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

[hyperpotamous]

[ hey, guess who has pants now it's great. he also takes one big, long drink because he's not even going to bother asking about sips. ]

Never have I ever lied to a teammate.

[ which is, of course, also a fucking LIE, but since sasuke started this off with deception by lying to his fellow meridians, ALL BETS ARE OFF. ]

[eyeforaneye]

[ 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.

[hyperpotamous]

[ 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.

[eyeforaneye]

[ 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.

[hyperpotamous]

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]

[ ... ah, it wasn't the wind. ]

You said "too seriously". I'm committed to engaging with the men I'll be working alongside. If I'm doing it too well, I won't apologize.

[hyperpotamous]

So... it being serious means it's done well to you, is it? I would say "you must be fun at parties," but, well—...

[ he splays both hands in a gesture that says well, here we are. ]

[eyeforaneye]

[ ... did he just get dissed? Over his ability to participate in a game which he is playing, in spite of all of his natural instincts to avoid it? ]

If this is meant to be fun, stop criticizing me and actually take your turn. You're the obstacle in the way of the game now.

[hyperpotamous]

[ unfortunately, that's ywhat's happening. john is annoying when he's sober — which is why people have been quoted as wanting to put him in an acid jail for a thousand years — so sasuke is really doing pretty well, all things considered. john is super not sober right now. ]

Oh, I'm the obstacle? Were you actually having fun? I'm just wondering since you opened with murder.

[eyeforaneye]

Understanding the goal and experiencing it myself are two separate things. Regardless of anyone's emotional standing, it's obvious that someone preventing the game from being played is the biggest hurdle to the game itself.

Take your turn.