sterngaze: (neutral: commish)
Liem “sock-wearer” Talbott ([personal profile] sterngaze) wrote in [community profile] kenoslogs2023-03-17 09:47 am

open | a merry meri mingle

Who: Meridians new & old!
What: Cookout mingle
Where: Alenroux
When: Mid-March, after Vander's rescue
Warnings: Potentially alcohol consumption and violence, for the rowdy



After the initiation of Springstar's invasion plans for Alenroux, tensions among the Meridian-aligned might be a bit strained. The move comes as a surprise even for many of the shard-bearers within the faction itself, to say nothing of those whose livelihoods depend on the farms here. It's not yet clear what Highstorm's response will be, but one will certainly be coming; when that happens, someone is going to come out on the bottom, and their blood will be at least partially on Meridian's hands.

At times like this, the importance of maintaining morale can't be understated. A call goes out to the newest generation of those harmonized with Meridian's light: it's time to have a party!

PREPARATION:
Those who can are invited to help with the set-up. There are drinks to procure, foodstuffs to acquire and prepare, canopies to erect for shade, entertainments to organize. It's not meant to be a grand affair — the gathering is private, intended to foster camaraderie among the shard-bearers after long days and nights of work — but it will be a comfortable one, with edibles and enjoyments to offer to those taking solace in the company of their fellows.

It takes one of Alenroux's long days to make all the necessary arrangements — and then, late the following morning, after the night's monsters have slunk back into the woods, things are made ready. All that's left is for the guests to arrive.

THE EVENT:
Spring is still in the midst of taking hold over Alenroux, so a tall bonfire at the centre of the gathering place offers a toasty place to linger and chat throughout the day. Hot drinks and a variety of fire-roasted foods are on offer, including an entire deer helpfully supplied and prepared by Liem. Logs and stumps provide simple seating, and nearby canopies provide shade around the tables of food and drink. A little further away, sturdy tents provide more private gathering places for those wishing for a break from the hubbub.

And there will be hubbub. To break the ice between unfamiliar faces, a variety of contests have been set up over the course of the gathering. These range from simple arm-wrestling competitions, to three-legged races, to friendly sparring matches for those so-inclined. Gathered Meris are encouraged to spectate and bet amongst themselves on contest outcomes — and better yet, to volunteer to participate themselves during the next round.

For those who have already had a chance to relax and let off some steam, the gathering is a perfect opportunity to get to know one's fellow sect-mates a little better, and to reaffirm why Meridian called to them in the first place. Those gathered are encouraged to take the chance to tell a few tales about the place they came from, and to share the visions inside their Sunbeam with those from other worlds. A favourite place, a cherished person, an unkept promise, even an old enemy: all could be worth revisiting for a moment with new comrades in arms.
fishfearme: (frown)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2023-03-22 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[Abruptly, Byleth pointed at Sasuke like he was Phoenix Wright reborn.]

Hold. If anyone has violated the rules, it's you. You're a warrior, are you not?
Edited 2023-03-22 22:30 (UTC)
eyeforaneye: (084;)

[personal profile] eyeforaneye 2023-03-22 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ This is a journey we can all be proud of, clothed and independent.

Sasuke watches as he drinks, seemingly impassive, but the lack of hesitation or shame is notable. Of course. This guy...

Slowly but with great purpose he lifts his cup (of water) and takes a sip.
]

Never have I ever deceived someone for my own amusement.
leicesters: (022)

[personal profile] leicesters 2023-03-22 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[Claude really hasn't been in the mood to even feign good cheer throughout this gathering, but Byleth suddenly trying to get everyone's attention like an echo of his professor days is enough to quirk a smile out of him from where he's sitting nearby.]

'Ritualistic party games'? You have such a way with words.

[He's also going to miss that Claude is teasing, probably, but never mind.]

Never have I ever been in a bar fight.
eyeforaneye: (095;)

[personal profile] eyeforaneye 2023-03-22 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He stares at that finger, accused. But of what? Where is this going. ]

Some people might use that word. Why?
fishfearme: (neutral)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2023-03-22 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh, it's going places!]

Are you a pacifistic warrior? Or simply unbloodied?
fishfearme: (gentle neutral)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2023-03-22 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah.

Byleth took a long swig of his drink. He's been in several barfights (and Sasuke taught him not to quibble over sips so one chug it is) and all of them were Jeralt's fault.]


...that was for at least five.
leicesters: (157)

[personal profile] leicesters 2023-03-22 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[He pretends to look surprised, at least.] Wow, you're a troublemaker all right. Did you keep insulting the wrong people, or is your luck just that bad?

[Claude already has a feeling it's Jeralt's fault, but the mental image of absent, impassive Byleth starting tavern brawls is too funny.]
hyperpotamous: (002)

[personal profile] hyperpotamous 2023-03-22 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ the shamelessness continues as he'll drink to that as well, but honestly, you don't even need to be morally bankrupt for this one. ]

What? You've never played a prank on anyone?

[ that gives him an idea. ]

Never have I ever taken something way too seriously.
fishfearme: (look down)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2023-03-22 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
In my defence, I only started two of them.

[Oh, he admitted it!]

One was due to a mercenary daring to insult Jeralt. The other was because I witnessed a man kicking the tavern's cat.

[...]

The other three were Jeralt's fault.
eyeforaneye: (023;)

[personal profile] eyeforaneye 2023-03-22 11:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ His glass lifts, then lowers... lifts again, indecisively, before lowering again. Hm. ]

Never have I ever given less than my best.

[ Ever. In anything. Prove me wrong. ]
eyeforaneye: (003;)

[personal profile] eyeforaneye 2023-03-22 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Neither. [ What an assertion. ]

I'm a fighter who's skilled enough to take down my opponents non-fatally.
fishfearme: (deadpan)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2023-03-22 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
That's a lie.
leicesters: (111)

[personal profile] leicesters 2023-03-22 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
What, are you the perfectionist type?

[Claude evidently is not, because he takes a drink.]
eyeforaneye: (088;)

[personal profile] eyeforaneye 2023-03-22 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Occasionally Sasuke will experience a strange sensation. A prickling of hair at the base of his neck. A slight churn in his stomach. And he remains blissfully unaware of the fact that that is positive self-awareness trying to tell him that he is being messed with.

He assumes, incorrectly, that it is the wind.
]

Don't ask questions, it isn't part of the game. [ he says, too seriously, without drinking ]

Never have I ever been called lazy.
eyeforaneye: (036;)

[personal profile] eyeforaneye 2023-03-22 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
You're questioning my skills, then.
leicesters: (052)

[personal profile] leicesters 2023-03-22 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, well, I can't blame you for the second one. Hurting an animal is awful. For the first one... it's sweet that you care, but I'm pretty sure the Blade Breaker can fight his own battles.

[Which he apparently did, if the other three instances are anything to go by.]
eyeforaneye: (044;)

[personal profile] eyeforaneye 2023-03-22 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't expect perfection. I just don't believe in committing myself half-heartedly to something.

If I'm going to do it, I should attempt to do it well.
fishfearme: (gentle neutral)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2023-03-22 11:15 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm questioning your honesty.

[Byleth knocked back his drink, draining it, and set the empty cup down on his thigh.]

You lack the disposition of a non-lethal fighter, and your choice of weapon is odd as well. I've met several warriors whose main source of income was hunting live bounties, and their choice of weapon rarely, if ever, leaned towards the sword. A bladed sword, at that. It's too risky of a weapon to use, when other means are far safer and less likely to result in your target being fatally injured.

[...]

In short, I have a strong suspicion that you have, indeed, killed others, much as I have killed others. Thereby violating the rules of the Never Have I Ever party game and rescinding any penalties you otherwise would claim.
leicesters: (087)

[personal profile] leicesters 2023-03-22 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
All right. Let's say, hypothetically, you went to an academy where one of the classes was very, very boring. It wasn't important for you to get good grades, either.

Would you still give it your best shot?
fishfearme: (gentle neutral)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2023-03-22 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
...I was a young adolescent at the time and somewhat hot-headed.

[Byleth. Hot-headed. But it was true, er, in a way. He had still been a blank-faced creepy child that unnerved most grown mercenaries, but he'd been far more eager to prove himself to Jeralt, and picking a fight with a drunken mercenary three times his size and weight had been how he had decided to do it.

Byleth had won, of course, and Jeralt had found the entire thing more amusing than anything (though he'd still scolded him for causing trouble - never mind Jeralt had instigated a barfight himself only a few nights prior! The hypocrisy of parents...).]


Jeralt found it funny, at least.

[...]

In any case, it's my turn, yes?
leicesters: (186)

[personal profile] leicesters 2023-03-22 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Hard to imagine you as a feisty little spitfire.

[Sure, he'd read Jeralt's diary, but that definitely reinforced the 'blank-faced creepy child' image. Maybe Jeralt airbrushed out some of Byleth's more colourful moments in his writings...?]

But yeah, it's your turn. Whatcha got?
fishfearme: (neutral)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2023-03-22 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm, let me see...

[Byleth had initiated the game, but he had no idea what he could say. What hasn't he done...? Many things, but abruptly he couldn't recall a single thing... this was like that game he played with his blind date, where he struggled- oh!]

Never have I ever ridden a camel.

[There we go.]
hyperpotamous: (004)

[personal profile] hyperpotamous 2023-03-22 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh? Who says? [ to just... ignore that entirely because yes he's going to question it. ] You know, being a total stickler for the rules is taking it super seriously.

[ his drink stays put for the next one. ]

I've also never been called lazy. I never had the luxury.
eyeforaneye: (085;)

[personal profile] eyeforaneye 2023-03-22 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
You're questioning my skills, [ he reiterates, and though his voice stays steady his tone is firmer. Not quite a warning, not over something like this, but being questioned over something like that irks. ]

And making a number of assumptions about me in the process. You believe I couldn't disable someone with a sword without killing them, when I can tell you just the opposite.

You suspect I've violated the rules of this game. I know you've violated the rules of this game. If you can prove me wrong at a later time, I'll accept the punishment then. You accept yours now.

[ Our game arc for this cr is set. ]
leicesters: (019)

[personal profile] leicesters 2023-03-22 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Damn, that's a smart move. Claude takes a drink, since he doesn't have any real reason to lie about it, but he still looks a little startled.]

They smell pretty bad, you know.

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