JULY MINI EVENT - Branching Out!

[pumpkinhollow]

Branching Out

A cool breeze threads through the trees of Lockwood Forest as Teddy Pennyburrow and his gaggle of volunteers begin to set up the camp.

It's been a monumental occasion, receiving enough funding to the Autumn Leaves Dormitory House to give it some much-needed upgrades and expansions, but the process hasn't been without its trouble. Finding somewhere to keep the children while the construction is under way took a great deal of thought and deliberation--- after all, the Oak & Iron doesn't exactly have the space to accommodate so many displaced kids, from toddlers to teenagers--- but with some assistance from those working so closely with the House, a seasonally-appropriate consensus was reached.

What better way to pass the time and make it fun for everyone involved than to have it be a camping excursion?

Summer Camp Season

In a wide clearing within the centermost area of the woods, Mr. Pennyburrow has gathered as many volunteers as he could possibly manage to keep the children active, engaged, and most importantly, safe. Among the roles called for in his volunteer-seeking notice on the public bulletin board, Pennyburrow called help for:

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Teachers, to educate the children on survivalism and nature, as well as any other subjects that might be easily taught to a gaggle of children in the woods. Math might prove to be challenging, here. (Anyone aspiring to teach full-time at the Dormitory House are encouraged to join them, as with the expansions and additional funding, Pennyburrow will be looking to hire a few offworld teachers to create curriculums!)

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Storytellers, especially anyone with a knack for tales of mystery and terror. (Campfire for ominous lighting while telling the stories will, of course, be provided. The teenagers would be willing to settle for no less.)

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Foragers and cooks, especially with skill in campfire-cooking.

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Warriors and guards, for assistance with keeping the campsite safe from any threats that lie in the forest.

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General attendants, particularly anyone with a keen eye (and potentially with the ability to guide rowdy groups into games to pass the time).

Though the position is voluntary, Pennyburrow still offers a humble 100B to anyone who comes to assist. (Mod note: if your character attends the event, feel free to go ahead and add 100B to their ledger!)

♥

Comments

[thethirteenthchild]

For a long moment, Dahlia can only look surprised at the confession. She can't say before that she knew precisely what manner of feelings she had toward Erik--- friendship, certainly, and a nebulous familial love. Dahlia never suspected Erik might share this, and certainly not with a label in mind.

The idea rolls around in her head for a moment, processing. Like a marble between two hands, getting warmer, the surface becoming familiar.

"I... no, it's not too late," she finally says. "I might just need some time to re-acclimate to--- the idea of having family. And what that means for me. But if there's anyone I'd trust to be that for me, it would be you."

[lordoftheozarks]

He can tell by that look that she never expected such an offer, but that really does track with the woes she'd just confided in him. He's glad she's taking her time to consider, because he'll be more confident she didn't say it out of surprise or obligation.

"I understand completely. If I may, while you're acclimating to the idea, why don't you consider what you'd really like to see in a family? Perhaps ask others to tell stories to gather some ideas. If you discover something you feel you missed, maybe we can find a way to change that."

He pauses and smiles for her with the kind of warmth he'd have wanted from a father, "Really, the most important part of having a family, when it comes down to it, is knowing there's always somewhere you can go to for support. No matter what you've done."

[thethirteenthchild]

"I... you're right." Looking distantly thoughtful, Dahlia nods. "I know that I have that kind of support now. After Merrymeet, everything changed. I felt... different."

A little bit like coming back from the dead. Perhaps Erik relates to that more than anyone.

"I'm part of my home town now, in a way I don't think I truly was before all of this. And between that, and my partners--- I'm building something. And I do want you to be a part of it. You've been there for me from the beginning. I mean---" She has to pause to laugh. "You were the one standing in the snow with me when Ianto made a fool of himself. It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?"

[lordoftheozarks]

"Doesn't it just?" he says fondly. "God, how I wanted to rip his throat out right then and there." He already cared so much for Dahlia at that point, watching her suffer through that was difficult. Yet, some things have to be done alone.

"It is different now. You have stepped out from under the shadow of dominating men, and you have come into your own right. I am glad to be here to bask in your glow, but I wouldn't dare cast my own shadow over it or you. You have my promise on that."