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. ♥]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[And after the last, glittering spark of the fireworks show has faded from the night sky like diamond dust, and the cheers and applause have all stopped, the wolf will stride back to the tiny, makeshift shrine she erected for the Boar God and lay before it, tuckered out and ready for a nap. Those privy to seeing her celestial form will see that, even now, she is but a simple, white wolf. Seems all that work really took it out of the old dog, hm? But it's fine.

She looks plenty pleased as she rests on the soft, cool grass, and may even open her eyes long enough to let anyone passing by to talk to her and pet her a little. Ammy has at least some strength left in her to have a passing conversation - onesided though it may be - and share company with others that want to engage her for a few minutes.]

[Parties and stuff... not really his scene, you know. But he does live here. So, like it or not, Ichimatsu hauls his butt down from his tree nest to make at least a few rounds throughout the night.]

[1]
[Namely, at first: he wants the booze and free food. Not much of a drinker on his own, he still knows a rare opportunity when it's literally at his doorstep; Ichimatsu can be found around the campfire in the first hours, nipping at fish skewers and the occasional dish of sake. He's staying fairly sober, though, if nothing but out of sheer paranoia that someone will walk into his or his crazy neighbor's traps while he's not watching. If they do happen to wander too close to any of the occupied homes, count on Ichimatsu throwing the nearest food item at their head.]

[The eagle-eyed - or nosed - may also notice the bulge in the front pocket of his hoodie, lumpy and smelling not even subtly of cannabis. At the very least, Ichimatsu doesn't seem interested in whipping it out himself.]

[2]
Ah, no... stop it.

[If you haven't noticed, a tiger lily in fact lives at the compound - and while the oversized feline has been content to mostly stick around Ichimatsu's tree thus far, something about the festivities has piqued their curiosity. Whether they're investigating the food in your hand, or they've simply been spooked by the loud fireworks banging overhead, there is suddenly a sizeable plant-cat up in your business, trying to rub up against you and rumbling anxiously.]

[Following right behind this beast is a disgruntled-looking Ichimatsu, vaguely alarmed by his pet's sociability.]

H-hey, no! Yachin, heel!

[3]
[As the fireworks wind down and the night begins to quiet, Ichimatsu has long removed himself from the stress of the festivities. Instead, he's parked himself in front of the shrine, sitting on his ass with a single dish of sake balanced in his palm. His eyes are on the boar, and his other hand is resting on the neck of a guitar half-resting in his lap.]

Hey. No mochi this year. And there's only twelve of these, so I wasn't gonna steal five of 'em just for you jerks. Kill each other over it, pigs. Like any of you are even listening.

[He leans forward and places it, right next to the other offering of sake. He claps his hands together. It's not like he has any nengajō to send, so...]

... I hope for your favor this year.

[... and done. Ichimatsu lifts his guitar and retreats to a nearby tree, lazily splaying out with his back against it, and contents himself with strumming out a disjointed collection of tunes and chords to backlight the rest of the evening.]

[Oh, how fun!

Asgore doesn't totally understand the boar motif here, but that's fine! He's very intrigued by the cherry blossom trees; he spends a while trying to admire them closely while not blocking the entry arch for everyone else. He hasn't seen trees like this anywhere else on the islands. A special request, perhaps? It would be a good one. They are lovely.

Eventually he does move on to the food, and sits with his meal to watch the fireworks display. That is truly marvelous! Is it socially appropriate to applaud after the end?]

A.

[ The Knight shows up fairly early; the compound isn't a place they've been to often, so they're eager to see the changes. They can be found wandering about, inspecting the new decorations with clear interest; it's not a language they know, and the pictures aren't ones they know either.

You might catch them trying to read the prayers. Emphasis on trying, without much success. Later on, they can be seen trying to puzzle out the meaning of the shrine...or investigating the sake. They might be a bit too young for that, though. ]

B. family picnic family picnic (closed to Grimm and the Hollow Knight)

[ As the evening gets darker, the Knight vanishes from the compound temporarily, but only to return with the people they're closest to. By vigorous use of charades and hand-pulling and the occasional pleading look, they've convinced their sibling and Grimm to accompany them to the compound to enjoy whatever Amaterasu has planned.

They're very determinedly hanging onto both their hands despite both Grimm and the Hollow Knight being...much, much taller then them. It probably looks ridiculous. They really don't care in the least.

The Grimmchild is here too, chirping curiously, but it's hard to tell which of their caretakers is currently in possession of the charm that holds them. ]

[It never ceases to amaze that once the Knight had something in mind, they stick with it using a combination of determination, stubbornness and games of charades.

Not that Grimm particularly minds being dragged somewhere. After...last month Grimm had been sticking close to the Knight, choosing to sleep on the floor near them and their sibling rather then his usual perch on the ceiling. Nothing from the dream born from his rejection reflected in reality but he could not help but fuss regardless. The Knight may have forgiven him for what happened but Grimm was not being so easy on himself.

However, that can wait until later. For now there is a strange family get-together and whatever surprise was waiting for them in this place. Grimm is leaning down a little ways to make it a little easier for the Knight to reach his hand. He is well aware of how tall he is, after all.

(It is something that can be blamed on the Nightmare King but Grimm did not want to get into an argument with himself over advantages and disadvantages regarding height.)]

You certainly have given what is to come an air of mystery, my friend. I'm looking forward to seeing what it is.

[Grimm does not know the meaning behind this wonderful show and the fireworks are far different then the one the Troupe utilize. But that does not take a single thing away from the wondrous sight that lights up the night sky. The colors and the sounds! The patterns that bloom across the sky like cosmoses and stars being born, cotton-like bursts of colors in all shades of the rainbow. The sky is Ammy's canvas and what she paints upon it is life coming to the land, burning bright until it fades away.

It is a breathtaking sight and even if his voice is drowned out by the roar of the fireworks, Grimm is laughing in delight. This is absolutely wonderful! Later on he must thank the Knight for bringing him here to witness such a thing come to life.

But there is someone else he needs to thank, the one who put together and executed this show. Grimm moves through the crowd until he finds where Ammy has taken to rest and sits down beside her. He reaches out and, if willing, gently pets her fur.]

That was an incredible showing, my friend. It was a beauty I have never seen before and I thank you for sharing it.

(Yasha is on her way back to her own home when she stops to have a look at the little shrine in the center of it all, running her fingertips gently over its surface. It's a very humble gesture, to erect something handmade. Beautiful, even. Yasha's thoughts turn to something sadder; she looks away, and that's when she notices the white wolf, half-asleep in the grass nearby.

She looks tired. Hopefully they haven't been keeping her up with the fireworks.

Yasha stoops, and runs her knuckles gently over Ammy's head.)

Hello. Did you enjoy the show too?

(Surely it's okay to applaud. Yasha joins in when Asgore starts, not wanting to be caught out at all. She's still staring at the sky, watching all of the coloured smoke fade away into the night... that was like nothing she's ever seen before. She's seen fireworks before in Hupperdook, but they had been much simpler. These ones looked a little like spell work, they were so lavish, so intricately designed.)

What kind of magic is it? (She asks him, still clapping a little in her awe.)

(The fact that the Knight is a child doesn't seem to deter Yasha at all; when she catches them investigating the table, she gestures toward it and then ladles out a little dish of sake for them to take.

Because, you know. They're short, so she's just helping out, that's all.)

Here.

Edited 2019-02-16 13:43 (UTC)

[The display of lights and sparkles keeps her entire attention the whole way through-occasionally she claps, but for the majority of the show she's sitting off by herself, arms around her knees and just staring at it all. Tim gave her a fireworks 101 on a smaller scale months ago and this is just as amazing. Incredible, even. Every explosion is loud, but not scary. It looks like there's a million stars lighting up the sky at once. It's wild.

And when it's over, she crawls the short distance to the dog's side, and leans over to pat down her fur with both hands. She deserves just so many pets. And pets she'll get.]

Are you sleepy now? Do you want me to tuck you in? Do dogs like that?

[Her little gremlin eye caught sight of Murasaki the second she set foot on the compound. It's not like she wouldn't see him. She's always on the lookout for the catsquad. And while she wants to go over immediately, he's drinking, playing with the cat, eating some grub and she's getting distracted every twenty seconds on her way to him.

It takes a long, long time for her to focus on the purple feline and she barely catches the tailwind of his conversation with the shrine, the sound of a clap that she mimics immediately because that's what they gotta do here? That's fine. Whatever. She'll clap all day, except-

That guitar sounds nicer than smacking her hands and before long, a little hum comes out of her mouth. Then some quiet, full blown lyrics because why not. Time to sing of the song of their cat people or something.]

Oh round white moon

I hope for your favor this year

I wasn't gonna steal five of 'em

[The shrine is a big ole mystery and thankfully, Ren's solved it. So when she sees that small bug staring up at the boar, she points at, and with an air of confidence she shouldn't have in the slightest, says-]

That's called 'soccer'-that's what those animals are playing. And since it won, we have to give it our treasures.

[See she understands!!!! This stuff!!! It's fine!!]

[It seems you aren't the only one looking at the cherry blossom trees.

Alexei isn't usually one for admiring the scenery; he prefers to just show up, do whatever it is he's here to do, and get on with his life. That said, he seems almost weirdly transfixed by the trees; he thankfully keeps himself from standing in the middle of traffic, as it were, like some sort of goddamn tourist - but he does find somewhere to just kind of stare at them, and while he's aware of Asgore doing something similar over there he isn't nearly as alarmed by his presence as he was last time. Which is likely a good thing, honestly, given that all signs currently point to "at this point, the goat can see."

He's still dressed like he got lost on the way to the Ren Faire, as he always is; Asgore won't recognize him by sight and who the hell knows if he recognizes him by voice but you know what, he'll at least say something anyway just because this entire thing is really goddamn unexpected.]

Do you recognize these...?

[Vague...gesturing at the cherry blossoms, there.]

We call them luluria, where I'm from. I wasn't expecting to see any here.

[It's the sort of thing that weirds him out a little, to be honest, but from the sound of it it's in a good sort of way.]

[Alexei really, really isn't one for things like this - he's never been partial to pretty sights and admiring the scenery, and the idea that someone is going to be trying to put on a show so damn big the entire archepelago is going to notice it is a little...alarming? That's a little alarming.

In the end, it's the alarming bit that gets him to go. Apparently everyone is being promised some kind of spectacle, and he can't say he's entirely unfamiliar with or opposed to the concept of spectacle, and as such here he is.

And really, he's no sooner gotten there than he's immediately questioning how good an idea this is - not because he wants to leave but rather because he doesn't, given the fact that the sense of familiarity here is striking him in the damn chest so hard that it takes him a moment.

...He's another one in the general camp of having no why there are boars everywhere, but the fact of the matter is that he does recognize the boars. Sort of. These boars are still a little demented-looking to him but he can at least tell what they're supposed to be, which is better than he can say for most of the wildlife around here. And the trees forming the archway are clearly luluria, which he's never seen blossoming anywhere outside of Halure, and he kind of has to wonder if whomever put them here knows how fucking sacred they are and god, this is such a culmination of things he wouldn't have cared about back in Terca Lumireis? He had no reason to care about it then, and logically he has no reason to care about it now, but seeing as we apparently can't all just tell our feelings what they're supposed to do he's just going to content himself with wandering around the area and clearly not knowing what the hell to do with his face at all this.

He'll remain at the outskirts once the fireworks start properly happening, however; somewhere he can still see without just being among everyone and their...whatever it is they're doing. He's been doing well enough holding up the metaphorical walls until now and he doesn't see any reason to do otherwise, and honestly the fireworks are another thing that are weirdly familiar in an uncanny sort of way. They remind him of Heracles, of the detonation circles that it's capable of; after a moment he's got one of his hands out in front of him as he watches, just idly, the motion in his hand and fingers indicating programming or manipulating something invisible in the air. There isn't anything there, naturally, but old habits die hard; he may not have been a proper mage, but damn if he wouldn't want to sort out how these particular formulas work.

He is appreciative of everything going on tonight; honestly, this is probably the best thing he's experienced since he's been here.]

Edited 2019-02-16 20:39 (UTC)

[ Mira approaches her as she's resting on the grass, and she kneels down next to her. She's absolutely gorgeous, and there's something special about her. Almost cautiously, she holds out a hand for Ammy to sniff. ]

Hello.

[ She's curious enough to show up, and when she does, she's very much not disappointed. It's gorgeous here. For some reason, though she hasn't been here before, it's so different. (Thinking about that... it puts an ache into her chest she can't quite explain.) She doesn't want tonight to be marred by any ill feelings; forcefully, she shoves them down and focuses on the atmosphere, the fact that there's plenty of food, and a barrel of--

Well. She tries a little bit, and she realizes quickly what it is. Mira has never had the best tolerance, but... ah, it's a nice night. Special. She's going to indulge, even if it's not too much. She still has her head, and she can still think clearly, so it's okay.

She gets a bit of food for herself, then takes a seat near the bonfire. Mira is alone, but she certainly won't mind company, especially with the bit of sake she's had. Anyone who joins her will be greeted with a smile. ]

Hi. Having a good time?

[ And a little later on, when the fireworks start, her eyes light up, bright and wide. It's a beautiful show, the kind she's never seen before. She's notably speechless, but there's a smile as she watches the show.

It must have taken a lot of work; she wants to appreciate it. ]

[Yusuke really did come here for the beautiful sight. He had always been a fan of fireworks and at least this time it felt like he could enjoy the sight without fearing any consequences. But Yusuke is also never the one to ignore a chance at free food. It's really a wonderful chance for inspiration and to not be starved.

Unbeknownst to him, he is stepping too close to the homes. Once he feels a fish skewer thrown at him, he whips his head towards the source.]

Why would you squander good food?! This...this waste...! [He's more offended by that than having something tossed at his head.]

[Yusuke is a natural at enjoying pretty sights. One might argue that it's his job to do so, being an artist. Enjoying fireworks, however, is one he always thought should be seen from afar. Distance can make anything look more beautiful, in his own opinion. Especially because people tend to make too much noise. Yes, he can understand why some might stand a ways away.

With his fingers up in the sky, framing the scene with his fingers. His assumption, when he sees Alexei with his fingers in the air, is that he thinks he may have found another artist.]

Isn't this beautiful? I've always loved fireworks, despite how much I dislike loud noises. But the splashes of color against the night sky...! Is there anything better?

[ It's been a long time since he celebrated the new year. At least, like this. When was the last time, really? Since he was a kid, Shiro thinks. He hadn't expected to celebrate it here, of all places. It's definitely pleasant, and as Shiro makes his way to the compound, he takes a moment to clasp his hands in front of the shrine, and murmurs a few words.

After that, he's glad to indulge in the food and drink. The sake, less so, but the food is good. It's relaxing, after all that business with Shadows and Lights. Obviously, he spends time with Keith, but he's also glad to talk to anyone else, even during the fireworks show. ]

Incredible.

[Yeager didn't exactly plan on showing up here, and he certainly didn't plan on running into the talking monster Alexei told him about while staring up at the trees. Curiosity is what draws Yeager to talk to Asgore.]

I certainly didn't expect to see any trees like this here! They're lovely, ja?

[His accent is... very thick and very German, but his expression is just as light as the words. Don't worry, he's not going to cause any problems (today).]

[Inevitably, he finds his way to Mira. He hadn't been sure what to expect, but he had shown up anyways. These kinds of things weren't something you should just miss, so he had made his way there.

He grins at Mira, settling down next to her.]

I'm having a better one now.

[Lance. Please.]

It's lovely, yes. But unfortunately not something I'm familiar with - at least not like this.

[He doesn't sound opposed to any of it, though.]

Is this a common practice, where you're from? Creating things like this?

[To be perfectly honest, Yeager isn't sure what draws him here. Maybe it's curiosity, or maybe he's just bored, but regardless of what caused it, he's here now.

Earlier on in the evening you can find him staring at the cherry blossom trees with his head tipped just slightly as he studies them. He looks lost in thought, the usual smirk gone. Eventually he'll end up picking up some of the dropped petals, letting them fall back to the ground from his hand like he's working something out.

If you're nearby, he'll turn to you and speak up.]

Are there many trees like this around here?

[He speaks in a thick German accent, and sounds mildly confused.

Later on, during the fireworks, you can find Yeager off to the side, arms crossed as he studies the show up above. There's something familiar about this, probably because he spent a decent amount of time in Nordopolica, where they would often have shows like this. Not quite as elegant, perhaps, but it's familiar just the same.

...There isn't much of a point in thinking about it.

He looks a bit awkward - far moreso than usual - like he can't decide if he should ditch or not. Of all things to give him half a feeling...

He does decide to stay, at least through the end. But once it's over, Yeager's quick to turn to leave. You can catch him before he goes, if you want.]

[Lance isn't sure what to expect when he sees the message, but so far everything is above and beyond his expectations. It's one of those things that makes the islands not so bad, and he's glad he made his way over.

He's at the celebrations for quite a while, flitting from place to place. He doesn't seem to sit still for very long, and the energy of a celebration is getting to him. For almost the entire night there's a grin on his face, and he seems to be nearly vibrating with energy. If anyone catches his eye they get a cheerful greeting and a wave.

There's a spring in his step he can't shake.]

This is awesome, isn't it?

[...He might have also helped himself to some sake. He's an adult!]

[ Lance. Please.

She's glad to see him--she'd hoped he'd come. It felt a little awkward, to her, to invite him to something like this, but... Well. It worked out all the same. And Lance is... it's such a Lance thing to say that she lets out a sheepish little laugh as she gently knocks her knee against his. ]

You know, I am too.

[ Oops. Maybe that was a little too honest. ]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 1 of 28

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

Amaterasu | OTA

ichimatsu; ota

Asgore | OTA

The Knight | OTA + closed

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

3

no subject

no subject

alexei | ota

no subject

mira | ota

1

no subject

shiro | ota

no subject

no subject

no subject

Yeager | ota

lance | ota

no subject