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ph_logs2024-11-16 03:18 pm
pumpkinhollow) wrote in ph_logs2024-11-16 03:18 pm
November Event - Dance of the Decayed
[PLAIN TEXT VERSION HERE]
And so, under the cloudless sky, abundant with the sounds of joy and laughter and the silliest music you’ve ever heard, you while away the lovely day. Dancing is, of course, the primary activity, specifically circle-dances with joined hands around something akin to a maypole with a weathervane on top and a lattice of flowers encircling the pole, but also just in general. There is also a large bonfire where people are writing things down on paper and tossing them to the flame--- apparently things in their life they wish to be rid of.
Funded by town hall, Pumpkin Hollow’s most prolific chefs are giving cooking stations and serving tables, and are distributing their finest seasonal selections! What’s your flavor? Farm to table delicacies from the local farmers, pastries from Max Maximum’s bakery, Laios Touden’s fabled monster cooking, and more! (If you look closely, you may even catch sight of Dahlia Leeds hiding behind that last station.)
However, as the full moon bathes the mountain in silver and mingles with the warm light of bonfire and lanterns, a figure can be seen standing up there. A woman in a shimmering gown, textured hair in a long ponytail that looks like lassoed cloudstuff. Perhaps you know her.
DANCE OF THE DECAYED
PRELUDE
It’s the morning of November 16th and it is beautiful out. The sky is cloudless, endless, a blank canvas washed with brilliant blue sprawling out in every direction. Perfect for filling with kites and bonfire smoke and joyful song.
Today is the Dance of Celestine --- a religious festival for some, a community festival for others, but a good time for all. It is celebrated by climbing to the highest accessible place (in this case, Crane’s Ridge) and being close to the sky. There will be flame, food, festivities, and as the name implies, plenty of dancing! All that’s left to do is make your way skyward!
Not to worry! While the train does still run, the option to hike is always open, and there are some horse-drawn wagons helping to cart people as far as they will go. Plus there are the combined efforts of the residents--- wizardly sorts, winged folk, and strapping men and women all live around here, certainly some tricks to help make the journey easier can be found! However your trip looks, there will surely be helpful hands around to make sure everyone makes it safely.
Prior to its discovery as the final resting place of Linette Brenning, a local mage of good standing who disappeared years ago, the well in Fall’s Promise Cemetery had been carefully sealed with anti-magic sigils because it was regularly spewing magic that caused the bones of the dead to walk the earth. Now with Linette properly laid to rest, her spirit is no longer subject to the sigils. But resting peacefully as she is, she’s still not above a bit of harmless mischief.
Which is why, as the bulk of the townsfolk reach the summit of Crane’s Ridge, the sound of rattling bones and banging drums and strumming guitars and singing accordions and thump, thump, thumping old boots coming up the trail.
A band of skeletons! All dressed in tattered old Victorian clothes! They’ve come up from the cemetery to join in the dance!
The skeletons will be here all day and cannot be destroyed or tampered with in any way that isn’t temporary. They cannot speak, so unfortunately they will not be able to meaningfully answer questions and are really only interested in partying anyway. As such, this is sadly not a lore gaining moment. They will, however, dance with you, cause hijinks, and make flower crowns with an assortment of festive autumnal blossoms they’ve brought with them.
Today is the Dance of Celestine --- a religious festival for some, a community festival for others, but a good time for all. It is celebrated by climbing to the highest accessible place (in this case, Crane’s Ridge) and being close to the sky. There will be flame, food, festivities, and as the name implies, plenty of dancing! All that’s left to do is make your way skyward!
The Journey Begins
Getting up Crane’s Ridge can be a bit of a task. Generally, miners and other workers who need to get to the higher parts of Marrow Isle’s lone mountain take the train. A simple red locomotive with passenger seats in the back and cargo cars in the back, situated on a single loop of track. However, last year’s Dance of Celestine was summarily ruined due to metaphysical complications with said train, so many are reluctant to ride it.Not to worry! While the train does still run, the option to hike is always open, and there are some horse-drawn wagons helping to cart people as far as they will go. Plus there are the combined efforts of the residents--- wizardly sorts, winged folk, and strapping men and women all live around here, certainly some tricks to help make the journey easier can be found! However your trip looks, there will surely be helpful hands around to make sure everyone makes it safely.
More Bones to Sort
The island’s current residents aren’t the only ones joining the festival.Prior to its discovery as the final resting place of Linette Brenning, a local mage of good standing who disappeared years ago, the well in Fall’s Promise Cemetery had been carefully sealed with anti-magic sigils because it was regularly spewing magic that caused the bones of the dead to walk the earth. Now with Linette properly laid to rest, her spirit is no longer subject to the sigils. But resting peacefully as she is, she’s still not above a bit of harmless mischief.
Which is why, as the bulk of the townsfolk reach the summit of Crane’s Ridge, the sound of rattling bones and banging drums and strumming guitars and singing accordions and thump, thump, thumping old boots coming up the trail.
A band of skeletons! All dressed in tattered old Victorian clothes! They’ve come up from the cemetery to join in the dance!
The skeletons will be here all day and cannot be destroyed or tampered with in any way that isn’t temporary. They cannot speak, so unfortunately they will not be able to meaningfully answer questions and are really only interested in partying anyway. As such, this is sadly not a lore gaining moment. They will, however, dance with you, cause hijinks, and make flower crowns with an assortment of festive autumnal blossoms they’ve brought with them.
SHINE ON, HARVEST MOON
Everything is Nice and Fine
The festival runs from the early afternoon until well after dusk. Picnic blankets are spread, logs and stones are positioned for sitting around an enormous bonfire, and a dance floor is cleared. Looks like Juniper Sweetwater and the Deadwood Five are off the hook for music--- we’ve got skeletons for that! And they don’t seem to plan to quit playing their jaunty music anytime soon.And so, under the cloudless sky, abundant with the sounds of joy and laughter and the silliest music you’ve ever heard, you while away the lovely day. Dancing is, of course, the primary activity, specifically circle-dances with joined hands around something akin to a maypole with a weathervane on top and a lattice of flowers encircling the pole, but also just in general. There is also a large bonfire where people are writing things down on paper and tossing them to the flame--- apparently things in their life they wish to be rid of.
Old North Wind
One of the most beloved activities of the Dance of Celestine is the flying of kites. The blustering wind above Crane’s Ridge is perfect for catching fabric and sending kites up to the sky. There are premade kites that are elaborate and beautiful artistic depictions of things like clouds with trails of raindrops, suns, moons, stars, birds, dragons, and autumn leaves, which people can take turns flying, as well as plain white kites that can be painted and flown. Participants are encouraged to write a wish onto a strip of fabric and send it up the strings of one of the kites, to offer the wish up to Celestine or to the universe. What do you wish for?Potatoes and Molasses
What would a Pumpkin Hollow festival be without the food? Especially not too long after the last major harvest of the year.Funded by town hall, Pumpkin Hollow’s most prolific chefs are giving cooking stations and serving tables, and are distributing their finest seasonal selections! What’s your flavor? Farm to table delicacies from the local farmers, pastries from Max Maximum’s bakery, Laios Touden’s fabled monster cooking, and more! (If you look closely, you may even catch sight of Dahlia Leeds hiding behind that last station.)
Patient is the Night
The top of Crane’s Ridge is only partially flat enough to host this party. Arching over the rocky platform of the summit where the festival is hosted, there is a stone formation, tall and proud, that looks like the head and neck of a crane. It’s only big enough for one or two people to be on, making it a popular cloud- or star-gazing spot for couples.However, as the full moon bathes the mountain in silver and mingles with the warm light of bonfire and lanterns, a figure can be seen standing up there. A woman in a shimmering gown, textured hair in a long ponytail that looks like lassoed cloudstuff. Perhaps you know her.
Headache
Right now, as John settles beside Siebren, pressing his shoulder to his, he’s finding comfort in the scent because it’s his now, part of Siebren, and therefore safe. He’s humming a quiet melody very softly, thinking only of the song and of Siebren—and how well it fits.
When I look in your eyes, I see the harmonies, and the heartache softens…
John smiles as the words pass through his head, and lays that head quite happily against Siebren’s shoulder as he continues humming.
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“Had some practice.” He explains softly, thinking of Radar with gentle fondness. “One of my boys, he’s kinda psychic. I try to keep my head quiet when he looks like he’s had enough of people for a while.”
John turns his head to kiss his shoulder before settling back into place.
“You make it real easy though.”
He goes back to humming and letting the quiet tune play in his head, lets the tenderness and sense of well being he feels with Siebren settle over every part of him, mind and body. The line of song rolls through him, and though his voice isn’t great…
“…I’m singing this note cause it fits in well with the way I’m feeling…”
It’s no louder than his humming, and he shifts happily closer as he continues.
“…there’s a symphony that I hear in your heart, sets my head a-reeling…”
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Siebren feels guilt gnaw at him as he makes the very suggestion. He is the risk to the sanctity of John's mental stability. He is the one who violated that boundary, willfully.
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“Maybe—to keep Aster out of my head, anyway. He messed with me at some point back in the casino, I think.”
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“He’s the only one I don’t trust.”
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"What about Nyarlathotep? Or the Fae? Or, on a lesser power scale, Dr. West? You trust him so thoroughly?"
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“Actually, yeah, I do—West, I mean.” He admits. “Not like I trust you, y’know, but…my friend, Jon Sims, they’re exes. So if Sims trusts him, so do I.”
Looking up at Siebren, John smiles and leans up to kiss that gorgeous, sharp cheekbone closest to him.
“But you got a point—and I wasn’t arguing it. At all…when you’re not so wrung out, will you help me figure out some stuff?”
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And they took care of that tension with one hell of a spa day…
Grinning, John curls a hand against the cheek he kissed and turns his head gently so he can kiss him properly.
“Absolutely. Just say the word.” He assures him softly against his mouth. “Whenever you want…but if it’s something I did to upset you, don’t stress. It’ll be okay.”