Seasonal Event: Oktoberfest

[fernwehmods]

WHO: You
WHEN: October/November
WHAT: It’s that time of year, Fall is in the air, the trees are changing, and Gazin is celebrating Harvest! Below you will find celebrations and prompts for your consideration.
WHERE: Gazin
WARNINGS: None

Catfe Gerdri
A small cafe opened its doors onto its friendly little street. Inside it was selling hot drinks with funny names to make its clientele laugh for the season. There were pumpkin drinks and apple drinks, drinks made with coffee, drinks made with tea but the real draw was its cats. There were cats of all sizes and all needed to be pet and loved on. They were even autumn colours; creams and whites, gingers and deep browns. Some of them were up for adoption and had little red collars on with little golden bells. They looked fancy and neat and ready to travel.

In the cool autumn air, come in for a hot drink, meet fellow travellers, and stay for the fabulous company of Mrs Gerdri’s cats. If you’re looking for a job, the cat lady herself is hiring! Must love cats.

Harvest Festival
Gather around! It’s that time of year of harvest and merriment that no other season can do just right! It’s the Harvest Festival in Gazin, of course! There’s games and prizes to be won, music and laughter, magic to be seen, and all sorts of harvest foods to be had. Try some cake, have some bread, make something magical for a friend!

Whatever you choose, leave room for dancing because Gazin sure goes all out with spectacle and music and their finest of beers. There’s something for everyone at the Harvest Festival, which will run for six weeks before it’s done.

Gazin’s Shield Day
Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian, Xue Yang, Wen Kexing, Zhou Zishu, Merlan O’Keefe and many other locals have been busy for quite some time working on a citywide shielding project for Gazin. On this day, they’re making it official with the revealing of the project in its final state. It’s enough of an accomplishment that it’s become a bonafide celebration in itself. There will be a magic fireworks display as well as festivities. With so many talented magic users in on this feat, its success is assured.

Monsters beware, Gazin is now officially protected!

Comments

Xiao Xingchen | The Untamed | OTA

[cantseeyoursin]

Catfe
Xingchen thought he was just in a small shop that had good smelling tea. He had settled into a seat and the next thing he knew a small and furry companion had joined him. He gently strokes the small cats body with his hand, listening to it purr softly in his lap. This is certainly an unexpected but pleasant way to enjoy his tea.

"You seem rather content." He says with amusement as he lifts his tea cup to his lips again. He can't let himself get too distracted from his tea. He wouldn't want it to get cold.

Festival
It is nice to feel the festive air around him. Everyone is in good spirits and it seems the harvest is going well if the sounds of the people around him are any indication. He doesn't take part in any of the games, but he does wander slowly through town listening to the sounds of happiness around him.

He pauses at one booth that he can smell something particularly tasty at. He can almost feel the heat coming off the freshly baked bread. He figures it couldn't hurt to take a loaf or two home to the others.

"May I have 2 loafs of whatever your best bread is?" Because he can't exactly tell just by scent. The owner actually hands him a small plate and suggests he samples them. he thanks him and starts to try each of the little pieces.

Wildcard
[Open to anything else!]

[ostavil]

Bucky isn't someone who seeks out a lot of new company but Gazin sort of forces it out of him. The town's so small and the group who have just appeared out of nowhere from other worlds is even smaller so he feels the need to suss out those people and see if they're allies or something else.

The last thing he expected to see was a cat cafe and the second to last thing he expected was to go in. Still, there's something comforting in seeing all the little cats wandering around and he's reminded, yet again, that animals are way easier than people.

There's a man drinking tea with one of the cats in his lap and Bucky laughs softly. "Have you been adopted?"

[cantseeyoursin]

He laughs softly and places his hand on the little creature's head. "Apparently I have been. At least temporarily. My lap is apparently a good bed."

He doesn't have a lot of experience with animals but apparently he is at least an attractive bed for at least this one cat. Perhaps his robes are just nice to nest into.

"Have you found a furry friend to enjoy contact with yet?"

Catfe~

[jiangzaid]

It's a gift to see Xingchen so relaxed, and Xue Yang almost doesn't approach. But he can't resist! So he bounces over, trusting his daozhang to hear him before he even chirps "A-Chen!" He leans over, offering a hand to the cute little cat to sniff, and wraps an arm around the blindman's shoulders.

"Did you make more friends?"

[cantseeyoursin]

He smiles and puts the tea back down on the table so that it doesn't spill now that he has another one attached to him. "It seems that I have. He...or she...doesn't seem to anxious to leave. They are very well behaved."

Not that he has a lot of experience with cats so maybe all of them behave like this. Though he has never known one to simply get in his lap and claim space before.

Festival

[zichen]

Being surrounded by so many people is uncomfortable for Song Zichen. His immediate response is to panic - inwardly at least - and stiffen. But he is able to breathe, to remind himself of how many friendly souls reside in Gazin, and before long, he sees Xingchen. His posture relaxes the slightest bit and he walks forward, wrapping an arm around the other man.

"Are you sampling the bread?"

[cantseeyoursin]

He is a little surprised when he hears the familiar voice suddenly beside him. With all the sounds and the busyness of the festival he didn't hear him coming. But it is a good surprise as he smiles towards the other man, relaxing at the touch. He holds up the little plate of samples.

"I was going to bring a couple home for you. Now you can help me decide which ones."

He didn't expect Zichen to come out with the festival being so busy but he is glad that the other man has found him.

Catfe

[guijiangjun]

Wen Ning knew who Xiao Xingchen was, with Xue Yang having been the first one to greet him it had helped clear up some things and also gave him an idea of who was around.

"May I join you, Daozhang," Wen Ning asks, although, the other might not know him but he would like to introduce himself to him.

[cantseeyoursin]

He tilts his head slightly when he hears the voice near to him. It isn't familiar but it seems he is known to the man so that makes him curious. "Of course. I'm sorry that I'm not sure who I am going to be sharing tea with."

Lan Wangji | Mo Dao Zu Shi

[alittlespicy]

Festival

Lan Wangji is not exactly the most thrilled by loud festivities generally, but he can be seen on occasion around the place. Sometimes to find out new things to cook; sometimes to perhaps join in with the music, sometimes to observe the magic and learn.

And, sometimes, there is his husband with him.

"Wei Ying. Would you like something?" Not that Wei Ying can't win his prizes alone, and Wangji is aware. That doesn't mean he won't offer.

Shield Day

Building things for the safety and security of the residents is natural for Wangji, and he's not hesitated to offer, or to work for it.

Now that the shield is complete, on the other hand, he can be found standing near the perimeter, gazing out at the woods. If someone approaches, he'll ask, quietly,

"do you think there will be many occasions where it will be needed?"

Wildcard

If you have a wish for something else...

Shield Day

[flirtatiousdancer]

Kexing wanders over, fan absently wafting as he studies the energies. The quiet question has him hum.

"There will always be the possibility of an attack. This way, we're ready for it. The wall is lovely, but not very strong."

[alittlespicy]

Wangji's expression softens slightly.

"Mn. Did you encounter powerful beasts on the way out or back?"

Shield Day

[guijiangjun]

Wen Ning is still learning about this new land that he has found himself in. He bows to the other, when he speaks to him.

"I do not know. Were there occasions that have already happened where it would have been useful?"

[alittlespicy]

Wangji tilts his head slightly, pale eyes only flicking at the dark marks at the young man's neck for a moment before returning to his face. The stature is not unfamiliar, but despite corruption, this man is not a fierce corpse...

"You have recently arrived." More a statement to be confirmed than anything else. "No attacks yet. The woods are dangerous, still."

It might be a matter of time before something comes out of the woods. Or something dangerous comes here by wishing to be somewhere else.

Zhou Zishu | Word of Honor | OTA

[eternallywandering]

Catfe Gerdri

Animals have a way of charming the once vicious leader of the Window of Heaven. He smiles broadly as he approaches the cafe, bending down almost immediately to draw a cat into his arms. The feline purrs and reveals her pretty red collar. Oh, he might be in trouble. Smirking to himself, he carries the darling to a comfortable seat and smooths over her warm brown fur.

"Your name is Pumpkin?" he chuckles and rubs his cheek against the top of her head, "You're very seasonal."

Eventually he will order hot tea and enjoy it while Pumpkin takes a nap on his lap. She is welcome for as long as she likes - and she isn't alone. Other cats are playing at Zishu's feet, batting at toys and his robes.

Harvest Festival

Dancing, hm? He does his best to avoid that, focusing instead on the games. His aim is impeccable and eventually he steps in to make sure everyone gets a prize. There's no reason why festival goers should go home frustrated and empty-handed!

"Pick out your prize." he encourages a little boy after winning a game for him, "Make sure you can carry it without your arms getting tired."

Gazin's Shield Day

He is proud of their work and he stands back to admire it, letting other magic users show off their skills. It's good to help others - to shield them from the horrors in the wild - and he feels content. Zishu can be found wandering through the crowds, eating...ice? A brown cat is usually at his heels - unless she is enjoying some nice treats he buys for her.

Festival

[flirtatiousdancer]

Kexing pouts when he sees his husband isn't dancing, or maybe that's a good thing because it means he can (and will!) drag him out himself.

But he stands back, watching his soulmate win prizes for others. His puppy plops at his feet, obediently staying close before Kexing can't resist and walks over - giving the sweet canine a look to keep it with him. "A-Xu, come dance with me."

[eternallywandering]

There is only one he will dance with and that's only if asked. In the meantime, he likes spending his time making others happy. Only after tucking a stuffed animal into the arms of a tiny girl does he turn to face his husband.

How can he say no to such a precious pair? Bending down, he rubs the pup's ears.

"Are you asking or demanding, Lao Wen?"

Catfe

[guijiangjun]

Wen Ning has visited the cafe more than a few times. He's enamored with the cats and the Mrs Gerdri as well. He's heard she is looking for work and he's considering but... would he be good at this kind of work? Then again maybe it would fit in with some of the skill sets from his early life.

In any case, he smiles when someone he hasn't seen yet comes in and Pumpkin seems to claim his attention for herself right away, although it doesn't really deter the other cats.

"I think she likes you," Wen Ning says from nearby.

[eternallywandering]

Wen Ning would be the best at working with kitties and nice patrons! And Zishu will tell him so once they become acquainted. At the moment, Pumpkin is being too cute and he chuckles as he rubs her ears.

"I hope she does." he looks up and smiles, "I would be upset if I was rejected."

He also gives the other kitties attention, batting at their toys with his foot and giving them a nice game of chase.

Song Zichen | The Untamed | OTA

[zichen]

Catfe Gerdri

Cats are...fine. Zichen doesn't have the same issue with touch when he is around animals. He smiles softly at a pair of kittens tumbling on a soft pillow and he gently separates them, calming them with his voice and touch.

"You will hurt each other that way. Be gentle." he advises, scooping up the babies and ordering small cups of milk for them to enjoy. Pretty soon he has two kittens with whiskers covered in milk at his table, rumbling happily because of their full bellies.

Harvest Festival

The sights and sounds startle him and sometimes he walks fast, leaving the noise behind. Other times, he almost looks frozen in place, unsure of what he should do. Of course he keeps watch over the crowd and if there are any problems, he has no difficulty stepping in, Fuxue unsheathed.

But this is a new environment for him and he feels a bit like a bird made to swim or a fish made to fly. His hands shake and there is a cold sweat on his skin, yet he remains. His loved ones are here and he cares for the well-being and safety of Gazin.

Festival

[jiangzaid]

Xue Yang hadn't really expected his husband to come out for the festival, so he'd gone off on his own. But he spies that uncomfortable figure just ahead and immediately bounces over to wrap his arms around his Zichen, snuggling in to protect against the growing chill of the season. He rubs his cheek against his husband's chest like a cat and peeks up at him.

"Are you hungry, A-Lan?" Not commenting on that slight tremble in those beloved hands, or the sweat he sees dotting Zichen's face. He knows why. And he's proud of his husband for coming anyway. But he doesn't have to do it alone!

Harvest Festival

[guijiangjun]

Wen Ning is enjoying the festival. It is lively and he's a little overwhelmed himself and he's definitely been bullied by some little ones by the time he comes across Song Lan frozen in place -- or at least it nearly looks like that.

"Are you alright?"

Wen Ning | The Untamed | OTA

[guijiangjun]

Catfe

Wen Ning doesn't really go to the cafe for the drinks -- but he does always get something. He has some kind of apple tea today and a rather large cat in his lap, purring as it laid on its back. It has a red collar and Wen Ning knows what that means but he also isn't sure he is a good choice to take a cat home to care for. Still, he's quite smitten with this one. He sips at his tea and bows his head in greeting to anyone that looks his way.

He looks friendly enough without his chains and with some clothes that were tattered.

Festival

Wen Ning enjoys the atmosphere of the festival. It's jovial and there is plenty to watch. He spends most of his time off to the side. Shy and quiet. He's content like this too. He doesn't need attention. He doesn't really need much of anything.

A few times you might see him getting bullied around by children for ...who knows what reason this time... and others he might be politely trying some vendor's bread or cake, bowing his head and complimenting them profusely.

He absolutely is definitely not going to dance.

Wildcard

[ Anything else! Wen Ning has been around for a while now but I haven't been able to get him out and about until now. I'm up for anything! ]

Finnick Odair | The Hunger Games | for annie and open

[fishermansweater]

harvest festival

There was a time, once, when Finnick used to enjoy the Harvest Festival. Before he knew any better what it meant. When the glory and the excitement of a Victory Tour that coincided with the feast at the end of the festival was what he longed for himself. Sometimes he feels so disconnected from that time in his life it's like he's a different person.

But that doesn't mean Finnick doesn't understand the desire to gather with the other members of the community to celebrate the ending of a year. The thing that does surprise him is that Gazin's Harvest Festival is in the fall, well before the midwinter he associates it with. And that the word is it will run for weeks - something he's not sure about. He can't imagine the Harvest Festival he knows going on that long - it's a time to mark the end of the year, and come together as a community, and to celebrate if District Four brought home a victor, but more years than not there's no victor and just the normal supplies of food. And that reminds Finnick every time of what that loss costs.

So in some ways, he can't even imagine a Harvest Festival without that.

for annie

So he's not sure what to expect when he and Annie arrive at the festival, but it's definitely not the amount of enjoyment and festivity that permeates the whole marketplace and much of the rest of the city. All around them, new stalls have appeared, more people are out in the streets, and there's laughter and the smell of fresh-baked goods all around them.

It makes him reach for Annie's hand, to hold it, because while he knows that being around a lot of people can make her nervous, he's not sure what to expect either.

"What do you want to do first?"

open

He comes back on later days, sometimes with Annie and sometimes just to wander through the new market stalls, taste the baked goods on offer, or enjoy the music. Those days, he does his best to blend into the crowd. It's easier here, where people don't know him as anything other than a fisherman. He's not followed by fans here, his name isn't being spoken everywhere he goes. But people still notice him and take a second look, or let their gaze linger on his face. But it's still ... very different from Panem, where he was constantly under scrutiny whenever he was in public.

Here, he can wander the market, talk to the stallholders, sample bread and admire cakes without being the center of attention. So he does. He indulges, a little more than he should, and he seeks out the cake stalls most days. He tries a couple of samples, and occasionally he asks the stallholder what's new or good.

Some evenings, he comes for the music. Finnick likes dancing, especially now he's not under any obligation to dance with anyone if he doesn't want to. So he's usually dancing with Annie or on his own. But occasionally if a stranger asks and he doesn't find himself instantly distrusting them, he might say yes.

Some nights, he prefers to perch on a table and try one of the beers on offer. He's never been much of a beer drinker, but it seems to be the done thing at Gazin's festival, and as the month goes on, he gets more comfortable with doing things just for the sake of participating. If he sees someone he's met, or a stranger who meets his eye, he'll give them a smile raise his glass.

"Hi".

[treadswater]

No one has died.

It's the one aspect of this festival Annie keeps tripping over. No one has died. No one has watched 24 children killing each other. No one is left to mourn over 23 caskets and the lack of food for another year. No terror, no guilt, no march of the Capitol machine. She isn't even dressed that fancy, because her wardrobe is at home. In Panem. And she's not in Panem, so she just has some ribbons braided through her hair and a pretty bodice she bought the other week: otherwise, she's dressed normally.

Oh, except for her shoes. She did splurge on some boots with a hard heel. Just in case there is dancing.

(There is always dancing.)

Finnick reaches for her, and Annie steps in close to him, weaving her fingers through his. She can do that, here. It's still strange.

"I don't know? Um. I guess it can't hurt if we just do a circuit, right? And, and, uh, look at it all first?"