deercountry | TANABATA ⟶ July Sanctuary Log

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TANABATA ⟶ July Sanctuary Log

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. :)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I understand.

[ The demon smiles. She has a point, perspectives come from experience. Chin Yiosu bows at her introduction. ]

It's nice to meet you.

[ Upon her next question, the demon sighs. ]

I don't go out much. I live in the forest and have been here for...quite some time.

[ He gives an awkward grin. After all, the demon's memory is poor these days. ]

I can't recall when I came. Are you new here?

No. I've been here since people first started to wash up on the shores here. [ Right after the dream.

But that's not the point Ange is most interested in here, frankly. There's something else about what the other says that captures her interest, the girl not even hesitating to consider tact as she just directly asks: ]

You live in the forest?

[ Look, it's weird enough to her that she can't help but question it. She hasn't heard of anyone else doing that. ]

Isn't that far too dangerous? [ She's heard the stories of what's out there, after all. ]

The first people- so you are among the first to become a Sleeper in Trench?

[ Chin Yisou hasn't thought of that possibility. Nor has he thought of the length of time that may mean for someone to be in this strange land. He cannot help but to smile at the other thought. So many people find that to be a surprise. ]

I enjoy being outside. True their are beasts- familiar and not - to contend with. Though my defenses have been more than adequate.

[ He enjoys his forested home. After all...]

Isn't it funny that so many people are eager to live with complete strangers? I would've thought living together would be more apprehensive. We don't know what folks are like before coming here and how they will behave once ashore.

[ With a curious gleam, he is intrigued. Chin Yisou takes a pause before adding another point. ]

Don't you think trusting people is harder than living in the wild? In the forest it's understood to kill or be killed. There are creatures who you can easily tell are out to harm you...However, with a community of strangers, you can't be too sure. Have you thought of that?

[ Without even missing the faintest beat, Ange answers: ]

I mean, if someone tries to kill me, I'll just kill them first.

[ .. nothing about the way she says it even sounds malicious, mind you. It's not like Ange is out to find someone to murder, or anything along those lines. She more just says it in the same flat, near-deadpan tone as before. It's just a fact of life to her. If someone tries to mess with her, then she's going to retaliate, and apparently she has at least some confidence in her ability to do so, judging by her answer. ]

I won't act as if all the people here are nice or anything. [ She adds, shaking her head. She does at least seem to agree with him on that much without putting up a stink. Some people here suck. It's just true. ] But some people here are also pretty decent, whereas pretty much every single beast out in this place seems to love killing people on sight. I'd rather trust the odds when it comes to the people here then.

[ At least not all of them are looking for murder constantly, after all. ]

That's a valid statement.

The demon nods. He can appreciate her approach to the Trench.

It is better to be safe, than sorry as they say.

He provides a concerned smile. Although Chin Yisou has risked his life and has been reborn once again, he hasn't thought of how hard life must be for other Sleepers.

I hope the Trench has treated you well.

Oh, definitely. [ It's better to such an extent that Ange doesn't seem to have to think even for a moment about answering this way.

It's just natural. It's an objective answer. ]

Considering the fact that humans in my own world were so crappy that my only friends were a bunch of demons instead, this place is a huge improvement.

[ Because a whole lot of people seem nice here, regardless of what they are. Whereas she had to resort to summoning supernatural beings to make friends with back home. ]

It goes to show that...

The demon takes a thoughtful pause.

What people perceive as good or evil doesn't quite sit with the reality of one's character.

A small tremor courses through Chin Yisou's mind. The topic resounds with an old truth from his past. He bows his head for a moment and exhales the passing idea away. It's not too good to...reminisce. He regards her with a smile.

Thank you for chatting. Although I prefer just a handful of friends, meeting new people was...good.

He gives a light-hearted chuckle.

Seeing new people really can be difficult, no? I'm sorry that those in your other life were so...strenuous.

[ There's absolutely not even the faintest moment of hesitation about the girl as she immediately replies with: ]

Meeting new people is a total pain.

[ .. thanks, Ange. Very tactful towards the new person you're meeting right now.

On the other hand, it's not directed at him in the slightest. After all, if Ange minded anything about this meeting, she would have said so in a more upfront way. What she's saying right now has much more to do with the more energetic and outgoing types she meets here who just tire her out..

He's pretty alright compared to that.

Hence why she continues, though in the same tone, with: ]

But I guess this festival wasn't so bad. [ It's her way of saying she didn't really mind bumping into him here and having a talk with him either. ]

[ Chin Yisou nods his head in agreement. He returns his gaze back at the table. The demon has been too engrossed in conversation to carry out his initial task. He regards Ange with a smile. ]

I think that I know which to select now.

[ The old man picks up a red ribbon. Carefully, he scribes a wish without wanting anyone to see. Perfect! He beams.

Now to tie it on the tree, right? Do you know what you would like to wish for?

[ He smiles while holding his wish ribbon like a precious gem. Sometimes it takes time and speaking with the right person to find what is lost. In this case, Chin Yisou is able to realize that the only thing he seeks is what he has been yearning for ever since coming to Trench. ]

Hmm, don't some people say that your wish might not come true if you tell someone else about it?

[ .. not that it's a particular kind of superstition Ange believes in, mind you. She's not really prone to believing in stuff like that, but she can't help but gently - some might call it teasingly, were it not for the fact that Ange's tone of voice is so relatively flat and unemotional - point it out to him anyway. ]

I have an idea though. [ She's already looking through the strands of paper, like she's just trying to find the right colour to suit her wish. ]

And I suppose I could tell you mine if you tell me yours.

[ At least then it's an equal exchange, right. ]

[The demon pauses. He didn't mean to suggest that they disclose their wishes. Yet, would it really be of any trouble? Chin Yisou thinks with his head tilted to the side. With a sigh, he gives a warm smile. ]

Perhaps, there would be more magic in sharing just as there could be in keeping one's desires secret.

[ The demon holds up his ribbon to reveal Mandarin characters: 家庭 ]

My wish is for jiating. Family.

Jiating.

[ Ange tries to repeat the word. Sure, she may have had a few Mandarin classes when she was younger, but paying attention during classes wasn't exactly her strong suit at that age, for an entire variety of reasons..

Still, she manages to not sound totally dumb about it as she says that word. ]

I guess that's never a bad wish. [ She understands caring for family, though Ange has had.. a bit more of a complicated relationship with the idea lately. ] As for me.. I think I'm going to write down my wish as being for strength. Enough of it to protect those I care about.

[ She feels a little cheesy saying that, but it's why she's careful to keep her voice relatively level as she says it, trying to keep most kinds of emotion out of it to make up for the fact that the words could be cheesy. ]

That sounds like a thoughtful wish.

[ Chin Yisou smiles. ]

Good luck to you, I hope that you find your strength. After being in Trench, one will be bound to grow in due time.

[ The demon nods to the tree in front of them. He walks staleadily to the branch of his choosing and ties the ribbon around it. ]

Just like so, no?

[ He turns back to Ange and then glances around at several other guests tying their ribbons. While staring at the dozens of ribbons blowing in the tree, Chin Yisou feels calm. ]

I think this festival was a great idea!

[ Ange, in the meantime, busies herself with putting her own wish into the tree. ]

Well, you might have to redirect that compliment at the people from the Sanctuary who organized it. [ Surely they'd be glad to hear that it was a success - especially since they must have put a lot of effort into this, Ange figures. There's so much to do and to see here.

When she finishes putting up her wish, she turns back towards the other. ]

Maybe they'll do it each year from now on. It's Tanabata, after all. [ It's even exactly around the right time when this festival would have been back home, in the middle of summer. ] Maybe someone wanted to bring a tradition from their own world to this place.

That's true!

[ The demon smiles. He takes a pause then raises a finger. ]

I think The Ranger had the idea. Apparently, in his home country they would hold festivals like this.

[ Chin Yisou sighs calmy. The whole environment has given him a sense serenity that he has never experienced before. ]

I do hope they keep this celebration too. Maybe the more people who thank them for hosting it will help!

[ With a bow the demon takes his leave. ]

I'd like to check out more of the booths. Thank you for sharing this piece of the festival with me.

[ She nods. Not quite bowing, since Ange definitely is not formal enough for that, but it seems to be her own form of greeting in return. ]

Sure. No problem.

[ It sounds fairly nonchalant - perhaps in an effort to downplay what she did here, because Ange is never good at accepting compliments.. or thanks..

But other than that, she just quietly watches him leave before turning her attention somewhere else. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TANABATA ⟶ July Sanctuary Log

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