[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

[talim]

d. closed to cr

[ jude is standing by one of the picture booths, contemplating it with a thoughtful hum. there are quite a few people that come to mind he'd like to take a winter memento with, but the streets are so flooded it's more than a little difficult to just pick his friends out of the crowd.

but when, by some miracle, jude spots you, he gently sneaks up and grabs your arm to tug you toward him with a familiar, eager smile on his face. he gestures toward the booth with his free hand, tilting his head. ]

So, I was thinking...

[ who can deny that hopeful look? ]

e.

[ jude is nursing a wine cooler — he's not underage by shehui standards, he assumes, but he is a lightweight, and he doesn't want to do anything reckless. there's a light buzz clouding his head, fuzzy and pleasant but not too strong to handle, and drinking always makes him feel particularly affectionate.

will you join him? talk to him? drink with him? convince him he's had enough before he gets in over his head? or, as an added bonus... are you going to be a terrible influence and perhaps attempt to persuade him into trying some of that red stuff? ]

g.

[ who is jude looking for, exactly? well... there's no way of telling just why he's meandering through the crowd looking back and forth, but when he spots you, he points a dramatic finger and parts his lips in a surprised gasp.

what are the odds? ]

It's you! I finally found you! I've been looking everywhere for you!

[ jude takes a few strides forward until he's sort of up in your personal space. chances are, you have no idea what is going on or why he is talking to you, but hey, he seems pretty hyped about it, whether you're a stranger, an acquaintance or a friend. just what is he talking about, exactly? ]

h/i.

[ after a long and busy day shopping, walking, more walking, stopping by stalls, and even more walking, jude is more than ready to lie back and take a break to see the fireworks. he's always liked things like this; he's easily captivated. ]

They're beautiful, aren't they?

[ he turns to you. feel free to relax and enjoy yourselves until... well, until prompt i kicks in. ]

wildcard.

[ hit me up with anything your heart desires, or drop me a PM to plot something out! feel free to also use this prompt for something like gift exchanges. ]

e

[secrowtary]

Jude Mathis.

[ This doesn't sound too good. Hibiki approaches him the moment he spots his friend in the crowd and shakes his head in disapproval. With that said, he walks away...

...only to come back a minute or two later, with his own fancy drink. ]

Drinking alone is no good.

[ Who are you and what have you done to Hibiki. ]

[talim]

Hibiki?

[ jude blinks, in clear disbelief. ]

Are you... actually lightening up a little, for once?

[ sorry, the truth hurts. ]

[secrowtary]

Maybe.

[ Just look at this deadpan. It's literally screaming I'm so chill, man. Just look at me. ]

Today is special, after all. What would you say to a toast?

[talim]

[ jude gives him a lopsided smile, a little unsteady. he still has his bearings, but the alcohol has an undeniable effect on him. ]

I'd be honored. A toast to what?

g.

[oneandmikleonly]

[COINCIDENTALLY, Mikleo has also been looking for Jude to give him his present, and also they didn't have anything set up beyond that -- so that reaction to seeing takes him a little aback, and he hastily hides the wrapped boxes behind his back]

Yes? What?

[talim]

Mikleo!

[ pale hair, purple eyes, a passion for history and an inseparable best friend... it had to be mikleo. ]

Sorry, I must have startled you—

[ he realizes, belatedly. ]

Er, I was playing a game. You're given a list of character traits and you have to go find the person in question. I'm lucky I got you. I'm supposed to grab you and go exchange this red envelope for some credits—

[ he rubs at the back of his neck, flushing with mild embarrassment. it all sounds so childish, putting it into words. ]

Er, when I voice it aloud this sounds sort of... anyway.

So. Yeah. Forget the game. It's good to see you! Are you enjoying yourself?

[oneandmikleonly]

[pfffft. relaxes, though he does keep his arm behind his back for the moment like a doofus]

It's fine, it's fine, it sounds like an interesting game. Where's the exchange? We can go...I was actually looking for you, though the festival's been an experience for sure.

[talim]

You were looking for me?

[ jude cocks his head to the side, curious. ]

What for?

e.

[allconsumed]

[Velvet arrives a bit late to the festival because… y'know, she's Miss Grumpy Antisocial Pants. While she has noticed that drinking is a popular pastime in Shehui, it hasn't occurred to her that the alcohol laws might be laxer than what she's used to.

Back home, she was underage, which worked as convenient excuse to avoid the stuff – even as she broke a dozen other laws. The circumstances here are much less dire, but still, she's prickly towards the entire concept. Rather than encouraging Jude, it's going to have to be the other way around if he wants her to join him.

When Velvet sees him, she puts a hand on her hip.]

… Is that juice?

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. ]

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?

g

[cloak]

...I'm not that hard to find.

[Comes Roxas' deadpan reply.

He many not be the most socially adept of people, and he holds no illusions otherwise, but even he knows that anyone in an Organization coat sticks out like a sore thumb. The world's covered in white and he's wearing solid black.

Surely Jude hasn't been looking everywhere...]

[talim]

Well, no, but... it's just a little crowded here. Give me a little leeway.

[ a short laugh. ]

You do stand out in a crowd, though. I'll give you that.

[ without any hesitation whatsoever, jude (gently) grabs onto his arm. ]

Come with me.

[cloak]

Okay, but what'd you need?

[Surely Jude must have wanted something, right? Probably?

If he was looking for him it stands to reason...]

g

[mesmerevenant]

I mean, I'm flattered, but...

[ Raising his hands, trying to placate Jude. ]

[talim]

[ it seems to work, because jude remembers himself and laughs an embarrassed laugh. ]

Sorry, uh— I'm playing this game, right? You're supposed to seek out the person with the characteristics that match those listed on this piece of paper. See?

[ he hands him the red envelope. ]

... I might have been searching for a while.

[ 20 minutes, to be precise. ]

[mesmerevenant]

[ Oh! Well. That makes sense. Jun takes the envelope, but doesn't quite look at it yet - opting to joke and ease the mood a little. ]

So... it's that hard to find someone that's tall, dark and handsome?

e

[outofplace]

[Jude is a smart boy, with his pink wine cooler. Or-- was, until Alvin swooped in from behind, seemingly out of nowhere, pilfering the drink from him.

Yes, he has his own.

No, he doesn't care.

He takes a sip-- and laughs.]

Here, try something a little different for a change.

[Of course he wouldn't do that without giving something back!! Although-- his drink is significantly stronger. It's fine. It's a celebration!!]

[talim]

Alvin!

[ jude tilts his head to peer up at him with a glare. of course, he's taller and jude is the Least threatening, with his little pout, but he tries. ]

... What is this stuff?

[ jude takes a cautious sip and almost spits it out. it burns when he manages to swallow it, but it's a pleasant, smooth burn, warmth that settles in his very core. he's never had anything like it, and once he gets past the taste... ]

Mmph.

[ it's not so bad. ]

[outofplace]

[Not intimidating at all. But he tried-- cute.]

Not the slightest clue.

[Which is true. He doesn't know the first thing about the local drinks. All that matters to him is that it's good. And that it is. S t r o n g. But good.]

See? It's got character!

[Alvin what in the ever loving heck does that even mean. He probably doesn't even know what he means. It's fine.]

G, slides in here super late; feel free to ignore this!

[secondadvent]

[ At Jude's voice, Akechi blinks and halts mid-step, quickly putting his hands up to keep the other boy from invading his personal space. ]

...What?

never

[talim]

[ only when akechi holds his hands up does jude realize that this is perhaps Pretty Weird. his cheeks color, and there's mild anxiety in his voice when he speaks. ]

— It's for a game! Here.

[ he holds out a red letter. on it is written:

detective ]

... It was hard to find you.

[secondadvent]

...Ah. I see. [ He tips his head a bit, reading the letter. ] So you're given a list of traits and your task is to find someone who fits the criteria.