24 - Autumn Reception

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Autumn Reception
When: September 30, 6 PM
Where: The Gods' Meeting Hall
Summary: The Heavens are throwing a formal party! Old and new gods alike are invited, so put on your nicest outfits and some good dancing shoes, and come see what this shindig is all about.







Front Door

The door of the Meeting Hall is wide open, warm golden light spilling out from the well-lit corridor inside. Shinki in white robes with golden chrysanthemums -- a fancier, heavier version of the usual robes -- stand to either side of the door, ready to check invitations. Each invitation is taken, the name carefully noted on a scroll held by one of the door attendants, and the invitation returned.

Since the invitations were delivered to gods, shinki are being allowed in as part of a god's entourage, but unaccompanied shinki will be questioned, and any god who forgot to bring their invitation will be turned away to go find it. Better make sure you have a last-minute date to the ball!

Reception

Once past the vigilant door guards, attendees will be escorted to a truly massive room, the floor polished hardwood and the roof far overhead supported by wooden columns so big that it would take four people holding hands to reach around one. White-robed shinki, in the same more-formal garments as the gate guards, are circulating throughout the room holding trays stacked with exquisitely crafted hors d'oeuvres, bottles of soda, or glasses of sake and sparkling wines.

The room is about half full, and soft music is playing from an unseen source. It's clear that several of the old gods have arrived, too, although they're largely keeping to themselves among small groups of their shinki, whose formal dress seems to be some variety of uniform -- color, cut and style vary wildly between different gods, but within a group, they all match.

Banquet

Two hours after the doors open, it's finally time to eat! Food is served in an adjoining room, where long tables are set to accommodate all the guests. Platters of sashimi, sushi, vegetables and deep-fried tidbits are brought around, as well as individual plates of the main courses; most of the food is Japanese, but not all, and the white-robed shinki serving take special requests.

As the banquet begins to wind to a close, the peal of a bell rings through the room, and Amaterasu steps out onto a raised dais towards the front of the room. She's accompanied by four of the white-robed shinki, all of whom are wearing swords, and although she looks like a girl of no more than twelve, her expression is grave and worried.

"Thank you all for coming here tonight, and for your efforts to support peace in the Heavens and in the mortal world. We are grateful for your hard work.

"Over the past several months, we have faced many challenges. Ayakashi have intruded into these lands more than once, and I myself came under attack when my temple was set on fire. We are making every effort to discover the responsible parties, and once we do, they will face Heaven's justice. For now, I have an important request for all of you.

"Please be watchful and alert. Be careful what you bring with you to the Heavens and watch for strangers in your temples and shrines. But even in a time like this, remember that we must remain in harmony with each other. Conflict in Heaven brings conflict on earth. If you think you have seen anything suspicious, bring that information to the nearest guards. I hope we can all work together, our new colleagues as well as the old..." She hesitates, drawing herself up, and then says quickly, "Thank you. Please enjoy yourself tonight," before turning to leave the room, guards close behind her.

Dancing

After Amaterasu's speech, the dinner dishes are cleared, and the guests are welcome to return to the previous room. The music is louder, enough to cover quiet conversation or to be danced to; it's a selection of Western ballroom dance tunes and classical Japanese music, and the center of the room is clear for would-be dancers.

The circulating servers are offering little sweets on their trays now, along with the same drink selection.

In Summary:

• Don't forget your invitation
• Enjoy the party
• Dinner and a speech
• Try some dancing
• Have fun~