⇨ THE LUNAR SOLSTICE

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone!
When: Winter Breaks: Day 6 - Day 25
Where: THE MOON
What: The carnival journeys to one of its moons to celebrate the Lunar Solstice. More information here.
Warnings: Winter fun.

MOON WALKING↴ The journey to the moon only takes a blink of an eye, but it leaves the carnival far away beneath you. The second moon can be seen on the peripheral, massive compared to its usual view. At least when the holidays start out, there will be no notable wildlife on the moon, though this is something you can talk to the Ringmaster about if you think it needs a change. It sounds like this is the first time she's used it in quite a while - it probably needs some dusting off! Claim your cabins, and proceed to... well, do whatever you want! There is no rush and little obligation, besides to enjoy yourself. For real, this time. She promises there will be no vampires. Or, at least, none that don't already work for the carnival. ► CABINS: Living arrangements are character choice for this event, and there are a variety of cabins of various sizes, mostly built to house 2-6 people, though you can fit more in if you squish. They are all made of wood and of a rustic design - no fancy modern furniture, here! Each building is housed with a fireplace and the needed amenities. You can pick up materials to cook with the private kitchens if you like. Theoretically, you could spend the whole holiday sequestered away, watching the snow fall. Some of them also have outdoor hot tubs available! ► ACTIVITIES: Activities are mostly going to be character driven, though there will be some large group games like bingo and maybe a poker tournament happening at some point in one of the festival halls. Otherwise, there is a lot to offer: skiing, snowboarding, hiking, ice sculpting, snowball fights - it goes on! If you'd like to run a winter activity, just let the mods know, and we will get the word out there for you. ► FEASTING: Every day isn't a full-out feast because that would get a bit unhealthy, but there will be a number of specific feast events over the holidays where everyone is encouraged to let out their inner hedonist and stuff themselves. There will be one big feast per week, with smaller but also delicious meals offered in between. The feast dates will be B12, B18, and B24. There's also plenty of alcohol available for anyone who wants it. ► SHOPPING: As mentioned in the planning post, there is a massive market being run by the World Walker Caravan! The Ringmaster has given everyone 1250 credits to spend on items, but there is a caveat - must spend at least 500 of those credits on gifts for other people. And it better be a good one, if you only buy one! (She will ask that you do not buy her presents, however. She appreciates the sentiment, but it seems sort of silly buying her things with her own money! If you'd like to gift her, please have it be something more personal or handmade, but you are not obligated to get her anything at all.) ► TREATMENTS: The beginning of the holidays will also be about the time that the emergency Medical Team will have finalized their treatments for the Prince's poisoning. Watch out for further information on that - and make sure to get treated if you are suffering from petrification or poison induced illness! The holidays will be a lot more fun that way.

Comments

GONGENZAKA OTA

[otoko]

DAY 6 | OTA

[otoko]

[Drink It In | An hour or so Post-Arrival]

The moon is beautiful, suffice to say. Gongenzaka's breath mists before him, and his uncovered eye is wide as it takes in the sight of the vast, pristine blanket of snow. ...It takes a lot to resist the urge to dash forward and roll in it, actually, even with the stone that still petrifies his entire lower left side and then some.

As it stands, he does end up rushing forward a few limping steps before looking around with perked ears, fur bristled for warmth due to the inability to properly get a coat or similar on. He's still got a t-shirt; the one sleeve empty, the other barely there thanks to the wood that had to be hemmed around in the first place.

Gongenzaka brushes a bit of hair from his face however-he really should consider cutting it, given the pompadour he used to care for is impossible now-but after an hour or so of settling into the place, he's found himself in a position of general....'comfort' so to say.

If comfort means 'practice', at least.

He has a mug of hot chocolate at the side, melting through the snow. For now however, Gongenzaka meditates. His eyes shadowed by both the fur mask and his hair, his ears tilted back as he focuses....until the silvery blue glow of his aura rises up, causing his horns to shine, and the flowers of his mane to glisten....

[An Eye for Prizes | Mid-day]

"Auh, this is interesting..." Gongenzaka isn't about to turn down the opportunity to gift those close to him something-not when they've all been given supply to do specifically that. It feels almost like....a mammoth amount for things actually, at least until he successfully signs the papers for what the traders refer to as a 'Syrax', with the request that they keep care of them until he can bring the new owner by.

Now however, Gongenzaka wanders the stalls, careful not to knock anything over as he examines everything. 'Punch Ring'.... "Hmmmmmm...such a thing could certainly benefit Yuzu, then..."

[The Patrol of Leaves | Evening, Day 6]

Through much of the evening on the first day there, Gongenzaka takes a rather slow, almost patrolling walk through the moon's populated area. He wants to know just what is here-where everything is, what everyone could do... ....it occurs to him only now perhaps that outside the incident that was Portland, he hasn't seen snow in a long time.

It's rather nice...

He continues through the snow, leaving paw-prints and hoof-prints alike in his wake.

[wilt]

[ Flowey just got back from delivering Sans' anti-gravity pills. And let's be real, all these vines have made Flowey look like creepypasta. Especially in the night, where he uses his limbs to walk awkwardly while he holds something he can't clip with-- in this case, it's Nova (who he feels must be a baby and thus he can't leave unattended with anyone but Reina.

So when Flowey first looks at him, he sees an Asgore-like beast and almost bleats out 'Dad?!'

I'm sorry.

Did I say almost? ]

[otoko]

[ Dad?

Gongenzaka's ears are sensitive-they bolt upright from where he's been walking, pawprints smudging in the snow as he hones in on the sound. His lone wide eye shines in the dark, and from this great a height he probably could pass for the king with a bowed head. There's details all over that are wrong even in the shadows however-and in the daylight there'd be no mistake at all, though a question of relation could potentially come.

He isn't in a place to speak of details however, and when Gongenzaka realizes he is looking toward a Flower he pauses. Sans did tell him, after all, that there was someone to keep particular eye on. They wouldn't harm the carnival, but they were still....not entirely trustworthy, really.

....He keeps this thought in the back of his mind, and speaks.]

...........Who goes there, [he begins] ...Rather...who are you, that you would mistake me for one you know so close?

I, the man Gongenzaka, am far from someone's father, after all. [He's like. 14. Got a while to go before he even thinks about it.]

[wilt]

[ The irony hits Flowey as soon as he mentions someone's dad when he's the one carrying around an alien baby.

The mystique of his monstrous appearance withers away as Flowey condenses his vines into one stem and two stong leaves holding the baby-- and scuttles over to Asgongenkaza. This guy... definitely had to be a Dreemurr! I mean, what would explain that face? Definitely an offshoot of the family, given the taur body, but-- ]

Sorry, you looked different in the distance.

[ Nova chirps and sticks her tongue out for a falling cluster of snow, swallowing it whole. ]

Do you know the Dreemurr family?

[betheman]

Auh! I...see, [he manages, a little confused to say the least. It isn't exactly how he envisioned ever meeting his new coworker, after all. He knew 'Flowey' was a flower, he knew the flower had a real name, and-

Excuse him as he squints.] ..........I, the man Gongenzaka, have been notified that a member of that family is at the Carnival by our warden, if this is what you ask, [he begins, choosing his words carefully.]

...Why?

[wilt]

... You just look like a relative.

That's all.

[ Ultranova squirms and wants to see this new person, pawing out of Flowey's vines and facing him! He realizes the word has probably spread about his... self and that not everyone would have the most positive first impression. ]

[otoko]

[Ok, screw the cold chill, these ears are springing WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY UP-] W-WHAT!?

But-

But you are the one who is named 'Dreemur', are you not..!?

[wilt]

I know I don't exactly fit the profile, but--

[ Ultranova jumbles over him, trying to get closer, maybe darting out her alien maw for a lick. ]

[otoko]

[Not where he was going with this-]

I- I, the man Gongenzaka, realize that I am covered with flora...

...But I certainly do not feel I resemble a relative of yourself..!!!

Patrol of leaves

[hippocarnival]

Once Yuya has a coat from the wardrobe tent, he spends most of the first day running around in the cold, exploring the moon's winter paradise enough that his ears and nose are turning pink. He definitely saw Gongenzaka during his earlier meditating, but that's kind of a rude to be to interrupt. Now, however, with the cover of the darkness...

He's crouched under the shadow of a tree as Gon begins to pass, crumpling snow into a tight ball between his hands. He waits silently with a mischievous grin, and once Gongenzaka is just passed him he springs out.

"Hey, Gongenzaka!" He throws the snowball right at his shoulder.

[otoko]

Gongenzaka, sadly, didn't think to get a coat from wardrobe-possibly because he's just taking a small walk while he passes the time being PETRIFIED AND ILL-

But really, who's going to stop someone from throwing snow at him as a result? Or-]

-BSH-SH-SHHH

[Nope, that hit. The exact sound one would expect from hitting a bush, even.] HOHH-!?!

[Give him a moment to reel around-it's a bit slower going with half a rock body-] Y-YUUYA!

[hippocarnival]

[They've been in snow before, Yuya knows he's not going to hurt Gongenzaka.

He's standing in the sunlight now, wrapping his arms around himself as he laughs joyfully.] Got you!

[He composes himself enough to start making his way over to Gon, grinning wide.] You don't need a coat anymore?

[Given all that fur, you know.]

[otoko]

A-Aauh....well...for a short walk, it is certainly fine at least, [Gongenzaka mutters-and it is now that Yuuya might note that he's been holding his ears quite firmly at his mane.] ...However, no such coat has been tailored for this form; there is only so much we can demand of the wardrobe department, at this point...

[hippocarnival]

It's not too much to ask them if you're cold. Anyway, their job is to tailor clothes to all your changes!

[There's no need to be too polite. Yuya stuffs his hands in his pockets.] I didn't know we had all this on the moon, but it's really pretty.

[otoko]

And there are traders here, whose task it is to fit those for outfits as well! [He just. Y'know. Is still buying a cat for. Someone. Ahem.]

Yuuya. Those at the carnival-including the tailors-are meant to be on vacation, at this time.

To force them to stop would be UNFORGIVABLE..! [LET THE POOR WARDROBE DEPARTMENT RELAX.

....But anyways.] ....It is indeed, beautiful, however..... ...It is far warmer here than upon the mountain where my family trains, in fact. ....It's pleasant...

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya leans away slightly as Gongenzaka declares his stance, looking unimpressed.] Okay, but if you get a cold...

[It's not like he wants to make them work, but staying warm is kind of a necessity. The traders are selling things, not just giving coats away.

But, well, Gon is physically hardy and sometimes too polite. Yuya just shakes his head with a wry smile.] You did that every year, didn't you? At least every year since we met.

CATURDAY | CLOSED TO ZANGETSU

[otoko]

It is only one day into the Holiday-realistically, Gongenzaka should be resting still, but Gongenzaka has other things to do, in his own mind. Fortunately, his hair is...slightly less a mess. Mostly. It's still long and hanging around like he's an old hermit, unfortunately.

Maybe when the bandages on his eye are gone.

Regardless, he has...something rather important to do, so he's got his radio and has made a message-

"Auh...Zangetsu?" he calls, doing his best not to shiver despite the cold. He really SHOULD get a coat, but he's fairly certain the chill is a matter of illness rather than actual cold...

"If you could meet me by...." He glances behind him. "...It is the fourth store within the caravan? I, the man Gongenzaka, require your presence for something!"

[moonfang]

Zangetsu is thoroughly enjoying himself. One of the first things he did upon arriving was buying himself (and Ichigo) one of those fancy trench-coats that looked like they came from the Matrix. Not only were they fashionable, but oh so warm! He also grabbed a scarf and a knitted beanie from wardrobe back at the carnival, and he's been frolicking in the snow. Yes. Frolicking. Jumping into drifts, making snowballs and (one armed) snow angels, and generally acting like a giant toddler.

He is in the process of digging a snow cave when his radio catches his attention with a burst of static and then Gongenzaka's voice. He pauses and relaxes into the snow with his radio in one frozen hand.

"Huh? Alright, alright. I'll be there in a bit."

'A bit' isn't very long at all when you have Sonído, and soon, Zangetsu is in the market, walking towards Gon. Actually, kind of bouncing.

[otoko]

Gongenzaka...is significantly less bouncy. He is half rock, after all. His ears perk right up despite the chill when he sees the other coming actually, but he shakes it off, nodding. "Aah, good! You came quickly," he compliments, waving toward the inside. It...won't be hard to miss what sort of store this is.

At all. "There is...something I, the man Gongenzaka, must show you. Someone, you could perhaps say..!"

.......he didn't-

[moonfang]

Yeah, Gon is kind of... leaving entire troughs as he walks through any snow that isn't already packed down. Zangetsu's fluffy feathered feet and light step keep him on top of drifts, for the most part, making his bouncy step even... dare I say it... cuter?

Hopefully that rock mess would be cleared up soon enough. He knew that the more clever among them were working on a cure.

As Zangetsu comes close, he realizes he must have missed this store when he was just sort of blitzing through, looking for warm winter wear. "Exotic Pets", the sign reads. He looks at Gon with wide eyes.

"What did you do?"

[otoko]

"You will see, you will see," he insists, waving the other to follow. The store-keep, naturally, recognizes who's walking in. He's hard to miss-not to mention, he was in there not five or ten minutes earlier. They gesture to a large-ish pen that has been readied for transport.

Gongenzaka was fairly insistent that this wasn't going to 'fail'. Given the chirping purr that practically 'activates' when the Syrax in the pen spies Zangetsu....

Well, the winged fluffball seems to be rather charmed already, at least.

"I, the man Gongenzaka, have not signed any papers... ...but would you perhaps enjoy a smaller 'friend', Zangetsu?"

[moonfang]

What a feeling. What a completely unique and interesting feeling! It felt like electric butterflies in his body, enough of a buzz and flutter to distract from the ever present gaping wound in his chest. As Zangetsu enters the tent, he looks at the menagerie, a few with "SOLD" signs dangling from their cages and containers.

Including what might be the most beautiful long haired cat, just old enough to not be called a kitten anymore, that Zangetsu could ever conceive of. Fluffy and wonderful with a dilute snowshoe coat and sapphire blue eyes. But it isn't just a young cat -- it's a young cat with large, feathered wings. The syrax chirp-purrs more and kneads the ground.

"You..." Zangetsu points to the syrax, then looks at Gongenzaka, "You bought me a cat? A cat with wings?! You.. you remembered what I said?!"

[otoko]

"N-Naturally..!!" he protests loudly, looking almost insulted by the question. "Did you think that I, the man Gongenzaka, would not listen..!" That aside-he gestures to some forms. "There is only one step required-they request that the new owner be the one to sign and swear to take care of them," he notes, beaming.

"....Though perhaps, you should get to know them a little for a few moments first?" he laughs, the cat in question stretching those wings a little.

[moonfang]

"Nobody ever listens to me!" he declares just as loudly, amazed that there was someone here who actually cared about the things he liked and wanted. AMAZED, truly!

Zangetsu looks at the papers, then puts his hand up to the carrier for the syrax to smell. It sniffs him, then rubs against the carrier wall, purring even more loudly. The smile on Zangetsu's face could split him from ear to ear, and this time it's a happy, bright thing, though perhaps borderline manic. For once, the chatty Hollow is at a loss for words. In silence, he takes the papers and skims them quickly, then signs his name in scribbly kanji across the bottom of the paper. In the spaces that ask for initials, he draws a crescent moon with a line bisecting it.