[Story] Taro Town Festival of Emergence

[Mechaniacal]

Taro town's town center was already bustling with activity on the morning of the Emergence Festival -- a supposedly religious festival that had long since lost its meaning in the eyes of the general populace. It was a time of music, laughter, and good cheer, where those present could sing, dance, and ply their wares at a special market erected just for the festival.

Colorful decorations lined the streets, composed of streamers and brightly colored glowing spheres provided by several local magic practitioners. The townsfolk lined the streets, mostly chatting among themselves, or walking down the street toward the area around the upper lakeside, where most of the festivities were to happen.

Most businesses were closed on Emergence Day, no matter where you went, to allow business owners, apprentices, and staff to enjoy the festivities. The only exceptions were the local taverns, which were usually open for lodging purposes, but kept their kitchens and common rooms closed in order to facilitate the food provided at the festival.

Our heroes find themselves at the festival, free to wander around and enjoy the events planned for the day, and chat among one another.

OOC This is just a place for you all to RP as being in the festival as your characters. If you want to chat OOCly, feel free to use the OOC threat. I wont be playing a GM role here, so no dice rolling necessary, just RP normally. Consider this a roleplaying sample for your application, and a way to see how the players interact together!

[BinnFord]

Although she'd been tasked with sleeping in, a rare luxury for a tribe that prided itself on working from dawn to dusk, Wuuni couldn't quite quell her excitement. Festivals in Taro weren't rare, with so many races and religions paying homage to their past, but Emergence Day was one of her favorites. This day felt solely Taro-made, and digging through the library had taught her that it was: When Taro Town first began, the human inhabitants had believed a great god lived in the lakes, carving out caves and protecting the surrounding earth as it budded and bloomed and became a place that permitted self-sufficiency. His name was Taron'Ti, and the stories swear he had fish scales across his body and a large, curved fin coming from his back--yet Taron'Ti could walk on land as easily as he could breathe in the depths.

She'd spent the last week or so, on her brief travels home from the Alchemist's shop, boring poor Yuki with what she'd learned, but the kenku had been kind and patient in the face of Wuuni's rambling. Now, stood at the top of a hill whose milling sounds and faint music already promised breakfast snacks and good cheer, the bugbear couldn't help taking a deep, calming breath and fixing a soft smile on her clear, clean face.

She'd taken care for the festival, hair groomed and tucked behind her in a ponytail, facial hair brushed and falling in soft waves with thick, dwarven-inspired braids highlighting her chin from either side. Today, Wuuni dressed in the traditional green-leather garment of her people, form-fitting but functional, with hooks and links that Wuuni could pretend looked like fish scales. After all, she was 6'10" of muscle, much like Taron'Ti was said to be, and it didn't hurt to pretend, just once, that the bugbear could be something more.

Skirting the lake and taking the main road, Wuuni promised to buy herself something nice today, to eat her fill, and to let herself enjoy the atmosphere. It was a great day to be bold.

[Alatere]

Jack Fletcher Today was the day of the emergence festival and Jack was up bright and early, the young man had always enjoyed a good party and as far as he was concerned a festival was just a party that encompassed the entire town. There would be a lot of fun to be had today and if Jack got his way he would also earn a fair amount of coin at the same time aswell. Jack was currently dressed in his finest clothes, his dark shoes were freshly polished, his trousers and his shirt were immaculate and he was wearing a particular colourful bright blue waistcoat on top of his outfit. His dark hair was neatly combed and there was an excited smile on his face. ”Mum I’m not going to be home until late...” Jack called out as he scooped up a surprisingly well stocked backpack and slipped out of the house. Now outside Jack took a deep breath of the fresh morning air and positively beamed. Fastening the straps on his pack Jack then began to cut a path through the bustling streets as he headed towards the lake only hesitating when he spotted a familiar face. (Though when that face stood a good foot taller than the majority of the crowd it was somewhat hard to miss). ”Wuuni aren’t you looking lovely! Have you done something new with your hair?” Jack called out as though he were addressing any other girl around his age when he was infact addressing someone that some would consider a seven foot monster and would be more inclined to run from than to talk to. ”You’re just the girl I was hoping to see actually... I’m just setting up you see and I could do with a favour if you’re not too busy...” Jack then asked as he gave his best rendition of puppy dog eyes.

[Citizen Sam]

It was a rare thing indeed for the Foreseer to grant Cadmun an entire day off. Being granted such an unspeakable luxury the young apprentice decided to spend it getting some fresh air outside of the Archives for once...

And so Cadmun found himself confronted by the raucous crowds and brightly-colored decorations of the Emergence Festival.

He fiddled with his collar nervously as the festival loomed nearer and nearer. For a brief moment the apprentice considered simply turning away. Of retreating back to the peaceful stillness of the Archives and it's decidely not-raucous and not-brightly colored books.

But...no. A nervous step back became a firm step forward. And then another. And then another. And so the young human began to venture forth to join the festivities proper.

Cadmun was determined to have a nice day even if it killed him.

[Theore]

Rivezran Tobiadoreus "Thank you for participating in this Master Rabten, it means a lot to me." Rivezran smiled gently while shaking the powerful hand of his friend's mentor before placing the quill in it's designated vial of ink. "Please, enjoy the festivities - I've taken enough of your time." Besides, it must be nice having a break from chasing Bew around... Tobiadoreus remained diligently at his post outside of the door to the largest and most popular gathering spot in town (and Lerissa's place of employment) Samsara's Lift, behind a sturdy make-shift desk with a sign that read "GUESTBOOK" in a pristine black font. Unlike Rivezran's actual job, this little set up was for his own enjoyment, as this brief log offered everyone a chance to sign themselves in as present for the big festival. More importantly, it also had slots where one could list all of their favorite events, sights, and attractions, as well as suggestions for improvements. This information would serve as a personal research task for the boy, but also helped give ideas for new plans for future gatherings to Mayor Taro and other coordinators of social affairs. As stranger and familiar face alike walked by, Rivezran would offer a friendly wave in hopes of drawing their attention, but didn't push anyone to get involved - HINT HINT YOU GUYS! though whenever he saw a friend or acquaintance wander close, he put a little more effort in his gesture and even called out to greet them. The mayor had already announced the presence of the booth at the official start and explained it's purpose to the good people and visitors of Taro Town, so he was almost as thrilled to just sit back and people watch anyways. Such a festival really exemplified exactly why everything the enumerator did was so crucial - this harmony was a product of respect and understanding for one another. It did not just come to be one day, but was a product of generation upon generation working together, solving problems, and putting aside their differences to find common ground to celebrate. Days like today made Rivezran feel like what he did truly made a difference in the world, and every person that stopped to play a role in his work truly made his holiday everything he could hope for.

[triedtherest]

Friar Bertram Bellows Bertram unloaded the last food basket from the cart and placed it on the table. "That's the last one Granny," he says, stretching. Granny smiled and nodded from her seat. She had been baking and cooking non-stop for the past week, it seemed, and despite being housebound, had insisted on being here today, so Bertram had borrowed his brothers cart to bring both Granny and all her food down to the festival. They had set up just outside the market as Granny wouldn't dream of charging money, so they had placed their tables away from the food vendors to avoid impacting their business and causing any ill will. "That's great Bertie Honey." Said Granny. Bertram had insisted that Granny wrap up well, so she now resembled a Mummy wrapped in scarves instead of bandages. His overprotectiveness amused Granny to no end. "Why don't you take a basket for you and your friends? Go on, you should enjoy the festival too!" She wagged a boney finger at him."I can't leave you by yourself Granny!" He objected. Granny continued to wag her finger. "Yer can an' yer will. It's good tha' you look after me, and ev'ryone else, don't think I 'aven't noticed that! But yer only young once, an' this festival is only once a year. An' besides..." she gestures around, "...Granny's NOT by 'erself!" True to her word, a small crowd had formed around Granny and her tables. Drawn, no doubt, by the smells of food wafting from the tables and the now rare sight of Granny being outside. Several of the townsfolk were helping themselves to food and fussing around Granny in equal measure. A beverage vendor had brought over a large steaming cup of tea ( no charge for Granny of course!) "Ok Granny, let me just take this cart back to Bar.." began Bertram. "Let us take that back to you brother Friar Bellows!" interrupted the Miller brothers as one, in a tone which said that "No" would not be an appropriate response! Granny gave Bertram a smug little smile, and Bertram shrugged as if to say "Ok, you win Granny," to which Granny gave a little shrug back, as if to say "Of course!" Smiling to himself, he picked up a heavy basket of food in one hand, and grabbed a meat pastry in the other, he headed off into the heart of the festival.

[Telcontar]

Lerissa Lerissa dashed through town, nimbly dodging the townsfolk setting up their stalls. The Emergence Festival! No one, no matter how jaded, could be unaffected by the atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. This was a day in which wondrous things happened. What sort of wondrous things? Who knew? That was part of the excitement! She saw the pastries a moment too late, and had to backpedal. "Arno!" she called out to the stallholder, a half-elf with a receding hairline and a paunch from eating too many of his own pastries. "Hey, Arno, what's the sweetest thing you've got?" "Mistress Lerissa," he said, with a smile. "Still the sweet tooth, eh?" He reached down underneath the table and withdrew an absolutely enormous pastry filled with jam and cream, and covered with a sticky glaze. Lerissa's mouth watered at the sight. But then her heart sunk. "How much?" she asked. "I don't suppose you'd just take it for free?" Arno asked. Lerissa shook her head emphatically, causing Arno to sigh. "Five coppers?" Lerissa knew it was nowhere near enough for the delightful confection in front of her. It should sell for at least three or four silver. But one of her mottos was, Never reject generosity, just return it when you can. "How about eight coppers?" she countered. "You know, mistress, I don't think that's how haggling is supposed to work," Arno said, wrapping up the pastry. She gave him the coin, then took a bite of the pastry. Oh, Bahamut, was it good! She skipped on a ways, then saw Jack and Wuuni together. She was about to avoid them - Jack was always a handful - but then she thought, it's festival day! At the very least, she ought to see if she could coax a few words out of the painfully shy Wuuni. So she gave them a wave and a smile, and headed over.

[BinnFord]

Wuuni was just about to weigh her options, pastry or pie, when a familiar voice saddled up beside her. She grinned down at Jack, mouth wide, and then turned back to the half-elf peddler, who'd spent the last several minutes squinting at the sun.

"I'll take...one meat pie and one orange pastry, please," said Wuuni in a too-soft voice. She'd make Jack wait until she was served, stepping away from the booth before holding out the warm treats and offering him a choice of one. As he picked, she'd finally address him:

"I have, that is--I think your expression might work better at, um...eye level?" said the bugbear, trying very hard not to snicker down at Jack and failing miserably. She dissolved into a bugbear's version of giggles, which was more a light rumble in the chest and a face full of sharp teeth, but quickly pulled herself up into something more dignified. "What sort of favor?" asked Wuuni, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Peddling more love notes?"

She wouldn't forgive him for that one time he had her deliver sweet nothings to a new girl in town, only to have the poor thing shriek and run away when she heard Wuuni was looking for her. Luckily, for Jack, Wuuni wouldn't be going back into that now.

He'd been saved by the tiefling.

Seeing Lerissa, Wuuni panicked ever so slightly, taking whichever treat was left and shoving the whole thing in her mouth. It was only on bite three, when she thought she might not choke, that the bugbear tried on a shaky smile, large, furred hands coming up to hide the mess she'd just made.

[Telcontar]

Lerissa Lerissa, the lower part of her face covered in cream, jam and glaze, greeted the young bugbear. "Hey, Wuuni. You, uh, you got a little something... Uh, let me get that for you." Lerissa reached out for Wuuni's face, realising as she did so that a good portion of her own hand was also covered in cream and jam. She pulled her hand back, looked around for something to wipe her hand on, but saw only Jack. At that moment, Lerissa started giggling. A small thing, at first, but building and building until she was laughing so hard she could barely stand upright. Not mocking laughter, but rather the laughter of friends sharing a joke.

[triedtherest]

Friar Bertram Bellows Being in a crowd at Halfling level was never easy at the best of times. Being a halfling with an enormous basket of food trying to make it through a crowd on the busiest day of the year whilst looking out for specific individuals, was darned near impossible! Anybody else in such crowded conditions would be considered annoying by other pedestrians, but any annoyance felt was soon dissipated when they realised that it was the jovial halfling with a basketful of free food. All the same, the basket was still heavy, despite it being much lighter than when he set out. He stepped to the side of the street, close to the entrance of the main activities and looked around to see where he was. He saw a familiar face, in an all too familiar posture. "Master Tobiadoreus!" He called. "it's the day of the festival, and I STILL find you hard at work with a quill! Please tell me that Taro Town's hardest working Clerk has time for one of Granny Bellows' home-made cookies!" He offered up the basket, "She's made your favourites!"

[InfamousDasher]

Bew The morning seemed oddly peaceful at the monastery. Bew had managed to sleep in without interruption by her master, Rabten; which was very out of character for him. He was always a stickler for training and meditation starting as soon as the sun had peeked over the town. Slowly she sat up from her bedroll and stretched out her arms and back as much as she could, audibly cracking her spine all the up as she did. It was enough to make her want to melt back into her warm bed and sleep the rest of the day. But alas, she needed to get up before Rabten did get mad and make her study longer. Drowsily, she got up, dragging her feet to the corner of her room where a small mirror and water basin awaited for her to wash her face. It wasn't until the second splash of chilly water and looking at her reflection's severely tussled hair that the changeling realized what today was. The Festival! With the most haste that she has ever had, Bew combed out her hair into her low pigtails and threw on her monk orange garb. Running out of the door to her room as she quickly tied her sash. Completely forgetting her shoes. The town was always beautiful during the festival; colorful decorations, the smell and taste of delicious food, and everyone was out wandering and having fun. Looking around the town she couldn't help but smile and slow her pace just so she could take in the sights. As she wandered about she saw a familiar face, a certain enumerator, that seemed to still be working? What was that about? She would have to try and remedy that. Purchasing a small box of powdered pastries for them to share, she was all too happy to drop a portion of her stipend into the vendor's hands. Walking over to Rivezran, she smiled as she saw Friar Bellows approach as well. Holding the box of pastries against her side, she laughed as she walked up to the men, "I think he must be broken" she teased. Side-eyeing the guestbook, she looked over at him, "Have you wandered around at all?"

[BinnFord]

Wuuni, Level 1 Bugbear Fighter For the past several hours (minutes, really--maybe more like seconds) Wuuni stood wide-eyed and silent, hands haphazardly covering her mouth and throat working around the last throes of a dying meat pie. Those same eyes began to bug out just a bit (and no jokes about bugbears bugging, please) when Lerissa reached out, and then Wuuni's eyes became impossibly round when the tiefling began laughing. Was that--was that a snort? Did Lerissa snort? Maybe it was just leftover cream stuck in her wind pipe? Or maybe that was Wuuni. Yup, it was definitely Wuuni. The bugbear snorted, then ducked her head to hide it, then found herself catching the laughter and falling into it. She didn't display the same reckless abandon toward the emotion that Lerissa seemed to enjoy, but Wuuni felt her shoulders shaking and her chest rising with glee, and her quiet laughter and occasional snorts matched the tiefling's enthusiasm. It would seem Jack got a bit more than he bargained for, here. As quickly as she was caught, Wuuni thought of her mother and tried to settle herself down. It wouldn't do to have her mother's busybody biddies whispering news about the Fool Girl seen acting like a fool. Clearing her throat and glad that her hair and fur covered what blush she might be showing, Wuuni twitched a small smile at the tiefling and then put up a finger. She'd return in a moment or two with Seddin-made towels for the both of them. The disposable, biodegradable, recyclable silk material was one of the exports that kept Taro in the green--all puns intended. "Good morning, Lerissa," said the bugbear, feeling brave.

[Theore]

Rivezran Tobiadoreus A familiar voice rang out above - or should he say, beneath - the crowd, and Rivezran looked around confused, trying to pinpoint the source. Before he even saw Bertram however, his nose, even with all of the other festival smells, picked up on something unmistakable: Granny Bellow's baking. The enumerator took in a deep breath of air through his nostrils, savoring the scent and leaving his professional exterior in crumbles for a brief moment before recomposing himself. It was right about the time he exhaled the heavenly cookie-laced breath that the good friar broke through the army of festival goers, making his way over to his post. "Happy Emergence Day to you, Mr. Bellows!" Rivezran looked to his station with a slight grin as Bertam called him out, but was quick to rebuttal. "No, sir - this IS my way of enjoying the holiday. While it just so happens to be beneficial data for my superiors, I collect this information as a hobby. Please, if you have a moment I would greatly appreciate your feedback - and...one of those devilishly good oatmeal raisin treats." There it was again - he was cracking in front of the whole town. Pull it together, Nym! It's just a cookie! Just a delicious...warm...chewy... "Okay, I'll make you a deal. You take a minute to fill out your favorite activities to take part in today, leave some comments on what could use some work, and sign your name and a brief message, and I'll not only take ONE cookie off of your hand, but that basket looks really heavy - let me take two and lighten your burden." A friendly laugh crept up and helped bring Rivezran back down from his dough-based internal struggle before he dived head first into Bertram's basket. Bew had stopped by to see him, a welcome sight - when she was actually showing up as herself and not somebody else. "I beg your pardon, but I most certainly am not broken! I am functioning at peak capacity in fact. Optimal is the only word to describe me. Well...it was, before a certain granny's food got involved..." Nym offered a simple shake of his head at her inquiry. "Not really - I don't want to miss the chance to offer people the opportunity to express their interests and concerns. You'll take a moment to sign, won't you?" If he were the fun type, he would have given a pitiful face to try and coerce his confidant to take part, but she would have to settle for his normal, boring "all work no play" visage instead.

[hjohenson]

Yuki Awaitori Yuki wandered through the festival, taking a tentative bite out of a blueberry tart. This was only the second time he'd ever seen the festival, thanks to his paranoid mother. All his life, he'd only heard her talk about Emergence Day as "superstitious nonsense" and "pointless frivolities". While Yuki's mother might've had a tantrum about him going out to the festival again, she couldn't stop him anymore. Now that he was relatively free of her influence, he could enjoy it just like everyone else! He certainly didn't believe the creation myth, but was happy to have a reason to simply relax and enjoy some good company, good food, and... well, he didn't really dance, but he was sure other people enjoyed it! Plus, all these folks gave him something to do, too. He liked watched the crowd. Every person was like a drop of water, and the crowd was a babbling creek, flowing around and through each other. It was therapeutic to watch how they moved, especially from the rooftops. Still, he was on the ground right now, but that was okay. He'd prepared himself meticulously for today. His feathers were preened and washed, his beak and talons were polished, and his clothes were immaculate. He looked like a genuine scientist (at least in his mind). As he walked through the streets, few folks noticed him. Yuki attributed that to his size; he wasn't a big bird, so it was natural that they wouldn't see him immediately. Still, he was tall enough to hold a spot in line at the stalls he'd visited. Yuki was still snacking on his tart, but also had a couple potions from the other apothecaries in town secure in his pouch. He wanted to try and reverse-engineer their work, see if there were any distinct differences between their methods and Dr. Vaalta's. It wasn't until he heard the snort and the laughter that he realized a couple of his friends were nearby. He looked around, finally catching his eye on Wuuni and Lerissa. He smiled, and slowly moved up beside them as they greeted each other fondly. The four-foot tall kenku looked up at the two of them, watching their interaction with curious eyes, ever analyzing. Yuki nibbled on his tart, still listening to them talk (and ignore his presence). Finally, he squawked up at the two to get their attention. When they inevitably looked down at him, he waved his free wing, revealing a couple of potions on his belt.

[InfamousDasher]

Bew Bew couldn't help but let loose a laugh, "Broken" she said as she took a seat on a weathered wooden bench near the guestbook, not before snagging a cookie from Bertram's basket. "You work too much, Rivezran. We're just concerned that you might burn yourself out and lose your marbles" her words spoken through a giggle. If anything was going to cause him to go insane, it was probably going to be her. She looked at the friar and smiled, "Did Granny come too? I'd love to see her" she said as she took a massive bite out of the cookie. If so, the changeling would definitely have to say hello. Honestly, she would stop and say hello regardless, it's been a little while since she had stopped by. She'd come to adore being around the Bellows, rather quickly. They always made her feel so welcome and safe. Always open arms and a smile to be offered.