RP:May Day 2023
Summary: Cenril’s park hosts a family friendly celebration of spring. Khitti and Iintahquohae are crowned Queens of the Maypole.
Grassy Turf
Green grasses and slightly raised mounds compel thoughts of springtime and picnics in what has become considered the central park of Cenril. Blankets are occasionally strewn over the dewy blades, held down by baskets laden with the heavy aroma of what lies within. Couples and a few content singles rest or contemplate whatever thoughts come to mind. Within the trees, the sweet song of the multi-colored birds plays a merry tune for the small creatures that scramble about aimlessly. An artfully masoned stone path leads to the newly built cathedral to the east.
Valrae || Lazy clouds, fat and white, rolled across a clear and bright blue spring sky as Kafzhash burned bright overhead. In the lush green heart of Cenril, it would seem the whole of the sea-side republic had gathered for a day celebrating the fullness of spring. Zayvann Day, colloquially known as May Day, was in full swing. Merry makers of all walks of life gathered to crowd around tables and blankets bright as jewels splayed out on the soft grass to mingle and enjoy each other's company. The Maypole stood tall at the center of it all, adorned in opulent and vivid blooms at the top most circle as men and women dressed in their finest twirled about holding onto the multicolored ribbons. There was dancing and laughter as a band of local bards played a lively tune on a small raised stage. The scents of fresh cut grass, salty ocean air, and fried foods mingled with the sweat of many people gathered beneath the sun. Vendors boasted cool drinks and fresh, hot food or sweet treats. Children darted through the crowds squealing, offering flower crowns to those who seemed in need. Everywhere you might turn, there was a flurry of activity, noise and color.
Meri is not here today to partake in any best dressed events, but that is not out of the norm for the blonde. How fashionable she is feeling for these parties has always been hit or miss. Today the blonde is dressed to enjoy the weather, wearing a red summer dress and black flats. Fleur is dressed similarly, except the dress she wears is a periwinkle, her shoes are white, and Meri has braided flowers into her daughter’s black hair. The Lyastri D’Chath family is here for the flowers, festivities, food and maybe a bit of mingling. Maybe.
Valrae || The Mayor of Cenril had arrived early and taken a spot of shaded grass beneath one of the park's taller oak trees. Her aunt Belinda was near, fussing over the table and unpacking a comically large basket filled with food and drink. As for the mayor herself, she’d taken a seat right on the soft grass. Valrae's long golden hair was as free as a girls, the curling mass of it adorned with tiny, vibrant buds that matched the opulent flower crown that was perched atop her head. The witch had worn a dress of velvet and silk, the neckline sloping just below the hollow of her throat. The illusioned fabric appeared to be made of petals, the delicate magic and fabric stitched together with care and precision. Each bloom, whether it be the vibrant blue of the forget-me-not or the golden yellow of the sunlight kiss, was expertly crafted to form a delicate pattern that wrapped around her like a living tapestry. Settled on the grass, her young son Finn perched atop her lap, her dress spread around her like a field of wildflowers. The illusion was so convincing that it was hard to tell where the fabric ended and the grass began. There was a well loved and dog eared book, its spine cracked and the binding faded, face down in the grass beside her and forgotten as the boy animatedly told his mother about last night’s dream.
Cresente has been in rough shape since his last brawl in the wasted snow lands, and he bears the scars to prove it. In any crowd, there are those looking for less than legal services, and with an entire bottle of mead clutched in his bronze fist, he intends to do what passes as enjoyment in the meantime.
Jaxson Ravencroft can be seen standing not too far off from the Mayor and her family as the day’s activities begin to unfold. While Valrae gets her mayor on, the nobleman is actually working in conjunction with the current Captain of the Guard, Hector Cyprian, to provide adequate security for the guests, townsfolk, and of course the mayor and her family. While the old guard keeps an outer cordon on patrols, and even some established points at key locations (such as the entrance and various high points of interest), they still manage to keep themselves from adding any sort of weight to the event. Hector smiles and engages locals who’ve known him for years, leaving Jax and his own personal security team he’s assembled to walk about in everyday attire to act as a sort of undercover inner circle of security. The team-up of Hector and Jax was a last-minute affair, but one that has many boons. The old knight’s best men are part of the team led by Jax, and in exchange, Jax has donated enough gold to outfit the other guards with some of the best gear money can buy, and he helped enchant some of them. Yes, Valrae and Cenril would be safe today. Passing by as he walks about, Jaxson shoots young Finn a wink, before he’d mingle with a local asking about his shop. The man plays a dual role of undercover security and a member of the nobility very well. The man’s eyes drift about but never linger awfully long from Val’s position. In the warmth of the sun she radiates beauty, its hard not to look at. But still, he has a job to do and do so he does! Back to making sure the day goes well and smoothly.
Iintahquohae arrives as she typically does when she crawls out from beneath her work as of late- in a gown of her own making. These events truly were more work for her than a chance to mingle, but the seamstress hoped for less of the former for once. Today, it is as if an oddly-colored tree decided to uproot itself and take a walk from Enchantment to Cenril. The gown is made from her favorite sea silk, dyed a pale gold. Patterns of slightly darker gold embroidery enhanced with illusory magic cover the fabric of this empire waist gown to subtly animate as she moves - an artistic interpretation of furrowed and knotted tree bark in abstracted, swirling lines. The cowl neckline is pinned into place at either shoulder with a pair of silk flower pins, fashioned to look like small bunches of lilacs. This is done both to artfully conceal the gown's shoulder straps from the front, and to secure the twin tails sea silk that drape down her visible back from either shoulder to the floor, which gradate in color from the very same gold the gown is comprised of to a lilac hue. The seamstress picked her mass of silvery grey curls into a shape roughly spherical, purposely asymmetrical to help better sell her vampire-turned-dryad look. Clusters of silk lilac flowers are carefully placed among the curls, and similar to the same imitation blooms perched on either shoulder, they're enchanted to shift with a nonexistent breeze, close their petals and re-open on a whim. A matching floral bangle hangs from her right wrist, while the other remains bare, mirrored by her ankles and bare feet hidden beneath her skirt. She tries a smile and shifts her posture a bit to appear a little less rigid while purchasing a drink from a vendor's stall, despite her overall state of mind lately being the opposite. Dreadful, practiced and poised – empty, as hyperbolic as it sounds, but just like the mannequins in her shops. But not today, Lady Stitch tells herself while taking a sip from her cup of lemonade. Spring is a chance for new, and she'll choose new. ...She'll try to choose new. Fake it 'til you make it, no?
Magikrios can be spotted following Meri and Fleur closeby. He's not quite dressed for the occasion, but it's better than his normal all black attire. If anything, he looks like he just got done teaching a class or two at the Mage's Tower..Meditation class, perhaps? He's sporting comfortable black slacks, black slippers, and a dark green vest with a white dress shirt below it. The Lyastri will mingle if he 'has' to, but the main objective is just a normal relaxing day with the family.
Khitti || It had been quite a while since Khitti decided to show up to one of Lithrydel’s events that wasn’t involving people trying to brutally murder each other for money and fame. It took her some time to get up the nerve to decide on going and when she did, she set out to find an outfit for the festival and made preparations for it until the day of. Not long after the festival began, when the day finally arrived, a certain redheaded witch stepped off of the street that went through the middle of Cenril and onto the grassy turf, taking a moment to squint at the bright sun and fluffy clouds before shaking her head and continuing on into the event area. Her dress was mostly in her usual style, knee-length with no sleeves, but this one was a tad bit fancier. The shimmery fabric used was made to look like the pattern of a monarch butterfly, almost in a stained glass-type fashion, though it was in the colors of the Shadow Plane: dark and muted blues, greens, purples, and even some reds. A layer of black petticoat was worn beneath the skirt, giving the skirt a bit of definition. Accompanying the dress was the starlit sunset crystal crown Kanna had made for her, set atop Khitti’s long, intricately braided hair, the various flowers complimenting the dress, while the quartz stars sparkled in the sunlight. And the masterpiece of the whole outfit was the black and purple wings that opened and closed occasionally on the witch’s back, made of her own dark magic, tendrils of shadow and small bits of violet shadowfire curling off and falling from it now and then. Khitti took a moment to take a breath, the crowd a little overwhelming, before she started to head through the area and see what Valrae had done with the place.
Meri :: It would not take long for Fleur to spot another child to play with, one that the young witch has already met a few times and taken a shine to. A glass is given to Meri and is paired with a devious smile before the raven-haired toddler runs off in the direction of Valrae. As toddlers do. Meri is not pressed to chase after the child. Instead she lazily loops her arm with Magikrios’ so that that can take their time striding closer to the Mayor. Fleur would be the first to say hello to Valrae but it would be clear that the blonde mayor is not her target, her son is. “Hi, want to play?!?” Meri would arrive about thirty seconds after, presumably with Magik in tow. “Kids, right? We can try and drag them around with us if you want.”
Cresente does a double-take when he sees the red-headed woman, and gives a curious glance to the faerie-like wings on her back. "Weird little bugger never mentioned being a fae." He mutters, his brows knit in confusion. Costumes are a foreign concept to the ex-soldier, and he gives a disapproving hum as he looks away and eyes the guards with a raise of the brow.
Valrae is all smiles for Fleur, even as she releases Finn knowing she’d really ran over for the young boy, and watches as the two of them talk in the rushed and animated way of kids. When Magik and Meri arrive she stands, “I want to squeeze them,” She informs Meri, pantomiming hugging them both very tight. “They’re so little.” The witch watches the pair of them again as she considers Meri’s offer. “If you don’t mind for a moment?” I think I spotted someone I haven’t seen in a while and I’d love to go talk to her?” After waiting a second to confirm, she leaves Finn in the very capable hands of the Guardians of Sage. It was also helpful to know Jaxson was never far. With that, she heads straight toward Iintahquohae. “Inks? Is that you?”
Magikrios catches up to Meri as Fleur runs ahead. With their arms looped as they walk, he leans in to his wife's ear and whispers, "Or we could leave the kid with Val and.." By the time he could finish that sentence, he has no choice but to smile towards the Mayor, "All good, Val?" The elf smirks then whispers again to Meri as Val searches for another, "Or we can babysit.."
Khitti felt eyes on her as black booted feet stopped at a vendor stall that was selling pies. She made her choice of a mixed berry hand pie--a type that was better equipped for standing around and eating, rather than using a plate and fork--and waited for it to be served to her. While she waited, she turned around and tried to not look like she was scanning the crowd for anyone in particular, specifically the person that had been looking her way, occasionally shifting her attention towards the dancing around the maypole. Eventually, her line of sight settled on Cresente and all Khitti could do was smirk. It wasn’t a very amused smirk, however. It was more like one that said “of course -you’d- be here.” It was then that her dessert was finally given to her, the top crust decorated with large crystals of sugar, and then she made her way towards the avian, taking a bite every now and then.
Joan made her way towards the festival after her shift at the Cahole
Iintahquohae wondered if it might've been wise to set up a booth for the afternoon here to sell some of her jewelry and faux flowers, but that didn't quite fit the spirit of 'newness', now did it? More play was required, less work. Just a little less. Perhaps not to the extent of joining the dancers with their ribbons around the pole...actually, scratch that. -Exactly- to that extent. After tossing her emptied paper cup away, the seamstress nimbly wove her way through the throng of people, and in that movement passed by Khitti, who she greeted with a cheery (clearly a bit forced, but that fake it mentality is ever present) hello, and another for Valrae as well once she caught a glimpse of Cenril's Mayor, who looked absolutely divine as always. When she does finally reach the Maypole and has one of its many ribbons within her hands (red, naturally, her favorite color), she whirls around at the sound of her name. That facade of forced cheeriness softens to something far more genuine, albeit a bit gloomy. The ribbon slips from her fingers and she takes a careful sidestep out of the way of a passing dancer. “Yes – Yes it is.” What a stilted reply. She'll try again. “Yes – hi. Er. Hello, Val.” As is the seamstress's habit, she looks over the mayor's gown with a long, appraising look. It's truly lovely, and there's a much better smile that tugs at the corners of her mouth. “You and your dress both look magnificent.”
Meri smirks at Magikrios as Meri manages to get them trucked with babysitting duty on their fun, family day out. To be fair, playing with Finn is making Fleur very happy. With a wink to Valrae, the crew meanders off together to explore the festivities. It does not take long for the kids to discover the ribbons on the Maypole, though. Soon both Finn and Fleur have latched on to ribbons and are running around the maypole like the toddler heathens that they are. There is much giggling and laughter. It also gives Meri and Magik a chance to, “Hey, look, a beer cart.”
Cresente feels a pit in his stomach when her eyes lock onto his. Though the striking color bears a resemblance, the eyes of the person before him reminds him very clearly of what year it is, and why he has taken up the profession he has. There is also the distinct sense of perhaps... possibly... being in trouble. Crescente looks away and brings the bottle of mead to his lips, hoping that she continues to walk past him. Ah Deslanus-Khar above have mercy on him, for Khitti has stopped in front of him. Crescente lowers the bottle, averting his gaze from her unamused smirk. "...I didn't know you were part fey. Is the other one fae as well?" He finally says, breaking the awkward silence first.
Magikrios said to Meri, “Hey, look, a beer cart!”
Joan made her way towards the festival after her shift ended at the Chapel of Unrest. The vampiric healer following her nose and the cheerful chatter heard. As always the woman was outfitted in one of her normally well tailored and fitted ladies pantsuit in her normal colors of black, white, and purple. Making her way in she’d make a lap around the food and drink venders, getting a bit of everything offered and returning any greetings she got. Once she had her goodies, the woman would make her way to a somewhat less crowded spot and enjoy herself.
Jaxson continues his own vigil as both guardian and noble, stopping to talk to numerous locals and also visitors while all the while keeping a watchful eye. He spots Finn's excitement, and honestly he'd love to be spending time with the lil' man, but there would be time later. This event will have the child wound up, and Jax will have to find creative ways to settle him before dinner so Val can prepare for the upcoming week. The woman works tirelessly, even rising from the bed late at night to answer some important matter or the other, truly she has her whole heart into making Cenril better, and her care and love for the people is shown daily. So, back to making sure this day goes smoothly!
Meri bats her eyelashes ever so sweetly, "Have I told my super rich husband how handsome he is today? If you give me your coin purse, I will buy us beer."
Valrae resists the urge to pull the seamstress into a tight hug as she turns from the Maypole to return the greeting. The gloom behind Ink’s smile wasn’t lost to her, but the witch knew good manners meant not pressing her in the middle of a spring festival. “And look at you!” Val counters, marveling at the artwork that she’d adorned herself in. “You’re absolutely stunning. I don’t even have to ask, I know it’s your own work.” The witch reaches out to touch her shoulder gently. “I didn’t mean to pull you from your dance, I just wanted you to know how good it is to see you.”
Magikrios doesn't even put up an argument as he hands his lovely wife a 'few' gold coins, "Something dark, please." Of course you'd want a dark beer, Mag. Of course. Syrri arrived with a few Skjoldet recruits in tow, each bearing the silvery shield sigil of their clan for easy identification. The clan leader herself wore a suit of navy-blue Nightstone leather armor with an emerald-green swathe of fabric serving as a half-cape. As the recruits dispersed to enjoy the festival, Syrri made her way through the crowd searching for something to eat, greeting those she knew as she passed by with a cheerful, "Hello!" before effectively stuffing her mouth with the savory goods.
Joan tore into the massive funnel cake she had picked up, her glowing orbs widen abit as the vampire takes in the fried piece of bread before she bits into one corner, chewing thoughtful Joan would agree, it was delicious and fluffy, the powdered white sugar on top just finished it off, and within a few minutes it is eaten and gone down into her stomach.
Khitti does not, in fact, continue walking past Cresente, much to his dismay. She was quiet for a while, savoring her delicious berry treat, just staring at him. She hoped it made him uncomfortable, because she was doing it on purpose with that aim in mind. He posed his question and still there was no response. She just stared and ate until the pie was gone. Did her objective work? Let’s find out. “Not fae,” the redhead said at last. “Just human, with skills in art and magic.” Khitti paused, then quickly added, “That goes for both of us.” The redhead had almost considered lying to him, telling him that they were indeed fae, but she decided to be nice, if only for Khitt. “I suppose you’re owed an explanation for the tournament.” She’d wait for a response now. If he didn’t want to know why Khitt had dropped out, then she wouldn’t tell him. That was on him. She put in the effort to try to tell him, at least, considering the fact that it was actually her fault.
Meri appens to pass by Syrri on the way to said beer cart with Magikrios’ coin purse. Before the blonde gets caught up with placing her beer order, she greets the halfling with a little wiggle of her fingers. “Hey there, good to see you!” And then off to super important beer matters. A dark beer is ordered for Magik while Meri herself goes for something that is more amber in color, not that these details would be easily seen given that she will not be walking back to Magik with clear glass cups. Glass cups at a festival are a recipe for disaster. They are probably wooden. Magik is given a wooden beer cup upon Meri’s return. “So are we planning on staying the night in Cenril? Or are we going to try and head back home once we get our fill of the fun?” The kids are still fine, still running in circles around the maypole. So. Much. Energy.
Cresente bristles slightly during the pause while the woman continues to eat her treat. The only indication she has as to whether her tactic worked is the beads of sweat forming on his brow and the way his jaw is clenched. When she finally speaks, his jaw loosens, and an exhale reeking of alcohol is released away from her direction. "I was looking forward to our rematch." He admits. As they speak, he looks back to where a human child has started petting the feathers at the bottom of his wing. All it takes is a slight ruffle to spook the child into running back to their parents, who promptly chastise them about stranger danger. Crescente looks back to Khitti. "If he did not feel the same, I will not take offense to it.
Iintahquohae would have absolutely melted into that hug if Valrae did pull her in, but she resists taking a step forward to do the very same herself. Instead she can't help preening a little – compliments related to her clothes had a tendency to bring that out of her. She pinches the edges of either gold-lilac 'tails' hanging off the back of her dress, and flares them out a little, revealing that not only have they been pleated the entire time, but when properly outstretched they reveal, at least on their front-facing side, a plethora of embroidered lilacs. “You know me, I simply can't afford any synonymy -” Was she even using that word correctly? Did someone spike her cup of lemonade earlier? Whatever the case, she actually laughed at herself. “It's good to see you too. How have you been?” It's unnecessary due to her height, but she makes a show of getting up on tip-toes, peering over the crowd as if she's looking for the Mayor's son. “And Finn? And -” Her eyes cast a brief glance at the Maypole and its ribbons. “I honestly don't know exactly how to do it -” And she's fumbled right back into somewhat awkward, but as is her nature, she'll try to spin it, and reaches for a pair of ribbons, offering one to Valrae. “Want to try?”
Syrri's cheeks turned bright red at the greeting given by Meri, and she is delightfully chuffed. "Great to see ya too!" she called out to the adventuring lycan before the other was distracted by Super Important Beer Matters. Bits of cake are stuck to Syrri's cheeks and chin and she decided it was probably best she got something to wash down the goodies, so she, too, made her way toward the alcohol, wiping the back of her wrist against her mouth in a vain effort to clear some of the food from its position.
Khitti || “Oh no. He still wants to beat the hell out of you, and I’m all for it, but--” Khitti stopped for a moment, spying both Meri and Magikrios out of the corner of her eye. A wave was offered to her sister and her brother-in-law, before her attention settled on Cresente again. Her prickly attitude faded for a split second, a brief show of the torrent of emotions beneath the mask unfortunately made before the mask was back up again. “But… fate has screwed us over again, and it turns out that I’m pregnant, and Khitt didn’t want to jeopardize things.” She hadn’t even bothered seeing a healer about it, though she knew she should. She knew in the pit of her stomach it was the twins that had been foretold years ago, only now there would be no real happiness tied to the event. “So. In time, you two shall have your match. Just not now.” The pregnancy had been the source of the aching, gnawing feeling that had been plaguing her for months, and she could no longer ignore it.
Valrae grins as Iintahquohae preens, happy to see more of the fabulous dress she’d created while also calculating what exact string of words, begging, and compliments would pair best with a healthy sum of gold in effort to convince the seamstress to redo her entire wardrobe. It was no secret that Valrae had a healthy shopping habit and an even bigger clothing addiction. Iintahquohae’s own personal style also happened to be her favorite. But the witch found her laughing alongside the other woman. ”I’ve been good! Really good,” Though now wouldn’t be the time to say it was because a certain undeathly menace had seemingly vanished from their lives. Finn was squealing with Fluer around the Maypole already, having the time of his life, and didn’t seem to care where his mother or any other adults might be. “Oh, I can show you!” Val chirps, taking the bright pink ribbon Inks offered her in one hand and the other woman’s hand in another. She pulled them both into the twirling, dancing fray. Her flower adorned hair trailed behind her like a golden ribbon as she spun with the music that the bard's were playing, the tone upbeat and full of fun, as she laughed and tried to show Inks the way.
Magikrios takes his wooden cup and gives it a slow swirl while studying it carefully, "Thank you.." What is actually floating in there? "..my love." Oh well. Down the hatch it goes without a second thought. "I figured we can stay out here for the night, yeah? The gallery deserves our attention every once in a while, yeah?" Of course his sister-in-law's wave will not go unnoticed. He raises his mug to her and smiles. He starts to wonder if he can pawn some kids off on her..maybe.
Meri also waves right back to Khitti, which is the only reason she does not even take note of Magikrios staring suspiciously at the beer she just gave him. Why she would never poison her own husband. No matter how rich he is. "Well if we are out in Cenril for tonight then maybe we can drop by Khitti's tonight then and they can make us dinner. It would be good to spend time."
Joan allows the tip of her icy pale pink tongue to dart out and lick at the sticky remains of her funnel cake before taking out a pocket handkerchief and making quick work of any remaining powdered sugar or bread bits, once more presentable the vampiric woman would take a small offered cup of the honey mead before making her way towards her guild leader Khitti. It was about time Joan reported in and let the other know of her progress on her book. “Miss Khitti, excuse me! Do you have a moment?” She’d ask before taking a slow sip of the honey mead, spotting short near the redhead and the avian male. Joan would offer a polite nod of her head to the avian male before giving Khitti her full attention.
Iintahquohae ;; “That's good! Great!” Iintahquohae considered Valrae to be incredibly sharp, so she went with the assumption that how she was doing didn't necessarily need to be volunteered. New, the seamstress reminds herself. New. And that decidedly more genuine smile brightens a bit at the witch's offer to show her how to dance around the Maypole. Her hand holds tight to Valrae's. It isn't often that Inks felt uncertain and bumbling (and finding joy in it, even), but there she is, following Val's lead and while not getting the hang of the motions right away, she's enjoying it. She usually felt so confident in general and found a sense of stability within that, but this, as mundane as it was, felt different. Good different. Something new. There's that word again. “It's lik-” she interrupts herself for bumping into another dancer to apologize to them, then back to to Valrae, “- Kind of like braiding, or weaving...” Inspiring, even if Inks finds herself stumbling a lot. She could make a dress like this.
Cresente looks at Khitti the second the word leaves her mouth, his emptied bottle of mead nearly slipping from his grasp. He takes on a strange, conflicted expression, not unlike the one he had when he first saw the strange human in their female form. As quickly as it appeared, his own mask has been replaced, and Crescente discards the bottle. "You don't seem like you are particularly overjoyed, and given your situation, I do not blame you." He looks out at the Maypole where younglings are twirling and dancing. "I hope all your children can attend next year." His way of wishing her good health. "I was..." The words catch in his throat before he can say it. Perhaps the time will come, but this is not the time nor the place. "I was hoping that I could still stop by. Even if it is not to seek a fight."
Khitti would certainly welcome Meri, Magik, and Fleur for dinner if they decided to stop by! It would give her a chance to tell them the news of her being pregnant as well. And Valrae… she needed to tell Valrae as well. The redhead sighed at the thought, her line of sight trailing away from Cresente as he tried his best to compose himself after the mana bomb she dropped on his brain. It’s then that Joan showed up and tried to draw the redhead’s attention away more fully. There’s another sigh. She had a feeling it was going to be business-related--or guild-related rather--and she’d hoped to steer clear of that stuff for today. “If it’s related to the guild, Joan, not today please. I’m trying to enjoy a day off for once. I have so few of them. Quintessa has been released from her suspension, so you may pester her about things as well.” She was nice enough not to mention Bradyn, as he seemed to have gone back into one of his long periods of isolation again. Returning to the conversation at hand, olive-green eyes find Cresente again. “I should not be surprised by things. This was foretold a long time ago. I just didn’t think it would actually happen after… everything.” Her lips twisted into another unamused smirk, but disappeared as she shrugged at the avian. “You may come over if you wish. Just not tonight.” She wouldn’t admit that, even if she wasn’t the one utilizing her and Khitt’s shared body at the time of his visit, she might actually welcome Cresente’s company.
Meri interjects herself into Khitti's conversation with Cresente just so that she can pop off with a cheekily snarky, "Yeah. Just not tonight. Magikrios and I are coming over tonight for dinner." Insert a very not serious glare that is followed by a smirk. Hopefully Cresente has a sense of humor.
Valrae || After they’ve spun themselves enough times that they might be good and dizzy, Valrae slows her pace. It was just in time to listen to Iintahquohae and her answering smile is beaming. “Yeah, it is now that you say that.” She’d never thought of it that way. “Do you want a drink? I need a drink.” The witch slips away from the Maypole, enchanted skirts hitched up in her hands as she enters the crowd. Her hair was heavy and hot underneath the spring sun, she’d like to hunt up a bit of shade too. She’d just managed to order herself a glass of chilled honey mead when one of her attendants calls for her attention. Pushing back the mass of her golden hair, she nods along to whatever was whispered in her ear before she heads towards the small stage where the bards were performing. The music lowers to a hush before one of them calls the attention of the crowd and Valrae takes the stage. “Thank you all for coming to celebrate Zayvann!” Her enchanted voice rings above the cheers of the crowd. “We have a tie for Queen of the Maypole, and in the spirit of the holiday and all things new and growing, we will crown two winners!” She waits as two more attendants appear, each holding a basket overflowing with flowers, jars of local made honey and jams, herbs and candles. “Congratulations to Khitti and Iintahquohae!”
Arlyeon doesn't have the plausible deniability brought about by shapeshifting these days. A certain gifted trinket made certain of that, which meant, for the most part- any sort of shenanigans on her part had to be a lot more measured. That, or come with an obligatory amount of consent forms. Which is why, when the foxkin invariably shows up in a set of heavy duty coveralls, and a series of veils that look more akin to netting- she's -also- accompanied by a number of boxes. Most of these are consent forms, with a variety of region specific legalese that more or less amount to a release of responsibility from any incurred damages. That said, amongst the whole- a few happen to be buzzing angrily- and it's these latter ones she proceeds to spread out over a rickety table that unfolds neatly from her pack. Because, of course, if some mass gathering is occuring, Ina's there to do -something-.
Cresente looks around the vendor area, scanning to see which has the shortest line. His attention is drawn away by the vampiress and the way Khitt's expression changes. Has she been overworked? "I believe there is a space available for you to sit over by your associates. I'll offer you an escort free of charge." Was this his attempt at humor? Crescente extends a wing out to grant Khitti plenty of berth from the crowds whichever way she decides to go.
Joan would offer a bob of her head once she heard Khitti out, it didn’t bother the vampiric healer at all about the sigh given by her guild leader. Joan herself was rather lax in making contact with much of anyone in the pass year. Absolutely taken in by her cross studies and having to produce a tome to add to the guild library before she could offer herself up for the next rank. “Ah, okay. Thank you, and, congrats on the pregnancy.”
Jaxson stops in his duties as personal guard to applaud the winners of the Maypole event, happy for both winners and glad to see the day's events going off without a hitch.
Cresente looks at Meri blankly. Oh Meri, the bit of humor that exists in this birdman's mind is reserved for level two friends. "I hope you enjoy."
Meri takes a moment to hand her beer to Magikrios as the honorary Maypole Queen’s are announced. She has to do some cheering afterall, especially for Khitti. That is not the only reason behind this action. The other is so that she can collect Finn and Fleur in a very elegant fashion. Super fitting for the sun dress she is wearing. One child is hoisted up under the crook of one arm, while the other is hoisted into the opposite. Meri makes her way on over to Valrae and deposits the kid mostly on his feet in front of Valrae. Note, Meri is not being mean or aggressive about it. She’s just playing around with the kids, Fleur for one usually appreciates antics like being hung upside down while Meri carries her. With a smile to Valrae, “Thanks for letting Finn wear Fleur out a bit and the amazing event.” That said, Meri returns to Magikrios and the Lyastri D’Chath family makes a slow exit from this area. By the sounds of it, they are off to the art gallery next.
Iintahquohae lost the vast majority of her lilac hair decorations, but decides to carelessly leave them behind. They do have her shop's name carefully engraved into the metal clips and pins that previously held them in place, so she'll drum up leaving them carelessly behind as a bit of free advertising to anyone who might collect them. If her blood ran warm, her face would absolutely be warm and rosy, but she could still feel the dizziness. She even went through the motions of catching her breath, despite her long-since-dead lungs not requiring the need to inhale or exhale. Her attire may be elegant, but her posture definitely isn't while she bends forward a little, hands planted on her upper thighs to 'catch her breath' some more. In that motion, Inks misses Valrae taking the stage, but the sound of her name jerks the seamstress right back up to properly standing. ...She's one of the queens? What luck. Her eyes search for Khitti to congratulate her, and while she typically would take advantage of a win to shill for her business, Inks refrains. New. New. Enjoy the moment for once, Stitch. She heads for the stage to accept one of the baskets, and flashes a grin at Valrae. “You know how to throw a party,” she hollers, over the noise. “Thank you!”
Khitti couldn’t help but full-on grin at Meri and her shenanigans. She opened her mouth to say something to her sister, but it was then that Valrae announced the winners of the Queen of the Maypole contest. She blinked a few times, her face turning as red as her hair. “Oh.” That’s really all she could say at the moment. She was actually pretty flustered now and it only got worse the longer she stood there amongst Meri, Cresente, and Joan. “S-sorry. Gotta go. I apparently just became a queen.” There’s a few more blinks. “Meri, definitely dinner. Joan, no guild stuff during events. Cresente…?” She paused, unsure of what to say to him. So. She didn’t. She gave him an awkward solo fingergun and slipped off towards the attendant that had her prize. The flusteredness and blushing faded away as she inspected the goodies of her basket, her stomach suddenly growling loudly despite having just eaten something. “Congrats, Inks!” Of course, she wasn’t going to forget to congratulate her fellow queen, offering the vampire as smile as well.
Joan turns towards the mayor as she spoke aloud the names of the winners. The vampiric healer offering a couple of polite claps. She’d also snag an extra flower crown for ‘Rina should the feline not make it.
Cresente tilts his head and furrows his brows, not understanding the gesture. But he is content to let her be on her own way, and so he too makes his way back to the drinks stalls, trying to shape his hand into the strange motion Khitti made...
Iintahquohae said to Khitti, “Who would've thought - Queens? Good to see you again." She loops her arm under the basket's handle so she can hold it better. "May our reigns be..." She glances at some of the items in the basket. "...Bountiful? Flourishing.”
Khitti said to Iintahquohae, “Good to see you again too! And likewise!”
Meri cheers for Khitti one final time before.... Meri disappeared in a cloud accompanied by lightning and thunder.
Valrae laughs as the pair of May Queens take the stage with her, she gives them each a hug as she passes them the enchanted baskets. “Congrats!” She tells them both, before leaving to give them a moment of spotlight. Also, she needed to collect her son. He was wiggly and over excited as Meri deposited him at her feet. Valrae thanked both Meri and Mag before they slipped off, taking Finn into her arms. They were off to find Jaxson. She could probably convince him that he’d been working long enough, right? And with the way Finn was rubbing his eyes, it was probably time to get home for his nap.
Khitti decided then that it was time for her to head off home. Dinner for her guests needed to be started. She was somehow starving again. An entire jar of honey needed to be devoured (okay not really but still). She also needed to prepare to tell more people about being pregnant. Oi. With her basket in hand, and a trail of shadows following along behind her, Khitti quickly offered extended an invite to Valrae as well for dinner, thanked her for the prize, and headed towards the street to go home.
Joan made a final turn of all the food stalls to gather more delicious snacks before making her exit. These would go great with her extra long study and research sessions.
Jaxson is glad to see the event go so well, but even more relieved to see Valrae approach him to whisk them all away to a personal relaxed day. A debrief with Hector and the duo wrap up the guards and settle back into normal duties, a firm handshake exchanged between the pair before jax finds Val and Finn and readies on home.
Iintahquohae hugs both Val and tries to pull Khitti into that hug too, considering she missed both of them so much. “I'll be in touch,” she murmurs to both of them. It's a little hard embracing them both with one arm even if Inks was a bit on the lanky side, but she didn't want to drop her basket. Successful or not, she's back to rummaging through the contents of her prize and is last to leave the stage as a result. When she finally does step off it, she's off for the coast, to home, and her shop beneath the sand. Stepping out wasn't so bad after all.
Syrri gathered her recruits, everyone's bellies full and cheeks glowing with the zest of the Zayvann Day festivities. Each of them accounted for, the halfling lieutenant made her way through appropriate good-byes and take-cares to friendly faces and led her troupe toward the nearby stables so they could retrieve their steeds and return to Venturil.