[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]

I'm... not sure, exactly. Caramel is caramel. But it's really sweet — I think you'll like it.

[ jude had gotten a caramel apple while 9s had gotten a small bag of bite-sized toffee. he takes a big bite out of his candy apple and makes a satisfied sound before holding it out to 9s, wordlessly encouraging him to try a bite, too. sharing is caring. ]

[deem]

...You want me to eat your food?

[Will he ever not be puzzled by Jude offering his own food? Only time will tell.

But for the moment this quizzical response is all he's getting]

[talim]

Just a bite.

[ ???? what's so weird about this 9s. people share food all the time. get with it. ]

C'mon, try it!

[deem]

You're really sure?

[9S isn't accustomed to this idea.

Jude just wants to feed him, for some reason...?]

[talim]

Yes, I'm sure. People share food at festivals, Nines.

[deem]

Really? So all your friends would eat your food?

[...

Is this why Jude's his size?]

[talim]

... No...

[ shaking his head, he just laughs and takes another bite of his candy apple himself. ]

Why don't you share some of your toffee with me, then?

[deem]

[Now that's much easier. 9S will hold the little package right out for Jude to take]

Okay, have as much as your want.

[talim]

[ jude trades him the candy apple for the package. ]

This way, we can try everything.

[ jude isn't Super big on sweets, but he enjoys the chance to have them when he gets it. ]

[deem]

If you say so...

[A long moment of silence before 9S takes the most cautious bite of this apple ever.

Because it's Jude's after all]

[talim]

Is it good?

[ he gently prompts. ]

[deem]

[Some thoughtful munching before he swallows]

It's...pretty sticky.

[And sweet, which he does like, but he sure didn't expect that texture. It's entirely new]

[talim]

But good, right? Just be careful not to get it on your fingers.

[ meanwhile, jude pops some toffee in his mouth. ]

Chewy.

[deem]

[9S gives the apple a pointed look]

...I really don't want that on my gloves...

[talim]

[ with another laugh, jude goes ahead and trades back. he doesn't need 9s glaring at it.

9s' lips are cherry red, though, sticky, and it doesn't escape jude's notice; he darts his eyes away, though, with a small smile that he hopes isn't too obvious. ]

Okay, enough. How about we play some games? It looks like we can win prizes and everything. They cost credits, though.

[ and some look rather difficult... shouldn't be a problem for 9s, though. ]

[deem]

[It's not a glare he could assure...if they were discussing it. But the thought of sticky gloves is arguably worse than sand in his boots, for all that it's surely harder to get rid of.

Needless to say, he's more than willing to return the apple. It was an interesting experience, but that's sweeter than anything he's used to]

I can pay for those. The only thing I spend on is supplies, anyway.

[talim]

You sure? It feels selfish to have you be the one to treat me all the time...

[ he finishes off his apple (pretend he didn't finish that abormally fast it's rp) and rubs at the nape of his neck. ]

[deem]

Maybe it's a little selfish of me, but I like to do it.

[He can do what he wants with his credits though, right?

Although he knows that's not what Jude meant that's what he's going with]

[talim]

No, no, that's not what I... !

[ jude looks mildly panicked. he didn't mean to insult him; that's the last thing he wants to do. ]

I meant it's selfish of me.

... If it's that important to you, then I won't stop you. I appreciate it. Thank you.

[ the last thing he wants is to be one of Those Couples arguing over the bill. there's nothing to argue over. he just doesn't want 9s spending all his credits on him. ]

[deem]

[And 9S jolts, because that's not what he was trying to do at all]

Jude, that's not— [He sighs, and shakes his head] I just wanted you to stop calling yourself selfish, that's all. I didn't mean anything by it.

[He cats a quick glance around, just to be sure they're not being watched before he leans over and presses his lips to Jude's. It's not an argument, really]

[talim]

[ jude blinks, surprised by such a sudden kiss, before warmth floods both his cheeks and his chest.

9s tastes sweet; like candy apple.

needless to say, jude's feeling better about it. ]

O... Okay. I believe you.

[ jude buries his blushing face in 9s' scarf. even his nose is red. when he speaks, he's mumbling. ]

Which one do you want to try first?

[deem]

[It's an immediate relief when Jude stops worrying, and 9S smiles, lifting a hand to smooth over dark hair]

Well, maybe the one nearest to us? I don't actually know any of these games.

[He'd played one in Aimintas where the objective was to hit stuffed shrimp when they emerged from holes, but that's about it.

Jude's the expert here if either of them are]

[talim]

[ jude peeks out from his hiding spot in the knit scarf. ]

Looks like it's a ring toss. The goal is to toss the ring so it lands around the empty bottle. The farther the bottle, the more points you score, and the more points you score, the bigger prize you can choose.

[ there are a bunch of different stuffed animals displayed, offered up as prizes. ]

[deem]

[Looking at the bottles arrayed there, 9S hums]

I guess that makes sense, when the bottles further away are wider. Harder to get a ring on those.

[That must be part of the challenge, he assumes]

[talim]

Yeah, but I'm sure at least one of us could do it.

[ there's a spark of challenge in jude's eyes when he smiles. ]

Can I go first?

[ he's going to win him something. it can't be that hard. ]