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

[antepone]

They do sleep most of the day, after all.

[ She smiles and draws another cat. She doesn't miss the orange mark on the back of Ren's hand; it matches hers, and while she worries about what they mean, if they have the same mark, maybe that means she can watch over Ren.

Even if, in the end, she can't do much. Even if she's not strong enough. ]

So... are you enjoying the party?

[catpiper]

[It fills her terrible heart with delight to see the matching orange emblem on her hand. She splays her hand in the air, holding it up to Mira's own fingers, content as can be. This feels more like a gift-a glowing, colorful treasure they can wear? Nothing spooky about that.]

I like it-it's very fun. Did you see that big bird? And the pizza?

[antepone]

[ It could be harmless, but Mira's experiences of this island tell her differently. Still, she gives a little smile and puts her hand against Ren's. ]

We match. [ She tickles Ren's palm a little. ] And yes, I saw the big bird. It's very cute. And pizza... I haven't had pizza in so long.

[ Needless to say, she's extremely happy about the pie. ]

[catpiper]

[The tickling's a weird sensation-one that makes her face light up despite the sudden urge to pull back. The heck. How do people do that? She presses the tips of her fingers against Mira's palm and tries to mimic it.]

Did you have a lot of pizza in your world? Did you eat it with your family?

[antepone]

[ It works, because Mira lets out a little giggle. It fades away, when Ren asks about her family. ]

I did, but mostly with my friends. [ She's at least able to keep her voice from wavering; it's supposed to be a fun, good night, and she doesn't want to worry Ren with sad feelings! ] But my friends were a lot like family.

[catpiper]

[It's impossible to miss the way her expression shifts when she brings up family. It's unmistakable and the little inkling of sadness that reaches her is impossible to shake. The thing is, in her eyes, the people who hold your hand when you're scared or hug you when you're sad-that's family.]

Did you have a lot of friends? Did you play with them a lot?

[antepone]

[ The smile that Ren receives is one that's equal parts genuine and grateful. While she could count the number of people she considers from home friends on one hand... ]

I had a few I played with very much, but the ones I had were more than enough. Besides...

[ She gives Ren's forehead a little poke. ]

I have a lot of friends here. Friends who are kind and generous. Friends who help me learn to become a great treasure hunter.

[catpiper]

[This emotional attack sends a wave of happiness through her body. It's almost instinct at this point to call someone her friend, but to hear someone repeat it back to her with that kind of sincerity-

It's why she's grateful to be on Enso and even though her illness weighs on her, makes her feel guilty about all these friendships at times-she doesn't want to give up this warmth.

She moves to grasp both her hands tight, if she doesn't move away.]

That's right, that's right. You're my appmiratice.

[She falters and almost says apprentice, but that's wrong. Her name is Mira.]

I'll teach you and then you can show all your other friends how to find pretty treasures. Then everyone will be a great treasure hunter.

[antepone]

[ She won't pull away, not from Ren. Mira smiles and moves one of her hands so she can clasp Ren's, and she gives it a tiny squeeze. ]

I couldn't ask for a better teacher. In return, do you want to play with my dog? Or my cat?

[catpiper]

Are they friends? Can we play with both?

[Or are they gonna fight? That's the real q. Maybe she should amble back to camp and get her double trouble duo of adorable kitties to join in this mess.]

[antepone]

They're very good friends. The snuggle when they sleep, and they play together all the time.

[ She smiles. Daisy should be around here... and sure enough, when she whistles, the corgi comes bounding over. ]

Ren, this is Daisy. Daisy, this is my very good friend, Ren.

[ Bark! What a nice new person!! ]

[catpiper]

[That's a dog? She didn't know there were fun sized versions of them running around. Ones that are smaller, less threatening looking, than their bigger counterparts. She responds to the bark with a-]

Wroooo ruff

[Because being friends with Dairy means using its language. Ruff, ruff punk.]

[antepone]

[ Oh... oh no. Oh no, that's so cute, Mira can't handle it. She just manages to hold back a little squeak.

Daisy's ears perk up, and she responds with an excited Rrrruff! You're speaking her language, Ren.

And to which Mira laughs. ]

I think she likes you.

[catpiper]

I like her too.

[Hell yes hell yes. She has no idea what the dog's yipping back at her, but it's a discussion all the same.]

You should aroooooo at her, Mira.

[Speak pupper with her.]

[antepone]

[ This is far too cute. Daisy and Ren are truly a force of cuteness to be reckoned with. Mira gives another little laugh, then... ]

Arooooooo?

[ Daisy perks up, and she does a lil dance in place while giving an enthusiastic aroooo in reply! ]

[catpiper]

Wrrrrrroooooof!!

[Look at this amazing conversation. This is real party talk happening right here right now. Woof woof the weather's nice today bark bark the food's good. This is-

This is yep. This is what this is.]

Ruff ruff!

[antepone]

[ It is a conversation. Or... pawnversation. Mira giggles and clasps her hands together. ]

Wroof, bark! Arooo!

[ Daisy is having the greatest time ever. She dances in place again, then tosses her head back and gives a long, loud aroooooo! ]