lifeaftr | Light up the Night - [BACKDATED to 2/5]

Light up the Night - [BACKDATED to 2/5]

Who: Ammy + Anyone interested
What: Fireworks show for the Lunar New Year!
When: Evening of 2/5/19
Where: Monkey Compound
Warnings: None so far, tag as needed!

[It's about noon when a message is posted to the Message Rock, as well as over the Stones of Farspeech - an elegant writing in kanji with a translation below. The voice is foreign, not often heard and possibly lost from most peoples' memories, but it sounds...excited? There's definitely a chime-like laughter hidden in the depths of it.]

All interested in a beautiful sight, please show up at dusk at the Hana--eh...the Monkey Compound. Drinks - for the elders among you - and some snacks will be provided, but I encourage you all to pack a box lunch.

Those unable to attend...I'll try to make sure you see it. Thank you.

[How very enigmatic indeed.

Still, those that do show up as the sky begins to change into a purple-blue color, dotted with small, glittering stars, will see that the Monkey Compound has been done up a bit. There's a line of small, flowering cherry blossom trees creating a lovely arch by the entrance, and little paper tags have been hung from a few of the branches, holding pictures of a tiny boar, or piglet, and a prayer written on the opposite side in kanji.

Inside has a very, very pleasant air to it. Much different than what this place used to be. It's laid with fresh, clean, springy grass and flowers, and a bountiful garden off to one side, which looks a little barren...probably because most of the foods have been harvested and laid out neatly on a bushels of palm fronds. Fresh vegetables and fruits from Ammy's garden, ripe for the taking and eating, if you're more the rustic type. There's also fire-roasted fish, skewered on a stick and cooking nicely by a crackling bonfire. Eat, enjoy, converse with neighbors and friends alike! Drinks have indeed been provided for the adults, a large barrel of sake with a ladle to pour it into one of twelve dishes. And yes, a bowl of water has been added to the side to rinse them off.

The centerpiece is a very basic shrine put up with a folding wall, once white in color but painted over with a beautiful portrait of a boar rolling a round firework, and a tiny, ceramic figure on a boar topping a little rock pile. Below the statue is an offering of sake, a single sakura mochi, a grilled fish, and some flowers. That is where the wolf will be when you first spot her.

For...a moment, at least. Because once the sky grows truly dark, and the embers from the bonfire has crept to soft, orange glow, a whistle will wheeze its way through the sky as a streak of light soars up, and up...before it explodes in a puff of white sparks. Nothing exciting, more a call to attention.

A minute passes, then another, and the're movement by the far end of the compound as the wolf readies everything she needs. A few final touches--...there! All ready for the show to begin.

And what a show it is.

The fireworks are beautiful and vibrant, coloring the skies in a vast array of rainbow hues, dancing like they're actually alive. True artistry, and a blessing from the God of Explosions, Bakugami (and the local rabbit god, who provided a number to help make this work). An explosive force meant to open the gate for a blissful new year - full of color, full of life, and bountiful in all things that bring happiness and joy to those with good in their hearts.

Happy Lunar New Year. ♥]

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[No??? Not at all??? This is tragic. Did they not have any tiny Drifty toys to play with as a kid?

She carefully, carefully pushes the animal towards them, all the way to their chest. Like that.]

Now you hug it tight.

Why don't you?

[Clearly Tim's already maxed out his naming capabilities at "Renothy Cat," which is a dubious title to bestow upon anyone, much less an impressionable child.]

[Thankfully, she seems to like it just fine. He did his best to make sure that there were no sharp edges, sanding and softening down the ridges and corners and planes.]

It's yours now.

[The Drifter was never a child. They were constructed, synthesized, to fight a war they did not, in truth, want to fight. They never learned the necessities of something as simple as childhood; it was a privilege that they were never allowed.]

[They don't mention this, of course. They never do.]

[Still, they do want to make her happy, so they...tentatively draw it close and pat its head, once, twice.]

Not exactly. My home was outside of the city. It was a bit of a long walk to get there, but I liked having the peace and quiet.

[...okay yeah that is absolutely not true, but he sure acts like it is.]

The city - Dahngrest - was always very lively, full of individuals who were often more interested in drinking than their next assignment, but I found the place charming just the same.

[It does sound genuine, and maybe it is. It's a bit hard to tell with Yeager.]

[ This is Molly we're talking about, he's gonna Enjoy The Shit out of all the garbage. It's the thought that counts, after all, and he's already given up trying to reason in any way with Ren. Just let her be her little self.

He's a little surprised when she crawls over him like she's an especially bony speed bump, but then she continues to fruit up his other horn and he just.... lets her. ]

Oh, you're a jeweler, now? I would definitely wear some of that in my horns. Seems appropriate for these islands.

[ His small, delicate jewelry wasn't doing so well in this place, so maybe it was time to switch to something new. Castaway-chic? ]

[ Molly might be a lot less interested in the skeleton bit, honestly. Not a complete dealbreaker, but a lot less into it than certain elf wizards. The skin part is very attractive, however, so he's going to keep flirting with this poor flustered man until his head exploded. ]

Uh-huh. If you say so.

[ He doesn't actually think you're a wolf-fucker, Krav. Chill. ]

I agree. Trying new things every time would be perfect. Fireworks? Great. Sake? Great. Next up, we add waltzing to the mix. After that, naked midnight swims.

[ Oh, the giant was even more sloshed that he was! Molly giggles as his new acquaintance laughs, because duh, it's totally hilarious. He's on the ground watching fireworks with a nine-foot person wearing a paper bag! It can't get much funnier than that!

The quick turn into melancholy is a little but whiplash-y and Molly's having none of that. ]

Are you a priest or something, friend?

[Ammy had been resting, feeling thoroughly exhausted after all the work and energy she put into tonight, but it was all worth it. So many people came by, to celebrate and to enjoy with family and friends. She peeks an eye open, twitching one ear in Shepard's direction as she comes to sit beside the white wolf. Ammy stretches, then shifts to make a more comfortable spot for the woman to sit in the soft, springy grass.

The thanks are met with a smile and a bow of her head, tail thumping against the ground slowly. You are all quite welcome, but no thanks are really needed (even if the praise does keep her from passing out asleep from fatigue). This was a gift, and an offering for the spirit of the new year, the boar that currently holds its place in the spotlight for the year. She made this to honor him, and t give the people something to really look forward to, and to celebrate, after a trying past few weeks. Never lose your laughter, never lose your smile, and never ever lose hope in a more colorful future. Ammy can only pray for that for everyone in the new year, but she holds that prayer close to her heart, definitely.]

[Look, she doesn't have the same kind of powerful ability as Tim, but her naming system has worked so far. She silently assesses every single one that pops into her mind, picking and choosing between Caatko and Catothy until-

Well, Magnus used to like carving little trinkets around camp. The cat brings that fond memory back to light and she settles on-]

The Hammer.

[Incredible.

The wooden cat, The Hammer, flying high in the sky zoooooom.]

That's its name now.

The Hammer, hm?

[Guess he shouldn't be shocked. This is coming from a kid who drowned one of his shoes in blue nail polish once, and he wasn't even mad about it.]

Sounds like an important name. What's the Hammer do all day?

[Presumably eat and sleep and beg for people's hypothetical attention, the way most cats do, but hell if he knows.]

[Look, she's proud of them. They can make up for all that lost hypothetical time now, by giving into her terrible requests to do all kinds of nonsensical stuff.

She does seem pleased they give it a little pat and again, she folds her arms across her own chest as a demonstration.]

Now you hug it.

[The motion is swift and they wince, very slightly, after, because the sharpness of the movement aggravates their still-healing injuries, but the obediently bunch the thing close to their middle for half a second and then offer it out again.]

[Does that count? That counts, right?]

[Absolutely not and you can't prove anything otherwise, sshhh.

Guzma grumbles, unzipping his hoodie just enough so Nebby stops squirming inside like a weird, pseudo alien trying to bust out of his chest, and bears down on Lillie a little bit. His hands are on his hips, thumbs looped through the belt loops of his pants, and he....doesn't intend to be intimidating? But he is, a little, and his voice is stern, but honest.]

It ain't about just teaching it when not to do something. A Pokeball is nearly indestructible, Lil - it's designed to be! There's some real ugly things what'd do real bad things to you, me, and especially this creampuff if it's not kept safe. I ain't asking you to be a Trainer, I'm telling you that you need to keep its safety in mind in a place where it's hecking dangerous and it can't do anything to protect itself other than rocketing itself as far away as possible.

And you know it can only do that once before it exhausts itself. [He exhales, stands up straight, and rubs his neck as he closes his eyes with a scowl. Bah, when did this become a lecture? When did he start caring about the tumbleweed, anyway? ...Maybe because he feels he owes it (and Lillie) a debt? I mean, they could have easily left him there in Ultra Space... They didn't have to bring him back. He wouldn't have, if it were up to him.] ...But it's your choice, ultimately. Whether you like it or not, or y'all think you're not suited to it, that thing trusts and listens to you more'n anyone else.

Choosing your partner ain't a one way thing, kid. Sometimes you don't even get to make the choice 'fore you realize it's you that got picked.

[Preening a bit, the wolf wags her tail happily and bows her head in response. Really, it's nothing at all. He just seemed a bit down, or maybe lonely? Whatever it was he was feeling, Ammy thought it best to approach with a kind gesture. It's only polite to reach out, and technically she is the host of such a grand event! It's her duty to see to it that everyone is enjoying themselves as much as they can be.

But, she's pleased enough that he seems in better spirits with his spirits (hoho!) and turns to take her place back at the little makeshift shrine she's concocted. Ever watchful, despite her curling up beside it, head laid against her folded paws.]

[Now it's her turn to be unaccustomed to the treatment, raising an eyebrow and blinking twice.]

I mean, yeah. They're always shooting at me. But I was throwing them at you. That's just how fights are. So you fought me and them and came out on top.

[Beau looks away, taking another gulp of sake with a small hiss of her teeth.]

Most people can't take me solo on a good day. So. Yeah, that's incredible.

fight many things
ancient enemies
plagues
do not fight allies

[Ally is a safe term for it - neutrality, but not a complete decoupling from the reality of what...they are. What they mean. They don't struggle to find terms for it, words to name things, because they do not specialize in words and words so often fail.]

[At times, this failure in communication generates a breakdown in words, a tangle of thought they cannot translate into something decipherable.]

[ They tilt their head, and then draw their nail so they can write instead. They're PRETTY SURE she can read. ]

sign language

talk with hands

do not know it ?

I'm a hair stylist too. Uncle Taako said I could have a franchise.

[She's a girl of many horrible talents that only had to hear that [1] time to turn it into a permanent reality in her horrible mind. Whatever a franchise is, she's into it. Prepare your butt, Molly, or rather your hair. Without any more fruit to place all over his horns, she's kinda focusing on that now, reaching out to see if she can make little braids out of strands of his hair.]

The treasures the island makes are very good. They'll look pretty on you.

"Cleric! There's...there's a difference, we use our spiritual power to heal and protect! Priests just read stuff out loud, from books. I think they're important?"

Tipsiness combined with being thoroughly distracted by fireworks leads to this very half-arsed explanation. His slurring is starting to become far more apparent as well.

"Ah, but I shouldn't talk about the occult stuff! I'm a doctor, I'm all about science and medicine! I'm not actually supposed to do the spiritual stuff without my license, but don't tell anybody! It's a secret!"

He is very much oblivious to how loud he's being about said 'secret'.

[Look, people have assumed a LOT about him in his time here, he just wants his bases covered.]

Is... naked midnight swims a party activity?

[It sounds a little judgemental, but mostly skeptical, like he knows the confidence with which this tiefling is talking shouldn't be applied to all situations. He's still learning about What Mortals Do, alright. It's difficult.]

I just sort of thought you could... do that if you really wanted. I guess. It's a whole ocean, I mean, I don't think anyone has the power to stop you unless the Storyteller objects to nudity.

[ He nods. ]

Earth, and a galaxy that's just one of many. [ He smiles, and he reaches up to brush his fingers along one of the blossoms. ] But even when I was a pilot for the Garrison, I didn't think there were so many other galaxies out there.

Uh huh.

[ Lance. Please. ]

If I ask you to walk in a straight line, can you do it?

You won't hear me say no to that.

[ He touches his lips to the side of Keith's head, gently. He can't get over the fact that he can hold and touch Keith like this. It's like a balm, soothing the edges of wounds that still sting sometimes. ]

And I'm sure the others would appreciate it, too. More room is never a bad idea.

[Ammy doesn't have all that much energy right now, but she has enough for a little roughhousing. The pokes and tickles to her tummy get her panting and twisting to try and catch Yasha's hand in her mouth, back legs kicking out gently. Her tail slaps against the grass and she looks at Yasha with happiness and excitement, tongue hanging from the side of her mouth as a very canine sort of smile spreads on her lips.

Only when playtime is over does she lick over her nose and whiskers and stand up to stretch....then circle a few times and curl right back down in a new position to rest again. Gotta find that perfect, comfy spot, yo. It's not always the same. Her head tilts to one side though and she flicks one ear, looking a bit dejected. Oh...she's not so tired that she can't enjoy some company, but a quick snooze would be nice. Hm, if she only knew where this giant woman lived, Ammy could visit her there and sleep over a night or two (she's often crashed other peoples' homes to snuggle up with them from time to time), but it shouldn't be hard to track her. Yasha has a very unique scent - like rain almost, or a damp sort of earthiness. It's nice.]

[Ammy can feel it, the subtle twitch of their skin from the pain of movement. She's more keen to those little things, but doesn't give it away to the Drifter. She doesn't want to put anymore on their shoulders than they already have. She's aware how they are, and this must be hard for them to overcome. Being cooped up for so long would drive her crazy too - she's wild, after all, and can't help but to go on exploring and wandering around new areas.

The last few days...mm. Yes, they were certainly something. Difficult doesn't seem to do it justice, really. So many people had been effected by both the worst and the best of themselves and that sheer lack of balance in a person is...jarring. Two sides of anything should not exist separately, it's...chaos. Disharmony. No wonder everyone suffered for it. Even she knows that the dark god, Yami, wasn't truly defeated, he can never be truly defeated. Darkness exists in all things, and so does light. It's in keeping that balance that creates a harmonious existence.

She exhales a puff through her nose, looking out then up at the endless sea of stars glittering above. At least it's over, for now.]

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Light up the Night - [BACKDATED to 2/5]

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/belatedly paints your toenails

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