❪ mini-event ❫ THE OLYMPIA-WYVER HOLIDAY BALL

[natha]

A TIME OF CELEBRATION     Despite the biological attacks in both Wyver and Olympia, the morale in either kingdoms is hopeful. Both cities have been ramping up their winter celebrations this month, and though they both have customs and holidays specific to their people, the themes are the same: embrace the spirit of giving, celebrate friends and family, and express gratitude for all that Thesa has given you. As a gesture of goodwill and gratitude for the shocking display of cooperation between the two kingdoms, Empress Simwe and King Shanrian have agreed to host a joint luxurious Holiday Ball at the South Outpost. This is quite unusual, as the kingdoms tend to stick to themselves, and the large and lavish celebrations are typically reserved only for the noble classes. Throwing a party on this scale is no small feat, so if you can lend a hand, leaders of either kingdoms will look upon you favorably. Submit any AC eligible thread of participating in this month's holiday events for three (3) REP points to EITHER Olympia OR Wyver. THREADS MAY BE SUBMITTED HERE FOR WYVER OR HERE FOR OLYMPIA by JANUARY 6th 11:59 PM EST. ONE WEEK UNTIL MIDNIGHT     A party doesn't just put on itself, you know. There's resources to be gathered, lavish outfits to be made, food to be prepared... don't just stand around uselessly! In the days leading up to the ball, various vendors will approach you and ask for your assistance. Yes, they can and will offer you Silver, but embrace the spirit of selfless giving, won't you? COLLECT THE RHOCEA, THE COVETED HERB OF ICE — There is a special herb that grows deep within one particular cave just south of Murkwell Hollows. Appearing to be more of a bulbous vegetable than a herb, Rhocea cooked into a batch of hot chocolate will give the pot an irresistibly delicious and earthy taste. It is an absolute must for any Wyver winter gathering, and bringing even just one bulb will net you a hefty 200 silver. You manage to find the cave with some difficulty, but even finding one bulb requires you to wander deep, deep into the cave. The openings become less spacious. At times, you can barely crawl through. Just when you've managed to find the damn herb (or perhaps you've given up and want to go back), you hear an ominous rumble and a loud crash. A part of the cave you need to pass through has collapsed, and you're now trapped! You better hope there's a passerby who can help you out, or maybe your phone can get enough reception out here to frantically call someone for help... BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE     On the day of the gala, there are paths of magic-powered, candles that line up the ways from either Wyver and Olympia that can lead even the most directionally-challenged toward the South Outpost. The sun is low on the sky when nobles begin to arrive with the lavish carriages, winged stallions, and scaled beasts, all filtering into the the Grand Hall of the South Outpost. With warmth of the sun rapidly fleeting, the dark clouds begin to tower over the Outpost. It's thanks to the tireless efforts of both locals and refugees that the town is so done up. The once-barren outpost is now decorated with evergreens and crystalline lights. By the second half of hour sixteen, the buildings have all been lit in a dazzling display of blinking, colorful lights, making the Outpost lively again as the festivities begin. The Grand Hall looks completely different inside than it does outside. It's obvious that it's been decorated for the occasion. Once-wooden pillars are now lined with blue glass-like structures to imitate the look of ice. Exotic plants hang low from the ceiling, right various tables filled with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails - some familiar; others, not so. But hey, this isn't about the food, is it? The party is just getting started. There is live music, playing tunes native to both Wyver and Olympia. Don't just stand there! There is so plenty to do. Although the gala is hosted by both Wyver and Olympia, the differences between the factions are still apparent. While all of the decorations are lavish and impressive, it's obvious at a glance which areas of the Outpost were "claimed" by which faction; Olympia favors white and gold, Wyver, red and black. The natives have dressed up for the occasion, taking their customary fashion styles to the next level in order to show off: Olympians are dressed elegantly in fine, opulent fabrics, while Wyver citizens dress to impress more subtly, dressed in rich colors trimmed with fine furs that show off their body before their wealth. Everyone is having a great time on the surface, but at points the tension between factions can show through. This isn’t enough to spoil the evening, but judgmental glancing and thinly-veiled insults are not out of place between the groups, reminding everyone that this truce is temporary. A. SPARKLE AND SHINE — A beloved and unique custom from the Olympian side of the party is to ensure any gathering is as sparkly and cheerful as possible. The people are heavy into holiday glitter, and it's all in good fun. Even if you didn't bring your own, it's highly likely you'll be caught in a glitter shower just by chance. Most of the glitter is purely for decoration, but there are those who splurged on a little magic. 1. Red Glitter: Red glitter will fill you with the spirit of giving. You will feel compelled to give something to the next person you see. It may be a plate of dessert, some Silver, or your trusty weapon. You'll feel good about it at the time, of course, since gift-giving is a lovely part of the holidays. But, will you still feel the same tomorrow morning? 2. Green Glitter: The effects of green glitter can be very comical! Coming into contact with it will temporarily (about 10 minutes) transform your nice gala outfit into a Holiday-themed costume, even if it isn't a getup you're entirely comfortable with. 3. Gold Glitter There's no escaping this one. Gold glitter is expensive, but Olympia has saved for months to have enough to lightly dust on everyone. About two hours into the gala, gold glitter will sprinkle from the ceiling, giving everyone present the urge to dance. Regardless of how you feel about dancing, it'll be hard to resist impulse to grab the person nearest to you and dance! Or maybe you just prefer dancing alone and make a show of it. Whatever your style, there's a song and a dance for everyone. It's not a party in Olympia without it! B. HOLIDAY CHEER — It isn't only the city that's been done up in these tiny sprigs of green and red. They're spread all over the venue of the Gala, as well, sometimes even slightly out of sight. The person putting these up obviously had a field day, and it's (un)fortunate that you're a victim of their mischief. There are two types of these plants. 1. BERRIED: This type has smaller leaves and pale colored berries attached to them. They will those underneath to become more affectionate with one another. Maybe you'll suddenly want to hold the hand of the person next to you, or kiss them on the cheek? Either way, it's all in the spirit of things, right? 2. FLOWERED: The ones that have darker berries and tiny flowers sprouting out of them are a bit peskier. Those caught underneath this plant will feel compelled to kiss their partner. Some of the more stubborn victims will notice that they feel unfulfilled until they do. A simple peck won't suffice— that may be enough for the pale colored berries, but not for these. It isn't a proper gathering without food, drink, and snacks. There will be small candies offered in the traditional colors of Wyver and Olympia. You may or may not know them as candy canes. Most of them are simply a delicious sugary treat, but some have been created using a special Wyver recipe. Eat one of these special Wyver candy canes, and you will find yourself craving a certain something. You have, in short, either been inflicted with an impossible to ignore oral fixation, or oddly willingly to indulge in someone else's. We don't have to go into anymore detail here, do we? You get the picture. Please warn threads appropriately for adult content. C. TEAM REPRESENTATION — As you entered the festivities, Wyver and Olympian volunteers alike will have accosted you and demanded you pick out a pin; a small, elegant ribbon in either white/gold for Olympia or red/black for Wyver. They want you, dear refugee, on their team! What does this "team sport" everyone is talking about entail? Basically proving that you're better than the other side in any way possible: while Wyver is the kingdom more interested in intense competition, even the Olympians are getting into the competitive spirit tonight. When you see someone sporting a ribbon in the opposite color, you'll be encouraged to challenge them—to whatever you can think of! If you look around, you might see some people engaging in drinking contests, dance competitions, displays of power... and even sillier things like fastest cookie decoration. Toward the end of the party, many people gather to hear about an event these volunteers have cooked up - an almost capture the flag-like game, where (if you decide to play) you'll be trying to steal the pins right off the other team's outfits. The more pins you have when the game is over, the more enticing goodie bag you'll get! If you have no pins when it's over, not even your own, don't worry... your goodie bag just won't be as cool as everyone else's. A NIGHT TO END THE YEAR     At the end of the night, most of the guests wander outside into the gardens, or into the balconies. All eyes are up to the skies. As your gaze falls upon Thesa, the sacred moon that you know to be your home space station, where you woke. It doesn't seem that the planetside is the only place that is celebrating. Up on Thesa, light begin to spill from the pores of station and then completely enveloping it. Slowly, the light dance across the skies in a slow waltz. Even the music from inside the hall have stopped, all to listen to Thesa. The natives will not have heard her as they might claim, but Darma, in conjunction with of all her Natha peers, are whispering in the wind, in an indescribable tune that you can't make out the words to, but you understand. During the light show, you will feel their gratitude that you are keeping your promise to them. They will assure you that they will hold true to their promise in the year to come. FINAL OOC NOTE     An AC-eligible thread for THREE (3) REP POINTS FOR EITHER WYVER OR OLYMPIA may be submitted from this log. SUBMIT THE THREAD HERE FOR WYVER OR HERE FOR OLYMPIA by JANUARY 6th 11:59 PM EST. We will no longer be providing overflow posts. In an event where the post hits CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals or create their own catch-all post. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

1!

[sunderings]

My, my. [ —flutes a voice from the other side of the cave-in, its cadence lilting, resonant and bright. Funny, how very clear it sounds, even when emanating from a passageway sealed off by stone and by rubble. It is so clear, in fact, that Sanzo may recognize its owner, even in passing, for while they'd never exchanged proper words, both Sion and Sanzo called the Altar of Volkkra their place of work.

Gently rapping upon the wall of rock which parts them with his knuckles, Sion seems to assess the whole of the roof fall, its scope, the integrity of the hollows and how they might fare were the support provided by the cave-in suddenly ruptured and gone. ]

You're going to give up, just like that?

[ Sit around and wait, Sanzo had said, and it is all too apparent that Sion had been privy to the words. ]

Were you on your own, how would you proceed?

[smithandwesson]

[Go figure that the first person who came to his rescue had to be so damn annoying.

He had, of course, heard the voice in passing from time to time. But before now he had never taken enough interest to really keep note of who it belonged to. Perhaps for the better if this first meeting had anything to say on the matter.]

If I was on my own it would be none of you damn business what I'd do. What matters is that I have a form of communication that makes what needs to be done a hell of a lot easier.

[He is obviously the best holy man. Getting a job at the temple was the perfect job for him.]

So are you going to continue to be an asshole and gloat for the rest of the night or are you going to actually get me the fuck out of here?

[sunderings]

Patience. [ —Sion half-teases, half-chides, and perhaps it is for the best that the other man can neither glimpse his face nor catch sight of his expression: the smile which Sion wears now (and only after hearing Sanzo's dour voice and word) is impossibly blithe (and equally irritating). ]

All things come with time, and I should hate to cause further collapse in my efforts to free you.

[ And so: the series of tap-tap-tappings continues as Sion searches for a section of rubble which would not comprise the integrity of the tunnel were it to be expediently removed...! ]

For now, though, will you not humor me? Were you truly alone, and bereft of means to reach out to others, what would you do?

[ But why does Sion ask? ]

In simple passing, you have struck me as a man who has survived worse calamity than this.

[ ...because Sion notices, takes an interest, and cares. Being holy has nothing to do with it. ]

[smithandwesson]

‘Tch.

[Scowling all the deeper, Sanzo crossed his arms into the sleeves of his robes as he listened to his supposed savior ramble on. How annoying indeed. Did he just have to end up being stuck with someone like this every time he needed a hand? Was it just his own shitty luck? What did he do in a past life to deserve this? Don’t answer that.]

And I once again say fuck off. It’s none of your business, whether I may have survived worse or not.

[Which he has, but he could also care less about his own past experiences. All he cared about was how he was going to start freezing his ass off if he didn’t get out soon.]

What’s with all the goddamn tapping? Don’t tell me your single-handedly pick-axing your way though this mess.

[sunderings]

You are my comrade, and by virtue of that bond, both your expertise and experience are very much within the realm of 'my business'. [ —no sooner than the words fall from Sion's lips, his knuckles meet with fallen rock which seems not to transfer his gentle knocks and their resounding vibrations. Good, then, the removal of the stone and others surrounding will likely have no great affect upon the hollows themselves: if any other should tread through this passageway, they'll not find themselves as trapped as one (1) easily vexed man of scripture. ]

What's more, you underestimate me. [ Which, truth be told, is an easy thing. Sion is young—no more than twenty years—and unassuming, gentle in all things and marked as an oddity only by the ever-present (divine) aura which shrouds him. ]

Please, draw back, and away from the cave-in. I will be causing a brief disturbance to your right.

[ It happens quickly, then, in a precise economy of motion: falling back a handful of steps himself, Sion eyes his target (a boulder of fairly impressive size—once gone, it would provide space enough for Sanzo to crawl through), then surges forward to see its surface met with a kick. A kick which has the boulder freed its place in the blink of an eye, the rock sailing back (and hopefully not into Sanzo himself???) before landing with a far-away thud which sees a dusting of shale fall from the ceiling above. ]

You were saying something about a pick-axe...?

[ And so: the story ends with the monk being saved by a God?! The irony. ]

[smithandwesson]

[Dear god, did this idiot just kick a boulder out of the way!?! You could have hurt him!

None the less, it was at least effective as Sanzo quickly jumped from the rocks path only to peak out of the hole with a somewhat unimpressed look. Living between two worlds now where he walked among literal gods and OP creatures who did things like this fairly normally, this was simply another day.

The holy aura was interesting though. Far less often he gets a feel of one of those than he does for the opposite.]

A bit of a crude method don’t you think?

[Really he was just pulling Sions leg at this point. He was grateful for being released from his rocky prison, but he simply couldn’t keep himself from wishing to annoy back the one who was bugging him.

Ducking down he slipped his way out of the cave via the hole made for him. His dour looking face staring up to meet the guy who supposedly freed him. Sanzo wasn’t as young as Sion, but still younger than one would expect of most priests. Standing up, he tucked his hands back into his sleeves before looking the other man over, only to walk past him without so much as a hint of gratitude.]

[sunderings]

Many things in this life are needlessly overcomplicated, or so I've come to find. Where there is a simple solution to aid someone in need, it would be foolish not to take it.

[ —rings Sion's seamless reply, his voice and footsteps both trailing after the other man. Truly, they are opposites in every measure: where Sanzo is cantankerous (and perhaps so by choice), Sion is as effervescent as a playful breeze upon a bright, clear day. If anything at all is apparent in these moments where Sanzo strides ahead and Sion follows behind, content to move forward at his own pace, it is that the younger man is wholly and utterly u n f l a p p a b l e.

Why, could anything dampen his spirts, or cause the smile to fade from his face? ]

Will you continue to forage for Rhocea, then?

[smithandwesson]

[Can’t argue with that logic.

And so Sanzo remained silent to the first retort. What was more surprising though was how he seemed to not be complaining about the other man who now seemed to be following him despite his previous complaints. He had learned long ago that he could not chase people away if they were being insistent, so what was the point in wasting the effort?

If Sion wanted to tag along for the time being, let him. If anything that strength of his may just end up proving useful once again.]

Why not? I only have one right now, they’re fairly easy to acquire and they’re worth a decent sum of money.

Hear they make a mean cup of hot chocolate at that.

[Now let’s see, where might we find another one of these caves...]

[sunderings]

[ A laugh!: ] I did not imagine you would be one to care for hot chocolate.

[ Indeed, you are full of surprises, Sanzo. Out of the cave and into the wood surrounding they walk, and where Sion had expected to be met with a healthy amount of grousing, there had been none. In fact, the silence between them could have even been construed as companionable, but Sion suspects that it is simply a concession.

An understanding that, for as long as Sanzo would seek Rhocea for the winter festivities, Sion would look after him. ]

But if you would like to continue, there will likely be another point of entry nearby-- from my own time wandering below ground, it seemed that rather than a single cavern, the hollows here are comprised of a branchwork of caves.

[ Which, in part, lent to their instability. But ah, this Sion does not say. ]

[smithandwesson]

So what you’re saying is that all these caves are connected and if I simply stuck to the one I was in I would have eventually found an exit.

[And with that he gives the most dead-pan look. Go figure calling for help only ended up making an ass of himself.

Ah well, Can’t change the past.]

If that’s the case turn around. We’re going back.

[More money more standing in his new home after all.]

It’s less a sweet tooth and more morbid curiosity really. They are paying a hell of a lot of money for these things.

[The same amount per Rhocea as a job he would be otherwise risking his life on.]

I take it you’re here for much the same reason.

[sunderings]

Ah? [ Well, if he were to be honest... ] I'm simply here for the adventure of it.

[ What else might he pursue, after all, with his weekly tasks at the Altar long since completed? He'd thought it best to aid with preparations for the swiftly-approaching event not for want of coin, nor for any great love of herbs and their applications, but because 'quests' such as this one--...

How he'd oftentimes set his companions upon them, wishing that he might one day join their expeditions and adventures, despite knowing all the while that he would never be able to stand at their side. For so very much of his life, he'd been bound by both duty and station, unable to set foot outside of the castle grounds such that this, here and now, is a wondrous thing: the freedom to move about as he pleases, absent of guard and title. ]

The lay of the land is also important to note-- even if you had walked deeper into the cave after the roof-fall, there is still the question of safety when treading upon an area already so unstable.

[ Has Sion turned around? No, not yet, though he does give pause, considering Sanzo all the more thoroughly with golden eyes and a pervasive, fathomless stare. ]

As I said another entry point is our best course of action, now. Though...

[ Hmmm... ]

Upon our return to the outpost, I want your word that you'll share a cup of hot chocolate with me. [ Spoilers: he's not going to take 'no' for an answer. ]

[smithandwesson]

((OOC: Let's thanks this over to a CAPTCHA free zone!))