Festival of the Gods

[bearshermark]

Who: Eleven and OTA (everyone is invited!)
Where: Temple District
When: September 10th, Sundown- Evening
What: A Question of Belief Adventure Festival!
Warnings: Unlikely

[ooc: prompts in the comments! please feel free to make your own starters off the temple tours and festival streets prompts if you'd like! As this is a culmination of Eleven's adventure, I am going to make every effort to tag everyone that tags in]

Comments

Pre-Festival Setup

[bearshermark]

[Frazzled. That's the word for how he feels. Eleven looks over the preparations with the air of someone expecting something to go wrong. In the final hour, if anything or anyone is missing, it may well be too late to fix and the thought eats at him.

He breathes and attempts to keep his hands out of his hair.

The temples manage themselves at least, and all that's left is to keep an eye out for the people and supplies he's expecting to see. Tables being set out, vendors setting up, and-

Eleven catches sight of a familiar face and offers them a relieved smile]

Do you have everything you need? Is there anything I can help with?

[temptationaccomplished]

Quite the setup. I suppose when you said festival, I didn't think you actually meant so large an undertaking.

[He's looked around and is suitably impressed, though he's not sure the refreshments and snacks will be enough for what looks to be a rather grand celebration. Perhaps he should have miracled a little more money and not gotten so distracted looking at pastries for himself.]

No, no, I don't need anything. If anything, I feel I should be asking you that.
You've outdone yourself.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven grins, a touch self-conscious]

It was important the temples were a part of it, so it wound up this way..

[They aren't all right next to each other, after all. But he does spend a moment considering what he needs- if there's anything else to be done. After a moment however, he simply shrugs]

What I need is for people to show up. I pray enough effort was put into spreading word of it, that people aren't so hopeless as to not bother..

[smilingarmor]

[Sylvando, by contrast, is perfectly calm and stylishly dressed; primarily in white and yellow for Raida but with a bright red cravat as a bold accent. He smiles at his young friend.]

Oh don't worry about me, darling; the little troupe I've put together will put on a performance to remember, and the booths are all ready to go for afterward. You're the one who's having pre-show jitters.

But take it from someone who's been there, honey, you've done a fabulous job putting all of this together. You've got nothing to worry about.

[bearshermark]

[Sylvando is a wonderful sight- and a key part of the festival tonight. It does give him heart that he's there and fully ready to support his efforts]

Thank you, Sylv- truly. You're a wonderful friend, and I only hope to be able to return the favor someday.

Temple Tours

[bearshermark]

[The temples of Raida, Oberison, and Machalabie stand open for those interested in visiting them. Nearby each, performances led by Sylvando, Tenn, and Isabel seek to draw interest and tell a story about the divine being in residence.

Priests stand ready to answer questions while young acolytes lead children those with wandering attentions through a short craft with gold folding paper in the setting sunlight. The end results mean to resemble a hawk, but a generic bird shape will win smiles easily enough.

In what isn't quite a bribe but also most definitely kind of is, complimentary refreshments are offered on tables set strategically within easy earshot of the temples]

[bearshermark]

[Eleven himself weaves further out, taking on a more proactive role to engage the locals in hopes of piquing their interest enough to approach the temples, but he saves the effort when it comes to his fellow Sundered. For them, he lends an easier smile, the set of his shoulders laxing somewhat]

Thank you for coming. I hope it's been a little interesting, at least.

Aziraphale / Mr. Fell at the Temple Tours

[temptationaccomplished]

[Aziraphale follows the tours and listens to the performances with his hands clasped behind his back and a pleasant, slightly studious smile on his face, the look of someone wandering a museum, basking in the ambiance without any set goal in mind.

With the same hushed reverence that one would use in a museum or library, Aziraphale turns to ask whoever might be near him:]

How does this compare with the deities of your own world?

[travelpants]

(Having come from a land known for its ancient temples and mythology surely screams for Lena to join the tours of the temple. Despite being part of the Greek Orthodox Church like a majority of her relatives, her own family, from what she can recall, weren't the biggest of church goers with her parents being wrapped up in their careers and not being so devoutly religious.

Still, she makes the effort to pay respect to the culture and the deities of Anastara since she is in their world after all, so she might as well come along and explore the temple district.)

You know, the temples here are starting to remind me of the old temples from my family's country of origin. Greece is very well-known for their architecture in the ancient times, so it does resonate some familiarity to me.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven listens, head tipped toward her as they walk, curiosity piqued, then turns a considering eye over the structure of the temples in easy view]

..They must be beautiful. The churches in my world seem rather plain in comparison. What sort of gods are worshipped in yours?

Festival Streets

[bearshermark]

[As the sun begins to fully set and the temple tours wind down, lights strung along the streets begin to glow and the festivities start in earnest.

Thanks to the abundance of the season, a few vendors have been convinced to sell their baked goods at street-side stalls for easy consumption.

A small band of Fantastics students play a steady beat that's easy to step to with a tempo that steadily ramps up to a joyful and energetic tune as the evening progresses. There's a part of the district left purposefully open and uncluttered, a perfect place to dance should the mood strike, or else find yourself dragged into one- all laughingly encouraged by the event's organizer]

[bearshermark]

[Though he turns a dance with Isabel first, Eleven is happy to cut in for anyone that appears to be in search of a partner in the name of keeping things going.

But he's also easily found near a food stall, chewing into a cheap, but wonderfully fresh bun. Steadily making his way between stands and distributing what remains of his money with instructions to treat those whose efforts made the festival possible- just in case they didn't manage to snag any of the free offerings before.

Catching him in either place, the same query is quick to roll off his tongue]

Enjoying yourself, I hope? It's the first time I've thrown a festival.

[scotch_egg]

[he is standing near-ish the food stalls, feeling vaguely uncomfortable. Religion had always given him a strong case of second hand embarrassment and this was no exception. Still he was there to be supportive of...whoever. Elliott. Which he had to remind himself not to call that.

He tried to look at least a little less uncomfortable as the kid approached]

No. I mean it's not you. Everyone else is fine. I'm just not... a festival sort. You spend too much on shit food and everyone gets short tempered but pretends they made a good memory. At least there isn't a rusty ferris wheel. [and then remembering]

But it's probably nice for everyone else.

Serpent in the Festival

[serpentinthegarden]

A small band of Fanatics students playing some festive music end up with their shoelaces tied together. It was a simple sort of prank and usually he could come up with something a good deal more creative but hey, they would still be annoyed when they moved to stand up and that was good enough for a laugh.

All this talk of blind faith had him puzzled. You were just supposed to believe in something without question? Seemed foolish to him but then hadn't he always wondered what his God was planning? But like a moth attracted to flame Crowley wandered in and out of the crowds, doing what he did best, asking the festival goers questions... having them test out their faith against his more worldly point of view. It might have been counter the point of the Festival but it was safe, familiar, and Crowley snuggled right back into hid old role as Tempter even if it might have swayed a few away again.

Re: Festival Streets

[scotch_egg]

[anyone who is trying to get him to dance will be glared at on sight, or ignored. Instead Alec remains by the foodstand, surreptitiously making little illusions with casual twists of his fingers. A golden rabbit might bound past before fading into mist, a jeweled cat, a brightly plumed bird. Anyone close enough might hear him muttering to himself.

His dog, for lack of a better word, squats nearby and looks like it wants to nab a pastry. Maybe yours. You weren't really going to eat that, right?]

Trickster God at the festival

[whose_son_am_i]

[Loki had avoided the temple tours--at least any of the worshipful parts. Curious, yes, but he wasn't one to worship others. The Libraries were very nice though, and it was useful to know what resources were around. Unsurprisingly he was intrigued by the mystery of Machalabie, and would have a new pet research project.

It's when things start to wind down though, that he moves to be more a part of things. Enjoying the performances of the Fantastics students, and occasionally adding a little illusory flourish of his own (like fireworks to emphasize a dramatic crescendo) to add to things. He can also be found sampling the food and drink.]

Sylvando OTA

[smilingarmor]

[With the performance done, Sylvando can be found out and about at the festival. He takes time to enjoy the food and drink and general festive atmosphere of course, and he's willing to dance with just about anyone who asks. But he also might be found checking in on either of the two booths he organized.

One is a craft booth, mostly for children who might find the temple tours a bit boring, though anyone is welcome. Those interested will be instructed on how to make little hawks by folding white and shimmery gold paper in a way similar to origami. There are two options: a simple one with just a few folds that comes out in the shape of a hawk's head and a more complicated one that produces something similar to the classic paper crane if done correctly.

The other is a beanbag toss game. For a small fee (with the proceeds going to support the temple of Raida) players are given three chances to throw small bird-shaped beanbags in an attempt to get them through one of several holes in a painted target board, with the furthest and most difficult to hit being worth the most. The quality of prize one gets is based on the total score of all three tosses and range from coupons for free treats from certain festival vendors on the low end to things like keychains and costume jewelry in the midrange all the way up to small and large plush hawks for the highest scorers. It's challenging enough that few will likely win the top prizes, but playable enough that most people at least walk away with something. Care to try your luck]

June OTA

[sweetsummerchild03]

[ While the temple tours had been fun, this part of the festival definitely seems more exciting. June was having a lot of fun trying some of the different foods and listening to the music by the band. Wandering over to the dancing area, she clapped along while watching other people dance. ]

Oh wow!

Speech

[bearshermark]

4. Speech

[The music drums up to an abrupt close. At some point during the twirls of dancing attendees, Eleven disappeared and a short dais set up. He stands there now, draped in a set of pristine robes bearing Raida's colors and symbol.

From a distance, he appears to hold a serene composure with a light smile, but any stood close may glimpse how tightly clasped his hands are in a silent prayer for strength]

Good evening. First I want to thank everyone who helped put this together, and of course, all of you that took the time to attend. I hope you've enjoyed yourselves thus far.

[So far so good. He takes a breath and pressed a hand to his chest]

My name is Eleven, and I'm one of the Sundered here at Diatu Magicademy. I greatly appreciate everyone's hospitality, and the priests of Raida for allowing me to serve in Her temple. Although I come from a different world, I well understand the importance of faith and symbols.

[Eleven swallows, his eyes and voice lowering to something somber]

There was a time when darkness covered Erdrea, when the Goddess of Light and Life itself had fallen out of the sky. I found myself here then, dazed and desolate. If not for the comfort of Raida's warm benevolence, I'm not certain I would have found any solace in a foreign world. In that way, She's always reminded me of Yggdrasil, and I'm truly grateful for that.

[He lifts his gaze and attempts to keep his eyes on the people. It's one thing to practice this speech with someone, and another to confess these things to an unfamiliar audience]

And now, as the people of this world begin to lose faith, I've hoped to offer some of that self-same assurance through this festival: that the gods have not abandoned this world. Their wills live on through the art of Forging and the resurgence of an ancient legend: a golden hawk that sat at Raida's side during the darkest of dragontimes. Glorious-

[Eleven stretches an arm out and on cue, a rapid flap of wings flashing gold beneath the lights until the golden hawk perches on his arm, catching every facet of light in his feathers]

-Is a symbol of the Goddess Herself. May his brilliance bring with it hope and serve as a reminder that Raida is yet watching over us. Please take heart, and let the light of hope shine anew.

[Eleven bows briefly with Glorious still held aloft, then straightening, thrusts his arm heavenward to propel the hawk back into the night air in a burst of light. Eleven is off the dais in the time it takes for anyone watching his familiar to lose sight of gold wings.

But though it's tempting to follow suit, Eleven avails himself to anyone that might wish to approach him after, determined to ensure the festival continues on until its natural wind down for the evening.

When he catches the eye of his fellow Sundered, it's with a sheepish smile]

I hope that went well.

[unswervingcompanion]

[Hendrik had hurried to catch the festival though he had been rushing through his required reading. He tried to maintain the reputation of the house he was in, much as he had with being a general of the armies of Heliodor. Image was important, and maintaining the upstanding kingdom back home had him of course working his hardest to do the same with his house here.

So he stood towards the back as he watched the Luminary take the stage. The boy always did know how to get people to listen to him when he spoke. And of course he kept a close eye on the townsfolk, making sure the boy would come to no harm as he'd promised the Luminary himself. Standing off to the side, his arms crossed his chest and he listened, as well as keeping an eye on his oath sworn charge.

It was good to hear about Yggdrasil and Erdrea and that had him sigh and lower the tension in his own shoulders. And when the other was done speaking, he made his way to the back of the stage, again with his companion's safety in mind.

Finding the Luminary afterwards, the knight nodded to him though he still kept a small distance.]

You still maintain some sort of connection to the World Tree even in this place. That is good news.

Raida's Story- A Song of Hope

[smilingarmor]

[When it came time for the performance of Raida's story, the performers Sylvando had put together and trained for the occasion took to the stage. All wore masks of some sort over the upper parts of their face, which served several purposes. Not only did they make each character visually distinct, they also helped make things easier for the actors, most of whom were relatively young and not especially experienced.

And each one told a story of its own, telling something about the character. The Goddess' mask was the most elegant and elaborate white and several shades of gold, with delicate filigree and a crystal on the forehead. The male lead's mask, while similar in color scheme, was much simpler indicating both his mortal nature and his important connection to the Goddess. And so on through all the other characters. The most faithful had some gold or white in their masks, those less so, darker or duller colors.

The story as it had been presented to Sylvando had been very short on detail, which had allowed him a great deal of freedom when adapting it. What he had come up with was the tale of a song that brought light and hope back into the hearts of war-weary people, and smiles back to their faces. It opened with a group of humans clustered around a campfire discussing their troubles, their fears, and their sorrows. The losses inherent in wartime. A bit of clever Fantastics accompanied music made them look as though their colors were all shadowed or washed out as if they were constantly standing in the shade.

It made a sharp contrast to the Goddess on the opposite end of the stage, given a 'divine' glow with another clever bit of magic. She spoke-to herself but also to the audience- about how she had watched her people fighting against seemingly impossible odds, and how their daily struggles saddened her. And how the way the conflict was wearing away at their spirits, their faith, saddened her even more. And yet, she couldn't simply step in and solve all their problems with a snap of her fingers; they needed to not just survive, but grow if they were to prosper long term, and that required some hardship. What to do, what to do...

The audience's attention was drawn back to the human characters, their growing despair more evident than before. Theirs was an existence without joy or hope, cold, empty and seemingly purposeless. Some wondered why they even bothered to struggle. What was the point? To just exist for another day? They were surviving, but... they weren't living. What was there even left to believe in?

Which led to the male lead taking center stage, and offering up a fervent prayer. A prayer that the Goddess could somehow bring the light back to his people's eyes, and a song back to their hearts. Across the stage, the Goddess heard the idea. A song... yes. A song to bring hope and joy back into people's lives.

As the male lead sadly returned to the group of humans, Raida 'appeared' among them to much astonishment. She calmed their fear, and said that she had seen their struggles and heard their prayers- her gaze falling on the male lead specifically at the latter- and that she had come with a message. Her people were stronger than they knew, and braver than they believed, and as they had faith in her, she too had faith in them, that they could overcome any obstacle they faced. But as they suspected, simply enduring was not enough. To live required hope.

And that while it seemed in short supply, the spark of it remained within them. Within everyone. It need only be nurtured, kindled. They needed only to remember what it was like to open their hearts and let the light burn bright.

Then she began to sing, with the male lead joining in shortly thereafter. And as the humans each joined in the song the shadowy magically induced pall lifted from them, and their colors appeared vibrant and bright again, as if they'd stepped from shadow into sunlight.

Sylvando stepped out from where he'd been until now, acting as support on the sidelines, to lead the audience in clapping along to the rhythm of the song of hope, joy, and celebration, and even encouraging them to sing along with the chorus if they liked. The performers on stage similarly encouraged the audience, sweeping them up in the joy of hope restored and life rediscovered after so long in bleak despair. And as the song ended, the magical glow that surrounded Raida brightened slightly and changed from white to a shimmering rainbow aurora as she smiled on her revitalized people. And it remained so as they bowed gratefully to her...

Followed by all of them turning and bowing to the audience. But Raida wasn't quite done yet, still glowing and shimmering, she reminded the audience that the bright hope she'd given her people wasn't only for their ancestors of long ago, but was still with them today. They needed only to let it burn bright and to share it with each other and the world.

Then, with her glow finally fading, indicating the end of the show, the performers all took another bow as the audience applauded. Then Sylvando, the director, joined them for a second one, before they descended from the stage to talk to the audience members, Sylvando in particular ready to field any questions or comments they might have.]

[bearshermark]

[Of course Eleven stopped to watch each of his friends' performances. Had known Sylv was talented and even when he picked the story for Raida why it resonated with him, why it suited his friend.

But none of that prepared him to be swept up in it, through the song, his chest aching joy to see people participating. His eyes stung when the light was 'restored' and tears finally escaped him to hear 'Raida' speak to the audience.

Eleven stepped back behind the stage and when Sylvando appeared, shot him a weak, accusing glare. His voice held a strained quality to it, but he was smiling]

I have to give a speech tonight, you know.

At Oberison’s Temple - the story of the first Forging

[perfectenn]

Perhaps it was unusual for a Valhudor student, but Tenn kept his performance at the Temple of the Anvil as close to the classic telling of the first Forging as possible. This was a religious festival, after all, and he wouldn’t risk the reputations of the temple and priests (or Eleven) on a performance for the sake of flash. But he and his carefully-selected fellow students did bring in the best of Fantastics.

Tenn plays the leading young wizard of the story. It’s not a hard role - close enough to some of his previous ones that he easily captures the frustrations and loneliness of being left behind during war. Though he didn’t have much time to review, he knows enough about Forging to act out the sequences, and more importantly, to do so in time to musical accompaniment, which is where the real show is. His hand-picked student team puts on a stunning show of fire and ash, shadow and light, to metal clangs and hammers and bells, making that first act of Forging an awe-inspiring sight. Tenn carries the sense of hope through the exciting climax and into a heartfelt ending, when the wizard’s childhood friends return home safe thanks to Oberison’s magical art.

Afterwards, Tenn and the other Fantastics wizards turn their attention to mingling through the rest of the festival, providing the occasional song or magical effects to keep the story alive in people’s hearts. But eventually, their lead takes a well-earned break. Tenn is quite hungry after all that and likely to be found in a quiet corner with a beverage in one hand and snack in the other. Or you might catch him afterwards in the evening, at the dancing area, joining in with an enthusiastic step.

Re: At Oberison’s Temple - the story of the first Forging

[smilingarmor]

Naturally, Sylvando had to come see the other performance once his was over, and he wasn't disappointed. The rendition of this story was a bit more traditional than his own had been, but then, the story of Oberison had provided a good bit more detail than the one he'd been tasked with adapting. And both performances had gone off fabulously and accomplished their intended purpose, which was the important thing in the end.

Sylv also had a drink in hand when he found Tenn after the show, greeting him with a smile. "And here's the man of the hour!", he said. "I don't mean to intrude, but as one professional to another, I simply had to come congratulate you on your performance. I saw the whole show, and darling, you were fabulous."

[bearshermark]

Tenn's performance is everything he could have hoped for. The array of magical effects make it feel almost real. Eleven himself yearns to dive back into the craft, if he had the time, materials, and funding.

Eleven approaches him at first opportunity with a beaming grin.

"That was wonderful. The hammering strikes and ash.. I don't think there's any way it could have been better. It doesn't feel like enough, but thank you so, so much for agreeing to do this. It really means a lot."