apocalypsehowcomm | Season Turning Festival

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Season Turning Festival

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.))

♡

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"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."

Steve laughs a little, because, "That does sound like a party. Although I can't sing pretty even when I'm sober... I've definitely never been told that improves much when I'm not."

But as far as this particular celebration goes, "Well, then - you and Rue did a wonderful job. I'll make sure I tell them, too, when I see them. And it'd be nice to have more of these, you're right." It's important to keep morale up. And while they are in the middle of a fight... it's a slog of a fight. It makes things like this all the more important.

"It sounds like you have a lot of these on the regular back home, huh?" He has to admit, he's curious.

Mercy offers an eager nod. "Every time the seasons turn. Doesn't matter which god you serve, everyone I've ever met celebrates the seasons turning, even the folks who ain't got gods to the northwest. Expect some have smaller things if it's just them in a small village or the like, but Evergreen's got a dedicated abbey for the Blind Mother. The celebrations we had there were the best times of the year. People'd bring in all their crops to help with the cooking. Or the Abbey'd tap the stores for the big winter celebration and there'd be food enough for anyone who wanted it and then some for days after."

There's a wistfulness to her tone as she speaks. "Truth told, that's... it's one of the hardest things about this place. Standing apart from the other people here in Gloucester outside ADI. The community's smaller than I'm used to."

He can definitely hear that wistfulness. And he can definitely understand it, if in a different way.

"Community's a hard thing to replicate, in a new place," he agrees, softly. "Where I'm from, there's a saying: quality over quantity. I hope that's what you can find here, if nothing else." Quality. They have some good people here to work with. "And I'm not exactly much of a planner, but if you want help putting on other festivals during the year, you can count me in. I'm good for carrying around supplies, if nothing else. I'll even take direction." When he wants to - and this would be one case where he does.

"Oh, I ain't complaining about the quality, sir!" She probably shouldn't be complaining at all. She doesn't know Steve all that well, and this is meant to be a happy occasion. Mercy paints on her best smile again. "We got that in spades. I just know there's folks even at ADI who have trouble reaching out and connecting. But this sort of thing should help with that."

Focus on the positive. That's what people like for connection. They need hope, not a reminder of what they don't have. "It's a dangerous thing telling me I can put a fellow like you to work, though." She winks at him. "I like seeing how much a handsome man can lift. Especially if it's more than me."

Steve just grins; he doesn't mind if she does complain, though no, she certainly doesn't seem the sort. He was just mostly teasing. But she's absolutely right about some of the people here.

"This is the perfect excuse for people to come together, and every community needs someone like you, to make sure we get those excuses. What you're doing here is really important."

He wants to make sure she knows that, before he laughs - almost a little shyly - and says, "I don't know. You seem like you've never been afraid of a heavy load."

"A gravedigger's got the weight of someone's whole world on her shoulders some days," Mercy says. Her smile stays where it is. "That's what my Granny says, anyway. Heavy loads is something I been carrying for a long while. But I reckon you ain't so much a stranger to those, either, sir."

She takes a deep breath and places a hand to her chin as she considers him, sizes him up. "Thinking you wouldn't be so bad to carry on your own. The coffin'd be hard, but that's just a box being ungainly. Could probably still drag it."

"That's fair," he admits, considering the truth of that saying. And maybe the truth of what she says after it, too. "Well. They gave me these big wide shoulders, I might as well do something with 'em."

Some days, he feels like he's not doing enough, here. But he's trying not to let that creep too far into his thoughts. He's doing his best.

He just wishes his best was better.

He lets out a little surprised laugh, ducking his head. "I bet you could. Frankly, it would be an honor to be dragged by someone like you."

He actually kind of means that.

"You have experience? Undertaking?"

"It's what the Graveses do for Evergreen Abbey." There's pride in her tone as she says this. Maybe that's not so noble at thing as it used to be, but it's still something remarkable in her mind. They've been a steady presence there, even with people, Abbots, and Abbesses coming and going. "Been that way for generations. My big brother and his wife'll take over when Mama and Papa decide to retire. But I helped out with everything before I decided to go into the healing arts and join the Spring Tide.

"I liked it well enough. Just got to the point where I'd put too many people in the ground who shouldn't've been there. But if you're ever needing services, I'm happy to oblige."

Steve nods; he certainly seems impressed. "That must be nice," he says, smile soft, maybe a little wistful. "To have it in the family like that."

Although, "God. I know the feeling," he has to admit. Not that he's the one literally putting people in the ground, but he still thinks he can understand. "I would imagine that's the hardest part. Life's... life, but it can still get to you, when you see so much of one side of it. Healing must have been a whole new ballgame. I could see why you'd choose it."

His smile twitches a little, then, curling up a bit more at one corner. "I would be honored, though. If I were to ever need services. Which is a distinct possibility, in our line of work, isn't it." Or when you're Steve Rogers. Or both, combined.

Not that he's planning on not surviving this, but he's aware that plans don't always mean much.

"Mm... just wish I'd been ready for Garner or Mr. George." But that's very melancholy talk for a party. Mercy shrugs her shoulders and offers him a sad smile. "I think they'll have moved on to a good resting place, though. I actually took up Garner's god, Pelor. He asked me to before he died. And Mr. George was a good man. Whoever his god was, they'll keep him well."

Melancholy, maybe. But Steve's never shied away from melancholy. He's lived with death close by his whole life, in a number of ways.

"I don't know anything about Pelor," he admits. "But I think that's really gracious of you, doing that for someone."

"Truth told? I... don't know too much, either." Mercy rubs at the back of her neck, tone turning more that a little awkward. "I'm trying, mind! He's the Dawnfather, and I know he's about second chances and redemption. That seems more than a good enough god to serve. Should've talked to Garner more about him. Just seemed like there'd be time for that."

And she hadn't been thinking about changing to another religion. "I've been doing sun salutations in the morning and a sort of goodbye prayer at sunset. If you got any ideas about how to praise someone like that, I'm all ears. And hoping he'll appreciate the effort, even if they aren't the rites he's used to seeing from his faithful."

Steve's smile is soft. He knows the feeling that you'll have more time - and then losing it right through your fingers - pretty well.

But all told, "I think it's the trying that matters," he says. "My religion was always very... uh. Structured. But what you're doing sounds pretty good to me."

The sun, though. That makes him think, "Stained glass. Something like that might be nice to hang in a window? So the sun can shine through it." That's not worship, exactly, but it might be a nice reminder.

Mercy brightens at the idea. "Oh! I like that. Stained glass. Prisms, maybe? So you get all the hues of light at once." It's something to figure out, how to best set things up in her and Aelwyn's room at Bonnie's. "That's a wonderful idea. Thank you, sir. I'll work on getting something like that set up. But for today... reckon we ought to be celebrating the changing of the season. You ready to get back to it?"

"Exactly." It's not the reason for stained glass in the catholic church, but it still works, he thinks. And it'll look nice, doing it.

"You're welcome. Let me know if you need any help." He doesn't know much about that kind of thing, but he knows a little. And a guy can learn. He's always happy to help, and this seems like more than a good cause.

But not today. Today, they do have some festivities they should probably get back to. He takes a breath of fresh air, and nods, then offers his arm. "I'd be happy to accompany you, if you are, too."

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Season Turning Festival

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