TANABATA ⟶ July Sanctuary Log

[likethelight]

 

Sanctuary - TANABATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"SEE YOU AGAIN, MOM"

The "star festival", celebrating the one time of the year when star-crossed lovers could cross over a sea of stars to meet again. One based on hopes, wishes, and the fervent desire to see each other again. Following the departure of Amaterasu back to the sea, wolf momgod of all who is responsible for the Guardian Saplings including the one Sanctuary has been founded around, Sanctuary is hosting the best approximation to a Tanabata celebration as the Trench will allow. Why? Because hope keeps the trees alive and strong, and Tanabata is about people having hope -- and would have been happening around the same time.

And because people miss dogmom and she would have liked it.

The festival is taking place at Sanctuary, but all Guardian Saplings can be paid visits. Paper for wishes and decorations have been set up at each/given to the other caretakers.

A Sea of Stars
The main hall has been transformed into a living night sky, with jars of hope from the moonlit butterflies back in April hung with care high up, each repacked with a single orb of hope per small vial with care, creating a river of starlike glowing lights overhead. The windows have been covered to aid with the nighttime effect, in addition to helping to keep out the light of the Beast Moon after dark. The gentle glow, as they are literally the tactile hopes and dreams of people, provides a small purifying, uplifting effect to everyone underneath. The light ebbs and flows calmly. The hall is cool as well, thanks to the pale/cold bloodstone cooling system that glows like moonstone along the walls and keeps the indoor areas regulated.

In the evening, as the sun sets, the new choir bell will ring out as well, cleansing corruption entirely from all who hear it. The lights gently pulse in time with it.

Wishes and the Guardian Sapling
The sapling is no longer in bloom, but despite the sweltering heat in full glory. Paper wishes are hung in its branches, along with origami streamers in colorful paper of cranes and other shapes. A bustle of activity is in the cloisters around it in particular, with most tables set up there to keep the courtyard itself clear. Origami streamers are hung in all the doorways leading out to it as well, creating the effect of string curtains, and there are paper lanterns as well.

A life-size stone statue of a wolf bearing a striking resemblance to Amaterasu has been erected next to the sapling, with her most radiantly happy canine expression she could sometimes get. There is room to place offerings for her, and people are encouraged that she would like "all the foods."

Colorful strips of paper (tanzaku) have been cut and placed out on a table in the cloisters surrounding the courtyard, where one can write their wishes for the next year down on them and hang them on the guardian sapling. They come in the following colors with a helpful, but... somewhat hard to read note with arcane handwritten note:

Red will help with wishes relating to ancestors and family, and giving thanks.
Yellow is the color of friendship and is the best choice for wishes about relationships.
White is the color for determination and responsibility, and for making personal resolutions.
Blue represents tranquility and trust and will aid wishes aimed at self-improvement.
Purple is the color to choose if you want to improve your brainpower and skills.

Food and Activities
Following all of the best creative recreation methods available to them in Trench, the cooks in the kitchens have been trained by Megumi Fushiguro, among others, on how to best serve culturally appropriate dishes. These foods are served free at little vendor booths in the main hall (with people encouraged to help out and help serve!) and include pawprint mochi (the inside is either chocolate or strawberry), pickled sakura mochi, mitarashi and tricolor dango, chilled somen with a yuzu-soy dipping sauce, various types of filled onigiri, and cut watermelon in a variety of shapes including stars, sunbursts, and pawprints. Many have been made with small amounts of the Paleblood jam from June and have mild corruption cleansing effects as well. Various kinds of tea made from the dried or pickled cherry blossoms and/or leaves of the guardian sapling are being served as well, and they have a corruption-cleansing effect and have been noted as tasting "heavenly". Some of the jams have been cut with fruit juice/lemonade and frozen into popsicles as well... you're welcome, CorruptionPops are now a thing.

Various demonstration and activity tables have been set up including origami, with... questionably penned instructions from Palamedes in an arcane style for several shapes including cranes, sunbursts, stars, and wolves. Various Sleepers familiar with the practice have also been encouraged to set up there and help teach people how, and everyone is encouraged to hang their completed crafts in the guardian sapling. Most of the paper is red, white, pink, and gold. Paper lanterns have been made as well and light up various parts of the whole festivities.

A few vendor booths are set up, including one "selling" white yukata, trimmed in red and gold and bearing a distinctive star pattern on the back of it and intricate embroidery. Most Sanctuary members would receive one for free if they expressed interest, and anyone else can receive one for volunteering their time and helping out. People are encouraged to wear them for the celebration if they didn't have their own; these are styled in honor of Amaterasu.

Koz Orphanage has been specially invited as well, and children from it can be found running around during much of the event and given various activities to do or items to play with.

Sparklers are available for individuals as well, also courtesy of Viktor. Perhaps there might even be glowsticks from someone... :)

Fireworks and Closing Celebrations
On the final night, all the wishes will be gathered from the trees and collected in a ceremonial firepit. The wishes are burnt in order to release them to the heavens to be heard—and perhaps by Amaterasu still at sea—and will be ignited by several Sleepers with fire abilities (Shouto Todoroki, Megumi Fushiguro).

As they're burnt a fireworks display will begin overhead, launched from the steeple up high, courtesy of Viktor and anyone else assisting him in the matter. Anyone outside watching them in the courtyard will have the effects of the Beast Moon diminished by the blessing in effect from Moon Presence. The choir bell will toll a final time at the end, to clear the effects of any lingering corruption, and signal an end to the festivities.

WHAT

Sanctuary is about humane beast purification efforts and corruption relief. Renovations began in May 2022 and room clearing and rebuilding is still in progress. Beast patrol efforts and purification started more in earnest in June-July.

All roles are volunteer on an as-you-can basis up to full time, with time reimbursed by food, shelter, care, and community support. And because it's run by people who BLEED SENTIMENTALITY EVERYWHERE in addition to being founded on discovery of a Guardian Sapling, it's hosting a Tanabata celebration in conjunction with honoring the memory of Amaterasu.

WHEN

Starting July 7, ending after a few days in a final celebration and ceremonial burning of the wishes.

THINGS OF NOTE

Tanabata
➢ Please feel free to presume your character could have helped out with setup if they have any ties to Sanctuary or characters here! If they would provide a food, service, or game they are free to have a table set up.

➢ This event is open to the whole of Trench and would have been freely advertised as such, including as a safe place to treat effects from the Beast Moon and corruption.

General / Member Update
➢ Sanctuary has been blessed by Moon Presence for the month of July, thanks to the efforts of Luna and Sansa. All negative effects of July and the Beast Moon are lessened within its walls, and anyone meaning Sanctuary or the people in it will be physically repelled. Lunar flowers have begun growing up the sides of the monastery in earnest like morning glories as a result.

➢ as of June, coordinated efforts to patrol Trench on their own and save Beasts and people both have begun. Members will be on a group chat in order to coordinate with each other and reach out to purification Sleepers when encountering Beasts. Everyone is encouraged to work in teams, especially to partner with someone who can purify Beasts or corruption.

➢ a training facility has opened up, with currently self-defense hand-to-hand combat classes being taught by Jason and others willing to train others encouraged to come forward. Fighters on patrol and wardens will be contacted to let them know about open sparring times so members can coordinate better in fights. There is an indoor room with training dummies (that fight back courtesy of Viktor) that opens up into an outdoor space between two of the long halls that can also be used.

➢ with the hidden archives now unlocked, scholarly members of Sanctuary are encouraged to help study them and uncover other artifacts—and especially the strange new locked door discovered within.

➢ there is a family of batcat kittens old enough to be crawling everywhere throughout the building now. They might still be learning manners and latch onto you in an overexcitement to taste your blood from time to time.

➢ the large communal baths have been cleared out and renovated, thank god. They run on being open to male-identifying characters for one set of hours, female-identifying for another, and the rest of the time operate on "nobody cares". Privacy screens are hung between the tubs though—one side is regularly cooled down with ice for the hot months.

➢ with more people needing safe harbor during the Beast Moon and rising violence from natives during July, more actual rooms have been cleared out and are free to use for anyone who will also help work to maintain the place (chores, grounds keeping, etc.). There are always spare beds in the infirmary wing as well.

➢ members who patrol or purify beasts/fight in some way now have access to various relic items that have been donated for use for when they are actively on patrol. These will eventually be tracked in the member spreadsheet... eventually. Just give them back when you're done.

➢ Viktor and K's efforts have resulted in the lunar generator coming online and bringing lunar lighting and cooling throughout the building via a cold-pale bloodstone network. Rejoice!

➢ There is now a small, hidden stash of coffee bartered from Dabi. Someone might have to pry it from Viktor's jittery fingers.

 

This log is WIDE OPEN for Tanabata festivities and serves as the general log for Sanctuary for the month. Go wild and do whatever you want, have fun with your top levels, etc. :)

Comments

[megatheorem]

Don't explain it, I'll start getting misty. [Potentially true? He hasn't sobbed on the bathroom floor in quite a few months, but if something could make him tear up, it may very well be the thought of-- anything Viktor might do, were he to suffer a third death. He still says it with the airiness of a joke, even as he leans his head down onto Viktor's shoulder and rubs his thumb over the back of his hand.

It's fine; they can leave that line of thinking well enough alone.

Anyway... that sounds... wack? What is the plan? First, though-] I'm not putting anything off for anyone, not even her.

[That's a definite, he's sick and tired of putting off taking care of Viktor because of stupid Trench bullshit, and parading around trinkets for a sea god throwing a fit does not appeal. To wit,] Doing charity for her so she'll stop throwing storms at the rest of us? I don't know if I have the patience.

Besides, someone has to look after the rest of these people while the powerful kick over each other's sandcastles.

[mehanizovati]

It's not really a conversation for parties anyway. [he murmurs that, turning his head to press his lips to pal's hair. definitely thoughts that could be left alone rather than poking.

that declaration has him exhaling in amused agreement.] I'm thinking the last week of the month. It's usually calm enough then, and we'll have time to perfect things before.

[again barring intense drama. here's to hoping.] I knew there was a reason I married you. Aside from the charm and access to comfortable ponchos.[aka that's the spirit. who has the time or patience for any of this ridiculous bullshit? tantrum somewhere else.]

I just hope the Trench native's attitudes get better. If anyone gives you a dirty look again there will be words.

[megatheorem]

[The last week of the month; Palamedes takes a moment to let that settle, to turn over the idea of it. The goal of helping Viktor has been long-term, and it's been nebulous, and it's been turned around and reversed and bothered and interfered with and-- it's a different feeling, to hear Viktor set a date for it. Terrifying, to be sure - but with a generous helping of determination threaded through it, giving it weight.

He lifts his head to nod, agreeing.]

Time to work out the details, of course. End of the month.

[It's set! It's confirmed, and he plops his head back down on Viktor's shoulder with a short sigh, and then a chuckle.]

My manifest charm feels like it's been manifestering. [endure.] If I step outside this building, I'm going to lose it, professionally speaking.

[Is that corruption or just being fed up with everyone outside these walls? Who can say. Both, maybe. Counter to his own skin-crawling impatience with the populous, though,]

People have been giving me dirty looks?

[mehanizovati]

[there's still a lot to do, though he's been putting in the work enough he feels confident they'll have all they need well before the date. still it is something to put a proper pin on the calendar, and he chases away the more unpleasant possibilities. dying on the table, surviving but it still not working, some mad turn forcing them to give up yet another avenue the way remina did.

he rests his head against pal's. best to move relentlessly forward, though maybe more carefully this time.] I guess I'll ask Allen if we can stay here again.

[viktor makes sure to sigh with all the exhaustion of having to hear the words manifestering here, in front of his salad.] I take it back, the charm is all an illusion I conjured to spare myself the truth, that I bound myself to a man who likes puns.

[he's not smiling, you are. anyway this time he gets a scoff.] Yes. The rare times we've been out I noticed it. They're all under whatever unpleasant spell the Reckoning brings but I only have so much patience.

[megatheorem]

[Mm, the many ways this operation could go wrong are - things to be aware of, for sure, but Palamedes is likewise trying not to think about them. It's no good to be overconfident, but he's a normal level of confident in their ability to pull this off. A normal amount!! It should be fine with a normal amount.

He hums, because Allen will never say no to them staying here, but as always it's polite to ask. Ah, but, if he can lift the serious air to indulge in a little sap-] We'll celebrate, the first night we can go home with you completely well.

[So, see? Endure his puns for the sake of his sap, for he regrets neither. He pulls Viktor's hand up to kiss the ring on his finger with gusto, to prove this point: truly, Viktor is stuck with him.

This is why he doesn't notice people giving him dirty looks, he's too centered on Viktor whenever they're together, oops. That sounds like a them problem, in any case.]

I love you, too. Try not to punch anyone, or we'll have a repeat of that broken nose I had to set after your drinking buddy slugged that guy.

[mehanizovati]

[of course pal is a sap about it, complete with the ring kiss which has viktor letting out a helplessly amused breath.] Maybe you can show me your proper dance training, finally. As lovely as last dance was I'm not sure it counts.

[at least for showing pal's warden mandatory play nice at fancy parties training. it's a little much to imagine though, not dying, new house, something to celebrate. he's much better at it all but a wealth of riches still makes him suspicious and guarded, so he can't quite bring himself to expect the outcome.

maybe just a little hope though, as a treat.

he has to snort at that.] He deserved it, and I make no promises. Jason taught me to punch properly for a reason and this is surely it.

[megatheorem]

I should have known from the start what a wild maverick you are.

[Just kidding, he's known all along that Viktor will throw hands (or scathing commentary at the ministers) when needs must. How attractive of him, to throw hands for Palamedes' sake— but keep it in check while the people around town are ready to throw hands right back. That's all he asks.

Although, of course, he is busying himself pressing another set of kisses to Viktor's other, unoccupied knuckles, but it's implied. Probably. Here, the first knuckle...

Ah, yes-] You'll be merciless about my dance training, but if that's what you want.

[woe! woe is palamedes!!]

I'll wear my nicest greys. And these boots. [the yellow ones.]

[mehanizovati]

Our first unintended date was a criminal activity. That should have clued us both in. [viktor says as if he's still pointlessly proud of the fact they stole a chalkboard. a crowning achievement in the trench, forget all the other stuff.

and fine, he'll resist the urge to taser someone for pal's honor. frankly he'll just happily stay in and not deal with the bullshit going around. they have lungs to make after all, research to do, etc etc. also fuck the heat and storms, inside is better and pal's indoor agenda is rubbing off on him.

it's very hard to be merciless about anything when pal is kissing his knuckles. is it the event that makes him less concerned about pda or is it the fact he's slowly unravelling from certain, flinching habits involving the public eye? mystery. spoilers, it's probably the latter.]

If you are somehow a worse dancer than me you will deserve it. [he says with all the fondness of a man who will indeed be the worst.

his head ducks to laugh though, coming up to say,] You know I like the new look you've been going for, boots and all.

[megatheorem]

Hmm, I think it was more criminal to subject ourselves to those drinks.

[The mysteries of the Blue Drink haunt him to this day. Only the scrap of napkin with all the incoherent novel ideas that he still has tucked away in a notebook somewhere can provide a clue to the moment blue took over his brain.]

You like to be right, [he says, still holding Viktor's hand with both his own. That's right about general things - dancing, here - and the excessively long ongoing argument about Grey vs. Any Other Color, at once. The boots are comfortable? He'll give them this.

He bows his head to kiss the third knuckle again, above the ring, then sits back against the tree.]

I've memorized everything I can about the anatomy of a lung, [which? Probably means he did some sticking his hands into rib cages, at work? Never mind that.] How is your side progressing?

[mehanizovati]

I don't know, I'm rather intrigued by what the other colors taste like. Healthy curiosity. [maybe purple will be less suspicious. probably not, but there's one way to find out and it's subjecting themselves to more.

viktor doesn't bother to pretend that isn't true, just looks vaguely pleased at pal for noticing.] Oh, did my letter to Jayce give me away? [he settles to rest properly against pal's side, leaning against him.]

Well enough, though I won't know until we start testing it with living tissue. [and that's not counting seeing how a sleeper body accepts or rejects all of this. fun.] It's... daunting. This is the sort of thing that we should reasonably be testing for months before even considering live test subjects.

[megatheorem]

I'll take notes; you're a much cuter drunk than I am. [He can't remember being drunk at new year's, but still, this is potentially true? One purple drink is his limit, then he must be designated note-taker.

Anyway, Viktor is a cute drunk and a cuter smug little scientist; Palamedes huffs and loops an arm around him, kissing his hair and encouraging this must-be-right behavior, because of course he is. The task of writing wishes continues to be forgotten.]

If we had months... [alas.] If it looks like it's going south, we'll pull the plug on this plan. I'll have the ministers helping out, too. They wouldn't dare make a mistake around you.

[mehanizovati]

Not necessarily true, without further research into the matter we cannot say. [aka he's never seen pal drunk so who knows. but, shockingly, he has no interest in forcing pal to drink just for his own amusement so it will be a matter of if pal ever feels like it.

well good, this will keep him on his smug bullshit for ages. of course his look goes softer, gross, reaching to grasp one of pal's hands.]

I've been slacking with them, I think. A few now greet me pleasantly. [unbelievable. it's almost like he likes them and knows them by name now. anyway he sighs.] I don't mind the risk, but it's easier given it's my risk to take. I don't envy you your position.

[megatheorem]

Viktor... [They've had this conversation before; Palamedes will continue to insist until the heat death of the universe that this is fine, he will do this thing for Viktor and in fact he wants to be the one to do it, as many times as he must. That doesn't mean he won't be glad to get it over with, though.

He presses another kiss into Viktor's hair, lingering - just thinking. The mere thought of 'let somebody else take charge?' curdles instantly, so, no. No, he's just as ready to do this thing and put it behind them as ever, for sure.]

I know. But when it comes to surgeons in this place, I'm the only one I trust completely. [A shrug, and then an affectionate squeeze, lest they mire in Medical Anxiety for the rest of this party.] We'll take care of you, and then I will concede to try one colorful drink of your choosing. Eventually, after your convalescent period that I know you'll enjoy with patience and grace.

[Ahem. Somebody's going to learn all about actual bedrest, look forward to it.]

[mehanizovati]

Don't give me that tone, it's simply... I am aware and grateful for this. [viktor settles for, glancing over.] And you are the only one I trust completely to do it.

[so that is that. he leans more against pal, and doesn't admit he would have probably found a way to do this himself despite the risk if pal wasn't around, so... yes, trust. lots of it.

and a snort.] It will be fine, I can work in bed. Smaller projects, yes, but still. [this is going to be a nightmare, enjoy.]

[megatheorem]

[Mm, yes, that peak trust feeling. He won't deny that there's a certain warm and fuzzy feeling that goes along with that trust, even if it's about - the dangerous surgery thing. He'll give the tone if he must, but okay, okay, he's done giving the tone. For now.

Anyway, can he give the tone for working in bed... babe.]

You can have your notes in bed. There won't be any room for convalescing otherwise.

[Well, hm, can he say no to Viktor, actually...]

I'll find you one of those trays for breakfast in bed, so if it fits on that, I'll allow it.

[mehanizovati]

There will be plenty of room. [he argues immediately, though the concession of one of those trays? ok he can work with that.]

Very well. It would be good to get some more delicate work done anyway. [momentarily appeased. will he probably make more of an effort for pal's sake alone? yes. unbelievable.]

You can read me more of your newest works. [the saucy ones included.]