isleofavalon | EVENT ✨ Fall Equinot

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EVENT ✨ Fall Equinot

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SUMMARY: In the days leading up to the fall equinox, geese intended for eating escape and cause havoc around town, people share techniques to preserve plants for the winter, and Camelot's citizens compete to make the best light shows with traditional wax candles to draw spirits peacefully into Camelot.

With all the harder preparations gathered for the Fall Equinox, throughout the month people will notice that decorations start going up around town. The colors of fall seem to seep throughout Camelot, but more than that, so do more traditional sights and smells. In the days leading up to the equinox, traditional acts such as the sacrifice and consuming of flesh are performed. Well.. normally they would be. The fattened geese that are normally eaten in preparation for the equinox have escaped and are causing havoc around town. Geese are running around causing trouble for everyone-- stealing glasses, opening gates, putting up toilet seats when people try to sit down so they fall in the bowl... all kinds of madness! Even if you weren't intent on eating geese and were going to settle for the vegetarian option (pumpkin and nut soups are frequently served using the gourd itself as a bowl), you have to agree the general public needs to be rescued from these menaces. If you have the stomach for it, you are welcome to keep one of the geese you capture for your own table... but otherwise, please return the birds to the farm where they can be handled accordingly.

Birds are not the only sacrifice made to the autumnal equinox. As the flowers begin to reach the end of their life, there is a strong tradition of gathering flowers and herbs and preserving them for the upcoming winter, either to protect their beauty, scent, edibility, and sometimes magical properties. The simplest form of preservation is, of course, drying and pressing-- a technique you don't need magic for, but some of the locals will happily teach you. A more advanced technique can be learned to enchant glass bell jars to suspend the lifeforce of any living thing within its grasp for up to a year, if no one opens it. It's a technique used to preserve important or rare plants that may otherwise die out during the winter, such as herbs used in your favorite spell.. or dish. The glass bell jar will protect the plant, but each time it is picked up, a single petal or leaf will fall off of the plant. If all the leaves fall off, the plant becomes unrecoverable, and come spring the caster will find themselves cursed with a touch that wilts any plant they come in contact with. So if you choose to use this, be warned that there are consequences for misuse and a wide number of horror stories from people who have tried to use this spell for anything other than plants. Any type of mage can pour their magic into a bell jar to enchant it, and the type of magic will be reflected in a glass design that forms around the rim and handle. (An elemental mage may have glass flames form, or frosted etchings of your favorite animal may appear if you're an animal mage, and so on. Feel free to get creative.) Green mages may find this magic a little useless, since they can just replenish plants with their own magic, but it's still a good technique to know.. just in case!

Perhaps the most beautiful tradition that takes form leading up to the autumnal equinox is the candle pathway. Every street in Camelot will be lit up with thousands of candles for two nights leading up to the autumnal equinox, as a guiding light to help the spirits find their way to Avalon. The way the streets in Camelot are mapped out, the lights will form a path to the square where the fairy coins are being held until their release on September 22nd, the same area where the guardian egg ceremony had been performed. Some people get very creative with their lighting displays, which can sometimes result in beautifully lit streets and magnificent structures of flames. Accidents are quickly quelled by volunteer elemental mages throughout the city to prevent any structural damage. Some people might be compelled to make their own light display the most outstanding on the block, and it becomes a bit of a game to compete with your neighbors to see whose section of the candle pathway is the most extravagant.

SUMMARY: The autumn equinox ritual is interrupted by a huge earthquake caused by a Stone Giant bursting out of the Ash Mountains, bringing the closest Ash Mountain and Lestari to the ground. The purple dragon erupts from the ruins to attack Celliwig. The survivors of the collapse need help desperately. Characters must choose where they go to determine the fate of Avalon.

Calm and mundane preparations are a nice break from the sometimes stressful lives of Camelot's citizens and otherworlders, who often are asked to embark on life-threatening adventures and tasks. It's probably a good thing most of the month has been relatively peaceful, as things need to go a little bit differently this year on the fall equinox itself... but not as differently as they actually do.

In the town square, elaborate celtic-similar symbols are carved out into the ground and filled with mysterious glowing liquids. All of those who gained guardian tattoos and their attendants were asked to attend a ritual to release them on the night of the 22nd, along with anyone else who would like to witness. Everything is ready and as the witching hour approaches, several individuals dressed in flowing robes with their faces painted like skeletons approach. As the leader raises his voice to explain why they've come and what to do to make this night a success, a sudden shock-- Avalon itself shakes with the might of an earthquake... or at least, that's what it seems like for the first few minutes as everyone gathers themselves until they hear mass screaming in the distance. Though it's hard to see what's going on... there are still some very, very obvious problems.

A stone giant rises from the first of the Ash Mountains, crumbling the mountain around it as if the ancient being were holding the very mountain itself up... and it was. Those who visited Lestari will have seen its giant feet within the underground city. The former city. Lestari is now buried beneath the mountain, along with many of the other creatures living on and around the mountain. A huge storm of mixed weather forms above the giant's head, blizzard and lightning raging around it to no avail. As the people of Camelot watch what's only visible at a macro distance, they may not be as quick to notice that all of the fairy coins have begun glowing vibrantly, then suddenly burst out of the jars they've been held in, shattering right through them to fly off en-masse toward the stone giant. They embed themselves in it, fueling the giant with enough power to both begin to walk away from the rubble and for the spirits that have begun gathering in Avalon to head toward it, rather than where they had been intended.

As if that were not enough, after the Stone Giant takes two large steps through the Land of Rot, the gargantuan cloud of dust covering the ruins of the first of the Ash Mountain range rather suddenly lights up with a vibrant, ultra-violet burst of flames that illuminates the smoke. The gargantuan purple dragon that once took up residence in the mountain clambors out of the dust and shoots straight into the sky, enraged and furious, and able to sense where the magic came from that raised the stone giant. The reason it immediately begins flying toward Celliwig with the intent to raze it to the ground is likely not immediately apparent, but it is quite odd that it bypasses the much closer target of Camelot with its rage. As does the Stone Giant, though it does not head toward Celliwig and instead seems to absorb the souls of the dead that were intended to be guided by the fall equinox's rituals as it lumbers through the land. If someone does not stop it, it is headed for the Forest of the Felled.

King Arthur is immediately on the emergency broadcast system to implore people to join one of three groups:

Investigate and stop the Stone Giant

Slay the dragon and save Celliwig

Rescue survivors of Lestari and the Ash Mountain

The success of each of these missions is dependent on character participation. See the poll for details about how certain character types may affect the outcome of the missions.

~~Please refer to Event Poll Notes for information about aftermath of this event and additional event info~~ > Event Outcomes.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He doesn't laugh at the statement. No. This feels extremely important - has his heart oddly starting to race in anticipation of whatever Xue Yang has to say.

His hands fold around the mangled hand as gently as the first time the other had let him touch it. More soothing energy pulses into damaged nerves, fingers rub carefully at the scars to coax them into softening, more salve is rubbed into rough skin.

Then the promise of protection. From Xue Yang. He sucks in a startled breath, blinking quickly and looks up from what he'd been doing to study this man's face with obvious wonder.

He sees the flush over pale cheeks and realizes his face feels perhaps just as hot. He drops his gaze quickly, lips helplessly curling into another shy smile as he ducks his head a little.

"Thank you, Xue Yang," he murmurs. "I...You have my protection too." Maybe he can't cultivate as he's used to here. But already he's turning what he knew into what Xiu has shown him he can do here. And they're fairly well matched in terms of swordsmanship.

Laughter would have had him immediately retracting the offer. He's lucky that Xingchen is smarter than that and it helps, infinitely, that, somehow, the daozhang calms him enough to think this way. If Song Zichen isn't here, Xiao Xingchen could fall prey to anyone anywhere. Xue Yang tells himself that he only wants the revenge (for imprisoning him) to come from him, but lies like that only taste sweet for a little while.

It's just a cover. The truth is: he likes being around Xiao Xingchen. And what else does he have to offer, really? At least his blood-stained hands can tear Xingchen's enemies down.

"Mm don't go that far. I have a lot more enemies than you do." so the offer isn't a fair trade, "Look after yourself, daozhang, and I'll find a way to keep close by."

Edited 2021-09-22 16:21 (UTC)

If he can help Xue Yang to think and to be calm, then it's enough. Xingchen believes he can see the kind of person Xue Yang could be, should be. And he wants to help that person grow stronger and be seen by more people.

That means encouragement and support, showing the way. Things he already likes doing. Xingchen shakes his head a little, smile remaining as he keeps that poor hand warm.

"Then it is fortunate we are to share a room here."

And...silently, he's glad to not be alone. He'll never say it out loud. Never complain.

The path Xingchen wants him to take is so unknown to him that he is blind to what he should do - where he should place his next step. He has to depend on the other man and that's...a lot to ask from someone who has been betrayed more times than he can count.

But those hands around his hand are warm and soft. He can feel the calluses caused by Shuanghua too and eventually he sighs, leaning in closer.

"Do you get lonely?"

It's not phrased as a taunt; he wonders if that is one of Xingchen's weaknesses. Loneliness plagues him too. It always has.

They'll walk it together. It's not always easy even for Xingchen, but it's not supposed to be. He keeps his attention on the niggle of healing energy he's learned to use and is working to strengthen it, Xiu appears on Xingchen's shoulders to peer at Xue Yang, nose twitching at him. Supervising.

She's watching you, Xue Yang.

Xingchen blinks at him, wondering at that sigh and how the other leans closer. But doesn't protest, only studies him a moment. Not distrustful. Not expecting a strike or for any answer to be used against him.

"...I chose to leave...but yes." He draws in a little breath, smile faint. "It is better to find someone to walk with when it gets too much."

"Oh." Xue Yang exhales and then grins at Xiu's little face, "Hello, lady. Are you keeping Daozhang Xingchen's shoulder nice and warm?"

Her fur must be soft and he is tempted to touch, but sacrificing his good hand doesn't seem smart. Ying meanwhile appears in the shower, splashing at the water puddles. She's almost as wild as Xue Yang - but she definitely has better sense and a kinder heart.

"Choosing to leave doesn't make you invulnerable." he peers up into those sweet dark eyes, "Am I awful company?"

Edited 2021-09-23 01:19 (UTC)

Xingchen smiles and rests his cheek briefly against Xiu's warm side and she nuzzles him, making him giggle. "She is very warm," he agrees.

Ying's appearance and play makes him smile - he doesn't mind the wildness of this pair. Just as long as kindness is there too.

And Xue Yang keeps showing him there is kindness in him. He blinks at that question and shakes his head. "No. You have been very good company here."

Edited 2021-09-23 12:49 (UTC)

"I bet she's ferocious too." Xue Yang can spot a fighter no matter their size. Xiu might be little, but she won't go down without tearing a hunk out of her opponent.

Much like Xiao Xingchen! He knows better than to underestimate the daozhang.

Ying peeks up, whiskers dripping and she hops out of the shower, toddling up to Xue Yang's feet. Then she sits on one.

"Oh thank you. That's just what I needed!" he snickers and ruffles her ears. It takes him a moment to register the compliment and he frowns.

"How good are you at braids?"

Yes, he will change the subject. He doesn't know how to respond to compliments.

Xiu bares her teeth and raises a paw, pointedly brandishing viscous claws. Fierce! Xingchen only smiles at her display and nods in agreement.

"As I am sure A-Ying is a fierce defender. I am glad you have her by your side." And her flopping wetly on Xue Yang's foot only makes him draw in a quick breath in an attempt not to laugh.

He doesn't push the compliment - accepting the abrupt change in topic easily. "Do you want help braiding your hair?" Even if that means releasing the mangled hand, he'll happily do it to help.

Xue Yang gasps as if he has seen something horrible, covering his eyes with his good hand. But he peeks through his fingers and ends up snickering at her. She's too cute!

Much like her master. He sobers at the thought and lowers his hand, rubbing over Ying's fluffy head.

"She's better at finding random junk. Who knows, maybe some of it will be useful."

His chest feels...warm. Is he relieved Xingchen didn't tease him?

"It's not easy for me." what with his hand being the way it is, "I can manage it, but I know you could do better."

Xingchen can't resist the soft laugh, echoing Xue Yang's snicker, and Xiu sticks her nose up in the air as if insulted - the snuggling in denies it though.

"Mm. Sometimes even apparent rubbish can be valuable and we just need help to see it."

He nods at the admission, feeling rather warm at this display of further trust. He can do this. He can succeed. He just has to be patient. He wraps the mangled hand up before turning to find a comb.

"Do you have a preferred way of design?"

"Are you calling me rubbish?" he wrinkles his nose and pouts, but he doesn't pull his hand back or stop Xingchen from grabbing the comb. Maybe he is rubbish. Maybe his whole life has been rubbish. Ying tilts her head back and blinks up at him peacefully. Be calm.

"I'll leave that to you, daozhang." he smiles faintly and grabs his leaf ornament - shaped out of silver, "As long as you include this."

Because he likes his little leaf, okay?

"What has been done to you, yes. Not you." A gentle correction to how he sees it. Especially when Xue Yang lets him do as he pleases.

And that smile is sweet.

Xingchen nods immediately and reaches out to trace the delicate design. "It's a lovely ornament." He pulls back to start gently untangling Xue Yang's hair, combing it mostly dry before he starts to braid.

The correction makes him feel warm again - like Xingchen is wrapping him in something soft. He touches the bandage on his arm and notes the way his fingers continue to tingle from being held.

"Daozhang..." he begins, unsure where he is going, "If I went against your word or I failed to do something I promised you I would, would you torture me?"

He startles at the very idea of torturing anyone. "No!" But that's the immediate, thoughtless answer. He believes Xue Yang should have a more thoughtful one. Honest. Open.

"Xue Yang. If anyone tries to torture you here, I hope you will do what you can to tell me, so I can stop it. Send A-Ying to me if nothing else." He rests a hand gently on a bare shoulder. "Even if...you decide to hurt people like you did in Yueyang with that sect, the worst I would do is tie you up again. I would have to stop you."

The emphatic answer leaves him gaping for a moment - and then he grins. Of course torture would upset Xiao Xingchen's delicate sensibilities! Does the daozhang call it something else? Correction? Justice?

Glancing at the hand on his shoulder, he licks his lips.

"I did that for a reason. I told you why."

Usually he would dance on the fence, never letting anyone know what he might or might not do next. Yet Xingchen has been nice to him, so...

"Unless someone tortures me again, I won't go that far."

In Xingchen's sheltered mind, justice and correction mean judgement, followed by a period of time locked away while the accused is taught how to live and walk a better path.

Torture is physical punishment on the lines of what had been done to Xue Yang's poor hand.

He sighs quietly. "I know. I only wish you hadn't gone so far."

But the promise this man gives him...he gently squeezes the shoulder his hand rests on. "Thank you."

People like him are usually deemed too dangerous to release. So either he spends his life in a cage or he is executed to spare the room and food wasted on him in the years to come.

That little sigh makes his heart constrict. It's not fair! He shifts on the stool uncomfortably and scowls at nothing in particular. Why did he meet this man after his life turned to garbage?

"I had to make a deal with the Wens to be sent to Yueyang. Dogs do as they are told."

Such thoughts haven't occurred to Xingchen though. He's always believed there's a chance to turn one's life around.

The shifting has him pull back, uncertain, but then returns to braiding and pulling Xue Yang's hair back and up. The pretty little leaf ornament is gently claimed and set into place before he responds to those sad words.

"You aren't a dog, Xue Yang. I won't treat you like one."

Whereas Xue Yang believes in dead ends. His life has been filled with them and he has no reason to expect better from Xingchen.

Yet something keeps him still under those hands. He feels the leaf put into place and he closes his eyes, wrestling with the conflicting emotions in his heart.

"It was easier when they kicked me and barked at me. I didn't have to care about them, that way, or what might happen to them."

Edited 2021-09-24 02:01 (UTC)

He'll learn.

Xingchen runs the comb carefully through the remaining, loose strands one last time. Just because Xue Yang only has a towel wrapped around his waist doesn't mean his hair has to be a mess.

"You survived. You have managed to survive so many horrible things. Now you have a chance to see how life can be. How it should be."

The soft motions through his hair feel good and the black strands shine from all the healthy attention. He also doesn't smell anymore and, after a moment, he rises and begins to wash his clothes so they are in the same state as him.

"How should it be, daozhang? Nice? Happy? Is that what your master told you?" he scrubs the fabric with soap, rinses it out and hangs it up to dry, "I wish it were nicer, that's all. I never asked for it to be perfect."

Edited 2021-09-24 09:06 (UTC)

It's a nice sight, and he admits to himself that Xue Yang's hair is just as soft as he'd thought it would be, once clean and brushed out.

He doesn't let himself hover, choosing instead to clean up the medical supplies and various other cleaning supplies he'd pulled out to tend to this gremlin of a man. Only a fresh bandage is left out, for that poor left hand.

"Yes. Nicer. I hope...happy, too."

"This place could be better." he offers, his back turned to Xingchen. There are scars - whip marks and gashes - here and there along his spine and, when turns, there are scars from being stabbed on his abdomen...his shoulder. Yet, even with all of those old injures, he is strong, his muscles firm as he stretches and moves around the room.

More signs of a harsh life. Xingchen doesn't find them ugly, they are signs of surviving.

Xingchen has no similar signs, between his sheltered upbringing and the strength of his cultivation, any mark that might have clung to him has long since vanished. His movements are without waste, and Xiu vanishes without a sound - off to do something, obviously. She's not needed at the moment.

"Yes."

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