[Open Mingle] End of Summer Lucky-Pot

[darkestbefore]

Who: Anyone and Everyone!
When: September 22nd
Where: Cnoc Áine
What: It is the final day of Summer and the first day of Fall so the Temple of Áine, the Irish Goddess of Summer, throws one last picnic to bid her season farewell. All are welcome, as long as they bring a dish for the lucky-pot potluck.


[ To celebrate the final day of Summer, the Temple of Áine has gone all out, decorated in vibrant shades of red and gold that already accent the hint of leaves that are changing outside the temple grounds. Although inside the walled temple, it still seems like a beautiful summer day, the leaves on the trees still a bright vibrant green. The picnic is set up in the large orchard that spreads within the temple, the trees' boughs heavy with brightly-hued apples of every flavor and crispness.

Blankets and tables are scattered beneath the trees and in the clearing at the center, several long tables are set up to be filled with dishes brought by guests. Yona has supplied some of it herself, with the help of some friends. Several roasts, carefully sliced and carved for guests. A large platter of corn still on the cob. Several types of breads, seasoned with fruits or vegetables from the summer seasons or the harvest. And apples, of course - those seem to be here and there and everywhere; in pies, sliced and paired with peanut butter or caramel or other dips, made into a buttery spread for the loaves of bread. No matter what people bring to add to the potluck, there will be plenty of food to go around, as well as wine and ciders generously offered to go with it.

There is music playing in the background, just to set the mood or for people to dance to, and the pools of water are still warm enough for people to take a soak or swim in. And when the sun sinks and the sky darkens and the air grows a little cooler, a large bonfire is lit, with hot cocoa passed around and the makings for s'mores set out for anyone who wants to have a little dessert after their feasting. One last offering to a fading summer until it comes around again. ]

Comments

[farseen]

[Taking her hand, Shin-Ah allowed himself to be drawn forth by her smile and warm demeanor. She was like the summer sun trailing vibrantly through the clear sky, and it was impossible not to follow her.]

Mm!

[He nodded alongside his hum in reply, gladdened to have someone to go investigate the food table with.]

[darkestbefore]

[ At ease with his way of communicating, she merely leads him towards the table and gets them both a plate. ]

What should we try first? Is there anything that looks good to you?

[farseen]

Um...

[Shin-Ah took the plate in hand and cast Yona a look that resembled an inquisitive mountain creature.]

All of it.

[darkestbefore]

[ She blinks back at him a moment before laughing. ]

Alright, then let's see if we can sample a little of everything, then! Here, let's start at this end of the table and work our way up to the other end. Or... as far as we can get, maybe?

[farseen]

Ah-- yes!

[He nodded energetically, excited to have someone to try all of these foods with. Perhaps they could start with the salty snacks and work their way all the way to the sweet snacks? The possibilities were endless!]

[darkestbefore]

[ Motioning at the table, Yona starts selecting portions of the displayed food, trying to take a little of everything. ] Here, help yourself, Shin-Ah. See what you can fit on your plate and then we can find somewhere to sit and eat for a little while, yes?

[farseen]

Yes!

[And, following her lead, Shin-Ah started piling snacks onto his plate.]

Um... thank you.

[darkestbefore]

[ She glances over at him at that, still filling her own plate with a few of the different foods. ]

For what, Shin-Ah?

[farseen]

...For today.

[And everything that Yona was doing to help him despite not asking for it.]</small.

[darkestbefore]

[ She blinks for a moment before smiling at him. ]

You're welcome, Shin-Ah. I'm glad you could come today. Have you gotten to meet some of the others here yet?

[farseen]

[A nod. He had met a few others already-- as much as he could with being both quiet and a wallflower.]

Mm. The people are nice.

[darkestbefore]

They are. [ She's happy he'd found that to be true, too. She knows how overwhelming people can sometimes be for him. ] Are you and Hak settling in alright together?

[ She and Hak had spoken of it, but she was curious about Shin-Ah's thoughts as well. ]

[farseen]

Mm.

[He nodded, in complete honesty.]

Hak is good, and kind.

[He really appreciated the way Hak seemed to understand him without him having to explain a lot. It was a burden off of his shoulders, which allowed him to focus on other things-- like navigating this strange world.]

[darkestbefore]

[ That gets a quiet laugh from her as she continues filling her plate, waiting until Shin-Ah had picked out a selection of things he wanted to try, before motioning towards one of the trees with an empty blanket stretched out beneath it. ] Shall we sit there?

And yes, he is. I'm glad you have him for a god. And that he has you for a shinki. [ If Shin-Ah had to be here as a shinki at all, which still made her heart ache, but... ]