Open [Annual Summer Banquet] Where there's a will; there's a way

[Raeyn]

10th Summer, 518AV

Lhavit was a city of many delightful celebrations. In fact, sometimes it seemed that almost any reason was good enough to throw a party. But few such parties were as good an excuse to get well and truly inebriated as the Annual Summer Banquet. With the best food Lhavit had to offer and wine a-plenty, it was the place to be this season. Not even the frigid, unyielding mist would come between Lhavitians and their fun.

Work on throwing the most beautiful banquet to ward off some of that doom and gloom of the season's weather, had began really quite early in the day. Though by no means small, the whole space on the inside of the Shooting Star Inn had to be rearranged to accommodate the estimated number of guests. Tables were pulled together to form long benches upon which food and fruit platters were arranged, decorated by fresh summer blooms. Shades of pink, lilac and pastel blue petals really did accent the white table clothes and silver dinnerware very well. On either side of each table, plates would be stacked and utensils laid in glass displays, so that the evening's guests could help themselves. White velvet couches and chairs were arranged into lovely seating areas decorated with yet more blossoms and glass ornaments, where the people of Lhavit could mingle and delight in the feast. And everywhere the eye could see there was wine. So much wine.

Behind the scenes, kitchen fires roared as food was prepared, marinated and cooked by the staff and volunteers. This summer celebration after all was a join effort of the inn and the city. Dishes of both meat and fish were soon to be brought out. The most delightful examples of rich local cuisine as well as exotic recipes brought into Port Tranquil by outlanders and traders. So many different kinds of food were cooked up that the kitchen could barely handle the output. Nothing less could be expected from a banquet in such a beautiful city.

Terrance did indeed appreciate the help of those who came to pull it all together. One of such helpers was Raeyn, the Inarta hunter who, forced by his sister Mara, had proven himself to be little help, but help none the less. With his left arm in a sling he couldn't move tables or bring out the food. But he did provide a few sarcastic comment here and there and made an early start on that lovely wine for the guests, so at least there was that.

Once the sun began setting, the first few faces began showing up at the inn. Early birds eager to see the glory of the season's party. The best formal attire money could buy was mandatory of course. The perfect occasion to show off one's fashion and show up one's neighbours. Even those who struggled on a low income made a clear effort to look their finest on this occasion, clad in all the jewellery they owned just to make an impression. At the door, the beautifully presented albeit impassive Terence, formally welcomed each guest by name.

But the true life of the party was the redhead Mara who lit up the room with her smile, as bright as Leth's stars. She weaved between guests with glasses and bottles of liquor and made sure everyone had something in their hand, even if only water. There was not a person she didn't greet warmly and pulled into a delightful conversation. She filled the hands of children with sweets, found conversation partners for those who came alone. None would evade her charm.

In the corner of the inn, sat on one of the white velvet couches and embraced by the effects of sweet wine, Raeyn watched his sister at work. A smile of his face. Her happiness was his happiness but it would be a lie to say that he wasn't secretly making sure no unsavoury types had the chance to bother Mara as the Annual Summer Banquet began.

[Savis Maren]

Retracted due to character overhaul.

[Narifa]

10th Summer 518 AV

The evening was turning out to be quite lovely, Narifa decided as she slowly made her way along the outer edge of Surya Plaza. Despite the tension dripping from every hushed conversation and every careful step, the crowd beginning to thicken around her seemed to exude an oddly palpable joy. A smile graced the Inarta woman's features as she came closer to such an obvious display of happiness. The children from this morning had left a simultaneously bitter and sweet taste on her tongue. She hoped that, should the Shinya find the missing girl, they would be reunited quickly, for the sake of the children's still-budding trust in friendship and in the goodness of the world they lived in. The time Narifa had spent with them would be kept close to her heart.

Five days in, and Lhavit was only just beginning to reveal all the memories the traveler could make.

But, seeing as it really has been only five days since Narifa had touched down on Zintia Peak, she was entirely unaware what this day signified for the inhabitants of this crystalline city. She couldn't know about the Annual Summer Banquet, and certainly couldn't know that it was where she would end up. The woman had left the Solar Winds this morning with nothing but her traveling clothes and a waterskin. She was woefully unprepared for the magnificence of the festivities she'd soon be a part of.

As the crowd steadily increased in volume, Narifa found herself being shuffled ever-so-slightly off the path she'd been following. It wasn't too noticeabe at first. At least, she was too deep in her thoughts for it be noticeable. So she kept walking, deeper and deeper into the writhing mass of excitement surrounding the edge of Surya Plaza. Kept walking until a bare toe jammed itself on the threshold of a building she'd never seen before. Holding back a slew of curses, for Narifa knew that there were people around her despite not knowing exactly how many, she glanced up.

A sign proclaiming it the Shooting Star beckoned her closer. Only then did she take note of the line of people flowing in and out of the building, laughter in their eyes and love on their arms. Curious, the girl dropped her foot and peeked over the frame of the entrance. Of course, that put her in the way of the nicely flowing pedestrian traffic, and it was only a matter of time before someone pushed her out of the way and into the inn. Suddenly, she was being greeted by name and ushered towards the most wonderful celebration she'd seen in a long time.

She was only concerned for a few chimes about why the individual who'd greeted her knew her name, when she was pretty sure she'd never met him.

Dressed in her simple bryda and vinati and other common Wind Reach wear, Narifa strode through the crowd, head bobbing up and down and never looking quite where she was going, just to take everything in at once. She probably stuck out as much as a sore thumb.

[Ayasi Sylves]

10, Summer, 518 AV

Ayasi had heard the summer banquet was taking place tonight, but she never imagined there would be so many people. People in silk dresses and heels danced across the floor, gathered in groups and laughing over glasses of red wine.

She felt horribly underdressed in her beaded vinati and wide-legged bryda, the only clothing she had brought with her from Wind Reach. Her bluebird sat restlessly on her shoulder, pecking at her hair occasionally as Ayasi desperately searched for a familiar face. After being bumped into and stabbed by countless pairs of heels, she gave up and retreated to a food table.

Rows of unidentifiable meat lined the silk tablecloths, tempting Ayasi toward them. The Inarta had skipped lunch that day, and gave in the her growling stomach, picking up a plate and shoveling meat and fruit onto it.

The bluebird on her shoulder gave a harsh peck to her skull.

“Ow!” Ayasi groaned, handing a small berry to the fussy creature.

She rubbed the side of her head and went to get a glass of wine. For a moment, she observed the glass and its perfect craftsmanship. The edges were smooth and the curves were fantastical. Ayasi swiveled the glass around in her hand, wondering if she could one day make something just as beautiful.

After finally pouring the wine into the glass, she picked her plate back up and started toward one of the empty tables. Suddenly, her bird pecked at her again, asking for more food, causing Ayasi to stumble a bit, bumping into someone behind her. Luckily, no food or wine was spilled, so she straightened herself up and turned around the apologise to whoever she had bumped into.

She found herself face-to-face with a strange looking man. He was clearly an Inarta, Ayasi could tell one of her own in an instant. His hair was bright red, but it was the white streak that interested her. She had never seen an Inarta with white hair.

[Raeyn]

In spite of having a million and one tasks on her hands, Mara was more aware of her surroundings than anyone that night. The still, lonely Etheafal had not escaped her notice. And fancying herself something of a fantastic hostess, the Inarta gave her just enough time to take in the surroundings before making a mental note to find her some new acquaintances.

It was then that another flash of red caught her eye. The moment Narifa strolled into the inn, Mara was on her as if she was a guest of honour, not a newcomer to the city. A glass of deep red wine ready to shove in the woman’s hand. In spite of her humble vestments, Narifa’s face was so pretty, that Mara wouldn’t mind it gracing her future nieces and nephews. And this night was perfect to play a little bit of a puppeteer matchmaker. With her brother’s many grumps softened by alcohol, he might even not screw it up.

But to Mara’s dismay Raeyn already seemed to find himself in a situation. And on this particular occasion it would have been unprofessional of her to disrupt it.

Happy enough to leave her brother at the mercy of the short haired Inarta, Mara instead thought up another plan. She introduced herself graciously to Narifa. A little small talk followed just to sugar the woman up and grace her with all the many charms Mara had to offer. Quickly enough however, she took Narifa by the hand and pulled her though the crowd to where Saeve was sitting.

“I’m so glad you could both come.” Mara clapped her hands, dressing both women. The smile on her face was radiant, accented by lipstick and the fiery hue of her lashes which she fluttered shamelessly as she addressed them. “Narifa I’d love for you to meet my very good friend.” She lied before acting a little distracted and looking over to the door. “Oh my goodness. More guests are arriving. Please, do forgive me ’tis such a hectic night. With all of this odd fog and we’re understaffed and… if you’re around at the end I’d love for us to catch up. In the mean time, try the wine ladies. The white is as good as the red.”

She smiles at Saeve as if the two have been friends for decades. Satisfied with her efforts to bring the two strangers together, and before either of them could unveil her devious little plan in her presence, Mara fled with another bottle of wine towards yet more arriving guests. She seemed to dance tour the room, filling empty glasses and softly flirting.



Just a few ticks prior, Raeyn had been very much content in his own company. And in his vast contentment he had just a drink too many. Enough to forget about the aching left shoulder at least. Dressed in a find white tunic sewn with gold damask and with his hair braided elaborately in the half up half down fashion, he had been enjoying the atmosphere. Always one who from the outside looked in. He had also very much enjoyed the door but more than that he enjoyed a certain dark berry liquor that stood in a wonderfully ornate glass decanter on one of the tables. Thus, craving a little more, the alchemist rose from his seat to acquire that which he was after.

His hands fiddled a little with the cork before another guest noticed his struggles. Poring shots with just one had wasn’t easy. And thus, taking pity on the injured Inarta, the stranger poured two shots. One for Raeyn and one for himself.

“Cheers.” He said.

“Cheers.” Replied Raeyn as he threw his head back, the glass at his lips, feeling the strong yet sweet alcohol trickling down the back of his throat. Sweet alcohol that washed away inhibition. Bliss in a shot glass. A liberating fuzz in his head.

All of a sudden, he felt an unknown force push him slightly and the last little drops of the liquor almost caused him to choke. Raeyn turned around and almost instantly his eyes lay on a short haired Inarta girl, almost a decade younger than him. Eyes like the brilliant azure waterfalls of the misty peaks. Eyes the colour of the bluebird on her shoulder. It took him a moment to realise what had happened but eventually his drunken mind connected the dots.

“I am most sincerely sorry.” Raeyn protested against her apologies with ones of his own really out of politeness than genuine humility. There were certain things he had picked up over the years to ease the tension of being around others. This was one of them.

[Narifa]

10th Summer 518 AV

Narifa felt like a choice piece of meat when she first encountered the comet that was Mara. The glassblower had had her fill of dumb-struck staring; she was positive that her neck was going to develop a crick as the night sped on. She'd stepped to the side of the continual flow of foot traffic, hand suddenly clutching a glass of wine that she didn't quite remember ever asking for. Narifa's blue-grey gaze blinked down at the deep red liquid sloshing in her fist, then up at the woman who'd placed it there.

Mara, the woman's name was, and Narifa had never been more mesmerized by another person in her regretfully sheltered life. She didn't even realize it when the other Inarta trapped her in a painful circle of small talk. It was like she'd been thrown under an enchantment. A spitfire, dazzling enchantment with smooth hands and a strength that her body didn't show. Narifa's fingers tried their best to keep Mara's hold as they abruptly began moving through the crowd. She didn't know what was going on, but more than that, she didn't want to get lost in this magical marvelous place.

But then she was lost. She was alone. Mara had disappeared from her side, leaving Narifa next to another beautiful figure who, for all intents and purposes, could have been a murderer. A watery, very nervous grin slowly formed on Narifa's dry lips. The woman didn't seem terribly happy to be here.

But it wasn't like the traveler to let others be.

"Would you like to try the red? I'm more of a white person myself." Narifa placed the red wine down next to the woman's untouched glass, squaring her shoulders as she leaned back up to search for a nice goblet of white wine instead. She kept up a litany of soft conversation as she did so.

"I don't believe I caught your name. I'm Narifa, as Mara pointed out. Is she always so exuberant?" Aha! One of the wait staff had just waltzed by with a glittering tray of off-white alcohol. The Inarta shot a hand out to pluck a drink off the platter before she could lose the man, "This wine is delicious and the food smells divine, but would you be able to tell me what it's all for, exactly? I'm a little at a loss. Sort of stumbled through the door, actually."

[Haneht]

♛ H A N E H T ♛ ∆ E Y P H A R I A N ∆ W/C: 434 10th, Summer 518AV Night

The tenth of Summer was Haneht’s favourite, favourite day of the year. This was the day of the yearly Summer Banquet, a wondrous celebration and the best of times to drink and let loose, make merry. It was one of those days where Haneht could absolutely go wild - wilder. Carousing, to many an Eypharian, came as naturally as Syna and Leth rose and fell each day and night, and personally, Haneht was an absolute animal, with boundless energy to spare and admirable tolerance for liquor. Lhavitians, to his utter delight, were similarly fond and enthusiastic when it came to celebrations, which had factored into his decision in making a home out of the shining city.

Everyone was dressed to impress, clad in fine fabric and precious metal and gems, a variety of scents in the air. This was a time when any could dress as ostentatiously as they pleased, encouraged even, and Haneht would not lose. Donning a high-collared, sleeveless linen tunic, midnight blue with gold embroidery, Henna lightly adorning the sides of his face to accentuate the features, beloved gold bracelet worn proudly on his uppermost left wrist. A sheer linen shawl wrapped around his shoulders to keep the chill of the night at out, but he would likely shed it as the night progressed. Light mica dusting to compliment his gilded skin, Kohl liner to bring out amber eyes and disguise the little baby fat the youth still retained around them.

Making a timely arrival at the Inn, the brunette had, uncharacteristically, forgone socialising in favour of getting himself as inebriated as possible. Free drinks, lovely music, beautifully dressed men and women - this was the sort of atmosphere Haneht thrived in! As soon as the sole of his sandals met the floors, a vaguely familiar woman of lovely red hair descended on him, one he’s seen around the Inn on his occasional visits and the yearly celebrations. Avoided her like the plague, he did, for she bore a striking resemblance to his dead Anouk, in the richness of her hair and bright, spirited eyes and especially her mannerisms. In time, however, he eventually saw enough differences to separate their images.

Pleasant and courteous, she left him with a quick, but warm welcome and a glass of red wine, to which he was immensely grateful for and immediately helped himself to, savouring the drink’s astringent, bittersweet aroma in a large mouthful. Immediately after, he maneuvered and wove his way gracefully through the crowd, to the table of food and drinks that Haneht was all too pleased to be able to indulge in.

[Ayasi Sylves]

"No, no," Ayasi stumbled, "I'm sorry. I should really watch where I'm going."

She was pretty sure her cheeks were the color of her hair and she looked down at her feet, embarrassed. It must have been clear that she was staring for longer than she should have. It was just- that hair! After spending her entire life in Wind Reach, she'd never seen anyone like him and Ayasi was instantly curious.

She looked up at him once more to make sure she hadn't caused any liquor to stain his clothes and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw his garments were clean. Her bluebird was still pecking at her skull and Ayasi was starting to get annoyed by its obvious hunger, but she nudged its head aside and considered letting it outside for the duration of the banquet.

When she met the man's eyes, she found it was hard not to notice the stories that lay behind them. That said, he was also wearing a sling. Ayasi didn't want to be intrigued by the man in front of her, but her curiosity took over.

"If you don't mind me asking," she started, "Why is your hair white?"

Ayasi nearly slammed her hand over her mouth and her bluebird bit her shoulder as if to tell her it was a stupid move. The Inarta swallowed, hard, regretting her thoughtless words.

[Narifa]

10th Summer 518 AV

This woman was obviously not in the mood for cordial conversation. She'd smiled at Mara when the bright waitress had brought Narifa over, but that friendliness became lost with her untimely exit. Silence had met Narifa's inquiries about the wine. Silence had, in fact, chosen to descend upon the odd pair like a pack of ravenous wolves. The young Inarta was instantly uncomfortable. She loved to talk, to meet others and have conversations, but she couldn't for the life of her make small talk, or settle with talking to herself. In equal parts the act bored her and annoyed her simultaneously. With a quite sigh, Narifa downed the rest of her white wine, then excused herself to find another glass.

Keeping her eyes peeled for Mara, or at least a somewhat familiar face like Saiyin, the woman navigated her way through the crowd. Ostentatious and glamorous outfits glittered beneath the chandelier lights. Colours of every shade imaginable and then some swam by the shabbily dressed girl, but she didn't think much of it. A beautiful man in midnight blue and gold literally glided across the space in front of her, glass bottom up in the air and making a beeline for the buffet. Narifa was fascinated. Jealous, too, of his light step and grace. Her attention was pulled away, however, when a silver tray materialized next to her, a question on the bearer's lips. They didn't even need to ask.

Alcoholic beverage of choice in hand, the fiery-haired girl's eyes finally spotted a pair of Inarta. Two wildly different heights, but with the same colouring and out-of-place bow to the spine. Finally! People who might be a bit more open for conversation. She'd already made up her mind to head over to them, taking in the shorter girl's hand over mouth and the broad back of the confused man, when Mara once again appeared.

Her smooth fingers settled around Narifa's wrist once more. Daring, this girl was.

"I see you've spotted my brother! Come on, I'll introduce you!" Mara yanked Narifa over the floor once more, and she wondered if doing so was custom in Lhavit. A 'don't give others a choice' kind of deal, she supposed. Maybe it was more fun this way.

With tinkling laughter and true star of the show style, Mara manuevered against the flow of people to get to her twin. She threw passing comments and answered questions at every turn, without ever stopping or making it seem like she was brushing the people off. That was exactly what she was doing, however. Her jaw was set with unparalleled determination as she dragged the other Inarta towards Raeyn. He would socialize with who she wanted him to socialize with, and she wouldn't take no for an answer!

Narifa was just happy she'd finally get to make more friends. At least, she hoped. The first glass she'd chugged was making her head a little fuzzy, and her fingers a little more tingly then before.

[Raeyn]

A certainty swelled in the man's mind. The sheer number of times he had been asked about the strange colouring of his hair and skin warranted a tattoo of the words 'I don't know' on his very forehead, so that he'd never have to answer the question again. Then again it was certainly the man's most distinguishable feature. The one truly rare thing about his appearance that would bring his name to tongue the moment anyone mentioned it. Yes, in a city that sees oddity on the daily, Raeyn perhaps was a man who could be considered to stand out.

A burning fuzz in his stomach quickly quenched any sass or sarcasm he could reply with to a question about his appearance. He was never good with meeting new people. Even those like Ayasi who seemed perfectly pleasant and truly worthy of meeting. It was a shortcoming on his behalf, certainly.

And so, a little frazzled and flushed partly from the alcohol and partly from nervousness, the Inarta man replied. "My goodness, I wish I had a good answer to such a question." his voice was deep. Perhaps a little deeper than most would expect from a man quite so androgynous in features. An apprehensive chuckle punctuated his words. A nervous chuckle punctuated his word. Raeyn was a little farther from sobriety than he'd like to be. "I was born like this. But, where are my manners? I don't believe we've met. My name is Raeyn. What is yours?"

Slate blue eyes shifted to the little creature sitting on her shoulder. It seemed odd to bring a bluebird to such a gathering. But he didn't mind. The Inarta very much enjoyed the company of birds.

But two more women came to join the party of Inarta. A little shard of Wind Reach in the city of glass.

"My, my. Hello again Mara. Have you ran out of new guests to bother?" The moment his twin sister showed up, Raeyn's whole demeanour seemed to loosen up a little. He became a little more assured, a little calmed in face of two perfect strangers. After all, Mara was quite the social butterfly. If he was to stumble over his words or similarly make a fool of himself, he could count on her to come to his rescue. Sometimes it seemed he could remain silent for she did the job of mingling for him.

"Indeed." she remarked sarcastically before greeting Ayasi with a charming smile. She introduced her brother a little more formally and allowed both women to make their introductions, even mingled for a moment before a sight of a familiar face caught her eye.It seemed she knew almost everyone in the city. And much like the rolling thunder of sweetness that she was, Mara was gone once again.