( 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

[quaria]

[ Rather than react to that provocation, Setsuna says nothing but prepare his feet for a long jump. He's been working hard too, but really, he has never stopped doing so even on days they don't have much going on. His training is slowly progressing to the point that he's able to incorporate magic onto his physical fighting skills, so while he's still trying to get the hang of it, he's mastered enough to be able to pull it off. He summons wind underneath his feet before bracing his strength to launch himself upwards, aiming for the wall before bouncing himself off it to parkour right towards the roof after the springing force.

Setsuna makes it easier for Gilgamesh too, as he allows him and Vietnam to reunite before walking off by himself. He stays beside Jae-ha, at the farthest edge of the table and keeps his eyes on the food from then on. Anyway, it makes no difference; he never expected people to listen to someone like him in the first place. He trusts Jae-ha to take care of the rest... He's far more reliable than him, and better at communication than him. If anyone can properly convince Vietnam to rest, it'll surely be someone like friendly Jae-ha.

Still, an insect, huh. That adjective suits him far more than any of those loving words ever given to him. That's why he doesn't get offended. ]

[hoasen]

Jae-ha?!

[She was surprised by that, since though it wasn't unusual for Jae-ha to pick her up (being as small as she is) she had planned to make the leap herself. It wouldn't be hard. But it seems like a lot of the trouble is coming from Setsuna and Jae-ha worrying over her. She needs to make up for it! Is what she was thinking as she wraps her arms around Jae-ha's shoulders--]

Thank you, though...

[Because without him there, she's sure this could've ended up a lot worse. Pretty much she didn't even notice that Setsuna and Gilgamesh had a Moment. So she didn't even know that Setsuna's suffering at the same time? Gilgamesh please. All of this she doesn't know because Jae-ha has to put her down and all, and she's also brushing their clothes down to straighten them.]

Hmm...?

[Gilgamesh returned to her side rather quickly, more so than usual, she thought, where he would be happy to mingle with his family. Nevertheless, she's not complaining about it as she immediately takes his hand. THEY CAN SIT DOWN NOW, RIGHT?

Watch this in slow mo as she makes a move to sit down, urging husband to as well, gently now...

DONE. SHE'S SAT. NOW THEY CAN EAT.]

[flirtations]

I think you'd better sit down for the rest of the evening, and let me or Setsuna get anything else we might need.

[ He releases her easily, already trying to make sure that all of the food, utensils, etc, are already on the table. Truthfully, he isn't as adamant as Setsuna seems to be about her need to stay put, even if he agrees, but something about the other man's voice had made the matter seem important. He takes longer to sit down himself, having thought it might be a good idea to walk over to the exact place Gil slipped on and make sure nothing was out of place.

Maybe it would be a good idea to replace those tiles...

He turns back to them, eyes widening after they've both landed and he takes a seat, picking up a spring roll.



There's something off.

Setsuna isn't the type to wear an easy smile, to say the least, but he looks much dimmer than before. It seems as though he's pointedly avoiding eye contact, with any of them. What's going on?

Perhaps it's none of his business, but at the very least, Setsuna shouldn't have to stare at his plate the entire night. ]

Setsuna. [ He says lightly, lifting the roll to Setsuna's lips even while his gaze might remain downcast. ] Will you try this for me, please? [ Setsuna's more adventurous! Not really, but he's just TRYING TO LIFT SPIRITS A LITTLE, OKAY. ]

[quaria]

[ It's understandable that no one is able to interpret Setsuna's strange determination. He never talks about himself, after all. But the truth is that his concern for his closest, treasured people run deeper than surface childishness. He lost someone before because of their stubbornness which ran to the point of blind resolution, and he was too late to do anything. He was too late to help that person... That's why he's not uncomfortable being unable to do anything. Being unable to do anything... he's reminded of far too many unpleasant memories.

Setsuna accidentally trails off into his own thoughts again, but thankfully is pulled back into the present by Jae-ha. Jae-ha, and that ever shining friendliness and concern... He's always so warm, always here for everyone. It's one of the many traits that he admires from this person. Jae-ha never fails to be there when someone needs him. He perks up upon being addressed, wondering why he's called. ]

Um...

[ Before he can speak though, the spring roll is already poking against his lips. So he opens his mouth to eat it, cheeks puffing up as a result of the food in them now. He chews in silence, looking a little more happier. It's tasty... Also, Jae-ha's here, Vietnam's here (who is finally resting gosh), and Gilgamesh's here... He doesn't belong among them, but he's glad to be here in the end. ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh ignores Setsuna, and likely will for as long as he can manage.

Contrary to what they're all probably thinking right now, Gilgamesh hasn't been totally tone deaf to this entire conversation. He's picked up on something amiss with Vietnam, and as a result he curls up close to her, reaching to hold her hands and ask after her well-being before anything else.]

Are you well, Sen? Is it true, you've went and tired yourself out once more?

[Gilgamesh frowns, and deeply, knowing it is in her nature to power through and endure, but...]

You're such a stubborn soul. No wonder you are a country, to bear so much of the burden so much of the time.

[hoasen]

[She was beginning to pick up on Setsuna's discomfort too, and it was confirmed when Jae-ha tried to cheer the man up with a springroll. Of course, this means that she was definitely about to do something that would probably make all of them unhappy, and that was to shoulder the burdens since she's sure this was all her fault.

That is, until Gilgamesh took her hands.] Gilgamesh...

[Her lips tighten and she attempts to shake her head.] It is fine, really. I can rest after. [Her hands tighten around his, pulling them closer to her.] As long as you enjoy yourself, husband, I promise I will rest properly.

I just... [She casts a glance at them all, over the food.] I just wanted everyone to have a nice dinner together and then we can share some cake later, because we are family now, no? But here you all look out for me. I am thankful, really! Please do not think of me as ungrateful. I just do this because...yes, as a country, I am able!

[flirtations]

[ That was a hint of a smile, wasn't it? He thinks he sees it, and it makes Jae-ha relax a little. He sighs, and in an effort to continue making the mood somewhat lighter, reaches over to poke Setsuna's cheek playfully. Perhaps he'll ask if everything is alright (not that he's likely to get a straightforward answer, probably) later, but at the moment, he feels bad not enjoying the hard work Vietnam has put in for all of them. ]

Hey, wait. Leave some for me, don't eat it all. [ He teases, which is why he'll be taking the last bite of that same roll, before reaching for another. He wonders if Setsuna's gloomy mood could possibly be due to Gilgamesh's outburst, but... he was often like this, wasn't he? It seemed par the course, and not something particularly upsetting or surprising.

Whatever it is, he wants to let Setsuna know he's there for him, and so, beneath the surface of the table, he entwines his fingers with Setsuna's, lingering there until the other boy chooses to pull away.

He looks up now as Vietnam speaks again, from one face to another, finding himself wondering just what strange forces brought together such odd characters to the moment they're in now. It was so... odd. ]

Since you say we're a family, maybe next time you can ask us to help you with some of the tasks, no? It feels a little unfair to just show up and eat a delicious feast.

What... is everything here, actually? [ There are so many unfamiliar and exotic dishes here! ]

[quaria]

[ Think nothing of it, just remain ever the same. Setsuna reminds himself of what he's supposed to be. He was never allowed this kind of happiness anyway, so he doesn't want to think about anything else. Trying to aim for something he's not meant to have... That's only asking for trouble. He's always known that, and reminded others constantly of that. Some are just more stubborn than others... But today, that stupid King finally got a taste of harsh reality.

"You have my love as well as my faith. Fight for me, fight for yourself, and earn that beautiful tomorrow you're dreaming of."

... Do you believe me now? Setsuna asks himself more than anyone, never speaking, never showing any expression. He has always pointed out to others that he's incapable of anything but fighting. He had no capacity of making others happy when he doesn't know how to do that for himself. Because he can't fit in among society anymore. Even though he meant well, this always happens. He's always misunderstood, but it didn't matter to him. Trying to expect something is irrelevant to his cause as a weapon. Being here isn't part of his purpose, but he's here of his own choice. Because even if no one does the same for him, he still wants to at least respect the feelings of those around him.

Setsuna knows he's so awkward and always makes mistakes, that's why he's not saying anything now. He won't ever, either. He will never make excuses to save his own face. After he's poked and teased by Jae-ha, he returns to that soulless look he's always had. Nothing will change for him despite this: he will always continue to protect who he considers precious. No matter what they think of him, he won't change. He'll always remain someone who fights to protect, someone who fights for a better future.

"You are willing to blindly believe in him? So that you will allow him to be dishonest? Encourage him like that? What are you doing, Setsuna?!"

Still, what went wrong? He trusted, and he was wrong. He spoke up, and he was still wrong. Why is he always wrong? Even so, he won't let any of this bring him down. He will continue to walk forward, no matter how many walls or how much he's hurt. He doesn't regret trusting Gilgamesh, and he doesn't regret trusting Vietnam either. But how could he have handled this better? He can't deny he felt a little upset earlier. Vietnam promised to call for them if she needs help, but she didn't and then pushed herself too hard again. She was always beating him up whenever she's upset. And now all he did was speak up, and still...? Even though he's always misunderstood...

"Y-you don't have to. It should be something I do myself...I...I think I have enough time! If I finish all of these, then I have enough time to--"

"I can do it."

Setsuna just wanted to fight for Vietnam, too. And he wanted to express himself more firmly just as Gilgamesh desired. Maybe he accidentally lost his usual cool for a second, too. What he really wanted to say... "Please pick yourself up, you are stronger than this, and you are making her worry." What he really wanted to say... "Vietnam, why did you not call for me? Even though you keep telling me to call for you."

But he says nothing, only returning the faintest source of comfort within his hand. He returns a squeeze on Jae-ha's hand, as he continues to say and express nothing. Emotions really are... ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh could be a little dense on his best days, but even he recognizes this was quickly becoming a mess. So he indulges a very rare habit.

He stops. He thinks. It would do absolutely no good to keep arguing with Vietnam; she'd refuse his every word, insist against her own health she was just fine. Therefore, it made no sense to continue that conversation now. They could speak later, certainly, but it would have to wait until a better moment came along.

Meanwhile, Jae-ha seemed to be trying hard to keep everyone happy, just like Vietnam. He's attempting to distract from the building tension in the space and Gilgamesh can also recognize that. He can appreciate that. You are a fool, he notes to himself, yet a well-intended one.

And finally, there's Setsuna. Setsuna, who he'd vowed to turn blind eyes and deaf ears to.

The expression he's wearing, drifting, blank, and devoid of emotion, worries him. In truth, he'd rather not give the man any consideration. The accusation of lying still smarts at his pride and therefore he has no reason to grant him even the time of day. But his worry, as well as his own words shared with Setsuna in the past, press at him to do something, anything, to maintain the tenuous hold on peace. It is very soft, but under his breath, Gilgamesh starts to sing the first few words of Marina's song.

But he refuses to look at Setsuna as he does so.]

[hoasen]

[She's thankful that Gilgamesh did drop the topic, but she knows it will worry him. She'll make it up to him later, really, like she would with the rest of the family. She knows she has to make it up to Setsuna, who has been scolding her more lately, trying to take up as much of her work (even though she doesn't let him half the time). And here is Jae-ha, holding everyone together. Cheering Setsuna up, trying to feed him, so much that he managed react. Jae-ha's right, instead of just doing everything herself, she could've asked. So in the end, the root problem came from her own actions.

What can she even do? Other than slam her head on the table right now. She wants to tell them all will be well, that they shouldn't be mad at each other because of her own choices.

And then she hears Gilgamesh sing, and his voice has always been pleasant. She may not know the deeper meanings of said song. She knows what he's doing though, is he is trying. This here, a self confessed tyrant, sings so he can keep the peace, no matter what kind of emotion plagues him.

They're all trying, and her hand grips and tightens. Vietnam just deflates. But it was only for a split second before straightens up again. Because she's strong, right? She has to try too.]

It's...I tried making food that you all know...some Vietnamese, but also Korean, and ah...there's some Middle Eastern there too. Please, help yourself.

[But that is all she says, as she reaches out and tries to put some food in each of their dishes. She doesn't want to interrupt Gilgamesh's singing, after all.]

[quaria]

[ Even though Setsuna vowed long ago not to give in to his own emotions, as it was necessary to survive as well as become proper a Gundam Meister, he knows that he can't completely stop his heart. Even as he's telling himself now to keep it up, his renewed calm, he's finding himself slipping at the edge once more because of each one of them. Stop it, stop it, he repeats within his mind, because he isn't supposed to let anything confuse him anymore.

But it's too difficult. They've already messed him up. They've all become this close, that's why they're all like this — feeling as if they've not done enough, feeling dreaded that they can't do enough. It's because of little things that all rooted because of deep, emotional care for each other that they're in this position now. All of them here lost something, and they're all equally strong, so they all think they can remain strong...

Setsuna tells himself this, though his expression is slowly breaking again. He can't just keep himself from changing around these people. These people who keep telling him that he's family, that he matters, that each and every one of them are loved. Even though he's just an empty being meant to take away lives... These people have found a reason to bring him here right now, feed him, comfort him, and sing for him. Even though he keeps saying it might be futile or painful to care for him, they didn't listen.

They found reasons to love, these three make such an amazing family... They all have such bright charisma. He's always been the enigma meanwhile, isolated for many reasons, and he can't even find the words. Maybe he still doesn't want to speak anymore. Every time he does, something always goes wrong. Even so, he wants to find a way to say it too — they're not the only one who is doing their best to love one another. He doesn't know how... he probably will never know how, but he will never give up trying either.

"Please, let them reach it this time."

Setsuna abruptly stands up, eyebrows furrowing as he stares at the food on the table. Vietnamese food, Korean food, and Middle Eastern food... There's a piece of each of them on this table, sealing the reality that they really have become each other's family. Even though he feels alien to this table even now, he can't deny anything either. They've accepted him... Even though he's like this, they've accepted him. What can he say in this situation? How can he say, "I love you" to each of them?

"I love you all so much."

An immediate movement comes to Setsuna, raising an arm to his face as he conceals half of it. His eyes are blurring, indicating a building pressure within his eyes. He lowers his head to hide them completely, then leaves his seat in favor of grabbing each of their hands. He keeps that same hold on Jae-ha's, then moves on to take Vietnam's, and finally... He takes Gilgamesh's as well. He drags each of them together with his considerate strength and presses everyone together. Still with a lowered head, he does his best to embrace them with his short arms. These three...

"I am sorry for being the way I am. But I really do love you all. I will... I want to keep improving myself, so I can reach out to you better than before." ]

[flirtations]

[ The tension is almost palatable, and growing with every second. The way Gilgamesh pointedly looks away, Setsuna withdrawing once again, Vietnam's brief but visible disheartened look. Should they even bother, attempting to save the moment, when said moment was so visibly soured? Jae-ha doesn't know the answer himself, because even if it breaks his heart that Vietnam's efforts might go to waste, even his patience has its limits. But for now, he can only keep trying, voice lifting to a degree that it's nowhere near genuine anymore. He's straining. ]

Oh, Middle Eastern. Is that--?

[ Whatever Jae-ha was going to say, whether it be curiosity as to whether these dishes were an homage to Setsuna or Gilgamesh's home, or a question about a specific dish-- it doesn't matter. He grows quiet at the first sign of Gilgamesh's singing, saved from the fate of blathering on too much and possibly worsening the atmosphere rather than helping it. He doesn't know what to make of the situation, but his pleasant voice is a welcome interruption.

This is a song that must mean something to Setsuna, if the way he pauses and abruptly stands up is any indication. This is all so very, very strange. He thought he had known the meaning of family, the family he's come to find in his dragon brethren and Yona, and though they had their disagreements, he was the only one that didn't tend to wear his heart on his sleeve. So this? This is very different.

But perhaps this is what being a family meant, too. To accept each other despite deep flaws, despite how much you might come to hurt each other.

How would he know? He's always been alone, save for the kindness of an old woman, even if he told himself it was a choice rather than trying to understand why someone would abandon their child.

Jae-ha watches in marvel as Setsuna not only takes everyone's hand in his, but he moves to force them closer, too, drawing the three of them as much into his embrace as he could. Setsuna's arms may not be long, but they are strong enough to be a force to be reckoned with, so save for the initial surprise, Jae-ha offers no resistance.

It takes him a moment to respond, because this is all so sudden.

He'll never understand.

Maybe he should stop trying to understand.

Weakly at first, he returns the gesture, drawing his own arms around them, voice quiet so as to not interrupt Gilgamesh's singing if he wants to continue. ]

You guys, I swear... [ You, not the Noir forces, and not the birth of a new dragon, are going to give him an early death. ]