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

[exhound]

Maybe not quite as vicious… But years and circumstance changed he and I both. We didn’t exactly have an idyllic upbringing, you’re right. And eventually we reached a point where we could no longer agree on what to do about it.

[He sighs, gives a tired shrug of a shoulder. That was the simplest way to sum it up, and it still pains him to think about how far apart they’ve drifted. Working side by side, building up the Lanes together… and now they can’t even cross paths without trying to draw blood.]

But we’re just two old men who’ve lost our way. [He tries to summon a self-aware smile.] Take it from me, and don’t take for granted the close bonds you build up with others.

[Here is your dose of unsolicited Dad Advice.]

[fireballer]

[sweats a little... uhhh, well, now he's not taking it for granted for sure. he's making sure to keep kaeya close, to spend time with him in between all the things the both of them need to do for their factions.

he'd just... waited until their world was destroyed. at least they didn't live in regret until they were old and grey like these grandpas? they didn't live so long with their pain that it turned into actual resentment.

he does feel some warmth in his heart at the dad advice, though. it'd been a while since he received any.]

Thank you. I'll take that to heart - truly.

[the smallest little smile. like miniscule. not because he isn't grateful for the advice, that's just how his face is.]

While we have this second chance, I won't let it go to waste. [he looks out at the sunset.] On that note, I should get going. I know someone who will skip meals if I'm not there to make sure he eats.