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

[bakedapple]

[ This is good enough, then, as far as Link can tell, and Dexter's approval affirms it. The long-eared young man flashes Dextera a muted smile once he's standing again, excited for this game even if it's frivolous. He's had to look for simple pleasures wherever he could find them, and... well, it's kinda nice that the Meridian veterans have taken the time to include stuff like this at the cookout.

The other racers are stepping up to the starting line. Link glances at them before looking back to Dextera. ]

Step with our tied feet first?

[passio]

[ the other racers don’t look particularly more sure of themselves than dextera feels, which is a pretty good sign for their odds. of course, it utterly doesn’t matter how they do here except for the sake of their reputation, but dextera is competitive. he wants to win. ]

…

[ a more enthusiastic nod.

with the countdown to start, dextera reaches for link’s hand to make sure they stay stuck to each other even if one of them starts to falter, and on the signal to go—he goes, taking a clumsy step forward. ]

[bakedapple]

[ Link is thinking the same thing. He clutches back at Dextera's hand, the calloused pads of his fingertips finding easy purchase against his skin. Their first step together is awkward but fairly well-synced, a good sign for the remainder of the fight. As long as he can keep up with the taller man's longer stride, this shouldn't be so hard...!

As long as he can. Second step, third step, and it's starting to become a little more clear how tricky this actually is. A few pairs are already pulling slightly ahead of them. ]

— and, step! [ he calls out, just before the next pace of their tied ankles. And then again, after they step forward with their untied feet. What they need is rhythm. Building a predictable rhythm together. ] And, step! And, step!

[ Between paces, he flashes Dextera a wide grin before looking back down at their path. ]