you and me in the moonlight

[crosslaced]

Who: You!
What: A year end party MINGLELOG to help everyone recover from the Shit we’ve been through.
When: Forwarddated to Nov 24
Where: Enso E4, close to the ST Temple
Warnings: Mark as necessary, but none expected.

As the end of November draws near…… it’s time for that player plot the mods hinted at in their latest announcement.

Laurent’s Witch Labyrinth! -no, actually, it’s just a party.

[preparation]

All day on the 24th people are hard at work setting up on the golden beaches of Enso. The Storyteller’s Temple can be seen from the site and vice versa; it’s just a short walk away. There’s quite a bit to be done, so every extra pair of hands are welcome!

[the party]

As evening falls, a series of torches light up the party site for the lost; most prominent are the three large campfires spaced out across the beach, offering a variety of gathering spots for those who don’t like the loud partying going on at the other one.

There’s more than enough food to go around. An entire Cariborn is being dug up from the sandy soil way up the beach, having been roasted in the ground. There’s a wide variety spread out on tables… of handwaved origin… maybe they’re the ones left around from 4/20?? It’s probably fine. Herb- baked vegetables, fresh fruits, meat of various types, pizza!! and yes, Muffet’s Magic Blackberry Alcohol abound.

We’ve also got party favors. Amongst them, it seems like..... owo are these sparklers?

Come hang out! It’s a well-deserved break.

[activities]

The children (and adults so-inclined) have some cute party games to have fun with. There’s a simple little ringtoss area set up, with rings that aren’t even proper circles (listen, Laurent tried) and wooden stakes in the ground to be ringed.

Across the wide stretch of sand there's a lot that can be done- want to build some sandcastles? Pick some shells? Fight some crabs? The beach is dotted with doodles in the sand, inviting you to join in.

The biggest attraction is perhaps the petting zoo- well, it’s a cluster of animals just hanging out, but you get the idea. Located far up on the beach and away from the danger of the waves, the petting zoo has three whole Chocobos, two whole Tigerlilies (one of which is clearly guarding the Chocobos), and one whole horse. Sometimes two horses, but the grey wandering one is wearing a plaque that says “I BITE. PET ME CAREFULLY.”

[storyteller?]

Yes, ST-chan is invited! I’m leaving it to them to top-level or tag out at their leisure. Keep an eye out for the bunny god, they’re Coming.

Comments

[lightlessfuture]

[ The Knight has become slightly more conscious about not running themselves ragged (slightly), and so after a fierce bout of sparring, they're happy to take a short break to catch their breath.

They look up at Ren's voice - unaware of having an audience until now, and then...shakes their head? They always forget that people here have...different views of fighting than them.

They sign the words, slowly, to make sure Ren can understand them. Using simpler language. ]

not-mean

i-ask-for-it

[fireindreams]

[While not limitless, Grimm's own stamina allowed him to go longer without stopping but he was not one to keep going when his opponent was unwilling, especially since it is simply a way to let off some steam. It is not the same as a fight to the death or the Ritual. Breaks were always welcomed.

Ren's words, once Grimm turns to face her, take a moment for him to--ah. Well, yes it would indeed appear that they were trying to hurt one another without any context. It was not like either of them had explained to others what they were doing.]

I apologize if we have caused you worry, my friend. This is a simple battle to let off steam, no more then that. I have no intentions of gravely harming Knight.

[If this truly was a battle to take the other bug's life...well, it would certainly be more obvious.]

[catpiper]

[She's going to need several tutors and professors to come in and explain this to her because that, both of their explanations, makes no sense. The Knight asked for it? Grimm wants to let off steam? First of all and also secondly, neither one of them is a kettle or a pot. What steam? She saw fire, but that's smoke and it doesn't help clarify what's happening. They wanna let off some smoke? They should really just talk to Tim and get some cigarettes-that's a smoke blowing hobby people can enjoy.

Apologies or not, there's a tension in her body she can't shake and her eyes dart around, as if she's two seconds away from scooping up the Knight and running in the opposite direction.]

It's scary. You shouldn't do that kind of thing if you like each other.

[lightlessfuture]

fighting-helps

when-thoughts-feelings-too-much

[ They really didn't mean to worry Ren; their signing is slow and apologetic. How do they explain this in a way she can understand...? ]

like-play

like-a-game

just-different-type-of-play

[ You know, with swords and fire and pointy capes. The equivalent of running with scissors. Something like that. ]

[fireindreams]

[Well, she is correct in her confusion. A battle like this likely did not look like a friendly bout between friends. The Knight's explanation is good but he adds a little more.]

As Knight says, it is like a game between us. We are both quite skilled so there is very little chance that we can harm one another. In particular they have bested me in our world, so they know my tricks well.

[There is not much that could surprise the Knight from Grimm's skill set unless the Troupe Master was creative and came up with something new. As that was not the point in this little battle, it has not come up.]

I assure you this is a dance we both know very well. I care for Knight too much to harm them on purpose.

[They have had enough of that, he thinks.]

[catpiper]

[Her first argument is this isn't like a game and, okay, it's not like she knows every single game on the planet, but the fiery explosions and weapon slashing are just. A little much. Even in tag, the most violent game she knows, that would be considered rough. Probably illegal. Those are things that'll get you sentenced to game jail.

Despite her own thoughts on the matter, the Knight's words ease some of her worries and Grimm's explanation is-

Well, if they care about her friend, if it's a dancing game, then that's Fine. They aren't bleeding, limping or otherwise incapacitated from their display.

But she still hates it.]

You can dance another way. You can 'pop pop' or hold hands and spin in circles.

[NO FIRE. NO NAILS.]

[lightlessfuture]

[ Ren is clearly distressed, and the last thing they want to do is stress her out, especially after the time she's had lately (and they time they've all had lately). They can pause their fight for a little while, even if they're still burning with pent-up energy.

Though, dancing another way does make them think of something. They tilt their head at Grimm inquisitively, making a few vague motions, a few small steps here and there to try and communicate their idea. They've seen dances before, on their travels. No doubt the Troupe Master has seen much more.

Maybe he can teach them one? And maybe Ren can join in. ]

[fireindreams]

[True. While this is fun for the both of them, it would be unfair to leave a young girl feeling stressed out by the possibility of hurting one another. Accidents do happen even if all the necessary steps have been taken. Let's see...

Ren voices her suggestion but it is actually only until the Knight starts moving that Grimm picks up on the alternate idea. Well, he was not one to say no to either kind of dance!]

I certainly would be amendable to a nice dance under this moonlit sky. Would you care to join us, my dear?

[Ren can dance her worries away while they dance their stress out. Does that sound like fun?]

[catpiper]

[See? This is how a person, or bug, should relieve stress. Not with fire and brimstone warfare on the beach where there's potential to get hurt.

No. They must dance.

The tinier of the two seems to know the drill and she offers a soft little clap when they make a few steps and Grimm's suggestion is quickly accepted with a nod of her head.]

Yes, I want to dance with you both, but in this game you can't throw fire or bring out sharp things.

[Those are the RULES.]

[lightlessfuture]

[ Well, it's fairly obvious why those rules are the way they are, so they just...nod in agreement. What else can they add to that?

While they're waiting to be instructed in what to do, they pace back and forth on the sand in a small and unusual display of restlessness. Clearly the last few months have taken their toll significantly. ]

[fireindreams]

[Grimm's personal definition of a dance tended to involve copious amount of flames and nails, but he could put it aside for now. Besides, those rules do not apply to his teleportation.

He can see the Knight's restlessness (quite easily) so he does not wait for long.]

Now, now. This requires quite a bit of energy as well. Would you mind putting on your charm?

[There is a substantial size difference without it, after all.]

[lightlessfuture]

[ They stop drawing a steadily deepening line in the sand with their anxious footsteps when Grimm makes his request, and simply nod. It's a moment's work to change to their much taller size.

...Then they sit and cross their legs neatly because it still feels strange to go from looking up to looking down, and wait.

Still with a slight impatience, scratching idly in the sand. But it's not as obvious as before, that restlessness, that desire to move and not think. ]

[catpiper]

[She's never seen how their transformation works in real time and she claps when they get taller, even though they sit back on the ground. Sorry, no fighting in this house!! There are other ways to work off excess energy. Thank you Grimm, for suggesting they become a bigger size.]

You have to stand up! Then we can spin together-we can hold hands and do that.

[lightlessfuture]

[ By now, Ren could ask them to do just about anything and they'd do it. So they oblige her request, and stand, and sort of just...offer her a hand? It's a little strange - they're not sure they'll ever get used to being tall - but they're Trying Their Best.

Clearly they have never danced in their entire life. ]

[fireindreams]

[Grimm chuckles, clearly amused by the interactions between the two. For all that they have endured, the Knight was still a child and it would do them good to interact with younger children as well. It was more lighthearted.

But yes, it is quite clear the Knight does not know how to dance. Grimm's own definition was a little...violent. But he knew how to dance to Brumm's music, still with flame but without anything to burn.]

We should begin with something simple. Would you like to lead, young lady?

[catpiper]

Okay!

[It's gonna be simple because Ren's experience with Actual Dancing that isn't solo spins is one afternoon with Guzma. But she kinda remembers holding both his hands, moving in little circles-

So she grasps the Knight's hand, then reaches for their other one, guiding them in by making those familiar circles again, humming her favorite song. If they let her, she'll continue on until it looks like they have the main steps down and then look towards Grimm-]

You can have a turn and dance with them like this.

[lightlessfuture]

[ They follow along obediently; by the tilt of their head they're clearly puzzled by this strange ritual that doesn't seem to have any true purpose, but they try to display enthusiasm for moving in circles. It's with Ren, and they can enjoy any activity with Ren.

Here, tall as they are, moving with a degree of stiffness, they're much more reminiscent of the Hollow Knight. Engaging with something they don't quite understand, have only viewed from an outside perspective - if that. ]

[fireindreams]

[This is incredibly adorable and Grimm wishes he had a way to capture this moment. He has had many moments within his long, long lifetime where he has had such a desire and for all the worry and sorrow this island may contain, he is grateful that there is yet another moment.]

I would love too once you two are finished. And my friend, there is no need to be so stiff! Dance is often something that has no true rules. You can make up the steps as you go.

[His personal routines were something the Troupe Master has practiced and laid down over the eons passed but they came to be because one of his incarnations decided to try.]

[catpiper]

You can ask Guzma too. He knows how to pop pop and make up steps.

[What does that mean? Well, she's going to show them. She pulls away from the Knight's hands, takes a step back and-

Pop pops. It looks like she's just wiggling her legs and arm at random because the pop n lock is an art form that she will never be able to master. Guzma knows though. Ask him. She's not an expert. Don't judge.]

Like that. You both can try.