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

[warmare]

[In Hayame's world... reputation was character, in a way. The tightly-bound society from which she had come put so much emphasis on one's honor before everything else, and that honor was formed in part by what was said about a person and their nature. Duels and wars had been fought for centuries over insulted pride and insinuations of dishonorable conduct, and yet she... She is supposed to just swallow poor treatment at the hands of her fellow so-called allies, to turn a deaf ear to slander, to let others belittle her accomplishments or fail to note them entirely--

At least, that is how it feels to her. A woman who, in her own life, had owned nothing- not her own body, not even her own actions. The only thing she'd had was reputation, tainted as it was.

And yet, Liem places another hand on hers. So easily. Just as simply, he provides the praise and validation she has largely gone without, and in the face of it... Hayame is shamed. Her cheeks grow warm as she lays there in silence, and finally... she has to turn her face away, mumbling under her breath,]

At least you seem to have clear eyes.

[She had imagined, once, that doing those sorts of things would be enough. That to be accepted among allies, to have allies, would mean simply succeeding to earn their regard. She had done great deeds, she had served loyally... and yet, through their touch, and the connection born of the cleansing... there is a hint of the deep, twisted sense of persecution she feels.

But that wasn't- This wasn't what she had intended when she had taken Liem's hand. It was supposed to be...]

- Are you feeling better?

[Her fingers spasm between his. They're slightly sweaty.]

[sterngaze]

[As they sit with their hands joined and the closeness of Purification between them, Liem feels something as Hayame glances away from his regard: some dark, simmering feeling behind the quiet of their conversation, making him frown slightly as he looks up at her. This world has seemed kinder to Hayame than the one in which they'd met, but perhaps she is still struggling more to make her way in it than he'd supposed. He well knows how demoralizing it can be to be rejected by those who ostensibly should have included him within their number.

But she has asked a question. Liem considers it for a moment, contemplating the well of Meridian energy that lives at the centre of his chest, where his shard sits — just as hers does. The energy emanating from it feels clear, the shard itself no longer thrumming with feverish warmth.]

I feel better.

[He thinks for a moment more, considering the damp fingers linked with his and the warm tinge colouring Hayame's cheeks. He considers, too, the festivities outside that they've been spurning, only slightly muffled by the drape of canvas sheltering them.]

Thank you for listening to me, Hayame. And for speaking with me.

[He still wishes he might have escaped admitting to her any of what he'd said, but she'd shared something of her own because of it — something he's glad to have had the opportunity to talk with her about. It seems impossible that she could feel the same way about him, but even if she doesn't, perhaps some good has still come of their talk.]

[warmare]

You do not need to thank me.

[It is shameful that she feels something just to be told that. Thank you. How pathetic she truly has become here, that just the acknowledgement of being sincerely thanked would move her- a woman who was supposed to be a warrior, cold and untouchable. But Liem, ever since the first time they had met in the space between worlds... There was a connection there that simply did not, and perhaps could not, exist elsewhere.

That is what she will blame for this.

But even though it was good that he was feeling less suffering from Discord, and that should be enough for her to snatch her hand back... the lewd act was already done. Already happening. And they are alone. If they break... she will have no further excuse to avoid the rest of the gathering beyond straight fleeing, and she cannot do that either. Her fingers spasm slightly, her hold becomes unconsciously tighter, and finally-]

... We should remain in place a bit longer, to make sure that it takes.

[It comes out in a low, embarrassed mumble. Hopefully he cannot tell beneath his hand how unsteady it feels that both her hearts beat.]

[sterngaze]

I know.

[Liem says simply, when Hayame tells him that she doesn't require his thanks. He knows, of course, that he doesn't need to thank her for purifying his Discord, for speaking with him, for calling him a good man, for holding his hand. He knew this when he said it, but it didn't stop him, because he appreciates that she is here, and because he does not know who he would turn to if she was not.

So he doesn't let go of her hand, at least right away. And when her fingers twitch tighter, when her grip on his hand only grows more firm despite his assurance that she had already given him the assistance he needed, he takes a slow breath, and forces some of the tension from his shoulders, from his spine. It should be all right for him to just sit here with Hayame for a while longer, while they both find some peace from the gathering going on outside.]

Just for a short while, [he agrees. Maybe he still has some lingering traces of Discord left. They should probably wait a little more, just to be safe.

And if Hayame's hand continues to warm his in the process, that's good too. Even if he doesn't say as much.]