirits! [Rue huffs, rolling their eyes, but they don't appear to be too upset.] You're impossible! I'm an owlbear. I'm neither a 'fuckoff huge owl' nor a 'monster'. Just an owlbear!

[friendsfordinner]

[ Jesus Christ. Hickey rolls his eyes, as if Rue's being the difficult one, not him. ]

There's nothing wrong with being a fuckoff huge owl monster. You're taking all this far too personally.

[ruevealing]

[Please ignore the festival host arguing in hushed tones with one of the guests.]

Oh! Just as if there's nothing wrong with being a fuckoff human with hideous facial hair either?

[friendsfordinner]

Oi, I put a lot of time and effort into this look!

[ and yet he somehow still ends up looking like a ratty little supervillain. ]

[ruevealing]

[honestly, it's a talent]

Then perhaps that is time better suited for more advantageous endeavors. It would behoove you to seek out a barber instead.

[friendsfordinner]

At least I'd be able to seek out a barber to begin with. There aren't any on the compound, are there? It's a good thing you've got this glamor—you'd be shit out of luck otherwise.

[ruevealing]

[Rue simply huffs in response, their feathers ruffling up beneath their glamour, before they glance casually away from the man.]

I must confess, Mr. Hickey. I find myself most envious of those who have never had to meet you. How incredibly lucky they are.

[friendsfordinner]

[ As Rue lets out a little huff, Hickey looks annoyingly smug. Victory! Victory by his own weird nonexistent metrics, but victory! ]

Now Rue. I'm a guest at your little get-together. I'm sure there's an etiquette rule somewhere about the host not blatantly insulting the guest like that.

[ruevealing]

You really haven't been invited to many parties, have you?

[A little pointed, sure, but where Rue comes from, a little insulting is expected. In fact, before their grand reveal, there's no doubt that some fey would have taken it as a badge of honor to be insulted by Delloso de la Rue. The fey are a strange people indeed.]

It matters not. I have neither the time nor the pictures to explain this to you. But I will remind you that you are indeed my guest and I expect you to play nicely with the others in attendance. Insult me all you like, but if you dare ruin this day for Mercy, I will see to it that you never see the inside of another festival or party in this place again.

[friendsfordinner]

[ Hickey rolls his eyes before pointing out, ]

I'm not an asshole. [ At least, not THAT kind of asshole. ] I might not like you or Mercy, but I'm perfectly fine playing nice and not causing a scene.

[ruevealing]

[Rue looks a touch incredulous at that statement.]

I understand your bias against me - feelings which are returned with enthusiasm, naturally - but what reason could you possibly have to dislike Mercy Graves? She's the most generous, warmest, kindest girl I've ever met.

[friendsfordinner]

We disagreed about matters of death, [ he shrugs. ] She's big on the memorializing, remembering the dead sort of thing. Saying that there's a duty to the dead. Far as I'm concerned, the only duty is to the living. What the dead want don't matter. So don't talk shit about honoring the dead or doing right by them because your god wants you to when we all know that you're only doing it for yourself.

[ruevealing]

[Of course the ironic thing is that there is a piece of Rue that certainly agrees with the man. Though there's nothing wrong with memorializing the dead, the real duty should always remain with the living. But then Hickey has to turn it away from that into outright insulting Rue's dearest friend and her deep beliefs.]

Somehow I am unsurprised. [There's more they could say. More casual insults and unimportant bickering they could devolve into, but Rue does have a party to host. Their hands smooth over the front of their glittering, gleaming dress, talons carefully brushing over blossoming flowers, releasing a lovely floral scent into the air.]

Well, please know that I appreciate your cooperation today of all days. And even with our rather strained relationship, I do hope you have a pleasant time enjoying the festival. Certainly, there must be something here even you can appreciate.

[friendsfordinner]

Food's good, [ Hickey shrugs. There's a long pause before, ] Except those weird bug things, of course. That's gotta be some Entity nonsense.

[ruevealing]

[Look at him, giving out near compliments. Rue's proud.]

We actually found them in town at Bumble Gum. I suppose that some humans just enjoy them. Have you tried one yet? [Rue waves a hand, beckoning him along as they take a step in the direction of the snack table.] You simply must.

[friendsfordinner]

Absolutely not, [ says the man instantly trying to go away from the snack table. ]

I've got a choice in what I eat here. And I'm choosing no insects.

[ruevealing]

[Alright, that manages to drag the softest of grins to Rue's face.]

Not even one covered in chocolate? Come now, you barely taste a thing. Just the tiniest of crunches.

[friendsfordinner]

It's still an insect! It's still the principle of the thing!

[ruevealing]

Oh please, insects are delicacies in some places. Why back home, some are even only eaten by our oldest, most prestigious houses.

[friendsfordinner]

Yeah but we're not at your home, aren't we. We're here, where nobody in their right mind willingly eats insects.

[ruevealing]

And yet I still see a few brave souls enjoying them off of the snack table!

[friendsfordinner]

And one of those few brave souls is not me.

[ruevealing]

[Look! Rue doesn't mean for their grin to sharpen like that, it's just so funny.]

Well! Then you might want to leave the gift bags behind when you leave! You may be in for a nasty surprise upon opening yours, Mr. Hickey.

[friendsfordinner]

I'll find someone else to pawn them off on.

[ Because free stuff? Nope, he's keeping the free stuff.