middaeg | [Semi-Open Mingle] Sir Vaughan's Faun Fest

Entry tags:

[Semi-Open Mingle] Sir Vaughan's Faun Fest

Who: Everett Vaughan and ALL the Fauns he can invite.
(I - III. Open to all Faun Monster Type characters! IV. is OTA!)
When: March, after the fullmoon.
Where: Everett's Garden and Cottage
What: Teaching! Drinking! Food!
Warnings: Drunken shenanigans, but keeping this SFW, friends.

[OOC: Mingle post rules!! I will absolutely respond to everybody here with Everett, but OTA topleveling and tagging around is encouraged, too!

Wildcards with new prompts are totally welcome.]

I. One brisk morning...

An announcement goes out upon the Watch Network, after the full moon has be settled a few days. An invitation! All the Mirrobound Faun are cordially welcome to the cottage of Everett Vaughan, for an afternoon of lessons, food, and entertainment. Even if they are not yet acquainted, no time better than the present to meet!

Given Everett's experience with the different varieties of Faun Magic, and extensive reading on the manifestations there of, he is offering to teach what he has learned to others.

Additionally, he mentions that his beloved bonded, Myrobalan Shivana (Vaughan), has only just manifest magic of his own. Which is an occasion to be celebrated! Any who arrive will be welcome to join in and enjoy the evening with good company.

The lessons Everett has planned are primarily out in his garden. There, he encourages his fellows to coax already living plants to further bloom, giving his best guidance and advice. He also has a variety of different seeds to try growing from their freshest start. A tree in the center of his backyard is of particular attention, of modest size in the morning, but steadily reaching up and outward as he encourages more of his brethren to practice channeling their energy there.

He also has many animals about, who are very talkative to those who can or care to listen.

Primarily, there are many, many, many beautifully groomed city rats he has taken in. They all have names that they chose for themselves, usually household objects. Everett asked them for their names rather than giving them, in most cases. Some of note would be a particularly chubby rat going by Spoon, a mischievous pair named Peanut and Butter, and the pet rat Everett arrived with, Clementine (who by far the most polite). There is also an adolescent petalwolf, of white and yellow coloration, Daisy. She is not very talkative, but very affectionate and friendly.

II. ... A warm evening...

Once the lessons are wrapped up, it's time to relax. Or, rather, it's time to enjoy themselves! To mark the evening, Everett has purchased a piano for himself to play, an old talent of his. There are also some other hand held instruments he picked up, if any others would like to try their hand or already enjoyed playing music. It is yet another aspect of their kind he wished to incorporate.

While his guests socialize, there is a bounty set out to eat and drink. Food grown from his garden is in abundance, crunchy vegetables and sweet fruits line his tables and counters. There is also a traditional Springtide roast duck he spent the day slow cooking in the oven, a dish all would have been smelling throughout the day. The seasoning is richly savory and complex in flavor, though Everett will not share what it is. He won't be offended if any prefer to avoid meat, there are plenty of other options at hand.

Along with food, there is plenty to drink. Though, perhaps, not enough given how many fauns are present. Barrels of cider line a wall and wine bottles can be lifted at will. Everett encourages everybody to enjoy anything they like. (Except each other! If that bit of a faun urge strikes, best to go to your own homes! Discretion, please, he's still somewhat prudish on that matter.)

Music fills the air as the evening presses on into night. While Everett is purely amateur at both playing piano and singing, he gets drunk and revelrous enough to play without a care to that. Too much confidence and passion for it to much matter. He encourages other to sing and holler, cheer and whoa-oh along to his songs or their own.

[General vibe of the songs he's playing piano version of would be folkish and whimsical, if often just grimly funny, drinking shanties to keep things fun.]

III. ... and two nights, more.

At this point, the party has still been going for a whole three days, uninterrupted.

There have been plenty of runs for more wine and food is plucked freshly from the garden as desired. The festive atmosphere is going and going as the fauns still lingering let their instincts take better hold.

Neighbors will certainly be complaining, at this point. Not just because of the constant sound of music and revelry, either. Unbeknownst to the fauns in their merriment, they have overgrown the entire square block with plants. Overgrowth is bursting from the side walks and crawling up the walls, extending high above every home. What had been a humble tree Everett at the start of this became a test subject early in training. That is now a massive thing, towering into the sky and reaching over the surrounding cottages. The roots are upturning some of Everett's back porch, one has crawled into his kitchen to make it's stay within his sink, but their host seems more bemused and proud of this than anything.

Keep the party going or finally retire, it's up to his company. Everett isn't kicking a single soul out, though perhaps it's about time to quiet down. The Coven might be on it's way to break up such a raucous affair.

IV. Collect your Faun (OTA Option)

Wondering where that faun friend or bonded has gone off to the last three days? Crash the end of the party, come collect your bit of the trouble, call a carriage to take them home. The garden gate and all Everett's doors are wide open at this point, though he's not as likely to give an entirely polite welcome. The host might have a bit of a headache, come this hour.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Viren needn't fear on that count; Myr knows very well what the Dragon would say--because his own conscience has also caught up with him as he sits and quietly contemplates just what they got up to.

On the positive end of things, while it was amazingly irresponsible it didn't...go as badly as he'd have thought totally cutting loose would? So there is that.

On the negative end, ... he's not entirely sure what they've done to Everett's house.

He wraps an arm around his Bonded's waist, leaning a little more into the other Faun for mutual comfort.]

Even at more'n a decade your junior I can't contemplate doing that again, [he chimes in. It's not just that you're old, Everett!!

...but also, lest he seem ungrateful over something done partly for his sake--] Once was excitement enough. Thank you, dearheart; it was quite the day--days.

[With all his usual sweet sincerity--he DID have fun!! ...probably too much fun. Weird that he's not regretting it much, but that's got its advantages as well.

That said...he tips head and ears toward Viren, suddenly abashed,]

...How, uh. How much of a spectacle did we make, exactly?

[Since he can't see the ENTIRE TREE engulfing the house...]

Enough of one. I gave you, wisely, a wide berth for a few days.

[ no much getting involved in that. he's almost tempted to keep his answer vague, let myr's imagination run horrifyingly wild. not that the truth is, um, too far off the mark from that. ]

Everett's place is much... greener, now. [ it's like viren thinks he's funny sometimes. there's not even a joke there. but anyway, myr will hear the noise of a plate nudged his way. ] —You two should start eating, by the way; I am not reheating any of this.

[ dig in!! he will make more pancakes if required, he guesses; even without magic, those are easy enough to whip up. ]

[Everett puffs at Viren's.... assessment. He will put his glasses back on and blink his eyes heavily, looking about.]

Greener is putting it lightly. Yes. I would say there is no longer a true distinction between inside and outside of my cottage. They're about one and the same... I'll need tidy that all up.

[but before then, pancakes! Warm and fluffy and very good smelling. And tasting! As he soon discovers when he takes a bite. He hums to chew and then swallow, not lacking for his manners despite the state of things.]

Mmmm, delicious. How gracious of you, my lord. Thank you.

[There's another whispered oath from Myr as his imagination does, indeed, run wild with what little he's put together from where and how he awakened.

Then he's walking his fingers across the table to find the proffered plate and attendant utensils, and work out where the pancake is on it with little nudges of knife and fork.]

Must you? [To Everett, as a wild thought takes him and tugs up one corner of his mouth.] I mean--clean up what's left of the party, but is having a garden for a home so bad an idea?

[Then he will make inroads on his own pancake... Inroads that rapidly turn into a full-scale offensive versus the humble kingdom of Pancakia.

Waged with the utmost manners, of course.

But it's a good pancake.]

You're welcome. [..] My daughter's own recipe, of course, trumps my own.

[ viren does appreciate the... appreciation. the praise. he is internally glowing. even if myr doesn't verbalize it, he certainly knows wolfing down food is a compliment to the chef (these are probably exceptionally basic pancakes, all things considered, but one can imagine it tastes like a godsend of a hangover meal). ]

[ his mention of claudia aside, though — the inquiry of everett is met with a raise of his eyebrows, a look to the man for an answer; viren can think of a few reasons why having a garden for a home may not be the best of ideas in practice, but these are fauns, and — ]

[ it certainly sounds nice. ]

I must! I truly, really must. My more faunish instincts do not yet overwhelm my Springtide sensibilities. Not just yet...

[which was evidence in him somehow managing to keep a three day long wild faun party chaste. Far as he knows. It wasn't like he was kicking open his extra rooms to be sure nothing frisky was happening. If he didn't witness, it didn't happen! Yep. The Springtide way.

He chews some pancake with a hum of enjoyment, downing it politely before speaking. Even hungover. Manners are important.]

... these are truly a dragon's blessing about now, Viren. I praise your majesty. [in his world speak, a blessing from the gods and the title of one, it just happens to line up perfectly]

[Myr pauses his campaign against Pancakia only to utter a sigh at Everett's insistence--but he nods concession as well. It is Everett's house, after all.]

An idea for later, [he grants...and stops himself, setting down his utensils, before he can continue wolfing down the diminished pancake.]

I can't say it better than Everett; this is beyond welcome. [He grins, then.] I daresay you've rescued us again. Thank you.

[ is viren basking in all of this praise and gratitude? yes, yes, he is. it nourishes whatever's left of his soul. he doesn't much seem to show it (unless one can detect a glow), if perhaps evinced by a flickering smile. ]

Well, you are my friends.

[ it is somewhat awkward to abruptly say, and he hopes it doesn't come across as some grand announcement. he's had friends before (once even had a best friend, too!), but more only people that barely arise to acquaintances in recent years. ]

[ he pulls over a mug of tea he'd made for himself, giving it a light sip. ]

I should think I would be happy to do so. [ rescue, anyway -- sometimes. breakfast may not be so much a regularity... ] Try not to make a habit of the need for it...

[The fact that Viren will say as much aloud means a lot to Everett. It feels like a prize to be won! When he does get to hear as much, spoken frankly.

That's certainly the Springtide in him, to get overwhelmed with adoration at something he already full well knew, without it being said. Viren reminds him of his people in many ways and they don't... say things like that. They don't admit their feelings towards each other. He could go on and on over his respect for Viren, praise him from morning to evening to morning again, but that Springtide manner holds back the core truth. That Viren is among those he truly loves.

Myr can't see the touched smile on is face, but will feel those emotions in force. What a sentimental man, Everett is. And so silly in what he holds back.

All that going on, while outwardly he undercuts with a joke,]

No promises.

[You are my friends, Viren says, and Myr's heart warms to hear it; after the rocky start they'd had, littered and thorned with the suspicions their pasts had cultivated in them, it is heart-cheering to know they've persevered to the point of real friendship.

Everett's good regard certainly has something to do with it-- Everett's...very, very good regard; that emotion in the Bond between the two Fauns is deeply compelling and unmistakeable, and not in the least little bit surprising. Equally not surprising, in Myr's estimation, is the fact it's gone unspoken so long; and that is a truly tragic fact indeed.

Eminently fixable, though. The look on Myr's face grows mischievous; his ears cant forward with amusement. He waits a moment to consider his exact approach (and hopefully no one decides to start drinking while he does). Then, casually as you please:]

So when are you two going to Bond, anyway?

[ for the sake of everett's floor (which is already in lamentable shape), viren had just lowered his cup. he has to replay the comment in his head, his eyebrows furrowing with perplexity — had that been intended as a joke, too? he doesn't get around to faking a chuckle at it, his eyes having grown wide enough to completely betray himself.

that, and his tone, ]

Me..? [ there's probably not another, hm, stray party-goer lingering about that he could be referencing. he glances between myr and the man in question: ] And Everett?

You and Everett, [Myr affirms, still smiling. Oh, no--he's distressingly earnest.

He absolutely has very well-justified Reasons for this.]

You and Everett! [NERVOUS ECHO. Why would you do this, Myr? What revenge is this, upon him? If you please, wow. WOW...]

When, at that, not even a will you? What an inevitability you have decided for us, Myr... [is any of that a denial, Everett? Master of the nonanswer]

Edited 2020-03-28 22:21 (UTC)

[Myr flirts his ears forward coyly at the question, dipping his head to one side with a rattle of the few charms remaining on his antlers.]

You two, [he says,] are eminently suitable for each other in the ways that matter most. You're fond of each other, accustomed to seeking each other out in trouble, [physically compatible, oh my, yes, but probably better not to additionally scandalize them both by pointing out how much he knows about that,] and I daresay neither of you will ever get bored or lose his edge with the other around to challenge him.

We Mirrorbound, messeres, need more than ever to present a united front and what better way than through our Bonds? Thus, because you're both dear to me--and I envision none of the foregoing changing any time soon-- [He spreads his hands, leaving the rest to stand unsaid.]

I...

[ haltingly, caught completely off guard. the other faun's nervous reaction is — something, which could make sense in the context of having a strong, very strong bond, with another monster. he sets down his cup, then to rest his back against the counter, honestly looking at everett like he is just fascinating as myr explains. ]

[ he knows about bonds, surely; knows that ideally they are born of closeness, empathy, a mutual love for one that lends it strength. he's experienced three witch bonds of varying duration here. but at its core, the point to him had always been about magic. if he didn't already share that sort of close feeling for everett, he honestly might have scoffed — that's for desperate monsters that can't manage to find their own source of magic.* ]

[ but beyond that, any feelings he undeniably may feel for everett: a united front is reason difficult to ignore, on account that it's just so compelling. ]

A monster-monster bond. [ he reflects aloud, carefully. myr and everett certainly make it seem without flaw. and while he knows of its nature from an academic standpoint, ] How does that work?

Edited 2020-03-28 23:25 (UTC)

[While Myr just goes off on their compatibility, Everett sits in an uncharacteristic silence. He's mostly just... nervous, now. He knows that some great respect and affection couldn't possibly be enough for Viren. He's not a sentimental man the way Everett is, but their differences on that weren't insurmountable.

How much should he defend or even push for this? He might be more terrified if Myr brought this up at another time, but his throb of a headache is actually causing him to focus less on his flush of nerves than he might usually.

How does it work, though?]

Myr and I have both types, don't we? Linden is a witch, as is Sokie... and then we are bonded together. I would say... what would I say? Well. [a moment, to think, to consider]

The bond I share with Sokie is more... invigorating. With Myr, however, it is more stabilizing. I would say.

Edited (hangover gave everett meta knowledge for a moment) 2020-03-28 23:46 (UTC)

[There was, of course, a certain kind of sophistry in Myr's explanation: The real, secret, underlying reason he'd even asked the question was that affection that glows fire-bright in Everett's heart and would--barring outside intervention, or a miraculous change in the other Faun's character--likely remain forever unspoken. But all the other reasons given are equally valid, and he is pleased that he managed to state his case so plainly given the one-and-a-half hangovers he and Everett are sporting between them.

And that it was persuasive.

He demurs to Everett to answer that question first, before chipping in himself:] Grounding. Secure. We're both Fauns, so we list the same way when the moons are full, and having someone who knows that from experience is stabilizing. And Everett'd Bonded Sokie around the same time we first Bonded, so the magical side of things worked out and I benefitted from having a Witch in the chain, even if she wasn't my own. I made it--

[A hum to himself as he counts; it takes longer due to brain fog,] Three months that way, before taking up with Linden. Which was like not being hungry any longer, after weeks on half-rations. [...Which...is something he knows alarmingly well, actually. Yike.] But it didn't feel so leveling, even though it's a Witch's magic that keeps us from going feral. Linden's being Bonded to two other Witches might've had something to do with that, though, [wry. Very wry.

Says something about Myr's taste in Bonds he went for one that interested in exploding himself.]

Edited 2020-03-29 00:15 (UTC)

[ the diplomat is uncharacteristically still, quiet. he hasn't immediately protested as much as he thinks one would if they weren't seriously considering this. viren notices that, gaze flicking once over him and then falling back onto myr as the faun provides a more thorough explanation. having lifted a hand to touch thoughtfully at his beard, he's quiet for a long moment afterward. ]

[ finally, his gaze finds everett again. ]

I do care for you, Everett.

[ a reminder, as he hopes he'd made apparent — but this is part of the problem. even if he may justify it to himself, he is inordinately selfish, in one day hoping to cultivate more bonds with witches, but all in the meanwhile, desiring everett's company. realistically, he should probably take more time to think on this. ]

[ but perhaps it would be unnecessary to dwell on that — and simply just be at the other's side for however long, happily. aware of himself, and the silence he's allowed to draw on, he speaks again, ]

I would like to bond with you, then, if you would have me.

Yes. [Everett says, clearly and concisely, before he promptly faints onto the table.

Luckily, the kingdom of Pancakia is spared by the sudden natural disaster. Everett's horns just weigh too much for him to not tip over one direction.

THUD.

Out cold.]

[Oh. Oh. They both said yes--]

--Andraste's tits! [Myr nearly falls off the bench himself from alarm before he's reaching for his stricken Bonded. The only thing keeping him from actual panic is he has felt--whatever this is--through their Bond before and it's never been fatal but also, he hasn't the least idea what in the Void just happened.

He grabs at Everett's arm, patting his way with light and frantic touches to find the other Faun's neck and the pulse-point below his jaw.] Everett, dearheart--what's--did he faint? Maker's breath--

[ !!!!!!

in viren's defense, he probably wouldn't have felt his own spike of anxiety quite as severely if weren't for the reaction before him — oh, god, was this a thing with everett? that he hadn't witnessed? ]

[ viren looks bewildered between the two of them -- any passing relief he'd felt on account of that response has flown the coup. viren has at least has a least a glass of water to put to good use, if necessary. more importantly, a device to call for help... and other techniques, of course, really! ]

Well, is he breathing? [ ok, yes, he can see the rise and fall of his chest. ] Has this happened before—?

He's breathing, [Myr responds, sharp yet with ebbing fear.] And it has; I'd felt it through our Bond but no idea this is what'd happened to him...

[He's not rigid, his pulse seems normal, he's breathing normally, so it's just...a faint. Myr breathes out, moving his hand to pet Everett's hair with possessive anxiety.] S'pose we ought to move him so he's more comfortable when he comes round. He hasn't landed on his glasses and broken them, has he?

[He'd have heard the crunch, he thinks, but he was a little too alarmed to be paying attention. He extricates himself from where he's sitting, getting to his hooves.]

We can monitor him, however long he takes to rouse again...

[ the confirmation of this having occurred before should be a relief to hear, frankly, even if still startling. there's an unknowing shake of his head at the inquiry. viren likewise moves to myr and everett's side, preparing to hoist the latter. ]

—Couch, then?

[ a... seating arrangement, what with all the disarray and plants. they'll figure it out. ]

BaaaHHHhhh... [a wheeze of a bleated breath as the little fainting spell passes, hands jostling him to something like being awake again. He moves to lift his head, but again, it's so heavy he only lifts about and inch from the table before wobbling and thudding back into place. Disoriented, yet he mutters]

I, I'm here...

[somewhat, mentally, somewhat]

[ —viren releases a breath that had been held on account of some apprehension, his shoulders immediately relaxing from how he'd been prepared to move the man. he doesn't quite yet move away, instead to let one of his hands fall to rest against everett's bicep. ]

[ viren keeps his tongue in check a moment. ]

You're here, yes. [ he better staightens. ] And, all right?

[Semi-Open Mingle] Sir Vaughan's Faun Fest

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)