childrenofbahamutlogs | EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES

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EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES

INTO THE WOODS

Click Clock Wood (Spring) by Grant Kirkhope

2:05 / 4:59

▶︎

Click here to listen.

Grant Kirkhope is a Scottish composer and voice actor for video games and film. Some of his notable works include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark, among many others.

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After making your way through the tiny farming town of Ich and out towards the rim of a massive raised crater, you will find yourself being led through a narrow split in the canyon wall. Inside, glow worms cling to the ceiling and create the illusion of a thousand twinkling stars above the moistened rocks.

When you finally emerge, it is into an impossibly lush landscape of massive, redwood-sized tangling trees and a soft moss carpet. Life abounds here. It feels like an oasis of birdsong and animal activity.

A short walk leads you to the prepared party-grounds. A large clearing with quaint huts all around decorated with strange flowers for partygoers to rest or otherwise entertain themselves.

There appear to be several games and stalls set up, the sweet and savory scents of delicious food fills the air, and so do the patrons of the forest. Seemingly hundreds of Fae folk zip around and greet the newcomers excitedly by placing garlands of vines and crowns of flowers atop their heads.

Glowing flowers and toadstools light your way here. It also seems that even the animals get in on the festivities! Really, just about everything talks here. Almost everything, anyways! Talking to a tree stump might not yield many results but you're welcome to try.

Each entrant is also provided upon arrival a copy of The Rules. A rolled parchment that resists water or any other damage. It also prevents you from writing on it so you can't just do what you want.

The rules read as follows:

DO:

ONLY

DO NOT:

TRADE

OTHER ITEMS TO NOTE:

old woman

GAMES & ENTERTAINMENT

Amongst the games and attractions are a variety of fun possibilities!

GAMES

Battleship! (Fae Style!)

a cup of nectar that refills endlessly, and numbs any pains you may have.

curse

dissipate after a time

Dress Up Darlings!

how

Bobbing For Onions!

Bag of Onions

What's In The Box?

ENTERTAINMENT

Slayd & The Possums!

play

The Crowning of the King of Misrule!

a lottery

King of Misrule

Special Gift

FOR THE FOOLISH

Ahh, but there are rule breakers amongst us aren't there? If you choose to sneak away from the party, chances are nobody will stop you; however, you are now on your own in the Talahee Forest.

FIRST LAYER

Rak'tika Greatwood Theme ( Civilizations ) by Masayoshi Soken

4:34 / 5:15

▶︎

Click here to listen.

"Civilizations" prominently features a female vocalist. The lyrics are in the Ronkan language, and has not been officially translated.

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The first layer of the forest is very much similar to what you have already seen. Everything is coated in a thick mat of moss and trees wind away like a massive birds nest to form the canopy above. The faint sounds of animals can still be heard. Up here, you may encounter Fae who did not attend the party. They'll ask you your name and other personal details.

Best that you lie.

SECOND LAYER

Click Clock Wood (Autumn) by Grant Kirkhope

1:12 / 4:11

▶︎

Click here to listen.

Grant Kirkhope is a Scottish composer and voice actor for video games and film. Some of his notable works include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark, among many others.

code

The further in that you head, the darker the forest gets. It seems you are following a downward slope. The trees get bigger here, as do the insects and toadstools. Bioluminescence rules down here it seems. You may encounter stranger creatures here. Ones that will try to make very tempting trades for your personal belongings. Things that will seem like an amazing deal to you. They offer magical items of great power, or even personal effects from home.

Don't be fooled though. These objects are cursed, and are not at all what they seem. You have the distinct feeling of being watched at all times here.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Owlbear, Displacer Beast, Giant Badger

THIRD LAYER

Saint Mocianne's Arboretum (Hard) by Masayoshi Soken

2:50 / 5:10

▶︎

Click here to listen.

...hordes of aggressive plant life exposed to the strange substance stand between you and the information you seek.

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Are you getting smaller or is everything else getting bigger? Were Slayd here, he would have told you about the concept of Deep Forest Gigantism. The deeper you go - just like the ocean - the larger that the flora and fauna get.

You are dwarfed by the mushrooms here in the pitch darkness and only guided by the latent glow of the creatures and fungi that dwell here. Bugs the size of house-cats skitter in your wake. Are you sure you want to be here? Should you encounter anything larger, you’d best stay silent. Or run!

⁂ Possible Encounters: Giant predatory Elk (RUN), Rodents of Unusual Size, Extra Large Bugs

FOURTH LAYER

Poison Tree by Grouper

0:30 / 3:16

▶︎

Click here to listen.

'Poison Tree' is a meditation on the complexities of anger and the internal conflict it causes. It draws inspiration from William Blake's poem of the same name.

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The trees seem to clear out here as you reach the bottom of the forest. There is no light here so hope you brought a match. The landscape down here is a blanket of moss dotted with countless shallow pools. Looking into one of these pools, you will see your reflection... though it may look different in some way.

You will feel extremely compelled to reach down and touch the reflection in the water. Should you give in, you feel as though your world is turning upside down. You could receive memories not quite your own. Memories of a different version of you, even! (CRAU, Canon Update, or Canon AU!)

Yet, you will be experiencing them as your own. A long time could pass in your mind while only seconds have only elapsed in reality. Upon waking, you will find that you have been ejected from the party and the forest entirely. You find yourself at the entrance to the crater. Disoriented, and compelled not to re-enter, you have only yourself to blame as you must shamble your way home with this burdensome knowledge.

Notes

⁂ For the game prizes, we're using the honor system here! So long as you clear the roll then you can receive a prize with no mod permission needed.

Battleship

above a 13

Bobbing For Onions

above a 10

⁂ To sign up for The Crowning of the King of Misrule, comment here! We'll RNG the winner likely within a few days to a week to give folks time to participate if they want!

⁂ The plotting post for this event/November is up!

⁂ Additionally, we have a state of the game post available to people read about updates, clarifications, and a poll to participate in!

⁂ If you have any further questions or feedback about this event specifically, please comment here!

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

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Good man. He knows a good onion when he sees one clearly. This is super normal for them. Byleth leans back against one of the wooden benches, roughly crafted from felled trees.

"Are you enjoying the festivities so far?" He scrapes a piece of wet hair from his eyes. "I'm not usually a fan of parties, but when I saw they were just giving away free onions..." He chuffs a breath out as if to convey that obviously, the choice was made and he simply had to go for it.

This is super normal and acceptable for the both of them to be biting whole hog into raw onions. Surely nobody would ever take umbrage with such an activity. Elidibus, at least, clearly sees no issue with it.

Taking the time to chew and swallow - it is prudent to be polite - he smiles at Byleth in answer.

"I have been enjoying myself greatly, yes." Somehow the shorter man is entirely dry, despite clearly having been bobbing for onions himself. He does have a bag of his own. "Festivals are not for all, though it is good to hear that you have found some activities to enjoy, dear Byleth. The reward will be most useful for my culinary pursuits this coming winter."

He raises his onion bag slightly. "I am glad there appears to be no limit to these, so each may receive their own."

Super normal thing, sharing some onions between friends.

"Oh? You enjoy cooking? I find it quite a nice way to pass the time." He pauses, just enough to allow the next thought to formulate between the both of them no doubt.

"Perhaps we can do some cooking together? I've always enjoyed doing it with other people more. We could even introduce each other to cuisine from our respective worlds." The thought is quite exciting to him. He'll never turn down a chance to try new food.

"I find cooking to be incredibly therapeutic, yes," he smiles. "And I would like nothing more than to cook some meals with you, dear Byleth. I recall that you enjoy any and all soups and stews, and there are a few from my people that I believe you would adore."

Elidibus has tasted Byleth's cuisine before, and enjoyed it each time. Why not learn to love it all over again?

"As I am sure your own world has delicacies of its own. I am already planning on cataloguing as much information as I can about what worlds I can - this will be an enjoyable endeavor as well. A pan-world cookbook, so that all may have the tastes of home."

"Heh, I feel like you have an advantage knowing me so well already. It's true though."

It's actually the catalogue idea that catches his attention before thoughts of food.

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea. I would be quite interested in helping with such a project. My own interests in trying the food aside. I'm fascinated by other worlds and that wouuld be a great way of learning more without making too much of a nuisance of myself to others."

"In my defense, I was referring to the conversation we had when the both of us had first arrived," he thinks for a moment. "I believe you expressed that fish heads may be eaten in stew even if they are on the cusp of spoiling? Something similar to that, I believe. But I hope that soon you know me as well as I you."

It's a nice thought, and one Elidibus plans on following through with action. The universal cook book is just one of those ways to do so, really. Two birds with one stone.

"And in satiating our curiosity and indulging ourselves, we may aid others who could be overtaken by homesickness. I do wonder if others would be amenable to aiding in such a thing. Once the cookbook is finished, I could move on towards another subject. Create a library that all have contributed towards, so that none may be left out."

"Oh yes, that's right. Fish head stew." Being around Elidibus makes him feel oddly at ease. The man is like a warm blanket.

"Quite the ambitions you have here. First a piano and this as well? I suppose it's ideal to keep busy though isn't it? Dwelling on our situation wouldn't be much help."

It's always better to be constructive when one feels powerless to do much else.

Oh, Byleth doesn't know the half of it. In The Simulation Elidibus had filled his days with project after project, always keeping busy and volunteering his time the very instant it may have been needed or wanted. It will hold true in this new world. There would be time to relax as well, and time to spend with those he loves.

But he had been so very active for many, many years. He would not stop now.

"I have been informed that I 'do not know when to stop' and 'am chronically, intensely active' by others in the past. It is, perhaps, a fault of mine. The bakery, for instance, I have already devoted myself to as well."

Much to his and Angeal's delight.

"Hm. Some have said the same of myself at times. I tend to always be busy with something. Though here, I find myself at a lack. Much to be done, but difficult deciding where to begin.

His eyebrows raise an imperceptible amount.

"Bakery? Well, I'd have a mind to visit, certainly. I'd like to see what sorts of things you might bake where you're from." Always with food on the mind. How can anyone not jump at the chance to try baked goods from another world, after all?

"I found myself debating where to start as well, and decided upon my priorities in short order. The piano, first, as I simply did not wish to go so long as I had in the past without playing. Then, the bakery, my own home, and other odd tasks here and there." A large portion of that had been firewood. There was a winter approaching, after all, and he did not have the proper knowledge of how fierce it may end up becoming.

Better to be over-prepared than under.

"And, of course, the issue of our transformations beginning to take place. Mine have been blessedly mild thus far," he waves off the subject, however. It was time to get excited about his work.

"If you would like to sample some of our desserts, Angeal made sure to bring quite a bit of what we were able to prepare. There is a variety - including many pies - that we have included. Unfortunately, none of them were recipes from my home. You are welcome, of course, to come to the bakery at any point in the future - I would like nothing more than to prepare something for you from my home." Perhaps koptoplakous, or even melitoutta.

"How long had it been since the last time?" Byleth tilts his head, "Do let me know if I can assist at all. I'm afraid I don't know much about the construction of musical instruments but I'm a spare pair of hands."

The talk of sweets draws his attention in such an immediate and visible way it's almost comedic.

"That sounds wonderful. I should like to both try them, and try to make them myself. Cooking is- I guess what one might consider a hobby of mine."

Edited 2024-11-27 05:12 (UTC)

Elidibus forgets himself.

He reaches forward with a wide smile upon his face, hand finding Byleth's as if it belonged there - a motion so familiar to him that he forgets the present circumstances. No, the draw of showing off his work to Byleth was too great. As they walk, he talks.

"In the Simulation I was able to play whenever I wished, but prior to that it had been... many years since I was afforded the opportunity to play for the joy of it," a hint of longing creeps into his voice at the memory. Oh, he had played when he could, but it was of a different sort. There were times when his fingers flew over the keys in a melody lost to his memories that only his body knew. What he had now was something he treasured.

But he smiles, throwing a warm and appreciative look over his shoulder. "You have my thanks. Should I need your hands for another project, I will come to you with my requests. My piano, however, has been completed. And protected with all of the strength and magical might I was able to manage."

That entire time he was talking before Elidibus had been guiding Byleth towards the table containing the pies and other baked goods brought from the bakery. Now they stand before it. Releasing Byleth's hand, Elidibus makes a sweeping gesture at the table before stepping up next to it. The selection of pies he indicates are intricate in their design.

He knows them to be delicious.

"These, I made entirely myself," he is clearly proud of himself. And says so. "I am utterly proud of their result."

It's oddly nice, how casually Elidibus touches him like that. He knows that this man has some history with a version of him, but it still stands out. He's not used to being touched without very good reason. Even more so now that he had become the Archbishop. People dared not near him without a duty to do so.

He nods, following the man where he's guided. His mind is elsewhere though, focused on the hand in his own. Strange. Not bad, just strange.

He snaps back to himself though, when presented with the spread of pies.

"Oh." It's hard not to notice the glitter in his eye as he beholds this wonderous variety of delicacies.

"All of these? This is incredible. They smell so good... they're almost too pretty to imagine eating." Almost.

The casual touch of their hands has loosened something within Elidibus, clearly, because upon seeing Byleth's reaction he reaches out and drapes his arm around the taller man's shoulders. He's aware of it, this time, but that casual touch is being well received - well, he may as well.

"Which would you like to try? As attractive as they may look, it will bring far more joy to see one such as you enjoy them as the dessert they are meant to be." He's really looking forward to seeing how another thinks they taste.

Especially when it's Byleth.

"Why not try several?" with that he moves to get Byleth a plate, filling it with several neatly-cut slices of different pies. "Please, I desire your feedback."

Oh... such indulgence. How can he refuse a plate piled high with such divine looking pies? Who would he be to say no? Especially with Elidibus requesting his opinion.

He takes a bite of the first pie selects. Apple. He nearly moans into the delicious cinnamon-laced filling. The apple chunks are coated in the gooey filling but have just enough of a chew left to them to compliment the texture. The crust is crisp and flakey. He finishes the piece and moves on to the next. Pecan- and such pecan. The candied nuts that line the top, encrusted with sugar offset the melty, caramelized center. Another low sound of pleasure.

Thus he continues, consuming every piece on his plate, noting the delicate details of each. He's practically blushing by the time he finishes.

"I... I think I need to sit down."

With an almost voyeuristic stare, Elidibus watches Byleth intensely as he devours his baking. He absolutely does not need to ask how it tasted, the expression and - stars, the sounds - being made communicate that quite clear enough. Pride surges through him, that he did this, made something that could taste good enough to result in this with his own two hands.

Byleth has not come out of the encounter unscathed, it seems. The man practically looks unsteady on his feet. Following that little detail, Elidibus does not hesitate to take hold of Byleth and guide him to one of the nearby chairs, easing him to sit down just as he requested.

It doesn't register, the casual, easy touch.

Instead he grins down, expression bright. "It was acceptable, then?" The words are teasing.

"Far more than that. It... it was a transcendent experience." Byleth says as he sits down with some effort. He feels truly sated.

"I cannot begin to quantify my praise for this." Is Elidibus quite so perfect at everything? It seems to be that way, not that Byleth is complaining at all. Quite the opposite, really.

"Were I not at an event, I'd be excusing myself to bed for a long sleep after such an incredible feast."

Oh how bright his smile has become. There is something to be said about bringing someone you care for so deeply to such a satisfied state. A primal feeling, almost.

"There are designated spaces where one may rest off such a meal for a short time. Should it be the nature of our company hindering your decision, I would be glad to stand sentinel upon your sleeping form." Easy, to guard.

"Hmm. I may consider it, but I'd not want to keep you from enjoying the party." Though it is tempting to keep Elidibus all to himself now.

"Rest assured I will be thinking about this pie for years to come."

"Would you instead enjoy the sound of my piano? I have finished its construction and enchantment."

He smiles happily at the thought of playing for Byleth. If more pie is desired, Elidibus absolutely will make more - especially to put this look back on Byleth's face. Courting the man through his stomach.

"Dessert and a musical performance paired, quite the full experience I wish to grant you."

"You're clearly trying to spoil me. I won't say no, though. I've been looking forward to hearing you play." With his belly full of good food, Byleth is quiet pliable to just about anything.

He's more than happy to go along with the suggestion, looking satisfied and perhaps a bit sleepy.

A bright laugh comes at Byleth's accusation. "I must plead ignorance on any guilt as to my attempts to spoil you." He is. It's quite obvious that he is.

And, well, they have space here. No time and place such as the present to play for one he desires to court so much. He preemptively positions himself so that Byleth will be able to see both his profile and him playing upon the keys. It's simple work to pull the piano out with his enchantments, bench and all, and he settles himself upon it with practiced ease. He's played plenty already tonight, so no need for a warmup.

Instead he simply begins to play. The first piece is passionate, but without the thundering power he can achieve, a lighter thing, showing his affection for the one be plays for. When the energetic end comes, he holds his fingers over the keys and waits for Byleth's verdict, smile at a rare ease that comes with sharing his soul, eyes soft.

The music draws him in immediately. A placating effect taking him over as he sits and allows the notes to pass through him while Themis Elidibus plays. He has never been talented with the arts, and often finds himself amazed with those who seem to lend themselves to it easily.

He can feel some of the tension coiled in his body yet relax itself. Eyes slide closed, and when it finally ends he feels as though he's waking up from a restful sleep.

"You have quite the talent." He offers, feeling the statement is entirely underwhelming compared to the performance. He hopes that his countenance speaks more of his truth.

Elegant fingers brush over the keys as Elidibus listens to his audience compliment his playing. The pads of them linger, reluctant to lift from the ivory keys. It was something that always drew him back. The smooth sensation of them after having played, no matter how passionately said playing may have been. It was grounding.

"Talent, perhaps, but many years of practice as well," his smile is almost shy. "It is something learned, to reveal one's innermost soul within the notes. Would you like to hear another?"

A moment of pause while he licks his lips.

"I am able to sing as well, if you wish it."

"As much as you are willing to perform, I am happy to listen." Elidibus it seems, has found a very captivated audience in Byleth.

It isn't hard to see why. The quality and flow of the music besides, even watching the man play is a visual treat. Elegant, graceful, precise. A dance without even moving one's feet.

The professor will gladly sit and listen for as long as Elidibus wants to entertain him.

Wrap?

zodiheart - 2025-04-07 03:16 (UTC) - Expand

Wrap!

perfectteatime - 2025-04-08 02:38 (UTC) - Expand

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EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES

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only a smut icon is fitting. cw for near-sexual descriptions of pie.

It had to be done. Does it back to you.

LMAOOOO

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Wrap?

Wrap!