undergrounds | Fall into Summer (OPEN)

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Fall into Summer (OPEN)

Some witch holidays were meant to be enjoyed by all, regardless of species, alliances or preference to magic. Holidays like Lammas! Think of it as witch Thanksgiving.

An old woman by the name of Agatha Chapman was of the personal opinion that there was just too much infighting between her fellow witches this year. Those Circle Midnight witches were practically children! Agatha had raised enough children to know they were just going through some rebellious phase. It would pass. But this wasn't the time for expressing such things. This was a time of togetherness! Which was why Agatha had, through her daughters and granddaughters, sent a very public invitation to the supernatural community:

~Lammas Day Celebration~

Come celebrate the great tradition of the first harvest and shorter days with a beach party and bonfire!
Food, fun, and sun! No limits on guests, bring your friends!

AUGUST 1^st 2015
12 PM - 2 AM
(public rituals @ 10 PM)

KINGSGATE CASTLE, JOSS GAP ROAD.
BROADSTAIRS.
KENT.

Transportation from the city will be provided from Victoria Station. Present this invitation at the ticket office.

You totally want to go right?

Like the invitation said, all guests transportation will be provided. The train happens to go directly from Victoria Station to the castle, which totals up to a two hour trip - giving plenty of time for people to run into one another on this train-ride. Let's get along everyone.

Upon the guests arrival everyone is greeted by the hostess; a very old, very cheerful lady who insists on being called Ms. Agatha. She introduces her daughters and their daughters. Hit on them at your own peril. After the brief introduction and delicately worded warning that no witch need reveal their coven to others, and no one need attempt to confront them about their choices, everyone is invited down the side of the slow incline of the cliffs to the beach. Time to have fun.

Lammas was traditionally a holiday to celebrate the last day of the wheat harvest. It seems like the witches hosting this party went all out in incorporating that. Golden colored canopies cover the tables that are set out for food. Along with them are large punch bowls filled with different colored liquids and a small bar for anyone who wants something a little stronger than fruit, both of which are abundant - after all this holiday was centered around a community feast. There seems to be a general theme following the decor; apples, cinnamon, and vanilla feature heavily in every dessert of pies, cakes, puddings and ice cream in very creative ways. The more savory foods, less so. But they all fall into the category of typical beach party foods.

There is a changing area towards the face of the cliffs along with bathrooms.

Another fun tradition of Lammas is competitive and athletic games! There are two volleyball nets set up, and what looks like an area for sandcastle building. The team that wins the most games, and the person who builds the best sandcastle wins a prize! The prize is a Maen Magl necklace. The stone is said to bring good luck and good health to the owner. Additionally, they can cure diseases of the eye if rubbed on one's eyelids.

If you're not interested in games, there's always the golden sand to relax and tan on and the water to swim in!

Later, after the sun sets a bonfire is constructed - you can help, but enough driftwood has been collected for the fire itself. As the sun sets, the women hosting the event let everyone know what the purpose of it is. The fire is meant to - while also help people make amazing smores, roasted corn, and apples wrapped in foil - allow the witches and everyone else in attendance to participate in the Lammas rituals. Everyone is encouraged to engage in the rituals, though no one is required to do so.

Nowadays, Lammas is the time to cast off bad habits, thoughts, and what is no longer needed in your life. This spiritual cleansing is represented by fire, and burning things. There are two that will be done tonight, but they won't take longer than thirty minutes when alls said and done. They maybe be performed in any order.

A ritual called 'Winnowing' is meant to cleanse, where everyone writes down negative emotions and bad habits they want to lose on a piece of paper. The witches in the group will all know the chant:

Blessing and curses
Come from the harvest
Return to the earth
To nourish next years

The paper is then thrown into the fire, where it will spark and disintegrate.

The second is highly encouraged for everyone to participate in, as the more people who do so, the more the blessings will be! Everyone is given nine sheaths of wheat, which they are to weave into a braid, and then attach a ribbon to the base of the braid. The witches in the circle around the bonfire should, as the braids are being done, chant:

We weave you and hail you
As queen of the corn
When all's gathered in and
When you are sown.

Once the braids are done, those that weaved them are meant to grab a piece of paper and write what blessing they wish for their friends to have, such as 'Friendship' or 'Mobility'. They must keep the blessing secret and secure it to the ribbon. The ribbons are meant to be kept till Imbolc - another witch holiday - and then be burned, while the ashes are meant to be kept on the individual until the next Lammas. Hope you'll attend that party wherever it is!

After the Ritual, there are plenty of smores to make and some lovely music to listen to while everyone gathers around the bonfire and relaxes until they want to leave. There is no curfew, but the witches hosting the party will be going back up to their flat in the castle around two in the morning.

Happy Lammas!

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Bonfire

Cooper shows up after the sun has gone down, conspicuously pale amidst all the tanned and sunburned bodies roaming around. To those who know him, he's quieter than usual, even a little bit subdued. While he's recovered physically from the fae blood that was in his system, mentally, that's another story.

Still, if brooding was what he wanted, he could have sat in his apartment and stared at the walls. At least out here, he's among people, and that will help improve his mood eventually. For now, he's content to sit by the fire and methodically toast a marshmallow.

Rituals

For Winnowing, Cooper doesn't need to think too deeply. He's well aware of his shortcomings in life. Really, when it all gets boiled down to it, there's only one main problem he has. So he scribbles down a single phrase before tossing it into the fire. He watches the flames burn the words into ash. Even after they're gone, they still roll around in his mind. My lack of self-control.

The second ritual requires a bit more care. He thinks about it for a few minutes. At the end, all he writes down are two words. Life and Health. He figures if his friends have those two things, everything else will fall into place.

"Cooper?" It's been a while since she's seen him. Maybe it's the weather or the hour or something else, anything, that's playing a trick on her but he doesn't seem well.

She goes to where he is and gives a polite wave to him in hopes of catching his attention first. She looks a bit tired herself thanks to how long she's been staying here but tries to hide it with a cheery mask. He's her focus of attention right now. "How have the celebrations been treating you?"

The vampire looks up when his name is called. Despite his weakened state, he still has a smile for her, though it's a little strained. "Clara! My favorite ghost." Then again, she's possibly the only ghost he's on friendly terms with.

"Shame I had t'miss out on all the lovely ladies in their bathing suits earlier." Most of them were back in their cover-ups this time of night. "I've got to get me some daylight jewelry one of these days."

It's good to see him smile again. It assures her, if only for a little while, and she perks up as she settles next to him. Seeing everyone here trying to enjoy themselves is good. Everyone deserves a break.

More so for him since he looks tuckered out. He must be working very hard lately.

"Oh you shouldn't count your luck out yet. I'm sure one or two groups will decide skinny dipping will be a marvellous idea." From her experience a beach party that ran late into the night wasn't the same without some people trying to skinny dip in the now chilly waters. "And I'm sure you'll get daylight jewellery soon. Are they... are they that hard to get?"

The thought of skinny dipping brings a boyish smirk to Cooper's face. He's surprised Clara suggested it. She's always seemed quite proper to him, but he supposes she must've had a few wild years back in the eighties. "Now there's an idea that'll bring energy back inta these old bones."

Regarding the daylight jewelry, he goes on. "Not so hard, if you know the right witches. If Miss High 'N Mighty--" Millicent, of course. "--is feeling generous, I might get one without too much effort."

"If you see them, do tell them to be careful of going back to the shore!" Of course she reverts back to being prim and proper or that would be someone's thoughts if not for-- "Sand is awfully uncomfortable to have in you."

It… It sounds like she's talking from experience.

~~No one ask her how she knows this from experience. No one talks about the Eighties and it stays in the Eighties.~~

"Hopefully it won't be too much trouble if you ask for her help. Sounds like she's a charmer," Clara commented. She had an idea who he spoke of. The Duchess, right? She wondered how the system was imposed in the city long ago but that's for some other time. "But since you're a charmer yourself, I know you can get the jewellery if you just smiled at them and said please nicely enough. You've been busy for a while! I haven't seen you since the ball."

Edited (no one saw my html fail there not even me until no whoops sorry) 2015-08-10 17:15 (UTC)

Cooper raises up his eyebrows, getting an image of a young, possibly nude Clara in his mind. He shakes his head to rid himself of the image. No need to go down that route. It'll only lead to things he does not want. "I'll take it inta consideration."

Cooper does love Clara's positive nature. No need to tell her all about the volatile nature of vampire politics. The Duchess was just as likely to break him into seven different pieces as grant his request. He shrugs and lifts up one hand in a 'Search me' gesture. There never do seem to be enough hours in the night to get the things done that he needs to. "I've been busy. Newborn vampire, hunters, fae, y'know, the usual six or seven things I'm always juggling on my plate."

"Sounds like someone needs a break," she says, trying to sound teasing but there's also some concern shining in her eye for him.

Of course Clara is going to fuss over him. A conversation isn't complete without her worrying over someone's health or fortunes or situation or you get the idea. "But really -- You deserve to rest your feet for a little while. Everyone does from my understanding. The last few months have been quite eventful, don't you think?"

She sounds like his mother, which isn't an insult like some people might make it out to be. Frankly, Cooper could use a little bit of mothering in his life from time to time. It gives him a moment to feel like all the weight of his problems has been taken off of his shoulders.

"I agree. We're living in interestin' times here. But I've had enough. No more stickin' my nose inta things for at least a few weeks. I need time for a little rest and relaxation."

A break for him is nice and well deserved, she thinks. Cooper is a good person in her eyes and she hopes he's going to get much rest as he can and he deserves.

"I hope this means you'll be visiting the shop more often then," she said, pretending to look mock hurt. "You're lucky that I've been doing a lot more with myself! Otherwise I would be in the shop all day, languishing and sighing like a sad old ditty."

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emotioneater - 2015-09-01 10:16 (UTC) - Expand

Nancy hadn't expected to see Cooper here. She told him he was going, and he was welcome to come along, but she didn't know if too many people would be difficult. Luckily, she was still regularly taking VT while he was still recovering. She trusts him. She does, but... She knows he doesn't trust himself.

After he's done with his wishes, she comes over to stand just behind him, still in the glow of the fire. Her white linen cover-up blows behind her, her hair tagging along for the ride. After a moment, she takes another step forward, to stand next to him, her hand reaching to slip into his. It was a friendly gesture, nothing more.

"I knew you knew I was there." No fooling vampires.

Cooper's wearing a dark tank top and shivers a little despite the heat of the fire when Nancy approaches. There she is, his young savior. Things are a little awkward between them, but surprisingly not as much they could be. What he had done to get such a loyal friend he had no idea.

He squeezes her hand gently. "Can't fool these senses. How you feeling, sweet-pea?" She's spent so much time taking care of him, so he's glad to see her getting out and about. She more than deserves to have a good time.

"I'm alright," she said with a return squeeze. "It's good to see you out." It was, really. "Just let me know if anything gets to be too much, yeah? I'll get you home." There were fae here. And it was dangerous to have an addict around what he craved more.

Yes, she was still taking healthy doses of VT right now as a precaution. Because that thing about trusting him right up there? Retconned.

"I had t'blow the dust off meself. Too long in one spot 'n I start turnin' into a potato, growing roots and all that." He was keeping his tone light. They weren't going to be talking of anything that had happened between them, nope. What more could be said? He'd lost control and would've potentially killed someone he cared very much about. Fortunately, it hadn't happened. To talk about it would only be running around in circles.

"I'm okay right now. Don't worry, I can handle things for a few hours." Beyond that would be pushing it.

She loved the way his accent flared up sometimes. It was easier that way to imagine how he must have been before he turned. Handsome Irishman, probably about to settle down with a family. They did that much younger back then. She could imagine him taking some pretty lass out dancing at the pub.

She was glad she'd been lucky enough to meet him.

She grinned, still holding his hand. "Good. You tell me the second you aren't well, we'll grab Kenzi and leave." It was a few hours by train back to the city, but they'd have to make the journey anyway at some time or another.

Nancy thought for a moment, falling silent as only the music and voices around them washed over her. "Let me know if you want a dance partner, to keep your mind off of things."

Oh, the stories he could've told her if she asked. He'd been young in mind as well as body back then, still with the air of a bad boy. A dashing revolutionary, full of hope and ideals. He'd had a cause to believe in and die for. The cynicism hadn't come until later after his first death.

Cooper blinked at the mention of Kenzi. They knew each other? What was he thinking, of course she did. Everyone seemed to know everyone in this city. Here he thought that only happened living in small towns in the middle of nowhere. "Will do. I'll let you know the minute I'm done." The mention of dancing made his eyes light up. "Now there's an offer I must take you up on."

Well then. She'll certainly have to ask, when it's the right moment. Now wasn't that time. But just know that Nancy would look killer in a corset. But we knew that already.

Nope- Nancy and Kenzi happened to be more than just casual acquaintances, and may as well have been sisters. They were, technically, blood sisters now.

"Perfect." She holds out her hands to him. "I'll let you lead, then? I'm sure you know a whole lot more about dancing than I do.

He grasps her hands in his own larger ones. "Of course. One of the many advantages of being 'round for this long is knowing how t'move with grace, if not dignity." He recalls the last time he was dancing with Nancy when they had both been at the Redbright function. Dancing seemed to be a good way for them to express emotions without having to say a word. As he whirls her around the sands, he can feel some of his energy returning to his mind.

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stauncherhearted - 2015-08-13 15:53 (UTC) - Expand

"Well, you're lookin' paler than usual." Hi Cooper. Heiji was one of those tanned bodies, though he was kind of always tan so.

He held a stick with a marshmallow at the end of it, which was not yet toasted. S'mores were all right, but he actually preferred the marshmallow part the most. Milk chocolate was way too cloying.

"A fox. Oh joy," Cooper said in a tone as flat as a week-old can of open soda. Heiji was a nice little reminder of what he'd been up to the past couple of weeks. His memories were a somewhat fuzzy blur on the exact sequence of events, but he could remember some parts of it distinctly. Most of it were things that he'd prefer to forget, including trying to feed off the giant fuzzy beast that had burned his hand.

"Feeling better?" he asked, cheerily ignoring Cooper's tone and not feeling all that bad about it because the dude had tried to suck out all his fuzzy beast blood. He did, however, manage to restrain himself from saying something along the lines of glad to see you back among the living.

"I can make ya a s'more if you're peckish."

"I'm just peachy," Cooper says, sounding more than just a little grumpy. Just because Heiji is the forgive and forget type doesn't mean he is. He's still planning to decorate his carpet with a very large, black fox-skin rug. But that's for a night when he's at one-hundred percent. For now, he'll play nice.

"Go right ahead. None of those charred black ones though. I like them golden-brown," he dictates bossily.

"They're best when they're a little bit black," said Heiji, but FINE Cooper, go ahead and ruin your life. He started toasting the marshmallow with expert ease, turning it every now and then so its inside would end up nice and gooey.

Just because you think your opinion is the right one doesn't necessarily make it so, Heiji. Golden marshmallows are the best. This is fact. "So have you been keeping yourself, fuzzy-lumpkins?"

"Fluffier than ever, Cooperbean," said Heiji, bringing one hand up to his cheek and feigning a demure blush.

Don't play this game, Cooper. It could only lead to disaster.

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Fall into Summer (OPEN)

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[ RITUALS ]

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Rituals

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I don't know what happened with the last two sentences

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Bonfire

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