It's the most wonderful time of the year — whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or even the classic "festivus for the rest of us", this time of year is the holly jolliest all over the world. That's right, cuddlers, it's officially winter in Cadelle, and with no time to spare!
The Energy Festival takes place in time with the changing of the seasons —
a time when energy is high in the air, released after a long (and hopefully bountiful) harvest; it's a time-honored tradition in the city where citizens gather together and welcome in the new year and reflect on the old. It's a little solemn, a little hopeful, and sometimes a little bit of both. Strap on your trapper hat, lace up your snow shoes, and be sure to grab your mittens — it may be a little cold outside, baby, but it's definitely warm in our hearts. (Awww.)
Over the month of December, you may have noticed the city's administration and volunteer corps gathering twigs, branches, and fallen trees from the forests, piling them high along the beach in a wide circle. On the evening of the twenty-second, once the sun has dipped beneath the horizon to leave the sky milky black, the collected woods are gathered up and finally put to purpose: a merrily roaring bonfire, tended with care to ensure the flames survive overnight and throughout the duration of the three-day-long festival.
▸ Feeling particularly peckish? Much like your everyday Boy Scout campfire, there are plenty of snacks and sweets best enjoyed with good company around the dancing flames. S'mores kits are available for a small donation to the city's charitable organizations, and options like popcorn packs and roasted sausages can be purchased for those in the mood for more savory staples. Of course, there's always the allure of hot cocoa and marshmallows, available at no charge whether or not you choose to indulge in the rest of the concession stand's menu selections.
▸ Once you're settled and cozy, be sure to keep an eye out for your favorite volunteer coordinators, Flora & Cornelius. They've volunteered to host this year's sharing circles, a tradition particularly well-loved in Cadelle at this most austere time of year. Surrounded by friends new and old and even those you haven't met yet, the sharing circle is an opportunity to grow closer with others by sharing of yourself — feel free to tell a beloved memory from home, or perhaps offer up a confession from your days here. Surely there's something you'd like to get off your chest before the new year begins.
▸ As the night draws to a close and sleep begins to call you home, consider taking with you one of the offered ceremonial torches. As any mother in the city might tell her child, it is said that carrying the light of the bonfire home will help to cleanse the air of any lingering negativity that may have accumulated over the previous year. Allowing the torch to spark your own fire — safely, of course, in your fireplace — is said to provide warmth, light, and hope for the new year to come.
For those that prefer a more festive winter experience, rejoin the city administration and all your fellow citizens within the familiar halls of the Ballroom Hotel. Here, the decor is once again bright and beautiful, with silver and gold throughout the room creating a sparkling winter wonderland perfect for ringing in the season. Even the grouchiest of Grinches will be sure to find something to smile about within these hallowed halls, between the dancing and drinks and delicious delicacies available around every corner.
Should you opt to venture beyond the pretty decorations, however, you might find yourself drawn to a pair of ornately decorated double doors near the end of a dimly lit hall. Push through, and you just might find yourself within the quiet of Chalice Hall. As the name might suggest, the room is simply decorated: all that can be seen is a large silver goblet resting atop a pedestal, lit only by the bright, unnaturally blue flame dancing within its bowl.
Strange as it might seem, you may feel a distinct urge to touch. As your hand inches forward into the goblet's roaring blue flame, you might be surprised to note just how pleasurable it feels. It's fire, so it's reasonable to assume it might hurt, but nothing quite prepares for how nice the sensation of the flames trailing a path along your arms feels. It's a warmth, like sinking into a hot bath on a cold day, and even as you step away from the fire, it lingers still.
Touch fingertips to the center of the fire, and be greeted with the chalice's reply: a thin scroll of parchment, somehow impervious to the appetite of the flames, upon which a simple instruction is written. This, brave visitor, is your sacred task. The city hopes you will attend to it well. In the spirit of the season, your task is to give — not of material goods, but of yourself, giving but the purest of gifts in the coming days. Your task is to find YOUR RECIPIENT. Once found, you must give the gift assigned; tarry not, for this gift must be given sincerely.
Well, don't delay! The city administration, having gotten word of the goblet's reawakening this season, strongly recommends entering the provided address to your recipient's home (or perhaps their workplace, depending on your assignment) to find them and begin the giving season!
Should you look on the back of your scroll, though, you may note:
NO REFUNDS. NO EXCHANGES. NO COMPLAINTS.
Hopefully that won't be a problem.
Good golly, it's almost the new year! With the reason for the season fast approproaching, we hope you find joy and good tidings in this most merry of events. From simple winter fun around a bonfire to heartfelt exchanges of stories or secrets, there's plenty for all to see and do during the chilliest weeks of the year. As a reminder:
this event is icly scheduled for the 22nd through the 24th of December. We've posted it early to ensure everyone has plenty of time to enjoy the festivities!
For the braver or perhaps simply those willing or able to be dragged along for the adventure, the chalice of charity is a great opportunity for CR both new and old. You'll find that characters have already been assigned a random giftee, and while they may note their "gift" already indicated, feel free to be creative with how your character chooses to provide this gift! Just because the most obvious answer comes to mind doesn't mean that's the only acceptable one — after all, as we tell children when they begin to buy their own holiday presents for the first time, it's the thought that counts!
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.
We hope you have tons of fun out there this month, cuddlers, and we'll see ya on the flip side! |
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cuddlecity2017-12-13 11:04 am
▸ QUESTIONS.
Any questions? We've (probably) got answers!
If there's anything we can answer about this event, whether it's specific to your unique plotting dreams or more of a general gameplay inquiry, please don't hesitate to let us know! We know there's a lot to see and do, and we're here for you to make this event one from your wildest dreams... or not. Let us know, cuddlers!
— xoxo
The Cuddle City Mods
gamora | mcu | ota
[ Gamora was settling into the city as well as could be expected for someone used to being able to travel the galaxy. She couldn't remember the last time she had stayed in one spot other than under the tutelage of Thanos and Ronan. Once she had trained to become a Galaxy Class Killer she was free to travel and do their bidding.
And once she'd decided she wanted part of it no more, she had travelled with Quill and their motley Guardians. The city was peaceful compared to a lot of planets she had been to. It was still strange not to walk around armed but it wasn't as if she needed a weapon to still be dangerous.
It was also odd to partake in festivities such as this. She had never been one for holiday traditions. There were no clear holidays anymore, and those of her people were long forgotten after Thanos slaughtered them all.
Gamora was trying to be cheerful, trying to forget the darkness but it was hard when she realised she was missing her crew. Missing Quill. As grateful as she was for finding friends like Magnus, he couldn't fulfill all the gaps in her life. The hot chocolate she held warmed her against the chill of the and the S'mores kit was apparently helping charity, though she had been too proud to even ask what she did with it. It looked edible, but clearly you were still supposed to eat it a certain way. ]
sharing circle.
[ Gamora wasn't a sharing type until she trusted someone. Magnus had certainly gleaned more information out of her than most but that was because it was a fair trade. Her stories for his. His magic for her enjoyment. His musical knowledge and her continuing to dance and eat with him.
But as the festival went on, she finally decided it was just easier to share her thoughts with strangers than try and keep it to herself. ]
I am unsure if I am supposed to wait for an Unspoken Thing. I understand the... services we are supposed to provide for the city. I would have wanted to do them with Quill. [ She didn't look embarrassed at the sharing of too much information. She was merely providing facts as to why she was having a dilemma. ] I have never had to consider someone else before. But then does what I do here even have repercussions if he does not come here, if he stays on the ship...
[ Gamora huffed out a breath as she frowned. Maybe she really wasn't built for these holidays after all. ]
wildcard.
as always hit me with your best shot, or hit me up at
s'mores!
Hi, ( comes her initial greeting, bright and cheerful as the flames before them. ) I love s'mores, don't you?
( perhaps a bit simple, but friendly's the name of the game here. as her fingers to get work unwrapping the kit, exposing the sweet chocolate and its accoutrements, she offers a follow-up that maybe should have come first. )
Oh, and I'm Kara, by the way. I don't think we've met yet?
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The corner of her mouth tugged up in amusement and she wiggled the packet between her fingers before glancing at the cheery blonde. ] They don't have these where I'm from. I wouldn't even know what to do with them. I'm still mostly assuming they're edible.
[ Gamora had dropped her gaze to watch Kara unwrap them, maybe see if she could easily follow along. ] Gamora, and no we haven't.
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( well, that's decided then: kara will have to teach her all about s'mores. and anything else earthly, if gamora wants her to. but s'mores are a good starting place. )
I'm not either. I mean, I am now, but I wasn't born there. ( it's all said very matter-of-factly, as if this is a sharing session she's done many times over. it kind of is, but she could always use more practice. ) I'm from Krypton, originally. I don't know if you've ever heard of it.
( a quick reach across their laps, and kara pries the packet from gamora's hands just long enough to peel it open, depositing the individual pieces back in the other girl's lap a moment later. she points to each piece in turn as she describes them. )
You want the marshmallow — this thing, the white springy part — to go into the flames. That's what the stick is for, put the marshmallow on... like this... ( most people would follow the marshmallow into the stick from the top method, but not kara. she holds the marshmallow between two fingertips, and gestures for gamora to jab the stick into its bottom, almost as if she was stabbing an enemy through the ribcage. not that kara thinks of it that way... ) See? Easy.
Now you try.
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thor odinson | mcu | ota
His hair was pulled back into a ponytail so keep out of the way, and since he had last been to a party like this one he had gotten used to the music. He still wasn't entirely comfortable moving to it, but he could slow dance.
Thankfully there was none of that disgusting drink Kara had tried to introduce him to, but he still enjoyed the beer and whiskey. He had even ventured so far as to try wine, but it wasn't served in goblets as it would have been on Asgard and the glasses felt ridiculous in his large hands.
As the night wore on his curiousity got the better of him and he wandered into the Chalice Hall. He was never particularly smart when it came to ignoring certain urges so as he felt the desire to touch the flame he did. The warmth tingled along his fingers and hand, creeping up his arm even through the layers of his suit. It brought a smile to his face that only disappered when it was replaced by surprise at seeing the parchment.
Thor was no stranger to being given tasks - verbal or written, on parchment or by raven. He was the son of Odin after all, wielder of Mjolnir. But no, this task was not to vanquish a beast or seek treasure. He was slightly disappointed when all the parchment said was THOR ODINSON, your task is to find BARRY ALLEN and deliver the gift of pleasure.
Well, at least finding this Barry Allen was a challenge. And Thor's only thought regarding pleasure was to continue to spread the joy of breakfast food - more specifically waffles. ]
wildcard - is still an option! despite my ramble for setting him up at the ball. please don't hesitate to contact me (
Wildcard
Okay, she knew the reason. Mostly she felt like she owed him something after their little fight. He'd helped her get a lot of frustration out in a way that kept anyone from getting hurt. She hadn't had that much of an outlet in a long time. A sort of calm had settled in the aftermath and her mood had gone on the upswing.
So Faith Lehane had put on a dress. She felt a little uncomfortable as she entered. At least dressing up for Halloween meant it was understood you were supposed to be something different. In the moment, Faith was just Faith. She couldn't explain it if she tried but bad things tended to happen whenever she was in a dress and candy wasn't involved.
Granted, there wasn't anything in Cadelle that wanted her dead, so maybe things would be fine. Or maybe she'd end up slow dancing. If that was the worst thing that happened then she'd still consider it a win.
Moving to the bar meant getting a little something to take the edge off and it was only after her third shot that she made her way towards Thor.]
Hey, handsome. Tried the food yet?
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[ The smile was hardly understated as Thor beamed at the brunette. Since discovering her apparently hidden talents he had an increased respect for his manager. There was a little something about her that reminded him of Sif, but her personality was very much her own.
She had given him a good fight, and while he may not have walked away particularly bruised, he did walk away from it feeling a calm of his own. There was nothing for the God of Thunder to do in this city other than work, explore and now spar.
He was still working up to the other side of what was expected, but memories of Jane were becoming more and more distant. The pain less and less.
Thor's gaze dropped as he admired the dress Faith was in, the colour very much one that suited her. He did have to admit that Midguardian clothes on women were very agreeable. ]
You look particularly captivating tonight. And I've had a little, but not nearly enough. Are you hungry?
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A friend.
Not that Buffy wasn't a friend, she just didn't think there would ever be a way to fully overcome all of the history between them. There would always be that slight disconnect. Fight and die side by side once, twice, or ten times over, that history would always be there. That history would always be there with Giles. And Angel. Trying to untangle all of it was exhausting at times.
Thor was the first real friend she'd had that wasn't caught up in any of that.]
You don't look so bad yourself.
[There's a brief flash of her teeth that's almost predatory.] Always.
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jyn erso || rogue one || ota
It was difficult not to feel excited as decorations went up all around Cadelle in the days leading up to the Energy Festival. There was talk about a massive bonfire, and Jyn had to admit that she was interested in seeing it up close and personal - maybe not too close, though.
The night of, she wandered the perimeter of the sharing circles - touched to hear some of the participants' stories, but not quite prepared to share her own just yet. Snacks, however, were a different story altogether, and she could hardly resist the lure of a s'more after watching others make their own.
Sitting near the bonfire, she prepared her first s'more and let the flames lick at it, watching in delight as the chocolate and marshmallow began to melt and blister, the fantastic scent of it all coming together and making her stomach growl in anticipation.
Later on, as her energy began to wane and her eyelids began to feel heavy, she decided that it was probably a good time to start heading home. As she walked past the offered ceremonial torches, lit with flames from the bonfire, she impulsively accepted one, wondering if it was true, if by having it and trusting in it, things would start to get a little better. She could certainly use something good in her life, for what felt like the first time ever. And maybe she was beginning to feel hopeful that she'd find it.
Maybe.
(Please feel free to catch her at any of the three locations!)
b; it's the most wonderful time of the year
When the invitation had arrived, Jyn had almost ignored it completely. Fancy party? Her? But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that maybe she did need to find a way out of her comfort zone - however small and familiar it might have been. New home. The promise of a new year. New experiences.
And she needed to open herself the possibilities that were coming her way, right?
So Jyn went shopping, and eventually picked out an ensemble that she felt was appropriate for the occasion - even if it wasn't normally something she would ever wear. And while she didn't change much about her makeup, she tried fixing her hair a little less austerely as usual.
The night of would find her a little out of place, a little awkward and unsure, but determined to have a good time. That's what this whole party was about, right? So it might take some time settling in - she'd be okay.
(Please feel free to offer her a dance, or a drink, or point out which of the hor d'oeuvres is absolutely to die for!)
c; underneath the mistletoe
Later on, needing a breath of fresh air away from the crowd, Jyn began to explore the Ballroom Hotel a little better. Before long, she found herself walking down a long hallway, and standing in front of the prettiest set of doors she'd ever seen. There was no denying her curiosity when it came to finding out what was behind them, and slowly, she pushed them open and stepped inside.
There was also no denying how drawn she was to the only piece of decoration in the room, and she stepped toward the pedestal one tiny step at a time until she was reaching out with trembling fingers to touch at a flame that she was certain was going to singe her fingers. But it didn't hurt at all more than it sent a chill racing through her veins, nor the way the sensation didn't fade more than it just made her feel warm in the aftermath.
She peered as a piece of parchment suddenly appeared, and on it appeared a name. Waverly Earp, and a set of instructions that left her stunned. The gift of pleasure? Whatever that meant, the instruction was not to tarry, and Jyn didn't want to find out what would happen if she did.
Time to leave. Time to find her gift recipient. Time to try to deliver her gift to the best of her ability.
Pleasure. What was that supposed to mean?
(For
d; wildcard
Or feel free to find Jyn elsewhere! You can reach me at plurk.com/made_of_stars for plotting purposes.
Magnus Bane | OTA
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so it's with perhaps a bit of uncharacteristic quietness that kimberly settles into an empty spot in the ring of people seated around the flames, hands draped in her lap as she peers out into the night air. she doesn't recognize the man to her right, at least not yet, but he seems friendly enough. it's more than she can say for the curmudgeon to her left, drawn up tighter than a hermit crab with their head buried in a book. a bit of a weird way to sit down at a sharing circle... )
They haven't started yet, have they?
( she's only seen flora and cornelius in person once, at the halloweentime ball they'd hosted, but she imagines they're not the type to run late. )
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No, not at all, you're right on time. I'm Magnus.
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she doesn't feel quite as dressy this time around, fussy caped frock traded in for a getup that makes her feel like she's stepped back into the catco offices, but at least she looks like herself tonight. that's a start. as is the friendly hand extended in her direction just when she settles in to watch the dancers spin on the floor. how can she say no to that? )
I love your jacket, by the way. Is that velvet?
( don't mind her if her free hand skims over the hem of the sleeve, curiosity and delight mixed together. )
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It is! It's vintage. [Vintage 1876. Looking after clothes is much easier with magic.] You match the decor delightfully, I might add, I love that skirt. Shall we test how it twirls?
[Without waiting for an answer, he twirls her to see how the fabric swirls out.]
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laurel lance | ota
closed to claire temple
fnjklvfejklw jesus i am so sorry for the delay
But Christmas seems like the perfect time to meet new people. ]
Hi! Can I help you?
it's all good!
Hi! I'm Laurel, and this is going to sound kind of weird but you're my secret giftee from that weird chalice at the party a couple nights ago? So I was wondering if you were up for a spa day.
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thread end I think!
malia tate | ota
closed to mick rory
vasquez | ota
[Someone's handed him a mug of cocoa. In general, food and drink is something that Vasquez will never turn down. Even now that he's used to it and has gained his weight back, he's still hungry most of the time. Maybe now he just enjoys eating and has a taste for it. The cocoa and the marshmallows are good, but not as good as it could be.
It's why he sets the mug back down, going into one of the bars to fill his flask with spiced rum that he uses to mix into his mug, hissing when it sticks a little to the marshmallows and gives a very good bite of warmth.
With all the fire around, he'll probably need to keep his mug safe and separate, but there's nothing to make you warm like cocoa and the alcohol that burns in his stomach. Seeing someone nearby watching, he lifts up the flask and wiggles it a little.]
I'll share if you ask nicely, you know.
ii. let it burn
[Someone's handed him a torch when everything is starting to come to an end and people are heading in many directions that Vasquez thinks means they're done (which is a disappointment, because he's still standing vertically and to him, a night isn't over until you're toppling). Still, he takes it and even though he's told what it is, he can't help the memory that it pulls up.
He can almost hear the ringing in his ears from the explosions the last time he had fire like this at his disposal. Back then, he'd been so eager to blow something up, but now as he shifts the torch from one hand to another, he wonders how things have changed. Back then, if he needed to set a fire for a distraction and no one would get hurt, he would. Now?
Well, digging out a cigarette from his pocket, he sticks it in his mouth and leans forward to light it up with the torch, thinking of the Gatling gun, finding Faraday (what was left, at least) in the field, and the remnants of the battle he'd rode away from. He catches a few people staring at him when he lights up, rolling his eyes.]
No one said you can't ceremonially light a cigarette. [Then, under his breath a little quieter.] Puta.
iii. wildcard
[pick a card, any card; or rather, any scenario you might like!]
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As he made his way back to his spot, his attention was caught by a (kind of) familiar figure. Jax thought he recognized him from the dress up affair. He moved closer to make certain and was caught by the question.
He grinned.] Sure, I can do that. Hey, man, could I have some, please? How's that?
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You sound very polite.
[See? He can be selfless and share. Tipping some of his flask into Jax's drink, he beams at the whole 'getting away with it' piece, even though he thinks that no one cares too much.]
More? Or do you want to start there? Can you handle your liquor? [It's a question he needs to ask, he thinks, even if maybe it's insulting to some.]
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Jefferson Jackson | OTA
[Jax planned on getting a little bit of everything. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been to a bonfire. Therefore, he planned to make the most of the experience. The combination of food, good cheer, and charity placed a smile on his face and a pep in his step.
Eagerly he rubbed his hands together before he dived into his tasks. He made his way through the selection -- starting with a donation for a kit and ending with a bountiful plate of savory snacks (the hot cocoa would be for later .... if there was any room) -- before he found a place to settle down. Someplace with some elbow room but close enough to the fire.
It wasn't too long, after the settling, that Jax noticed eyes on him. He followed the person's gaze to his array of food. With a shrug, Jax shot a crooked, almost impish, grin in their direction.] Hey. It's all for a good cause, right?
Sharing Is Caring
[Eventually, Jax finds himself at the edge of a group of people talking. A funny, heartwarming story catches his ear and slowly draws more than his attention in. Like a string anchored in and tugging him, the more people shared, the closer Jax stepped into the group.
It wasn't very long before Jax found himself a part of the sharing circle.]
DID YAH PUT YAH NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIYAH!?!
Chalice Hall, huh? [Jax looked at the chalice skeptically. He was highly tempted to make a goblet of fire joke. But, for his own sanity, he resisted. That way just led to a downward spiral.
He moved closer to the fancy cup. Maybe it was the color, maybe it was some strange Firestorm thing, maybe it was some strange Cadelle thing -- but Jax couldn't help but feel enchanted by the flame dancing in the chalice. There was something soothing about it. Which, honestly, really said something because the majority of the evening - thus far - had been pretty relaxing. Nevertheless, Jax wanted more of it and gave into the impulse to touch.
He momentarily regretted it when a scroll appeared.] If this involves dragons [He muttered out loud to no one in particular.] I'm gonna be seriously pissed off. [He was going to be seriously in awe. But pissed off too. He wasn't looking to mess with dragons. Still, Jax accepted his 'gift' and opened it.]
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It's better than picking up trash on the highway, that's for sure.
( s'mores as a good deed? wouldn't that be nice, indeed. earning what you wanted most by eating delicious snacks in front of a merrily roaring fire. she would hardly say no to that. )
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Just two milkshake lovers chilling with one of the best campfire foods out there. It hadn't occurred to him to seek out his fellow aficionado but finding her here made some sort of weird sense. ]
[ooc; gah, sorry. tech issues and certain dctv exists have been killing my vibe. but I think i'm back now.]
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