Event: The Hearts Aflame Faire

[royaldecreemods]

THE HEARTS AFLAME FAIRE

The moment the Hearts Aflame Faire begins, Rosavelle is set to ignite! … in spirit, of course. From the canals of Menthward to the breezy terraces of Bellvine Hill, the entire kingdom bursts into color and warmth. Silken banners ripple overhead like tongues of flame, their edges enchanted to flicker without ever burning. Lanterns shaped like blooming hearts drift through the air in slow, buoyant currents, casting a warm, honeyed light that softens every corner of the city. Flower garlands spill from every railing in rich shades of scarlet, coral and gold. Even the canals shimmer with festival magic: enchanted petals drift across the water like glowing embers, while gondolas trail ribbons of light behind them as they pass.

For a kingdom as preoccupied with love as Rosavelle is, it's probably no surprise to see the festival celebrating it so lavishly. The streets are alive - no, alight - with celebration and everywhere you look, it seems like there's some kind of spectacle. A troupe of acrobats in flame-colored silk spins through the square, while bards pluck at heart-shaped lutes and sing tall tales of love stories long since past. Stalls crowd every walkway and canal edge, selling just about every festival good you can imagine: trinkets galore, bouquets and flower arrangements of every shape and color, carnival games and challenges and a truly unholy amount of spicy food - sugared fruits glazed in chili syrup, fire-roasted seafood skewers, molten chocolate tarts infused with warming herbs and the like. Thankfully, there's plenty of cooler drinks to wash it down with and non-spicy options for the less adventurous eaters.

Stages bloom across the districts in all shapes and sizes. Musicians, poets and performers take turns beneath garlands of glowing flowers, offering serenades that range from tender to bold. Some performances are… less conventional - a puppet show reenacting famous famous love stories, a dramatic monologue delivered by a knight claiming to have died (and returned) for love, a group of Meramancers weaving together spells that pulse to the rhythm of a love ballad.

Of course, the Faire being what it is, surely you're not just here to gawk. The Courtship Games are all about celebrating the courage and excitement of sharing your feelings with a special someone(s) and the Hearts Aflame Faire is filled to the brim with chances to do just that! While there will be certain events taking place across different days of the festival, here's a primer of the permanent installations you can find across all days of the festival

❁ The Trial of Embers: Perhaps the Faire's most infamous tradition. Rows of challengers gather before long tables lined with escalating dishes of heat - spiced fruits, peppered pastries, searing broths and, at the end, the dreaded flamefruit peppers that have been known to cause the faint of heart to spew real flames! It's considered perfectly acceptable - encouraged, even - to challenge someone mid-confession - after all, if your love burns so brightly, you should be able to prove it, right?

❁ Azalea Way: A transformed alleyway nestled between two buildings, marked with a heart shaped arch on both ends. Azalea shrubs line the entire path, enjoying the shade the buildings provide them, and blooming in warm tones of pink, red and purple, broken up with the occasional white. The path is surprisingly narrow though, with just enough room for two people to walk through side by side. In some spots though it almost feels as if the flowers themselves are conspiring to make you and your partner squeeze together. The first of the Faire’s “four roads”, where it’s said that completing all four with the same partner will bless your relationship. (Bellvine Hill)

❁ Camellia Cafe: An outdoor cafe set up under an open tent between several camellia trees. The tent is set up with the intent of disturbing the trees as little as possible so many of the branches slip under it, providing a lovely atmosphere. Each round garden table sits two people (with room for a third if you don’t mind being a little cramped!) and while there are a variety of small treats on offer (including tiered trays for sharing) the real must try is the tea, made from the very trees the cafe is set up around. Every piece of dishware is even styled after the camellias themselves! (Maerlys)

❁ Carnation Station: A large, circular gazebo painted red and white with plenty of space to sit. The architecture has hearts and flowers carved into the wood, but the real draw is the giant heart centerpiece of the middle of the space, made entirely of red and white carnations. Surrounding the perimeter of the gazebo are piles of empty pots, each with pairs of names written on them and made clearly visible. Several feet away from the structure are rows of shelves with even more pots, all filled with fresh dirt - when visitors are done with the gazebo they are encouraged to plant a carnation seed together with a loved one (romantic or platonic!) and write their own names on the pot. The intention is to leave a symbol of their bond which will flourish and then be used for next year’s display. (Primavain)

❁ Across The Cosmos: A smaller canal off the main ones decorated on both sides with massive arrangements of cosmos flowers. Boats decorated with the flower as well are stationed at each end, offering rides to couples up and down the canal for free… but only couples. (Or pairs of people who look like couples, they’re not going to question it if you found a stranger just to get a free ride.) Some of the flowers have broken off and fallen into the water themselves, floating serenely on the surface with whatever stray petals have also found their way there. At night a little meramancy makes the water’s surface look like a starry sky, making it really feel like you are travelling across the cosmos. The second of the Faire’s “four roads”. (Menthward)

❁ Daffodil Reflections: A large shallow pool with four daffodil shaped fountains in the middle - one large and three smaller ones surrounding it. The edge can be sat on… if you can find the space to do so anyway. Several daffodil arrangements line the edges, all staring at their own reflections in the water. More notable though is that people are free to wade into the pool as they wish. At two feet deep it’s quite common to see excited children playing in it and splashing each other, or adults in their swim suits sitting in it to enjoy the nice, cool water. Magic keeps it from feeling too cold and also always nice and clean. Watch out for splashing though. (Menthward)

❁ Fuchsia Lane: Another pathway nestled between buildings, this one is completely shaded thanks to the abundance of fuchsia pots hanging overhead. The flowers range from pink and purple, white and red, and any other combination of those colours you could think of. Hanging with the flowers are also heart shaped lanterns to light your way, giving the path a very warm and dim ambience even in the middle of day. Unlike Azalea Way there’s much more space in this path, so there’s plenty of room to take a breather if you need it. Just be sure to keep against the walls so others can pass. The third of the Faire’s “four roads”. (Primavain)

❁ Iris Rest: Speaking of breathers - tucked away in a little out of the way corner is Iris Rest. A small shaded garden of irises with a handful of benches where people are encouraged to take a break from the festivities and love confessions to just relax. A small iris shaped fountain in the center is enchanted to always cast a rainbow over its spray no matter the time of day or weather conditions and music is being played nearby… wait, does this song sound familiar to anyone? Listen, sometimes you just don’t want the world to see you. What if they don’t understand? (Maerlys)

❁ Magnolia Point: A large viewing deck set up on the cliffside facing the ocean, underneath some magnolia trees in full bloom. Originally set up just for the amazing view, each festival return of this attraction saw it become more and more of a peak “date night” spot and so several tables are set up for a fine dining experience. While daytime will give you a fantastic view of the ocean and less traffic, and dinner by candlelight at night is very romantic, the most popular time to go is dusk by far. And if dinner isn’t of interest to you, there’s still a part of the deck only for viewing, with a waiter nearby to order drinks from should you wish to partake. (Bellvine Hill)

❁ Morning Glory Rise: Marked with an arching trellis of blue, purple, pink and white morning glories, going through here reveals the road to actually be a dimly lit tunnel that splits into two different paths - one marked as more challenging and the other as more accessible. While the latter is a nice little walk uphill with more light and a bench to rest on at the mid way point, the former is as it advertised: a challenging hike up a steep incline of stairs. Both reward you with the same sight at the end though: a breathtaking view of the ocean, with benches propped up against even more morning glory trellises as you take it all in and catch your breath. This is the last of the Faire’s “four roads” and considered the most rewarding. (Maerlys)

❁ Orchid Swings: A roof top garden that, while it’s a little out of the way to get to, gives you a spectacular view of Rosavelle. Several swinging benches have been set up, all adorned with hanging orchids in soft shades of pink and white. A stall selling snacks and drinks has also set up shop on the roof, with its big star being orchid shaped buns made just for the Faire. Every petal has a different filling, and you’re meant to share it with whoever you’re sitting with on your swing, pulling each petal off from the base. The fillings are a mystery and no two buns are the same… there may even be a surprise spicy filling here and there! (Maerlys)

❁ Peony Picnics: A grassy garden area with several picnic blankets set up among a plethora of peony shrubs. People are encouraged to bring whatever food and drink they want and sit with friends or partners on the blankets, enjoying the warm sun and the fragrant flowers. A wide range of food stalls have taken advantage of the easy business opportunity to set up right along the edges of the area, so you have plenty of options, but locals insist that there’s nothing better than preparing your own homemade food to bring here for your loved ones. At darker hours it’s kept lit with floating lanterns. (Primavain)

❁ Primrose Hall: A large, dusty pink tent set up as a dance hall. Live music is played nonstop at all waking hours, with different bands rotating in and out to play different types of music. Chairs and tables are set up along the walls of the tent if you need a break, or if you aren’t much for dancing and just want to enjoy the atmosphere. Primrose bouquets decorate every table, as well as the tent entrance and music stage. But what stands out more are all the images of the namesake flower painted on the stone dance floor. At night the stage opens up for visitors to try their hand at singing along to whatever song they can get the current band to play. (Menthward)

❁ Snapdragon Stage: While several stages are set up around the festival, Snapdragon Stage stands out in particular. Despite not being the main stage for the festival, it is the most decorated, adorned with hundreds of blooming snapdragons. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to get up on stage for whatever they’d like, ranging from singing, poetry readings, or even one man shows if you’re so inclined. And even if no one stops to pay you any mind at least you’ll always have an audience: an adorable dragon shaped flower arrangement lays in front of the stage, designed to look like it is always watching the performers. (Primavain)

DAY ONE

The Faire opens with all the usual fanfare one would expect from a kingdom that has collectively decided it's time for love. Stalls line the streets, stages fill with performers, and every district hums with activity as festivalgoers throw themselves into games, food, and the general atmosphere of it all. Couples' challenges are in full swing, the Trial of Embers sees its first brave (and often overconfident) participants, and garland weaving stations along the canals are already seeing steady use.

This is also the day when certain festivalgoers will be approached and offered the chance to take on the role of a Laurel-Bound Beloved, a central figure in one of the Faire's most popular traditions. Participation is entirely voluntary, of course… though the offer is often framed in a way that makes declining feel like missing out on something very interesting. Those who accept are given a time and place to meet the next day so they can be briefed on their role in the festival… and dressed appropriately of course.

A brief rainshower passes over Rosavelle in the afternoon that leaves the streets gleaming, the air fresh and the lanternlight that much softer as evening falls.

DAYS TWO & THREE

The second day of the Faire is much the same as the first for most people, with all the usual stalls, games, and performances still running. But for the Laurel-Bound Beloveds, today is when their role begins in earnest! They're instructed to meet at the Town Hall at around eight in the morning, where they'll spend the next few hours being instructed on what to expect in their roles and dressed to the nines in flowers and floaty, regal-looking attire to look the part. They're encouraged to not let their role in the Faire keep them from having fun and to not worry about taking things too seriously.

The Laurel-Bound Beloved debut at the Faire at around noon, where they'll be paraded through the streets with a small entourage of handlers, each one seated in an open-topped gondola adorned in flowers and ribbons. The gondolas drift through the canals and make their way through the city to a central pavilion in the festival square where they're each granted a tiny bouquet of five flowers. From there, one of the Faire's most beloved traditions gets started; the Trial of the Laurel!

The Trial of the Laurel is a Faire-wide game of pursuit, where suitors - anyone and everyone is free to try - are encouraged to win the favor of one (or more!) of the Laurel-Bound Beloveds through grand gestures, impressive performances, or whatever method they think will best capture their attention. The goal is not to claim a Beloved, but rather to catch their attention and, ideally, earn the privilege of being given one of the five flowers from their bouquet. It's all in good fun, of course though the competition can get… spirited.

By Day Three, the competition for their favor has reached a fever pitch. The Laurel-Bound Beloveds become the center of public spectacle, as suitors - some earnest, some performing for the crowd - present grand gestures, ridiculous feats and anything they think has a shot of succeeding. The tradition is as much about the performance as it is about the love itself, and the people of Rosavelle love a good show. Suitors who fail are showered with petals and good cheer; the successful ones earn one of the Beloved's flowers and the adoration of the crowd.

The third day of the Faire ends with good cheer all around, though some of you may catch whispers of a nefarious plot brewing… or perhaps that's just the spicy food talking.

DAY FOUR

At first, it seems like the fourth day of the Faire will be much the same as what came before - the same stalls, the same games, the same lively atmosphere of a kingdom in full celebration. But then, around midday, everything changes...!

A sudden coordinated effort by a mysterious group of mischief-makers turns the festival on its head. A wave of prankish chaos sweeps through the streets: love letters are swapped for grocery lists, spicy foods are secretly replaced with shockingly bland alternatives and some festivalgoers find themselves briefly (and harmlessly) ensnared in harmless traps that spring from the cobblestones. The pranksters, who call themselves the "Broken-Heart Bandits", seem harmless as well, if a little annoying and after an hour or so of this nonsense their antics begin to wind down.

But just as the dust begins to settle, a great outcry rises from the festival square. The Laurel-Bound Beloveds have been... k-k-k-kidnapped! (Carefully escorted away to their previously communicated hiding spots, but, you know. kayfabe and all.) A single, ornate calling card has been left behind my the nefarious pranksters, written in a flamboyant, looping script:

"Greetings, Rosavelle
Our hearts are broken! Shattered! Crushed! For not a single one of you thought to offer us a token of your affection. And so, we have taken matters into our own hands. We now hold your precious Laurels captive, hidden somewhere within Rosavelle's embrace. Only those who have proven their devotion and earned a flower from one of the Beloveds are worthy of this quest. The rest of you... well, you can watch from the sidelines.
Find them, if you dare.
- The Broken-Heart Bandits"

Despite the sudden and shocking turn of events, Rosavelle seems remarkably organized when it rallies to respond to the crisis. Those who received a flower from a Laurel-Bound Beloved's bouquet are invited to go and rescue them, with the help of a number of riddles (that we will not be writing or making you solve, thank us later) left behind by the Bandits that will reveal the location of its associated Beloved. As the flower-bearers set off on their quest, they'll have to contend with the Broken-Heart Bandits' remaining members, who are still causing harmless trouble along the way to slow them down.

And from there, the quest is on! The streets and canals are still teeming with Broken-Heart Bandits, who now seem to be taking their roles a bit more seriously. They set up a series of harmless but annoying obstacles along the way, determined to slow down the rescuers. They might swap the signs on the canals to lead you astray, offer you "helpful" riddles that are deliberately misleading, or even challenge you to another round of the Trial of Embers - with the peppers, of course - as a toll to pass.

Eventually, the riddle will lead the flower-bearers to the location where the Laurel-Bound Beloved is being held. And there, they'll be greeted by one of the Broken-Heart Bandits, who will demand that the rescuer declare their devotion and prove their worth. The Bandit will be the sole judge of whether the declaration is moving enough to warrant the release of the Beloved. If your declaration moves their (admittedly theatrical) heart, they'll step aside and let you pass. If not... well, you'll have to try again, or find another way to convince them.

And for those who didn't receive a flower? They're encouraged to enjoy the rest of the Faire! The stalls are still open, the food is still delicious and the performances are still going strong. In fact, the kidnapping has added a new layer of excitement(?) to the festival and the crowd is loving it. They're cheering on the rescuers, placing bets on who will succeed and generally having a wonderful time.

Once all the Laurel-Bound Beloved have been rescued, they'll be paraded back to the festival square in a triumphant procession, where everyone who helped rescue them - and everyone who cheered them on from the sidelines - will be celebrated. This was one of the best Trials of Devotion in a good few years! Sorry, what? You, er, thought this was all a real kidnapping? Perish the thought! This is Rosavelle, after all! Who would be nasty enough to do something like that? You have to admit, though, that was a rather convincing performance from the Bandits, no?

THE FINAL DAY

The final day of the Faire is here and the atmosphere is electric. Yesterday's "crisis" has only fueled the festival's fervor, turning the final celebration into a truly explosive send-off. The streets are more crowded than ever, the music more vibrant and the food stalls seem to have doubled down on the spice. Even the Broken-Heart Bandits have joined in the revelry, now acting as roving entertainers, their "crimes" forgiven in the spirit of the festival. The Laurel-Bound Beloveds and their rescuers are encouraged to treat the final day of the festival as a date to celebrate their successful courtship and find themselves toasted and celebrated throughout the day, their stories retold and embellished with each telling.

This is also the day of the Faire's grand finale: The Burning Hearts Ceremony. As dusk settles over Rosavelle, the entire city grows quiet for a moment and then, in a coordinated wave, lanterns shaped like hearts are released from every district. They float up into the twilight sky, a sea of glowing crimson and gold, their light reflecting in the canals and in the eyes of the festivalgoers below. It's a breathtaking sight!

From there, the party continues late into the night, with the Faire's final fireworks display - a spectacular show of light and sound that paints the sky in a thousand brilliant colors. The revelry is at its peak, with laughter, music and the clinking of glasses filling the air until the early hours of the morning. It's a fitting end to a festival that has been, by all accounts, one for the history books.

(CODE)

Comments

QUESTIONS & INTERACTION REQUESTS

[royaldecreemods]

[nightwild]

so if, hypothetically speaking, someone didn't receive a flower. but still was made aware of the kidnapping and decided to, say, transform into a superhero to save them.

is there, like. something that will stop them. hypothetically speaking. you know. or are they just going to rough up some bandits anyway.

Interaction Request

[goldship]

Two fold!

For Nadeshiko: Golshi will be asking if her sensesi will introduce her to the elementalism practitioner Nadeshiko knows.

For Callie: Golshi will be asking what they need her to do during the games to help with that whole Crown situation.

[stormkingofshepherds]

Nathaniel's probably going to ask how romantically-coded the Trial of the Laurel is-he doesn't want to accidentally lead any ladies on!

Also, I assume we can just NPC the Bandits ourselves?

also interaction request

[nightwild]

What is Callie up to during this? Yayoi wants to see how bestie's doing during the festival! they had better be enjoying themself.

[uncommonsense]

Like with Budwake, Haruhi's curious about past Faires! If there's been any significant events that've happened before surrounding it and because she's curious, if there's ever been someone that's been The Best at the Trial of Embers.

Also, giving her respects to Callie and hoping they're remembering to have fun. This can also be a message she gives to pass along to them.

TRIAL OF THE LAUREL & TRIAL OF DEVOTION

[royaldecreemods]

For organizational purposes, Laurel-Bound Beloveds and their rescuers can toplevel here for Days Two, Three and Four under their respective subheaders!


The Laurel-Bound Beloveds and their associated flowers are announced at the Festival as thus:

Nathaniel Berger, Beloved by Azaleas

Fujino Asagami, Beloved by Camellias

Kanade Yoisaki, Beloved by Carnations

Ai Hoshino, Beloved by Cosmoses

Artoria, Beloved by Daffodils

Ryu, Beloved by Fuchsias

Simran Akhtar, Beloved by Irises

Uther, Beloved by Magnolias

Astarion, Beloved by Morning Glories

Octavia Blake, Beloved by Orchids

Mizuki Akiyama, Beloved by Peonies

Rose Quartz, Beloved by Primroses

Kris Dreemurr, Beloved by Snapdragons


These flowers correspond not only do the ones they give out but the general vicinity of where they can be found during the trial proper (the thirteen locations in the main post). I.e. Astarion wouldn't be found at Morning Glory Rise but somewhere nearby. We are leaving most of the exact details of this location and the state the Beloveds are in to the Beloved players themselves (listen, I'm not going to tell you no if you want to be tied up, chase that bliss). They do not need to hang around these locations before the kidnapping.

DAY TWO & THREE (TRIAL OF THE LAUREL)

[royaldecreemods]

Beloveds, use this comment to thread out the giving of your flowers!

DAY FOUR (TRIAL OF DEVOTION)

[royaldecreemods]

Use this comment for rescue attempts!

yayoi tenju | oc | lily

[nightwild]

Day 1: Trial of Embers

[Of course Yayoi is at the eating contest. Except... Maybe not of course?

Some rando or another seems to have seen Yayoi and Gold Ship walking arm-in-arm recently, and gotten the wrong idea. So, Yayoi was just minding her own business, when she was suddenly challenged. And, having no idea what was going on, or what this meant... All she heard was "free food", and so of course she was there.

She's not bad with spicy food. The fruits are nothing, the pastries are easy. By the time the broth comes out, though, she's starting to sweat. Even so... She powers through.

But then, it's there. The final challenge. The flamefruit pepper. If she conquers this, she wins. All she has to do is bite into it-

Yayoi falls over backwards, spitting flames from her mouth. It seems she was finally defeated... How could this happen to her?]

Day 2: Peony Picnics

[At least it's much calmer for her, here. Yayoi, uninterested in most of the Laurel-whatever, seems content to hang out and watch the trees in the afternoon. It's like flower-viewing... She's bought a lunchbox from one of the nearby vendors, and is just sitting on a blanket on her own, watching the flowers in the wind peacefully.

If she happens to notice you approach, she just remarks:]

I never actually went to watch flower-viewing back in Tokyo. Never knew where to go for it. But this is nice.

[She looks peaceful. Maybe even a little sleepy!]

Day 3: Orchid Swings

[She's found a swing on her own... No, not on her own. Yayoi sits on a swing, a bun in hand... trapped. She can't move. She's stuck here, by a force even greater than all of her own power.

There's a cat curled up on her lap, happily sleeping away.

She wants to pet it, but it's sleeping! She wants to get up and move, but it's sleeping! She just wanted to look out over Rosavelle and enjoy the view!

If she spots anyone she knows, she's going to give you a pleading look. Please come save her.]

Day 4: Festival Square

[Yayoi let her guard down.

When the smoke and dust erupts, and the outcry begins, she moves. Rosavelle had been too peaceful. Her instincts had dulled. She hadn't sensed any danger, and now people were paying for her lack of awareness.

Yayoi, who had been walking along on one of the roads out of the square, rushes into the square to figure out what's going on. And it doesn't take her long to get the full picture- A group of 'bandits', jealous and upset. Had they become monsters? Did they use Bloomcraft? Either way, their ability to spirit away the Beloveds meant this was her time to move.

Yayoi doesn't hesitate. No matter how many people are around, what matters is taking action. Her brace appears on her wrist, and her mirror wraps around her waist on a belt.

She places the magatama in her bracer, and darkness fills the area.]

Awakening!

[The sound of strings fill the air. Shamisen and koto music, accompanied by the distant screech of foxes.

Two mirrors descend from the heavens, tilted inward, reflecting shapes in the darkness as they land on either side of it. One shows an onmyoji, talismans in hand, dispelling spirits. The other, a red fox, dashing through fields hidden from its prey.

Then, red eyes glow in the darkness. All at once, the mirrors shatter. And from the darkness erupts a red figure in a fox mask, riding a motorcycle, barreling down the roads to find the kidnappers.

She's doing a remarkably good job at avoiding any collisions or anything, but someone may need to step in and stop her anyway.]

day 4

[uncommonsense]

[ by this point in the faire, haruhi's kinda... over the whole thing. there was something weird about these kidnappings, how the heck had anyone gotten past everyone to steal all the beloved away?

it was a good distraction from all of the coupling going on, at least. either way, as haruhi's trying to figure out where to go next, she overhears a loud exclamation and goes to see what the hell is going on--

oh?! ]

Ya--

[ she immediately pauses as the transformation takes place. was. was she supposed to be seeing any of this? was the crowd?! most importantly though--

holy fuck yayoi is so fucking cool what in the world

and then she's off, seeing the figure on the motorcycle start on speeding off. ]

Hey... hey wait!

[ aaaand she's gone. shoot. well. now what? now what...

what else? she knows she's not going to be able to catch up, but she's going to take off in that direction anyway. she's hoping the roads being weird helps her catch up, or that there's some kinda blockade? either way, she wants to see...! ]

Day ONE

[wroughten_iron]

[--And there Archer was, with a small bowl of yogurt, squatting down beside and offering it. There was also a tasty smell coming from a bag at his hip but he was shoving the yogurt in her face first.]

I'd been looking for you and here you are, moments from perishing.

1

[retethered]

Yayoi?!?!?

[ Simran is the picture of distress. She makes her way to Yayoi and falls to her knees. ]

...Yayoi, speak to me! Tell me you're okay!

[ She's maybe laying it on a little thick. ]

No...! They got you...we'll remember you fondly, Yayoi...

Archer | Fate/Stay Night | Hydrangea

[wroughten_iron]

I - Peony Picnics (Day One)

Archer was through with work for the week. It wasn't as if there wasn't any work to be done but the coffee shop owner made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that his mean mug wasn't welcome in her kitchen while the Faire was still ongoing. The isles, eternally grasped by the idyllic embrace of warmth within a treasured community had long since become contemptible to him though and so he'd quickly realized that there was nowhere to sit and read. All his quiet spots had been claimed by couples and retreating to a rooftop seemed to be a meaningless endeavor when there were so many people about who'd catch sight of him if he made the effort--not to mention the number of people celebrating from their balconies that would have interrupted.

So, blending into the crowd had been his sole means of protection. He'd found a book to leaf through and planted himself among couples on a hill. Occasionally, he'd mark a page and move on, making an effort to take notes even while the world was aflame with passionate feelings. If he was going to bring the mood down just by sitting there, then it would have served everyone to see him putting in the effort to put together and learn a recipe or two from those novels he'd picked up.

II - Trials (Day Two/Three)

What, exactly, was it he felt when he'd watched the procession of the Beloved? It was plenty just to acknowledge their passing and though the thrill of the games hadn't quite found him despite the crowd's eruption into applause and cheers for the people competing to profess their affections. Asking for anything else seemed like too much for him and so he'd settled with a number of the artisans in the crowd, offering assistance in repairing clothing ripped in duels, bowstrings and all the little articles made to suffer when everyone had taken part in their games.

Despite his efforts to remain helpful and supportive as everyone else in the world put an effort into living, a tax accumulated. His impatience began to show the more glimpses he'd stolen of Comoses' Beloved. A young woman came to him at one point with a bowstring that needed fixing, urging him along after she'd seen him repair a number that had been snapped.

'Could you test it for me, ser? I don't mean to doubt your spellcraft but I've had such repairs backfire on me in the past.'

He thought little of it at first, his eyes scanning the row of targets those couples had set up for more formal displays of martial prowess. Clay dishes had been arranged on a straw post as targets played far down the grassy line. Collecting a sigh, Archer held his breath and stood up straight, placing his fingers on the bowstring at first to test it. He fixed his eyes on those targets, wondering if she was watching--if she'd thought about it since the start. The thought that someone else might have been flexing their efforts before he was an annoying one and, even if he felt annoyed for considering it at all, there was a spark of will ignited just to do that much.

His hands moved, a blur of motion. Sinking dish after dish in no more than a few seconds, Archer returned the bow to its awe-stricken owner who responded with the sort of jovial praise better reserved for an athlete at the top of their game. He'd winced, quickly disappearing into a sea of smiling faces praising him for what he'd so nonchalantly accomplished. How'd you do that? Who'd you learn from? Who were you performing for? I'll ask you for repairs if you can make my bow shoot that well! Please share a secret or two with us!

She couldn't even be made out in the crowd anymore and there he was, swarmed and overwhelmed by a crowd that could overwhelm him with warm spirit alone. Hell, he couldn't even make his voice work at that point, gritting his teeth and trying to peacefully separate himself from a bunch of passionate faire-goers. What an avoidable mistake...!

III - Ai - Across the Cosmos (Day Four)

'She deserves to be saved--even if it's by me. Making her wait this long was cruel enough already but I'll commit a few more sins if you continue standing in my way.'

The roar of fanfare had crushed him completely. The procession itself was overwhelming to the senses, especially for a man not at all accustomed to praise and applause offered so freely but what seemed even more overwhelming had been the little compartment the two of them had been stuffed into to stand with everyone else being celebrated. It was at some point that he'd taken her hand, though he couldn't recall who offered it first. What she'd asked for was something fleeting but real and nothing he was remotely prepared for. His heart was made of glass, easy to forget and miss but just as easy to crack.

What, then, was the feeling of relief that came from that feeling of exposure? It was something he had to dwell on without the aegis of callous indifference. There was no more pretending that could be done once he'd already taken her hand. That was what it meant when it came down to choosing one person in the world to save--not letting them go.

So, when the procession rounded and they were free, he thought about what it meant to offer it to her. After he'd pretended Ai's one attempt to reach out to him had never happened at all, it felt nauseatingly pathetic of him to ask anything of her. The crowd had yet to die down, so he needed to lean closer and suggest something she could hear.

"Why don't we go somewhere else for a while?"

He could at least pretend, just somewhat, that he wasn't completely worn down by sounding a little tough by the end of it.

IV - Wildcard (Day 1-3)

(OOC: Please reach out if you have any ideas but you can use this placeholder here if you just want Archer to be around to chat with. Days 4 & 5, he'll be taken for the most part but let me know if you want to see him after he finally admits to having feelings.)

Metal Sonic | Sonic The Hedgehog | Geranium

[tas]

1. Doing things the old-fashioned way
[Metal might be new to Rosavelle, but he's the kind of guy to jump right into situations when he knows what he wants. The faire seemed like the perfect first step in getting first-hand experience with "bonds".

...as first-hand as "distant observation and data gathering" could possibly be. No, he has no intention of actually participating, he only wants to see what it's all about in a way he's familiar with. While his robot-AI-turned-squishy-organic-brain can't record and process data the way it used to, he can still do it, journal and writing utensil in hand. He'll be the first to say it's inefficient, but he can do it.

So in practice, it's stalking time. Have YOU been hanging out with your friends? Maybe even gone on a date? Then congratulations! You've gotten a third wheel in the form of a (seeming) teenage girl with an unflinching expression taking notes while you do, as if you're a strange new animal getting documented for the first time. While he does all this from a distance, he makes no efforts to be subtle about it; even if you notice him he just carries on as he was.]

2. Taste test
[He's hungry.

He had no sense of smell as a machine, so the aroma of food catching his attention and drawing him closer really is a fresh experience; what once existed only on the fringe of his purview now had his focus full and center. He never expected it.

But now he isn't sure what to actually try.]

...what would he choose?

[It's said to himself, under his breath. If Sonic's brain is the basis for his AI, then their tastes are likely similar, but...what would he choose?

Hope he isn't in between you and something you want.]

3. COMPUTER. DEFINE "FUN".
[Look, the theatrics of the bandits completely go over his head; expect a (previously) mechanical war machine programmed to Eliminate Targets to understand the concept of kayfabe and you're really shooting for the stars here. So while he isn't even one of the flower holders, he sees a bandit. He - albeit far too literally - understand the situation.

So he grabs a nearby knife, that was meant for kinder things like cutting up cake rather than people.

And he's Approaching With Sinister Intent.

If you see this you might want to step in.]

(ooc: hellllo sorry he's like this, i'm over here on the intro post if you wanna hash anything else out, i'm pretty flexible)

2

[uncommonsense]

...who's he?

[ from next to metal, this ribboned girl just felt like she had to comment. ]

You buying something for someone?

3

[wroughten_iron]

[Admittedly, Archer might have been just as hasty as Metal. It wasn't an instinct built into him but programming crafted by repetition. He'd already conjured his black and white blades, poised as if prepared to give dogged chase but, even in that markedly intense and ruthless look, there was a flicker of recognition when he gave it the second thought it deserved.

His shoulders relaxed and he'd turned, catching the sight of polished silver from the corner of his eye--holding out one arm instead to block Metal. He'd been keen enough to make sure his own blade wasn't facing him.]

Hold. Don't rush.

Akane Tendo | Ranma 1/2 | Hyacinth (OTA)

[mahjongheart]

There's few things to touch the raw nerve of being abandoned quite like seeing a festival entirely devoted to proving one's love for another.

She knows it was all for good reasons.

She knows they were all great people! That's why she liked them! She knows they all had their reasons! Except maybe Ranma. But that's really par for the course for Ranma, ain't it?

... It still. Hurts.

And when she's hurt... Akane gets mad.

1: Hot And Stacked

Amazingly, Akane got a stall just outside the minimum distance to Fucshia Lane, and, at least so far as spicy tests of love go, she, and her stall, have gotten top billing in rumor.

The place itself is somewhat unassuming. Two signs, one on each post, proclaiming it "HOT AND STACKED" "PANCAKES AND WAFFLES" with a decorated menu sign offering SPICY, SWEET, AND SAVORY versions of the above.

Akane herself proves the sign absolutely correct, in a top and corset that shows she's grown a lot since arriving here. Indeed, her entire costume seems more than prepared to hit every single charm point someone's drooled at her over in the last few months. If she's going to be alone, she's going to make it everyone's problem.

There's one menu offering, however, that's only at a card on the counter, and that's the STEAMY SPICY CHALLENGE STACK (5c), proclaiming: To the brave, a reward! Heated love makes heated moments! (make sure you each return each others' feelings before asking for this dish). In truth it will improve one's endurance and recovery time for what might well be a very long night, especially if you got your wires crossed.

2: A Wandering Girl Out Of Love

Of course, hope springs eternal in the young of heart, and Akane's no different. Across the Faire, you might find her in a lighter version of her habitual armor, ready to take on all comers, or with a melancholy expression. ... What would those two have wanted to see? It's in that spirit that she seems to be traveling along the rooftops up and down Rosavelle on her breaks.

Cheer a lonely girl up?

Or maybe you're after twisting that knife just that little bit more...

2

[racingheart]

Oguri Cap has no one in particular to spend time with for the festival, and so she ike a good many other single pringles seems to be wandering about enjoying the food (yum) and the sights and sounds and other amusements of the festival. So when she bumps into a familiar face from the Hyacinth house, she smiles! Naturally she has some sort of snack in hand.

"Hello!" She says in her usual blunt, straight forward fashion. "Isn't this fun? Lots of good food. And so many flowers!"

Oguri Cap | Umamusume: Cinderella Gray | Hyacinth

[racingheart]

I. Day One - Midday - Trial of Embers

[ Naturally, Oguri Cap would find her way to this sort of thing. All one had to do was direct her towards something as amazing as 'free food' even with the spice challenge! The spices of course were no deterrent. She loved food of all kinds, and with her iron stomach she was certain that she could pack away as much food as anyone. Even if she hadn't anyone in particular to dedicate the effort to. Spot an ashen haired umamusume at the trestle tables, solidly packing away everything that's put in front of her, even with tears streaming down her face. ]

It's good.

[ Is all the comment she offers on the food as she chews her way through everything before her. At last comes the dread pepper. She holds one up in her hand, sniffs at it, and then cows down, devouring it in one or two bites! ]

That wasn't bad--

[ Oguri Cap wheezes, tears springing to her eyes--and then lets out a faint 'urp' before a blast of flame shoots from her mouth. And another! Take cover! Or maybe get her something cool to drink. ]

II. Day One - Evening - Primrose Hall

[ Oh! A stage? With singing? That sounds like fun, even if there's no running involved. Oguri Cap has worked her way over towards the stage, and is in the midst of chatting with the musicians in her blunt style, waving her hand emphatically. ]

Do you not know 'We are Dreamers'? Or 'Brightest Heart'?

[ She seems a little let down by the responses that no, none of the musicians know what the hell song she's talking about. Her ears and tail droop. This poor horse... ]

How am I supposed to sing if I don't know any of the songs...?

III. Wild card (Any day)

i

[uncommonsense]

[ haruhi... has already failed the trial. she didn't get that far, her poor human mouth can only take so much-- and she's not super big into spice to begin with. still, it was fun to watch the others give it a try and see how long they could last. seeing more than one tackle that pepper was impressive!

and then there's one there that's absolutely convincing themselves that everything was okay and-- oh! horse ears, just like gold ship and taiki! another umamusume! and she's getting ready to burn everything to cinders.

she might not be able to withstand the heat, but she's able to grab a glass bottle of milk and keep the hell out of the way of the fireballs. ]

Here! Take this!

[ cool that mouth?! ]

Himmel | Frieren: Beyond Journey's End | Hydrangea

[heroicstandard]

1: Garland Station (Days 1-3)

[ Himmel can be found during the festival along the various flowered pathways and gathering places, threading the namesake flowers of each location into flower garlands flower crowns and giving them out to passersby. With each one handed out, he gives a smile. ]

These may not last long, but hopefully the memories they make will.

2: Food Stall (Days 1-3)

[ Himmel can also be found amongst the food stalls, trying various items and giving compliments to each stall owner. But this latest one is testing even the great hero.

He's standing, holding two skewer, the meats and vegetables glazed in an orange-red sauce. He's visibly sweating as he takes a moment to catch his breath. Noticing somebody nearby, he offers a smile, though it's a weak one by Himmel standards. ] I may have underestimated this stall's fare. It may not be the Trial of Embers, but it's certainly formidable nonetheless.

[ He offers the second skewer. ] Please, I couldn't possibly finish both, and I'd hate for it to go to waste.

3: Outfit Adjustments (Days 2-3)

[ Himmel was quietly watching as people did their best to win over the affections of the Laurel-Bound Beloveds, but he couldn't simply stand by when he noticed something amiss before him. ]

Ah, excuse me. [ Himmel quickly pivots into the person's field of vision before dropping down to one knee to - oh, okay, he's fixing something on their outfit - a ribbon that's come loose, a flower that's fallen, or a prop that's come undone. He carefully begins fixing the issue. ] First impressions are important. Best not let something small ruin it.

4. Wild Card (any day)
Go wild

2

[roundofavalon]

Uwah...! Your face is turning red! Are you okay?!

[ That smile is looking pretty forced...! She'll... apprehensively take the offered skewer. ]

Shanpu | Ranma ½ | Hyacinth

[washandrinse]

1: Trial of Embers

[ Most people who know Shanpu probably expect her to be the first in line to compete in the Trial of Embers. But instead, she's off to the side, observing.

One competitor is out with the first dish. Another makes it a couple dishes in before collapsing and begging for water. Shanpu scoffs. ]

This is a love festival, isn't it? How does this prove love? Endurance, yes, but love? [ She notices somebody else watching nearby, and can't help but direct her next question to them. ] Does this make sense to you?

2: Camellia Cafe

[ Shanpu had to admit this particular portion of Operation: Learn About Outsider Romance is a failure. She expected to witness some flirting, some confessions, something steamy and thought-provoking.

But it's just a normal cafe. It's a date spot. She knows how to date - academically. It's the part that comes before dating that seems difficult.

She loudly sips her tea - at least that's not a waste - and gazes at the person seated directly across from her. Because the tables seat two, even if she didn't come here with anyone. ]

So. What are you doing here?

3: Primrose Hall

[ Shanpu watches people dance. It's nothing new here - not really. They have dances in her village, too.

The music isn't what she's used to, but it's fine. But the dancers... They lose their footing, miss timing, laugh it all off like it doesn't matter.

It's irritating. If they're going to do something, do it properly. ] Is this what passes for dancing here?

[ Shanpu takes the place of a dancer who'd just tripped and laughed it off. But when she does, she moves perfectly. It's not a dance she knew, but she knows movements, and she'd been given enough time to observe. The timing is simple, she keeps up.

And then the music changes, and people begin pairing up. Shanpu turns to whoever is closest, and offers a hand. ] Come on. This one doesn't look hard.

4: Wild Card

[ Go wild! ]

2

[racingheart]

[ Oguri Cap looks over the top of her tea cup--the plate of snacks having been rapidly emptied at some point--and replies in a flat tone. ]

Having tea.

[ SIPPPPPPPPP. ]

It's very good tea.

Artoria Caster | Fate/Grand Order | Lily

[roundofavalon]

The Trial of Embers

[ "There's an event going on! I'm usually a pacifist, but if I'm going to participate, I want to win it all! Hurrah!"

Those were Artoria's exact words, back when she experienced her first event back in Chaldea. It encapsulates her mindset in regards to big events such as this... in particular, ones with any form of competition involved. She can't really explain why she's so competitive, she just is!

Even when she really shouldn't! ]

HOOOOOOTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!

[ Behold, the Child of Prophecy, in all of her glory... breathing a steady stream of flames directly up into the air. Honestly, should anybody have even expected anything less from a british girl? ]

Daffodil Reflections

[ It is! Not Summer yet! Or whatever the Rosavelian equivalent of "Summer" is. With that in mind, this is a little bit early... but if you're going to spend time next to water, a swimsuit is only natural, right? And if nothing else, Artoria is proud of hers! (As long as the hoodie portion stays on, at least). ]

Ahh...

[ As such, even if it's just a little early, today marks the debut of Artoria's swimsuit spirit origin. But only briefly! You'll get more only once Summer arrives! For now, Artoria is seated at the center daffodil fountain, her feet dipped in the water as she relaxes. Not only is this place a good place for her to chill out from all the excitement of the faire, but honestly? Being a Berserker for a bit is a good way to get herself to stop worrying about things so much.

That said, she's also currently very splash-able... ]

Orchid Swings

[ In Artoria's humble opinion, the best part about a faire is the food. The snacks! If you're not eating way more than you reasonably should, then are you really enjoying yourself? In that sense, there is one thing about Rosavelle that really, really irks her.

The fact that there are so many tasty treats... designed to be eaten by COUPLES.

She's pretty sure this should count as torture, she thinks! It's such a beautiful place to eat, and the design of the buns is incredible! The fillings being different is such a fun way to make them, even if it comes with the risk of getting hit with a spicy filling which Artoria has notably low tolerance towards!

But! It! Doesn't! Matter!

Because! Artoria! Is! SINGLE!! ]

Hnnnnngh...

[ She's fidgeting, looking longingly at the stall. She wants one... but she also doesn't want to be one of the poor sad saps eating a snack meant for couples alone. ]

Wildcard

[ For anything else we might want to do that didn't fit into the TL! Including anything AFTER the kidnappings have been resolved, if that's what you wanna do. ]

orchid swings

[tas]

[Metal's too disinterested in Artoria's plight to help her, at least on a personal level.

From a learning standpoint though, while he'd considered the best way to study bonds from the couples around here, her behaviour caught his attention. He hadn't considered gathering data on the reverse to compare and contrast with people who weren't Alone At LoveFest, but this might actually prove useful after all.

Of course, he's also got no social graces whatsoever, so he doesn't really try to hide the fact he's staring right at her, or keep his commentary quiet. All from like 10 feet away.]

The absence of a partner appears to dissuade participation in events tailored towards those who do possess one. The motivating force for this is yet unknown.

[He's writing all this down. You're a little bunny in a cage and he's watching you deliberate over the carrot.]

Camila | Original | Lily

[loveschasinglost]

Camila was in a foul mood. Not only had the noise and fuss of setup ruined any semblance of quiet around her home, any and all shipments of lumber for her business had ground to a halt.

And for what? Poetry. Love songs. Frivolities and little more. Where was love for the craft, for a job well done? That festival had come and gone. This one was only... irritation.

She grumbled to herself from her place in a simple, handmade chair of her own construction on the porch. Hm. At the very least, there would be food. If nothing else, that would be acceptable. Slowly, she stood. If she could not find a decent shipment of lumber, perhaps she could at least have some good meals for the next few days.

They would be long days, she could tell.

1: Iris Rest

Camila sits on a bench amidst the irises, staring into the rainbow of the fountain almost vacantly. This... was meant to be peaceful, she knew. Yet something still troubled her somehow. Perhaps it was the music, as insufferably close to familiarity as it was.

But. This had proven to be the best place to stay out of the fuss for now, even if she knew it couldn't last. Such trials were rarely easy to avoid in her experience.

Funny. She had thought she quite liked irises.

2: The Trials

Camila blinked in confusion, standing on the fringes of the crowd. Were the chosen entirely advisors, then? How odd. Most of them were unfamiliar to her, with the exceptions of... ah, Rose Quartz. A fine woman in her way, and...

She squinted slightly, tilting her head. Surely it couldn't be Ryu. And yet it was.

“...Interesting.”

Quite the discovery on... Camila supposed it was likely her part now. Sometimes, she couldn't help but wonder why it was so common everywhere she went. It had been far less so back home, or so she recalled. Perhaps things had changed.

Good for her, she supposed. She seemed happy in that dress.

3: Peony Picnics

It was winding late into the afternoon of the first day when Camila arrived in the park, a small basket under one arm as she walked amidst the happy couples, expression stony. At least it wasn't quite as loud here.

...Perhaps this had been a mistake. There were very few spots where she could sit alone, and even fewer people she knew.

And so she wanders, searching aimlessly for a place to dine in some measure of solitude, a faintly uncomfortable expression on her face.

haruhi suzumiya | disappearance of nagato yuki-chan | forget-me-not

[uncommonsense]

day 1! - snapdragon stage

[ yeah yeah, time for love, whatever. more importantly, there was a festival going on! with the energy of someone taking advantage of the day after valentine's day, haruhi's out and about absolutely taking in everything that the faire has to offer. this includes watching and clapping along with the acrobats and bards, and looking through the trinkets and flower arrangements.

day one in particular, she's checking out a lot of the available shows! in particular, she's watching this story about the knight with a healthy dose of both wonder and skepticism. in lockstep with the mood, she whispers over to whoever's sitting next to her. ]

Okay, but shouldn't they be a specter or a zombie? Is the idea supposed to be that love got their heart working again?

[ she could listen to the story going forward, but now she's thinking about how she'd come up with one. ]

Maybe if the knight didn't believe in love, so experiencing it would reverse the curse on his heart. Something like that.

day 1! 2: night - across the cosmos

[ okay. she'd heard rumors about this canal ride, and despite everything, it was something she absolutely wanted to see. the "four roads" she could take or leave, but she had to catch the "cosmos" herself.

which is why she's pulling on someone's sleeve. ]

Hey! Come with me for a while. I wanna take one of the boats.

[ there's plenty of steps she's missing here... ]

day 2 - morning glory rise

[ so in the area, there's been word of a handsome man involved in the trial that's been rejecting just about everyone that comes to win his heart. this sounds annoying as hell, and so haruhi's decided to ignore it.

the road leading to a tunnel absolutely needed to be walked down. even if haruhi already is in another world, there's always a chance that the tunnel leads to another one, or contains a turbo granny or something. so naturally, she's traveling to see what's on the other side! and is met with a choice.

hmm. challenging, or accessible. if there has to be a path, then naturally the challenging one has to be one to go through! and so she takes off!

...and can be found halfway up the stairs in a bit, looking up at the rest of the way that she has to climb. this shouldn't be that difficult, but the incline was killer. she's not completely out of breath, she's looking more annoyed than anything. ]

Whatever's up here better be good.

[ if this is some 'the journey is the real treasure' shit, she's going to find the faire organizers to complain later. ]

day 3 - iris rest

[ haruhi suzumiya wasn't the type to get overwhelmed. the more she can squeeze into an amount of time, the better. even so, the romantic energy's starting to kinda weigh on her a bit. a combination of folks trying to get those flowers and even the occasional local coming to talk to her, even she could use a break.

thus, she's there at iris rest, sitting next to the fountain. it was pleasant, somewhere she could see kanade wanting to be once she's done with all of the laurel-bound mess. she likes the vibes here, even if she still wants to keep going. so, she's pondering her next moves right about now... checking out more of those carnival games? gawking at people taking on the trial of embers? hmm.

what next? ]

day 4 - trials

[ something's screwed up here.

between those without flowers kinda excitedly talking about what's going on and the initial panic of the whole situation, there's definitely something fishy about it. still, she's being tasked with a puzzle and a quest, so she's going to see it to the end. it's a good idea, it keeps her busy and gives her a chance to get away from the couples again.

plus, there's some other shit potentially going on, and she'll have to keep her eyes out for that.

either way, right now she's dealing with something equally as annoying. two bandits, blocking her way! they posit that she can only pass if she solves their riddle! one of the bandits is a notorious liar, and the other bandit is surprisingly truthful. if haruhi can figure out who's the truthful bandit from a single question, she can continue on.

...she does, give her question. ]

Are you actually bandits?

[ there's a silence. and the two bandits turn around. they seem to be in deep discussion about something, that definitely isn't arguing how they're both supposed to answer. after all, they're supposed to be bandits, so the answer is yes. but it'd be obvious if the lying bandit says "no." plus, what if she means if they're actually actually bandits? then, the truth is "no", so maybe it should be fine if one says yes and the other says no?

...wait. which one of them is the lying bandit again?

haruhi's at least standing still, waiting for them to figure this annoying game out. she's pretty sure she doesn't have time for this, but she's genuinely curious. ]

day 5 - ???

[ made you look! this'll be its own comment under this top-level once Things have Happened. will it be good? will it be bad? who knows!

thanks for clicking on this option btw, obvs wildcards are on the table. for plotting hmu on discord or at jusenkyo.

Dante | Devil May Cry | Geranium

[red_oni]

I - Snapdragon Stage (Day 1)

Performers and troupes had come and gone, leaving a good taste behind. Dante sat in the crowd with Lucy, listening and sharing a bottle of wine without a care in the world. He was content enough to not think about a thing else other than every expression humanity had to offer being condensed into a scarce few days, knowing there was further more on the horizon.

Was it paradise? To some, maybe. Dante, though--he was a devil. The more he listened to what feelings were being conveyed, the more he realized he was only just human enough to feel moved but not quite so much as he would have liked. Pinching her cheek, he'd left Lucy to watch after promising just so many hugs when he got back and entered the line to perform. Tugging off his wine red coat at the top of the stairs leading to the stage, he'd thrown it over the crowd right back at her for her to catch. She made a face up at him and caught it.

It truly looked as if he'd simply wandered up there without a plan but he went to approach a piano left in one corner from another performance and set down his fingers to play a few notes in succession--testing his ear. When he returned to the front, he'd raised his hands over his head to conjure a bolt of lightning instead, transforming it into the shape of a demonic guitar. That was enough to pull the crowd in, perplexed until he pulled strings made of crackling lightning between his fingers and started playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons--Spring. It said plenty, that he'd only just wanted to make a little noise and give everyone a different sort of excitement for a few minutes but, when he rode to the last few notes and took a bow there was one more added effect. A spray of sparks erupted from the back of the stage, harmlessly dazzling the crowd before he made a triumphant descent back down without saying a word but not before he'd thrown a wink at and blew Lucy a kiss.

It was alright. He hadn't made a mess of anything--just raised everyone's heart rates a little with a different type of noise. It wouldn't make him feel as excited as if his audience were packed with demons and devils to slay but maybe it was fine just raising some eyebrows.

II - Primrose Hall (Day 2)

Near limitless stamina had its downsides. When one made a promise to 'dance the night away' and truly meant it--that also set a rigorous standard for his dance partner. Lucy, for the most part, had been hanging off of Dante's shoulders the latter half of the evening, wearing a pout even as he'd carried her around, chatting with just about anyone he knew or recognized.

Dancing? Minding your own business? This gigantic idiot's trotting over with his sleepy, grumpy girlfriend to come and annoy you and chat about nothing, especially if he recognizes you.

III - Nyuu - Morning Glory Rise (Day 3, Evening)

For Lucy, the hike had been a tremendous pain in the ass. All the climbing, hopping and skipping along had worn her down even after the sheer amount of cardio she'd built herself up to and, as rewarding as it was to see the sun set from that wonderful perch they found, she'd practically guzzled all their water and slumped against Dante only passing out before they could really get comfortable and enjoy the sight of it.

He didn't hold it against her--not even after all his warnings and all the teasing. Instead, he pulled a cheaper, plainer acoustic guitar from his back and began to pick at notes with a look of utter serenity on him. Now that they knew about it, they could always come back later, right? So, he let her rest and played nothing in particular while she drifted off in his arms.

IV - Wildcard

(OOC: I & II come with Lucy baked in, so expect her to be around! If you're looking for Dante 100% alone, hit me up on discord/DM for something where he's not being a wife guy! I can come up with something :) )