FEBRUARY EVENT - Dance Into Spring

[pumpkinhollow]

DANCE INTO SPRING

A Wealth of Happiness and Romance…

The sun rises on February 15th, and the whole town is buzzing with excitement. There's a similar excitement in the air on the days of other festivals, surely, as well as Dahlia's annual birthday gala, but something in the air is different today. Like a breath held, a flower waiting to bloom.

It's spent the last few days raining, patches of snow growing smaller and smaller until they are a memory. But yesterday, the sun was out, giving all that water a chance to saturate the earth while freshly-uncovered plants wake to sunlight and stretch toward its rays. Serendipitous. A blessed omen from Serranai herself. A sign that she, as well, is waking from her slumber. The world is alive again. Reborn, in that annual sacred miracle that is the onset of spring.

The Festival Green is decorated to the nines with all manner of fresh flowers---- early blooms and green-house raised. A naked maypole stands at the ready, loose fabric dangling errantly in the breeze. The gates open early, when the sun in her early morning vantage still stares just a bit harshly, still warming up to the idea of being aloft. Partygoers trickle in a few at a time, some eager to be early and others taking their sweet time in getting ready. It isn't until the light of later-morning softens and the world takes on the divine radiance of a sun-struck early spring day that Dahlia Leeds ascends the stairs of the large gazebo in a lush flower crown. A hush falls over the crowd of its own volition, and music begins to play, soft and rising. The procession is about to begin.

Crowning of the Flower Queen

Attendees line up along the pathway of flower petals leading from the festival gate to the gazebo, creating a colorful spectacle with their finery as they peek around each other, trying to get a look at the procession. To the tune of soft and pleasant music, the nominees for Flower Queen begin to file in, claim their prizes, and take their seats.

First comes the honor court--- those nominated who did not manage to clear the first round of voting. They are attended by their "courtiers", the name used for their chosen plus-ones. They come in as a group, tossing ever more flower petals in a hail like confetti and waving to the crowd. Patty Paisley and Kelaiah Voxx ride on the shoulders of Mettaton, who escorts Grace Holloway. Margaret Houlihan and Anya Kovacs carry bouquets of flowers associated with healing, gifted to them by the local medical staff. Ashley Graham, Haley Beckman, Cassandra de Rolo are tasked with carrying banners--- long pennants with floral patterns on them, made of light fabric so that they dance in the breeze as they're carried in. And the youngest contestants, Noelle Holiday and Harrowhark Nonagesimus, bring up the rear, each looking their own flavor of nervous. They and their guests find their seats at the honor-tables circling the base of the gazebo, where a crown of flowers awaits each member at their seat. Then comes the Floral Court, the honored nominees that made it to the second round of the vote. They come in two by two with their courtiers--- Daisy Tonner with Basira Hussein, Valdis with Agni Azimar, Lyubov Morghenschtern with Shen Qingqiu, Zivia Birnbaum with Degas Clayton, Susie Dyneaux with Ralsei, and Carolina Church with Gerry Keay. They make their way down the aisle of the festival green and up to the gazebo. Standing at the top of the short flight of steps is Dahlia Leeds, the previous year's Flower Queen, standing proudly in her blue and white gown beside her own courtier. Gracing each pair with a greeting of “hail and merry meet”, she places a ring of flowers on the head of each Flower Court member who kneels or bows to receive it, while Radar hands each courtier a matching boutonniere or corsage. The last two contestants receive a slightly larger flower crown and an extra prize as well--- a ribbon for being in the top three, decorated with a small flower-shaped metal charm. Susie's is bronze and Carolina's is silver. Once the formalities are complete, each pair files past Dahlia and Radar to take their seats at the high table.

Finally, it is time for the Flower Queen herself to arrive. By process of elimination, many onlookers have already determined the winner, but everyone still holds their breath as they await the arrival of their new Flower Queen.

And there she is. A vision in violet, escorted by North Dakota, is Fever Dream. The face of Town Hall, the hearse driver of choice for Mourner's Night, and a Daughter of Winter chosen by the goddess Mortanne herself. If ever were someone from off-world to deserve the title of "community pillar," none should deserve it more than her. The people have spoken, and they speak again as they erupt into thunderous cheering as their elected Queen appears at last.

As the pair make their way to the steps of the gazebo, a fresh shower of petals rains down upon them as the music swells to greet them. Once there, Dahlia steps down from the top landing, guiding Fever to stand there instead. A willful abdication, allowing the year to change and welcoming what comes next.

“Hail and merry meet.” Dahlia says, unable to contain her thrilled grin as she recites the words. “Today, just as I was one year ago, you have been chosen by the people of our town to be the Flower Queen. It is my honor to present you with gifts befitting a queen.”

Another townsperson passes her a basket, which Dahlia presents to Fever. It contains a number of spring-themed treats--- honey harvested from last spring’s flowers, a bottle of specially crafted sweet festival wine to be consumed on the summer solstice, a candle embedded with dried flowers, a blend of lavender and bergamot tea, a charming floral soap, and a necklace with a pressed forget-me-not inside a clear pendant. There is also a medal hanging around the wine bottle shaped like an orchid bloom, engraved on the back with text. “Flower Queen 16:56 - Pumpkin Hollow - Fever Dream”. Dahlia then passes the somewhat heavy basket off to North to carry--- after all, it’s the Courtier’s job to attend to the Queen!

Then, Dahlia pins a boutonniere to North's lapel, and beneath it, a medal of his own. “Floral Courtier - 16:56 - Dmitri 'North Dakota' Katina”.

“With this sprig of Serannai’s glory, I bestow upon you the honored duty of Courtier to the Flower Queen. Assist her as she needs and ensure that she spends this day as free and joyful as a spring breeze.”

Lastly, Dahlia turns back to Fever and lifts up the crown of flowers from her own head, larger and more elaborate than the others, holding it aloft for a moment before resting it upon Fever’s head.

“With this crown, I pass my title on to you. May it bring you felicity and fortune, so that you may share it with the earth as you put seed to soil.”

Before they all proceed up to the gazebo to join the rest of the Floral Court at their table, Dahlia takes Fever's hand and leans in to whisper to her. "Congratulations, love. You've more than earned it," Dahlia tells her emphatically, kissing her on the cheek. And then all four of them---- this year's Queen, the prior, and each of their courtiers, ascend the steps and take their honored places at the table.

Applause rings out over the crowd, music swells once more, and Merrymeet officially begins. Congratulations to Fever, and all the members of the Floral Court!

Dress to Impress

Generally speaking, the dress code for Merrymeet is garden party formalwear. Appropriate outfits can fall anywhere in the Classic or Lavish categories. Characters here less than 2 months are able to get free rentals if they’d like, but can buy their outfit if they wish. Everyone else is asked to please purchase their outfit (from 300-500B, depending upon complexity).

Short on Brass? Drop by Gourd en Glace before the event and grab yourself a sundae and bring it up to Venka Meridell, the proprietor who also happens to be the local tailor’s daughter. She’ll slip you a coupon for a half-price Merrymeet outfit if you’re willing to taste test one of her unorthodox new ice cream flavors. Her mother, Saraya, will begrudgingly accept these coupons. [Mod Note: Please only take this option if you have 500B or less in your ledger, we are trying to get some of these rich-ass characters to spend their damn money!]

Once you’re all dressed to the nines, please feel free to use the code below to show off your drip in the Fashion Show thread! Please remember that imgur is still not functional in the UK, so use URLs from Pinterest, Snipboard, Catbox, etc. so that no one misses out on your drip. If you got a discounted outfit, you also have to include what weird flavor of ice cream Venka made you taste-test and whether it was good or not.

<img src="YOUR URL HERE" alt="Merrymeet" style="width:400px;">

c

…In the Golden Afternoon

Springtime Spread

It doesn’t take long for lunch to be brought out, courtesy of some helpful volunteers and the Oak & Iron’s diligent cooking staff. Salads full of spring greens, fresh bread with herbs baked in, puff pastries with fresh cheese and asparagus, egg tarts, chicken sandwiches, and crispy little hashbrowns formed into cups to look like bird nests, each with a devilled egg sitting inside. There are also dozens of little desserts made with flowers and spring berries, like cakes and custards, and even heart-shaped macarons.

And while there is wine being passed around the table, there is also tea. But this isn’t just any tea, and these aren’t just any tea pots. The pots are clear glass, surrounded by ornate silver fixtures, so that you can see the color of the tea and the leaves steeping within. Some are regular tea leaves rolling around in ball strainers while others are blooming floral teas perched in the center of the pots. And best of all, these teapots are enchanted, looking like chubby little tea puppies walking around on four short metal legs. They meander around between dishes on the tables, bumbling up to partygoers to offer their contents and tipping forward with surprising grace to pour tea into cups. They are helpfully labeled with tags tied to their handles, explaining what they contain.

And the teapots aren't the only thing that's been enchanted---- the teas themselves have been blended with some mood enhancers! The intensity of the effects depends on how much you drink and how susceptible to these sorts of things you tend to be, but don't worry--- if you don't like what you got, the drink won't overstay its welcome. Unfortunately, though, these enchantments are a bit experimental, and some of them don't really work as intended…

Well, don't worry too much about it. Surely nothing can go wrong, right? Anyway, the selection available is as follows:

Spiced Apple Blend - A black tea blend with fresh apple slices that makes the drinker feel happy! A great way to bring up the mood if you didn't make it to the festival in the best of spirits.

Orange Blossom Herbal - A delicious floral and citrus tisane that evokes a playful feeling, encouraging jokes and shenanigans along with making the drinker feel a little bit giggly.

Invigorating Green - an energizing green tea that has somewhat mixed effects--- while some may find it perks them up so they can dance longer and party harder, others may find that it provides a bit too much of a zing. The urge to burn off all that energy might be enough to send you for a jog or even a few push-ups, despite your finery, or you may just end up raising your heart rate for a bit.

Steamy Ginseng - for folks looking for a boost to their romance game, this warming tea will have the drinker feeling flirty! Be sweeter, more charming, and more receptive to romance!

Earl Grey, Hot - enjoy a boost of confidence with a strong cup of this classic black tea. You'll be as bold as bergamot!

Calming Chamomile - While this tea is intended to relieve tension, in some cases it will just make the drinker incredibly sleepy.

Pitch Black - this strong breakfast blend was intended to reduce sad feelings in the drinker, but there seems to have been a mishap in the brewing that now causes it to make you sadder. At least the tea is delicious--- it's probably one of the best-tasting teas you've ever had.

Bee's Delight - a bit of a misnomer. While this honey-infused lemon ginger tea was meant to draw on the social prowess of the bees involved in its making, it was accidentally brewed with honey from bees that were very angry with the harvester.

Enjoy any of these with your meal to turn up the mood! While these teas are clearly labeled, it's up to you whether or not you actually read them. Accidents can happen!

Planting Ritual

After the food is served and everyone's had plenty of time to eat, Dahlia calls everyone over to the far side of the Festival Green nearest Town Hall. Fever has a floral-print apron tied over her dress and has Her Majesty's Royal Spade in hand, and she and Dahlia stand in front of a small plot of earth with a row of tulips planted behind little stone plaques. A whole line of them, from nearly half a century of Flower Queens--- Juniper Sweetwater, Mary Dahl, Dahlia Leeds, and now, Fever Dream.

This part of the ceremony is short, just involving Dahlia and Fever saying a brief prayer to Serranai over a new tulip bud, followed by Fever burying it next to the others, which have already begun to sprout for the impending spring. Won't it be exciting to see what color the petals are in a month or two?

Once that concludes, Fever is released from her protective gardening get-up, and the party gets started in earnest. Time to dance, mingle, and enjoy a festival blessedly free of demonic or eldritch intervention. Who knows how many of those we have left?

Dance the Day Away (or whatever else you like!)

Food is a staple of any good Concordian holiday, no matter where on this beautiful planet you may find yourself, but it surely isn't all there is to do at Merrymeet. After all, what's a garden party without a bit of dancing?

Local musicians will be playing throughout the day for group and couple’s dances, including a local partner dance called the Sunrise Waltz and a classic maypole dance that is equal parts party game as it is fertility ritual. Feel free to dance the afternoon away with partners, friends, new acquaintances, and more!

There’s also areas to catch your breath and chat with friends, a chocolate dipping station with a variety of little treats, flower sprouts in tiny pots and premade seed packets as party favors, flower garland braiding areas, and plenty of wine!

Additionally, there are a few tents scattered around the far edges of the green. They're pitched low to the ground, with the floor of them covered in cushions and the upper interiors are strung with flower garlands and silk drapes, creating a very romantic ambiance for couples looking to grab a private moment together away from the crowd. It's the perfect place for a kiss, a proposal, a confession of love--- or anything else that might call for a moment alone. (You’re not supposed to, but if you’re quiet and don’t mind a bit of risk, it wouldn’t be hard to sneak a little naughty fun into your day in these little tents. Just keep it stealthy--- this is an all-ages festival, and you'll get kicked out if you're caught being inappropriate.)

Also, if upon returning to their seats, everyone in town will find an invitation to a bit of an afterparty on the Bluffs, a whole year in the making, right down to the day. (Though in reality, it's several decades overdue.)

Whether this is your first time celebrating this time-honored tradition with us, or you've been with us for all three years, or anywhere in-between, it is our sincere hope that this Merrymeet finds you well and joyful. Take this opportunity to share love, whether that's for your partners, your friends, or something somewhere in the middle, and greet spring with open arms. The festivities will at last draw to a close when the sun begins to set --- the perfect time to head out and grab some dinner, either at home or at unrelated gatherings, wherever you might find them.

Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again, my friends.

| CONTENT WARNINGS: mood alteration (optional)|

Comments

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS

[pumpkinhollow]

FASHION SHOW

[pumpkinhollow]

Post your outfits here!

Rose's One-Trick Pony Thunderdome

[thethirteenthchild]

A header for all my TLs that are just simple starters for that character's partner(s).

Gerry [ for Carolina ]

[skeletonkeay]

This isn't Gerry's first walk down this particular aisle. Alice, his friend, was nominated last year, and he was proud to escort her when her somewhat good-for-nothing not-really-all-the-way-ex-boyfriend was blowing her off. Gerry likes Sam well enough, but the man sure does know how to drag his goddamn feet.

This time, however, he's with her. And he couldn't be more proud. She looks fantastic, all sleek fabric and tone muscle and sharp angles meeting sloping curves that create visual interest to her in such a way that she surely must have been designed by an artist rather than by nature alone. She's a goddess. A vision in aquamarine. And he's beyond smug at the idea that he gets to be the one to show her off.

The ceremonial entrance ends, and he's equally content to tease her once the chatter picks up and dinner plates come out. "Not too arduous, was it?"

Kris [ Various ]

[heartofadreemurr]

*You are filled with the power of...

...Mean Girls
[ Susie ]

From their place at the honor court table with Harrowhark, Kris waits for Susie to process in with Ralsei.

And waits.

And waits.

And finally, she comes in almost at the very end, looking incredible and, lo and behold, getting a bronze medal and green ribbon pinned to the lapel of her floral suit. Kris very nearly leaps from their seat at the realization that Susie placed third. Holy shit. She deserves it so much.

And isn't it just so lucky that her seat at the gazebo happens to be right behind where Kris is sitting at the honor table at its base? While the rest of the crowning happens, Kris reaches through the wooden bars of the railing, and flicks Susie on her ankle, grinning cheekily at her. "Find me after food," they whisper to her.

As promised, once lunch ends and people start getting up to dance, she'll find them loitering by the maypole. The minute they see her, they hurl themself at her in a huge bear hug. "Congratulations on your gay flower award, fucko!" they tease, but even their flat affect isn't enough to contain their excitement. "I'm proud of you, dude. You looked awesome up there."

...Fluffy Boys
[ Ralsei ]

And of course, Ralsei looks just as stunning. He's always wearing some fluffy dress because he's an adorable little darling angel or whatever. He can't keep getting away with it. Someone has to stop this criminal before he strikes again.

But it won't be Kris. They find him a little later in the day, nudging him with their elbow. Hopefully things aren't too weird from the Nightmare Castle. "Hey. You wanna check out the chocolate fondue with me?"

...Spooky Nuns
[ Harrowhark ]

Ah, but it seems we've gotten ahead of ourselves. Before Kris can go on any post-lunch adventures, they must first, in fact, have lunch. Convincing Harrow to dance later is a hard maybe (she said earlier that she wouldn't get caught dead dancing, but those can be famous last words sometimes) but even with all the excitement around Susie's placing third, they want to give Harrowhark their full attention, as well as give Susie and Ralsei their time in the spotlight.

She looks amazing in her black-on-black floral brocade. The perfect mix of staying on-theme and on her own brand. It's tasteful and elegant. A rather comical match for Kris in their frilly pink prince getup. The contrast, they think, looks really nice.

They wonder if she's thinking about that, too. Then they immediately get embarrassed. Uuuughhhh they're a disaster.

Then they notice what she's doing. "...Why are you looking at your food like that?"

Agent South Dakota | RvB

[ownperson]

And I'm just tryna play it cool now [for Haley]

It's not that kind of date, that's what South tells herself, from the night to the morning before the dance. It's not that kind of date. She invited you because you're the friend that nominated her. Even as she gets ready, dressing herself up in the vest Haley made her, her brother helping her fuss with the cravat she's probably going to abandon half-way through the day, she's insistent.

("It's not like that, Di. Just— leave it, okay?")

But fuck, she'd be lying if she said she didn't wish it was.

Haley looks gorgeous. It's all South can do not to stare too hard, from the moment they meet up, through the procession and beyond. She tries to keep her eyes on anything but Haley's cleavage, which somehow ends up in her staring at fucking CT's equally overflowing dress for a little too long which is not better, that's worse actually for a lot of reasons, and— fuckdammit she's hopeless.

Right. Focus on your actual date. Friend. Date. South grunts, tugging a little at her collar. "Ugh, this thing is driving me nuts..."

But that's not what I wanna do now [OPEN]

Public gatherings have been... tricky, for South, since she arrived. Celestine's was mostly a fucking nightmare. The holiday stretch, as a whole, was mostly a fucking nightmare with brief reprieves. But this time, this time, South actually seems to be in a pretty good mood (even before she and Haley disappear for a while, though she's certainly glowing even brighter when they come back).

She says no to the wine whenever it's offered, and feels pretty proud of herself for managing to. She doesn't shy away from chatter at the table, a little more confident on the outside even as she feels a little awkward on the inside. She bothers her brother and she congratulates Carolina. She might even let people that know her drag her into a bit of dancing (Haley sure won't let her get away with not joining her).

She does seem to be in a bit of an ongoing battle with the tea puppies, though. They keep coming by to offer her something to drink, but, honestly, the magic sounds a little too close to getting drunk, for her. Do the tea puppies understand this? Apparently not. Which is why you might see her shooing them. "Jesus christ take a fuckin' hint!"

[ Or hit me up / wildcard me for something specific. ]

[hotgirlsummer]

Haley could not be more over it with this fucking ex of South's if she tried. Like oh my god, could you please put your tits away?? South has more important boobs to be looking at right now. Haley will definitely make a point of having a word with the bitch later. Even if there's not much she can say on the matter. She doesn't control South's eyes, she's just annoying for existing.

"Do you need me to loosen it?" Seems like North might have tied the cravat a little too snug. He's probably never done it before.

Erik Lehnsherr | XMCU

[heavymetals]

SPRINGTIME SPREAD

[ Erik is far from the most sociable person, even on a good day. He does well in group settings but there's often a purpose to those, simply going to public gatherings and parties for the sake of having fun isn't at all like him.

So it's surprising that he's even here to begin with. An effort on his part not to isolate himself, particularly being a fairly recent arrival. Besides, he figures there might be something to learn at every new event and opportunity he gets. He doesn't want to waste what little money he's managed to make so far on an expensive outfit he might not wear again, so he chooses to rent something that, of the options on offer, is stylish while not too unlike him. Perhaps in lighter colours than he remembers wearing in the past decade, but he does manage to make it look good enough.

He doesn't mingle necessarily, though. He helps himself to some food instead, and as the teas are passed around, he accepts a cup. He's not particular on flavours, so at any given time, when you approach him to say hello or he bumps into you as he gets up from the table, he may be feeling one particular way or other. Whichever of them, it's quite possible he's in a much better mood now than he was before. ]

Sorry. [ He'll apologise if he's actually bumped into someone. Probably smiling after he's had a drink of the spiced apple blend. He feels great. ] I didn't hurt you, did I?

DANCE THE DAY AWAY

[ His good mood seems to linger for quite a portion of the party, especially as he drinks more than one cup of tea, but it stretches on even after the effects vanish. This is definitely not his sort of event but he's enjoying himself regardless.

Despite his disposition, he's unlikely to suggest dancing unless someone else actually asks him. He's not expecting it since most people here don't even know him, let alone get along with him, but watching everyone else dance and circle happily around the maypole is entertaining all on its own.

He takes a glass of wine at some point, plucking at some of the flowers being used for the garlands, and once all the socializing starts to get to him, he absconds to one of the tents on his own. It's a tad too romantic for him, honestly, but the pillows look especially comfortable, and he allows himself to relax and sit down for a break, wine glass still in hand. ]

😘

[magike]

Her fingers run down his arm a little more familiarly than they perhaps should, but Erik isn't the only one that has drunk some of the tea. The fondness she feels for him (or at least that fond memory) isn't being ignored tonight, and she smiles at him as she steps into view, offering a hand out to him.

"You almost look a little jealous." Her head nods briefly to those dancing behind them. Maybe she'll ask you, Erik.

fever (dark urge) | baldur's gate 3

[abhorrently]

foreword. (closed to the Floral Court.)

The Floral Court is told of the Queen before Merrymeet starts, of course - they couldn't line up right otherwise. Fever's wondered who it could be all morning, and as the names are listed, she's feeling excited, anticipatory. Everyone looks beautiful, there's no chance of Efrain pulling a repeat party crashing, and she hasn't received any deeply upsetting news in the past few days. It's as good as it's going to get. And if the party gets overwhelming, she'll make her excuses and leave. Simple, easy. This year will be fun.

The mayor reads the list, and Fever listens, ready to applaud the results.

Susie in third is wonderful - the young woman is someone Fever only vaguely knows about from her birthday, but it's good news. Carolina taking second thrills her. And then, Mayor Poe announces first place, and the world seems to get...muted, for a second. She didn't hear that right. Did she? Not her. Not after everything people know. There's so many shining, beautiful options - every one of those around her would be suited to the crown, over her, and yet, the looks she's getting aren't that of an elaborate joke or a fading illusion. First place, Fever Dream.

People are smiling, and later, she'll feel bad that she froze, but the wide eyed surprise is covering her feeling so much at once. Unsteady, but a newborn delight is unfurling in her chest, like a flower starting to open in the first light of spring. For this moment in time, she cannot speak, and looks around at everyone as if to confirm it's really still happening. Fever Dream, Flower Queen - a far, far cry from the woman who was brought to these shores nearly two years ago, frightened and uncertain of her place in the world.

Later, when Dahlia places the crown upon her head, it finally feels real. Fever's eyes will well up with tears - but she will also be beaming with joy.

festivities.

Lunch is served, and royalty or not, no one can resist the spread that's been set up. Fever's going to do her due diligence to the sheer variety of food - it's all so good - trying different things or asking people what they like to help her decide what to try next. There's only so much a single person's stomach can hold, but sampling offers a good variety. And, that says nothing of dessert. The teas are a surprise, but after the first few sips give her a warmer feeling, she decides to be a little careless, sampling a myriad of different types just to see how they'll make her feel. This one makes her laugh, and this one grants her serenity, and this one sends North out to run a few laps - she's very careful with her sips on this one.

Of course, being open for conversation is part of her royal duties for today. Those seated at the head table get first dibs, and Fever's merry as she chats away, but anyone else who wants to come up and snag her is welcome. A toast, a conversation, flower braiding, a dance - she'll be busy all day with all of what's asked of her, but she's smiling so much her face will later begin to ache. And the table isn't the only place she'll be, since eventually she'll want to wander, full of (natural) energy that will buoy her through the day.

When it comes time to plant a tulip in the ground, as the Flower Queen must, Fever lets Dahlia show her where to go. Fever presses her fingertips to the soil after burying her bulb, glancing at the row of bulbs from queens prior, and the prayer to Serranai is heartfelt. Still, she adds a whisper onto the end of it to the bulb itself - "grow strong" - and she's soon to rejoin the celebration proper.

wildcard.

[have a different idea you want to throw at me? go for it! want me to write you something custom? let me know, and I'll be happy to! let's have fun.

for teas, pick your poison! Fever won't be heavily committed to one drink, so the spectrum is wide open for what you want to play with.]

festivities

[hadnoright]

"Look at you. And to think you almost wanted to back out."

Leaning against the court's table, teacup still in hand, Daisy herself is noticeably looser around the edges than she is just about ever. Someone who doesn't know her that well probably wouldn't notice; it's subtle, right now, the way she's smiling more naturally and holding herself with much less defensive tension, but it's no less real.

Theta | RvB

[n0rthernlights]

Theta's nervous.

This isn't exactly new, he's nervous most of the time. But he's a little more nervous than average today because unlike most days, he can't just glue himself to North's side. North has things to do with the nice looking pale lady with the freckles and other adult friends to spend time with. And even if South would take him (she wouldn't) she's also busy with the girl she likes. Which means he's mostly with Mister Pennyburrow, in the lead-up to the main event, and for a while after. Which is okay, Mister Pennyburrow is nice, Theta trusts him well enough, but he's still not used to being away from North or around so many people.

So a lot of the time, if he's not with Pennyburrow or North, the oddly-coloured eyed young teen in his nice purple vest is hovering around the outskirts of everything. He's a fidgety sort—shifting from foot to foot, wringing his hands, fiddling with bits of his outfit. He's still a very new face to town, having only arrived a couple weeks back and spent most of his time at home or school rather than town, so maybe he stands out.

Occasionally, though, he wanders. You might catch him trying to peer through the crowds to find one of his trusted adults, looking rather out of his depths and occasionally bumping into people with a, "Sorry!"

Or maybe by the chocolate dipping station, where the kid's eyes quickly get bigger than his stomach. Figuring out what food he likes (and remembering to eat proper meals) is an ongoing process, but a teenager is a teenager, and he does love sweets. Encourage him to slow down, or find him sat nearby looking a little bit sick.

[ Or hit me up to plan something more specific. He's nervous enough opens and closed starters are easier than tagging him around, so far. ]

[gooddefense]

North finds Theta a little while after the planting ceremony wraps up, having parted ways with Fever for now to let her have some time with her girls (Dahlia insists on stealing her for a while and apparently her friend Daisy is being really funny today on account of one of those teas). Plus North also promised some dances to some people and he is still buzzing off his own tea despite having legitimately run a few laps around the outside of the grounds.

"Hey dude!" North musses Theta's hair, grinning. "How'd I look up there?"

Gwen Stacy | Spiderverse Trilogy

[thismaskismybadge]

It, admittedly, does suck just a little when it sinks in that she's the only one in her age group that she's friends with that hasn't made one of the courts somehow. Obviously, it's fine. It really is fine. They're all having fun, and it's not as if they're going to be glued to the table, unable to socialise, but still. FOMO is real, and it hangs over her through the procession, watching everyone walk up. Whatever. It doesn't stop her waving encouragingly, or cheering for Carolina and Susie for making the top three.

And if they're all going to be stuck up there for a bit before the party really loosens up, then she guesses she's just going to have to make her own fun.

"Do you think they'll kick me out if I climb up on top of the Gazebo?" she might ask someone, eyeing the structure like a challenge. It would be easy. She did it last year, even, just only after things went to total shit.

Maybe someone tries to talk her out of, maybe they don't, but eventually she decides upon the principle of 'eh, I'mma risk it' and webs herself up there. It's a little more clumsy in the dress she picked this year but it's not impossible by any means, and being sticky as she is she manoeuvres around with relative ease. With what goal in mind, you might ask?

Mostly bothering her friends on the court—and anyone else who happens to see her head poking down into the gazebo from above. This can range from anything from staring until they notice her, aggressively pssting and then ducking away, or gently beaning someone in the head with a pebble (it's a safe throw strength, she's very careful about that.)

...it's possible she's had some of the Invigorating Green.

When Gwen's not being a pest, she's still finding ways to keep herself busy. Making monstrosities of dripping chocolate over at the dipping station is a favourite of hers, to the point it's a miracle she doesn't get it on her dress. Sometimes, she helps Pennyburrow wrangle one of the younger kids who's causing trouble or eaten themself sick (or worse, drank one of the teas that makes them hyper). And when she's calmed down a bit herself, she sits herself down at the flower garland station where she weaves primarily combinations of pink, blue and white together. (She has a brand, goddammit.)

[ Or hit me with something / poke me to plot something more specific. ]

[thrashmachine]

It only takes so many pebbles before Susie's more than ready to enact her revenge. As soon as the lunch gathering breaks, she sticks behind, taking just long enough to gather up as many of the pebbles that had bounced off the top of her head as she possibly can. And, once she's got a decent handful of them, unable to hide her playful grin, she strolls out onto the green, finds a good angle, and...

"Hey, Gwen! I think you dropped these!" She calls up to the top of the gazebo once she catches sight of Gwen, and without hesitation, she reels her arm back, tossing one, two, then three pebbles.

(It doesn't take her long to start turning single pebbles into a small barrage of them. There's a lot of tiny stones to throw, after all, and they don't have all day, do they?)

Capochin | Great God Grove

[staybizzy]

- Golden Afternoon -

A wealth of happiness and romance, indeed. Capochin seems to be in extremely good spirits, and without a drop of tea in him. The reason for this will reveal itself later, of course.

During the procession, he weasels his way to the front, squirming his way through the crowd. "Ey, move it! I ain't no more'n three feet tall, ain't you ever hoid the rule dat short people get to stand in the front?" He's making quite a racket---- will you help him move forward, hold him back out of spite, or do whatever it takes to get him out of your hair? He'll gladly tell off anyone who dares get mad at him. "Hey, fuck you! You got a problem wit' etiquette?" Rich, coming from him.

But then the procession nears its end, and it becomes very clear exactly what he was so invested in this for. As soon as Carolina comes through, receiving her second place charm, he's noisy again. Whooping and cheering, his voice rises above others. "YEAH!! THAT'S MY GIRL!" (He seems emotional about this. Don't point it out to him.)

Then it's lunch time. With a glass of fancy strawberry wine, he samples just about everything there is and chats excitedly with everyone at his table about it. "Ooh. They had dese egg t'ings last year. Delish. Poifect brunch. You tried one? You oughta. Y'know, next year, someone oughta suggest they have mimosas at dis thing."

After lunch, there's dancing. Of course he saves a dance for Hector, light of his life. And he spends a fair bit of time sneaking little envelopes onto every seat at the festival, but when it's time for the maypole, well---

"I think I might be a lil short for dis," he admits begrudgingly, barely able to hold his streamer. With a wry look, he flashes a faux-innocent grin at a taller bystander. "Hey. You ever played 'Chicken' in da swimmin' pool before?"

Otherwise, Capochin can be found mingling, dancing, or lounging lazily at his table. Towards the end of the night, he nurses a cup of Earl Grey tea, for confidence.

- Diamond Twilight -

Here it comes.

They invited the whole town, for a number of reasons. It's convenient, for one. Everyone's already dressed up, right? Plus the Bizzyboys are a community organization first and foremost. And yeah, maybe it's a little bit because Hector loves the attention. He should get to have it. It's his day.

And so as the festival ends, Capochin makes his way up to the Bluffs, stopping only to swap his festival jacket for a white one.

Oh gods.

Here it comes.

It's finally, finally time.

It was kind of Kris, to play the piano for them. Kinder still of Dahlia to turn Pine Devil and fly an entire upright piano out to the Bluffs for them to play. This town really is full of good people.

There's an arch set up toward the edge of the cliff, the sprawling Black Jade Sea yawning in the background and creating a stunning dark emerald backdrop. There's no pastor to recite any ceremony, nor wedding party. The more formal wedding will happen back home, for one, and for another... the two of them have never needed anyone but them.

Capochin's eyes flick over to a little tent that's pitched just within the treeline, knowing that Hector's back there.

The love of his life, his everything, his soulmate. Despite all the hardship, all the pain, all the hard work and hard lessons and hard falls from grace. Everything, everything, everything has always been him, from a chance meeting at a local bodega on a dreary day and an illicit cigarette purchase, to a shabby apartment and a dream, to that first day in God Grove with the sun in his eyes and still only ever being able to look at him. Falling into bed on a shared pull-out couch, running errands for gods, a nomination, an election, a win. Ascension. Godhood. Joy, revelry, renewed purpose, popularity, notoriety. Pain, self-harm, sacrifice, jealousy, schemes, self-destruction. The rise, the fall, the rise again. Arguments, embraces, tears of joy and sorrow, horror, healing, domesticity, a long-awaited first kiss. A dance of flowers. A ring. From 17 and 18 to 56 and 57. Thirty-nine years. And today, the first day of the rest of their lives.

Capochin goes first, proceeding to the end of the aisle and standing under the archway. His throat is already tightening. The music changes, swelling slightly, to give Hector his cue. But the moment he sees his amo, the tears start running. Cobdammit, he had been so determined to be composed. There goes that.

Hands outstretched, he takes Hector's hands in his own. He laughs incredulously, still disbelieving that this could be real. An old dream, come true at long, long last.

"You wanna go first or me?"

Once the two exchange their vows, they kiss just as the sun fully sets in the west behind them, and like sparks from a hot iron the last amber rays of sun strike the sky and wash the pair in molten gold. Their Bizzyboys perform their final duty of the day--- showering them in flower petals. The red and white rose petals rain on the pair, then flutter off into the breeze, off the edge of the Bluffs and into the sea.

Then it's dinner time! A simple table set-up is lined with plates and cutlery, and covered dishes that upon being touched are clearly enchanted to stay hot. They are full of the most delicious-smelling lasagna one could imagine. It's a simple meal compared to the festival's finery, but clearly a lot of work--- Capochin did all of this on his own, save for the enchantments. It's modest, but done with love, as is the way of Drain.

The grooms don't sit anywhere special like a head table, just in the middle of the center-most table. As the sky fades from orange and pink to dark blue to black and the stars begin to wake for the night, you can find them happily talking with their beloved friends and accepting congratulations over a meal that Capochin's mother would be proud of.

What a good day.

[coolhatluvr]

As Capo takes his place under the arch, an excited voice can be heard informing everyone in earshot that "That's him, that's my boss! Hey Cappy, congratulations!!" Patty quiets down a little as Hector appears and the exchange of vows begins -- but only verbally. Pokey's hankie and shoulder get pretty much soaked with Patty's tears -- but it's happy crying.

"That's gonna be us someday," she sobs, patting Pokey's back like she's the one comforting Kel, instead of the other way around. "We're gonna be so pretty babe, I can't wait to marry youuuuuu...buwuhwuhwuh..."

Daisy Tonner | TMA

[hadnoright]

When Daisy accepted the nomination (which she didn't need to be an Eye Avatar to know was Jon's retaliation for the Pickle King nomination, last year) she expected nothing of it. Pumpkin Hollow is more home, now, than maybe anywhere else has been in her life, but she still considers herself a rather... steady, but understated, presence in town. Hell, her biggest splash was defending Dahlia, which paid off in the end but couldn't have earned her much favour in some circles. Winning is never on her prediction card. Fever winning is the best thing that could have happened.

So you could say making it to the final court is a surprise.

She makes a joke to Basira, when they have a moment, that maybe Dahlia will let the two of them get away with using this like a wedding reception so they don't have to do something proper. (They both know she won't, they're going to have to do that ceremony eventually. Which... Daisy actually doesn't mind, now the actual paperwork is sorted. There's no risk she gets cold feet and ruins it.)

Even so, when Daisy and Basira take their place at the Flower Court's table, she leans up against her wife's side and laces their fingers together beneath the table. It's going to be a good day, she's determined of that.

Now, those who have known Daisy for a time may know this: she can't get drunk. In fact, the only time she's ever been drunk she was twenty-four and had just been promoted to Detective. By the time she was twenty-eight, the Hunt had changed her metabolism in such a way it was no longer even possible. Not by earthly means. Magic, however...

She feels good. She feels... safe, all things considered. In control of herself, if not of the situation in town. So, she considers, and ultimately accepts a serving of Orange Blossom Herbal tea and drinks it all in a couple gulps.

It's subtle, at first. She loosens up a little in a way that's most likely only really noticeable to her loved ones—an easy smile on her face, instead of her usual RBF, the way she holds herself much more relaxed. But with time, those close to the gazebo might just hear her absolutely cackling at some unheard joke from one of her partners and if you run into her around the party, you might just trigger the same, rarely-heard laughter from her yourself.

She's even actively grabbing people to drag them out to dance, swirling her skirt. Who is this woman?

for Basira

"Still kinda can't believe we actually did it," she laughs against Basira's shoulder, at some point in the day. She's playing with Basira's fingers a little, fussing, occasionally, with her ring finger where she really should be thinking about getting them both rings for the eventual actual ceremony. "We might be a little crazy. Just—"

She pinches her fingers together.

"—a little. Little crazy. People are gonna go mental."

There's a heavy beat. The kind of beat that usually means Daisy has some idea or another, but maybe a little orange blossom flavoured this time.

[xiaoxiuya]

"Daisy-jie!" Shen Qingqiu's voice is light and full of laughter (and more than a little tipsy himself) as he finds his hand seized and used to drag him out onto the dance floor. "Have I congratulated you yet? You look lovely," he informs her, the two of them moving in tight circles to the beat of the music. The blue skirt of his robe trails and brushes against hers, like two flags flapping together in the wind; a most charming sight.

Marik Ishtar | Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters

[thetombkeeper]

Marik arrives in style, having spared no expenses on his outfit, bold lotus blue eyeshadow and carefully done feminine Egyptian eyeliner surrounding his eyes for a change. He struts arm-in-arm with King Halo — who is dressed just as elegantly as him. Of course, it wouldn't be the brat everyone's come to know since Kadath if he wasn't looking so smug with himself (and his bestie, of course), like a little peacock on display, particularly when the wind has caught his shoulder-cape and lets it flow just right.

He watches the ceremony attentively but he's only mildly curious about this little Pumpkin Hollow custom. Really, he's mostly people watching. Putting names to faces, watching body language. You can bet Marik shoots Harrowhark a certain look when the two catch each other's eyes.

Although he spends most of his time with King Halo, most likely gossiping and/or chatting about plans with her, others can catch him by himself from time to time. For the afternoon spread, he's casually avoiding the foods with meat/eggs and finds he isn't fond of wine. Guess he'll be sticking with the teas then. (Gods help whoever bumps into him, depending on what brew he's helped himself to.)

And thanks to Valdis teaching him the basics last month, Marik has been practicing his dancing for just such an occasion. Should you be interested, the boy will gladly accept the offer to dance — depending on who you are, that is.


[ For King Halo ]

It was kind of surprising how close he and the Umamusume have gotten since meeting on his birthday. As if it was fate offering him someone he could truly confide in, someone who encouraged him but also held him accountable for his actions.

Someone to help him become a better person. He's never had a true friend before.

A pity Marik is still relatively the same as ever, still wanting power that isn't truly his, wanting to be something more. Despite all of that, he's quite happy for having met King Halo and for the genuine happiness she's brought to his everyday life.

The tomb keeper takes care of those he considers 'his.' Which is why he's tried to spoil her for this festival. She deserves to be happy, to be celebrated.

After a fun, relaxed afternoon of chatting, eating, and being merry, Marik slowly rises from the table and holds a hand out to his friend with a smile.

"... Would you care to dance, King?"

[twohundreddead]

When Harrowhark accepted her (anonymous) nomination— a lapse of judgement, definitely— she did not anticipate being exhibited in front of a crowd. Her chétif stature won't save her here— no hiding behind the backs of the individuals in front of her— and her black robes make her stand out like a bruise on pale skin. She's accompanied by Kris Dreemurr, who is dressed lavishly, diametrically, in pink.

Spotting Marik in a crowd is easy. Harrow scans from right to left, and when she's found the most garishly dressed person with the pointiest crop of hair, she knows she's found him. Her eyes narrow. Her painted lips pull back into a sneer. Predictably, the animal worshiper seems to have stolen his guest from the stables.

Later, Harrow's composition changes dramatically. It's the damned tea. That stupid, muddy, blacker-than-death tea she plonked ice into then gulped down like an animal, feeling compelled to participate, then regretting this immediately. Regretting it so much that, after two big gulps, she spat out the rest into the grass.

What is it called? Oh yes, Pitch Black.

The girl looks unholy miserable. She's frowning cartoonishly, skull paint on the verge of losing its detail and deliquescing into one grey, despairing blur. She sees no reason she shouldn't curl up in fetal position and stay there for the remainder of the night. Dark corner— soft grass— just lie down and perish.

And he's in her way. Harrow stands directly on Marik's cape. She can hardly bring herself to lift her head up, for how heavy she feels.

"Whose curtain did you steal?"

father mulcahy | M*A*S*H

[lovethyneighb_or]

i. dead i kissed him as he lay [open]

It's a beautiful day. They could use more beautiful days.

He watches the ceremony, and it is wonderful and beautiful and everything the town hoped it would be, without any sign of demonic intervention. Things don't feel like they've started to tone down since the death of two demon princes, but maybe it is? Maybe. He celebrates, he cheers, and he tries not to imagine if he'll ever be up there too. It's fine; he doesn't like pink. Everyone's so beautiful, but it's not his color.

Mulcahy's dressed as humble as he always is, in restrained and muted blacks and olive greens. The flashiest parts of his outfit are a small pocket square and a corsage of white flowers. He shrinks to the edges of the party, avoiding the food and especially the tea, though he'll help himself to the unmodified drinks. (He is also not expressly avoiding Marik—he's not so much prey that he'll back down from the boy—but neither is he going to instigate anything. No need to ruin the occasion.)

The more perceptive will find him looking often in reflective surfaces, and occasionally slipping away outside the grounds.

ii. knelt by him and tried to pray [closed to gaeta]

At some point he'd absent from the party for a long time, and here he walks around the outside of the Festival Green alone with Felix. Not too close so as to buckle under the weight of so many people and their well-meaning, but prying eyes, but not so far as to be so alone.

He's quiet, but he holds Felix's hand. "Thank you for coming out," he says. "I know it's been difficult."

iii. left him lying there at rest [open]

Late in the day, he very, very tentatively joins in one or two of the dances, but more often he's meandering and catching brief idle chats with random townsfolk. He seems o be in his element here at least, even with the nervous undercurrent he so often seems to carry these days.

Here and there he plucks flowers from the decorations. He fidgets with them in hand, intertwines their stems in a loose approximation of weaving. Mostly he just holds them; occasionally, he tucks one or two behind his ear and tries to glimpse himself in something reflective.

He can't tell if it looks good on him or not. He's not sure if he should try.

iv. crucifix upon his breast [wildcard]

(( got another idea? hmu! ))

iii

[aghostinthemachine]

What fortunate timing that Mettaton happens to walk by while Mulcahy places the flowers behind his ears. The robot stops, looking at the weaved vine he's made thus far and taps his chin in thought. He recognizes that glint of uncertainty. It was something he experienced a lot before and for a bit after becoming corporeal. Wondering if he could pull off certain looks, wondering if he should even try. Would he look silly? Would people laugh at him?

The answer is no.

Mettaton approaches him, offering a friendly smile and a gentle tone as he speaks.

"If I may make a suggestion, darling? Rather than just the flowers behind your ear... Why not use that lovely braided weave as a flower crown?"

Dr. James Harvey | Casper

[drharvey]

ft. lowkey atrocious dadly outfit

---

springtime spread —

( Now this is a party! James may not be the most adept at the art of large social gatherings (he's more suited to shyly hanging around a library or searching for ghosts in questionable places) but he finds himself hopelessly charmed and delighted by the goings-on, here. The springtime sweetness, the little snacks and desserts, the teapot puppies. He'll spend a lot of time grinning happily about those and leaning in to watch them, or turning to passerby to exclaim, 'Have you seen these guys?' as if everyone here hasn't.

He'll be just as cheerfully sampling teas throughout the afternoon, and so ends up a victim to more than one effect... )

orange blossom herbal 🌸
( The playfulness causes James to become very silly, goofy, even — ....more than he usually is. He's giggly, he's engaging, he's telling really bad jokes. He's turning to you to warmly compliment your outfit and then say: )

You know, finding some shoes was the hardest part for me. I wouldn't buy anything with Velcro.

( Pause, before he lands the joke with lifted eyebrows and a lopsided grin. He looks so pleased with himself........ )

It's a total rip-off.

calming chamomile 🌸
( He's fluttering eyelids and drooping forwards a bit, struggling to stay fully present. But this one might just hit him the most — perhaps something to do with the fact that James' sleep schedule and habits are horrendous as it is, and typically involves him passing out in armchairs in the middle of reading or jotting down notes; he's always at least somewhat sleep-deprived.

If you're sitting beside him at any point, you might be the victim of the man tipping sideways against your shoulder, seemingly asleep or getting there fast. Or maybe you find him slumped over a table, face-first into his folded arms. It might be a good idea to check on him, or to at least make sure his glasses aren't digging into his skin too much, since he didn't even remove them.... Or maybe you find him wandering around trying to wake himself up, stumbling a bit here and there, eyes half-lidded and mouth slack. Hopefully he doesn't tip into you when he's standing, because he's 6'1'' and clumsy even on his most sober of days. )

earl grey, hot 🌸
( James is usually always a friendly, warm presence amongst the town, but there is a certain shyness to the man, an awkwardness that persists. Not anymore! ....At least, for as long as the effects of the tea last. He'll be approaching anyone, even people he's never met before, to very confidently ask them if they'd like to dance with him. And sure, he'd asked some folks to dance back during the fae festival a couple months ago, but it was with a whole lot of nervous, self-deprecating laughter.

This time he's very relaxed, body language not its usual mildly uncomfortable thing but rather calmer, more assured. He'll even hold out his hand to offer to the person he's near, no matter who it is, a charming smile dimpling his cheek. ...Of course, this sudden blossom of confidence won't actually help his dancing abilities, of which he has none, but— he won't be embarrassed about it, is the thing. At least not until the tea wears off, in which case he'll be wanting to hide under the nearest rock. This might also be how and when you encounter him, actually: wringing his hands as he circles the chocolate dipping station, muttering to himself about no more tea. )

Calming Camomile

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik does indeed happen to be walking by, having wanted to check in on and chat with James. (And maybe show off his outfit a bit. He wants his maybe-father figure's approval.)

... Except he wasn't expecting the man to be passed out at the table. He knows his sleeping schedule isn't great but... this seems a bit extreme?

The teen sits down next to him and gently shakes his shoulder, trying to ease him out of sleep.]

Mr. James... Hey, wake up...

Edgar | Snowpiercer (2013) | OTA

[hate_gettin_older]

He was going back and forth about whether or not he even wanted to go to this thing. But between wanting to support his friends up for the Flower Queen vote, and falling into a conversation with North about clothes that ended up with the two of them going shopping for outfits together so North could help him pick something out, he landed on yes.

So here he is, in an outfit that somehow looks fancy and Tail at the same time if that makes any fuckin sense. He applauds for all the Floral Court, especially Valdis and Daisy and Carolina, and for Fever when she comes out as the winner, and resigns himself to enjoying the party.

Good food almost never fails to cheer him up, and indeed it seems that mostly it is -- but one might spot him looking at a plate full of desserts with a pensive eye, especially the macarons. But maybe tea will make him feel better when the food fails, and at a later point he can be seen trying to make up his mind between the apple-scented tea and the ginseng.

Depending how that choice goes, if you find him later at the dancing, he might try to coax you to join him -- or suggest wandering off somewhere else. Could go either way.

[Tag Edgar at any point in the above, or make up a situation at the party for him to notice and approach! Feel free to ping me if you want to plot up anything specific.]

[ownperson]

South might be avoiding the tea and all the alcohol available, but the same definitely can't be said of the food. That's the nice thing about these big public affairs: big arrays of more food than it seems even a party this size can actually make it through. Been months since the last time she actually had to worry about when she was next going to eat a full meal, but some things are hard-wired, and so it's habit to make a bit a pile of the bits of party food and desserts even after the official lunch has passed.

It's when doing this she recognises the guy from around the bonfire, who she's at least 90% sure is also now one of North's new friends, and a little less but still relatively sure that he's the one that let North crash at his some nights.

What to do with this information and anything else it might imply, she's not 100% sure, but gives him that same sort of acknowledging nod as the mountain, though this time she at least manages words: "Good shit, right?"

Aloy || Horizon Zero Dawn

[ihadthewilds]

𝓟𝓮𝓸𝓷𝔂 ───────•°•❀

A flower festival. Aloy's never been to anything like that before. Rost has definitely spoken of the various rituals and festivals and gatherings that the Nora would hold in Mother's Heart, though Aloy rarely paid attention out of childhood pettiness. She wishes she had, now. For all the Nora put her through, these things are worth knowing. For a number of reasons. And while she's heard of the festival gatherings of the other tribes near the Embrace, she's never attended one of the spring-welcoming ones herself. This is something entirely new. And there's little that interests Aloy more than new experiences.

And so, she arrives with an outfit composed of collected pieces. Elaborate rope ties and stray sleigh bells, a simple dress layered with a tabard, a cardigan, and a shawl. Perfect for a chilly morning followed by a warm afternoon. She paints her face with daisies instead of dots or lines--- painted for fun, not for war. And she feels...

A little shy, for once. What a strange feeling. This is so unlike anything she's ever done before. Beautiful people in fluffy, frilly finery, an unfamiliar style of dress but somehow so appropriate and correct for the setting. She feels somehow over and under dressed all at once. Aloy felt so confident arriving in Pumpkin Hollow--- fight some beasts, protect a community, make sure everyone eats. These are simple, familiar tasks. Attending a party full of mostly strangers who all got the memo on how to dress except Aloy herself... less so.

Many of the people she recognizes are in the procession as a contestant or an escort--- Azimar, Susie, Fever--- wow, Fever looks stunning. So she ends up selecting a table to sit at arbitrarily, only to realize after the fact that she sees Alex halfway across the green. Damn. Well, she waves when they make eye contact and makes a note to catch up with her later. For now, she's sat with strangers. "Did you... come to this festival last year? Or is this your first one, too?" she asks a neighbor.

𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓮 ───────•°•❀

Tea! Now that's something she knows from home. These are a little different, but herbs and flowers dried and then placed into hot water to create a drink is common among all tribes she's familiar with, both as a medicinal practice and as something to drink for fun. The ginseng one smells delicious, wafting off the little waddling tea-delivery machine(?) as it passes. She holds out her cup to the helpful little teapot and is bestowed a helping of the earthy-smelling liquid, a lovely plume of steam blooming from the cup. She takes a few sips with her strange but tasty lunch, and by the time her food is gone, so is the tea.

...Is it just Aloy or did everyone suddenly get even prettier? Wherever her earlier nerves were, they've gone wholly missing.

So when it's time to dance, Aloy's in the mood to find a partner or six from this crowd. She's content to make a beeline for someone who's caught her eye (which could be just about anyone, really, Aloy is a woman of diverse taste) and offer a hand. "Looking for someone to dance with?"

[ Any gender, open to anyone who looks more or less 20ish to 30ish. Aloy herself is 20 but has less reservations about age. Doesn't have to go anywhere, can end up platonic or Aloy can fumble a baddie, whatever your flavor! ]

𝓗𝔂𝓪𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓱 ───────•°•❀

Aloy's seen things similar to a Maypole before, but never this specific thing, so a brief lesson is in order before she can participate. But she's certainly eager, and secures herself a spot quickly.

Her pockets are filled with flowers from the garland braiding station, and she quickly gets a very clever idea. Her tea is wearing off a little, but she's still feeling charming. So as the dance begins and the dancers weave in and out in opposing circles, looping their ribbons around the pole, Aloy uses her free hand to stick a flower into the hand, hair, or clothing of someone passing her in the opposite direction before prancing away. By the time the pole is wrapped, she's nearly depleted them. How many did you get? Do you intend to return the favor?

𝓟𝓮𝓽𝓾𝓷𝓲𝓪 ───────•°•❀

Thanks to that ginseng tea Aloy had earlier, she's been having a blast all day long. Time to try another one, see what other fun can be had. She returns to the table, scanning the toddling tea puppies before selecting one. Bee's Delight--- that's got to be good, right?

And she's right, it's delicious, but the more she drinks, the more everything starts to bother her. It's too hot with her cardigan on, but too cold without. The shawl doesn't stay on right without the cardigan, so she can't use that. The bells on her belt are too noisy, her collar is itchy, and worst of all is these stupid shoes! Whoever invented high heels deserves to be drug out into the streets of the village and pelted with arrows from all sides. They're too tight and they're too wobbly and they make her ankles hurt and they keep trying to get stuck in the dirt. Vile, evil, wicked shoes.

Eventually, Aloy gets so irritated with them that she plops onto the ground, takes them off and grabs a palm-sized decorative rock from the flower bed to begin violently bashing the heels off of them. Take that, shoes.

𝓟𝓸𝓹𝓹𝔂 ───────•°•❀

Okay, it's time for a time out.

Horrifically embarrassed by her outburst over the damn shoes, but really, really determined not to show it, Aloy begins reading the labels of the teas more carefully in order to look for one that can lift her mood, not make it worse.

It takes very little time for her to land on the chamomile tea. She's familiar with chamomile--- a stress reliever and healing herb. Perfect. And the label says it relieves tension? Just what she needs. One cup, please. She downs it with reckless abandon, as if shooting whiskey.

And the next thing to go down is Aloy.

In the midst of all the dancing and revelry and music and noise, you may spot a woman alone at her table, face down. She is snoring like a bear.

Needless to say that Aloy will be much more dubious of anything claiming to be "enchanted" going forward, and will be taking a break from tea after today.

poppy

[aghostinthemachine]

Oh. Oh dear. There's another one fast asleep. He's been stumbling across a lot of those today. Mettaton carefully approaches the sleeping girl and kneels down in front of her, trying to see if she's alright. You know, besides being asleep. No injuries? Is she able to breathe properly? No face in food or drink?

"Miss, he says softly, trying not to startle her. "Miss, wake up."

Papyrus | Undertale

[spaghettimonster]

💀 CROWNING OF THE FLOWER QUEEN

Papyrus couldn't easily remember the last time he'd been to an occasion this full of decoration and procession, but he was very glad he'd come. So many people garbed in such beautiful attire!

The sight of Mettaton showing off robotic strength by offering two of the other participants a ride, that was something unexpected but fun - hopefully they both enjoyed heights! Quite a few other familiar faces to wave cheerfully at, some he's only seen around and others he remembers by name, knows he's outright talked with at some point these last few months.

(Along with a few uncannily familiar-looking faces, not quite the human or monsters he'd known underground... Well, that was cool to see too! The way people from different worlds all found themselves here really was something to behold.)

But the more familiar faces particular got waved at. Mettaton, Cassandra, Zivia, and last of all Fever...! By the end of the ceremony, those around him had the chance to discover just how loud gloved applause could be, when the person clapping was used to compensating for thicker mittens than these thinner dress gloves.

💀 SPRINGTIME SPREAD

It's another delight to see all the light and airy food, salads and breads and egg-focused things. Nothing he'd quite call a quiche, he comments as he examines them, but famliar enough to daintily try. And even more striking than the foods are the teas, with those friendly little tea pots following partygoers around!

Papyrus might try tossing a small bone through the air, to see whether the nearest pot is interested in playing fetch - just barely disintegrating the bone mid-flight before it could knock over a neighbor's tea cup. Maybe it just collided, but it was only a scratch!

But even if the pots aren't interested in playing fetch, it's clear they're all enthusiastic to pour their tea into cups for everyone to drink, and to stand there bouncing eagerly for everyone to at least sip a taste. Faced with the pressure of such eagerness, Papyrus can't find it in him to refuse, and he ends up drinking a full cup of tea a couple times through the party - maybe even combining the effects, as he sips back and forth to compare two flavors!


🫖 ORANGE BLOSSOM HERBAL

One that he tries out of curiosity is the orange blossom, wondering whether it would taste more like the fruit, or like flowers, or some mix of both. It certainly smells citrusy, and he assumes the skeleton pirates can be thanked for its presence at the party.

He can later blame the reminder of Captain Royal for the mood that strikes him as he sips the tea, giggling at the reminder of punning at each other back on the docks. And maybe the orange influence extends further, into a circular kind of effect where he finds himself giggling at himself for giggling at the puns, a recursion that can only be broken by inflicting it on someone else.

"Orange... nyeh heh heh, orange you glad you came to this party?" Papyrus asks more than a couple people, even as he eyes the flower garland station, and the chocolate fountain, and starts plotting pranks.


🫖 CALMING CHAMOMILE

Another of the more insistent teapots is carrying the chamomile, which doesn't really seem to Papyrus to be the sort of thing for a party with so much music and dancing, but the teapot seems so eager to get some into him. Maybe because it could tell how effective the tea would be in someone so averse to lazing about, when it hits Papyrus hard.

Not that he sleeps through the party, or anything! But he certainly does rest his eye sockets for a bit there. And even when he wakes back up, he's still lounging at the table with his head resting on folded arms, spine sagging as if grateful for the chance not to be constantly doing things.

"Is this how heavy sleepers feel all the time...? I wonder how they ever get anything done," he wonders, more out of amusement than anything. What incredible perspective, to experience this level of relaxation. It almost seems like too much effort to be gently tapping a finger to the rhythm of the latest dance.


🫖 INVIGORATING GREEN

Eventually some tension returns to him, and the self-consciousness starts flowing back, and he stops lounging about the place so relaxedly. If anything, he feels the need to compensate for that lazing about time, so the sight of an invigorating tea seems just the ticket.

(The tea-ckit, he might stage whisper to himself, having started waking back up with another sip of the orange blossom.)

But the occasional pun is nothing compared to the energy of this green. It like that first time he watched some MTT TV, blown away by the confidence on display! The day that Undyne first agreed to train him, and they'd sparred with spears and bones filling the yard, or the first time she surprised him with suplexes until she'd noogied him into surrendering! It's even that last day underground, with the whispers of possibility in being the one to capture the last human they needed for freedom, warring with his desire to show off and have fun and even make another friend!

The main reason he's not bouncing off the walls is there's no walls to bounce off, in this wide festival green with only a few low tents around. He does climb the gazebo, and jump off with a showy flip the moment someone tells him to get off. But more than that, he goes looking for someone with experience in magical combat - surely they'd be up for a friendly spar, to burn some of this excess energy off??

[ihadthewilds]

When asked, Aloy's immediately open to a sparring match. Her own energy is mostly leftover anger from that stupid honey tea, but at this point it's mostly gone and she's just looking for ways to shake the rest of the tension off.

"I don't know any magic," she admits, "but I did stick my spear under the table just in case, if you're open to that. We can take turns dodging. Or we can just punch each other."

(She could question why he's a skeleton, sure, but with all the other things she's already seen, a walking skeleton is probably not as farfetched as a machine person, an animal person, or a sorceress at this point. Everyone has a skeleton, at least, right?)

Cassandra de Rolo | Critical Role | OTA

[not_the_last]

On learning she wasn't elected to the Flower Court this year, Cassandra found her first reaction was relief. Mostly in that it meant less would be expected of her, in making a public showing at this community celebration; specifically, that finding an escort for the party would be easier to avoid.

She still misses Okie terribly, especially not knowing whether he'd gone back to her world or his own, and not knowing which to hope for. Then losing Crichton so soon after, with that same paired uncertainty -- she'd never have thought there to be any more to missing them than the quiet pain of their absence, or not having either at her back in a fight or a subtler confrontation. The absurd idea that she might miss the ease of having a guaranteed date --

Well, the situation is what it is, and there's no point in dwelling on it. Valdis, she sees with some approval, has engaged a newcomer to escort her. For her own part, she's managed to stay solitary.

Which may mean she's easy enough to approach. Find her seated with the rest of the honor court during the feast, dressed for the occasion and giving every appearance of enjoying herself; later, find her making flower garlands or watching the dancing and occasionally participating -- though primarily in the circle or line dances that don't require a partner. (The maypole dance confused her a little last year, but this year she remembers how it was done and is ready to join.)

At some point, though, she tries the black tea. If you find her thereafter, it will be well away from the festivities -- perhaps behind the little tents, or even around the other side of a building, sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees and her head down on them.

[Tag into any of the prompts above, or if you feel so inclined, ping me to discuss something else!]

Feast/court

[bbeagle]

Ashley seems to be enjoying herself as well, although sometimes she shivers in her gauzy dress, keeping her hands cupped around the earl grey she picked (the only flavor of tea she knows to ask for).

"It's kind of fun that spring starts this early, huh?" she says. "Back home we've got a holiday where a groundhog tells us whether we get an early spring or not."

Radar O'Reilly | M*A*S*H

[incomingchoppers]

so i won't hesitate no more [ota]

Radar spent a lot of the lead-up to Merrymeet rehearsing his part in the ceremony. It's a big deal, being in front of so many people! He doesn't wanna mess it up! (Which includes not getting too distracted by how pretty Dahlia looks all dolled up like this. Gee, she's gorgeous.) As the procession moves along, he hands over each courtier's adornments with great care and seriousness... well, except for all the times he breaks character to beam excitedly at a familiar face or whisper a gleeful congratulations! to a friend. It's hard not to when he knows practically everybody on the court. And oh, Fever -- he's so happy for her, he actually has to pull out a handkerchief and dab his eyes like a proud dad at a wedding.

But all his friends on the Flower Court might also notice he's a little fidgety under those attempts at solemnity. By the time the party's well underway -- Radar and Dahlia having taken a couple turns on the dance floor, and Dahlia now off to mingle with other loved ones -- even strangers will pick up on the nerves radiating off last year's Floral Courtier. For a while he paces back and forth alongside the tables like he's in a jogging contest with the teapot puppies, leaning over people (" -- oop, sorry sir! Uh, ma'am -- ") to try and get a closer look at the labels.

Eventually he gives up, turns to the closest person, and blurts out, "Hey, you seen the Earl Grey anywhere? Or the chamomile?"

There's something else big he's been rehearsing, and it has everything to do with the tiny box he snuck into his vest pocket earlier. He's just gotta settle the heck down enough to make it happen -- and that might take a little fortification.



it cannot wait, i'm sure [closed to dahlia]

Okay. He's successfully settled the heck down. Let's go.

(Deep breaths, Radar.)

The next time he and Dahlia swirl together for a dance, he tugs her closer to the low-lying tents at the festival's edge. "So, uh," he says, in what he hopes is a casual but very suave tone, "you got a minute?"



this is our fate, i'm yours [ota]

The next time anyone sees Radar -- well, they might hear him coming first.

"SHE SAID YES!!!"

That's followed by an ecstatic whoop as he charges through the party, practically glowing with euphoria. Doesn't matter who you are, how long you've known Radar (if at all), or whether you're a boy, girl, neither, both, whatever -- you're probably getting cannonballed by a short bespectacled Army clerk and hugged until there's barely any stuffing left in you. He's so over the moon he might even pull a Hawkeye and smooch you on the cheek. "She said yes!!"

Oh gosh this is the best day of his life.

so i won't hesitate no more

[hadnoright]

Daisy snorts softly, setting her own tea cup down (she's only just starting a fresh batch of the Orange Blossom and so is currently in a comparative lull between her bursts of slightly manic energy) and folding her arms against the table.

"You're so amped up I'm not sure even tea's gonna help."

Leon S. Kennedy | Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

[nothingbadeverhappensto]

I. Hope you've got a minute

Maybe it's a good thing Leon isn't much of a tea drinker. He's certainly starting to lean that way, as cute as the little tea puppies are. Sure, nothing too dramatic is happening, but he does find himself feeling more than a little obligated to help all the random folks who keep partaking of the chamomile and the black tea to more comfortable, secluded spots to lie around dozing or bemoaning their fates. Maybe you catch him lugging a sleepy or somber townsperson to one of the benches or a sunny patch of grass, or maybe you are the tea drinker in question.

"Don't think this is exactly what they mean when they say you're 'deep in your cups'," he says, lightly. "Come on, let's get you somewhere you can sober up."

II. Hope you want me in it for the long haul

Other than that, he spends the day on... not high alert, but with a cautious optimism and optimistic caution. Merrymeet may not play host to a direct appearance by one of the goddesses like the Dance of Celestine, so viewing it as being sacrosanct and safe inherently is probably a bad idea, but... Maybe they can have something nice this time. Maybe it's fine. He's trying to get better about relaxing, and the other officers at the station did all gang up on him and force him to take the day off.

He doesn't dance - no date, and also a bad case of self-consciousness in the way of that particular spectacle - but he wanders through the crowds appreciating the food and the festivities. Often he can be found standing off to the side, watching people go by, his posture relaxing steadily as the day wears on.

III. All night long (Wildcard)

[ OOC: Need or want something else? Feel free to bother me at quodvide on Discord for plotting. ]

Got a minute

[configuration_birdwatcher]

The living teapots are adorable, but Bastion's glad they can't consume any of their contents as they watch Leon haul away a human woman who's coming close to falling asleep on the dance floor. She mumbles a thanks as he sets her down on a bench, continuing to bobble her head to the beat of one of the faster songs.

// Do you know if it matters how much tea they drank? they ask. They're not sure who set the tea out, and Leon looks like he might have been keeping track of that sort of thing.

Artemy Burakh | Pathologic

[medekh]

After the nightmare that was Kadath truthfully Artemy wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Not to mention that last year he had his companion on his arm, who has since went missing, never to return, like some here often do. He didn't really want to come. But he knew somehow that if he didn't, he would have felt worse. Plus Anya surely would have had something to say about him sulking at home alone. She usually does put him in his place when it comes to such things.

So here he is. After Kadath he refuses to dress in something he's NOT comfortable in so he comes dressed in a beautiful bright green and dark blue outfit, something more similar to what his father's side of the family may have worn in a time where the Kin hadn't been forced into labor or worse- not that he had ever been alive to see such times, of course.

Nevertheless it's an attempt at being comfortable in his own skin for once rather than shoving himself into a suit. He is glad he came, even if only to see Fever crowned. She deserves it so much in his mind, words could not articulate how much even if he were to begin to describe it, in Russian or in his unnamed Steppe Language. Nevertheless he'll be saying hi to her over the evening for certain.

Otherwise, he'll accept a dance if asked, say hello to those he knows, but otherwise be on the outskirts of the festivities. Observing, but being present. Truthfully there's part of his heart that left with Dankovsky and Merrymeet absolutely reminds Artemy of him, one of the last times he saw Daniil truly happy.

[graphomaniac]

Lev seeks Artemy out at the edge of the festivities — it's been some time since they'd had a chance to catch up, and in any case, Lev does try to keep an eye on who's lonely and who's by themself at celebrations. He is, ultimately, a religious worker, and he views community building as his duty, more than just his job — and he cannot just lay those instincts down.

"Tyoma!" he calls, beaming. "Aydah, come, they've got tea. Like, real fancy tea? Daisy's been like, singing its praises. Says it's maybe better than alcohol, nu?"

Alex Chen | Life is Strange

[chenpathy]

Alex has a habit at parties that most people who have seen her around will probably recognise by now: at some point during the event, she inevitably ends up sitting at the furthest outskirts of the gathering, looking to all the world like she's trying to catch her breath with her jacket folded over her lap.

Her tolerance for busy spaces is far better than it used to be once upon a time, but today, especially, all the heightened emotions coming from the teas are not helping. Most of them are positive, but even that's a lot when it's also artificial, and there's a lot of... flirtatious energy, going around.

So, she's taking a break, so she can get back to it without getting overwhelmed. She might even take a couple, with how long the day goes.

[xiaoxiuya]

Shen Qingqiu isn't one to interfere with anyone else's fun, so long as they aren't in imminent of hurting themselves or someone else. It's bad enough that Kris, his own student! Still thinks he's kind of a weirdo stickler for waiting before taking a swim after eating, if he becomes known as a complete fuddy duddy among the local teens his pride may never recover. But he's been a little worried about Miss Chen, ever since their chance encounter in the nightmare realm of Kadath. And so when he sees her sitting alone, it just...it tugs on his heartstrings, that's all!

Bidding a wistful goodbye to the light buzz he'd been entertaining all afternoon, he sobers himself up with a quick circulation of spiritual energy before coming over to sit near her, a decorous few feet away.

"Hello there," he greets her gently. "Is everything okay over here?"

for Haley

[liesdontfindyou]

CT's been mostly avoiding looking at one Agent South Dakota and her date, since they all got settled at the table. Thankfully, whoever made the seating plan just so happened to keep herself and Ripley on almost the opposite end, so that hasn't been too hard. Maybe she's glanced over once or twice and maybe she's caught South doing the same, but she's really not paying it any mind.

At some point, though, she ends up on a drinks run at the same time as Haley (she's pretty sure that's the girl's name). Even then, she intends to just get their drinks and go, but she can't help but look at her and end up having to give one of those polite greeting smiles when she's noticed.

Chugging Vinegar | Closed to Anzu

[bingmeiification]

The enchanted teapots are very charming. Luo Binghe tries to focus on appreciating them, just as he has done his best to appreciate the ritual, the décor, and the weather. This is a festival of joy and celebration. It would be inappropriate for Luo Binghe to appear as anything other than a polite and enthusiastic participant.

Luo Binghe carefully sneaks another of his rationed glances at Shizun — a vision of vernal loveliness in embroidered robes — before turning back to his accompaniment and politely asking, “Would your honored self desire any refreshments, or tea? There is —” He frowns at the moving teapots. “Ah, one moment.” A gentle finger taps on the table, prompting a few pots to pause. “Could you hold there for a moment? Thank you.”

Re: Chugging Vinegar | Closed to Anzu

[amourtician]

Anzu is choosing to be oblivious. He is not watching Luo Binghe, and he is definitely not watching to see how many moon-eyed, anxious looks the lad throws Qingqiu's way. It is not, he keeps telling himself, his business. Not his minhag, not his makhlokes.

That said, the habits crystalised during his days as a courtier have apparently never quite disappeared, lying dormant instead. So he has to expend actual effort to follow through on staying ignorant.

When Luo Binghe asks him a perfectly innocent, courteous question, he nearly jumps, but manages to retain his composure.

"Ah, thank'ee, darling," he replies, managing his usual charming smile. "I'm of a mind to try the orange tisane, nu?"

He can't deny that Luo Binghe is sweet and charming. It's nearly impossible to be fully suspicious of him.