[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

[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.]

[futhark]

It sounds like a good ending for a story, no? But really, it was just a beginning.

[ Again he sounds wistful as he reminisces that. They didn't get that much time together as he'd like, but- it was a good time, he wouldn't exchange it anything else. ]

She always kept me on my toes and didn't hesitate to put me in my place when I deserved it. [ Read: after he had done something stupid ] We really turned out to be well-suited for each other...

[ But in the end their both bloodlines died with them ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer chuckles quietly.]

A fairytale ending that is, in fact, a beginning of another story. [he remarks, but then he shuts up and listent. It's not a kind of expression that he sees on Caster's face often, too soft and too wistful. Archer's sure he doesn't get to talk about this part of his tale often. That's what makes the final part of his tale - if Caster ever knows it, all too cruel.]

[futhark]

That's right. Let's end it here. [ Otherwise, there might be no end to the story, and it could turn more heartfelt then he'd like himself to allow. ]

Hope it satisfies your curiosity, and proves my lack of storytelling skills. [ What a sham of a druid--

While he keeps his tone light- it's a conscious effort to make it sound this way. Lost loves and longings can consume a man, should he was not careful. ]

[boneofsword]

Hmph. I think you're selling yourself short. [Archer shrugs and gets up briskly, throwing a short 'Wait here," over his shoulder. He's back in a moment carrying two mugs of warm cider.]

My thanks for the tale, and a toast to good things. [he says, handing Caster one of the mugs.]

[futhark]

[ Oh? So it was no lie that there might be some alcohol hidden around, waiting for the night-time. Caster is very excited reaching for the mug - it's warm, and did someone add something to this cider? Orange, cinnamon, over the top, but the smell is nice ]

That's one hell of a toast, but yeah, -cheers! [ It's good that the alcohol is brought right when he starts to realize that it's kind of weird to get all mushy about his ex-wife, uh, widow? next to the guy that is being an awkward oaf about hitting on him. ]

Just out of curiosity- what brought this on? [ Or is there absolutely no reason Archer decided to ask about Emer, instead of about all the magic swords he saw in his lifetime ]

[boneofsword]

Cheers. [Archer takes a sip of cider as he stares into the fire. That's a good question, one he's been asking himself earlier.]

She's important to you. [he says finally.] I'm curious what kind of person she was to leave such a lasting impression.

[There's another reason he's wary to voice, too. What did it take to create such a strong bond.]

[futhark]

[ So, in short, it is the "I want to know you better part". K, Archer, go on on your quest for discovery. He'll focus on the cider for a while ]

Soon you'll be asking me if I'd go back if I could. [ A pointless question, the answer should be obvious ] I am where I am supposed to be right now- and how it goes...

[ Another sip of cider and a brief laugh ]

About this- we're not so different you and I. [ The memories thing is the only difference really. Aside from that, yeah, both dead, both finished stories- stuck in here. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer snorts at that last remark. He's aware that Caster prefers to focus on present moment, leaving all the past behind. Neither of them can change what has already happened.]

Indeed. We can only make the most of current situation. [even if it's awkward flirting peppered with casual snark. There's no point in wasting time on 'what-if'.]