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deercountry2022-07-13 07:21 am
likethelight) wrote in deercountry2022-07-13 07:21 am
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.Food and Activities
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.
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.
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.
➢ 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. :)
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Is that a paleblood gem in your earring?
[maybe it was a magic item of sorts? he knows some people use gems for jewelry, but given he uses them purely in blood tech stuff it's a little surprising to see still.]
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Realizing where Viktor's interest lies, Allen blinks for a moment but -- hesitates only a little. Still a noticeable pause though. ]
Ah... mn. It is. [ He's casting about for the gluten flour now -- almost adds in the wrong one -- before choosing right and adding it to the sieve so he can start to... how does this work? (Oh, that's pretty easy.)
Nothing to see here... ]
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well, to be fair he'd probably say the same thing even if he realized but sh.] It looks good. I should have realized you are the eh... the fashionable sort. Blood proof coats and such.
We'll need a cup of water, then you get to mix.
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Blood proof clothing is a matter of practicality! [ Earnest!! That was totally all about pragmatism! ... and sentimental design!
Allen finishes sifting the flour and peers down into the bowl in earnest, as if he was kind of expecting it to... do something. It doesn't and Viktor lays out what to do next, so he goes and draws a cup of water. At least he understands measurements! And adds it in before he gets to mixing, reaching for a wooden spoon.
He added it all at once, but oh well. ]
My master always wanted me to have clean, nice clothes. [ Be...cause he hated dirty things and Allen had a knack for getting into very messy trouble as a kid. And now. ] He'd always make sure we both had very nice things to wear.
[ The only time he ever saw Cross pay for something with actual cash and not just rack up more debt that fell on Allen's head. Which is why Allen's tone is a bit gentler and more thoughtful than it sometimes is when speaking of Cross. ]
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he's doing a decent enough job, and viktor's starting to think maybe? they'll manage to make actual noodles? incredible. infact:] You can start kneading it with your hands now. I'll let you know when it looks right.
[but hm, viktor's lips quirk at that, a nod.] Your master continues to sound an odd one, though there's something to that. In Piltover fashion wasn't unlike an armor, it certainly helps with impressions and getting by.
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With my hands? [ That was allowed? Oh. He likes that. The wooden spoon is absolutely getting ditched as he reflexively checks his hands before just... going in, he guesses! He's actually pretty good with it, despite his strength with his left hand he's a delicate touch more than anything. Comes with all those years of mastering how to palm cards...
He gives a small hum as he works. This is way more fun than using a spoon... seems to be going easier, too. Link would have a heart attack. ]
Ehh... it's not so different anywhere, I suppose. [ Does he sound a touch squirrely? Maybe. ] People can get really hung up on appearances. Especially first ones. [ Hard lessons learned across many fronts there. And not the first time someone has implied Allen's used his gentlemanly dress as a way to get by easier...
He gives a small sneeze though as he hits a pocket of unexpectedly dry flour still and kicks it up into the air. Achoo. ]
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[what sources. and he nods.] Superficial. Frankly I find it exhausting but it is what it is. Fashion as pure self expression is another matter.
[but there's the sneeze, and viktor can't help but chuckle.] You have some- [he gesture to allen's hair, trying to sweep a little of it off. he is not a dad shut up.]
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He blinks, though, when Viktor tries to gesture to something on his... face? Hair? ]
Eh? [ If you're embarrassed about your dadesque behavior, Viktor, Allen is not nor does it seem to register. And as he rubs for a moment at a slight itch that's caused by a wayward strand of hair with the back of his hand. There is now flour on his cheek. ]
Is it gone?
[ His hair is white, Viktor. This is a lost cause. ]
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the flour on his cheek though just makes him shake his head, turning to grab a rag from the counter.] Hold still a moment.
[it is not the most fucking dad thing he's ever done to furrow his brow as he wipes that flour off, pulling back with a satisfied nod. incredible.]
There you go. Now, back to work.
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Before his face splits into a smile as he gives a faint little laugh. ]
Ehe. ✰ [ It's a little sheepish and delighted both. Though as he goes back to work mixing, Viktor might notice a set of eyes on him. Well, not eyes but... a gaze. Timcanpy's, who is sitting there on the countertop like a squat little fixture, and looking right up at him. Could Tim have gotten the rag and cleaned Allen's cheek? Yes, he usually does that when Allen has a task like this, acting like a proper little mini butler. But did he?
Nope. And by the way he's watching Viktor he's recorded this moment for all time and will never forget it -- as evidenced by the cutely rosy little tint to his cheeks as he looks up at him. blushu ♥
Allen turns at that moment, so Viktor might see the dough better as it's... well... he doesn't think it looks like dough but it is crumbly? ]
Is this good?
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thank gods pal isn't here, he'd never hear the end of it after teasing him for the same thing. tim, keep his secret, please.
ok the dough though, and viktor resists the urge to clear his throat before going over to give it a look.]
That looks about right. Now we're going to knead it a little more and roll it out here. [he takes some flour to put on the surface of the counter.] It's best if shaped into a rectangle while working on this and should be rolled very thin.
[a pause and he asks,] Did you and Shouto settle the roommate situation?
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A rectangle? Okay. [ How thin would be a good question but it's not one Allen's thinking of right now. They'll cross that bridge when they get to it. For now he's trying to squish the crumbs into something more... dough-shaped before he transfers it over? Kneading, yeah, that's it.
The question catches him offguard though, blinking at Viktor over his shoulder. ]
Oh... [ His eyes skim the room for a moment, hesitating. ] M-mn.
[ Should he have told Viktor sooner? ... not really, something like that to Allen is just... private? Or at least not something you go out of your way to mention. ]
I'm staying with him when I don't have night patrol. [ Which is when there's a good chance Viktor would catch him catnapping around Sanctuary or in his room here the next day. Otherwise... not using his room, nope. The irony. Just keeping all his things there.
But he wants to rub at the back of his neck so bad that it feels like he might squirm out of his skin. Thankfully he has enough presence of mind to realize his hands are too messy for that. ]
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viktor's lips lift to a more genuine smile hearing that- for all his (mostly internal) light teasing on the shouto matter he's glad to hear they settled that in a good way for both of them.] That is excellent. I am glad you decided to speak with him about it.
I suppose you must be used to roommates to some extent. Your Order had dormitories I imagine?
as I tag this so carefully while figuring out where things stand after the other thread LSDMKJD
Timcanpy has decided to play with one of the rolling pins, rolling it back and forth as well. ]
Eh, somewhat. Most of us had our own private rooms.
[ Did Allen? Yes. ...For a while... ]
dfsgr ah the teens
It must be very thin. [casual direction before,] I suppose you'll be making this for your new roommate one day soon then.
i think u mean 'idiots'
Although his concentration wavers lightly at Viktor's comment. ]
Oh-- [ said as if that's occurring to him for the first time ]
I suppose... so?
[ ...anxiety?? ]
they're good idiots, it's fine
but look he can't help a little amused snort at allen's apparent surprise. this boy.]
That is why you are learning, yes? To replicate this one day?
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But ah... Legit no, he hadn't really looked that deep into his inclination. It was just something he wanted to do. Sure some of that was also wanting to help Viktor who always works so hard!! But, pointing that out... Allen looks away. A little... shy? But with a small smile, as if imagining something warming. ]
To be honest I... hadn't thought that far ahead yet. I just wanted to.
[ It's Viktor; he's honest with him, or at least about as honest as Allen gets. But he also edges over a little and beckons him over with a roll of his shoulder. ]
Is this thin enough?
[ Technically no but it's passable and at least mostly the same thickness across. ]
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he exhales in vague amusement- yes, that did sound like allen, just the inclination to learn this for shouto before any grand plans. he moves over to look, a nod after a moment.]
It should do, I think. [they'll survive thicker noodles.] Now we spread some of this starch over it and fold it- here, this time I'll show you.
[he does just that, spreads the starch, folds the dough a few times into a neat(ish) rectangle before unfolding it so allen could try himself.] We'll cut it next. You're doing well, you know. Making noodles from scratch isn't particularly easy.
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Noodles are folded? [ huh ] Okay. [ This is so weird to him!!! But fascinating. Viktor you're a bit of a bastard for doing it and then undoing it then in order to make him though and he might get a bit of a pout for that... but Allen also understands why and squares his shoulders off before inspecting the lines of where Viktor had folded it before and... attempting to recreate it. It was this side and this... this one... ?
Still. You give him anything that requires finesse and being good with his hands and he really wasn't boasting earlier, that part is something he's good at. And he's actually managing it quite well! ...Also because Timcanpy is helping by hovering over and picking up a corner to help Allen fold.
Viktor's comment gets a thoughtful look from Allen. ]
You've been cooking for us a lot, Viktor. Was having home-cooked meals important for you growing up?
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Apparently. I think there are machines and presses for this sort of thing but folding and a knife work just as well. [very Homemade. and yes, suffer, this is the serious are of cooking lessons apparently. still he watches with an approving nod, frankly a little glad to see allen get to do something with his hands that has nothing to do with weapons.
tim helping is also adorable so there's that. when tim's done he'll get a well done pat for his efforts.
allen's question gives him pause, more the moment of 'how honest do i want to be about this.' it's allen so he shrugs and offers,] Food itself was important, I suppose. There wasn't always a lot of it to go around, not in the undercity. If I am honest it simply gives me some peace of mind to know you all have at least one meal a week I am sure is filling.
[a shrug like hey, childhood food trauma, what can you do. shouto was a huge part of it too if he's being real, given how shouto isn't. much of a cook and that worries viktor haha. he does not like the idea of any of them being hungry.]
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We eat well! [ Said hurriedly!! Actually, he's noticed Shouto's been bringing more food home lately... even Allen has been eating his more comfortable fill lately. ] But to be honest, I look forward to this one the most I think.
[ He loves both for different reasons, truthfully. Quiet meals with Shouto, but also once a week having this one where he sees all of them and it just... It feels like family. Something to always have to look forward to every week, and that means so much. Though Viktor's other point isn't missed, and Allen's gaze becomes thoughtful after he reaches for a knife, eyeing it and then the noodles for a moment. ]
I can understand what you mean though, I think... [ His voice is softer, more reflective as he pauses for a moment. ]
When I was a kid, there wasn't usually enough food. When I finally joined the Order and they said I could eat my fill, I couldn't quite believe it. [ a pause ]
Having good things to eat always meant a lot because of that.
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viktor snorts softly, regarding tim as allen insists they eat well. he's ready for a quip when allen goes and makes it sentimental, making him glance over with soft huff.] ... so do I. Nowadays it's simply good to check in regularly.
[and also more sentimental things he will not openly admit so easily. he points at the dough to say,] Cut them in strips about this thick. They'll be ready to cook soon.
[but he's really considering what allen said more so, a twinge that allen understands perfectly well. as nice is it is to be understood he would have preferred allen not know what it's like to be hungry. or understand what offering the food really meant beyond pleasantries.]
I felt the same, first going to Academy. To be fair the experience was more an irritating one. So much excess. [he shakes his head.] I'm worried about the winter here. Many don't understand what hunger does to a city.
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I was here last winter. It was very cold and the snow could be bad at times, but... a food shortage wasn't a problem. [ He keeps talking as he takes his time in trying to cut evenly thin noodles. ] Mushrooms were everywhere in November so people really stocked up on those.
[ He pulls a slight face at making a much fatter cut than he wanted to, which he tries to fix by... cutting in half then. This is fine. Maybe it'd be better if he tried to do this faster and with more rhythm... ]
It'd probably be a good idea to stockpile whatever we can though, just in case. Like the canning thing Alayne did.
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less so at the talk, just the noodles.] I spoke to someone who was here and she said fish were plentiful still at least. I'd still like to stockpile, just incase.
[a pause] Maybe a greenhouse should be on our list of projects one day. As long as I don't have to have anything to do with the plants themselves.
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