![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
the hideaway ➞ a time for celebrations
Who: The Hideaway Crew and friends
Status: Semi-Open to anyone who knows a crew member and could have gotten an invite
Where: On their island, "The Roost"
What: A giant party to celebrate killing off a parasite god, a special daughter's birthday, and holidays in general
Warnings: Well there's the mistletoe and alcohol and just stares at all of you
Status: Semi-Open to anyone who knows a crew member and could have gotten an invite
Where: On their island, "The Roost"
What: A giant party to celebrate killing off a parasite god, a special daughter's birthday, and holidays in general
Warnings: Well there's the mistletoe and alcohol and just stares at all of you
I. FEAST FOR KINGS
Although Ultima had been rid of once and for all back in October, the situation with the Farplane and other circumstances had delayed a proper victory celebration. Now, with everyone fully rested and the holiday season in full swing, it seemed a fitting time to have a long overdue party at the Roost. Even more so with snow starting to fall on the island, much to everyone's surprise as it was their first winter on the island.
Deep within the cavern halls where everyone resides, large tables have been set up on the main floor, sunlight streaming through the large skylights high above, their openings closed by glass windows to prevent snowfall and cold drafts from entering. On these tables, one will find a veritable feast made up of many assortments of meats, fruits, salads, sandwiches, kebabs—and of course a line of open kegs, free for anyone to drink their fill of ales, ciders, beers, and wines. Juices and other non-alcoholic drinks are also available. Desserts are also available in the form of pies, cobblers...
Deep within the cavern halls where everyone resides, large tables have been set up on the main floor, sunlight streaming through the large skylights high above, their openings closed by glass windows to prevent snowfall and cold drafts from entering. On these tables, one will find a veritable feast made up of many assortments of meats, fruits, salads, sandwiches, kebabs—and of course a line of open kegs, free for anyone to drink their fill of ales, ciders, beers, and wines. Juices and other non-alcoholic drinks are also available. Desserts are also available in the form of pies, cobblers...
II. BIRTHDAY GIRL
And a birthday cake!
It had been debated if they should cram everything in, but in the end it was decided that they would take this as an opportunity to celebrate Mid's 17th birthday during this time as well. A large cake is situated right at the center of the dessert table with the words, Happy Birthday Mid at the center. And of course, as her father, Cid could not resist but go ahead and have part of her gift set up early.
And that would be her original Orchestrion. The music it plays can be heard throughout the cavern, all an upbeat, festive theme, but there are other selections available for those who may want to poke around.
It had been debated if they should cram everything in, but in the end it was decided that they would take this as an opportunity to celebrate Mid's 17th birthday during this time as well. A large cake is situated right at the center of the dessert table with the words, Happy Birthday Mid at the center. And of course, as her father, Cid could not resist but go ahead and have part of her gift set up early.
And that would be her original Orchestrion. The music it plays can be heard throughout the cavern, all an upbeat, festive theme, but there are other selections available for those who may want to poke around.
III. FUN ACTIVITIES
While around the Roost, there are a few other things one could enjoy.
🔥 There is nice, large bonfire situated in a large space of the hall that anyone can gather around to sit on blankets and pillows with warm drinks and use its flames to toast or roast anything from the food tables.
🎁 Although not required, should anyone have brought gifts either for Mid or for friends and acquaintances of the Hideaway they are free to exchange them at any time!
🌿 To celebrate a few of the seasonal customs, there are sprigs of mistletoe hung around various parts of the Roost. These aren't enchanted (as far as Cid is aware, anyway), so completely optional. But who knows, maybe some moogles decided to put a little prank...
🍬 Kaveh has created a special candy tower pinata in the shape of a gryphon that guests are free to bash. Break it open for a treasure trove of candy!
Outside, it's snowing quite a bit and for those who wish to cool off from the warm caverns, they can follow a well lit and decorated path right outside.
☃️ Build some snowmen, or snow moogles! Or just general snow fun.
🦅 The Roost has gryphons and they are going to have some fun throwing garlands at anyone, especially at pairs of people. Have fun getting out! If treated with respect (and bribed with some meat from the feast) they may give a short flight around the island.
🐤 The chocobos have grown and a few are available harnessed to a sleigh to ride around the hills and fields around the island. Feed them some gysahl greens and they will work even harder!
Should anyone find themselves too inebriated or just wanting to spend the night, there are extra lodgings available so anyone is welcome to stay the night! Or perhaps if one wants to join permanently...
🔥 There is nice, large bonfire situated in a large space of the hall that anyone can gather around to sit on blankets and pillows with warm drinks and use its flames to toast or roast anything from the food tables.
🎁 Although not required, should anyone have brought gifts either for Mid or for friends and acquaintances of the Hideaway they are free to exchange them at any time!
🌿 To celebrate a few of the seasonal customs, there are sprigs of mistletoe hung around various parts of the Roost. These aren't enchanted (as far as Cid is aware, anyway), so completely optional. But who knows, maybe some moogles decided to put a little prank...
🍬 Kaveh has created a special candy tower pinata in the shape of a gryphon that guests are free to bash. Break it open for a treasure trove of candy!
Outside, it's snowing quite a bit and for those who wish to cool off from the warm caverns, they can follow a well lit and decorated path right outside.
☃️ Build some snowmen, or snow moogles! Or just general snow fun.
🦅 The Roost has gryphons and they are going to have some fun throwing garlands at anyone, especially at pairs of people. Have fun getting out! If treated with respect (and bribed with some meat from the feast) they may give a short flight around the island.
🐤 The chocobos have grown and a few are available harnessed to a sleigh to ride around the hills and fields around the island. Feed them some gysahl greens and they will work even harder!
Should anyone find themselves too inebriated or just wanting to spend the night, there are extra lodgings available so anyone is welcome to stay the night! Or perhaps if one wants to join permanently...
IV. WILDCARD
YAY THE WITCH IS DEAD AND DAUGHTER HAS BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE??? Giant party log have fun. Keeping it light since the Winterstide event is also happening soon. For those who may be interested in the crew, you can refer to Hideaway info page here.
The log is set for December 12th and as mentioned in the log, if anyone needs to stay the night they are welcome to do so! Below are some reference images for the island in general. Note: the main residence is situated inside a large cavern spacious enough to have an entire town inside. There are numerous buildings and smaller caves that serve as functioning nooks like forge, library, etc. It's warm and comfortable inside despite the cold outside.
The log is set for December 12th and as mentioned in the log, if anyone needs to stay the night they are welcome to do so! Below are some reference images for the island in general. Note: the main residence is situated inside a large cavern spacious enough to have an entire town inside. There are numerous buildings and smaller caves that serve as functioning nooks like forge, library, etc. It's warm and comfortable inside despite the cold outside.
no subject
So, you are immortal? What does one even do for that many years?
[She has so many questions, Emet!!! He's popped open this can of worms.]
no subject
Sleep, mostly. I had a purpose, of course. That kept me busy for the most part. Oh, and I suppose the inconsistency of time kept between the shards of our world did help to pass some of the centuries.
[ He thinks about the centuries and millennia past. All hazy memories. Some few bright sparks of joy, but mostly a cloud of pain and anguish and loneliness. ]
...I wouldn't recommend it, by the way. Eternity is too bleak to spend on one's own.
no subject
[As much as she loves sleep, she does not think that she could sleep away an eternity like that. And while there are many questions that still remain, she watches him with careful eyes. Watches how his gaze seems to go distant for a moment, or perhaps she imagined the way that it did. While she may not say it or point it out, she is awfully observant.]
And now you are here. I don't suppose that has changed your outlook on things?
no subject
Coming here? No. I don't see it much more differently to visiting another shard. But dying? Aye, that changed some things.
[ He waves a hand before she can exclaim much. ] I was killed by...a hero, shall we say? I've no duties or obligations to anyone any more.
no subject
That makes two of us.
[She lifts her glass to him.
Somehow, it feels more freeing to talk about it than she is used to. It could be because she has finally accepted that part of her and has started to move past it. It only took a year and then some, but it was a hard fought battle. She's earned this.]
The only person I owe anything to now is myself.
no subject
(Can he bear to continue making friends and lose them again?) ]
...I have been wondering, ever since I glimpsed you in the distance several moons ago, and after some brief discussion with Cid himself: you inherited the power of Garuda, aye?
no subject
How do you know that?
[Her voice is hoarse, her eyes widening just a touch with wariness. It's certainly not a denial—there is no sense in trying, considering that he had been there the day they had all defeated Ultima, but still...]
no subject
[ He raises a hand in an attempt to placate her. ]
I mean, 'tis abundantly clear to anyone with my sight: your soul is bound tightly to the wind and I did see your eikon - ah, pardon me, I never heard what you call them. You destroyed a fair bit of land as Garuda. Young Joshua has already told me about the Phoenix he possesses. And Cid had levin coursing through his soul so I can only presume he manifests Ramuh. Am I wrong?
no subject
[And Emet had likely seen her with Garuda's wings when they had destroyed Ulltima, so... she should not be surprised. But it always is a little jarring when people point it out to her.]
But no, you are not wrong. I am indeed the Dominant of Garuda... [An arch of her brow. Whatever did he mean by his sight? Well, first things first...] I am merely not interested in the world knowing who I am, or who it was that destroyed half a Leviathan that day. Surely you can understand my need for secrecy.
[There might be a threat or a warning edging into her tone.]
no subject
[ He waves a hand flippantly. He has nothing to gain from broadcasting that little tidbit of knowledge. Drama stirred for drama's sake is terribly boring. ]
Your conditions are terribly fascinating to me, however. Eikons are not hereditary in my world.
no subject
[Because she knows that Cid would not spread that secret on her behalf. So, that is the only conclusion to draw.
But her words are posed as a question without being a question, and that is... how?]
no subject
[ He decides this is important enough to stop eating for. A trifling bit of magic and a wave of his hand creates a miniature illusion of the Garuda from his world which hovers in the space between them. ]
This is the current manifestation of the primal known as Garuda. She has changed somewhat since her initial concept. She is worshipped as a goddess by a race of flightless, birdlike beastmen known as Ixal.
no subject
You and G'raha are from the same world...?
[Not quite a question so much as an observation. She had heard of these flightless bird beastmen before when he had explained it to her. Though this is the first time that she is seeing Garuda in this form, and she stares at the illusion in rapt awe.]
I have heard that she has a similar penchant for destruction.
no subject
[ He flicks a finger and an example of an Ixal joins Garuda. ]
And yes. That boy and I are from the same world. Regrettably.
no subject
Do these Ixals and their worship affect how she might act?
[Her gaze casts away for a moment, thoughtful and a touch distant.]
It is said that they choose their Dominants for a reason, each one suited to their Eikon.
no subject
Aye. The mood and deepest desires of those who summon a primal heavily influence its form. By the same token, the primal will cast its influence over those who summoned it, enslaving them to its will. Even should the primal be cast down, their fervour will lead them to summon it again: a cycle which usually only ends with complete annihilation of the primal and its worshippers.
The Ixal dream of regaining their wings and reaching their home of 'Ayatlan'. They are also particularly skilled at manipulating the wind. So, naturally, their deity takes the form of a goddess of the wind.
no subject
But that is not the part that bothers her most, because is that not partly what the Dominants are? Slaves to the wills of the Eikons and the gods? It had taken her a long, long time to see that for herself, once blinded by power until it was stripped from her and left her with nothing. She'd like to think that it were different, but in a way... it is also very similar.
There's a moment of silence where she sits with furrowed brows before she speaks again, shaking her head as if that will shake the thought away completely.]
Why is it so difficult for them to return home that they need their goddess to help? Or perhaps she keeps them there to maintain their worship and loyalty... I would not put it past Garuda to do so.
no subject
--Mm, well, they cannot fly as I said. The dirigibles that they build can only ascend so far before the atmospheric winds tear them apart. Furthermore... Well, I suppose there's no harm in telling you. You look like a woman who knows how to be discreet.
[ He leans in slightly as if imparting a secret. ]
Truth be told, their origins are artificial. They were created in a laboratory by some of the keenest minds of the Allagan Empire, bred to be expendable soldiers. When the empire fell and their ancestors escaped their handlers, the story of their origins became twisted over time. Now they worship a goddess who never truly existed, and seek a homeland that is nothing like the paradise they imagine.
[ He sits back, shrugging ruefully. ]
So when they summon 'Garuda', they bind themselves to an idea of their own making. A false dream. One they can only be free of in death.
no subject
Some help Garuda has been, in that case.
[Not that she can say that she's surprised about that.
But there's something quiet about the look on her face, and the distant, faraway look in her eyes.]
I suppose... I can understand how they feel, in that respect. Having a false dream, wishing for something bigger than what reality can offer.
[... That had been a very rude awakening.]
no subject
You have been left disappointed as well, I take it? Were Garuda's wings not enough to lift you towards your aspirations?
[ Did she, too, look to the heavens as Fandaniel did and find her answers wanting? ]
no subject
No, they were not. I suppose you could say it was Garuda's wings that kept me caged for so long. Though, I would say that it's not her fault. Rather, those who would see fit to use them to their own advantages.
[And her Dominant.]
Of course, I hadn't seen it at the time.
[She had. She was just too stubborn and too afraid to admit it.]
no subject
[ With a dry chuckle, he rests his chin on his hand. It wouldn't be surprising if that proverb is the result of his machinations back home. ]
But you are free now. Free to choose your own path. And dare I say that the journey won't be nearly so lonely with such lively company?
[ He gestures to the rest of the Hideaway crew. ]
no subject
A bit too lively for my tastes. And yours as well, it would seem... Since we are both enjoying the party from afar.
[But he is not wrong, is he? These people have somehow managed to weasel their way into her life with or without her acceptance, and are they ever pushy about it. Things have changed for her, though... And she has chosen her own path. One that she did not expect to ever walk on, nor is it one that she thinks she is ready to, but they all must move forward nonetheless.]
no subject
Well, no-one said we need to be in the middle of the festivities to enjoy them. Sometimes there is pleasure in watching others make merry.
[ Watching their little gang, he's somewhat envious. He has no such group of his own. They come and go like leaves on the wind. ]
no subject
What, you do not want to join in on the singing?
[As a few crew mates, particularly some of her bird-folk friends, start to break out into song on the other side of the cave near the fires.]
I am sure they would be charmed by your voice.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
this feels like a good place to start wrapping? 💚
yes! <3