Event || The Festival Of Light

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the Heroes of Light and their Moogles.
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: July 27th - August 03rd
Summary: Feel free to use this post to participate in the Festival of Light. Post your own threads or jump into someone else's thread-- This is a free for all mingle post!
Warning: N/A

Comments

Ellie | OTA

[vonspielburg]

A festival. A festival that lasted for days. She would have spurned such foolishness a few months prior. Part of her still did. So why was she here, sitting on the docks with her ankles crossed and a fishing rod in her hands?

Hell if she knew.

The bobber crested each tiny wave as she absently dragged her baited hook through the water below. There wasn't any other part of the festivities that she really cared about. Fishing, at least, served a practical purpose. It was food, and the more land the Calamity covered, the more scarce food would surely become.

So she fished. She'd already caught several fat sea bass and flounders, stinking up the bucket she'd dumped them in. One of them might win a prize, or not. It didn't matter. Very little did anymore.

[umslay]

The docks were a quiet place in the midst of all this commotion. Ales couldn't stand the constant doors opening and closing as the researchers rushed through the day, hoping to finish their tasks early so they can spend more time at the festival. What was even the point of it? All of these people partying like nothing when death was around the corner, and what of it? They would have no chance to escape if Palitutu attacked. She was smart to set the ultimatum during the Festival, but that was an easy move when the city was full of stupid people.

Ideally, he would have picked an empty pier to stand at the edge of, staring out at the water as the wind blew his dark cloak. Only those clothes made it hot, and there was a stream of fishermen seeking their prize fish. Fortunately, he spotted a friend amongst the crowd, if he could call her that. He hadn't had a friend in years to really know.

His footsteps were nearly silent as he approached Ellie, waiting until he stood by her or she noticed him to speak up.

"...Any bites?"

[vonspielburg]

"Some." The reel buzzed as she reeled in her hook, slowing to a series of rapid clicks as she drew her bait out of the water, then cast it further out once more. "If I weren't fishing downstream of the others, I might have more luck. But there is no challenge in this." Who was she to deprive a starving family a chance at a prized fish just to satisfy her ego? She would take whatever managed to get past the other baited hooks.

Her head turned to regard him at last, sizing him up with a brief up and down glance. "What about you? I don't see a fishing rod in your hands."

[umslay]

Ales's gaze followed the float as it was dragged across the water, pulled out, then tossed back into the river. Fishing was a relaxing sport for some, not including himself. If Ellie needed to so something with her hands that did not have to give results, she could fish downstream. Ales had days like that, too, where he put together useless pieces of machinery when he didn't have the mental capacity to work.

"I needed some fresh air." That was part of the truth. He also wanted someone reasonable to talk to. "I can't spend every waking hour at the lab."

[gorgeous_sin]

Botanical Wonders

Flowers. Flowers in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Flowers everywhere. And standing among them was a homunculus looking far too pensive to be taken seriously. She held her elbow, fingers lightly curled beneath her chin as she walked slowly down the aisle to examine the flowers, and more importantly, the people who seemed to be enjoying the sight of them.

Those feelings of awe and wonderment didn't quite reach Lust, but she did want to try to understand them. It was why she'd been skulking around the festival on her own, content merely to observe. And yet...she wasn't content at all. It baffled her?

How could they continue to find joy when the world continued to race toward its end, when death might very well loom on the horizon next month with Palitutu threatening to attack the city? It didn't make sense to her. Were they just that forgetful, or were they all fools?

She was inclined to believe the latter option. Her gaze fell to a budding yellow rose, decoratively studded with glistening drops of dew. Was it beautiful? She supposed some might consider it as such. Yet she still failed to grasp why that beauty would be so treasured, when it served no other true purpose.

[deadlyvu]

Lust isn't the only one skulking around the festival at times, although Lydia isn't doing it all the time. Only occasionally, to get a shot she needs or to observe something without being too obvious about it. She stands out enough with the dark hat and garb, and her camera. Good thing she's silent and has no shadow due to her job.

Lust however is strikingly elegant and darkly beautiful too. She is easily spotted by Lydia, and her photographer senses are going woah! Is this lady another Hero? She looks so sad and puzzled, but the contrast between her and the flowers, and the other festival goers... It makes the artist in Lydia hesitantly approach her.]

Um...excuse me?

[gorgeous_sin]

[It takes a moment for Lust to respond, partially because she's pensive, partially because she's still not entirely accustomed to people she doesn't know coming right up to talk to her. That sort of thing just didn't happen very often back home.]

What is it?

[She doesn't seem annoyed at the interruption. If she really wanted to stay unnoticed she would have worn a hooded cloak as she usually does when playing the role of observer.]

[deadlyvu]

"This...might be a strange request." Lydia is resisting the urge to bite her lips in nerves. She had planned to save her film for Heroes of Light photos. The artist in her is too taken by the possibilities of the striking woman before her surrounded by all the flowers.

It's beautiful.

"I was hoping I could take a photograph of you?" Lydia is entirely prepared to explain what that means, if she needs to. Not everyone understood cameras, Hero of Light or not.

tear grants | ota.

[cantante]

28th – heran stand.

[ Tear held no grudge against the Herans, nor had any established feelings for them, so when she heard of the unfortunate predicament for the Festival she thought she would at least visit to appreciate their hard work.

Of course, ever the dutiful soldier, she was also interested in what wares they had to offer. The meeting with Palitutu was fast approaching, and far be it from her to miss an opportunity to be better prepared. Yet in the midst of it all, one peculiar exchange might stand out. ]

You said it was called a... "fon?"

30th – the twelve heroes of light.

[ Having never attended a play in her life, Tear couldn't help but be intrigued by an "opera" version of the legends. She also knew that many often had some fact to them, and if it could help her to better understand what had been done in the past.

And even if it was just another of those myths, maybe she was interested in the tale itself, too. At least, she seemed quite focused on the actors as the tragic conclusion approached. ]

1st – aquatic minipark.

[ It wasn't that Tear had any objections to being near the water—quite the opposite actually. Though she had never known the island nation her family had come from, the melodist was still drawn to the comfort and sounds of water. And thanks to the enthusiastic persuasion of one particular Moogle, Tear had made the brave decision to visit for the afternoon.

Wearing a simple white cover-up with a matching modest swimsuit beneath, hair pulled back in a tousled ponytail, the girl approached the pools with a nervous smile, waving lightly to the young locals who had noticed her arrival and had called out for her to hurry and join. No, she still needed a few more minutes...

Or she would, if they hadn't started splashing water her way. ] H-hold on...!

2nd – fireworks ( closed to Ace )

[ As could be expected after so many days of festivities, the melodist found herself wanting a moment of peace to recover from it all. That evening she chose to stay home, nearly getting ready to turn in until something occurred to her, making her pause as just as she was about to put away the last of the dishes.

Quietly chastising herself, she set the plate in its place in the cupboard before going to seek out her housemate, her steps just a little more hurried than normal as she sought him out. To think this last opportunity had nearly escaped them... ]

August 2nd

[confidentia]

[ She would find him sitting on the floor in the study, where Ace was absentmindedly flipping through the pages of a book sprawled in his lap. Hearing Tear walk in, he closed the tome with a thud (it wasn't anything indecent, honest!) before placing it back on the shelf where it belonged. ]

... Need some help?

[ Regardless of her answer, he was already rising to his feet. ]

August 2nd

[cantante]

[ Had he stolen that particular "book" from the mansion, Tear would like to think she'd have noticed its presence by now. Therefore, she's able to ignore the sound quite easily, taking those last few steps to close the space between them. Shaking her head, the girl folded her hands together in from of her as she spoke. ]

No, I'm just about finished. But I do have something to ask you. [ Ah, suddenly her twined fingers seemed so fascinating... ]

I only just remembered that tonight would be the last night of the fireworks, and... I was wondering... if you would want to go see them with me?

[ What's this? Could it possibly be that Tear was actually still a little nervous about asking her own boyfriend out on a date? What scandal. ]

August 2nd

[confidentia]

[ So, maybe she hadn't been able to come to terms with a couple of things and it showed, but all he needed to know was there in the bright blush adorning her cheeks. She was being completely serious about her request. ]

Okay...-

[ His attention was likewise drawn to the delicate pair of hands clasped together in a tense knot. It was pretty much the only thing he saw fit to change, reaching out to separate them with his own. He wanted to meet her eyes, if she would allow him, very loosely wrapping his arms around her waist in the meantime. ]

I'd... like that. A lot. [ On a night like this, he wasn't even sure if he could fall asleep so easily, so if that was how they decided to spend it, he had no objections. ] It might be a bit too late to hop on that airship, though.

[ A corner of his mouth curled in a smile. Since they'd agreed to remain home, Tear's sudden change of heart probably meant she had some kind of plan. ]

August 1

[unyieldingspirit]

[K'pandolu's already in, and grinning at Tear, ears up.]

Ah, but haven't you heard? It's easier if you just get in all at once!

August 1

[cantante]

Is it honestly? [ Because that water being splashed her way is colder than she would like it to be, the girl kneeling down by the pool's edge. ] Going in gradually seems like it might be better.

[ It's very different from the spa waters she had experienced in the past, just saying. ]

August 1

[unyieldingspirit]

Mm, it might feel like it, but… [she tilts her head, making a face.] You have to keep adjusting all the time! But once you're in, you're in.

[now, though, she's watching the others a little. She's not familiar enough with Tear to know how she'd react to being pulled in, but- that doesn't mean someone might not try. She's just watching out- no need to force Tear if she really doesn't want to get in quickly.]

august 1st

[melnics]

( among those children was actually meredy as well, it seems she was a little overexcited... as usual. )

Ah, sorry, sorry! ( she laughed— ) It is just such a beautiful day! It has been so long since Meredy went swimming.

august 1st

[cantante]

[ Seeing the smile on Meredy's face, Tear can't really blame her for the excitement. Still, her nervous expression is unwavering, idly reaching down to brush away some of the water running down her leg. ]

Give... me a few more moments. [ Or many. ] I don't have a lot of experience with actual swimming.

[unyieldingspirit]

Mysidian Discovery

[K'pandolu's not quite looking to buy anything, but it never hurts to looks at what's out on the market, what people are seeing and buying, what they might be buying next- and there are a few things that catch her attention. A bracelet, a ring… carvings, even.]

That one's not so bad… Can it be enchanted? [and, turning to whoever might be nearby] What do you think?

Midnight Airship

[She takes the opportunity to watch the fireworks from the skies, because that's fairly incredible, after all, and well worth the opportunity. She smiles at anyone nearby, tail swishing.]

Enjoying the view?

Moogle Exposition

[In all honesty, she's a bit lost when the presenting moogles get really into their topics, head tilted as she listens. Sika's enjoying herself, at least. And then there's the copying machine…]

So this is at the heart of how our letters get to everyone?

Monster Parade

[…does she have a bad feeling about the monsters being put on display or what. Though it does make her wonder what someone might put on a goobue, and where they would put it, were they so inclined…]

Do you suppose we're meant to feel better about them when they have the costumes on?

Theatre Plays
i - The Twelve Heroes of Light

[It's entirely possible K'pandolu missed some details, but she enjoys the performance. Even if it does leave something of a puzzle behind-]

…who was that other hero, then?

[maybe they put in it just for the sake of ~mystery~, but… why?]

ii - The Hundred Heroes

[THEATRE WAS A MISTAKE

or rather, K'pandolu's decision to come to this production was, because apparently she made enough of an impact to have someone portraying her- or making some sort of attempt. Because it's full of every kind of cat-imitation known to theatre, complete with random miaows, and K'pandolu just sinks down into her seat, ears pressed flat, embarrassed out of her life. As soon as there's a break in the performance, she fully intends to disappear.]

EXTRA - Bombards

[She's managed to lay her hands on some balloons shaped like Bombs. They glow, lit up from the inside, and occasionally bob as if to dive at people. K'pandolu, for her part, is in a swimsuit and sandals- and the instant she spots someone, she gestures at them.]

Quickly, now-! Are you ready to help against the Bombard menace?

Bombards!

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia might not be a natural choice for hanging around at the water-park, but she's enjoying it anyways. A large wide-brimmed hat to help her in the shade, a cute two piece for a change and she is enjoying the pools.

She blinks in surprise when she turns at K'Pandolu's shout and then a grin comes to her face.]

Oh no..no no no you don't! You don't get to do this without me Miss K'Pandolu!

[She's game!]

[unyieldingspirit]

[she turns towards Lydia, breaking out into a grin.]

Of course not! The Crystallis Cascadiers are glad to have you aboard. Take up a water gun, and we can get started!

moogle exposition

[terrorfirma]

( edna is watching the scene unfold with an expressionless look about her, umbrella spread wide to shield her from the afternoon sun. )

Is it any wonder there's so many problems with their system? How are you even supposed to find the complaint department in this mess?

[unyieldingspirit]

[K'pandolu glances away from the moogle she was watching and shrugs, a little helplessly.]

I suppose they think as long as it gets to someone who might be the right person, that's good enough. [she got dragged into some legwork that way, so…] Do you think they have one? [she's never checked.]

[confidentia]

( Botanical wonders, July 27th - closed to Tear )

[ For a completely innocent attraction, the gardens elicited such extreme responses, one could think there was a haunted house hidden somewhere within. So much fuss over a couple of harmless insects. ]

If you think about it, we're the ones interrupting their work.

[ Unlike the good-for-nothing bugs he'd often seen pestering the Chocobos at the ranch, these little beings actually contributed to the green grandeur of the botanical display. Despite not being an expert, with the little theatrical knowledge Tear had managed to pass onto him, Ace could still appreciate these intricate works of nature and fresh air not to be found anywhere else.

Who would have thought there could be so much joy in wandering aimlessly hand in hand. It felt so simple and relaxing after weeks of commotion, though there still lingered a certain air of novelty around this whole… dating concept, that he still wasn't sure he'd been able to get a good grasp on.

… Which is why he was glad to rely on the girl's leadership skills while she picked the sections she was most interested in visiting. Now, if only the bees didn't take such a liking to her dress.... ]

( Wildcard ) - NOTE: since this is terribly late and I’m not sure if people are still actively tagging around, I didn't include any general prompts, but I'd be more than happy to write a starter if anybody wants to thread any of the ideas. Just let me know via PM or Plurk!

[cantante]

[ So far Tear had been successful in avoiding her more aggressive pursuers, able to ignore the ones that seemed intent on dancing amidst the swirling folds of her yellow dress. The choice in outfit itself was a little fancier than normal, but... it was their first date in so long.

Still, she hasn't expected this kind of attention. ]

That's true... It's also amazing that some of them found this place from so far away.

[ Admiring the little bugs? Maybe, some of them were fuzzy and cute. Yet Tear keeps them at a respectable distance, leading Ace to an area where there were fewer swarms. ]

I've... never seen so many flowers in one place. [ Ducking her head, her hair slips forward to obscure the tiny smile of delight she wore. ] They're all different, even the bugs.

[confidentia]

[ Truthfully, Tear could hide it all she wanted, but he didn't even need to look at her in order to find himself being absorbed by the radiance of her happiness. It was just... obvious, every aspect of it, and even surrounded by all the colours and fragrances, it was all he could pay attention to. ]

There's no rush, if you'd like to take a closer look. [ Leaning in, he tried to chase away yet another bee perched on the girl's shoulder. ] Just be careful, or you'll be taken for one of them, in that dress of yours.

[ It was his turn to bow his head before it became too obvious how flushed his cheeks were. It would have been optimal that he hadn't stuttered when expressing his compliments, but it was easier said than done. Inhaling softly, he corrected himself. ] ... The flowers, I mean. [ Not the insects. Flowers. He paused, his throat feeling somewhat dry as he contemplated what he was even trying to get at, here. ]