[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

[boneofsword]

[Archer chuckles quietly.]

I'm touched by your concern. [he takes the teasing in stride and delivers a sarcastic response, wondering why Caster decided to stay away from the party.]

[futhark]

[ You know how when someone is hungry, they notice all the delicious snacks and lunches everyone just happens to be eating right now? He kind of started to be hyper-aware about noticing what kind of magical energy potential many around him have. Friend, acquaintances, etc. Not a fun realization to have, but can't help it. It will go away, no need to mull over it for too long. ]

So, you wanted something or did I ruin your escape? [ Bah, he knows it's not that, otherwise Archer wouldn't bring him a cocoa in the second cup. But he has to tease from time to time. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer has his suspicion as to what caused the sudden departure, but snark comes first. If Caster needs more mana he can simply ask, right?]

Hmph. I noticed that blue party animal went missing so I had to investigate.

[futhark]

[ Blue party animal... you bastard. ]

That sounds more like a hunt.

[ And with that Caster disappears from his vision. When he speaks next time he's much higher on that tree. Teleportation skill is a hell of a drug. ]

But what if the prey becomes the hunter?

[boneofsword]

[Archer chuckles at that. It's not that overly sarcastic one, this almost sounds honest.]

My bad. Would you prefer if I call you a blue social butterfly? [he takes a sip of his cocoa and muses aloud.] Butterflies are pretty and harmless, in some tales associated with the souls of the dead. Animal, on the other hand, suggests a predator.

[futhark]

[ He's not against being an animal, or butterfly, or whatever. He hoped that it might prompt a chase across the trees- just for the heck of it. Hence the hunt suggestions. But, boo hoo, party pooper. ]

Trust me, I got what you meant the first time.

[ So he's okay with just teleporting behind Archer and poking him in the back for a surprise startle ]

So what did investigation yield you?

[boneofsword]

[Why, it's perfectly fine cocoa, no reason to cause Archer to spill it all over his clothes. He catches himself and manages to not ruin his drink. Hence why he wasn't falling for the chase.]

That depends on which one do you mean. [he quips back, turning a bit to be able to watch Caster.] This place, your legend, or local tales and beliefs?

[futhark]

[ It's better for the cocoa sure, but it would be funny to see mister proper spill something for once ]

Oh, so you were investigating more than just me missing? [ Did you treat the whole party as something to investigate? Archer plz... ]

[boneofsword]

[You can try it while he's busy cooking, but it may end with a disaster.]

I was busy mingling with people before you disappeared, then you got top priority. [Caster plz right back at you. Archer is unused to having fun.] Surprising to not find you in company.

[futhark]

[ Everyone are suddenly so concerned just because he disappeared for few minutes. Aww, that's really sweet, you bunch of nerds. Way to make him feel appreciated. But mushy feelings aside, he's still himself, and so he tilts his head and offers a grin ]

You never know, maybe I'm waiting for my date to sneak out with. [ Take this! And now you're scaring them away. ]

[boneofsword]

[It's to be expected, so Archer tilts his head to the side in show of a serious deliberation. After all, it's Caster.]

My bad, and here I was hoping you can give us all a chance to listen to your storytelling.

[futhark]

[ He looks thoughtfully into the direction of fires, humming. ]

Right, there is a bonfire.

[ And that's where he suggested the stories are best told, last time when he weaseled his way out of it. where is fire, there will be a story, he won't go back at his own word ]

So- Have you considered what do you want to hear? [ He walks and sips the cocoa at the same time ]

[boneofsword]

Is there some part of your legend you'll enjoy talking about, or a tale that you'd like to share?

[Archer asks while following him. He's curious if there's anything that Caster does enjoy in his legend, or if he considers it as a closed book.]

[futhark]

Eh, beats me... [ Caster relaxes as he sits down by the bonfire. Telling everything from the start- that's kind of a long tale. But if he had to go for something specific - that's even a tougher choice. ]

I told you, didn't I? If you want something clarified you should ask. [ He sounds lethargic about the idea- what kind of hero gloats over his own accomplishments?

But druids are storytellers, he should up his game finally. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer is curious avout many things, but he prefers Caster to think of the happier times. That's why he choses the most neutral topic, and one he actually is interested in.]

If you don't mind then I want to hear about Emer.

[futhark]

You want to hear about my princess? [ He's not against talking about her, not at all. He's just surprised at the subject choice. He thought Archer would rather hear about his battles, or that one sword that makes Saber-class available for him even ]

Sure- [ Look at them, so polite interacting with each other mere two days after a big argument. Granted no one knew this argument will happen when this thread started so let's figure out how this is even possible. ] It all started when all my foster parents decided it's time to marry me off when I hit what- fourteen? Fifteen? I got to choose my own bride at least and I decided on princess living in Luglochta Loga.

[ But it's never that easy, eh? ]

Thing is, she immediately shot me down. Story's off for a good start, eh?

[boneofsword]

[It's odd, Archer thinks, to see Caster talk about those he cared about during his times. Instead of telling his own tale quite apathetically Caster shows some interest, traces of warmth and mirth apparent on his face and in the tone of his voice.]

So you decided to prove yourself to win her heart. [Archer supplies with a hint of smirk. True, they've had a huge argument not so long ago but it's in the past now. They can be responsible adults from time to time.]

[futhark]

[ Cancer sticks as a peace offering, yeah that worked. ]

I was a no-name kid to her, hard to imagine any other decision really. [ He might have close ties to the royal line - his mother being a sister of the king -, but she was still a real princess. ]

But then I paid her a visit in person, and it turned much better. See-- there were many pretty young ladies that were suggested to me as good options, but if I was to marry, I wanted it to matter- [ Might be everyday thing in today's times, but marriage was mostly a business transaction back in his times ]

She was as beautiful as they said, but her wits were sharper than any blade, and her eyes had seen more than those of a hawk. [ He probably fell in love for real at that time ] We challenged each other to speak in riddles and understood each other perfectly while everyone else around has had no idea what's going on.

[boneofsword]

[Archer can understand that sentiment. Wanting it to matter, that one choice he was able to make for himself, seems like a trifle matter, but Archer knows it wasn't.]

That part of your tale stays true, then. [he says it more to himself than to Caster.]

[futhark]

Yeah, but the point of her being a princess and me a no-name kid was still there. Her father obviously wouldn't agree for us to get married. [ Business arrangement first, remember? ]

So I had to figure out how to make a name for myself, and someone suggested training with a legendary warrior-witch of Dun Scaich.

[ What a convenient time to suggest something so dangerous, no ]

Ah, those were good times.

[boneofsword]

[Surprisingly convenient way to off the troublesome suitor without having to kill him, pretty much.]

Then you've met Scáthach.

[Archer notes the wistfull tone in Caster's voice, and asks before the other has a chance to reply. Perhaps it's better to shut up and let Caster tell his tale, but he's too curious.] Was that your golden age?

[futhark]

Golden years... yeah, being beaten into a pulp all around Dun Scaich ramparts- Sounds like it. [ That's it. He totally agrees, this definitely was some of the best time of his life ]

But she's a tale of her own. [ It would be very easy to get sidetracked and talk about his time in Land of Shadows- but it's about Emer, so better to keep it short. ] Not that you don't know that already.

[ Mr. I-googled-everything-about-you looking at you! ]

Tch, what's even the point of me talking about it? [ His complaint is airy, he doesn't mind the storytelling. But he does wonder why Archer is so curious to hear "his version". ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer offers a lopsided smile, the he looks into the fire.]

There are many translation of your tales, and many variations of it. I want to know the person behind the tale, that's all.

[It's one thing to read it, it's another to listen to Caster, see his expression change as he gestures animately. That's much more intimate than just a retelling of ages old legend.]

[futhark]

So- skipping the training part, I finished it and returned home. No longer anyone would be allowed to call me a "boy"- [ Sure some tried, and it continued well into his adulthood. Usually ended in some kind of bloodshed too ]

I had skills of both spearmanship and magic to prove it, and I carried the weapon my teacher bestowed upon me. [ Yeah, that one ] And you know, Emer was really impressed.

[ He lets out a small laugh as he remembers her face. Funny, he thought he chose her because he wanted a wife that would be his equal, but in the end, he was the one who had to prove himself worthy of her. ]

But not her father- I had to break in into his castle so we could elope.

[ Burglary, murder, and dangerous escape through the fords. Aaah, a fairytale ending. ]

[boneofsword]

[A fairytale for adults, of course. Archer says nothing for a moment, watching Caster from the corner of his eye. How it would feel to be remembered with such fondness. That's an idle thought.]

You've won your princess despite all odds. [and cherished her, if the way Caster speaks about her is an indication.]