Open The New Year Festival

[Ricky Maze]

The New Year Festival
Spring 1st 514 AV, 12th Bell
Location: The Docks

It was a cause for a celebration unlike any other, today being the first day of a brand new year and all. Today the Sailor’s Guild worked together with the local fisherman to set up a grand festival to celebrate the start of a new beginning, which had started not long after the rise of Syna began over the peaks of the mountains and her light spread throughout Mathew’s Bay. From the first light of day both sailor and fisherman have worked hard to stock up on food for the festivities and set up stalls for the event, it wasn’t until after a bell or two later that the general locals were aroused and partook in the set up. It was an event that enlightened the hearts of every Zeltivan spirit, as everybody who partook longed to spread joy throughout their city after a long dreary winter. By the time the eleventh bell rang out across the city the festival had finished being set up properly and everyone began their merry ways in celebrating the change in their bygone year.

There was loud but very lively music played by buskers as well as some other musicians from the University, with people dancing about rambunctiously with vigorous spirits. Stalls were aligned along the docks to provide those that partook in this event with refreshments, food and drink both an available option to freely share with everyone around. There was plenty of grilled salmon and sea bass to spare as the fisherman worked hard to haul in all this fresh catch, and only the finer cooks in Zeltiva used a rather small but ever busy grill to keep the supply going. One would also find a selection of sandfish, shrimp, crab, and even eel available to eat, clam chowder and kelp salad were some other additions on the side. Drinks weren’t in much of variety but still proved useful refreshments to the thirsty; they consisted of water, honey ale, mead, or even Kelp Beer to the ones that dared to drink the putrid slosh of green.

Overall it was a very lively, very active place to be at in Zeltiva. Those that came here today to celebrate would feel the cool breeze as it carried the smell of freshly cooked sea food throughout the crowd, and the sounds of music and merriment were a definitive indication that this celebration was one not to be missed out on. Which is why Ricky decided that today was the perfect day to head out and go on about the town, dressed in his usual attire minus the long sleeved shirt since weather permitted he didn’t need it. He loved the feel of the cool air and even more so enjoyed the feel of the breeze as it brought the kiss of the sea on his skin, thus he was quite enthusiastic about being here today with his wife and child. Though he’d yet to see anybody he knew off hand save for the few familiar faces of people he knew, he still counted on the chance that others would likely show up today because… well it’s a celebration! Who would want to miss out on such an event after such a miserable year.

Anybody that he did know and knew him in turn would find that he stood next to his wife Telion, who’d worn a simple teal dress that stopped just above her knee, and their son Martin who would be dressed in a small white tunic with but his wavy blue blanket wrapped all around him securely. The couple resided near the stall where the grilled salmon resided, happy to be out and about as Ricky fed Telion a sliver of salmon from his plate.

[Carmony]

The festival was quite the sight to behold. The Sailor's Guild had absolutely outdone themselves. Carmony had heard rumors around the city for days and days leading up to this, about how grand everything would turn out to be. This was something she could have never imagined. Arriving a bell or so after the finishing of arrangement of the festival decorations, she found herself unable to tear herself away. Like many of the other attendees Carmony had been drawn here by the smell of freshly cooked gourmet foods and the sounds of cheer and beautiful music performed by the musicians of Zeltiva's University. It was an absolutely joyous mix that left a wide smile on Carmony's face. She had not the right attire to wear to such an occasion, but it seemed no one really cared what the girl had been adorned with. They were here for the fun of things, and making her way through the crowded streets where people danced, talked, and ate she found herself getting into the rhythm of things. The first activity she became involved with was the lively dancing that took place in the center of things, not by choice, but by over excited hands of pulled her in and made her a part of the celebration. Laughing and going along with people, she danced and danced until her legs felt like jelly, whereas she had to excuse herself to take a rest and grab a bite to eat. She approached the stalls along the docks guided by her nose. Everything smelt so wonderful. Scanning her eyes across the vast choices of meals she could indulge in she found herself at a crossroads. Her choice ended up being a plate full of eel and crab, being a sucker for all kinds of sea food in all its exotic forms. She found nice spot against the railing of the dock to lean back and watch the on goings of the festival around her. The spirit of this event was contagious. More and more people began piling in and before she knew it she was almost pressed back against the bars, that if they had not been there, she would have been lost to the waters of Matthew Bay long ago. Even as this fact literally pressed at her, she couldn't help but continue to be happy. She found a bin to throw her trash in, before returning to the area where people were dancing. She loved to dance, and here it seemed she could go on for as long as she wished. She lost herself in the feel of things, and she hoped she would never forget this day.

[Ricky Maze]

Even with the wild bustle and the packed crowd that swarmed the entire docks nobody could say that they were having a bad day, because the mood and the energy here was by far too positive in which caused Zeltiva to thrive on good spirits. The people conversed, laughed, danced, ate, drank, and in some cases sang their way to merriment with each passing chime, the overly tumultuous celebration infected every citizen here today with a sort of vigorous spirit, which made it all the more difficult not to enjoy and be a part of this wonderful feast. Ricky took to a gentle pinch off another bit of his salmon and placed it within Telion’s mouth, laughs from the both of them present after she chewed on it with a pleased smile.

Ricky wondered when Martin would be ready to try and eat solid food, and was rather eager to see when the child would start. But of course now wasn't that time, both he and Telion knew that well enough as Martin still needed time to grow just a little more. Maybe then they could finally start with introducing food to the child, and enjoy the smallest changes in Martin’s face each time he tried a different flavor. "All in good time." His wife would remark the usual saying that the both of them would remind with, Ricky repeated with a bright smile as they both looked to their son once more in pure joy. Both parents took time in the eating and enjoyment of the salmon they ate, the exquisitely sweet flavor present in the meat with each bite they took. Ricky would have to learn how to cook his own salmon in this manner, so that he could live off of it without end due to its amazing natural flavor.

Afterwards they left the stall area to head further into the reaches of the docks to put a bit of distance between them and the heart of the festival, as much loud and rebellious fun everyone reveled in they both felt better being away from the center of it all. That goes to say that the rest of the docks wasn't as lively of course, small pockets of buskers still played their own instruments to bring fun and amusement to the area’s that the heart of the festival could not. There was plenty of pavilions to go to when one wanted to find a spot to relax at, but no matter where one went they would somehow find music at every single one, and where there was music there was also dancing in turn. When Ricky and Telion found a spot to settle at they would watch the people as they went about their business, an arm brought over his love’s shoulder as Ricky held Telion close to him. They were happy together, content to see that a new day, and a new year, had finally started. There was much to live up to, much to expect as parents. For Ricky it was the start of something important, setting an example that his son could follow as he grew older.

That was just the idea of the new year of course, what it involved would certainly prove a challenge for Ricky. Yet he was ready. They both were in fact, to raise their child together while Martin grew older each passing day. Yet they weren't alone. There would surely be others, others who’d come and go. Others who’d influence not just Martin but Ricky and Telion too, the family as a whole would learn and grow while the new year brought on all these changes. Today though, and only for today, they would put aside all the planning they had started, and allow themselves the comfort of celebration just as every other Zeltivan did today.

[Loken]

Loken looked on impassively as the city celebrated around him. His eyes darted over their jostling bodies, moving dances, and the blatant attention grabbing antics of the vast multitude of Buskers preforming for coin. Despite the celebrations, Loken believed the celebration wanton. He understood that it was as purposed an imperative as any, he supposed, but he hadn't afford it any thought aside from that. To him the past was to be learned from, however found a party to be a frivolous endeavor. Needless celebrations boarded the imaginations of the heart which muted logic and tempted chaos. It was his nature to believe in efficiency as a Pon within the Ano Cult. A Servant of the Goddess of Logic. The attire he wore consisted of an all black linen long sieve shirt with matching pants; his black wool coat worn open over them. He had just walked from the Worlds Ends Grotto where he wanted to rest, but found the party to be something even his stoic minded self could not pass up witnessing. Deciding to leave his weapons in his room other than the throwing starts in the pouch on his belt. Loken arched a brow as he studied a wayward Busker drumming a rhythmic beat, his surprising eyes glancing towards a grouping of young women that tried to get him to dance. He allowed himself to nudged into the center of the group. Tilting his head slightly with pursed lips, unfolding his balled fists to let them hang relaxed at his sides. "Very well." He said after a long and uncomfortable moment of silence. While he knew that he wasn't the best at dancing, he did know that he was an even better fighter. He lifted his hands with open palms into a fighting stance to stroke out with a fluid strike with his fingertips into the air like a spear. In place of a dance, he began practicing sequences of attacks and parries against invisible opponents , repeating the same patterns over and over, while constantly increasing the speed of the movements. Each strike rolled from the tip of his fingers to his shoulders mimicking a snakes flowing body. The wave surging to past his neck to his other arm which repeated the wave. Adding in a sudden round house kick to spin his entire body as he leg moved through the air. He hoped that the display was satisfactory. Treating the impromptu shadow fight as a favor granted to the wishful onlookers rather than as a means of personal celebratory fun.

[Carmony]

Carmony had taken some time to disperse from the large group of dancers once again, watching a splendid display of combat moves from a man who had just joined the crowd. Her expertise in his movements was astounding and almost mesmerizing. She vaguely wondered how long one had to practice such movements to become as talented as this, but it was only a thought from a passing glance, so she continued on her way until she found a less crowded area to rest. Leaning back against the railing, she found the cold metal soothing against her flushed skin. It took her a few moments before she had caught her breath again, but that was to be expected, she hadn't danced that vigorously in ages. It was almost addictive; the feel of freedom as she moved and swayed, twirled and dipped. As she relaxed, she stared into the crowd, losing herself to her thoughts and the moving bodies against the lighted background. Catching he lapse, she let her head roll to the right noticing a couple and their child. She smiled at the sight of them, and how happy they seemed. Warmth filled her heart, having long ago gotten used to life without her family members presence. It wasn't long before she was staring again, and had to tear herself away from the scene. She smiled, moving closer to the group. Maybe they would indulge her with a conversation? "They really did wonderful didn't they?" She spoke as she took up her place next to them, looking back out at the crowd not too far away. She gazed at the crowd for a moment, and then back at the group, smiling down at their baby. "How old?" She asked, striking up another conversation starter. The wind began to pick up for a moment, before dying back down, washing the scent of the sea upon her senses. The music in the background changed tempo, providing the mood for a more intimate dancing routine. After a good rest, Carmony decided that she would indulge herself in a third round of dancing, but for now, she was content with casual conversation and the view.

[Ricky Maze]

oocJust a note that the posting order now follows; Ricky, Loken, and then Carmony now. When another jumps in I’ll be sure to note the order again so that future participants know when their turn is.

Although the rambunctious crowd pooled around the center where the dance thrummed the docks Ricky could very well see within the sea of people that many onlookers took interest in one of the dancers, an indication that the festival had indeed taken a lively turn as those that partook engaged in the joys of the celebration. It pleased Ricky to no end to see such a thing, the crowds, the music, the happiness that literally swayed throughout everyone literally made the heart of Zeltiva beat strong. Even after such harsh dark times had passed everyone still remained strong, that along was important enough to keep a man pushing harder. As part of the Wave Guard Ricky lived to see events like these, and forever remember the moments within them, to further endeavor to protect the one place he had always called his home. As he looked to the beautiful baby boy in his beloved’s arms he couldn’t help but smile the biggest smile he had in ages, he’d never felt so content in one place in such a long, long time.

To be here today not only made him happy, but in turn rather complete with his self. He was a part of something, and not just a simple thing for that matter. Though he only wished for the normal life of a fisherman and sought to make such a living provided for his family, it was the times like this that literally made a significant difference. He didn’t feel indifferent, didn’t feel any inclination to go above and beyond, to help anybody who would find themselves in the face of danger. Because today was a day that didn’t call for any of that, today was all about letting everything go and for once, celebrating the start of something brand new with the hope that things wouldn’t be so difficult in the future. Though he knew good and well that was wishful thinking on his part, Ricky still couldn’t help but allow himself to fall into that sort of hope. Because what good did important events such as this serve if there was no hope that better days were to follow?

Shortly after he’d watched his son move about and curiously watch the world, he noticed the movement of a feminine figure as she took a spot near them. He didn’t think much towards her approach as it was a crowded place after all, didn’t even wonder as to why she approached them really since this was a public event after all. When she finally opened conversation with them, the couple was courteous enough easily offer smiles and nods in agreement with her first statement. "Aye, t’ey did a great job puttin’ it toget’er." He heartily mused with a friendly smile directed to the girl, rather surprised to find that she looked a little younger than he first guessed. She was in fact a pretty one though; the shades of brown were boldly highlighted within the rays of Syna’s kiss while she watched the crowd.

"They pulled out all the stops with this, I sure hope they do another next year." Telion sighed with her head rested on Ricky’s chest, a content smile of her own casted down to the child in her arms. Both of the parents chuckled after the young lady asked how old Martin was, Telion quick to look up to Ricky as he’d already reminded her how old the boy was today.

"Ninety-nine days ole, that’s a season an’ six days ole if I’m countin’ roi." He mused with a hand stroke through the back of his short hair, a comfortable look down to the girl once more as he gave her another hearty grin. Today just felt too good to be self aware about the fact everyone here was practically a stranger, in the spirit of the event Ricky couldn’t really allow himself to remain shy when his whole world remained right in his arms. With the girl on Ricky’s left side a clear present sign would show itself to her, an indication that the parents were married if it weren’t obvious already. The mark of Cheva bestowed upon both Ricky and Telion resided under each left ear of the person, the coppery mark a symbol of their sworn oaths of love to one another. It’s significance held little power to some but for Ricky and Telion it strongly represented a promise, a promise to commit to one another even in the grimmest of times.

"Each morning he reminds me of that, hasn’t stop countin’ since day one." She shared with a giggle, a gentle kissed planted on the baby’s forehead as Ricky responded with a chuckle.

"Just somethin’ Oi never wanna forget ‘fter all, what kinda fat’er would Oi be if Oi lost count o’ me boy’s age." He pointed out with a smirk casted to his love, a wink followed before they looked back to the mystery girl next to them.

"I’m Telion by the way and this is Ricky," The soft-spoken blonde introduced before Ricky could and then glanced down to the child in her arms before she introduced him to the young lady, "and this handsome little boy is our son Martin."

"Oh Oi’m not 'andsome now? I see ‘ow it is woman." He teased with a snicker, and then Telion rolled her eyes and murmured a “hush” while he chuckled once more. "Anyways it be nice t’ meet ya lassie, ‘re ya havin’ a good time out ‘ere t’day?" He finally turned the spotlight on her as he figured the girl might have started feeling a little awkward in their presence, he didn’t wish for her to feel like a third wheel party member after all.

[Pulren Marsh]

Pulren paced around the empty cottage for a few bells, as flighty as the gulls. With Uncle Pal gone, his life of droll routine had stopped. While this initially brought sadness and confusion, the young man decided to take charge of his new independence. It wasn't as if he had much choice but to get on with it, anyway. It took a full bell for him to groom himself and get washed up. it was a strange ritual and one that fishermen generally didn't bother too much with. You didn't want to completely reek next to someone for hours on end, but the sea didn't care too much how you smelled when you weren't in it.

The winter had finally subsided as warm currents came in from the bay. There was a big celebration at the docks for the new year's passing as always, but for the first time, Pulren could just go down there and enjoy it. Years before were mainly him carrying Pal's beer and setting about on errands. He as no longer Pal's pal. Now he was just Pulren. He wasn't entirely sure what that meant but he would do his best to discover it. Dressed in the same drab clothes that he had worn since the last set had worn out, he thought to leave the bulk of his mizas behind. No doubt the buskers and beggars would be playing second fiddle to those with light fingers. If the festival wanted more than two mizas from him, it would have to wait until the next year.

He could hear the din of the festival long before arriving. The absence of the bonesnapper helped him loosen his coat, but his appearance, though washed, was as similar as every other docker. Pulren was clearly a local and traded glances and nods with fellow fishermen as he pushed his way into the throng of people. The absence of Pal made even this lively bunch quiet in his mind, causing Pulren to look out to Laviku's embrace and whisper a wordless prayer to his sleeping Uncle. Many prayers went out into the bay and beyond from loved ones every time mooring was set free and sails were brought up.

'No time for gray thoughts, it's a new year and new day.', Pulren thought to himself. He hoped to find some of the Wave Guard policing the event and get some direction on how to get started. But first, one of his shiny mizas was broken up to become a handy breakfast of snapper and fresh water. A few copper went to the buskers as well. He knew that they worked just as hard as any fisherman for their due. While dancing was not on the forefront of his mind, the invigoration of a filling belly drew Pulren to the milling of the crowd. A long drink of water washed the last of the snapper down as his eyes set on a smiling child and loving parents. Licking his fingers clean, he watched the idyllic group laugh and talk, resentment of his own childhood strangely vacant. He was happy for the little guy.

[Loken]

It was difficult to tell, whether he expected it or not, when he had found himself suddenly beginning to enjoy himself. The world weary caution he gained during his time outside of a city when he was exposed to the wilderness was beginning to drain away. The festival left him more exhausted than he had been before. Perhaps celebrating immediately after arriving to the city had taken its toll on him. Loken gave a slight bow of his head towards the people in the crowd who cheered him on during his display of martial arts. “Thank you all. May Sivah bless this joyful celebration, and may Tavasi arrival bring new beginnings for us all.”

After one last bow he took his leave from the dancing area.

Loken rubbed a hand against the back of his neck in attempt to sooth a sore muscle as he managed to spot several people adorned in the same attire. From what he could see each of them wore uniform that matched the color of a clear mornings sky. A city guard? Gang? He was unsure of their origins since some of them wore shields for protection while others seemed to be participants in the cities festivities. If they were devoted to enforcing the law he expected a higher standard of discipline.

However, their symbiotic presence with the populace was greeted with eager curiosity from him. Only happy to find law enforcement and order keepers. It allowed the Ano Cultist to think that perhaps he could relax even further. He moved through the crowd with a steady pace, stopping every other moment to people-watch. Looking for anyone, or anything of notoriety. He found himself standing in front of a group of people. A couple with a child conversing with a young woman. Loken didn't wish to disturb them but his own curiosity of the blue guards nagged at his mind.

"Excuse me? Where can I learn of their origins and purpose?" His hand motioned to a distant member of the Wave guard. His brow quirking in muted silent as he waited for any response.

[Carmony]

Carmony couldn't help but smile at the couple as they spoke. They seemed like good people. Good people who care deeply for their child. It was this type of person that appealed to Carmony the most when it came to favorable traits and association. Of course, Carmony did not discriminate against others, but non-discrimination and having an enjoyable conversation which she wished to continue were two totally different things. It surprised her that this man, Ricky, had counted to this very day the age of his son. Dedication and determination practically emanated from him after telling her, and even as he bent down to place a small kiss on the child's forehead. This child was very lucky to have a father like him. Thinking to her own father who, just like her mother, was constantly engorging himself with his work at the university that he honestly didn't have time to come and see her anymore. The only time they even spoke was when she felt the urge to travel up to the school and bring them lunch, but even then, their visits were brief and insignificant compared to what it used to be like when she was a child. Those were times where they thought the world of her, and spent every waking moment trying to get a smile out of her, or show her something from their line of work that would appeal to her. She had many fond childhood memories with her parents that kept the feeling of bitterness at bay when thinking of the present. She knew that they were only doing what they must, and it was unintentional that they had almost cut her out of their life. She would tell herself this until she believed it. She refused to dwell any longer on these thoughts, though. Listening to their playful argument, she found herself with a goofy smile on her face. It took a bit, but the conversation was once again directed toward Carmony. "It is nice meeting you three, as well. It's not often you find such pleasant people now of days. Everyone seems to be lost with their own dealings that often they find not the need for pleasantries. I find your family quite refreshing." She looked out at the continuing dance floor, still having yet to let up. "I have quite enjoyed myself today. I hope the rest of spring is filled with days like this." Before the conversation could go on any more, a man approached. Carmony had seen him before, awing the crowd with his performance. He came forward with a very blunt question, and gestured toward uniformed men Carmony recognized as members of the Wave Guard. The question was not necessarily directed toward her, so she turned her head toward Ricky, with his child in his lap, thinking he would probably have more information to give on this subject than she did.

[Ricky Maze]

oocJust an update on the posting order, as it now follows: Ricky, Pulren, Loken, and Carmony. Seeing as we’re getting more people to jump in, which is by all means welcome , please keep in mind that others will be waiting when your turn comes. Though there is no deadline set for posts at least try to keep a reply within a week to keep the thread moving, if it that is possible of course. Now back to fun!

"Oh? Well thank ya!" Telion quirked with a bit of surprise in her expression, Ricky chuckled a bit with a wide grin of course.

"Appreciate de comment lass, ye yerself ain’t a bad sort eit’er." He complimented in turn with courtesy, Telion agreed in turn as they both found that they enjoyed the girl’s presence. Her assurance that she did in fact enjoy today was a delight to hear, the remark on the hope that future days in the season being the same enlightened the couple’s hearts as they couldn’t agree more. "Aye, we can only ‘ope dat we’ll make good wit’ some peace an’ quiet t’is season." He would’ve added the year too for that matter, but the thought would’ve only been silly. Enough to make him chuckle inside at least.

Before they could go on though it seemed as though a man needed information on something, as he gestured towards the men in the azure uniforms when he asked something about their origins and purpose. Ricky was mostly tempted to be a smart ass about it and joke with the man considering it was a day of fun and the inquisitor looked to be a bit more serious compared to others, however the thought stayed withheld as he chose different words to roll from his tongue. "Ya want t’ know ‘bout de Wave Guard den? Oi suppose ya must be knew if ya ain’t ‘eard o’ dem already." He gave a friendly grin towards the stranger and spoke in a humble tone, and felt himself rather friendly towards a lot of people today considering those who were around them.

"De Wave Guard’s dedicated t’ de safety an’ peace o’ Zeltiva, we keep a vigilant watch on de city as well as Mathew’s Bay t’ stamp out smuggling, as we’re de dividin’ line between safety an’ danger in dis place." He explained with a bit of enthusiasm as he managed to dip his hand into his pocket, though not exactly necessary to carry around this particular Ricky usually did so anyways, in the event he needed to show others he was part of the city’s protection should things have gone wrong. It didn’t look like such a thing was bound to happen he still did so for good measure, as the crest he always wore while on duty shone between his fingers. The design bore two crests on one wave to show his position in the rank, a sergeant nonetheless that bore the scars of tomorrow well enough as he still lived for today.

Yes he had experienced quite a lot in his time as a Wave Guard, enough to where several within the faction have called him a veteran. Yet even if that were the case he would only deny it were it even true, for he always considered himself just a simple fisherman who did his best to fend for a home in need. "An’ we’re always lookin’ t’ recruit new members dat’ll stick roun’ too. Oi serve as a sergeant so ‘alf de time Oi tend t’ help new recruits train, so dat t’ey’ll be ready t’ fend t’eir ‘ome just like Oi ‘ave been f’r a while now." He finished with a humble nod as he slipped the crest back into his pocket. "Rest assured when ya see me on duty, Oi always do me best t’ ‘elp everyone out when Oi can. So if ya ‘ave any issues dat should be brought to light by de Wave Guard an’ ye find me in an azure uniform, den by all means ask away an’ Oi’ll give it me all t’ ‘elp." He assured the man with a proud smile on his face, though he also took notice that Martin not only held one of his large fingers with his tiny hands, but the baby had also taken to slobber on it as he tried to taste and suck on Ricky’s fingertip. It was a typical thing Martin did half the time with his mother and father, as he rather enjoyed it for some reason, but mainly the feeling of slobber and squishy gums on his finger sort of tickled; and that amused Ricky quite a bit.