22 - Harvest Moon Viewing

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Harvest Moon Viewing
When: September 10, 6 PM
Where: The Meeting Hall grounds
Summary: The Heavens are throwing a moon-viewing party!







Party Games

Children are dashing all over the moon-viewing grounds in the early evening, flying kites or playing tag and other games. Many of them are wearing cute seasonal rabbit masks made of paper, or sporting ink curlicues and scribbles drawn over their faces, if they've lost too many games.

Card games and spinning top battles, a few practice archery butts towards the edge of the park, poetry-composing competitions, and even badminton: there's something for everyone, and anyone who doesn't look too busy may find themselves offered a rabbit mask and a game to play. Or perhaps you'd like to try your hand at drawing people into your own game?

Moon Viewing

The moon rises not long after sunset, looming over the garden in hazy golden and red splendor thanks to the volcanic fumes in the atmosphere. The games are winding down as darkness falls, and the faint scent of burning incense fills the air as people settle to view the moon rise. Shinki in their festival best, adorned with Amaterasu's golden chrysanthemum, are serving the guests. They set out trays of fresh seasonal fruit (Japanese pears, persimmons, and chestnuts) and plates of mochi, serve sake, and light portable grills to cook sweet potatoes and skewers of meat.

Mazed & Confused

Part of the grounds have been rearranged into a hedge-maze made of tall, plumed grasses packed close together. A sign at the entrance reads, "Bring back my ribbon from the center of the maze,
and I'll give you a special prize!"

Unfortunately, that's harder than it sounds. The maze is full of dead ends, confusing turns, and twisty little passages, which all look alike. It's almost magical how easy it is to lose your way inside, and the tufted grass will prove to have painfully sharp edges if anyone tries to cheat by pushing their way through the "walls" of the maze.

Those who successfully find their way to the center will find a white ribbon fluttering from the top of a tall pole. If they can climb the pole, pull the ribbon free, and make it back to the entrance, they will hear the sound of a child's laughter, and the ribbon in their hand will disappear to be replaced by a round cake of mochi. Enjoy the prize!

Wild Moon

One of the children participating most energetically in the games of tag and dashing around the party is wearing an oversized gray hoodie with the hood pulled up right to the edges of his happy rabbit mask. He's not being very careful, either: he keeps bumping into other party attendees and barely taking the time to mutter an apology before he sprints away.

Although nothing noticeable happens at the time, anyone who's been tagged or bumped into by that particular child will begin to feel more emotional, quicker to react, and less self-controlled as the night wears on. Those who he only brushed by won't be too powerfully affected, but the more times that he has run into someone, the stronger the effect will grow.

(Note: This won't cause anyone to have emotions that they wouldn't feel otherwise, but both ongoing moods and temporary reactions could be amplified.)

In Summary:

• Play party games
• Relax with snacks
• Try to solve the hedge maze
• Go wild
• Have fun~

Comments

wild moon

[death_glare]

[ Disoriented was an understatement for the way William had felt when he awoke weeks after he remembered heading to bed for the night. He hardly believed the date that his phone told him when he first looked at it. But that, along with the tens of panicked messages Grell had apparently left him while he slept was enough to solidify it into reality, for him.

He had patted around the nightstand for his glasses, astounded by how tired he felt after having rested for so long. But there was a reason he'd woken up again, and a reason he wasn't now, rolling over to just get a few more hours in. That reason shone a deep red hue across the walls of his bedroom - the harvest moon. Perhaps it was the century they'd spent as coworkers, but William immediately knew that nothing good was to come of this night, as far as Grell was concerned.

Once out of his empty temple, William was quick to locate where the Far Shore's activities had been arranged. And even quicker was his ability to locate the redhead. He'd honed that skill rather quickly. Though, without his scythe, William's only option to intersect any attacks upon her chosen victim are gone, so he's relented to simply call out her name, in his usual stern tone. ]

Sutcliffe!

[untodeath]

[ Fortunately for William, calling out to her is all that he'll need - for when Grell hears his voice, the entire world around her ceases to be! Her breath catches, caught with such surprise that the end of her chainsaw's blade will clatter against the pavement below her feet.

Immediately, she turns, eyes scouring the rooftops as she calls out, in turn. ]

William--?!

[ Ah, and once she spots him, she disappears from the scene beside two worn kings--

Only to teleport before the other reaper, deathscythe dismissed back to its hammerspace, so that she may fling herself into his arms!! ]

Oh, Will! Will, you're awake!

[ Coiling her fingers into the cloth at his back, she desperately buries her face into his collar! ]

I-- I was so worried...!

[ Ah, such fuss isn't unusual for Grell, but this time, there's a touch of moisture to her eye! The faintest waiver to her voice. The redhead is so overcome with emotion - not wrath, or passion, but pure vulnerability!

The mere sight of her would likely confirm William's suspicions, otherwise. Her clothing is slashed, torn, singed, and stained with blood which is only partially her own. ]

[death_glare]

[ "Into his arms" is a bit of wishful thinking on Grell's part. William's arms are firmly planted at his sides and certainly show no effort to hold Grell or console her. ]

Honestly, there was no reason to send me that many messages.

[ Not that it isn't concerning to him that he was out of commission for so long. But, that's hardly the important issue at hand. He only got a brief glimpse of the state of her clothing before she ambushed him, but it was enough to confirm what he suspected she'd be up to on this night. ]

Now, get off of me.

[ A supernaturally firm grip to her collarbone is all he needs to apply to force her back. ]

Do not tell me that is why you got into this mess.

[ He indicates her worn attire by merely letting his cold gaze trail up and down her body. ]

[untodeath]

[ Oh, yes, wishful thinking, indeed! In this moment, it feels much like Grell's prince charming has returned to her side, and her heart is swollen with ʟᴏᴠᴇ--

Until Mr. Charming manhandles her back in such a way. There's an adamant whine that comes from the redheader reaper, at that! At least he's his usual, intoxicatingly brutal, self. ]

I-- [ Okay, one thing at a time. Namely, to avoid that question. ] Listen, Will, I had been half-convinced that you were ignoring me! Then, afraid that you'd been sent away...

[ Oh, and as if that were the most devastating possibility, which, admittedly, it would be, those upturned brows press together with a quivering frown! ]

[death_glare]

Unfortunately, you are impossible to ignore.

[ He sighs and, letting her free of his grip, moves his hand to adjust his glasses. Even though they aren't in London, somehow William still feels like he's responsible for keeping Grell in line. Perhaps merely cause it seems he's the only one able to reel her in when she gets to this point. ]

Now, who am I going to need to speak with to fix whatever problems you've cause while I was out of commission?

[untodeath]

You--... You would do that for me?

[ It's one thing to prevent pull her from the crime scene, but offering to clean up after her...

Well, it's surprising, foremost! Enough to leave Grell blinking at the other with wonder, idle hands coming to clasp at her breast - that is, until she becomes overwhelmed with endearment, and throws herself at him once more, arms slinging over his shoulders! ]

You're the best, truly♥! [ With a grip like iron, she simply croons. Sorry, William, that's what you get for letting your guard down. ] I missed you so much. [ --And if he isn't careful, she'll be pressing a kiss to his cheek! ]

[death_glare]

It has become common knowledge that I am your supervisor back in London. And I will not have you sullying my name along with your own--

[ He's cut off from his thoughts when Grell is suddenly upon him again. Though it's not unusual to have Grell throwing herself at him, her choice of words tonight is a bit different than normal. She's seemed to venture away from the dangerously flirtatious comments and is, instead, speaking to him as though they're teen sweethearts whose sole focus is each other. ]

Yes, you have said that, already.

[ He's not pushing her away just yet. Instead he sounds almost concerned.

Almost. ]

[untodeath]

[ Well, William, she isn't entirely convinced that's the case. Grell's all grown up and has her own temple now, so it's highly doubtful that anyone would expect him to answer for her indiscretions.

More importantly, it's much more fun to think that he might actually care! ]

Did I? [ With a thoughtful hum, she will lace her fingers behind his neck so that she may lean back just enough to bat her eyes at him, one heeled foot raised! ] Ah, well, I couldn't say it enough. Seeing you awake simply has me over the moon~♥!

[ Tilting her head back to bask in that crimson moonlight, Grell heaves a happy sigh!

She may be acting stranger than usual, but the jokes are still fresh. ]

[death_glare]

[ William's sour expression moves from Grell to the red moon hanging low in the sky. It's hard to say whether Grell's acting this way due to some strange force effecting the Far Shore on this night, or if she's simply inspired by the hue of the moon.

Whichever the case, he's shoving her back with his own usual force. Then taking a moment to smooth out the front of his jacket. ]

Whatever trouble you've been causing, it stops now. Do you understand?

[untodeath]

[ Supernatural reflexes are Grell's saving grace, in this moment; when William shoves her, she catches herself on the balls of her feet - just at the rooftop's edge! Arms outstretched to balance herself, the reaper's voice waivers! ]

--Yes!!

[ Point taken! Taking a step forward to safety, she can breathe more easily. There's a pout on her lips, however; thick lashes batting at William over red spectacle frames. ]

Would you take me home, Will?

[death_glare]

Only because I don't trust you not to run off and cause more trouble.

[ And with that, he's fearlessly leaping from the rooftop to land cleanly on the street below. He pauses briefly, only to let Grell follow along. ]

[untodeath]

[ Grell peeks over her shoulder to watch William as he descends, and a smile settles on her lips. While she doesn't doubt his words in the least, having his company will be welcome.

Following suit, the redhead will turn to hop down from the ledge - albeit, not quite as smoothly, forced to crouch down in order to catch her weight, a hand extended to keep herself upright. It's been a long night, and with the lapse of adrenaline, it's beginning to take its toll. ]

Oh! Goodness me, looks as though I'm overdue for my beauty sleep.

[ Dusting off her palms, she stands, quick as can be! ]

[death_glare]

Honestly. You look a complete mess.

[ Spoken like a true gentleman, even as he turns to scrutinize her. But Grell's clothes have certainly seen better days. And there's even a decent smudge of blood across her cheek, that William's surprised he didn't notice earlier. ]

[untodeath]

[ Oh, and she feels it, too! While Mikoto's healing flame would have healed her more critical injuries, her body is still struggling to catch up! The aches and pains of fatigue are slowly setting in. ]

Well, I...

[ Of course, she wishes that it weren't so obvious; no matter the case, she does try her hardest to look nice! Afraid that William has indicated more than her clothing, she wearily reaches up to fuss with her fringe. ]

Cleaning up would be nice.

[ So, she'll add some haste to her step, passing the other by, so that he won't have to look at her so closely! ]

Let's go, then!

[death_glare]

[ Despite his harsh words and criticisms, William isn't looking for Grell to suddenly fall flat on her face from exhaustion. It takes little effort for him to be beside her, once more, and he swiftly grips her upper arm. Then it's but an instant before he teleports them both to the entrance of Kali's grand temple. ]

I will stay here until you've fixed yourself up.

[ He glances briefly to the moon, still hanging low in the sky. In truth, he's not planning on leaving until he's certain whatever effect this has had on Grell has subsided. It's not as though he needs to get home and sleep, or anything. But he'll leave that bit vague for now. ]

[untodeath]

[ Lips parted, Grell's hands lower just so, to peek over at the other. That bit of kindness makes William difficult to read, and she's not precisely certain that she should thank him for it.

After all, she's certain that he believes her capable of feigning the entire thing, and intent to cause more trouble after he's left. Really, she isn't acting - although the latter is possible. ]

... If you insist, then I suppose you'll be following me to my quarters.

[ Really, she isn't going to up and faint right here, so she'll insistently tug her arm free, if possible! After shaking herself out a bit, he'll need to follow her, as she takes off, bounding over structures, to the center of the temple. ]

[death_glare]

[ Grell doesn't give William much time to respond before she's taken off again. Not that it matters much, as he's already made up his mind to stay and quickly follows along after her.

Once arrived he lands beside her, adjusting his glasses and smoothing out the bit of bangs that decided to rebel as they'd bounded through the temple grounds. ]

I assume this is it, then?

[untodeath]

It is.

[ Through the open balcony, it's a mere swipe of sheer curtains to enter her bedroom. As the exterior might suggest, Kali's personal quarters are sizable and nothing short of extravagant. Polish stone floors and gilded ceilings, ornately furnished, and all including a personal bathing pool.

Grell saunters over to take a seat upon a lounge, but once she's down, she all but collapses into it with a sigh. Tiredly, she leans over to make an effort at untying her boots. ]

This is hardly how I imagined that you'd be seeing my bed for the first time, you know.

[death_glare]

Be grateful I am here at all.

[ A statement which could be read more ways than William was probably intending.

Though he does seem rather intrigued by the design of the place. ]

However, I can't imagine your flat back in London is nearly this extravagant.

[untodeath]

[ What he says ceases Grell's movements entirely. ]

I am. I'm very grateful to have you.

[ Those quiet words are nearly drowned out by her shuffling, as she nudges off her heels to tuck under the seat, then grasping at the backrest to hoist herself up. ]

And, no, this-- I only could have dreamt to see a place like this, let alone have it. Aren't I the lucky lady.

[ Strangely enough, she lacks the excitement that she feels she should have, in this situation - for many reasons. It's luxurious and romantic-- spacious, and all for her. Why, the man she loves is even here to admire it with her! So, why does it still feel lonely? ]

[death_glare]

[ William's brows furrow as Grell speaks. He can hear the lack of a certain passion in her words, one which has always been there as long as he can remember. Perhaps it's just a result of her exhaustion? ]

You should rest. You can hardly even keep yourself upright.

[untodeath]

I couldn't very well climb into bed like this.

[ Grell makes an effort to stand proper, hands resting at her dirtied collar! ]

Don't be silly, William; I might mistake you for concerned.

[ Quirking an upturned brow his way half playfully, she turns for the personal bath, idly raking her hands through her hair. ]

[death_glare]

[ William shows no intention of leaving, even as Grell moves towards the bath. Instead he takes her spot on the chez lounge. He fetches his phone from his inner jacket pocket before casually crossing his legs, in an attempt to make himself comfortable. ]

Honestly, don't go reading into things too much.

[ And he begins thumbing through various things on his phone screen. ]

[untodeath]

[ That's become a theme between them, hasn't it? Don't do reading into things too much. With the slightest smile, Grell hums, acknowledging his comment - perhaps, even, trying it.

An archway is all that separates the room from her personal bath, but similarly to the balcony, a sheer curtain will provide some effort at modesty between them. The redhead tugs it closed behind her, before she turns on the water and takes a seat at the steps of the inlaid bath, to begin undressing herself. ]

I have half a mind to insist that you join me, what, with spending weeks in bed.

[death_glare]

You should already know my answer to that.

[ The curtain is hardly necessary as William's gaze is set on his phone. He isn't certain just how many weeks he'd been out of commission, but scrolling through the BBS network gives him a bit of a hint. Quite a lot has gone on since the last time he can recall any of the posted messages.

Two, in particular, catch his attention. ]

The Phantomhive brat is here now, too?