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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[This year, Keith knows where he comes from and that makes it easy to say the same words he and his mother had said within the Quantum Abyss. Galra don't have the same holidays but, they have something like it. Family and honoring them, being with them...that is part of their way.

He spends time with Shiro, naturally. But he doesn't stay still, moving about to see people he knows and greeting those he doesn't with a nod. He makes room if they're reaching for any of the food he might be in the way of. Keith doesn't partake of the sake. Not this time.

During the fireworks, he's still very willing to talk or let someone sit with him and his blue wolf as they watch the sky.] ...I've never seen fireworks look that alive before. Wonder what went into them.

Yarrf!

[A sudden, sharp bark that might translate to "spirit" if anyone is really apt in conversing with animals. Ammy slides over, looking a bit worn out from all the effort she put into the fireworks display (all her godly powers and markings have gone for the day, even for those capable of seeing them), but there's a massive grin on her face. She's exhausted, but happy, and as she slowly makes her way over, she pauses only to tilt her head at the wolf that's already at Keith's side, flicking one ear curiously.

Oh, that's...that's different. I mean, not entirely - the coloration actually reminds her hilariously of Oki when he's in his wolf form - but this one is not nearly as bulky and wide as the Oina warrior. Still, she's intrigued, and meanders over to sniff curiously at this new creature, pawing at it gently. Sort of to test the waters and see if it's friendly and will let her sit in its space. Ammy would love to play, but she's not sure she has it in her after...literally all of tonight. Alas.]

[The massive blue wolf looks up and flicks his ear too. He hasn’t seen another wolf like him and even if this strange white wolf isn’t a cosmic wolf like him she is still a wolf. He sings at her as Keith shifts to watch them, one hand on the ground. Isn’t worried. By now both wolves are pawing at each other.

Then Kosmo makes space for the new wolf with a clear invitation to lay down. You look tired friend. Play can come another night. Keith smiles just a little.] You look tired. You can rest with us. Neither of us mind.

This is Kosmo. [Kosmo flicks his ear and settles back in. Keith is family and this new creature seems like him. It’s nice.] We’ve known each other for two years.

[Pawing, sniffing, the usual canine introductions. Intelligent and godly as she is, Ammy is still a dog. But the acceptance and invitation to sit is much appreciated, and Ammy lays down close to her new, colorful friend and his keeper. She is tired, and her panting just destails that more, but it's a happy tired - her lips are pulled into a smile as she breathes hard, tongue hanging from her jaws.

She looks the two over then bows her head in greeting. She, uh...well. She can speak, certainly, but isn't in the mood to do so often. She can convey her name to Kosmo, he'll understand her no problem, but this man isn't going to unless she uses human speech. Mm...nah. How about it, chum, are you creative enough to name your second wolf? Ammy loves getting nicknames, and has amassed quite a few in her time here and back home. It's like a little collection of sorts.]

[Keith relaxes when both wolves settle in. As a Galra he understands more than most but he doesn’t know enough to gauge this one. She looks tired but somewhat pleased. Kosmo exchanges a glance with him. His own eyes shift to a slightly more violet hue as he uses his sight to take in more of the world around him.]

You don’t have to say anything or give us a name. ....thank you for all of this. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been to a new year’s celebration like this.

[Kosmo explains that Blade friend prefers to let people give only as much as they want to. Their choices matter to him. He accepted the name Kosmo from others but Keith has waited patiently for whatever he decided. If she wants a name she’ll have to tell Keith that. He can understand a little better than most. But partly because he’s about as wild as any other creature of the Woods. Partly being of the stars himself.]

[Oho, is that how it is? What a kind, and patient boy he is. The wolf gives a look from Kosmo to Keith and can't help the way her panting mingles into a breathy sort of chuckle. It's always so odd to meet people who challenge her perceptions so often, but it's never been a bad thing, especially not in a place like this - so full of kind, good people. Amaterasu has lived eons, but even the sun goddess has growing to do, changes to make to herself.

She roofs to Kosmo gently, to get his attention, then nods her head towards Keith, asking her silent question to the only one here who can understand her properly now:]

Can you speak with him? If so, let this young man know my name is Amaterasu. ...But, he can call me whatever he likes - I have been called a great many names in my time, by many different people, and each one if a gift I treasure deeply. [Her eye glisten a bit in the hazy night light, lit by campfires and the moon and stars, a smile tugging her lips up at their corners.] But I can't help but be curious to know what he'd give me. He's wise, and intelligent...and creative. I can feel it.

[That is an interesting view of Keith he hasn't heard many people use. His mate does and a few others, but not many. Kosmo flicks his ear and looks at his silent friend. Keith looks content the way he does when he's alone with his partner. Peaceful.

He turns to Keith, conveying what they were talking about in the careful language they had established in the abyss. Keith looks over at Amaterasu with a flicker of recognition at the name. But she asked for his opinion and again his eyes drift to the sky before he turns his thoughtful look at her.] Painter.

[His calm thoughtfulness lifts into a small smile.] You reminded me of why I became a pilot in the first place. So uh, thanks for that too.

[Painter? Well, it's not like she isn't one, to be fair. Besides, there's an artistic ring to it, and it does roll off the tongue quite nicely. Nodding her head in thanks, Ammy accepts the nickname given, and thumps her tail on the grass happily, looking Keith in the eye with a tilt of her head.

Oho? That sounds like an interesting tale, though she has absolutely no idea what a 'pilot' is. Does...does it have to do with pies? A lot of pies? Does...does he eat the pies?

Can she eat the pies? +__+]

[Keith throws his head back and laughs. His laughter is rich and deep, like his voice. It’s too easy to see where pilot might put the mind. He gestures to the sky over their heads with a spark in his eyes.] Man found a way to fly. That’s what a pilot is. We do all the steering and make sure us and whoever goes with us is safe.

My partner and I both remembered why we became pilots watching the fireworks. [He rests his arm on Kosmo’s back and turns around pointing to Shiro where he’s watching the sky too.]

It’s nice to remember how we started out.

[Man found a way to fly. The words strike her and Ammy's stunned expression is clear on her face as her ears lift right up and a soft sound gets caught in her throat. She follows Keith's gaze upwards and watches the stars glitter up above. It's...impossible to think of, but then again, humans are pretty incredible. They do amazing things all by themselves, create and grow and learn. It's outstanding how they can look upon impossibilities - things said to be the work of gods and titans - than figure out ways to work them out for themselves.

The world, and it's people, are awesome. And worth every little thing she does for them.

Looking to where Keith points, she turns her head to one side and squints. It's not anyone overly familiar, but then again...her memory isn't the greatest most times. But she nods and shuffles a bit closer to Keith's side, looking pleased. She's glad he got something so special out f her little festival today - something so very personal to them both. Fireworks are, after all, powerful, explosive...but also beautiful, colorful, and born of hard work and creativity. They're a reminder of how vast the sky is, and how beautiful the world can be.

She lays her head down on Keith's knee and rubs her cheeks against him happily.]

[Learning to fly was the first time Keith ever felt like he was worth anything. Riding a hoverbike and racing against the one person who believed in him when everyone else gave up, was the second. He admires that very man for a long moment.

He hadn't grown to love him the way he does now back then. Somewhere along their fight to win back freedom for the rest of their universe he fell for him the way he loves flying and the stars. Keith blinks as more weight settles against him. He turns his head to look down at Ammy and brushes his hand along her fur.

Sitting here with her is going to be a special memory for years to come. His fingers find behind her ear and gently scratch as he looks at the sky once more. He misses flying so much.]

I could tell you about what it's like to fly the way we do. Remembering that is easy.

[ Mira just so happens to be grabbing a bit of food. When her hand bumps into his, she gives him a little smile, one that's sheepish more than anything. ]

Sorry--did you want that?

Nah, you can have it. I was going for this. [He snags a snack above it and he grins. He feels really good right now. He bites the edge of his snack. Mmm.]

Having a good time here?

[ She nods and bites into her treat. It's delicious, but she expects it tastes so wonderful because she's in a good mood. And Keith is a good friend. ]

I am. It's really nice, just having a quiet evening like this with so many people. How about you?

[Keith smiles, his expression warm and real.] I'm great. It isn't the same celebration as it would be at home and that...

[He looks up at the sky with his smile spreading into a grin. He's relaxed, his hair in a braid over one shoulder.] That makes it really special.

Everyone needed this. There have been too many tough times without a breather.

[ It's a good look on him. And it's contagious. Mira smiles a little more, more open than he's probably seen. After everything that's happened, to her surprise, she's a better person.

Or, at least, she's just now embracing it. ]

You're right. I hope it'll stay like this for a little while. [ She nearly reaches out to nudge him, but she refrains. Even if it's unintentional, she doesn't want to make him uncomfortable. ] I like seeing my friends relaxed.

Me too. It's nice to see all of you relaxed and safe. [His smile lights up his whole face. He flips his braid back over his shoulder.] Glad Allura suggested I braid it. It's getting long but I don't want to cut it.

[It almost reaches the middle of his back now when it's loose.] So, what have you been up to? It's been quiet since those shadows and lights left.

[ She touches her own hair--it's getting long. It's always been thick, too, and when it starts to warm up, she thinks she's going to have a problem. Even if it is tied up, it definitely won't be comfortable. ]

Maybe I should cut mine, now that I think about it.

[ She hums a little, thoughtful. ]

Nothing much, really. But it's nice. I don't have to worry about people I care about getting hurt, for the most part. [ She won't kid herself that the islands aren't dangerous. But lately, less so. ] Besides, our training keeps me pretty busy. That, and Daisy's ridiculous energy.

Edited 2019-02-20 15:50 (UTC)

Having breathing room lets us relax and focus on preparing for whatever is next. Nice to not have our heads messed with right now.

That was, [His smile vanishes and his eyes darken. It was bad. He had seen what happened and hadn’t liked it at all. One after the other has been like a seige on their minds. And there had been nothing he could have done to halt it. It had made him wish hard for the Black Lion.

For the power and strength that his mechanical partner brought to him that he had once taken for granted. He sighs, letting it go and his eyes more yellow than white slowly revert.]

That was difficult. ...I’d like to look back over what we found out about The Water and see just how far their reach was. But that can wait until after we all get some time to just be.

[ She notices the change, and it's a little curious, but she doesn't draw attention to it. She wonders if it's because--like his light told her--he's part alien. But it's obviously tied to his stress, and she doesn't want to stress him out more by asking about it.

Besides.... ]

It is. [ The trials, and then that... ] Mm. You'll have time for that, later. Right now... I'm just happy to not think too hard about anything. [ She smiles. ] I hope this year treats us all better.

Right, tonight I'm not going to think too hard at all. [He's wired to constantly think about the hard stuff but tonight, he'll actively turn that off. Keith snags another snack and savors it.]

Been a while since I had anything close to this. Not since Earth. Should learn how to make stuff like this. [And steamed dumplings for Shiro. Probably have to trade a few stories for books to learn. He'll do it.]

So we can all enjoy stuff like this more often.

Edited 2019-02-24 08:01 (UTC)

I don't think anyone would blame you.

[ She smiles and looks up at the sky. It's beautiful--she'd never noticed that before. It's hard to appreciate the little things when she's on edge. Now, she feels more at ease.

There are things that still scare her. Things that have happened here, things she hasn't talked about--the encounter with Foster's shadow hurts, like a hot knife between her ribs--but right now... being with Keith, her teacher and her friend, it calms the roaring in her head. ]

I know how to cook. I could help, if you wanted me to.

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thermalwind - 2019-02-26 17:16 (UTC) - Expand

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antepone - 2019-03-11 22:47 (UTC) - Expand

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thermalwind - 2019-03-14 00:11 (UTC) - Expand

Keith!

[ well, would you look at that! ann's smiling again, wider than ever when she spots him. the fireworks are going off, and ann can't help but turn to them after she joins him. ]

This is awesome! You're totally right, they're not like ordinary fireworks at all!

They're almost alive, right? [His smile turns into an eager grin. He's so pleased she got to see it too. He takes a bite of his fire-roasted fish and makes a small pleased sound.

It's food. Good food!]

Food's good too. Tried it yet?

Mhm! I had some food earlier. It's gooood. Especially the skewers!

[ is she going for seconds? you bet she is. ]

Man, this is nice, huh? Feels like we really needed this.

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

Keith | ota | I'll match you

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sorry for the delay had to really think of what he would give

same, i've been in sickness heck for a while, sob

hope you’re feeling better!

a bit better, it's rough when everyone at work is sick around me, wheeze

been running around trying to get all my stuff in order.

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