[SWE] Festival of Lights - 319PC

Hotaru

Tonight, you look so lovely
It's your eyes that define me

Maybe in a few years there will be no more pretending at all. Already there is so much less than there used to be - and none between them, which makes all the difference. She squeezes his hand and the slope of his shoulder at the same time as they continue to dance, appreciation for not only how far she's come on her own, but for him as well, briefly overwhelming.

"Only out of the way because it's supposed to be a solemn sort of night," she points out, edges of her smile slightly curling as she restrains a more profound smirk. Mischief would be frowned upon more than normal at this particular festival, but it doesn't stop her from being tempted for a brief moment. But the movement of their bodies keeps the frenetic energy of their shifts, emotions, and the general festival atmosphere at bay - and also keeps any people at bay, which is in their best interest really. The Valkyrie doesn't feel particularly amiable to anyone but the man in her arms tonight.

Steering Erebos away from the food table, once the youth had acquired his preferred duck, he figured they could meander back amidst and amongst the crowd – awaiting deliberations and decisions made by Ludo. With the toddler occupied, Deimos’ could scan the individuals throughout, waiting for the flare of someone’s lantern to be chosen, selected, amidst the potency of Mort’s realm.

His eyes flickered, eventually, like so many others, towards the ignited potency – noticing it was Isla again, permitted to see her ghosts once more. Shrugging, he directed Erebos’ attention towards the festivities, crouching beside his son, while others either parted off or stayed amidst their foils – letting the respite collect a little longer, before they’d eventually collect his artifacts and head home.

deimos

Never let them drain the river of your soul

to be lit up from within

vein by vein

Iskra might’ve predicted her strategy, but the encouragement was all she needed. She smirked, mildly demonic and feral, before disappearing entirely, fading into the backdrop on her intangible, invisible threads, snagging at the vine of grapes. As more children hastened by, she pinpointed movements and motions, sizing up the competition, and then tossing. One immediately got plopped in the head, enough to send a shockwave against the kid’s cheek, screaming out Hey! to no one in particular, looking around to see who might’ve accomplished such a deed.

When no one seemed apparent, they ran off, and Melita picked another, skillfully rampaging another set of grapes into the next kid’s shoulders and neck. They hissed, hand going to their newfound bruise, but then there were other things going on – like lantern selection – that made her turn back around.

She fizzled back into reality as Isla was chosen – and shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe next year,” she offered to Iskra. “I got twenty,” came with a wink, before eating the rest of the grapes.

to be the sun

MELITA

// where your body hears the words of the sun //

“Semantics,” she waved her hand, clearly unbothered by the notions. They might’ve been in peace times, but Stormbreak was also far behind on many things region-wide, thanks to Dahlia’s unfortunate interference and sovereignty. Her gaze segmented away from the cider for a second, studying the individuals throughout the crowd. “Whichever ones you’re comfortable with? Get some practice in.” And not with someone that might’ve intimidated or scared.

Or if he’d prefer to do something else in a more subdued setting, there was always that. She shrugged, not pressuring him to do anything that made him uneasy or vexed.

Besides, there was the selection a few moments and minutes later, and she held her breath. Maybe this year hers would light up too – and she’d be able to see her beloved sister again. She had so many things to say –

But then hers went out, and the selection went elsewhere. Shrugging, she gave a rueful smile in Zavien’s direction. “Oh well.”

Lena

// spoken in the voices of trees //

EDREI

The last lantern burns like a dare, dragon-jaw lit from within and spitting flirty sparks into the hush, and then the veil tears open as if Mort finally got bored of subtlety. Edy barrels through it at speed, leather kissing every curve she owns and a few she’s rented from Frey, catsuit slick and sinful under Ludo’s dim glow; breasts high, hips outrageous, and yes, the bulge is absolutely doing introductions of its own. You’re welcome, everyone.

She lands in a prowl rather than a stumble, curls storm-wild around her face, and for a stretched, breath-holding second she inhales the chill of death and the sweet of candle smoke as if the whole scene were poured over ice and handed to her with a wink. Then her mouth cracks wide and bright and unholy. "Islaaaaaaaaaaaaa," she calls, voice carrying like a bell someone taught bad words. "I knew you hadn’t gotten enough of me."

No glance for the tall, anxious shadow at Isla’s side; not even a mercy-check to see if he’s blushing. Edy fixes on the doctor like a heat-seeking sin, already sweeping across the clearing with hips that should come with a warning label, fingertip wagging in a delicious little scold as she closes the distance. She doesn’t so much stop as coil, weight shifting through those long, lethal legs, leather whispering as she leans in, her finger tapping the air just above Isla’s sternum, playful, proprietorial.  "Twice in the space of a few weeks? Someone punch my afterlife loyalty card because at this rate I’m due a free coffee and a morally questionable kiss."

spoiler alert:
everybody dies

Maea

Rest against my pillow
like the aging winter sun

Passing the time in Liam's company, partaking of the sumptuous feast and scattered conversation, Maea had forgotten to be nervous by the time a hush settled over the festival. Fumbling for her partner's hand while cupping Shii's soft glow against her chest, she watched with bated breath how the lanterns dimmed one by one, in groups and at random until only one remained.

Quiet disappointment flared when it became clear that it would not be her lantern, nor Liam's, that was chosen this year. Permitting the feeling to register, the pale ancient then breathed it out, banishing the selfishness so she could smile at the sight of Isla's face lit by a boldly fashioned lantern. Very much on brand for the person who barreled into view, it seemed; it was a face she vaguely recognised but remained unfamiliar with. A mystery not likely to be solved; at least not this night.

"That's it for this year," she concluded, a faint sigh chasing off the last of her nerves. Pale eyes searched her lover's face, quietly regretful for him as much as for herself... She squeezed his hand. "Want to dance? Or we can bring some food and drink back to our room... I've got a whole basket to fill." They could talk, or distract one another from their various regrets - or simply linger there among the lanterns until the night had faded. She was dressed for the chill of the season; whatever Liam preferred to do next, she was ready to join him.

Only wake each morning to
remember that you're gone

Another year, another lantern chosen, and Hadama inclined his head in honor of the raggedy god as its choice was made. He did not know the woman who appeared from Mort's Halls to grace them again for a night, but he knew the one she stood beside, and the quiet pang of sorrow in his heart was salved somewhat by seeing Isla's wish granted.

His roving gaze found his other lanterns, dark amidst the starlight, their lights extinguished for another year. His eyes settled longest on Ray's and he drew in a slow breath, tasting the smoke of snuffed candles even as he lifted the lantern in his arms to study its now-shadowed etchings.

"Perhaps next year," he murmured. Perhaps to himself. Perhaps to the man the lantern represented. Perhaps to Ludo itself.

But he was Safrin's, heart and soul, and there was a price that came with such power. To chose one side was to forever lose the other, and he drew a second deep breath before he tucked the lantern securely under his arm and moved, at last, towards the place where food and drinks - and friends - had been gathered.

I take everything seriously,

His laughter was quiet and warm at her dismissal, taking another sip of his cider when he considered the other leaders present based on 'comfort.' "Well, I suppose it's between Deimos and Hadama, since Sunjata seems otherwise occupied." He smiled at the image of the couple dancing, knowing he wouldn't want to be interrupted if it were him and Lena. Then he looked to the Tidebreaker, spotting the multitude of lanterns and feeling very disinclined to disturb his mourning of so many people on this sacred night. That left Deimos and the small toddler he crouched besides.

Before he could announce his decision, lanterns began to wink out, including both his and Lena's. He kissed her gently on the forehead and offered a sympathetic smile, infusing a glimmer of hope in the expression. "Maybe next year." Guiding her away from the disappointment, he gestured his head towards their new destination. "Come on. Let's go mingle."

He waved playfully to the child as they walked closer. "Erebos! Look at you getting so big!" Grinning at Deimos, he crouched down next to the duo and offered his hand to Erebos for a high five. "How are you guys doing? Having fun tonight?"

Zavien

but I also take it lighthearted to recognize I can't control it.

If you feel like night is falling

Amusement replaces the comfort of her hand, keeping all the grief at bay as she fades from sight. Though, his fingers do curl against the air where he'd just had her, the sensation fading slow and certain as dusk. He slips his hands into his pockets instead, grabbing at lint and crumbs as he sighs softly into the night and all the memories it bears. He glances towards where he'd placed his lanterns, and the flame for a moment seems to flicker a ghostly image of them between the dance of shadow and light.

The yelp of a child nearby snares his focus back to Melita's antics, a chortle escaping as the youth casts about for the origin but comes up short. He keeps score as his gaze skips over each affronted youth, so that when she reemerges besides him, he tilts his head in agreement towards her announced number. "We should bring eggs next time," he considers, much preferring to consider future chaos than the loss of seeing Ampere or Gaucho. He does watch the chosen one emerge though, people he doesn't know reuniting, but it's a sight. He can't quite tell if Ludo truly picked that lantern or if Mort just needed some respite from that particular brand of chaos.

Iskra

I wanna be the one you're calling

Nova

Here's to alcohol,

She grins at her brother, glancing mischievously at the other lanterns. "Not a bad idea..." Thoughts of a well-placed fire or a gust of wind to put out the others crosses her mind, but then Maea is approaching and she smiles at the pleasant surprise. "Oh! Hi Maea! I did! Isn't it pretty?!" She gives another small twirl, the shimmering white material flaring around her legs as the fluttering sleeves do the same to her arms.

Nodding her head emphatically, Nova bounces on her toes. "Yep! These are my siblings that I told you about, Vesper and Calypso!" Her blinding smile turns proudly to them, ready to brag all about how amazing they are.

But then the lantern in her hands winks out before she has a chance to say anything more, and Nova gasps her indignation, checking to see what may have been the cause. She notices that only one remains lit in the entire field, leaving her with the annoying realization that her fantastic and brilliant design hasn't been picked for this year - and she won't be meeting Seren.

Her lips curl into a small pout and she clutches the star-studded lantern a little closer to her chest like she's crossing her arms, or trying to comfort the glittering piece of art. "Well that sucks." Maea isn't forgotten, but Nova's mind flits momentarily to other topics that won't disappoint her, turning to her siblings as she says bluntly, "I'm hungry. We should get something sweet to eat."

the rose-colored glasses of life.

vesper

Vesper tips his head toward Maea in a brief nod, letting Nova’s sparkle and chatter fill the space the way it always does. "We’ve met," he adds dryly, nothing more, letting the weight of memory hang in the air between himself and the Ancient before his attention drifts back where it belongs.

The moment Nova ’s lantern sputters out, his gaze tracks the way her shoulders dip, the sudden pout pulling at her mouth. She holds the thing closer like it might still give her what she wanted if she wished hard enough. Without thinking, he slips an arm around her, drawing her into his side with a quiet tug, the gesture half comfort and half a brother’s reminder that she isn’t alone in the loss.

"You know," he murmurs, leaning just enough for her to hear him over the hum of the crowd, "we could always go bully Remi into it. Bet he’d bring Seren down for you in a heartbeat. No way he’d pass up seein’ her again." His brows lift as he says it, smirk tugging sharp at the corner of his mouth as though daring her to deny it.

Then, with an easy nod to her abrupt shift, he gestures toward the nearest line of stalls, the scent of sugar and spice already curling in the cold night air. "Food works. Lead the way."

Tell the preacher not to pray, there's no angels where I'll go
Only pieces that are broken scattered dreams across the floor

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

REMI

the bastion

Darling, you never could scare me
Set me ablaze like you do

Remi’s brows lift the moment Edrei’s silhouette slinks into view, his lips quirking with the sort of disbelief reserved for curses, minor gods, and Launceleyns in leather. "I—" he begins, blinking slowly as Edy’s hips strut a rhythm that deserves its own songbook. With a sigh that carries all the resignation of a man who’s seen this particular force of nature in full swing before (and recently), Remi nudges his elbow against Ronin ’s ribs and leans in. "Do you think I could tempt you very far away from here?" he murmurs, his curls brushing the underside of his husband’s jaw. "Before Isla turns her down and she comes looking for someone else to score with?" A beat, and then a drier, more pointed: "Someone like you?"

Because of course it wouldn’t be anyone else in attendance, save for perhaps Sunjata on principle. Still, his hand finds Ronin’s wrist like he might need to physically drag the man toward safety—because with Edy on the prowl, anyone might be next.

"If she starts licking her lips and circling," Remi mutters, sipping his cider like it might fortify him, "you have my full permission to go full deer on her."

I'd walk over coals in my bare feet
If that gets me closer to you

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

RONIN

the white knight

Remi's brows raise and Ronin's eyes widen, though he can't help the smirk that tugs at his lips to see Edrei strut back through the veil as if it were just another bit of fabric to tug away with aplomb. "I didn't even realise the lantern was for her," he confesses, "but now that I'm looking at it properly, it does suit." His arm is already snaking around his husband's waist, his cider completely abandoned, and he turns his head as if to listen more closely to him, though it's obviously just another excuse to be close.

"I don't even think you'll have to tempt me. Come on, let's get going. It's the end of the season - no one needs me to go full deer on them, not when I've made it this far." Still, it's with a gentle smile over to where Isla is reuniting with the Launceleyn that he starts to usher Remi away, letting them slink through the crowd and towards the fringes of the fields of Mourn, avoiding kicking over any lanterns as they go.

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Isla

It would be an understatement to say that Isla does not expect her firecracker lantern to remain illuminated as the world starts to dim, and when she notices the dragon's maw still alight and spitting sparks, her mouth falls open. "I..." She can't even get the words out as she glances to Everest, intending to say something like I have never been so lucky, given that she's already seen her dead loved ones twice previously at this festival.

But then of course, Edrei appears in the flesh (and then some, and the Remedy is smiling too hard for words to matter anyway. "When has anyone been able to get enough of you, Edy?" she eventually manages around a laugh, and as the Launceleyn struts forward and towards her, she reaches up to hug her tightly, rewarding her with a smooch to the cheek as well. "I can arrange the coffee, but that's all the kissing you'll get from me," she says, stepping back with a grin.

"Come on, let's go find somewhere to sit. Ah - this is my boyfriend Ever, by the way." She gestures towards him, as if introducing him might keep him safe from Edy somehow.

sooner or later, we all have to wake
and try forgetting everything