[WORLD TWO | SUNSU FESTIVAL]

[spellbindmods]

Who: All coven members, and more!
Where: Anmung Tower and about a mile radius from the base of the tower!
When: Day 174
Open/Closed: Open to All

For those coven members who come from worlds with Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, etc., they'll likely recognize Sunsu as a version of similar holidays. While there aren't any religious over or under tones, there's snow falling, a high level of merriment and cheer all around. That isn't to say Sunsu isn't without a bit of meaning and lore. Certain stalls are focused on a minor history of Sunsu, a holiday stemming from the story of two lovers, Princess Xin and one of her ladies in waiting, who proved to the Princess' father that their love was worthy of marriage by blessing each other with a fabulous gift. Depending on your taste and place in life, Sunsu can be more romantic or more family-based. Sunsu is marketed as a holiday that focuses on blessing and giving to those that you cherish in life, and receiving a blessing or gift symbolizes uniting people together forever. Because of this meaning, there is a certain romanticized overtone to Sunsu, though of course others celebrate in their own way. It's a holiday of togetherness, and everyone in Shehui seems to be in on the holiday spirit. There aren't as many monitors around, the streets around Anmung tower are packed with families, newcomers and couples alike. Are you ready to get into the spirit of the season? A ▢ For some coven members, Sunsu is a day of work. This work may have actually started early in the morning, which is when the beginning of the Sunsu festival begins. Those who volunteered to work at the festival will be paid handsomely, but they'll have to work hard for it! One such job up for the taking is personal shopper which can be completed with the help of another person -- lucky you! This requires making your way through the streets of Shehui, looking for gifts and items that you're likely unfamiliar with. B ▢ Other volunteers are lucky enough to be stuck in stalls where there are at least chairs. Almost anything and everything is being sold in Shehui, and it's your job to push whatever goods you're being hired to peddle. The good news. You get 10-20% commission! The weirder or more ridiculous the item, the higher your commission! C ▢ Others may not even be working. You've been exceptionally naughty and decided to skip out on your Sunsu shopping until the last minute! Whether you're looking for a last minute gift for your Secret Sunsu recipients, or you're being a horrible friend and neglecting those you love until literally the last day, you've still got time to get some gifts!

As the day goes on, more and more festival decorations are going up -- which this may also be a job you've been roped into! With the sun falling steadily in the sky, the true beauty of Shehui can be seen as night creeps in. As per the request of the lottery winner, almost every structure in Shehui around the Anmung tower, including the famed structure, is illuminated with brilliant, twinkling lights in gold and red colors. Some areas are lit by different colors, like the nearby Huhu Coffee House that's building is wrapped in green lights, while Xi Park is filled with a soft pink variety on trees and fountains. Streamers and banners are hung everywhere, with some offering simple seasons greetings, while others are making passers by aware of sales and wares to be sold. D ▢ Sunsu is certainly a togetherness holiday, and everyone in the coven must have at least one friend or loved one they know in Shehui -- at least a casual acquaintance? There are a lot of things around Sunsu to do in groups or pairs (three ain't a crowd, here!), from stupid picture booths to horse-drawn carriage rides. Well, those creatures certainly look sort of like horses, if horses had four legs and two arms. In the spirit of togetherness, grab a friend or three and enjoy yourself. You've earned it, right? E ▢ Sunsu is a festival, and what's a festival without drinking? Drinking is actually a pastime that is popular at Sunsu, with local signboards discussing the historical significance of drinking in Shehui a long time ago. (If you're inclined to notice, all historical signboards have a sort of whimsical vagueness about them, as if they're discussing a myth or legend, not actual history). There are three types of traditional alcohol in Shehui that are made on Sunsu. One, a red concoction that is strong, reminiscent of a type of vodka. Two, a clear liquid that has a distinctly almond taste; akin to beer but with no fizz. Three, a pink, champagne-lite that is comparable to a wine cooler -- for you kids and lightweights out there. These drinks are also essentially handed out with very few stalls requiring you pay for them. Some stalls are extremely beer-focused, even promoting drinking contests with cash and gift prizes! F ▢ While not completely close to Anmung tower, Chips! is running a special promotion tonight! All games that aren't table gambling are completely free! If you're an introvert who just wants to DDR the night away, you're welcome to spend your night here, as pathetic as it may be. You're also welcome to escape the Anmung crowds, only to find yourself in a different type of mob inside Chips! -- it's better with a friend, though! G ▢ Closer to the base of Anmung tower, a festival game is taking place. Called XiXi, this game involves receiving a red envelope and finding a person who fits the criteria within that envelope. When you do, take the person to a table and receive a credit prize of 500 and a small basket of pastries and fruit. It's popular with children, but adults are allowed to get in on the fun too -- a lot of people treat it like a mixer. There's also no limit to how many times you can complete the challenge, as long as you don't use the same person twice! These criteria can be physical traits, more embarrassing personal qualifications...anything you can OOCly think of!

At midnight, the Sunsu event is supposed to culminate in a fireworks show -- and it does! To commemorate the day being over, fireworks of many different colors are being displayed all across Shehui, further illuminating the evening. It's almost as if it's truly daylight again, between the fireworks and Anmung tower. H ▢ In one more relaxing prompt, you're allowed to enjoy the fireworks. There are several parks that have set up watching points, including blankets on the ground and pre-made picnic baskets you can buy. After a busy day, whether working or playing, it's nice to be able to sit down and simply observe the night sky. I ▢ This doesn't last forever, though. About 15 minutes into the show, there's a disruption in the typical fireworks booming, instead replaced with a very large and ominous bang. These explosion sounds continue until there's a decidedly larger explosion sound that appears and feels a lot closer than the others. While there aren't any signs of fire or debris, the Sunsu festival is thrown into chaos. People are running, stores are closing immediately, and inner city speakers are announcing an emergency and for all residents to return to their homes immediately with escorts available if necessary. It's impossible to see what the source of the sound is here, but it's obviously abnormal. Will you help people in the panic? Where are those friends you've spent so much of the night with? What is going on? J ▢ Wildcard! Have another idea for a prompt? Try it out and tag around!

Comments

[heartholder]

Riko-chaaan!

[ chika tosses both arms around her shoulders, clinging onto her with the same enthusiasm she always has when she sees riko.

they had arranged to explore the festival together, just the two of them. chika had suggested that they give dia and ruby some sister time, and splitting up didn't seem like too bad an idea. chika had picked out this yukata to wear from one of the shops, because it's a special occasion, and how often does she get to wear one? ]

You bet! This is going to be so much fun!

[ chika detaches herself from riko only to loop her arm through hers, sticking close to her side. ]

Where do you want to look first? Ahh, there's so much to see... !

i'm so glad this tag is happening

[talim]

Huh?

[ jude turns to her, just a little wobbly on his feet. a little. ]

Oh. Velvet. I didn't know if you'd make it!

[ he smiles. he's... really warmed up to her, and the faint buzz only brings that out. ]

No, it's not juice; it's a wine cooler. There's not that much alcohol in it... Do you want me to grab you one? It's pretty good.

[ his smile is sort of guilty. judging by the stern look on her face, he has a feeling he might be about to get chewed out. please don't be too hard on him. ]

[talim]

And to think... a few months ago, you would have never even thought to use the word friendship around me.

[ it's quite a marvel to him. ]

That sounds good. To friendship.

[ whatever plan hibiki has in store, jude is totally oblivious to it. ]

wildcard

[talim]

[ jude isn't sure he's ever been to a festival; not like this, in any case. his hair is combed neatly again and his lab coat is back in his apartment. instead, he's wearing an older outfit he happened to keep around, along with a scarf to add a little extra warmth to it.

he invited 9s as soon as he heard about sunsu. another date. and to think that the festival celebrates romance in particular... well, just the idea makes jude warm all over. they've been on dates, of course, but this just feels like a special kind of date, something one of a kind.

he has the gifts he had made 9s prepared, too: a pink beanie, a thick, light pink scarf with a little kitten design sewn into it, and a pair of pink mittens. he had knit things for quite a few of his friends, but 9s' took the longest, because jude needed to get them just right, needed them to be perfect. he knew 9s would be happy if jude gave him mere scraps of yarn, but jude really wanted to surprise him. and perhaps his present won't be useful to 9s; he can regulate his body heat, after all, and he's been walking around in those shorts... in all seriousness, it's a ridiculous combo, but jude's gifts were made with all the care in the world.

so, when jude is all set, carrying his presents in a bag with a big red bow on it, jude jogs toward their designated meeting place, raising his free hand up and waving when he catches sight of 9s in the mob of festival goers. ]

Nines! Over here!

e

[talim]

[ jude doesn't even realize it's haru speaking to him until he turns around. when he does, he breaks out into an amused smile. ah. no wonder she's so hesitant. ]

Sorry, but I had enough just a little earlier. We don't want a repeat of what happened last time, do we?

[ not that jude regrets it; it did bring them closer together, after all, and for that, he's eternally grateful. ]

d

[heartholder]

Of course I do! How could I pass up an opportunity to take photos with Dia-san?

[ chika's smile is as wide as ever, and before dia can even blink she's ushering them both into the photo booth. ]

It looks like we can choose some special effects first...

[ there are hearts, stars, sparkles, kittens. everything cute imaginable. chika has no idea where to start. ]

Hmmm... What do you think?

[mapsio]

To tell the truth, I was trying to avoid a repeat of the last time anyone drank strange liquid. Not that this liquid is strange.

[She sighs, giving the contents of the bottle a sniff again. She hates being wasteful but...ugh.]

Speaking of Jude... how many have you had?

[BE PROUD OF HER, SHE LEFT OFF THE HONORIFIC....JUST FOR HIM.]

ditto!

[allconsumed]

[A what. Honestly, she's… surprised. Her eyes narrow. The minor stumbling is not helping him here, because she noticed.]

Really. And they let you have it.

[She's more annoyed with the doofs running these stands, but still.]

Do you take me for someone who enjoys drinking?

[talim]

Is... Is that a trick question?

[ jude decides to take a wild guess. not so much wild as it is logical. velvet sure isn't happy. ]

Er. No?

[talim]

Just one.

[ as far as this thread goes, anyway... ]

So don't worry. I won't fall asleep on you again.

ME? HOW DARE?

[actus]

[ - son of a.

truth be told akira's patience with akechi has surprisingly been growing. at first it had been thin, grown thinner, and almost resulted in an inevitable meltdown. and honestly that dream had been the peak. everything had come to a head. but with the recent weeks and seeing akechi act normal - have normal likes and dislikes and not always hiding behind a god damn mask... it was nice. it was almost as if they were friends. almost. but not enough to ride in a carriage together. gross.

regrettably, akira heads over to akechi and the coachman. ]

You guys know each other? [ punk. ]

[actus]

[ it has indeed been awhile. all things considered it had been a great few weeks or so. much better than before halloween. ]

Ah. Jude. [ a small nod. ]

How's the boy? [ asked in utter deadpan. ]

[lalliho]

[Is he okay?]

...I don't know.

[Not long ago, he would have said yes. He would have been insistent that he's okay, because there was nothing really wrong. After being here with Emil for so long... He's starting to wonder if he hasn't really been okay for a while now. Maybe for years.

More immediately, though, he doesn't feel sick, so he shakes his head and sighs.]

I'm not sick. [And it isn't like he has a home here, not really...] …I think... I think my home is becoming wherever you are. That's what feels best, now.

fireworks~

[teratias]

...Something weird, I'm sure.

[Waver has two cups of hot chocolate in his hand, and is otherwise bundled up with a big, heavy scarf and a warm red cloak that has a faux fur trim around it. He looks like he could be swallowed by his get up at any point in time.]

Here. It's super thick, like drinking melted chocolate.

[talim]

The... boy?

[ jude gives him a quizzical look, tilting his head, before it clicks. oh. the boy. ]

A-Ah... Well, it's... Why are you jumping right into that, anyway?

[ things are great, actually, but come to think of it, akira still doesn't know who it is, does he? ]

... It's 9S, by the way.

[allconsumed]

That's right.

[Almost like it's her job to suck the fun out of everything. Sigh.]

… It won't kill you. Just don't overdo it.

[insubordination]

Very funny.

[ dryly, though roy did drink his first for a reason. better test to see if it's legitimately dangerous before letting her drink it. but tasting nothing but the sharp taste of apple and vodka, he sort of shrugs a shoulder, nonchalant and unbothered. ]

Not dead. Seems safe.

[ it's pretty easy to satisfy his standards when it comes to liquor. or so it seems, before he inclines his head down the bar, toward a group of individuals drinking the same green beverage. ]

That, and they didn't turn into horses.

[lalliho]

[I read dabbling and dabbing and honestly, it still works. Anyway, no matter what Akira is doing, Lalli is trying to get all his gifting done before the festival's end, and offloading Akira's is pretty important.

Since it's this unwieldy shit.

He thought it was appropriate?? Somehow?]

This is yours. [And he's kinda tired, so he doesn't really expand on that.]

[tepidity]

1. get a look at this party pooper

[ every party needs one, and nisaka's here to provide. despite having been bodily dragged here by people who will not be named but are probably definitely no longer his friends, that hardly means nisaka will be indulging in all that the festival has to offer.

in fact, he's just gonna go ahead and stand off to the side, idly munching on some standard festival snack like idk a candied apple or whatever, doing his best to pointedly be here while also not partaking in or enjoying a single part of it. suck it, jude and daichi.

aka sorry this is your standard HE'S HERE, BUT HE'S A GRUMPY LOSER, PLEASE COME BOTHER HIM... spill your drink on him... knock his apple out of his hand... pretend he's your boyfriend to shake off some aggressive pursuer... drag him into a photo booth because even when he's miserable he's photogenic... etc... ]

2. accidentally a good samaritan

[ there's more than one way to force an antisocial loser to participate in a festival. (though perhaps participate is too strong a word.) sometime just before the fireworks, as night has settled and the party's really starting to kick up, catch nisaka wandering through the main portion of it with a child (yes, a child) in hand, looking mildly disgruntled but also kind of really concerned. the aforementioned child is a little girl with a bright red nose from crying, sniffling every now and then as she scrubs at her eyes with a hand that isn't firmly clinging onto nisaka's.

should you happen to make eye contact, the boy will ask you in an aggrieved voice, ]

Hey, have you seen some idiot parents around?

[ cue a pointed wail from the little girl at his side. ]

3. a slightly angsty interlude...

[ nisaka doesn't know how long he's been standing there, staring down at a delicate papercut of two feminine figures, entangled together in a tender embrace. long enough to draw the unhappy attention of the stall's vendor, at least, who clears his throat for what has to be the fourth time since he'd noticed nisaka. the man doesn't like loiterers in general (it makes it seem like his stall is busier than it is! it scares away potential customers!) but nisaka's carefully blank expression has gradually shifted into something — unsettling — to say the least. pinched, conflicted, perhaps even a little angry. the vendor has a sinking suspicion this hooligan is two seconds away from tearing that papercut apart. this time, he opts to use his voice: ]

Hey kid! Either buy it or get going, huh?

wildcard

( what it says on the tin! )

( closed to jude, then later daichi )

[tepidity]

[ the shared living space in first apartment on floor ten is fairly quiet, save for the anxiously shuffling of one (1) jude matthias. from his perch curled up on one end of the couch, nisaka will occasionally look up from his book on knitting patterns to quietly watch the other boy flit from room to bathroom, his nervous energy practically rolling off him in waves.

before long, he can't help but point out: ]

All that running around's going to make that deodorant pretty counter-productive, don't you think?

[ #1 best friend right here, nisaka yuusuke. ]

[secondadvent]

[ carriage rides are cool, don't be hatin'. ]

Not at all. [ he pats the empty spot next to him, indicating for akira to sit down. ] You should join me, Kurusu-kun. Carriage rides are a relaxing way to see all the seasonal decorations.

D

[teratias]

...Wha--?

[Festival be damned, Waver was looking to maybe duck out for a bit and enjoy some quiet time to himself. Suddenly Emil is a surprise, and what he's pointing at is...well, Waver can at least answer the question.]

Er, a photobooth. You go inside and it takes a bunch of photographs.

C

[teratias]

[The assigned gift exchange had left Waver absolutely at a loss of what to get for people. It was purchasing for perfect strangers, and in truth, he wasn't sure why the government was even doing this. It seemed too..he didn't have a word for it. It just sat uneasily with him, and caused him to wander up and down the markets, staring at things and making aggravated noises every so often.

There were faces in the crowds he knew though. Those people got nods or polite waves, but little else.

Presentations were generally passed by, until Waver's feet began to protest and one of those presentations seemed to be offering seats in a makeshift theatre area. That there was a familar face was a relief.]

Is there anyone sitting next to you?

[teratias]

C

Procrastination it wasn't. It was working in the bookshop long enough to have enough money to buy presents. Waver had found that while the pay was more lucrative for other jobs in the city, he was happiest just putting away books and then doing inventory. It was harder to save up, but worth it.

It was why he walked through the markets examining everything's price carefully. It was why he glared at those hawking goods when they became aggressive and made a point to ignore them, up until they were impossible to ignore.

"For the love of...I'm still looking stop trying to force me to buy your stuff, especially since I can get it cheaper over there!"

G
[Apparently one of the repeated XiXi prompts is to find someone who looks grumpy. Waver, perpetually sour faced, has already gotten dragged over to the table several times over, and the next person to stops him gets a loud groan.]

Please don't tell me you also have a red envelope.

I

Shit!

[Waver's first reaction to the explosion isn't creative. It's instinct, pure and simple, and he looks around wildly to try and find the direction that it came from so he can move in thhe opposite direction of it.]

What the hell just made that noise?!

[talim]

I'm not running around.

[ jude huffs, most definitely running around, but he pauses in his frenzy to stop and give nisaka a skeptical look. ]

And why are you just laying around? The festival is soon. Aren't you going to get ready?