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Rekindle Moderators ([personal profile] rekindlemods) wrote in [community profile] rekindleme2014-07-13 01:44 pm

A Festival Of Lights (Round 2!)

Who: Everyone
Where: All around Saeng Seong!
When: 13th July to 20th July
Summary: The residents of Saeng Seong are celebrating their annual summer festival, and the offworlders are invited to take part!
Warnings: Inbox death may occur. System overload at own risk. Long information post ahead, beyond the cut.



There's been a general sense of excitement among the natives of Saeng Seong for the past week or so, now; anyone who's stopped to question them about it (or has been close enough to hear them discussing it amongst themselves) will hear mentions of "the festival." Those who have been here long enough might have a good guess on what's going on, or about to happen. When the 13th rolls around, things become very clear.

Each year, the residents of the city come together to celebrate the summer. Setting the festival up is an all-day affair; taking part in the festival's events will make for an entertaining week; and tearing down the booths and decorations is another extensive process. But in the end, the residents usually agree that it's worth it, and this year they would like for their would-be saviors to take part.

July 13th
The flickers of activity start on the 13th, as all through the open districts, the natives move about with a sense of purpose. A committee has formed, focusing on decorating and assigning tasks to different groups of people. (And any curious individuals who might be willing to give their time!) They are centered in the Second District around the welcoming center in assigning tasks, but can be found everywhere.

The committee needs people to help with preparing and placing decorations all over the city; paper lanterns, twinkling strands of lights, and garlands of flowers, though they'll note that the flora is fake. They also need people to set up tables, chairs, and makeshift stages at the riverbanks that wind through the districts. Help is also needed redo the outdoor marketplace to make it more accommodating for booths hosting festival foods, games, and trinkets for purchase. Physically stronger characters may be asked to assist with setting up carnival rides in the free spaces - everything from a towering Ferris wheel (because clearly a second one is needed for such a festival!) to a carousel to bumper cars, and many others besides.

During this time, characters can also volunteer to man the booths on certain days, if they have anything they would like to contribute or would like to assist with anything.

Given how this happens on the same day as new arrivals come in, there may be some confusion for the newcomers! Fortunately, information is readily available in the form of written pamphlets, and the arrivals even get a complimentary jar of fireflies to hang onto.

Those jars are also available for other people to pick up. The jars are filled with fireflies (or the closest thing Saeng Seong has to them) and glow all through the festival. Though oddly enough, the jars seem to produce that much more light if the jar holder is in close proximity with someone else. Locals will also inform characters that it's good luck to hang onto the jars all through the festival.

And finally in the fifth district, the theater has set up a special film festival and is trying to distribute flyers and posters all through the city. Not only are they going to be showing films non-stop through the week (mostly following a summer theme) but admittance and kettle corn are free if someone brings a friend! Or have a great discount if they help distribute the promotional materials.

Characters who take part in the setup will be awarded with five vouchers, good for use during the festival. These vouchers can be used for the purchase of food, admittance to rides, or to allow them to play some of the games for free.


July 14th
The festival begins early morning on the 14th - that is, the booths are open and ready for business, selling all manner of street food - crepes, kabobs, funnel cake, shaved ice, almost anything you can imagine - along with a wide variety of other things for purchase, like one-of-a-kind clothing, hats, scarves, and the like, as well as jewelry and other trinkets. There are also booths where you can get your face painted, where you can have your fortune told, and all sorts of other activities.

There are also the games. Standard festival stuff: Knock down a milk bottle, win a prize. Throw a dart and pop the right balloon, get a prize. You can play a game to catch and take home a goldfish, if you like, or try your luck at any of the other games that are interspersed with the other booths.

These booths will be operating all throughout the festival, until the closing ceremony on the 30th.

The opening ceremony doesn't actually take place until sunset, despite the fact that the booths have been operating all day. It's a simple ceremony, though this year it has moved locations. It now happens at the shrine in the fourth district, with a speech about how summertime begets togetherness and how everyone should be thankful for the opportunities they've been given. All in all, it may be a little boring for characters with shorter attention spans. However, at the end of it, everyone lights a candle, makes a wish, and moves down to the river bank where they can set it adrift on the river once the sun has gone down entirely; the flickering candles will drift around the river all throughout the festival, and they never seem to burn down.

July 15th
The rides and games are going on full-force outside from the time the sun comes up, but in the afternoon characters will find that it's not as crowded as the day before. That's because there's dancing going on in the convention center - the afternoon is full of traditional group dances, the kind that are easy to learn the steps for and join in on; the natives will be especially delighted if their visitors teach them some of the dances from their home.

In the evening, it is not quite so energetic, though the dancing doesn't end. The songs slowly fade into slower, perhaps more romantic tunes, and the final dance will end precisely at midnight.

There will be refreshments available for free in the convention center during the dances, though not anything so filling as what characters will be able to purchase from the booths outside - mostly water, lemonade, cheese, and crackers. There is also a bar where specialty drinks and foods may be purchased.

July 16th
This day's special event happens after dark, though it's easy to see the preparations for it happening around the shrine, the welcoming plaza, and along the river front in fifth district. When the sun sets, one massive bonfire at the shrine is lit, along with two substantial bonfires at the plaza and river front. Many people gather, some with benches, to bask in the firelight. Some even write down the things they'd like to accomplish during the rest of the year onto slips of paper and cast them into the flames, in the hopes that the smoke will carry their wishes into the heavens.

Others gather around to toast s'mores and chat. Still others continue the dancing from the night before - off to the side to begin with, though as the night wears on they may expand into a bigger dance that will involve large groups of people circling around the fire in spirals.

Even away from the plaza, there are blazing lanterns throughout the city, and some smaller bonfires crop up in areas where it's not likely that anything important will catch fire.

July 17th
This day's festivities begin early on. The morning and early afternoon are devoted to a cooking contest - there are categories for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, and a winner for each - that both residents and visitors alike can take part in. Characters who cook delicacies from their own worlds may find the natives crowding them and asking for information about the dishes, and recipes to try on their own.

The late afternoon also has to do with food, and the characters are once again invited to take part in a variety of eating contests. There are your standard hot dog, watermelon, and pie-eating contests, as well as many others - the more daring may find themselves taking part in a contest where contestants are blindfolded and made to eat as much of rather... interesting concoctions as they can.

Characters who take part are given a voucher for use at any of the booths or rides in the festival; winners are given additional prizes. The winners of the cooking contest are determined ICly by character vote, so if there's a dish they especially love, make sure to mention that they'd vote for it so a tally can be kept! This time around, winners are largely up to player-character decision; there's no shortage of prizes to be given out, at the very least! (Though some might be on the silly side, such as a new cooking pan, or similar.)

July 18th
The extra activities on this day include showing off your physical prowess and your ability to cooperate with others.

On foot, there are three-legged races; pick a partner and try not to fall as you make your way to the finish line! There are also relay races - in teams of four - and you'll want to pick your teammates' positions well to ensure maximum speed. These races will take place multiple times during the day.

There are some other events to take part in as well: Thumb-wrestling tournaments, arm-wrestling tournaments, and outright wrestling tournaments.

This year's festivities bring a new event as well, in the form of cooperative boat racing. With a long stretch of river now open, characters can race from the start of the river in the fifth district down to the bottom of the third district. A specially decorated warehouse marks the finishing line, and the banks are packed with spectators cheering the racers on. It's encouraged that participants bring a friend to help them paddle, but individual racers might also be found. The boats in question vary from personal made boats to inner tubes to more...Creative options involving furniture. Hopefully none of them will sink, though!

At the end of the day, there will be a massive tug-of-war. Everyone who's mingling around and wants to take part will be sorted into one team or another, and then the two teams will face off.

Participants will receive festival vouchers; winners will receive additional prizes.

July 19th
The last day of the festival continues on like normal - the rides and booths are all operating, at least until the start of the closing ceremony that begins mid-afternoon and continues until the sun goes down. Winners of the various contests are once again recognized, the people who made the events a success are thanked, and the speech ends with a wish for pleasant experiences throughout the rest of the year.

The ceremony is timed such that there will be about twenty minutes for everyone to position themselves where they would like to be by the time fireworks begin being set off from a barge floating on the river between the second and third districts. There will be spaces on the riverbanks for people to watch from, though they can most certainly be seen from any other vantage point a character might like to try watching from, should they want to avoid the crowds.

At this point anyone who has been carrying a jar of fireflies is encouraged to release them. The little bugs appear none the worse for wear from being in a jar all week, and eagerly fly up into the night sky. Locals whisper another wish or hope as they do so, as the little dots of light mingle with the fireworks overhead.

July 20th
This day is a blur of activity as well, though not as fun as the past few days. The residents of the city are packing everything away and taking down the decorations, and they could use a little help if the characters are so inclined.

Characters who assist with the teardown will be rewarded with leftovers from the festival - plush prizes, food, maybe even some little trinkets characters have had their eyes on that haven't sold. No one's getting any fireworks, however.

Feel free to put up your own top-level comments, but be sure to put when and where the action is happening in the subject line!
heismymission: we have to do this shit again (d: are you kidding me)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-21 08:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[A look of combined realization and resignation comes to his face as she confirms that Steve has spoken about him to other people. He takes a slow breath and stares at nothing in particular as he works his jaw.

He really would prefer that he didn't mention him, but especially not the amnesia part.]


Yeah.
Edited (whoops) 2014-07-21 20:58 (UTC)
lightstrike: (You don't need to worry now you're gone)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-22 07:34 am (UTC)(link)
[She doesn't recognize the expression on his face at the moment, but he's probably a little annoyed that Steve has been talking about him behind his back.

Anyone in that situation would be.]


Don't be angry with him for telling me. He's just worried for you.
heismymission: the words you're saying are dumb (c: i hear you but)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-24 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
[He shakes his head. He's not angry; he has no right to be, when Steve has helped him the way he has. When he's done everything in his power to help the soldier understand what it's like to be Bucky, even if it hasn't worked out that well so far.]</small. What else did he say?
lightstrike: (my worth is the look in your eyes)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-24 06:00 am (UTC)(link)
That you're his friend.

[Lightning is well aware that she's sharing things confided to her, which is why she's saying little, but meaning so much more than that. It's the compromise she can see, telling this man that Steve really does care without breaking Steve's trust.

She wants to help Steve in anyway that she can, so by extension, she wants to help this man too.]
heismymission: staring contest is go (e: showdown)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-25 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
[He's torn between believing that's all Steve really would have said and thinking that she's trying to hide things now that she's seen his reaction. He doesn't suppose he's getting anything else out of her either way.]

That's what he's told me. [A few times, now, though the soldier thinks it's unnecessary to repeat it.] Still don't really get what he means.

[Steve's certainly tried his best to explain. It's just that he has so many concepts to grasp before he can understand.]
lightstrike: (it feels wrong changes haunt me)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-25 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
[With that admission, Lightning now sees just how damaged this man is, and can tell just how much pain Steve is going through. It's not going to be easy, less so than she'd imagined. One's best friend not recognizing the word any longer is heartbreaking.]

It means you're someone he's willing to do anything for. [She leans over and attempts to catch his eyes with hers, just so she can drive home her next words.]

You're the furthest thing from an enemy to him.
heismymission: i've done worse (e: dirty work)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-26 06:38 am (UTC)(link)
[The woman gets his attention easily, and as he stares at her, he considers her words. The furthest thing from an enemy... the way Steve dropped his shield and nearly allowed the assassin to kill him said it was true, but the fear of death he felt and the fact that this Steve doesn't know about their fight makes him doubt. He doesn't know how he'll react to the full account of the fight on the helicarrier.

The man looks away. He doesn't know if he truly believes that--if he can trust someone that much after everything he'd known was torn apart. He's silent for a moment.]


The last time I was willing to do anything for someone, they were lying about everything.
lightstrike: (like a time a place a shattered memory)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-26 07:42 am (UTC)(link)
[The last time he was willing to do anything for someone? That puts a wholly different layer to this story, and she doesn't know how it fits.

For a few seconds, she has to think about that, and how it now affects their conversation.]


But are you lying to Steve?
heismymission: give me some time this is a long process (d: i'm thinking)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-27 07:21 am (UTC)(link)
[He's taken aback by the question, and he has to pause before answering. He's not... lying, he's just keeping one thing from Steve. It's for the benefit of both of them; Steve would be hurt knowing it and the soldier might be in danger.

It's not lying.

He looks at her, thoughtful and almost unsure, but there's no hesitance in his voice.]
No.
lightstrike: (It's got to be better than before)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-27 08:54 am (UTC)(link)
Good.

[She believes him-- what reason does he have to lie? She can tell he's hesitant to tell her about it, but then again, she's virtually a stranger. He doesn't need to trust her.]

Because Steve doesn't need someone he calls a friend lying to him. Do you think of him as a friend?
heismymission: (tm) (c: sad trash hobo gaze)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-28 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
I don't know. [He's too cautious--paranoid--about the threat Steve might pose. But it's been clear that Steve really doesn't want to harm him, and is doing his best to help. That's... enough, in some ways.]

I know he's not an enemy.
lightstrike: welcome to the Velvet Room [sigh] (if you were here what could i say)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-28 06:46 am (UTC)(link)
That's close enough.

[Enough of an answer for her, at least. Lightning is still worried, but she thinks that with enough time, they will be fine. Or at the very least, things between Steve and this friend of his will be fine, even if she doesn't know if this man will ever get his memories back, or be the friend Steve had known.

Memories are tricky things. Even Lightning doesn't have experience in dealing with lost ones.]


And it's a good start for both of you.
heismymission: keep walking (c: glare)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-29 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
[He doesn't really know if it's close enough, but things have been going alright. All he has to do is move forward and try to make things as easy as possible.]

We'll have to start over when we get back anyway.

[Bitter about being forced to forget more things? Nnnah.]
lightstrike: (Didn't care to look like anyone else)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-29 10:39 am (UTC)(link)
Is that stopping you from doing something here?

[A simple question. She knows exactly what it's like to leave Saeng Seong, having done it twice now. Has it stopped her from getting settled in this place?

At first it did, but not anymore.]
heismymission: eyeshadow game too strong (g: welp)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-29 06:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[It seems to the soldier that it's a challenge as much as it is a question from Lightning's tone. He already made his decision--that he's going to try to get back what he can, even if he'll forget it later--but it doesn't hurt to reaffirm that goal.

His doubts may have gotten the better of him for a moment, but he looks at her with confidence.]


No.
lightstrike: (I still hear her laugh like she's here)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-30 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
[That's the only answer to the question to be honest. The one she's expecting, and the one she'll accept. The fact that he says it is a good sign.]

Then you'll be fine.

But if you need help, call me.
heismymission: the words you're saying are dumb (c: i hear you but)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-30 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
[He's determined to make it fine, or at least bearable, one way or another.

But her offer is rather vague.]


Help with what? [He doesn't imagine she's offering him assistance with everything he's going to have trouble with, and if his experience so far is any indication, he'll need quite a lot.]
lightstrike: (neverending providence)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-30 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
Anything within reason.

[Which, to Lightning? Is anything. She's done quite a lot of strange and often ridiculous things before for other people. She likes to imagine that she's desensitized to quite a lot of quirks.]

If you need help discussing something with someone. If there's an issue you cant handle alone but don't feel comfortable getting Steve involved with it. Anything.
heismymission: eyeshadow game too strong (c: don't bother)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-07-31 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
[Issues that he doesn't want to get Steve involved in... there's a fair chance of that.

Although he's not about to go to her with anything, he'll keep it in mind. At least she won't have to run around looking for dolls and monster parts for him.

The man nods to acknowledge the offer, wondering if most people try to be this helpful. Several of those he's met have said they're willing to do a lot for a dangerous stranger.]
lightstrike: (decadent extravagance)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-07-31 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
[Even a nod is enough for her. It's an acknowledgement, so it shows that she's been heard.]

You may be wondering why I'm willing to do this for a stranger. It's because Steve is my friend.
heismymission: staring contest is go (e: showdown)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-08-02 03:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Because of Steve. Knowing what he does about the man, it's a reason he believes. He's seen him offer help to others with no expectation of anything in return; he'd even put his own life at risk for it, in some cases. It must make him a man easy to like, if he knows people who are willing to do things for not only Steve himself, but the soldier who's supposed to be his best friend.]

You do this for all your friends?
lightstrike: (i feel your wisdom burn in me)

[personal profile] lightstrike 2014-08-02 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
Yes.

[It's said with no hesitation whatsoever, because Lightning has nothing to hide, when it comes to admitting things about or to her friends. Not anymore. They're the most important people in her life.

She's learned through experience that if you cant trust them, then who can you trust?]


Their problems are my problems, and vice versa. We don't leave someone behind.
heismymission: turns out most things are not bulletproof (e: that looks nasty)

[personal profile] heismymission 2014-08-02 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
[She says it with such confidence, he has to wonder if friends are supposed to be as selfless as this. The soldier feels as if it's unnecessary to expend that much effort on him; he can manage things himself, for the most part.

But if what she's saying is true and he and Steve are friends, that means the soldier is a burden, given how many problems he has. He doesn't know if he's ready to take on anyone else's problems, either. ... He supposes he'll just have to do his best.

He doesn't reply, but it's clear from his expression that he's considering her words carefully, metal hand tightening around the lid of his jar.]