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+---- Thread: [ME] It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life (/showthread.php?tid=11993)
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It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Maea - 09-01-2025
Light spilled from windows into the blue twilight, illuminating a light snowfall that had begun to cover a dormant garden. The Guardian's Treehouse had been decked out in lanterns and wreaths, a line of torches guiding visitors away from the main road, up the winding stairs and in through the front door. Warmth was the first thing greeting the guests, as lit candles, lanterns and fairy lights combined with a roaring fire in the hearth banished the season's chill. Every square inch of the room within had been scoured, cleaned and decorated with evergreen wreaths, lending a festive air to the open space. In the new workshop upstairs, a dance floor had even been prepared. While small and as of yet unfurnished, the hired troubadour struck up a merry tune whenever someone stepped inside, and the fireplace kept the space just as comfortably warm as the rest of the house.
On the dining table, a feast was being set out. The hostess was not known for her cooking prowess, so the dishes remained modest in nature; but there was plenty of it. Hearty venison stew and mushroom soup sat alongside a tray of flaky hand pies filled with juniper-spiced boar. There was a green salad with kale, apple and walnuts tossed in honey vinaigrette and a mound of fresh bread pulled from the oven, alongside crocks of butter, berry preserves, syrups and other dressings. With young mead and fruity cider and fresh spring water spiced with mint and cinnamon to wash it all down, and dessert still baking in the oven, surely there was something for everyone, so that no one would leave hungry.
It was a celebration of the past season's bounty, and of her decision to put down roots in this house, in this forest, together with Liam. For the longest time Maea had wished to share her joy with the people she cared about, and now was the time. Bustling to and fro in the kitchen dressed in a cozy knitted dress of midnight blue with embroidered chamomile falling from one shoulder, she greeted any new arrival with a warm smile and open arms.
[say]"Welcome! Thank you so much for coming - make yourself at home!"[/say]
And for every new guest, a candle was lit within an arrangement set out on a side table; a nudge of magic applied in honor of the guests, and to confirm to herself that she really could do more with it than hurt and destroy. Had all the food not been prepared with the aid of her flames? Was it not a source of joy, and warmth, and beauty? Thus she would celebrate her magic, too, if in a quieter, more personal way, this evening.
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Welcome to Maea's belated housewarming event! Anyone she knows or have met will have received an invitation and plus one's are also most welcome. There's food and drink to go around, so make yourselves at home!
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Liam - 09-01-2025
Liam was - perhaps unsurprisingly - the first guest to arrive, bearing a basket of goodies that he rather hoped Maea would enjoy: packets of herbal teas, a few different kinds of coffee, some hot chocolate, a couple of matching mugs, and some candles of varying scents were arranged artfully on a bed of Deepfrost greenery. While the soldier couldn't take credit for the arrangement itself, he had chosen each of the items specifically to appeal to his partner, and he was eager to see how she would react to the gift. If only he had finished his quest before she'd decided to host a housewarming gathering! But alas, he hadn't been able to do so, and so a nice basket would have to suffice for now.
Entering the treehouse, Liam spotted Maea and called out a greeting. Setting his basket down on the first open space he could find - somewhere he hoped was out of the way enough as to not interrupt the festivities - he shrugged off his coat before rolling up his sleeves. [say]"Anything you need help with, love?"[/say] he asked as he approached to steal a kiss. It might not be his house
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Nova - 09-03-2025
Nova bursts into the room like a shooting star, streaking across to claim Maea in a brutal hug. Glitter puffs in her wake to mix with the bits of starlight trailing her vibrant, rainbow flannel dress with silvery threads woven in. The sleeves billow when she moves to embrace her friend, leaving no room for escaping the affection. [say]"Maea!!"[/say] She holds tight, giggling as she gives a small bounce.
She doesn't acknowledge Liam at the woman's side when she leans back to get a proper look at her, gasping at the chamomile flowers. [say]"I love your dress! And the space is so cute!"[/say] Her eyes roam the room, taking in the twinkling lights and abundance of greenery. It's not her choice of decor, but at least there's some color and a blissful lack of black. Still, she grins as she steps back, giving a small twirl in the space. [say]"But I'd love to make you some curtains to liven up the place! Maybe something cream or lacey?"[/say] When her blue eyes turn to the Ancient again, they're brimming with excitement, a sort of childish glee at getting to design something.
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Theea - 09-08-2025
I drift in, feeling typically out of place at a party—though less so here in the woods. I grew up out in the wild with my parents: an apartment here, a cabin there, a tiny almost-cottage, camping under the stars. I’m in a simple flannel a little too big, well-fitted pants tucked into my boots, and a big jacket. The soft light and pretty clothes hit me and… yeah. I’m very, very underdressed.
Shit.
My cheeks burn. I want to melt into the shadows like my mom can…but no. I wanted to be here. I heft the gift in my arms: a huge, fluffy, inexplicably heavy blanket. Mateo showed me the basics last season; I stitched this one—simple, black, sturdy.
I clock Nova (thank gods, more flannel—even if she makes it actual glitter-art), and the man from the hunting trip whose name I never got (what's he doing here?). But Maea stands out—pale and lovely in that dress.
I stride over and greet her warm. [say]"You totally undersold the treehouse—this is amazing,"[/say] I say, and then I offer the blanket, awkward but earnest. [say]"I made this for you. Two layers for LongNight. The weight’s from sand sewn into the inside in little pockets in the inside layer."[/say] I rub a thumb over a seam, a thumb I'd pricked too many times while trying to finish this in time, nerves slipping out as a grin. [say]"My mom made me one like it. I don’t sleep better than under that kind of weight. I thought… new home, good sleep."[/say]
A beat; I glance down at my flannel, then back up. [say]"If the plain black isn’t your thing, I can add trim later. Or—"[/say] a quick flick to Nova, [say]"Maybe Torchline's best designer can make it something to look at."[/say]
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Random Event - 09-08-2025
You've encountered the OG random event! This allows you to skip one levelling requirement with the character in this thread. (Unfortunately does not count for characters over level 10, how sad.)
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Damien - 09-08-2025
Damien paused at the bottom of the stairway, boots crunching through the kind of snow that wasn’t quite Halo’s. Softer here, muted by the canopy and lantern-light. Aria bounded ahead, pale fur catching the glow as she leapt two steps at a time, tail flicking with curiosity. He followed at his own pace, a small bundle wrapped in cloth tucked carefully under his arm.
Inside, the warmth hit him first. Too many scents, too much brightness. A feast that could have kept a Halo household through the better part of Deepfrost spread across the table, laughter and chatter filling the rafters. Damien shook snow from his shoulders and paused near the threshold until the prickle of instinct eased enough to step forward.
He set the bundle down with a practiced care, peeling back the cloth to reveal a wooden box no bigger than two hands. The grain was smooth under his thumb where he’d sanded it clean, the lid snug to the base, lines sharp from a steady knife. Around the edges, simple carvings ran in bands: evergreen boughs, a curling line of snowflakes, a small flame in one corner (some details are cleaner than others, as he is not the best at it). Not art for art’s sake, but enough to catch and hold the eye.
[say]“House looks good,”[/say] he said, his voice carrying toward Maea as she turned from another guest. [say]“Figured you could use somewhere to keep things. Whatever you don’t want lost.”[/say] He didn’t explain the carvings, or why the flame sat alone against the plain of wood. Just left the box there on the table, plainspoken as always.
Aria, less restrained, was already weaving her way through the crowd, nose twitching at stew and cider before darting toward a familiar figure. She nosed at Theea’s boot, then reared up against her leg with a soft chuff, demanding attention. Damien’s mouth twitched at the sight, the faintest ghost of a smile.
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Nova - 09-10-2025
Nova steps away to make room for
She only gets distracted when a fluff of white is at Theea's feet. Nova washes down the giant bite of bread with some cider before moving to crouch next to the creature with a small gasp. [say]"You're so cute!"[/say] Her arms wrap around her legs, reaching out a hand in hopes of touching the soft spotted pelt. [say]"I love your fur! You'd make a very cute coat!"[/say] Not saying she'd hurt it, but Nova would love to shave it replicate its coloring and texture.
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Maea - 09-28-2025
Greeting Liam with a tight squeeze as he came over, Maea was glad to have him there. Seeing his lean figure appear on the threshold soothed the nerves she'd been suppressing all day, as evidenced by the tension of her thin shoulders and the too-bright smile she gave him. Returning the kiss, she slipped an arm around his waist and glanced out over the room, accounting for whatever list of necessities she'd made for herself. [say]"Mh, no, I think I have everything under control. But remind me to check on the dessert pie in a bit - I just put it into the oven."[/say]
Again the front door swung open, and Maea braced herself against the exuberant hug Nova greeted her with. [say]"Nova! It's so good to see you!"[/say] Laughing breathlessly, she hugged the girl back. [say]"That's high praise, coming from you,"[/say] she grinned, meaning every word. [say]"Have at it with the curtains - I trust you to keep it tasteful."[/say] The Treehouse interior might lean more towards rustic than elegant, but it didn't lack for color. Remi's touch was in every carved beam and painted wall, adding a touch of whimsy that not even a glitterbomb could take away from.
Turning to greet
Still shaking her head,
She hadn't asked for gifts, and as Maea set the planket and the box next to Liam's basket, the sight of them all together stirred something within her, warm and tender enough to have a lump form in her throat. Gazing across the room at her guests, at Aria being fussed with and the smiles on their faces, it was everything she had hoped the evening would be.
Drifting back to nestle herself in Liam's arms, she sought his gaze with a question. [say]"Do you want me to tell them, about what we've decided?"[/say] Referring to the conversation they'd had about moving in together, she was more than willing to turn this party into a surprise for everyone - or wait, if that's what he preferred.
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Liam - 10-08-2025
Liam was not offended in the least by Nova's lack of acknowledgement; he barely knew the girl, and besides that, this was Maea 's night, not his. Another girl - whose name he didn't know, but whose face he remembered from his luxere hunt in Halo - arrived next, and he nodded cordially to her. Again, tonight wasn't about him, so he was more than content to allow Maea her time in the spotlight. He'd never been one to want to be the center of attention, anyway.
It wasn't until his lover nestled into his arms that he smiled and turned his attention to her question. [say]"Only if you want to,"[/say] he murmured in return. [say]"I certainly don't want to keep it a secret, but it seems a shame to take attention away from you and everything you've done to make the treehouse what it is today."[/say] After all, Liam had only been the willing muscle for the addition that Maea had drawn up and directed them in creating, and although the soldier had brought over what belongings he wanted to keep, this still felt like a celebration of Maea. And he didn't want to detract from that, unless it was an announcement that she was sure she wanted to make.
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Maea - 10-11-2025
She looked serious for a moment, before a smile softened her expression. Tugging Liam along in a shuffle towards the selection of drinks so that she could fill a glass for them without leaving the comfort of his embrace, her decision came in a silvery chime of a spoon tapping upon the rim. Waiting until she had the attention of those gathered, Maea let her gaze travel to each guest, meeting their eyes in quiet acknowledgement as she drew breath to speak.
[say]"Everyone, thank you for being here tonight. It's been a long year, and a difficult one, and that makes it feel so much better that we can gather together like this, to celebrate something simple. It's almost been a year since I came to the Greatwood, too; first with the simple intention of buying myself a place somewhere else, then to search for ways to make myself useful, and then because I realised that I simply didn't want to leave. Almost by accident, I've found all the things I was looking for - and none of it would have been possible without Liam."[/say]
Smiling up at him, Maea raised her glass. [say]"This housewarming party is not only for me, but for him, too; we will be living here together, and I hope you'll all join me in a toast to celebrate that I've gain not only a house, but a family as well. To new beginnings!"[/say]
The candles flared up with a touch of her magic, turning the room bright as day and crackling with enthusiasm. She couldn't care less about sharing the spotlight with Liam, and if it was all the same to him if she made the announcement or not then she would crow it from every roof and treetop until the whole world knew that they were together, lived together, belonged right here with each other, come what may.
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Nova - 10-15-2025
The excitement at being free to brighten the space with some new creatures was momentarily dampened when she couldn't decorate the blanket. Her food stuffed face fell, the bread and berry mixture tasting a little less sweet as she offered
Her arm was reaching forward, ready to run her fingers through the snow leopard's fur when Maea was calling for everyone's attention. For a moment, Nova sat crouched on the floor, arms wrapped around her legs as she looked up at the Ancient. That was, until she realized she was supposed to be standing for whatever announcement was about to happen. She let out a soft huff that might have been a sigh, grabbing a glass of something warm and sweet (maybe a cider?) to occupy her hands since she couldn't pet the cute cat right now.
Despite her best efforts, Nova didn't really understand the significance of the announcement. People lived together all the time and she didn't know Liam, so it wasn't something she found particularly interesting or ground-breaking; but she understood the importance of family more than anyone and her hand raised in quiet toast before she was already darting back to the food.
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Noah - 10-21-2025
Noah hadn't been to see Liam and Maea since the incident, but he had been invited. He stood at the base of the great tree for some time, boots sunk in the soft loam, eyes lifted toward the curling stair that wound upward through the branches. Light spilled through the canopy in gold-shifting patterns, dappling the bark and the faces of those who went inside. He could hear them, voices bright with laughter, the murmur of friends meeting again.
He swallowed.
Hauling with him another basket full of Halo-specific treats, Noah finally entered. The air changed as he crossed the threshold: the smell of fresh food and woodsmoke wrapping around him, the low hum of comfort and familiarity threading through it all. He ducked in just as Maea was giving her welcoming speech to her guests, her voice clear and bright like a bell. The warmth of the home filled him and eased some of the tension down his rigid, ram-rod straight spine. He let loose a small, silent breath and let a smile try to tug at his features. He was entirely
Once the speech was over, Noah closed the distance to Maea and Liam, offering them the basket. [say]"I brought you a housewarming gift."[/say] He said, his tone steady but softened with a trace of warmth. He pulled back the covering with care. Inside was preserved luxere meat that Cordelia had canned herself, packed neatly beside a blend of spiced teas grown in their greenhouse—scents of juniper, wintermint, and a hint of clove rising to meet the room’s air. [say]"Thought you might like a taste of Halo,"[/say] he added quietly, the faintest flicker of pride and homesickness crossing his eyes.
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Maea - 10-21-2025
Soothing the post-speech nerves with a deep draught of sparkling cider, Maea didn't mind being allowed to meld back into the crowd, chased by a sense of completion. All was well now. Whatever wounds she'd sustained during her most recent kerfuffle were mended, and with the decision to stay home for the coming season followed peace of mind, like granting herself a holiday or time away from big gestures and heightened emotions. A squeeze of Liam's hand was followed by a tour down the smorgasbord of food, and she came away with a heaping plate, just in time to see Noah slip in through the front door.
She surprised herself with the ease of which she approached him. Whatever flashes of recollection that fired up in her mind upon seeing him flared like fireworks and were gone just as soon, leaving only a quiet relief that he'd come; that the catastrophe of their spar hadn't actually ruined the friendship.
[say]"You being here is more than enough, "[/say] Maea replied with a soft smile, but still traded the plate of food for the basket and eyed the contents with growing delight. [say]"You know me too well - this is amazing!"[/say] Scents and flavors barreled through her senses with the heavy weight of nostalgia. Helping herself to a strip of cured meat, Maea passed the basket to Liam so he could see it too, and opened her arms to Noah, offering him the same warm welcome as everyone else. [say]"I'm glad you'rehere, Noah. I hope you'll stay for a while?"[/say]
RE: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life - Liam - 10-21-2025
Chuckling softly as Maea shuffled them towards the drinks, Liam was warmed by the knowledge that apparently his lover was as inclined as he was to let go of one another - which was to say, not at all. He poured his own drink (an interesting motion given that he didn't want to release Maea to do it) and then waited as she clinked a silver spoon against her own glass. The party fell into a brief hush as she shared her thanks, and then their news. And when she was done, he raised his glass to hers, gently touching them together as he repeated, [say]"To new beginnings!"[/say]
The touch of magic that lightened the room was impressive, of course, but Liam had eyes only for Maea. Brushing a kiss to her temple, he follower obediently as she went along the food table, heaping a plate high with various items - and then Noah came through the front door.
Liam's gaze flickered from the former demigod to his partner, unsure how she would feel. Indeed, he was unsure how he should feel, given that Noah was his friend, but had nearly killed Maea. Even if it had been an accident, there was a certain unease that lingered. It wasn't that he didn't forgive Noah - the man had never meant to hurt Maea, and Liam couldn't hold something like that against him - but it was awkward all the same.
But the moment passed quickly as Maea approached to accept the proffered basket of goodies. Liam followed, setting his full plate on the nearest piece of furniture, to be retrieved after welcoming their guest. Finding that he relaxed as soon as he saw Maea soften, he joined them with a warm smile for their friend. [say]"Welcome,"[/say] he said, accepting the basket from Maea and quickly perusing the contents. His partner spoke for both of them as she extended an invitation to the Attuned, and Liam stepped subtly to the side to allow Noah passage into the rest of the house.