Out of the mid-wood's twilight into the meadow's dawn | OTA

[faithlikeaseed]

Who: fauns fauns FAUNS (and their enablers) (and anyone else)
When: Octeuril 31st
Where: The Haven
What: Somebody set up a trap specifically designed for Fauns. Or tried, anyway.
Warnings: F for Faunery; warnings per thread as needed!


It's a lovely day in Aefenglom and you are a horrible beautiful Faun.

Somewhere between the evening of the 30th and the midnight advent of the 31st, a disused corner of the Haven has turned into a patch of cultivated wilderness. Somewhere a little after midnight on the 31st, and the beginning of the full moons, several Fauns (and one or two others, Monsters and Witches alike) received an enthusiastic if slightly garbled written invitation to come see what awaits.

Gourd vines of all descriptions drape an abandoned cottage, its floating terraces, and half of a nearby house. Flowers in a riot of colors decorate them, some glowing softly and others exuding a fragrant perfume. The fruits hanging pendant or nestled on the ground defy description and beg to be tasted: There are tiny pumpkins no larger than grapes, thin-skinned and sweet, while massive savory marrows lurk in the underbrush to trip the unwary. A rare fist-sized specimen glimmers with enchantment and grants a rush of energy when eaten--along with fleeting, unpredictable changes (horns, fur, hooves) that make one a little more faunish for an hour or two.

Cheap furniture, clotheslines, and hanging sheets have been used to roughly shape the vines into an impromptu maze. The design's irregular, wandering, like whoever planned the corridors couldn't see what he was doing. It wanders in and out of the cottage, pouching into dead-ends and cozy little clearings that might fit two comfortably and three if they're familiar. Some of them have benches in them; others, piles of pillows; and still others are carpeted in thick and flowering moss. Heavy quilts in a riot of colors and patterns can be found neatly folded in the buildings, waiting for chilled revelers to find them. There are also covered braziers for the truly cold, though they seem powered by magic and not by flame.

Food and drink are lavishly if haphazardly provided, spread out through the bowers like a treasure hunt. Casks of mead with cups attendant, bowls of honey candy and glazed nuts, fruit both fresh and dried, and a variety of different sorts of cheese provide an ample repast (so long as one's not hungry for blood or meat). Entertainment's on the guests to provide, with simple musical instruments (mostly pipes, an occasional lap-harp) gracing many of the grottos; others have toys and games, of varieties both innocent...and not...strewn about them.

There are also oddities here and there in the maze, like the bower where someone took painstaking care to tie a half-hundred feathers to the low vine ceiling. Another nook teams with stingless bees of all varieties during the day. What else might await someone who's looking?

Comments

Iramaat | Faun

[wylderrant]

Well, someone invited her, so she simply had to show up to see what it was all about, didn't she? Iramaat, at least, is very enthusiastic about the whole thing, especially since it's a beautiful full moon, she's a faun, and she's got magic humming away in her veins - besides, her bonded is back and that means life is oh-so-much better. She ought to celebrate, clearly! And what better way to celebrate than to go to a faun party? She spends the first part of her night trying drink and food and generally making a pest of herself to whomever she can find. She's very affectionate, leaning in, violating personal space and generally being over-friendly, no matter who she's speaking to.

Here, won't you enjoy a cup of mead or a bowl of nuts with her? What's the harm?

Later on she be found doggedly plucking away at a lap-harp in a cozy corner, settled amongst a little next of quilts. She's not the most deft player, but it's not horrible. Passable at least. She even invites people to join her in inventing lyrics! Most of the one's she comes up with are a little bawdy, though, so mind your sensitive ears.

Of course, there's the maze. She absolutely needs a partner for that. So someone gets nicked for it. There's a hand on their arm and an excited grin, "Look - do you want to explore? Oh, of course you do! Come on!"

She's rather insistent.

[ ooc: happy to switch to brackets! If none of these little prompts work for you, hit me up or throw something new at me! ]

[braidmage]

[ Reynir hasn't been at the party long, but the energy is infectious. He's friendly and outgoing at the worst of times, and this is anything but that. He can feel the influence of the full moon, stirring up that manic energy and happiness inside him, making all ideas seem brilliant and every thought in his head worth saying aloud.

Add to that the sounds of music and chatter, all these new people, all these other fauns just like him. He's been wanting to get to know other fauns, recently, but he's still struggling with learning how to make friends in such a big city. His village was so small that everyone just knew one another, their whole lives.

So it's a lovely surprise, when a faun he doesn't know sets a hand on his arm and starts tugging him towards the maze. She seems excited about it, and Reynir can't help being excited in turn. ]

Of course I do!

[ Only a few turns into the maze and they come to a dead end. Is that normal? Reynir's never actually been in a real maze before. ]

Oh! Already?

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat is quite happy to tug another (newer?) faun along with her. The winding way through the maze is a bit confusing, especially when you've been celebrating all night, but she can't complain in the least. Well, at least until they hit a dead end. She loops her arm through Reynir's with a little frown and taps her chin. ]

We must've taken a wrong turn. We could go back and keep looking...

[ She eyes the neatly folded blankets in this particular little nook. It definitely looks cozy. ]

...or we could stay here. I'm trying to decide which I prefer.

[braidmage]

[ Reynir doesn't say anything, but his gentle, happy surprise when she loops her arm into his isn't hard to read at all. He's learned, in the months that he's been here, that people are generally more friendly in this place than most folks in his world seem to be. But it's still a pleasant little surprise, to be treated like a friend so quickly!

When Iramaat suggests staying there, abandoning the maze itself, Reynir does his best to also be friendly, and accommodating: ]

Oh! Uh, I... guess, if you really want to!

[ He still feels full of restless energy, can't imagine wanting to sit in one place at the moment. But if she wants to, he can just... pace? That's not too weird, right? He still has no clue how to interact with other folks during the full moon when he gets like this. At least she's another Faun and will probably understand? ]

I kind of wanted to see if there was a center, mazes are meant to have centers, aren't they, and like, a surprise or a prize in the middle or something? Is that true, this is the first maze I've actually been in, I've only read about them in books before so maybe I got it wrong, sorry!

[wylderrant]

Oh, no, I was asking what you wanted to do. If you'd like to keep wandering, I've no issue at all. [ Her smile grows into a grin and she turns to go back the way they've come, offering him her elbow to hold onto. They can be proper about it. ]

I think it depends on the maze, honestly. [ She's happy to chatter as they walk, winding back into the maze. They pass the intersection that took them to the dead-end and she goes the opposite direction. ]

Some do, some don't. Some you just get the pleasure of making it to the middle.

[braidmage]

[ Reynir can't help it; he gives a little bounce of happiness when she agrees to keep going through the maze. The full moon is messing with every Monster's inhibitions, and while for many fauns that might mean competitiveness and butting heads (perhaps literally), in Reynir it is drawing out a kind of childish glee. It is, at that moment, more obvious than usual that while he's fully grown, he's not many years past being a teen.

It's lucky that Iramaat doesn't mind chattering, because Reynir has started now and it doesn't seem like much is going to stop him. ]

I'm Reynir, by the way. I should've introduced myself earlier, I came to this party because I wanted to meet more fauns because I don't have a lot of faun friends and I want to, but that's not gonna happen if I forget to tell anybody my name!

[ He seems perfectly content to let her steer them, choosing which paths to take in the maze, though he cranes his neck to peer down all the turns that they don't take.

As much as he is rambling, however, Reynir hasn't lost all self-consciousness, and adds: ]

Also if I'm talking too much just tell me, I know I get on people's nerves even when it's not the full moon, so I'm probably double annoying now but I can try not to be.

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat finds the glee rather endearing, honestly. Her bond means she's not quite as given to indulging in a lot of fighting just yet, but she has been imbibing copious amounts of alcohol throughout the night so she's a little loose and relaxed. Especially when it comes to wandering around a maze in the dark with a new-found friend. She pats his arms with a laugh. ]

Don't think anything of it. I'm sure you'll fit right in with all the other fauns here - I'm Iramaat, by the by. Pleased to meet you.

[ She navigates them a little further. A right, then a left. ]

Oh, I don't mind at all. Talk to your heart's content. It's wonderful to meet someone with so much enthusiasm!

[ Oh, dear, they've found another dead end. Hmm. ]

[braidmage]

Iramaat? That's such a cool name!

[ And it's one that he's never heard before, in his entire life. Which might not be all the exciting, to someone else. But where Reynir had grown up, he'd known the names of everyone in the village, and they all took their names from names that had been in their families for generations, and while he appreciates the tradition of it all... well, it's nice hearing something different. Meeting someone different. ]

Really, do you think so? I hope I do fit in, 'cause making friends in a big city like this is a lot harder than I realized. Especially when everybody's from such different worlds and - well.

[ He trails off, still smiling, but it's gone a little wry and lopsided. ]

A lot of the time when I talk about mine, it sort of just makes people upset? And that's not really a great friendship starter.

[ The maze winds them past a little stand of drinks, and Reynir pauses them both long enough to grab one, taking it with him as they continue on through the maze. ]

I wonder who put all this up.

[wylderrant]

I have a sneaking suspicion, but I can't be sure.

[ She responds to that last question with an airy wave and a laugh and then she focuses in on something else he's just said. It intrigues her. ]

Why would talking about your world make people upset, though? I don't understand that part. Surely your world is just as interesting as any other. Or is it something about that particularly upsets people...?

[stopfen]

[Music wasn't really a hobby Mikasa had been into. It was a rich people thing. Having the time to learn how to play when it couldn't directly earn money. There were too many risks in learning a skill like that where she was from.

But this wasn't home.

And while Mikasa still had no intrest in learning how play. The sound got her attention, drawing her over, little pointed ears waggling. Iramaat, you have an audiance. Because she was looking, small arcs of magic flicking through her eyes. Her colourful wings lowering, legs tensing... she was getting ready, ready for something.]

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat glances up as the colorful fae pauses to watch her. She's plucking away at the strings in a graceful, smooth motion. It's a slow sort of song - something that probably has words that are all about romance and longing and broken hearts. That sort of thing. She smiles and tips her head in invitation. ]

Sit down. Stay a while and listen, why don't you? I think you'll enjoy it.

[ She notices the tension in her limbs, but... well, this is a party. What could possibly go wrong? ]

[stopfen]

[The words, would have resonated. Maybe, if Mikasa had been listening. She was more interested in staring, large black eyes watching each string tremble and vibrate against the air as the instrument was played.

She wanted. Body tensing to leap and grab to take the noise-

But then she snapped her head up to look at the faun playing. Face blank. Offering a series of chirps in return. Then after a few seconds of staring without blinking, she just plonks her butt on the ground.]

Why?

[wylderrant]

[ That's more than a little odd. Iramaat isn't quite sure of what to make of the staring and the way the fae tensed. She keeps playing though, apparently content to have the rather strange audience. At least until she sits. Hmm. ]

Why what? Why play? Why enjoy?

[ She leans in slightly. ]

What is it you're asking?

[stopfen]

[Stares more..... Not even moving to back up at the leaning, too entranced even if she was confused.]

Why do you think I'll enjoy it? [AND finally she moves, her head tilting to the side, antenna giving a flick to sniff at the faun.] You don't know me.

[Though it was probably accurate given that she'd sat her ass down when asked. ]

[wylderrant]

Well, you're here at a party... and you stopped to listen. It was a guess. An inference. A logical deduction, if you will.

[ She shrugs. ]

And here you are now. If you didn't enjoy it, I doubt you'd stick around to hear more of my playing.

[stopfen]

[Well. She couldn't really argue there. Not that she was here to argue. She was pretty bad at that, it was quicker just to punch and let someone better with words than she do the complicated stuff.

She'd literally just dropped in. Heard the noise and flitted in with her bright wings and integrated herself.

Just going to frown at the instrument. She was no expert but...]

...It's a violin, without a handle?

[Was she just skipping responding to Iramaat's logic? You bet your butt. She went by instinct not logic and she wanted to know about the weird thing.]

[wylderrant]

[ To be fair, Iramaat does appreciate the bright, shiny wings and the audience. She cocks her head at her in a little nod. ]

Not exactly. It's a harp.

[ She strums it with her fingers. ]

Rather different. You play this with your fingers, not a bow.

CW this thread for smut probably. lol

[galdorleod]

It has been two weeks since Howl met Iramaat under the lamp post on the corner, inviting her for a quiet night of drinking following his sudden reappearance in Aefenglom. The previous month's experiences left both of them distant and shaken, and while some time to recover and a new bonding ceremony had done much to soothe their frayed nerves, things aren't right between them yet. Or at least, Howl senses as much, even as he fails to grasp whatever the "right" way things ought to be between them.

This little fete is the perfect opportunity. Taking care not to be spotted by the particular faun, he arrives when the sky begins to tint orange and purple and waits for just the right moment: when she's lounging on a pile of blankets with a lyre, her cheeks looking flushed with several rounds of mead.

A message arrives on her pocketwatch. It's from Howl.

You seem to be enjoying yourself, cariad.

[wylderrant]

It has been a very long night, but Iramaat seems to be willing to keep going. She's been drowning some of her worries and sorrows tonight and cutting loose under the light of a full moon. It's been... a little liberating, honestly. Even with the wildness tugging at her. Things are winding down a little, though, and she's idly picking out notes on a lyre, eyes half-closed when her watch gives a little 'ping' and she picks it up to take a look. She laughs and there's a little burst of warmth along their bond.

Oh, how did you know? I've been at a party all night. I should've told you earlier, you might have liked it.

She does glance up - is he here somewhere?

[galdorleod]

From his hiding spot, Howl lets out a barely audible sigh as he basks in the warmth he picks up from his bond. It's such a particularly wonderful feeling - briefly filling the hole in his chest, a small enticing taste of what's to come.

That encounter still needs to be set up, however.

I found out by other means. Do you think you're the only faun in my life?

Howl pauses, hoping to feel the tiniest hint of jealousy, even though she can likely tell that he means to tease her. A second later, he sends another message.

Come find me in the maze.

[wylderrant]

Oh. The warm feeling flags for a moment, tainted by a spike of that bitter jealous he was hoping to get. But he's here, he's asking after her. What else could she ask for? She sets her instrument aside and clambers to her feet.

How could I refuse such an invitation? I'm on my way.

She starts out almost immediately; their bond is brimming with anticipation. She's excited to see him again and very much intrigued by whatever it is that he intends. She taps at her watch as she walks.

What are you up to, Howl? You've got me on pins and needles.

[galdorleod]

If I told you, I'd ruin it.

And considering how much he loved that ping of jealousy, he wants to keep the upper hand. There's no great master plan here, of course: Howl is laying back on a bed of pillows, partially undressed, tapping out messages to Iramaat as he senses her drawing closer and closer. He's hiding in a nook made of sheets and furniture - technically the inside of one of the "walls" of the maze - with one flap lifted up to welcome her in, once she sees the bouquet of hyacinths he placed next to it. If there's anything "master plan" about his surprise visit here, it's the small gift for her that's sitting beside him, wrapped in silver paper.

I can tell you're getting closer. Do us both a favor and don't let anyone follow you.

[wylderrant]

She's following the tug of their bond, attention half on the maze, half on her watch. When another message tells her to avoid being followed she glances behind her. Well - no one is tailing her. She can still hear the buzz of the party as it winds down, but it's just them so far. She takes a few more steps, goes around a corner-

I'm alone, don't you worry.

-and there it is. She lifts the flap and ducks in with a pleased little yell and sprawls out alongside him, one hand reaching out for the little wrapped package.

"Howl - oh, is this for me?"

[galdorleod]

Her arrival is welcomed with a chuckle and, after letting her snatch up the gift, with an eager embrace. Howl can hardly keep himself in check with her here now - the purpose of this rendezvous should be patently obvious. He's barefoot, enchanted with fresh beautifying spells, and his shirt is unbuttoned, pulled open wide to expose his collarbones, and barely still tucked into his unzipped pants.

"It is," he says, his voice low. One of his hands cradles the back of her knuckles and he leans his face in close to hers, smiling. "For you, but for us both, too. You can open it now, or..."

[wylderrant]

It's been a long night for Iramaat. Her own shirt is unbuttoned almost to the waist, exposing a long strip of bare skin and her trousers have been replaced with a sort of loin-cloth-esque garment at some point. Look, it's a party. Things happen.

So she has no objection. She kisses him on the cheek and then starts to tear at the silver wrapping paper.

"I want to take a look, first..."

The more she unwraps, the more the object comes into focus. Is that what she thinks it is?