( open ) mid-autumn in gisela

[hoasen]

Who: Anyone who wants to celebrate Mid Autumn Festival!
When: Roughly 11th September to 17th September.
Where: Gisela
What: A log for those who wish to use their tickets during Mid Autumn Festival! You can still use this log for visits outside of this week too (as a catch-all) but the script is for the festivities. Basically what you can do is hang out at the Inn, at Gisela, or check out the island's hot springs!
Rating: Probably PG only for if a lantern catches fire or something.


[Welcome to Gisela, the floating sky islands above Gresser! Known for its mystic scenery, hot springs, and the fact that you nearly died the one time you had a dungeon here, Gisela could be considered a popular vacation spot. Or at least it should be, because Vietnam invested good money into this inn.

Inn, you say? Yes, after the defeating the dungeon, Vietnam bought a business here, an inn near the hot springs, Dragon's Flight and Phoenix Dance. A normally quaint inn, it has transformed to offer more festivities. Staff will welcome you with elaborate fruit displays they will put in your room for you to admire (and eat). You may also like to sign up for mooncake making sessions, where you will be able to make mooncakes together with your friends and family! Share a moment with them, and then share the mooncake. Nice.

Lanterns are strung up, leading you out towards the gardens. The inn itself doesn't have a lot of space for A GREAT FESTIVAL, but on certain nights, there will be lion dancing and a few stalls opened up to sell souvenirs, all handcrafted thanks to Vietnam's instruction. Now, lion dancing usually consist of two or more people under a lion costume, however, some generous NPCs have lent them some tame magical lion beasts that look similar to the Asian mythological kind. However, Vietnam and Kija also found a pretty wild one that seems to be stuck eating some lion snacks, because they tried to wrangle it and before they could run, they were forced to commit. Kija named it Jae-ha.

Go further, and it seems like the hot springs that Vietnam has permission to use have also a bit of decoration themselves, with something heat and water proof, that is.

Should you just want to spend your time looking at the moon, darker, quieter areas of the gardens will let you do just that. Sit down and relax, of course.

If you don't really care about any of this at all, perhaps you'd just want to go sightseeing in Gisela!

And basically do whatever you want in this place, really. RELAX, HERO.]

Comments

ota!

[medicament]

( I: Moon watching )

[Everyday throughout the Festival, after the sunset, Luna leaves her room and heads to the garden to find herself a quiet place surrounded by greenery. Just as it was written in the letter she received, the view is absolutely breath-taking. Comparing it with the view from Caissa could be considered an insult, really. Sitting in her spot, accompanied by two bluebirds (one of them is resting on top of her head and singing—that would be Milk—while the second one is trying to chirp the same melody, but much quieter), she looks up at the blue, shining moon.]

Its name is Sylvant, as far as I know. Maybe that should be your name, too?

[Is she talking to the bluebirds? Yes. Well, actually, she's talking to just one of them, which is why Milk starts singing louder to draw her attention.]

However...I received you in the previous month. Should your name be Gladia, then? No...I'll better think of something else.

[Because she has a hard time deciding on a name, she doesn't notice that someone else is there...and might have heard the whole conversation between her and the bluebird.]

Oh...how long have you been here? I'm so sorry, I didn't realize, it must've looked really funny...

[This is so embarrassing...!]

( II: Lanterns )

[After seeing a few finished lanterns, Luna decided to make one herself. It took a little while and some effort, but now her own paper lantern is more or less ready. Maybe less, because she still needs to decorate it and write her wish on the paper.]

Maybe I should just write a riddle on it...

[Smiling sheepishly, Luna lays her gaze on your lantern and then at you, quite amazed by how well it turned out.]

Yours look really great..is it finished already?

( III: Exploring Gisela )

[During the day, Luna wanders around Gisela and eventually finds herself near one of the bazaars. Even though she's not here for shopping, some of the concoctions look rather interesting. Seeing a potential client, the seller initiates the conversation immediately, almost shoving one of the mixtures right into Luna's hands.]

Maybe I could interest you with this anti-aging potion? Just one spoon a day and you won't see a single wrinkle in a long time! Or maybe...you'd like something else...

[The seller hands her down another potion. There's a single red heart on the label, which is pretty self-explanatory, but Luna looks rather perplexed.]

Oh, I don't think I need these, sorry...

[Too bad, because the seller seems to be rather determined and continues to coax her into buying something..with no success, apparently. That's why they begin to shout that once a client touches the potion bottle, they're obliged to buy it. Which may not make sense, but Luna's at a loss.]

What...what should I do...

( IV: Wildcard )

[If none of these work for you, feel free to make up your own prompt!]

1

[picolin]

[ he's been there from the beginning, quietly sitting on another bench a little ways away, one that's shadowed by the overhanging branches of a nearby bush. though he chose that spot because the foliage frames the moon nicely, the shade also masks his presence, and he's always been rather good at making himself unobtrusive in the first place. so serpico can't possibly blame luna for failing to notice him.

it's only when his carrier returns from exploring the garden, flitting through the branches to land on his head that she seems to realize he's there.

she sounds flustered. serpico gives a sheepish smile, dipping his head a little in apology. ]

Ah, well. I'm afraid I've been here for a while -- I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I also didn't wish to startle you. I hope that wasn't terribly rude.

[ please ignore the massive hawk-sized dragonfly crawling down from his head onto his shoulder. his carrier isn't as well-mannered as luna's bluebirds. ]

It didn't seem strange at all, however. Your carriers are fortunate to be assigned to such a considerate person.

[medicament]

It's alright, it's my fault for being so careless...

[Now that she can see him a little better, Luna can't take her eyes off the dragonfly that moves freely from the top of Serpico's head onto his shoulder. It doesn't take too long once she realizes how rude it must be, though.]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare so much. Your carrier, it's...

[Huge, no matter how you look at it. Her bluebird enjoys bouncing all over her head and shoulders, but it's much, much smaller. But that's not the only reason she's been watching it so carefully.]

It's really similar to one creature that used to live in Gisela Towers, actually.

[Once Luna hears his comment on the bluebirds, she looks away again and chuckles a bit nervously.]

Frankly speaking, the other day I was wondering if anyone else talked to their carriers or not...they're great companions, aren't they?

[picolin]

[ oh? as a newcomer, he has no idea what luna's referring to, but it's an intriguing bit of information nonetheless. ]

I certainly hope it's not reminiscent of something frightful. This one -- [ gingerly touching at his carrier's back, earning a chirrup. ] -- has been harmless, if perhaps a little too curious.

[ well ... it's also carnivorous and voraciously eats dead mice. but he won't say that.

actually, there's a lot he thinks he probably won't say. this young woman seems kind, but perhaps a little timid? nervous? maybe the type that's easily frightened. though he doesn't exactly fancy himself a people person, serpico figures there's no harm in trying to be courteous here. ]

They're certainly good companions, though. I can imagine a good many people talk to them. [ he laughs lightly. ] I serve with a legion of knights, and there were a few who talked to their horses. They insisted their horses were more cooperative when spoken to, or given affectionate names. Perhaps the same holds true for our friends here.

[medicament]

[It's not until a while after she's done speaking that she realizes that he couldn't have seen those creatures, hence her explanation.]

To be quite honest...it wasn't the most pleasant encounter, but it doesn't matter now. Your carrier looks much more friendly. The creatures from back then, Aellos I believe is their name, were much more aggressive.

[This may be jumping to conclusions, especially since Luna has no idea about dead mice...but she doesn't have to know everything, does she.

While the legion of knights part is surprising, and Luna can't help tilting her head to the side. It's not the first time for her to listen to someone's story which sounds just like a fairy tale.]

I would never have thought I'll get the chance to meet a knight. [Her smile widens.] Did you do that as well? I never asked whether your carrier has a name either.

[picolin]

Aah, I'm sorry your first time meeting a knight has to be with such an unimpressive example. There are plenty more of the chivalrous type around here, I'm sure.

[ he waves a hand dismissively, laughing again. best not leave the impression that he's anything admirable. there's a quiet hum as he leans back in his seat, bracing himself with his hands. ]

I never got into the habit of speaking to my horse, unfortunately. And I haven't yet named my companion here -- though that was more because I wasn't certain if it was within my rights. After all, these were given to us, and I wondered if it might already have a name I didn't know of.

[ the dragonfly's crawled back up to sit on his head, and its wings flutter as serpico looks to luna with a smile. ]

But perhaps a nickname wouldn't hurt. Would you have any suggestions? I haven't named many things before.

[medicament]

Please, don't say such things...I'm pretty sure you're being too hard on yourself.

[It might have been a little forward, but Luna doesn't believe that to be the truth in the least. On the other hand, she understands why he could say that—no matter how you look at it, she's putting herself down quite often.]

I...I didn't think about it that way.

[She's been simply too joyful to see a bluebird among the carriers to even consider that.]

Neither have I, but... [Her eyes locks on Serpico's dragonfly as she gives it a thought.] Dragonflies belong to the order Anisoptera, I believe. Maybe that could be our starting point for thinking up a nickname?

[picolin]

[ his easygoing smile remains unwavering, but serpico otherwise doesn't address that first bit. oh yes, he's absolutely downplaying his own skills. consciously. but it's probably best that way.

he only leans forward, intrigued, when luna mentions a foreign name. ]

Anisoptera. [ it rolls off the tongue a little strangely. ] An interesting name, but I'm afraid I don't know what you mean by 'order.' Are dragonflies called something else, here?

[ guess who's from a time before binary nomenclature.

his carrier, meanwhile, seems to have taken luna's gaze as an invitation to flagrantly buzz over to sit on her knee. it's huge but surprisingly light, and the moonlight shimmers off its wings just slightly. ]

[medicament]

[Luna should've seen that coming, and yet. Knights don't belong to the modern world...well, usually.]

I-I'm sorry, I failed to provide an explanation again. Let's say that it's another name for a dragonfly. [It's no use making things too difficult for him, Luna thinks.] A more...official one, I'd say.

[A tad bit surprised by the dragonfly, she gasps ever so softly, but in the next moment she's already examining its wings.]

Or maybe Sylvant would be a good one...I suppose I'm really no good at thinking up names. Oh, and Sylvant is the name of the moon we can observe tonight and throughout the month.

[picolin]

There's no need for apology. [ it's said gently. he's never really considered chivalry a high priority, but he still tries to be kind when he can. ] It seems there's much here I've yet to learn about, and it's nobody's fault. Feeling so ignorant is a strange sensation, but I'm grateful when people are willing to explain.

[ his carrier chirrups as if in agreement.

that said, he considers luna's suggestion, humming quietly in thought. ]

Sylvant. [ said a little experimentally, as if trying out the sound of it as a name. ] It's nice. And the moon really is beautiful tonight -- it's a good thing to base a name off of, I think.

III

[stagewhirl]

Now now, no need to make a fuss! I'll cover that cost, thank you~♪

[An idol to the rescue! One fond of fancy bottles, even if their contents will go untouched - unneeded! Arashi clearly isn't in any want of the stuff with a face like this, but easing the pressure on this girl is more important than that. Just as told, with colle on hand for exchange, soon everything "touched" ends up in Arashi's hands instead, the seller pleased to make a sale and perhaps starstruck by the young Queen.]

I suppose we'll be on our way! I'm sure these will come in handy. ♥ [Arashi leans in to speak with her in a hushed voice then - ] Now, let's take a little walk...

[medicament]

[Before Luna gets the chance to even react, they payment is already finalized and there's not much to be done here. At least the seller seems to be happy with themselves, from the smug look on their face.]

Y-Yes, let's...

[He's right, maybe it's better to get away from here before someone else makes an attempt at the same trick again. Luna waits with speaking up again until they're at a safe distance.]

Thank you so much! Here, your colle...you can keep the potions, of course...

[She's already pulling her purse out of the bag, but maybe that's not a good idea when they're still there, near various stalls.]

[stagewhirl]

Ah - no need! At least not right away. [Arashi winks, gently stopping her from pulling her money out completely.] If another one gets the same idea I may not see something I'd like.

[Looking more closely at the bottles just bought, Arashi turns them one by one in hand and smiles.]

I can save one of these for someone special. ♥

[medicament]

Oh... [He sure has a point!] Sorry, I should have thought about it sooner.

[Luna was overwhelmed because of the previous situation that she didn't even pay proper attention to the potions.]

I wonder if that even works, though.

[No need to crush his hopes right away, Luna...]

[stagewhirl]

Well... if it doesn't, I've still got some pretty bottles for my shelf. I could fill them with something else! [Optimism is key!] That guy may have been on the pushy side, but he's got something there with presentation!

But what about you? Were you out for something else? [Arashi looks to her curiously then, realizing they may have already passed something to her interest by now, oops.]

[medicament]

Oh, I didn't mean to be so negative! I hope it works, even though it really sounds like taken straight from a fairy tale...

[Well, one look around should be enough to realize that they're in that kind of a place that exists in such stories.]

N-Not really! I just went out for a walk, wandered off too far and ended up here...are you here for the Mid-Autumn Festival as well?

[stagewhirl]

I'm fond of fairy tales, really, especially those dealing with love. So much used to be unbelievable before arriving here, if this were real, too...? ♥ Oh look at me, running away with fantasies! [Arashi waves it off with a laugh girlish but pretty.] I am! Did you hear about it from Vietnam, too?

[medicament]

I see! Well, those are really cute stories too. I know just a few myself, though...

[She finds herself staring at the potion in Arashi's hands for a bit too long and shakes her head.

I got a written invitation...I haven't even spoken to miss Vietnam in person before, to be quite honest. But I've been here before, on a mission.

[And then, something dawns on her:]

Ah, I'm so, so sorry. I haven't even introduced myself yet, I'm Luna. It's nice to meet you.

[stagewhirl]

[Arashi brightens at her name, clearly fond - ]

Oh my, Vietnam is just so giving...! If you find her, say hello! She's a real treasure around here.

[Arashi blinks at the introduction, though, realizing the same - whoops.]

And yes! Goodness, I've almost forgotten, myself! I'm Narukami, Arashi Narukami! It's nice to meet you, too. ☆

[Arashi's smile goes mischievous, then, offering the bottle for her to see better, remembering that lingering look...]

Now, might you be interested in this after all? Don't think I didn't notice~

1

[quaria]

[ On the contrary, because of Setsuna's... lack of presence, he is rather hard to notice. He's not even saying anything as he stands near Luna, quiet as he observes her exchange with the bird. He wonders if she can understand them.

It's not a far-fetched thought, considering how experienced animal trainers are able to communicate well with such creatures. And in a world like Enprise, where magic is prominent, he can certainly believe someone if they said they can really talk to animals...

Either way, Setsuna waits for an opportune moment before doing anything. Once Luna looks relaxed, that's the only time he finally speaks to catch her attention. ]

Good evening.

[medicament]

[Her little conversation with the bluebirds seems to be over when the greeting reaches her ears. Luna has no trouble recognizing that voice, even though it's been a while and immediately turns to Setsuna to respond with a soft smile.]

G-Good evening! How long have you been here if I may ask?

[Something tells her that he has just arrived at the park, but, there's nothing wrong with asking, just in case...]

I'm glad to see you here, though. I was thinking about inviting you to watch the moon together, but then I realized that you might be busy...

[Smiling sheepishly, Luna moves to the side to make some space for him.]

[quaria]

Not long.

[ Maybe Setsuna did stare a little, but really that was him trying to be polite... He didn't want to ruin her conversation with the birds. Anyway, it's not a big deal to him.

And upon being invited to watch the moon together, Setsuna moves carefully to sit next to her. It's his way of accepting. ]

I do not much have going on today, so it is fine.

[ Mostly, he kept his schedule free today for Vietnam. That's why he mentioned before this timing is actually convenient for him. ]

... I remembered blue birds on your letter, too. Are they important to you?

[medicament]

I see.

[Still a bit embarrassed, Luna finds herself smoothing down her skirt even though that's absolutely unnecessary. But it seems it helped her calm down a little.]

I'm glad to hear that...it would be a shame to miss out such a sight, really.

[It may keep up for a night or two or maybe even longer, but still.]

Yes. They taught me something very important, too. [Before sighing softly, her hand goes up to her chest and her fingers curl around the collar of her shirt.] There's a story about a Blue Bird of Happiness and a brother and sister who set out to find it.

[quaria]

I agree.

[ As someone who originally lived in space, the moon has a significant meaning for Setsuna. It reminds him of many important things, so looking at it helps him remain stronger. Right now, since he noticed how embarrassed Luna seems, he shifts his gaze away from her and directs it to the distant view of the moon instead. It's lovely tonight.

Without unnecessary words, Setsuna listens to Luna's explanation. He's interested, with the way his eyes grow a little. ]

A blue bird of happiness? I have not heard of it before.

[medicament]

[Her blue bird seems to be a bit disturbed with his answer and doesn't hold back about showing it—it's chirping at Setsuna, bouncing on top of Luna's arm. Before it gets the chance to jump off and fly up to rest on top of his head (because his hair looks fluffy enough), she scoops the carrier with both of her hands.]

They set out a journey but in the end, they don't find it until they came back home. It was sitting there, all the time they had been away. Could you believe that? [A chuckle follows her question immediately.] Happiness is closer thank you think, that's one thing that this story taught me. Unfortunately...once the siblings try to feed the blue bird, it flies away. I believe that it's supposed to mean that looking for happiness is what makes us happy as well.