[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

[enflame]

c;

( Okay, well it's not like he didn't already do all of his shopping -- sort of! Emil got 80% of it done a day or so ago, but he's still looking for last minute small things. It also makes him feel better and fully grounded in the holiday, not just a casual observer in this foreign place that celebrates foreign lesbians in a way he doesn't fully understand.

While Emil isn't usually one to put weight into the opinion of others when it comes to taste, it's also hard to branch out ICly if he's just shopping and minding his own business, sooooooo: )

Can I ask you something? ( This may be how you feel about a certain item or just an opinion in general; spin the wheel. )

e

( Once the distraction of buying gifts wears off, Emil still feels a clunky pit of negativity residing in the bottom of his stomach. For as unsavory as he once thought alcohol was, his last experience with it wasn't at all unpleasant, although a little foggy in places. The trick is drinking just enough to not really care about how disgusting it tastes.

Since Shehui is essentially just giving the stuff out on Sunsu...well, he can't help but indulge a little. He got handed one of the red bottles but quickly found a garbage can to toss that into -- it was a little too much like that fermented shrine booze, and he's in a paradise city. There has to be something better! He's settled for the almond-tasting, clear liquid that's being handed out in clear bottles. It also won't stain his clothes at all if another bustling street person runs into him; that mistake was almost made with that red mess.

It's easier to rest his feet and sit down away from the noisy crowds for a moment. Usually Emil doesn't mind the fuss, but sipping on one of these alone sounds good -- for now. )

d; closed to cr

( Being alone and inebriated doesn't last very long. While Emil isn't exactly a quiet introvert, being buzzed makes him feel slightly more unfiltered and uninhibited than usual. There's no hidden attempt to try and look good or be impressive, he's just goofy and inquisitive and won't shut up.

It's perhaps an easier pill to swallow if you know him -- and look! He found a friend (you) wandering out in the festival with him! The difference is noticeable, as Emil gushes about anything he finds interesting. )

What are they doing? ( He's asking this about a crowd of people gathered around a rectangular, enclosed space on the street; he doesn't recognize this as a photo booth. ) What is that? Something fun?

( let's do a fun thing, friend!!! )

h/potentially i;

( After a few hours with no alcohol intake and a sharp need to get out of the house, Emil isn't much for walking and dealing with pushing through the crowds at this point. There are so many parks and open areas in Shehui, it's easy enough to find a park to lay down in -- and he doesn't look like some homeless bum when he does it because everyone is doing it! Bonus points.

Of course he'll get up and make his way home once it sounds like the place is exploding, but he also wouldn't say no to company in the meantime. )

e...? or out of time

[lalliho]

[Seeking his own escape, it doesn't take too long for Lalli to find the alcohol, but he opts for the red one, if only because he thinks it's prettiest. Bad decision, but he's Lalli. It's normal. He catches sight of Emil right away -- he's a scout, it's what he does -- though it takes him half his drink before he musters up the courage to approach.

Unfortunately, he can't quiet his stubborn ways enough to bring himself to speak first. He'll just lightly tap at Emil's leg with his toes and gown another gulp.]

[enflame]

( Honestly, he didn't have any desire to stay long. Escape for a moment is about as much as Emil wants before the feeling of loneliness claws at his mind and he certainly hates that. Why did he leave Lisko at home?

Being the oblivious goof that he is, he doesn't know he's being tapped by a familiar foot for a moment. Ugh, he really doesn't want to be bothered by some other world, alien stranger. )

Can I -- ( The "help you?" is lost in him as he swivels and sees...oh.

It's not like their fight was super dramatic or anything, but he's still a touchy baby and doesn't like anyone being cross with him when he knows they have a reason to be!! He can't be angry when there's a small, responsible part of him that knows Lalli's right!! )

Hey. ( Usually he's the one who comes to Lalli after formulating a reconciliation plan -- his past experience with Lalli coming to him after an issue involves some shaking and yelling so just let him drink this awkwardly and stare somewhere elllllllse...... )

[lalliho]

[He gives a vague hum in response. Maybe he should have waited a little longer so the alcohol would have more of an effect... If how bad it is was indicative of its potency, it shouldn't be long, though.

Okay. Be brave. Be not weak.]

...Did you hear the story?

[enflame]

( That was way more normal a response than Emil anticipated, but also one that boggles him at the same time. )

What story? ( Probably? Probably not? He's clueless while he sips his clear beer, looking at Lalli for any sign of upset. )

[lalliho]

[Oh, he's upset. He's stiff in both posture and speaking, and he's not looking at Emil even as he directed clipped words at him. But he's not throwing his drink in his face, so that's good. Progress.]

The festival one. The princess and her lover. About gifts.

[enflame]

( Emil picks up on this as he eyes him carefully, but he's not sure as to where this conversation is going. He vaguely heard the legend? History? In passing, but didn't pay too much attention. )

Sort of. She got married, I think. ( That's about all he picked up from it. Not really the kind of thing he pays attention to, especially with other stuff on his mind. He's,,,not sure if this answer will appease Lalli, though. )

[lalliho]

Mhmn. I guess she might not have been allowed to, but then everyone saw how in love they were? They showed people with the gifts they gave.

[Give him a second to down the rest of this disgusting drink.]

...I still think you're ridiculous and you spend too much money. [Just to be clear, since he gets the feeling that Emil is super lost at the moment.] But I thought that story was nice. And if using gifts helps...show love. Stuff like that. If you're doing it out of love, then I guess maybe it's not terrible.

You're very sweet. It might cause problems, but it doesn't make you one, or anything.

[enflame]

( While Lalli talks, Emil subconsciously drinks the rest of his beer, unaware that he's downed the bottle. It doesn't leave him feeling buzzed, yet, but it does make his throat feel a bit tingly.

He blinks while Lalli talks, sputtering a bit at his last gulp without realizing it. Once he thinks Lalli has finished, he collects himself, wiping a trail of leftover liquid off of his chin. Gross. )

You could say something like that, yes... ( It just seems natural to him; to give to others what he likes when he wants to be cherished. It's not everything to him, but it's something. Love...it's not a word he's ever associated with it, but he guesses you could say he -- no, he doesn't love these people. He likes them enough to do things for them and partake in traditions with them, but love. No. There are a few people he could say that he loves, like friends and like family. He won't share that caveat with Lalli, who seems to be more understanding than angry at the moment.

He doesn't know if he should share that Lalli is part of that simple circle or not, either; is it relevant or no? It seems like it goes without saying that Lalli is his best friend -- the friend he likes the best, remember!! -- and that means he feels more strongly about Lalli than someone like Waver or Akira, even though he's known them for longer than he knew Lalli when he first thought of him as a friend.

While he's thinking all of these things, he's just sort of staring at Lalli in real time, a long awkward pause. Something finally snaps him out of his concentration long enough to keep going on. )

It's not like you weren't right...a little. I should save up in case we stay here longer than the eight weeks. Maybe make some money... ( That last bit is a tossed out suggestion. not one that he'd put a lot of thought into, but his tongue is feeling loser after downing all that alcohol so quickly. )

[lalliho]

[Don't worry, Emil. Lalli knows "love" is heavy word, just like it's a heavy feeling. He's trying to be simplistic, since he's already got a limited vocabulary -- especially when it comes to positive words. That kind of warmth bringing happiness, spreading joy to people you liked because you liked them, and seeing them happy made you happy... It was a simple form of love, wasn't it? Certainly it was something Emil loved to do, if he was so freely throwing out money for it.

-- oh thank the gods, he's finally speaking again.]

...I think it would be good.

[Hearing he was right... Feels good, man.]

[enflame]

( Because alcohol is free-flowing tonight, Emil's offered a wooden box to choose from, going again for the clear variety. He'd try the pink, but the fizz it's creating, even in the bottle, is formidable.

There's no one to uncap it this time, so Emil awkwardly slaps the metal against the side of the counter a few times to open the beverage. His head is very full, and he would actually like for it to be not full when it's swirling with so many thoughts in a variety of feeling shades.

A sigh. ) Lalli, I don't like fighting with you. I don't know if I can avoid it all the time, but I don't like it.

( It's a very simple statement, and certainly obvious, but Emil is simple and obvious, if only to others. )

[lalliho]

[Lalli ain't no bitch, he'll take that bubbly shit. That weak, weak bubbly shit. His is a baby twistoff, so he's taking a drink when Emil makes his announcement, which...should be anything but unexpected. Why does it make his insides flutter and make him choke on this weird drink?

Things sure are mysterious.]

I know. I...don't like it either. But I liked the thought of somehow losing you less.

[Cost-benefit analysis in friendship.]

[enflame]

( So much choking...here, Emil will offer him one of the counter napkins, clean yourself up if you need it. If he was drinking himself, he might have sputtered again. Fighting doesn't feel good, at all, but knowing how Lalli feels -- strongly enough to yell at him -- feels so much better.

It's conflicting. )

I'm not going to go anywhere. I promise. ( That past insensitivity seems a lot more clear to him now. Maybe that's also why the feeling of heat in his chest dulls; perhaps his feelings are overpowering what he thought to be alcohol. Lalli is of course not going to feel right about someone going away -- "disappearing." Does he want to feel good about this? Bad? So much is going on in his mind.

He pushes it down with the simplest thing he can think to say. ) I'm sorry.

[lalliho]

[These things happen for inexperienced losers... He'll take the napkin as a show of goodwill, since he'd really rather just clean himself with his sleeve. Emil paid for this sleeve, though, and he's offering the napkin...! All he can bring himself to do as a response is to give a weak nod, though.

Emil is sorry. That's good. Lalli is sorry, too.

He gathers the strength he'd let scatter once his piece was through, because suddenly, even when he feels like what he's doing is a show of weakness, he feels like he needs it. Lowering the bottle so it won't slosh around and ruin anything, Lalli steps closer so he can rest his forehead against the heat of Emil's neck, and the rest of him sinks close to follow. The last time they'd been drinking together, they'd certainly gotten close, but this full, vulnerable intimacy... The last time had been back in Aimintas, and his heart had been beating in the same painful way. His free hand curls into the front of Emil's shirt, like that little bit will further help him stay close.]

I don't know how to put things in words. I'm sorry for fighting. I really like you.

[enflame]

( Yup, Lalli is certainly full of surprises. Fighting one minute, almost collapsing on him the next -- well, that's sort of how Emil perceives it all. It's his turn to tense up at being touched this time, unsure of what to do about it. It's..not really going together in his brain that Lalli would be angry at him a day ago, then over the past couple of minutes want to be close to him. What the heckie... )

Are you okay? ( The fluttery feeling of I really like you sticks in his gut, but that is quickly replaced with concern. How much has he had to drink today? He'd only seen him drink the red one and the pink thing -- well, that red stuff is strong. Also he's running all over creation every day as a delivery worker. ) If you feel sick, you should be home.

( Lalli's slumped on him quite spectacularly, and the clinging hand only signals to him he needs help staying upright. Placing a hand behind his back and another looping around the rest of him, he tries his best to hold onto as much of Lalli as possible. You really are a lightweight, dude. )

[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.

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.

Re: D

[enflame]

Photographs? Just on the screen, or is someone going to come and develop them?

( Photography is either a week long process and tangible, or instantly and intangible. No in between exists to Emil!!! )

[teratias]

The booth does the developing. Are Polaroids still around for you?

[enflame]

I don't think so? We have the tall cameras, with that black cushion thing on the back.

( Tripods and the like, as he tres to mime what it looks like. His idea of advanced photo technology is very minimal. )

[teratias]

Hm. Okay it just...develops the photo on the spot! So you walk out of the booth and the photograph's waiting for you.

[enflame]

Oh...interesting. ( He peeks at the booth, trying to figure out what it must look like inside. ) There's not a lot of room in there. What does it photograph, the inside of your nose?

[teratias]

No just...people! You squish in, make dumb faces, and whatever else.

[enflame]

( STILL DUBIOUS. )

There's barely standing room. I'm not sure how they can fit a camera in there, as well as more than one person. Comfortably, anyway.

[teratias]

That's part of the point. You squeeze in and take a bunch of really silly photos because you're moving around and making dumb faces and....fuck it, I'll just show you. C'mon.

[Waver just! Grabs his hand and starts walking!]