acatalepsy_logs | SUMMER FESTIVAL: TEMPLE OF BEGINNINGS

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SUMMER FESTIVAL: TEMPLE OF BEGINNINGS

It’s something like summer here at the Temple of Beginnings, or close enough to it. The weather’s been rainy and hazy for the past little while, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find some way to enjoy ourselves, right?

The day dawns cloudy and drizzly, but people seem determined to carry on anyway. The space slowly takes recognizable shape as a festival, even if a small one. There are tents set up outside, some of which are transformed into game opportunities, complete with prizes (some of an...interesting nature), surprisingly sophisticated target shooting games, ring toss, and other activities of skill and chance. A few more become stations for the food and drink that had been prepared, and the rest consist of chairs under canopies for people to sit and talk in case the rain continues.

Luckily, as the day goes on, the rain stops and the clouds move on, until the blue of the sky is visible once again. By early afternoon, there are only a few scattered clouds still remaining, and it seems likely that the weather will hold true for the evening. Strings of paper lanterns and other decorations are brought out and hung between the different stalls, around the makeshift stage, and placed at the tables. Some pots of bamboo are brought out and set in two clusters at either end of the line of tents. Each cluster has a corresponding table with strips of colorful paper and pens laid out carefully on a table and weighted down with rocks to prevent them from flying off.

A handful of figures come out and inspect the set-up, focusing especially on a shallow ditch that had been dug earlier, now drained and lined with weighted down tarp and rocks, running parallel to the tents and curving to end abruptly just beyond the fire pit and the stage at both ends. After some discussion between them, there is a flash of flame, as though something were burning, and then the strangest thing happens. The ditch fills with fresh, clear water. Even after a few hours, the water doesn't drain away or grow stagnant, still flowing somehow despite having nowhere to come from or go to.

The sunset that day is a brilliant, auspicious red, and evening sets in with a cooling breeze refreshing everyone outside. As the first stars appear, the lanterns are set alight, the music starts, and the first performer steps out onto the stage, surrounded by floating light.

SUMMER FESTIVAL
Welcome to the summer(ish) festival for Astoria’s Circle! We hope you have a wonderful time.

Layout
Even from the buildings that are actually being lived in, the lights of the festival are visible. If you strain your ears just a bit, you may even hear some music being played in the distance, muffled by the stone walls. Why don’t you come join in?

Once arriving at the festival itself, you may be struck first by how bright it is. Light seems to be a theme, from the bonfire set up in one of the firepits closest to the rest of the complex, the lanterns strung up between the tents and stalls that are set up in a line leading from the other buildings towards the gated sparring area that you may already have availed yourself of. Just in front of that area is a makeshift stage, little more than a raised platform of wood and stone, also lit up well by additional lanterns.

Opposite the tents is the river.

It might not seem that exciting at first. It’s hardly a river, really, just a shallow trench of water about seven feet wide and one foot deep, lined with rocks along the bank closest to the tents, stretching in a not quite parallel path opposite the stalls and tents that have been set up, beginning at the stage and ending near the bonfire. The water is crystal clear and clean, and murmurs as if it is flowing from some unseen source, but it’s not clear where it is coming from at all. As the night goes on, and more people take the opportunity to make floating paper lanterns at the station located close by, the little stream itself lights up, the water reflecting the lights, and just beyond, the stars in the sky.

EVENTS:

Sign-in
While definitely not mandatory, in the direct path from the living quarters to the festival itself, there’s a table set up with sheets of paper and writing utensils where you can sign-in. Let us know (ICly!) who you are. Maybe add a fun fact about yourself. Or draw doodles all over the pages. Whatever floats your boat.

Wishes

As is traditional in the home countries of some members of the Circle, there are some bamboo trees in pots set up on either side of the little river, and tables close by with colored strips on loops of string and pens. Write down a wish, or anything you’d like, really, and hang it from the bamboo. Or, browse the bamboo yourself and see if you find anything interesting. Later on after midnight, they’ll be burned for luck!

Games
You’ll find the usual games in the various stalls, some with a decidedly cobbled together look, using what materials were available at the temple, and some with a little more sophistication, thanks to the particular gifts of those within the Circle. Try your hand at shooting a target, a game of chance, or take over a stall yourself and introduce your fellow Circle members to something you used to play at home. There may or may not be prizes involved, depending on which stall you find yourself at.

Food
You’ll find your usual fair fare, though with a decidedly cosmopolitan flair. The foods themselves are somewhat limited by what was easily obtainable within the Temple itself (or improvised), and some Circle members may have contributed decidedly experimental dishes. It really is a potluck, so take a look and see what interests you! Strike up a conversation with your fellow diners as you pick up your food and then find a table to sit at, but keep in mind that most of these are home made by others here, so the cook may be close by, listening…

Performance
What’s a festival without any entertainment? In addition to the music being played on speakers in the background by our very capable DJ, there is also a stage where you can show off your gifts. In addition to singing or other traditional performances, this is an opportunity to demonstrate any interesting abilities or gifts you might have, including new ones you may have gained upon arriving at the Temple! There is an additional sign-up sheet near the stage, so write your name down and what you plan to perform, and we look forward to seeing what you can do.

Bonfire

It’s a really big fire. Enough said (hopefully). Sit and relax, or chat with those around you. If you’re lucky, there may even be some additional entertainment. At a little after midnight, the bamboo bearing the wishes will be burned here and the festival closed for the night.

Lanterns
If you’d like to give it a try, there’s a small station set up where you can make your own lantern out of paper! You can choose from one that floats in the air or on the water (or both, no one’s policing this). Make your own design, and let it fly aloft or float on the water with the other lanterns, chat with others who are working, or just settle down by the water and watch the lanterns and the stars.

**If your character (even if you were just accepted!) would like to participate in the set-up for the impromptu festival at any point, or just wander around and ask what’s going on, please feel free! All the set-up would have been occurring in the space between the TDM and this post. If your character would like to handwave having helped set up, this post is also an option!

(( Set Up: Outdoors ✧ Set Up: Indoors ✧ Sign-In ✧ Bamboo Wishes ✧ Games ✧ Food ✧ Tables ✧ Performances ✧ Bonfire ✧ Lanterns ✧ Clean-Up ✧ or your own!))

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[Was it... really fine?

Konoha hesitates, more questions on her tongue... but what was the point in asking them if you wouldn't understand the answer? And she... is starting to think that she won't. Maybe can't. Just like she didn't understand how the watches worked, or how they'd gotten here in the first place...

Embarrassed, she hangs her head slightly. Maybe if she just... thinks of him as human. He said it was fine, right? He has a name and everything, and he'd written the wish for her so neatly-]

I'm Konoha.

[She bows just slightly again, before her hands wring together just slightly while she forces herself to smile despite the reminder of how lost she was still.]

I'm also... newly arrived.

Konoha. It's good to meet you.

[It's an introduction he's garnered, but something still remains off. The way she wring her hands together, that strange mote of tension that still remains in her voice, behind the smile. Connor's brow furrows slightly, and he schools his voice to be as amenable as possible, and he inclines his head a little in response to the bow.]

Is there anything I can help you with, to make you feel more comfortable in this place? I understand that being uprooted from one's home can be very... distressing.

I'll be in your care.

[But she's at a bit of a loss when it comes to responding to the offer. She hesitates again, tail swishing anxiously behind her, (though it's a bit hard to tell since she has it wrapped, tucked up in the skirt-like cloth she wears over her rear.]

I don't know if anyone can really help... I just. I need to get back to my parents.

[Those same ones she could only pray were... alright. Healthy.

Without her.]

…Yes. The want to return home is prevalent here among many of us. Myself included.

[He had much to finish back in Detroit — a mission to complete, an assignment to see through to the end. And even a friend he worries about, wondering how he’s doing without him.

He tries to keep the twisting of a frown off of his expression.]

Maybe with time, such a thing will become possible.

Will your family be alright?

[She's... having a hard time guessing his age, (BECAUSE IT SURELY IS NOT THREE MONTHS), but... maybe he's old enough to be married? Young children?

It seems like everything he literally just said about androids has completely... not made sense. She certainly doesn't realize that being one would mean one... couldn't really have a family in the first place.]

While you're here?

[He doesn't have a family. He has makers, a company with massive reach and influence, who assembled him and would disassemble him if he did not function to their standards. This was his point of origin, the place where he gained his first blip of consciousness -- sterile architecture and guarded hallways. More androids like him, lined up, ready to be shipped out to various warehouses around the country.

But Connor has spoken with Konoha long enough to know that this explanation won't really connect. He answers truthfully enough, but in a roundabout way.]

If you consider those who made me my family, then I'm sure they'll be fine. I'm more concerned with my friend. I... don't know how he'll fare without me, but I hope that he manages until I return.

[Spared the bewilderment of trying once again to understand androids, Konoha nods as if she understands, biting her lip slightly.]

What's... your friends name?

[Maybe it doesn't matter. She'll never meet him, and it wasn't her... "World", but.

She doesn't want to live in a place where she doesn't... connect.]

Hank. Hank Anderson. He works with law enforcement.

[An attempt at understanding, at forming bonds born from knowing details about each other. Connor can return the favor.]

What about your family? Will you tell me about them?

[Law enforcement... ? So his friend was... like the shogunate's men who patrolled near the highway gate? Maybe?]

He must be really tough, then, so... maybe he'll be fine...

[Was that comforting? She didn't know-]

I only have my parents. I mean... they're humans, but they took me in when I was young after my real parents died- and they're my parents now-

[He tilts his head, ever so slightly.]

He is 'tough', yes. But I guess it's just hard for me not to worry, anyway.

[Solving their cases together had been such a priority. Now, he only hopes Hank is doing okay on his own -- probably is, he thinks. He had lived alone for so long before Connor ever entered his life, after all.]

They must be very kind, then.

[Konoha nods... because she can understand that. Just because someone was capable didn't mean you wouldn't worry... so she's trying not to worry about Gonta, he was strong, but-

Her parents weren't young anymore. Honestly, they'd already not been young by the time she needed taking in, and-]

They are-

[There are tears in her eyes now, threatening to spill over, despite her best efforts.]

They're the kindest parents in the whole village-

[The glisten of tears. Not a response he wanted to elicit, though hindsight is 20/20; talking about those she might miss, especially individuals who were as important to her as her parents, would of course incite a reaction.

He hopes he isn't making this conversation too uncomfortable. There's a mote of hesitation before he speaks, taking this into consideration.]

Would you like to tell me about them? If it's too... difficult right now, I understand if you'd rather not.

Oh, no, it's not that I don't want to-

[Just in case, she grabs her sleeve and wipes at her face, shaking her head.]

Just-

[It is difficult. She doesn't want to cry. Not again, when this place has her feeling like a crybaby, always the one confused and not knowing what was happening, and-]

Maybe we should try one of the games? We're supposed to be celebrating-

[Smooth? No, but, she tried.]

[Connor just does his best to offer a small smile, and he inclines his head politely.]

Of course. Then we should celebrate, as you say.

[He takes it for what it is -- a transition to another subject altogether.]

Which game would you like to try first? I haven't attempted any of them, myself.

Oh-

[She'd sort of hoped he'd be more well versed in them, seeing as... no Tanabata celebration she'd ever been to had games. Still! She's... she's got this.]

What sort of games are you good at?

[Good cover, right?

Still, she shuffles her hooves slightly before slowly edging towards the game set up.]

I've never participated in festival or carnival games before.

[Not a lot of time for recreation in those 3 months of his existence. Connor keeps pace with her own gait as they walk.]

But I imagine something that relies heavily on hand-eye coordination, given my skill set. Ring toss, maybe?

Never never?

[Has Konoha seriously already banished the "three months old" from her mind? Or was it just so ridiculous that she'd never ever believe it? Who knew.]

Never. In the time after my activation, my focus was on other matters. Usually revolving around investigation.

Needless to say, this place is a far departure from what I’m used to.

You and me both...

[Now that she's learned ring toss from Winn, she thinks she can manage teaching it to someone else, so she points it out in the game tent.]

It's more about eye than arm, so if you did investigating things I'm sure you've got good eyes.

[... is that how that worked?]

[He huffs out, very lightly, something that sounds like laughter. Just a breath of amusement, really.]

Something like that, maybe.

[Off to the game tent they go, and Connor picks up a few of the weighted plastic rings and hands them to her.]

You first. [It's only polite, so his programming states.]

[Maybe... she got it kind of right?

Konoha smiles when he sort of laughs, because... if you didn't get the humor, it was probably best to just go along with it, right? To be polite? So she tries to stay positive, (and definitely not let herself think he's a metal three month old baby), stepping into the tent. She has to sort of dip her spine to avoid grazing the entrance, but she can straighten up a bit once they're in the center.]

Alright, I'll show you! You take the three rings... and if you can get all of them on the post then you win.

[Ring in hand, she aims, tongue showing between her lips for a moment as she dramatically squints, squares her hooves, aims... and barely manages the task, the ring clattering a bit as it lands around the post.]

Like that!

[She had been right, of course. That his optical prowess had been such that he could literally scan a room — or a crime scene — both efficiently and thoroughly. However, that much has been disabled now, much to his chagrin. But Connor decides to keep this much to himself, not wanting to confuse her further. There was no point in taking two steps back in their conversation, and so he merely smiles and doesn’t correct her. She wasn’t wrong.

~~he is a three month old baby tho sorry~~

He’s more than willing to watch her attempt at the ring toss, and a successful attempt it is. Though Connor doesn’t need an explanation (he had assumed that was the point of it), he listens like a man willing to learn, to observe. It isn’t too far off the mark.]

Success on your first attempt. You must be very coordinated by nature.

[Pleased with herself, (she certainly hadn't wanted to fail when she was demonstrating for him), Konoha claps her hands together with a nod.]

It's not so different from slinging ropes around tree trunks, and I've been doing that for years.

[... on the lumber yard, she means.]

You try!

[Tree trunks? Ah, he opens his mouth to ask, but then is offered to try. He saves the question for later.]

All right.

[He takes a ring for himself, feeling the weight and balance of it in his hand. Connor aligns himself to stand directly in front of the peg at a distance, and since he's been given time to consider velocity, angle, and potential arc, he takes just... a moment. His LED flickers while he thinks.

And then he throws it, the ring spinning as it's tossed, and finding its mark on the peg.]

[He certainly... looks like he's taking it seriously! That's good!

Konoha watches, hovering a little bit like a nervous mentor, wanting to see him succeed so that he will have a better time...

And it looked like she didn't have to worry at all!]

Wow, on your first one! If you get two more you win a prize!

[Perhaps praising such a simple task could be seen as insincere... but not from Konoha.]

SUMMER FESTIVAL: TEMPLE OF BEGINNINGS

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