⇨ 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

[atouts]

It's around a time where Childermass is out for a stroll with Baker, his Arcanine who homes to even several inches taller than the magician himself. No leash involved, since leash laws probably aren't a 1800s thing, nor could he imagine finding one that could handle a dog so big. That means when Sora cheerfully approaches, nothing is stopping the overfriendly beast from trotting forward and sticking his great big nose at the poor kid, sniff-sniff-sniffing as his tail wags.

Childermass won't scold him for it, either, instead coming to a stop next to the dog and quirking an eyebrow at Sora.

"Sora," he'll say as way of greeting. "Nothing's wrong, is it?"

Because the idea of anyone cheerfully approaching Childermass doesn't make any sense to the man himself. It's only natural to assume some kind of help is needed.

[destiny_key]

Upon Baker's approach, Sora laughs as the big Pokemon snuffles at him, a little ticklish from it. Unfortunately, he's unable to push the dog away or pet him with his arm as laden with packages as they are, and for once, he has neither of his own animal companions to distract Baker.

Well, he can live with it. Baker's a good dog, after all.

"Nope," Sora grins, shuffling through the stuff he's carrying until he produces a smaller one, wrapped in brightly colored Christmas paper. "Just wanted to give you this."

[atouts]

Sora is lucky to witness one of those rare moments where Childermass actually looks surprised rather than, say, that ever-present look of indifference he so likes to wear. He does, at least, push Baker back a bit once he's caught up to the dog, only to have a gift appear.

Surprised, then vaguely confused by the entire thing. That's what prompts a slight frown, as though he's unsure.

"You did? But why?"

[destiny_key]

Sora blinks up at Childermass, mirroring the look of confusion, before plastering a smile back on his face.

"Did I need a reason? I just saw this, and thought you'd like it," he reasons, gesturing for the man to just take the present alreadly

[atouts]

That doesn't quite alleviate the uncertain look lingering on the man's face, but he will accept the present once Sora insists.

"I... see." Kind of. Childermass isn't sure he'll ever get used to the idea of people just giving him things, no matter how many of them do just that during the solstice. "Thank you for thinking of me, Sora. I do not mean to offend, it just isn't something I am used to."

[destiny_key]

"Oh, no, it's fine. I get it. I just like giving people stuff, y'know?"

Christmas has always been his very favorite season, after all, and it's not because of the snow.

[atouts]

"So it would seem," he can only agree that, yes, Sora likes giving people stuff. He can't personally empathize with the feeling, though, considering being able to give gifts at all is a novel and wholly new concept for Childermass. Which isn't to say he's never given a gift before, but it simply isn't a thing just yet for Christmas in his time.

Anyway, he turns the present over in his hands, unsure just what else to do with it now that Sora's handed it over.

"Were you expecting me to open this now or...?"

He just doesn't know, kid, he just doesn't know.

[destiny_key]

"Yeah, if you want to," Sora grins. He's really curious to see Childermass's reaction, but mostly he's hoping the man likes his gift.

Under the wrapping paper, there's a book that looks aged, but well cared for and in good condition. The cover is blank, but the side spine and inner pages reveal a book about scrying magic.

[atouts]

He does just that and, unsurprisingly, based on the shape of the gift, it's a book, but Childermass hardly minds that. He'll swear he doesn't read all that much if anyone bothers to ask, but let's be real, he will read whatever he can actually get his hands on. It's enough that he does, at least, smile very, very faintly as he looks it over and opens it to page through.

"Scrying magic, eh? Thank you, Sora. This is very thoughtful."