open | a merry meri mingle

[sterngaze]

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.

Comments

Byleth | Advocate

[fishfearme]

❖ I. The Preparation.

[Once realising a gathering was being arranged, Byleth was surprisingly gungho about the entire affair. If anything it made him feel nostalgic for when Jeralt's mercenaries would also do these type of gatherings after a long, gruelling campaign, exchanging tales, food and drinks, and eventually culminating in drunken singing and high spirits. Even Byleth, introverted and socially awkward as he was, enjoyed the atmosphere of such things.

So, Byleth assisted in procuring the most important aspect of any morale-boosting gathering: the booze. He can be spotted hefting about wooden kegs into the gathering area, setting them down in a centralised location for when the party starts. Where did he get all this alcohol from? Don't worry about it. How did he carry it all? By many back and forth journeys...

Maybe you can help him out with the keg carrying, or maybe you'll come across him once he was done, sitting on one of the kegs and enjoying the fruit of his labour with a sneaky early drink before the gathering properly starts.]

❖ II. The Event.

[Byleth mostly spent his time lurking - not quite wallflowering, but not exactly engaging in the majority of the contests and games set up. If anything, he seemed content to spectate, soaking up the ambient atmosphere like a parched flower subsisting on chill vibes alone. Unsurprisingly, he spent most of his time near the refreshments, either knocking back a drink or partaking in the offered food.

If you don't want to interrupt him there, however, he does begin to get a little more social as the day wears on (thanks to the alcohol). Inspired by the blind date from the masquerade, Byleth will approach those that seemed to loiter on the edges of the gathering, a plate of refreshments in hand, and try to break the ice with a simple:] Food?

[Listen, with the amount of alcohol in his blood it's a miracle he's not dropping the plate here.]

❖ III. The Sunbeam.

[While inebriated, however, Byleth was still cautious when it came to this one thing. As Meridians gathered to exchange stories of their homeland, or of their precious people (or detested people), showing off their Sunbeams, Byleth would be entirely absent from it.

He'd be found on the very far fringes of the gathering, his back to it, rolling his Sunbeam between his gloved fingers but keeping it tucked close to his chest. As the days went by, his homesickness grew and this intense, ill-defined emotion sat heavier in his chest, crushing his unbeating heart.

It was obvious he was a million miles away - not due to using the Sunbeam, but lost in his own thoughts - his expression faintly downcast. The morale-boosting intention of the Sunbeam talk clearly had the opposite effect on him...]

❖ IV. Wildcard!

[Feel free to toss a random scenario at me and I'll roll with it - like goading him into an arm wrestle or a friendly spar. Alternatively hit me up at kivaember or discord to hammer out a thread/plot]

iii. sunbeam

[fireballer]

[as a wallflower himself, diluc also finds himself in the outer perimeter of the gathering, stuck between wanting to abscond the social setting immediately and wanting to make connections for the future. so the next best thing is to ghost along the edges of the social setting, right? clearly he hasn't left but he can still have some time to himself.

after doing a little wandering, he discovers he is not the only one who needed a breather. a man who looks quite forlorn.

and while diluc is not one to intervene in such moments, he feels passing by would be... against the spirit of this gathering. so he sidles up, his footsteps loud enough to as not to catch him off guard.]

A little overwhelmed with the festivities?

[fishfearme]

[At hearing the voice, Byleth's shoulders briefly hitched upwards in a startled twitch - even with Diluc's best attempts at telegraphing his approach, he had taken Byleth off guard.

But he recovered swiftly. When he turned towards Diluc, his expression was meticulously blank, as if he hadn't just spent the past five minutes brooding by his lonesome. Yet, he wasn't resentful of Diluc's intrusion - on the contrary, there seemed to be a hint of relief about him, as if the distraction was more than welcome. Left alone, Byleth's thoughts grew dark indeed.]

In a way. The gathering's current topic of discussion is... difficult for me, so I withdrew.

[He looked down at the Sunbeam held in his palm, before quietly stowing it away into his satchel that hung at his hip. He shouldn't waste his time moping. Jeralt wouldn't want that.]

Are you new here? I don't believe we've met before.

[fireballer]

[diluc notices the twitch - well, he tried. the other man must have been deep in thought, though it doesn't show at all in his expression. and diluc thought he was expressionless, damn.

he glances at what's in byleth's palm before he manages to put it away. ah.]

I suppose nostalgia can quickly become bittersweet. But does Meridian's goal not fill you with hope? We will get our homelands back.

[he clears his throat, nodding slightly in greeting.]

Forgive my manners- I am Diluc Ragnvindr, and indeed, I have only just arrived.

[fishfearme]

I see. I'm Byleth Eisner, a mercenary.

[The way Byleth delivered that introduction sounded overly rehearsed, rote... because it was. It was a nicety he felt like he had perfected well enough. Not even he could fuck up an introduction.]

And I believe in Meridian's goal, yes. I'll do what's necessary to ensure we can return to our respective worlds, but... the prolonged absence from what's familiar causes a pain that saps my drive.

[And, if he's honest... he cares less about the world and more about who existed within it. It was only due to his sheer distrust of Yima that he ended up in Meridian over Zenith.]

[fireballer]

It's my pleasure, Byleth.

[a mercenary? diluc's hit the jackpot in connections this is exactly what he was looking for. someone capable, but still all in for their mission of regaining their worlds. even if his drive isn't as strong due to being here for so long (he's guessing), diluc will find a way to reignite it.

still, he doesn't actually know what progress has been made.]

Has there been any progress since you've been here?

[fishfearme]

[Diluc indeed has hit the jackpot. While Byleth could be... strange, and couldn't deceive his way out of a paper bag, he was professional, honest and terrifyingly skilled - he can also be easily paid in food rather than money here, amazingly enough (this is why Jeralt negotiated their pay).]

Setbacks, more like. When I arrived, a race for an Oracle began soon after, and it was one claimed by the Zeniths. Not due to any particular gap in skill or ineptitude on our part: neither group knew how claiming an Oracle worked. Fortune favoured Zenith, and thus they won.

[As one Meridian had summed it up: "they were just as stupid as us".]

Following that, a mysterious Blight has begun to encroach on the land, which is a threat of its own. For now, all that can be done is to try to mitigate the Blight's spread, secure Springstar's source of sustenance, and be prepared for the next Oracle.

[fireballer]

[diluc can make things work as long as the pieces are of high quality. he can do the deceiving, though he much prefers just storming in and hacking whomever is in his way. he acknowledges that that isn't often the best coarse of action, though. sometimes, a little subterfuge and deception is necessary.

he listens carefully to byleth's explanation.

what the hell is an oracle. other than, well, someone who divines the future or some shit.]

...A Blight? [that sounds alarming!! why are they just sitting around having a cookout happily!!!] Some sort of sickness affecting the crops, I assume? The occupation of Alenroux makes much more sense now, despite the obvious setbacks.

And these Oracles- they're...?

[fishfearme]

We have no idea what the Oracles are.

[Blunt!]

Their nature is mysterious, but gaining them is required to succeed in our respective faction's ambitions. Zenith has one, we assume, whereas Meridian have none. It means that many within our group are eager to win the next race, when it comes round.

[So, their faction is already on the backfoot, but it has lit a fire under everyone's asses to make sure the next race for the Oracle won't be so easy for Zenith... never mind the last one was just all of them fumbling around in the figurative dark, equally lost.]

However, it means morale has been rather low, and stress high. That's the reason for this gathering, I assume. It's intended to uplift our spirits and ensure we remain on task, rather than giving into despair.

i

[exhound]

[It doesn’t take much for Vander to be willing to lend a helping hand to another. The neighborly spirit it cultivates is familiar old territory, and something all the more important to foster with a rag-tag group rallying under a new banner in a new world. The Meridian were his people now, and he’d make sure to be there for them. So when he arrives on the island prior to the festivities starting and spots the young man hefting the weighty barrels of booze, it’s a no-brainer to make his way over there to help.

(If he were honest with himself he could admit that it may be slightly less altruism moving him here today and more that he’s feeling perpetually antsy if left idle for too long, ever since he’d been dragged out of that cage in the Below. But that’s not a problem fit for confronting right now.)

Byleth is in the process of grabbing another keg when Vander arrives, one hand raised in a simple greeting.]

Hey there. That’s tiresome work, let me give you a hand with it.

[And despite how tired Vander looks, he wastes no time in grabbing a keg of his own and hefting it up over a shoulder, steadying it with his other hand. Might as well put this strength of his to good use, right?]

[fishfearme]

Ah-

[Byleth's protest barely begun when Vander simply picked up a keg, and after a brief pause where he assessed that Vander wasn't struggling with the keg's weight, he let it all slide with a quiet: 'hm'.]

...thank you. Vander, yes?

[They've met mostly in Communions only, so this was the first time they've conversed face-to-face. He seemed surprisingly well considering he'd been recently unearthed from some terrible hellpit - exhausted, but well.]

[exhound]

[Even setting aside his size and strength, after having run a bar for a few years now, a task like this is familiar work. An easy, and frankly welcome, bit of normalcy for him right now.]

Yeah, that’s me.

[Answered with a nod, and he turns to give him a more attentive look over. Not necessarily all that familiar of a face, but the voice does cement it into place a bit more.]

And you’d be… Byleth? [A slight pause where he taps the keg he’s holding with the hand keeping it steady.] Thanks for helping set all this up.

[fishfearme]

[Byleth nodded at his name, surprised yet pleased that he was remembered.]

Ah, well, it's not much of a party without alcohol to be had... at least, that's what my father always told me.

[His father also told him it was morally correct to never pay your tavern tabs, but this nugget of wisdom, at least, held true. Byleth shifted the keg he had lifted - surprisingly easy considering his slim frame - and began his slow, careful walk to where the kegs were being centralised near where the bonfire was being set up.]

And menial labour is something I'm quite good at, so... I'm happy to help in this manner.

[exhound]

[Vander takes up the trek toward the bonfire alongside him, with careful and easy steps. That first comment nearly draws a laugh from him.]

Sounds like your father knows how to have a good time.

[Whether it always proved to be a good time or not, adding alcohol to celebrations was a surefire way of making sure it wasn’t a boring one at the very least. And considering the whole reason their people were out in Alenroux in the first place, it probably wouldn’t hurt to have something on hand to help people loosen up a bit.]

Glad we’re having the chance to let people unwind a bit out here.

[Goodness knows they need it, with everything that’s been going on lately and what’s on the horizon out here.]

[fishfearme]

[It was more Jeralt was too old to give a fuck about things anymore. Over three hundred years in a continent perpetually at odds with each other would turn anyone into a functional alcoholic.]

Yes. Claude taught me the importance of morale, so this is a good opportunity to reenergise those that were beginning to flag. We cannot be combat effective if we lack fighting spirit.

[Byleth was including himself in that. He had spent his first two months in Kenos in a depressive rut before Claude, and whoever his mystery blind date at the masquerade had been (Claude), had delivered a swift kick up his rear and made him realise moping about wasn't going to help anything.]

And I fear more fighting is to come after these recent events...

[exhound]

[There’s a hum of agreement from Vander as they reach their destination and he carefully sets his keg down amongst the rest of the supplies. Morale is important. Morale is something that is proving to be extremely in flux for Vander himself lately, and it is part of the reason he’d made damn sure he could at least be here for this whole affair. The fighting on the horizon, though…]

It’s the whole reason we’re out here, after all.

[Here in Alenroux, with an occupying force. He makes a broad gesture to the forest surrounding them.]

Knew all this was coming, but it still feels like such a headache to deal with on top of everything else back in the cities.

[fishfearme]

[Byleth easily set down his burden as well, pausing to straighten out his tunics where they had rumpled.]

Mm, but it was inevitable something of this nature was going to happen. At least the bandage has been torn off now.

[There was a relief, of sorts, of having the line drawn in the sand and knowing where, exactly, your rival stood. Byleth had been unsure with the ambiguity of Meridian and Zenith's relationship - Yima preached cooperation, Claude desired compromise, who knew what the Zeniths wanted... yet now, in Alenroux at least, they were aggressive rivals competing over a resource. For Byleth, mercenary that he was, he could understand that.]

But you're right, it's yet another commitment to juggle amongst the other events plaguing the factions. This occupation, for one, has thoroughly disrupted a task handed to me by Cetina... after I had gained a promising lead as well...

III

[hauntedking]

Byleth...

[ Dimitri's voice is soft and it breaks the stillness. He had no desire to surprise his friend or make him shy away - so this was his way of announcing his presence. He'd gone looking for him, in point of fact, wanting to share some of the good cheer with him. Perhaps evidenced by the pair of mugs he has in his hands. ]

Are you alright? I know such events can be a little overwhelming at times.

[fishfearme]

[Byleth twitched slightly at his name, and wiped his expression clear of whatever melancholy had made its way there. Realising it was Dimitri, however, the tense line of his shoulders relaxed from it startled hunch.]

Dimitri. I'm... fine.

[A poor lie, and Byleth grimaced faintly at how badly he delivered it. He stowed his Sunbeam back into his satchel, where it belonged.]

Just a bout of homesickness, that's all. Were you looking for me?

[hauntedking]

[ Dimitri decides not to pry too hard. Especially with the way Byleth stuffs his Sunbeam back into his bag. Instead he sits and offers a mug to him. ]

I just wanted to talk a little and perhaps enjoy a drink with you. We've both been busy.

[fishfearme]

We have. You, especially, with this military campaign.

[Byleth accepted the mug and sat down with Dimitri. They were a little aways from the main gathering, but he preferred it. He was a little too... emotionally rattled to wade back into the fray right now (not without a bit more alcohol to numb the feelings, in any case).]

Zenith will not take this incursion lightly. With your position within the military, you're a target they may pursue. I hope you remain cautious, in light of that.

[hauntedking]

There is that possibility, of course... but I don't think I need to walk around looking over my shoulder all the time.

[ Dimitri smiles. ]

I appreciate your concern, though. Thank you.

[fishfearme]

You're a close ally. It stands to reason that I'd be invested in your continued health.

[Byleth sipped his drink, before letting his mug rest on his thigh.]

I wonder what'll happen now, with both Zenith and Meridian. Many within our faction were rattled by the invasion.

[hauntedking]

Agreed. It... was a little unexpected. I agree with the need to secure food, but... an invasion seems like it might be an overreach.

[ He sighs. ]

And it makes actually talking to Zenith more difficult.

[fishfearme]

...

[Byleth recalled his conversation with Yima, how he questioned her desire for cooperation when it was inevitable that conflict would spawn between them. In retrospect he found a glimmer of humour in it: he had asked her why she didn't simply conquer Springstar to consolidate power and gain an advantage, and it turned out Meridian had already had plans in motion for something similar.

He saw nothing wrong with it. The early bird got the worm, as they said, and Zenith had been too complacent. Whilst he disliked unnecessary conflict, Meridian needed an edge for the trials to come. For their worlds to be returned to them, for Jeralt to return, for Byleth able to live his life at his father's side once more...

...]

What do you wish to speak to Zenith about? Are you attempting to convince them of our point of view, or tempt possible defectors?