Tanabata - [Open City Post]

[stringmods]

▼ Evening of the 7th

 

Who: Anyone
Where: The entire city
When: July 7th
Summary: The Star Festival
Warnings: That depends who is there. Remember to mark your titles clearly if any warnings need to be issued!

▼ A tale of two lovers...

 

The bamboo leaves rustle,
shaking away in the eaves.
The stars twinkle
on the gold and silver grains of sand.
The five-colour paper strips
I have already written.
The stars twinkle,
they watch us from heaven.

▼ A festival for a growing city

 

It is perhaps the most classical love story that most of the Hinoto-Ri natives knew about; the story of Orihime, the weaving goddess, and Hikoboshi. Instantly falling in love, the two gods would often forget about their duties to the point of negligence in order to be together, so much so that the other gods forcibly separated them. Crying for each other's comfort, they were allowed to visit each other on the 7th day of the 7th month...as long as it didn't rain.

Today, the sun is high in the air, a small wind making the overall experience not too unpleasant. Clearly it's a time for celebration so the lovers may meet again.

In the Capricorn ward, at the edge of the Central Park of Hinoto-Ri, numerous booths have seemingly sprung up overnight. Colorful banners decorate every single tree, and you can spot the faeries fluttering about, the very same ones who caused the Visitors so much trouble up to just a few days prior, helping out by adding their own personal touches to the festival, be that a good thing or a bad thing. Most of the leaves are filled with perfect droplets of dew, reflecting the sun and giving everything a jewel-like appearance.

Even with the harsh life, Hinoto-Ri knew how to make each celebration special. The booths themselves had everything one could hope in such a festival, from mountains of star candy to spinning top toys to booths selling small bambo and basil plants decorated for the occasion. Booth food, as always, was delicious and fresh, and you could attempt to catch goldfish or even turtles if you had money to spare.

Walk around in the more traditional outfits or in your normal clothing, no one is going to complain in this mixture of demonic heritage and human initiative.

Giant streamers were attached to the largest tree trunks and many large bamboo trees had been brought in, covered in paper cranes and wishing paper, blank sheets nearby so you could add your own. In fact, it is encouraged! What wish did you want to write down today?

At night, entire rows of the city are covered in bright lights and laterns, the festival lasting until early morning, despite the 13th hour. Just be careful where you're going, they set up parameters for this, but it just wouldn't be a star festival without viewing them up in the sky, right?

The giant telescope at the astrology center is made public for all those who wish to see the heavenly lights. Just don't linger too long, as others want to get a glimpse too! It's important to share...

...Especially when the fireworks go off later at night! Not only are they absolutely stunning to watch, but there's an evident bit of magic involved in them, as they take on figures and animals, telling the mythological tale of the two lovers, now found.

During the day and through the night, you can hear sounds of the Taiko drums in the various public squares. There are a few groups, each with their own set giving you a listening experience unlike any other.

[Feel free to start your own threads! The festival is open to everyone, day and night and you can do anything at zombocom at the festival. If you want to get a better understanding of what your characters might see and do, these videos will help.]

Comments

[Day]

[blitzkriegzwei]

[Germany, taking a break from his frantic job and hobby searching (unemployed since he got here! Apparently finding a job in Hinoto-Ri can be arbitrarily hard sometimes), decided to stroll around the festival. Eventually, he spots Miyako and approaches her.]

Miyako, was it? You seem different from before. [He's referring more to the curse and not so much to the yukata.]

[Day]

[capitalbackup]

Yes, it is.

[Without the curse, it's obvious to see that she's a girl. While Miyako is androgynous enough to pass as a man if she wants, her current attire a girl's yukata.]

It's because I'm dressed differently.

[blitzkriegzwei]

I don't think it's just that. It was... something else that I can't put my finger on. Hm.

Are you enjoying the festival so far?

[capitalbackup]

[She'll pointedly ignore that.]

The festival's pretty interesting and lively. But I see some differences from the other festivals I participated so far.

[blitzkriegzwei]

Differences? Like what? There do seem to be some unusual influences here and there, mostly from the demon population.

[capitalbackup]

Merely in traditional activities. But they're all just as lively.

[blitzkriegzwei]

Indeed. What areas of the festival have you been in so far? Have you tried any of the food?

[capitalbackup]

Not all of them, but I did try a few of the food here. The star candies are pretty sweet.

[blitzkriegzwei]

Hmm. I should probably try some more. Any recommendations?

[capitalbackup]

Did you try the yakitori yet?

[blitzkriegzwei]

Ah, no, not yet. That's grilled chicken, correct? Or am I mixing it up with something else?

[capitalbackup]

No, you're correct. They're grilled chicken on a skewer. I saw a stand selling them not far from here.

[blitzkriegzwei]

Hmm. I think I'll go try some, then. Want to come with me?

[capitalbackup]

...I don't mind coming with you.

[blitzkriegzwei]

[That's a pleasant surprise. Yamato probably would have given him all matter of suspicion. Which gives Germany an idea...]

Good to hear. [He starts walking towards the food stands.] This might seem like a strange question, but have you heard from your brother at all?

[capitalbackup]

[There's a brief flash of emotion, before her self-control is back up.]

Yamato is no longer here.

[blitzkriegzwei]

Ah... I see. [He just sort of lets it linger in the air for a moment.]

Do you know how long ago he left?

[capitalbackup]

Two months ago.

[Her voice is very matter of fact, cool and neutral. She have long since gotten over her emotional reactions to his departure.]

[blitzkriegzwei]

Hmm. I thought he was just being more secretive than usual, but I suppose his having actually departed the city makes sense. I hope he's faring well at home.

[capitalbackup]

[Miyako gives a small, dry smile, as if she's almost laughing.]

He won't, but he doesn't need your sentiments.

[blitzkriegzwei]

He won't fare well at home...? I suppose you are right. Sentiments can't cross dimensions, much less save a person from trouble.

[capitalbackup]

What can help is action. But as of right now, there isn't a way we can help him.