[Event] Summer Sea Festival

[Paragon]

Summer Sea Festival Timestamp: 45th Evening of Summer, 512 AV. Open To: All Zeltivan residents and visitors. OOCPlease be aware this is an EVENT, not a modded thread. Moderators are free to - and may - post small additions to the festivities, but this is ultimately a backdrop for players to thread against. It is NOT a quest, so please do not wait on or expect moderator posts. I hope you enjoy! Also, credit for some of the basic idea of this event goes to Wrenmae, and the koi gifts are credited to Echelon. Every Midsummer, as Syna descends and Leth rises into the heavens, Zeltivans take to the docks and the shoreline, in celebration of the vast sea that sustains their city. Flotillas of boats and ships fill Mathews Bay, alight with paper lanterns. Beautiful craftworks are also set afloat on the water, lotus flowers, paper birds, and fish. Small offerings to the God of the Ocean. It is often said that those who send out a paper flower, animal, or lantern into the water will have a small wish come true. Some Svefra venture from the Suvan Sea and into the bay to join the celebrations, offering Zeltivans short excursions out into the bay aboard their casinors. Akvatari and Charoda have been known to swim amidst the festivities too. The Wave Guard attend in a ceremonial fashion, watching the waves with a twinkle in their eyes. The festival celebrates Laviku as much as it does the sea itself. The oceans are his dominion, and it is Laviku that holds much sway in Zeltiva, with his resplendent temple housed in the city proper. The people celebrate his reign, since they know it is the ocean that keeps their city's spirit burning. They show their devotion by celebrating until the sun begins to rise once again. Sailor's Guild representatives peddle various gifts and wares to festival goers - with all purchases contributing to the statusSP of the buyer. Gifts & Wares Small Koi, Multi Colored 3GM Common Koi, Multi Colored 5GM Large Koi, Multi Colored 8GM Small Koi, Solid Colored 10GM Common Koi, Solid Color 20GM Large Koi, Solid Color 30GM Small Paper Lotus 5SM Large Paper Lotus 1GM Small Paper Fish 5SM Large Paper Fish 1GM Small Paper Bird 5SM Large Paper Bird 1GM Paper Lantern 2GM

[Vhast]

Threaded meaningfully beneath the cool sand that delighted the bare flesh of his feet and the gentle breeze that stroked his hair more fondly than woman's caress, Vhast felt himself drawn at peace with the world this festive eve. His lithe chest pressed casually against the warm white fabric of his tunic that beat in rhythm with the kiss of the wind, inhaling deeply the salty brine of the sea that pervaded all. For some perhaps the stench was enough to turn one's nose at, but for the student who stood apart, it was life incarnate. Closing his moss green eyes to the glow of fire littering the bay, he could almost forget all the horrors he'd escaped mere months ago -- at least for the moment. Exhaling smoothly between lips that were white as bone against the dark relief of the churning waters, Vhast stepped forth into the surf, the breakers spitting white froth from crested tips that were dashed carelessly against the shoreline. Watching them recede back into the depths of the Bay, the boy reveled in the icy veins which washed over the tops of his feet and churned against his slender ankles. The glittering amber of a thousand lamps hushed the murk from the water’s depths, inviting Vhast further out until his rolled up knees were swallowed by the rocking waves. Somehow he felt secure despite his state of imbalance from the current, as though Laviku himself were holding him firm by the shoulder. It was a fool’s thought, but not one to which he dwelled on for long. Clutched in his right palm more delicately than new life itself, a plain white paper crane sat. A simple prayer had been scrawled within its depths, obscured now by its many meticulous folds. Though the wind blew against it, Vhast’s fingers caged it gingerly so that it could not escape before the timing seemed right. Looking up to stars that speckled an obscured night sky, Leth shone brightest of all, empowered perhaps by the light in Matthew’s Bay which was reminiscent of his beloved. Breathing in earnest once more, another wave rolled up to near mid thigh, stoking the nerves in his newly damp flesh to firing sparks up and down his spine. Hearing the waters crash behind him, Vhast felt the time had come, the strength of the tow entreating him to return to the depths with it. Holding out his hand in offering to Laviku, the student spoke words of encouragement in hopes of bringing some clarity to such an ephemeral moment. “For you, father.” Splaying his fingers out in each direction, the small crane hesitated a moment against his alabaster flesh before succumbing to the will of the wind. Drawn in by the tide, it splashed harmlessly against the waters and was gradually pulled out to sea. Vhast could not help but to watch its progression, first in and then out further, in, then out a little further. Until all that was left was a small speck against a giant darkness. There was no hope of Laviku finding such an insignificant plea. He should have made something grander.

[Lilium]

The sunset was beautiful, as always. A slowly building symphony of colors that exploded in a crescendo of orange light as the great face of Syna drowned in the ocean along the horizon. Lilium stood on the beach, allowing the fiery rays to bathe her body in their resplendent glow, her molten gold eyes staring across the gently rippling water of the bay.  Like the falling of autumn leaves, her form changed. Falling like snow her long hair shimmered to a platinum white, descending down across her shoulders in a ethereal cascade. The two curved horns that decorated her head shrank and disappeared without a mark beneath a forehead that shifted in color from rose gold to paler almost white faintly scaled skin. Beneath the soft white fabric of her gown, the scales continued along her body all the way to her bare feet. Finally, her distance gaze shifted from amber to a crystalline blue not unlike the blue of a glacier broken in the depths of winter. The ethaefal sighed as the transformation completed, as though the weight of a thousand lifetimes had been lifted from her shoulders. Swathed in her konti form, Lilium looked down at the paper lantern in her hands. Inside, the little flame flickered brightly, lighting the words written around the paper frame. The godling was too old to believe in wishes or fairytales...but she believed in Laviku. Once, long before this life, she had known him. Of this, the ageless woman was sure. She knew his stormy eyes and wild beard.  Moving toward the lapping waves of the ocean, Lilium balanced the lantern on one hand whilst lifting her sheer dress with the other. Wading into the chilled waters, up to her knees, the pale creature bent and lowered the lantern to the water. The sky had faded now, a mesmerising display of deep purples and blues mixed with the dying of the orange light. It was mirrored in the dark waters. Straightening, Lilium watched as the glowing lantern was slowly joined by others and pulled out into the bay. "The water is wide, I can't cross over and neither I have wings to fly give me a boat that can carry two and both shall row - my love and I..." Softly the ethaefal sang the snippet of a song from far into her past, her pale pink lips drawing into a small smile as she did. Her wish would never be fulfilled or answered, yet each year she lit the lantern and raised her hopes. And so each year they were dashed. Glancing idly around as she began to turn and walk back to the shore, Lilium couldn't help but notice the young man standing in the waters beside her. "You know, watching it all the way is considered bad luck. Laviku can't grant wishes with everyone watching." She said with a smile and a soft voice, noticing the young man seemed so sad.

[Marin]

Marin heard the news sweep through the university that day. Students all over were whispering and yelling about the yearly sea festival. The news traveled, as of course as it does, turned to gossip. Many of the younger students were spotted arguing over what was going to show up this year at the festival. “I bet a whole silver miza that the Akvatari show up!” “No! I bet they are just going to hide out at the bottom of the bay... they’ll never show up!” Snippets of conversations like this were heard all over not only the university, but the city. Marin was excited, he had been to earlier festivals with his father when he was young. He remembered the beautiful lights along the bay, the paper lanterns, fish, and birds floating on the glowing water. The docks were filled with people, so packed it was as if the entire city was there. It was the best as the sun faded, and the bay was lit with magnificent lanterns, and the moon shone on the bay below. As the sun set, Marin left his university dorm and studies for another day and went down to the docks. People from all over Zeltiva were along the streets, dancing and wandering to the festival. Marin could start to hear the noise as he approached, and thought again about going. That was the one thing I hated! The noise! The singing and music! Ugh. Marin stopped in the street to debate his attendance to the festival. It would be so nice to just relax... But as he remembered the previous festivals he had been to, he reluctantly walked on.

[Vhast]

Words sweeter than lullaby filled the air surrounding the dispirited youth, kindling for the sorrow that tore him apart from within. What light there was to define his sharp features, the gleam in his eyes reflected distortedly, rims kissed by tears refusing to fall. So close to point that he could feel his skin beginning to quiver, Vhast inhaled sharply until the air ran like stinging ice through his nostrils. It was all he could do to keep the sob at bay, his lips parting to release a pitiful sigh that tied a thick knot at the back of his throat. And then the voice which had been fastened to the verse faded, its absence felt in the pit of his chest where heart’s beat had dulled. Vhast could not remember ever hearing such a song in Ravok, much less the inspiring tongue that had crafted it. So much about his past life seemed dimmer since he’d entered Zeltiva, his ignorance a shield he had never known existed. Now dispelled, the misery of the day to day was filled by something unfamiliar yet lifting: hope. Snatched from the haze of reverie and forced to reabsorb his tears, a voice that matched the lyrical one from before drew Vhast’s gaze sidelong into a woman bathed in white. If he had not known a konti by appearance, she could have been easily mistaken for a celestial embodiment instead. Those few he’d been privileged enough to see had been sold under the guise of servitude in his past. It pleased him to know this new acquaintance was not one. Smiling ruefully in response to her words of kindness, Vhast dared to look out to sea once again in hopes of catching a glimpse of his prayer one last time. Tucking his free hands into the pockets of his sodden trousers, the black strands of his hair danced freely across his forehead. “I wouldn’t know how Laviku‘s divinity works. I’ve only had one god my entire life, and he wasn’t the most pleasant of folk to deal with.” Vhast’s own bitter irony drew out a short chuckle that bunched his cheeks and partially creased his eyes, dashing away the sadness he‘d displayed moments ago to mere fetters of grief. Turning to face the woman with the intention of properly greeting her, a rogue wave he couldn’t have seen coming abruptly thrust itself upon him instead. Tossed towards the beach, Vhast swayed for a moment in feeble attempt to right himself, a comical display that had him dancing on one teetering foot. Forced to kneel or splash face first, the waters submerged his entire body for one brief second before the young man burst back up from the surf. A deluge of water splashed thunderously away from him, arms weighed out to each side as fabric clung coldly to flesh. Spitting and sputtering, Vhast at least showed propriety in avoiding hitting the konti with spray, his cheeks flush with crimson while features were drawn to misery. Staggered feet eventually met again with drying sand, his first few breaths labored as he could still taste the sea sharply on his tongue.

[Lilium]

Lilium smiled at the young man, only just past being a boy in years but his eyes spoke decades. His words were weighted with a past only he was privy to and the tone so disheartened the ageless creature couldn't help but feel for him. How unfair was life that one so young could already be so tainted? His small chuckle served to shake the sombre thought from her mind and as he moved towards her, the ethaefal felt the pull of the water around her legs. Too little to late, she glanced out towards the tide as a large wave cascaded towards them. High stepping as she pulled her skirts away from the salty waters, Lilium allowed the wave to wash over her calves and crash across her knees. It curled up, splashing the konti with foamy delight. Fortunately, she was used to the ocean - born into it twice in her lifetimes - and she knew it's tricks. Her feet met the sand as she followed the flow of the wave back towards the shore, escaping with only a wet lower half and droplets cascading across her face and platinum hair. A sudden quick sound of surprise escaped her lips as the young man who had been standing beside her burst from the surf. He unfortunately, had not been as lucky as she with the incoming wave. Drenched and dripping, the poor young man looked utterly miserable as he stumbled to the dry sands. The eternal woman couldn't hold back the small chuckle that bubbled from her throat. "I am terribly sorry, that was rude of me." She said with wide crystalline eyes, hand flying to cover her mouth before she lowered it, biting her lip contritely. "Perhaps we should move closer to the fires, it's much warmer there. Oh, I have something too..." Lilium moved away from the waters, and between the people coming to submit their prayers to the Gods, towards a backpack she had carried with her from Worlds End. It was her travelling pack, filled with selected items of necessity when one attended an outdoors event on the beach. Tucked carefully away back from the stalls and bonfires of the various sellers on the beach, in a familiar nook between the rocks of the bay, the blonde reached in and fished out a soft towel. Handing it to the raven haired man, she smiled again. "Once can never be unprepared when it comes to the ocean, no matter how small the interaction." Faintly, her stomach growled. It was dusk, evening none the less, and the festival brought a myriad of food stalls to the beach. People touted their wares with excitement and delight, and the smells of the festival wafted across the sands. Still, she could abstain for the time being...mostly. "Please, allow me to offer you something warm to eat or drink, to make up for my rudeness. I am called Lilium, by the way." The slight woman said softly, curtsying slightly as she allowed the wet fabric of her dress fall around her ankles. It was thin, a sheer linen that would dry easily enough in front of one of the bonfires.

[Vhast]

Thankful just to have found a patch of secure footing to rely his weight on, Vhast’s ears perked to the dreaded sound of stifled laughter emanating from the one person he hoped had turned a blind eye. Naturally, he'd expected too much. As embittered as the young man felt previously though, a stitch of amusement climbed within him upon seeing her gaping expression. It was the sort of infectious response that made his own lips curl towards his cheeks despite predicament. With pitiable resignation, Vhast stooped down to pick up the boots he’d left behind and followed the konti, leaving a trail of moist sand in their wake. What little he knew about her enigmatic race was whimsical in nature. In fact, what knowledge he did possess was credited to fairy tales and outlandish rumor. It was hardly the sort of grounds a scholar willingly stood on. But she was beautiful, there was no doubting that. He just reserved a reasonable expectation that there was more to it than that. Taking the towel she graciously offered and with a polite “Thank you“, Vhast spread the fabric out neatly until it became a single sheet. Draping it over his scalp at first, he began to rub vigorously at various parts of his still clothed body until he felt satisfied that the fire could handle the rest. Though he had every intention of returning the towel, for now it simply hung loosely from each shoulder in twisted length. There was no telling if he might have need of it again, after all. Given his sterling reputation with the breakers, the odds did not seem highly in his favor. Ignoring for the time being that he’d caught any hint of her stomach growling, Vhast felt his spirits lifted when she finally revealed her name. “Lilium,” he repeated in his own imperialized accent. “I am called Vhast,” he offered with teasing grin and well practiced bow. “And I believe the towel should suffice for apology. Now, about that grumbling stomach of yours…” Turning his nose to the air in likeness of a wolf trailing for prey, Vhast gazed towards the docks and became suddenly self-assured in his dampened stature. Motioning with the gentle tilt of his head for Lilium to walk beside him, the young man’s eyes flashed with indulgence. “The fires can wait, I assure you. After falling into the water, I’d rather not test my balance and luck against flame.” If his roguish smile gave any indication as to how he felt, it seemed he had stepped away from his lamentations for the time being.

[Lilium]

Offering the young man another soft chuckle, Lilium followed him towards the docks. If his nose was anything to go by, the ageless konti was being led into a myriad of delicacies saved only for the evening of the festival. Stalls and stands dotted the beach between fires and hanging lanterns. People chattered and ate and celebrated the festival, leaving those who had wandered into the darkened waters to their peaceful release of the paper wishes. Again, her stomach growled and the woman threw Vhast a bashful glance, her cheeks turning a warmer shade of pink. He spoke like a nobleman, but his demeanor wasn't pompous or inflated, and it seemed somewhat out of place in his current damp and towel shouldered appearance. "Indeed, I doubt I have anything in my pack that can cure falling into the flames of a well fed bonfire. Besides, your far nicer looking with eyebrows and hair." The ethaefal said with a giggle. Pausing, she halted by one of the small stands along the way. A basic tent selling wreath crowns made of flowers, daisy chains and even intricate bouquets designed to hold a candle in the center and float across the ocean. Jasmine, honeysuckle and tiny little forget-me-nots were all twisted and twined around a crown of slightly green birch twigs. Stooping down, Lilium breathed in the sweet aroma of the flowers and closed her eyes. It reminded her of the day, fresh and crisp and alive...a scent so often missed in the evening when the flowers closed their petals for the night. Standing again, she moved on with Vhast, offering him a delighted smile. "Unfortunately my stomach and the evening seem to be in cahoots against me. As soon as the sun sets, it reminds me that there is bounty to be found where ever my feet may have led me, and Gods strike me down if I don't obey." Her crystalline eyes spotted another pavilion, this time one selling a rich hearty lamb stew served in a hand sized chunk of thick crusty bread that served as both a bowl and part of the meal. Swallowing back another growl of her impatient stomach, Lilium turned her gaze back to his own. ""I so love the night time, especially when people take the time to show off the best their produce has to offer. Such a beautiful thing, all so...alive and...delicious."

[Vhast]

Vhast kept his amusement thinly veiled each time he heard the woman’s stomach give protest, gaze meaningfully occupied by the sights of the festival while an innocent smirk plagued his lips. In truth, finding the vendors who sold wares for every appetite had nothing to do with any refined sense other than insight. The simple fact of the matter was that the young man had passed the docks on his way to the shoreline nearly a bell’s toll ago, the sniffing of the air merely a ruse to satiate his whimsy. He’d shown no signs or pangs of hunger at the time, though evidently a dip in the surf had amended that. Snorting blithely to the comment she offered as to the state of a hairless scalp, Vhast drew a dramatic hand to his brow trailing upwards as he snaked his slender fingers through damp strands of hair. “And to think that just the other day I was considering doing away with both. Perhaps the fire is in order…” But somehow nothing about jumping headlong into the burning embers seemed gratifying, his attention soon drawn to where Lilium had been waylaid by a florist’s goods. Stepping beside her and still partially dripping, Vhast sampled a bouquet of sweet alyssum wreathing a small space where candle was meant to go. He hardly noticed the look the vendor had given him, one of rolling eyes and repentant shaking of head, obviously too old to know a good walking joke when she saw one. Vhast simply grinned broadly towards her as the pair passed, ignorant of the fact his presence held any bearing at all. Following Lilium in conversation had been quite relaxing up to this point, trading cheerful glances here and there to keep the air between them copacetic. But upon mentioning how the night seemed to change her, Vhast could not help but raise a single inquisitive brow upon his forehead. At least he had the decency to accompany it with entertained expression rather than let his confusion fester. For now he seemed content to let his own questions slide though, following her gaze instead to another pavilion that roped her interest. It was a relief to hear her words rise again, though he could not help but release a cheerful laugh this time. It became rather obvious she was doing everything within her power to remain polite, but Vhast seemed inclined to hear none of it. Instead he took her gingerly by the hand, imploring her to follow as at long last they stood before the vendor the girl’s stomach couldn’t seem to resist. His hand slipped from hers mindlessly. Holding up two fingers to the proprietor, Vhast exchanged coin with the burly looking man for two bowls brimming with steaming and delectable concoction, spoons rising from each one. Gracious enough to set them on a wooden tray, Vhast slid their meal away and turned to look with a sudden wary eye upon the voracious eyes of his friend. “Let’s ah… find a place to sit, shall we?” It was a few moments until Vhast noticed there was a small alley leading between the raised tents that opened up to a common sitting area where others of like mind were enjoying meals along benches. Finding a place where not to impede on the conversation of others, Vhast placed the tray between them on an empty table and sat down. Proper etiquette behooved him to allow Lilium the choice of which bowl to consume, though something told him it wouldn’t be long until he was sharing what remained of his with her. “I must admit I’ve never had the pleasure of having a konti for company. It seems I’ve been missing out if each one is as pleasant as you.”

[Marcus Dymez]

The ocean was an old friend, always seen but rarely visited. This was one of those unique times. The Summer festival had always been a break of pace during Marcus' childhood, a way to rid himself of the mundane life he was thrust himself into, but it always ended as quickly as it came, and he never felt truly happy about the fair. When he struck off on his own however, the whole affair was seen in a different light. Now, through the lens of maturity and knowledge, Marcus could appreciate the festival for what it truly was; A peaceful gathering for the citizens of the city, to pay homage to their patron god and protector. Marcus was just happy to have a reason to celebrate. A small paper lotus gently rides the waves, slowly finding itself further and further from the city. The young scholar had no desire to watch it, praying for some tiny boon. He simply wished to pay respects to Laviku, if not simply the organizers of this festival. The small beach was a rare place for Marcus to visit, his usual ventures often occurring along the pier or the dockyards. For this, he had no real reason to stay, and so made his way back to the camaraderie and bonfires of the celebration. His rough white shirt and rugged leather trousers billowed slightly as a gust came in from the sea, the sweet ocean air rushing over the shore. If anyone ever asked what serenity smelled like, Marcus knew what to tell them. Marcus made his way through the myriad of vendors and peddlers, necessary for any festival, and flashed polite smiles at any who caught his eye, or vice-versa. He found the bustle of the entire ceremony quite calming, to be honest; each person carrying their own good-cheer or somber smile. It was a successful festival in his eyes, as if he could judge such things. But still Marcus felt the void of purpose, as he always felt at these events. He wandered aimlessly around for a few minutes, not sure of what he truly cared to do. Everyone else had a reason to be here, everyone their companion to mourn or celebrate with. But not Marcus. The young scholar's reasoning was just as far-away as the angel he considered his companion. In truth, he hadn't seen much of Lilium in the past couple weeks, but then again, Marcus had not searched all that hard. He did not want to seem the needy type, or so he told himself. In reality, he had just been lazy the past couple days. Wanderlust ever-present, Marcus leaned against a wooden boardwalk, gazing out towards the sea's rolling waves. His thoughts echoed the slow motion of the water, searching for any motive not to leave and return to his studies. Moment by moment passed, until Marcus realized there was nothing to keep him any longer. Laviku had his paper flower, and the citizens had reveled with him in their good-cheer. Marcus turned on his feet, somewhat glad to at least have a decision. Still, one nagging thought remained, prodding him with it's infectious disappointment as he made his way to leave. Walking through a small patio, Marcus once more felt a sweeping breeze from the sea, and instinctively turned to gaze out towards the distant horizon. What he saw instead was an angel. Marcus stood still for a moment, his mind processing the sight before any other motion was made. The white-clad Ethaefal sat on a bench, a young man, almost a child really, by her side. Marcus wore his characteristic smirk with a fulfilled sense of purpose, suddenly aware of the reason he had been aching for. His precise fingers ran through his hair subconsciously as he walked towards the pair, coming from an angle from Lilium's side, opposite of her companion. Marcus presumed to catch her off-guard, but the young man would definitely see him coming close. Marcus hoped he would gauge him, hoped he would guess and assume all manner of things about him. Such was the nature of people after all, and Marcus was always surprised what they came up with. In his current attire he seemed as mundane as anyone else, a purposeful decision given the crowd. As he got close, Marcus simply wore his smirk as a solid fixture of his expression, a mix of playful nature and knowing distinction. A gentle hand laid softly on the woman's shoulder, a calm and collected voice coming across the sea-borne air. "Who would've guessed that a shadow-fell angel would find herself at the same place as the gleaming sunlight?"