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

[lovethyneighb_or]

"No need," he assures. "I, I think I already know what I'd like it to be."

A quick decision, but not an unconsidered one. Naming it after himself is absolutely off the table. The next thing he would like is a nod towards his faith, for the mercy he has tried to use his own life to profess--but it wouldn't do to be too upfront about it. He isn't here to proselytize. But he can impart a shred of those ideals, at least.

"How about the 'Sanctuary Wing?'"

[in_for_a_penny]

What an apt name, Teddy's quick to decide. Every space that Mulcahy's helped to tend certainly has felt like a sanctuary, in their time working together. Even with the smaller children, rambunctious and loud as they can be, coming to check in has always felt like stepping into a place of peace, shielded from the weight of the world just outside of it.

Perhaps that's simply the energy he carries into his work, or perhaps it's a well-curated sense that he puts into a room with great intention, but no matter the process, the much-appreciated result is the same.

"The Sanctuary Wing it is!" he enthuses softly, all warm-yet-quiet delight, to avoid stirring any of the children still winding down for the night. "Thank you. Truly. I know I've likely repeated myself, over and over again, but... the Dormitory House wouldn't be what it is today without you. You've not only helped me with the children, but--- this is my life's work. I never could've imagined I'd see it flourish this way. On a cursed island, no less! It's amazing how things work out, isn't it?"

[lovethyneighb_or]

Mulcahy stares, taken aback.

"... I... yes. Yes, it is, very much." A tender smile descends upon his face. "Theodore, you're a fine one, doing—" (holy, sacred?) "—worthy work. You deserve this, and I have simply been so very, very honored to be able to take part in its flourishing. This kind of work is part of my calling, and each day I have been happy to assist the one at the head of it all. I thank you for what you've done here."

[in_for_a_penny]

Delight turns flustered beneath all the praise, those pointy ears atop his head splaying, and his tail stirring leaves behind the log. He worries with his hands, clearly not used to such words of enthusiasm, especially nothing quite so meaningful, but the smile doesn't begin to leave his face.

"Oh, well, I--- won't try to say it's nothing, of course it isn't, but it's certainly no trouble. I'm just very, very fortunate to do what I love, and--- giving those with an unfairly difficult start to their lives a comfortable place to lie their head, and an opportunity to show them what joy there is in the world around us, is reward enough for me. Between the children and everyone I've come to know in my work, I couldn't ask for more, really."