Event Log: August, Lunasa Celebration

[faileas]

Event Log: Aguril, Lùnasa Celebration

Lùnasa From dusk of Aguril 1st to the dusk of Aguril 3rd, Aefenglom celebrates something fairly special: Lùnasa. Traditionally, Lùnasa celebrates all kinds of traditional marriages sanctioned by Parliament, generally of the arranged kind, and handfastings, a ceremony based more on love and how long it lasts. The Coven's Bonds err on this side of things, though some Witches do have official spouses - Miss Nessie and Mhairi, and Theodore and Sowilo, are examples of this, though not everyone marries their Bonded, either. Many of them are made during this festival, prompting the city to dress for the occasion just in case they find themselves in the middle of a ceremony, and just as many of them are formally renewed. Like during Litha, shops offer lovemaking potions, but only to those renewing vows or taking them; smaller fireworks, like sparklers and fountains, are also a common sight. Lùnasa is also home to the city's largest fashion show, showcasing fun and upcoming trends in the city. No experience is required to sign up to show off designs or to model them, and hundreds of tailors and needlework experts come together to quickly make dreams into reality for the end of the festival, when the show happens in genuine. The clothing is often wild and sorted into three categories: children, where those 14 and younger can submit their designs and model them as well; popular, where those 15 and older can do the same to try and vie for the judges' vote on what's in and what's out; and bonding, where all ages aspire to modify and make personal the traditional garbs of marriage and handfasting.

I. Poppin' Parties With Lùnasa beating bright from day one, there's already a need for celebrations and celebrators alike across the city! Citizens are dressed to the nines just in case the occasion calls for it (and, in true spirit, it usually does) and anything that seems worth celebrating, be it the holiday's weddings and bonding ceremonies or something else, is absolutely celebrated with appropriate noise and fanfare! If you're in a good mood, they are too–– And if you're not, well. All it takes is a wildin' party to bring the mood back up! That means you, yes you, and you and you are all invited! Maybe if you smile a bit and have a good time they'll let you go, but others be prepared to be part of a comedy routine, sung around as you're swung around, and to be cuddled by various furry creatures who're more than happy to be pet and scritched all you'd like. Turn that frown upside down, this is a joyous occasion! They're taking willing volunteers too, of course, as the more the merrier, so whether you're the harasser or harassed it's sure to be a ball! Perhaps you can even earn some tips by joining in to these impromptu parties as needed. It's considered good luck to have as many people as possible celebrating your marriage or Bonding around this time of year, and several natives want to encourage participation in their own little celebrations.

II. Say Yes To The Dress Some of the fashion shows that pop up around the city during and after Lunasa have taken on a new, interesting bent. With many of them having large categories for wedding and handfasting wear anyway, some groups have gone the full mile and set up "mock marriages" to show off a variety of themed outfits or collections all at once. Appropriate wedding guest attire, dresses and suits for brides and grooms, designer robes for those who want to be a little extra with their Bonding ceremonies, they're showing them all, in a variety of patterns and eye-catching colors, from the simple to the overly-embellished. It's not unusual to stumble into one of these 'show' weddings, which usually have the officiant talking about the merits of the collection of clothes and their designer, rather than the usual vows and the like. It's also not unusual to get roped into one of these mock weddings if you aren't careful! Watch out you're not grabbed off the street and manhandled nicely into a changing tent with an array of outfits, and told to play a bride or a groom or some other role at a traditional wedding. At least they're happy to let you keep the clothes you modeled when you're done! The biggest trend this year is a special fabric that magically fits itself to the wearer, draping and tucking in and falling just right, no matter how tall or short you are, no matter if you're human or have pesky Monster parts getting in the way. Most designers are using this fabric now, dyed in a rainbow of colors and embroidered with a whole catalogue of patterns. It means any outfit you get thrust into in the name of impromptu modeling will fit you perfectly, at least. Some designers may also take requests and throw something together at the last minute that's more to your style! Thanks to efforts last month, though, many of the fashion designers are currently really into shoulder-pads and glitter, so maybe keep an eye out that they don't take any liberties with your request... Even if you aren't in the wedding spirit (come on, at least pretend), Lunasa is a good time to fill your closet with the latest and best, so make sure to take advantage!

III. Red-String Strung Along With love in the air, a gaggle of single Witches at the Coven decided it's high time they stop being single! The group of them managed to cast a Red String spell together to find their true loves, wherever they may be - but with the Sisters full in the sky during much of Lunasa, they vastly overestimated the amount of power needed, spreading the effects of their spell city-wide and skewing the results. In such a large area, the accuracy of this Red String spell... may be called into question. A Red String spell, often used by silly Witches searching for their True Love, does exactly that: it causes a softly glowing, semi-tangible red string to appear, tied from your finger to the finger of someone else. The string can be felt by the other party when tugged on, but otherwise will be unobtrusive in the day to day. While normally this spell is only visible to the user and the person their string is tied to, with the spell going a bit out of control, these strings can be seen by everyone, creating quite a chaotic sight in the streets. Luckily, only the strings you yourself are tied to will be tangible. Yes, strings. Another malfunction of the miscast! It's possible for one person to have multiple strings tied to their fingers at once, tying them to multiple people, which is certainly not the norm! What in Geardagas could that mean? Which one is your true love, if any of them? If you wish to make your string disappear, the only way is to track the other person down and state your feelings for them - even if those feelings are only "you're a stranger to me", or "you're just my good friend". Once a mutual admission of feelings has occurred, the string tying the two together will dissolve into a lovely little show of red sparkles. Sadly or not, this isn't necessarily the end, because you might find another string, tied to another person, forming on your finger at any point! Or maybe you're one of those who never find a string tied to their finger; some may look at you with pity in that case, thinking you utterly alone in the world. Regardless, the effects of the spell fade completely one week after Lunasa ends, and any remaining strings will disappear by that point. Your character can have their red string broken and reformed as many times as you'd like, with as many people as you'd like, and it's possible to have multiple strings at once. They'll all disappear when the enchantment fades in a week, but you can play with it as much as you want until then.

Welcome to August's holiday log for Lunasa! As always, please direct your questions here! And as a reminder, this will be the only mod-posted event log this month, as the next events this month are all very exciting player plots that we're happy to give a chance to shine!

Comments

Closed; Bonding Ceremony

[darkestbefore]

[ They'd been dancing around this for a while now. Almost since the very first moment she'd Dreamed of this place. Both Caster and Archer had been among the first she'd encountered that time. They were among the first she'd met in reality after stepping through the Mirror. And it seemed that they'd been by her side almost every step of the way of her journey here so far. Oh, she'd made a great many friends, yes, but the connection she'd found springing up between the pair of them was... special. It reminded her of home, and yet held a warmth of uniqueness all its own.

It's why, after several weeks of trying out a temporary potion between them, they were gathering here. Making it official.

It was just before dawn, but she was not at all sleepy. She was practically humming with nerves and excitement. She's not sure enough of the potion lingers between them that they'll be able to sense that, but she knows it'll be a moot point once the Ceremony is finished.

They're Bonding. All three of them.

That should feel stranger than it does, but instead... it just feels right.

Taking a deep breath, she reaches up to check the careful arrangement her hair has been twisted up into before smoothing down the folds of the dress she'd picked out for today. The Bonding Ceremony was sacred and special - at least all those days of modeling fashions for designers had left her with an idea of what would work. She just hoped they approved. Maybe even liked it?

Refusing to let her nerves and her insecurity get the best of her, she stepped out of the chamber she'd been given to get ready and headed into the larger room where the Ceremony itself was to take place, her eyes already searching for the two men who were about to become her Bonded. ]

[futhark]

[ Lùnasa appeared almost out of nowhere. Sometimes, he still finds himself not used to the normal passage of time. Or maybe that's just part of being alive he has forgotten about.

Last time with Lùnasa he decided to take the steps forward, much changed since then, but it's... it's a fitting day. It's like they were waiting for this day to come. A natural progression, once again.

Some people see Bonds as a means to an end, a contract between two people to keep their magic and instincts in check. Not unlikely the connection between Master and their Servant. Others see it as a unique and intimate connection first and foremost— friends, lovers, family. And those are just broadest strokes, because each perspective, in the end, is unique.

The long wait is finally over (it wasn't even that long, he is just impatient) when one of the Witches leading the ritual opens the door. Ah— of course, it has to be a familiar teacher. They make faces at each other, before going full serious as they enter the room. Yona is already here, and shines like a sun at dawn, warm hues, glowing with an inner fire.

He bows to hair, arm flourished dramatically to his side. There's a roguish wink on his face when he straightens. ]

Princess.

[ There's is still one more person making an entrance here, because the third door open— ]

[boneofsword]

[During his whole time as a Counter Guardian Archer never stopped caring. Sure, he fought himself and hid all of his feelings deep inside, shielding with bitterness and sarcasm. Despie it all he never got rid of most human part of himself.

That's the exact reason he's waiting here, dressed in his ceremonial outfit. To forge another Bond, another connection aside the one he brought here from his own world. Archer's expression softens when he sees both of them. Yona dressed in soft and muted hues, like the caring and brave person she is. Cú showing a lot of skin but covering his hair, his outfit looking a bit differently (of course, both of them fell victim to the overeager tailors during the past day.]

Both of you look amazing.

[darkestbefore]

[ A warm flush slips across her cheeks - first at Caster's bow and then at Archer's compliment. Ducking her head for a moment as she gathers her composure, she casts them both a bright smile, her eyes taking in each of their elaborate outfits, lingering between them. If anything, that has her flush deepening in awareness, a sort of fascination that warms along whatever remains of the potioned link they've shared over the past week. ]

As do you.

[ Taking a deep breath, she gestures towards where one of the Coven waits to perform the Ceremony, trying to hide the flutter of nerves that stirs restlessly in her stomach. She's not worried, not hesitant about the choice itself - it's more excitement than anything else. Branching off into a new path of her journey - one she never could have anticipated before her arrival here a few months before.

Taking a step forward, she offers out both her hands, one to each of them. ]

Are you ready?

[futhark]

[ Bonding ceremonies are usually reserved for two people, having more than that participate is... unusual, but not unheard of. With two of them being Bonded already, Caster thought it will be treated like two different ceremonies, but given that renewing of vows is also in vogue— merry times it is.

He catches her hand, fanning out his long fingers, threading them loosely between hers. The traces of magical energy crackling softly on her skin, as it reacts to his own. It's like barely there, warm sparks, but he already familiarized himself with it. Next thing he does, is to offer his other hand to Archer, so they can complete their circle. ]

We come from different worlds, different times. But that does not bring us apart, the different experiences is what brings us together. [ He starts slowly— they haven't really decided on the order of things, but then these ceremonies are as personal and as improvised as they wish. The most important is that they're standing here, together.

That "together" he wants to burn in his mind, and heart. ]

I vow now, upon this world and our connection to it, that I will be your guiding light and I will be your shield for as long as you need me to be. By your choice, I will be the sun to illuminate your path, to burn your enemies, and to warm you in embrace.

[ The chanting of the officiant as the spell starts to take its form is familiar. Strange, he could say he never remembered how the melody went, but now it sounds like a song he always knew. ]

I will... exasperate you— [ He shoots a glance at Archer and his voice rings a laugh, as he makes once again the very same promise a year ago he made. For all that is emotional and profound, that is also a promise he will surely fulfill. ] That is the price of my fondness for you. I will challenge you as I please, and I welcome you to do the same. This in full is my oath, Yona.

[boneofsword]

[As Archer takes their hands he's reminded of previous Lùnasa and Bonding ceremony. It has been worth every moment. Now he's taking another Bond, and the significance of it isn't lost on him.

Caster's oath brings a small chuckle. Oh right, the fond exasperation that's only half a joke.]

I swear to stay by your side whenever you need it, to fight alongside you and to protect you. I will be your friend and your companion, in any meaning of that word.

[darkestbefore]

[ Her eyes are stinging from emotion - although Caster's vow certainly has a soft laugh escaping her lips. She'd never expect otherwise from him, but the moment of mischievous levity from him has her heart soaring with warm affection, just as Archer's solid and soft reassurances embody the steady warmth he's always presented.

They're so different, these two. So opposite, in some ways. And yet they make such a beautiful balance, a compliment to one another. Which leaves her wondering how she fits into this balance without upsetting it. But she's been linked to them both for months now, and she has an inkling. A hope. She wants to find her own balance between them. Alongside them. In this place, its something she wants more than anything. Between the two of them, they feel like a little piece of home, of familiarity in a strange land. It's because of their presence that her aching loneliness and loss has eased.

So she takes a deep breath and tries to express her own thoughts and feelings in words, forming them into her own vow. ]

When we first tried this Bond, I was grateful, but uncertain. Uncertain if I could find a place here, when you both already seemed so perfectly balanced. So in tune with one another. I was worried I would be an outsider, an intrusion. But you both have never made me feel anything but welcome, ever since the moment I met you both. In your own ways, you have lent me your strength and your comfort, shared your knowledge and your warmth. Instead of feeling lost and alone in this strange new world, you both took me by the hand and offered me friendship. No, deeper than that. You've made this feel like I could find a home here - a bond in more than just name.

I am still uncertain what I can offer in return, something that would even come close to returning what you have given me, but I vow that I will try my hardest to meet the needs you may come up against. Whether it is a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen. A tongue to speak on your behalf, a will to challenge your own, or a weapon to protect your back. Whatever is within my power and ability to grant, it is yours. This is my oath.

[futhark]

[ The cants reach higher and higher, to the final note, and— there, right there, the spell is complete. There is no thunder, no light-flash, even though there could as well have been. As the Bond tethers and secures itself, the thin line connecting them growing stronger with each passing second, Cú can feel yet another heartbeat matching his. Bright and warm like first rays of the dawn.

The magic flow, so different than his own, yet so fitting is another addition— and a gentle pull on both of their energies from Archer as he balances them. Greedy, greedy— now they make for a feast.

For Cú Chulainn, the force of oath would be far more important to carry, far more binding then actual magic, or so he'd think. Yet, the magical pact of connecting them is so impactful, that it takes him a few long seconds to realize he stopped breathing ]

[boneofsword]

[Yona's magic is different, yet as familiar to him as Caster's now. Her presence is much more vibrant, though, and just as gentle. Archer opens his eyes as he realizes that he almost stopped breathing and pulls both of his Bonded close.]

Cú. [he reminds quietly, understanding. Hells, he almost did the same seconds ago.] Yona. My Hoard.

[Whoops. It seems he doesn't realize he said the last bit aloud.]

[darkestbefore]

[ It's not until the moment the magic takes hold that Yona realizes not even the temporary potion they'd used to mimic this could give her the full feel or depth of this new connection. It snapped into place with a suddenness that leaves her breathless for a moment - perhaps not as sharply for them when they already shared such a connection already, but for her? Two of these links snap into place at once and for a moment there's a feeling of vertigo, as if she's being tugged in too many directions at once. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath... and feels those connections settle into place.

They feel so different, her two Bonded. Cu is so full of energy, burning with the brightness of the sun. A force of nature, always moving, boundless. Archer is a softer warmth at her back, banked, but no less strong and certain. Where Caster is a dancing wind, Archer is a solid rock. Determination, strength, safety - a solid foundation that will not crumble away beneath her.

She feels her eyes burn with emotions as her hands tighten in theirs, clinging to them for a moment. Her own heart races with the feeling of wonder, of awe... of hope. She's never felt anything so mesmerizing and so... right. It takes her breath away.

And then Archer is pulling her - them - closer and she doesn't resist, curling in against his chest as she rubs her cheek against him, an absent gesture as she breathes in the warm scent of him. She feels the rumble of his voice as much as she hears it, and being claimed as part of his hoard - his treasure - brings a smile to her lips as she tips her head back to look at both of them. ]

This... it feels incredible.

[futhark]

[ Faint lines of phantom enchantments run through Cú's skin. It's gonna take some time, for the flow of mana to adjust. They're all connected with each other now, like a circuit. And Archer proves once again how greedy a dragon can be. His hoard. That sparks a complicated emotional reaction that Caster doesn't want to dwell too much on right now.

Or was it his own? Maybe that was his Bonded's feelings echoing. Hope, he welcomes it fully, openly. He tries to give back warmth and fondness and— happiness. At this moment he is truly happy to belong with these two that accepted him.

Even if it makes him a little wobbly on his legs, how fortunate the Dragon makes a strong pillar they can lean on. ]

Good, as it should— [ Bonding is always described as this magnificent, important part of life, after all ] I am yours for as long as you will have me.

[ He still sounds a little breathless, and one of the Witches leading the ritual makes a good-natured but still joking comment. ]

For that, I can direct you to a good place for ceremon—ugh [ And gets promptly elbowed under the ribs by the other witch ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer laughs under his breath. Warm, steady presene of his Bonded feels him with happiness and a sense of belonging.]

Thank you, but I think that we can find a suitable place together.

[The cheer is infectuous and dares him to pick up and carry both of his Bonded. His size and strength now allowing him to do so with ease.]

[darkestbefore]

[ A puzzled look flits across Yona's face at the interrupted sentence from the Witch. One momentarily distracted by the fact that Archer just scoops her up like she weighs nothing.

Then again, she hangs out with dragons a great deal. She's used to being scooped up - both Hack and Jae-Ha practically make a hobby of it. Why should Archer be an exception?

She gives a quiet little squeak of surprise before winding her arms around Archer's neck to help balance herself in his arms.

And then leans closer to whisper to both of them- ]

...Wait, is there more to this ceremony? What is left?

[ She honestly has no idea what's so funny here. ]

[futhark]

[ Archer being taller and stronger than him is still something Cú has a problem with getting his head around. He's usually the one doing the "effortlessly picking somebody up" not the other way around. So once again, it doesn't fail to surprise him and then flood their Bond with and maaaybe a little bit of abashment.

Only "a little bit" because he got better about accepting it, after all. ]

I think they were referring to more private celebrations— [ Of a varied (even intimate) sort, given the elbow in the rib. ] There are many possibilities for a follow-up

[ He steadies himself in Archer's arms, and finding his place between him and Yona across their link. His tone turning mischievous ]

If all of you got time we could find one of them.

[boneofsword]

[Both of his "victims" accept their "kidnapping" and being claimed as his hoard, which fills his draconic heart with pride and tenderness. He wants to soar the skies carrying them both— in his dragon form.

Then Cú makes a comment about private celebrations and Archer immediately recalls their own a day before. It's a good thing his blush is barely visible thanks to scales, but both his Bonded can feel his reaction.]

You're making it sound scandalous. [Archer chuckles quietly.] What do you think, Yona?

[darkestbefore]

I think Cú tries to make everything sound scandalous.

[ She's laughing as she answers Archer's question, grinning at the mischievous tone of Caster's voice - and the reaction she can feel from Archer, even if she can't see it. She knows that's not quite what he meant, but she can't help but tease Caster first.

Settling comfortably in Archer's arms, quite content to be carried out - and feeling that surge of pride and affection through the bond, Yona just smiles and leans in to rest her cheek against the dragon's shoulder. ]

I think... I don't care what we do, as long as we can spend the day together. I do feel like celebrating. This feels... this feels exhilarating. [ Her smile is bright and enthusiastic as she glances over at Caster again. ] I mean, that is... if you both would like that as well?

[futhark]

[ While he might be the one to get teased for it, he still got a reaction out of them. A good reaction. So that he will consider a win for himself. The new connection overwhelming, and Caster's still not yet sure how much he's sharing, and where to draw the line.

They might learn that later though, now it's not time for that kind of ruminations. ]

Somewhere high... [ He muses. There are few spots. The wall itself, the lighthouse in harbor, the tower of the parliment— ] Maybe we should make Archer spread his wings a bit?

[boneofsword]

As long as you let me fly carrying only one of you.

[While the streets aren't as narrow as to be dangerous, Archer's size and wide wingspread make him cautious. Dragons, after all, come only in extra large.]

I'm going to enjoy it a lot. [he adds after a moment. With their Bond being so fresh Archer isn't sure which feelings come from whom. It's all so fresh and pure— truly a cause for celebrating.]

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona's eyes go wide as she glances between them, from one to the other, before settling Archer's face. ]

You can really do that?

[futhark]

Carry you while flying? [ Oh Caster grins wide, and pats Archer's shoulder ] That's his secret superpower. Watch out, you'll never know when he sweeps you off your feet.

[ Especially during the Full Moons when the dragon's possessive instincts manifest in need to be physically close to his Bonded. But that's for Yona to find out.

Though he can't help but be amused at a thought of the tiny witch being kidnapped right from the Coven's garden mid-lessons ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer laughs as he carries them both out onto the terrace. It's a good spot, high enough and the tower right next to it makes a perfect launch spot. The weather is fine, perfect for spending the day outside.]

So which spot do we chose, and whom I'm going to carry first? [he's not denying his tendency to kidnap his Bonded from time to time. Whoops.]

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona has no idea what's in store for her, but she's not at all opposed to discovering it, when the time comes. For the moment, though, she just smiles and settles back against Archer's arm as she smiles at both of her Bonded. ]

I don't mind waiting.

[futhark]

No way, Yona goes first. [ She might not mind waiting, but Cú is going to be adamant about this. And gesturing widely. Even getting ready to jump off Archer, should he let him. ]

Unless you want to try with both of us— our spells could make you stronger, or— us lighter.

[ The slow-fall spell has its uses after all ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer considers it seriously. Those few times Caster used the spell he's been much lighter and easy to carry.]

I think I can if you're both lighter.

[darkestbefore]

[ Her expression brightens at that. ]

Wait, I learned that rune! I know how to do that magic!

[ She looks delighted that she can help, even in this small way. ]