By mid-month, the last of the winter snows have melted away; March has proven to hold true to the old adage, coming in blustering and brash like a lion and fading out much like the proverbial lamb, and by the time balloons and banners are hung in the town center, it’s clear the seasons have finally shifted for good. It’s still cool, of course, but just right — light sweater weather, no parkas needed.
Today, and for a good few days, it’s time to take in the sights. It’s time, after all, for the spring equinox, and with it, the Energy Festival. This special celebration takes place in time with the changing of the seasons — a time when energy is high in the air, released like a long-held breath after a trying winter; it's a time-honored tradition in the city where citizens gather together and welcome in the fresh new world that spring reveals. It's a little sweet, a little saccharine, and sometimes a little bit cheesy too, but that shouldn’t stop you from exploring the colorful celebration.
Come don your Sunday best, people. It’s a spring fling, and you’re invited.
Make your way down to the city center, and you’ll find plenty to entertain you. The whole downtown plaza has been decorated — with plenty of help from the Events Committee’s most recent hires and their dedicated volunteers, for which they’re very grateful, of course — in the colors of the season. Said colors being pastels, naturally, of every shade and hue imaginable. Banners are hung from trees and awnings alike, splashed with painted letters of buttercup yellow, seafoam green, gentle lilac, and even delicate pinks and baby blues perfect for all the newborns sure to come after a long winter. (Everyone knows what people get up to when they’re stuck at home in a blizzard. The city knows, and they are prepared.)
▸ Along the western edge of the plaza, there are plenty of food stalls to sample from. The city’s most popular restaurants are here to promote their seasonal menus, but for those that like a little variety, there’s also visiting vendors from cities near and far as well as local stands from citizens and volunteers alike offering homemade delicacies they’re looking forward to sharing with you.
▸ Not to be outdone, the Vinery has set up a wine-tasting station in the very center of the plaza; here, you can sample the vintages from the most recent harvest, along with some of their more popular selections… all for a very reasonable donation to the city’s charity drives. It may not sound very selfless, but a little liquid confidence never hurt anyone, right? Especially when the Vinery has graciously agreed to host the recently requested kissing booth — hosted entirely by volunteers on a rotating schedule, you’ll never know who you might see! (Or, maybe, who you might kiss if you volunteer instead!)
▸ On the more relaxed side of things, the southern edge of the plaza is home to a collection of blue and pink tents, each strung up with gently twinkling lights that seem to beckon in all that pass by. Peek inside, and you’ll find a group of local women, ranging in age from youthful tweens to elderly grandmothers, all seated in a circle surrounding a pile of the smallest hats, blankets, and one-piece suits that could only be worn by the tiniest of people. That’s right, folks. The citizens of Cadelle are sorting through item after donated item, hoping to find the perfect sets to create baby boxes for new parents in the city. If you’d like to help, pull up a chair — volunteers are never turned away, and helping hands are always in high demand.
If you venture past the city center and wander out towards the grassy shores of Blue Springs Pool, you might notice the perpetually busy members of the city’s Events Committee arranging a trio of sign-up tables, complete with endless paper-laden clipboards, stacks of freshly pressed white t-shirts, and boxes upon boxes of miscellaneous logo-branded accessories, ranging from terrycloth headbands and bracelets to impossibly small water bottles good for no more than one long drag. That’s right, y’all. It’s time for the city’s first Color Run, a modern take on the more formal Color Celebration that traditionally kicks off the spring Energy Festival.
▸ First things first: pick up one of the many (many) clipboards, and prepare to answer a million questions about your life. You can’t expect to take part in a physical activity without signing your life away on a few dozen waivers, can you? Try not to take too much offense at the range of questions asked — the city’s administration wasn’t sure who or what might sign up to participate, so feel free to leave things blank if you’re not sure. Or, alternatively, just give your best guess. Just don’t ask the poor event volunteer handing out pens what a FLDSMDFR is… because they don’t know either.
▸ Once you’ve signed up, get suited up! Pick up a complimentary Plain White T(-shirt) — available in a range of sizes from teen girl crop top to sumo sized “sharing shirts” — and don your favorite runners’ accessories. Whether you choose to stay contemporary casual or embrace the logo in full force, be sure to follow the volunteers’ instructions and keep all of your delicate items protected. Clear bags of all shapes and styles are available for purchase, because capitalism is still alive and well even in the multi-verse! (Don’t worry, all the proceeds still go to charity…)
▸ At noon on the dot, those that have signed to compete can meet their fellow runners at the starting line, where the sound of a shot flare (and likely a few startled screams) will signal the beginning of the race, along with your first dose of colored powder. Made up of a mix of colors from across the ROYGBIV, it’s a literal and figurative toss-up as to which ones will grace your skin… or your hair… or maybe even the inside of your mouth, if you’re not careful. Luckily, it’s non-toxic stuff. It just doesn’t taste very good, or, if we’re totally honest, like much of anything at all other than chalk and the vague hint of crayons. Don’t ask.
▸ For those that didn’t sign up, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Volunteers will be passing out buckets of powder to all those who’d like to spectate, and there are plenty of spaces along the path of the 5K race to stand and greet runners with encouraging words and celebratory color bombs. Just try not to aim for their eyes, okay? Nobody needs to be blinded by the light or the bright colors in those buckets.
▸ By the end of the race, everyone from runners to spectators to even unsuspecting passersby who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time will be covered head-to-toe in brightly colored powder. It’s just inconvenient, a little silly, but nothing that can’t be cured with a quick dip in the nearby springs or a shower at home.
Of course, when has anything in this city ever been "just a little silly"? Much like the rain that fell for weeks, or the suddenly-appearing pool of water, or the ghosts ... well, there's something strange about this powder, too. Turns out, the events committee wasn't exactly sure where to obtain this stuff from when their newest recruits suggested the Color Run as a hip way to get people out and about in the nice weather, so they've harvested from a few plants that were (you guessed it) watered by all that infused magical rain. So that's a thing. Shouldn't be too bad, right?
Hahahahahaha. Hey, cuddlers, when has anything ever been "not too bad"? Never, that's when, because who likes things to be normal and boring when they could be weird and strange for everyone involved? Nobody, that's who!
True to form, the color powder from this month's Color Run is sure to have curious effects for your character! What effects specifically? We're leaving that up to you, the players, so that you can have the Most Fun Ever with this event. But, to help you out, we've got a few suggestions below! Feel free to play off these, or change them up, whatever floats your boat! Just keep our consent rules in mind, please!
▸ Red powder has a scent that some say reminds them of cherries — it's been known to stimulate feelings of hot-headedness, romanticism, or just plain lust!
▸ Orange powder, unsurprisingly, smells like oranges — a little too much might just make you magnetic, drawing in people close and far by the sheer power of your magnetism! (Do we mean charisma? Maybe. Maybe not.)
▸ Yellow powder features a burst of bright lemon scent — if it reminds you of sunshine, you're not alone! Those who don this sunny color will find themselves feeling more sunny themselves, with strong bursts of optimism and cheer paving the way for friendly greetings and impromptu hugs!
▸ Green powder comes with the unmistakable fragrance of melon — get it in your mouth, and you'll know without a doubt that green means go! Wearers have been known to enjoy bursts of superspeed, extra confidence, or even just brash recklessness... though we're still not convinced those aren't all the same thing.
So... that's a thing, innit! If you have any further questions specific to this event, we encourage you to ask away on our QUESTIONS COMMENT here in this post. If you have general questions, or prefer a more private venue, our GENERAL INBOX (and SCREENED INBOX) is always available for you. In addition, if you've got an idea for a future event, feel free to drop us a line at our EVENTS SUGGESTION POST.
Peace out, cuddlescouts! |
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cuddlecity2018-03-20 12:53 pm
clary fray ( ota. )
b. Colour
c. Wildcard
★ i love you.
so, naturally, check her: splayed out atop the grass, affecting an exaggerated model's pose, hair draped loosely over her neck and shoulders. her put-upon accent? it's ridiculous too, like something out of a don bluth movie. )
Darlink, ( she's ridiculous. she does not apologize. ) Draw me like one of your French girls, oui?
( ... that's not even the right accent for that, kimberly hart. what are you doing? )
<3
( But Clary's laughing anyway, eyes bright as Kimberly affects an exaggerated pose. Maybe this is just what they all needed. To get out and not be freezing anything off in the process. She holds her hands up, effects a square with her fingers like she's looking through them, trying to find the right angle. )
How am I going to get such perfection down on page? I only have this one pencil and a pen I accidentally stole from the health centre. It's very sad.
( She's drawn Kimberly before, and she'll do it again. But this time dramatic. )
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( she's still laughing as she says it; as the redhead pretends to angle her shot, kimberly just continues to strike pose after pose, each one more ridiculous than the last, until she collapses in a heap of giggles on the warm grass. when her laughter finally subsides, she grins wide, rolling onto her back and propping herself up by one arm. )
Make me your muse, okay, I'm ready.
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I wonder if Cadelle has a chapel. ( Her pencil moves across the page, quietly sketching lines. ) I could paint you over the roof of it like Michelangelo. We could so cause a stir.
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( trini would murder her for saying that. the thought runs through her mind for a moment, bittersweet and fleeting, but kimberly knows her friend is happier at home. trini hadn't been the cuddle and cozy up type even in angel grove, anyway. )
You should paint more. I mean, like actually paint, not just sketches for your notebooks. There's art galleries here, you could hang things up, maybe even sell them.
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( She only looks up every so often to check her details, concentrating on the drawing at hand. ) Baby thinks I should take classes again. I got into the Art Academy back home, but then a whole lot happened and I kind of dropped out.
( Her mom died. She lost her way. )
It's hard not to feel selfish, you know? Starting again? Doing the things I enjoyed back when I thought the worst thing that could happen was getting a zit, or having too many essays.
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( which is true, even if it does come out sounding exceptionally smug. jace is an idiot whose only redeeming qualities revolve around how hallmark-card devoted he is to clary, so he doesn't count. the only exception might be izzy, who kimberly has grown much more fond of over the last few months. )
You should, though. Shit happens, but that's the whole reason why we're here, right? I mean, I didn't exactly expect to fight a giant demon in my hometown...
( she's been considering taking a class or two. if she was home, she'd be in her first year of college by now, getting ready for that first big spring break trip. instead, she's been here, practically on vacation for almost a year. )
Maybe we could do it together. Start classes, I mean. Getting serious.
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( She rolls her eyes, smile twitching slightly. )
You'd want to? ( Looking up, there's something thoughtful in Clary's expression. ) I guess I just keep thinking of this place as a vacation. My real life's on hold and this is pretty temporary. ( She worries about home more than she lets on. Simon is there, and Luke, and Alec. She sometimes can't settle for how that makes her feel.
She's been thinking about them a lot recently, wondering if she should do something to put those worries to bed. )
Actually, it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I know Magnus lets me work at the shop, but I could always take shifts around classes.
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( it's an easy enough answer. there's nothing really stopping kimberly from getting serious or taking advantage of her time here, except for that easy teenage laziness that so often pervades her choices. she doesn't have to do anything at all, really — teach a class every so often, earn her cuddle credits with people she's come to care for quite a bit, occasionally pop out to socialize with the city at large. nothing impossible. )
It doesn't have to be temporary, you know. ( she does her best to sound still casual, flippant even, but there's a hint of earnestness in her voice this time around. as if, somewhere in the back of her mind buried away, kimberly's considered it more seriously. ) We could stay here. Together, all of us.
( her gaze drops as she says it, into her lap as her fingers pluck at grasses and toy the blades back and forth. don't look at her like that, clary. )
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( All of them to stay. Clary has been doing her best to avoid thinking about it. She's living a life here, making friends, forging good and proper relationships. Cadelle is nothing like her world back hone, there's little reason to jump at shadows, and despite the magical mayhem every now and again, she feels safe here.
A part of her wonders if that makes her cowardly. )
I keep thinking about Simon, and Luke. I just wish I could tell them where I was. I know they won't know any different it just -- feels mean not having told them. Or I could have them come here to be with me, you know?
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By the time they've both cleared the finish line, he's nearly unrecognizable. Complimentary shirt long since abandoned. He's a painting of swirled colors; beads of perspiration marking his body, leaving the powder to trail down his chest in streaks, covering most of the runes. To really tie the look together, there's a bandana keeping his hair back, one that would have made Axl Rose pround. Red seems to be the color he's been imprinted with the most.)
You look good. Not as good as me, but close.
( Light, teasing words spoken breathlessly. What about Clary is so infectous? Her beaming smile has found a match in his expression. Unhooking the waterbottle from his shorts, the contents are dumped over his head, instead of quenching any kind of thrist. Of course Jace pushed himself as hard as he could during the 5k. Stepping closer, he follows a trail of yellow powder down her clavicle with a finger )
No one would ever believe you talked me into this. You know that, right?
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Her mouth moves to only inches away from his, lowering her eyelashes for as long enough as it takes for Jace to lean in.
And then her phone is going off, a quick flash of light as she takes a picture from the side. The kiss is avoided as she leans back, daring and taunting, the screen held for him to see. It's blurry, but undeniably Jace. )
No? Really? Because this definitely looks like you've gone to the Mundane dark side.
( Before he can think about taking it from her, Clary's hitting a button and the picture is sent off into the unknown. Or Izzy. )
Oops.
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Too late. Seeing the flash of light just reaffirms his doomed fate. Though she is small, she is fierce. And incredibly sneaky. His eyebrows go through a few motions; raising in surprise, and then knitting together at the sudden thoughts of revenge. )
You. ( No doubt exists in his mind that her fingers are nimble enough to already have sent the picture. And if Izzy did happen to be a recipient? His dignity would be a lost cause; the image already brought into widespread circulation ) This is war, Fray.
( Any notion of retrieving the phone gets tossed to the wayside. Instead, he ducks and charges forward, reaching out to wrap her up in his arms and sling Clary over his shoulder ) And I take prisoners.
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Part of her thinks she should at least make an attempt at fighting him. She's been training after all. And while she's not as quick or as well trained as Jace, she thinks she could find a way to throw them both down on the grass. But she doesn't. Instead she just hangs there, laughing as her hairs falls over her face. )
I'm not even complaining, you know that, right? The view's great.
( And then she's patting him on his ass, indulgent and ridiculous. )
I'm surrendering!
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I'd rather not, honestly. Even if it's for a good cause I imagine Baby would be very cross if he knew his lady was kissing other people.
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( She wouldn't want to kiss anybody and upset Jace either. But she likes teasing people. Especially Sansa, because she deserves to know how nice she is. )
You'd probably cause a stampede anyway. People would think you were the one behind the booth and it would be mayhem. Spilled wine, overturned carts. Chaos!
( She's so dramatic. )
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Doubtful, Clary. Are you going to try it? Or are you going to keep yourself aside like I am?
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( Excuse you, Sansa, you're beautiful. )
And then he'd get kicked out of Cadelle and I'd miss him. So I'll just stick to the food carts.
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( It's a strange sentence but Sansa tries not to blush overly much at it. It's a normal thing to have a lover here. Perfectly normal. )
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I'm definitely going to try and get him to do the colour run. Maybe I'll use that as an incentive. ( Because Jace is prickly about Mundane activities, but weak when it comes to competition. And Clary. )
I'm just glad the sun's come out enough that we can actually get out in the fresh air. I never thought running would be my thing, but I've been going crazy cooped up in the house all winter. If it had kept snowing I might have ended up trying to make tiny doll clothes out of Simba's fur.
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I should teach you how to embroider instead. That's what ladies do in Westeros when they're bored. And, additionally, if you need to stab someone a needle comes in handy.
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( She could do it, is the thing. She's stronger than she looks. )
Maybe we can have like, a girly activities club. Gossip, hobbies, drinks.
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( Sansa has more than seen the effects of that on others and doesn't intend to be a victim of the grape. )
I would like to have friends to spend time with, though. I haven't had female friends in a very long time. I miss it.
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( She's not actually a drunken harlot. She just sometimes likes cocktails because of the colours and the tiny umbrellas. )
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