Lantern Festival Festivities!

[yilingdaddy]

WHO: The Untamed Cast and friends (basically whoever wants to come, can!)
WHERE: The park in Jeopardy
WHEN: Afternoon/evening of January 8th
WHAT: Making and floating lanterns!
WARNINGS: Usual warnings that come with this cast (potential mention of necromancy, death, torture, etc)

Wei Wuxian can work hard when he chooses to, up to and including pooling together various lantern-making supplies for a number of people. Flexible pieces of bamboo. The lightest paper he could find. Enough paint and brushes for several people to work at the same time.

Tables and chairs? Only for those he knows might need a more comfortable place to sit while working, or observing, and there are some traditional Chinese treats as well that he's found. And alcohol, for those who wish to enjoy a small drink. (The juniors will be watched a bit more closely, though might get away with one drink each.)

He's sent out messages to those he doesn't see every day with the place and general time to start showing up who have either expressed an interest in coming, or he hasn't seen in a while and would like to again.


[OOC: This is designed to be a mingle post too! Tag around, make lanterns (there are instructions for those who want to make one but don't know how) enjoy the snacks and booze (but don't drink it all Hux!]

Comments

OTA but also lantern making with Lan Zhan

[yilingdaddy]

Moving around, making sure everything is where it should be- OTA

He's wearing his usual robes, but they have been very carefully washed and mended, some pieces outright replaced, but all around Wuxian is looking better than he has in the past couple weeks. The smile is less forced. There's no angry red around his eyes. He moves easily as he double checks every little detail.

Yes, there's still a subtle air of wariness about him, when he's thinking rather than moving around, focusing on other people. And he's still far too thin, but that is more a natural state of being than indication of injury.

And he's a bit more able to tease and be his old cheeky self than in recent weeks (in this world) or years (back home).

But if anyone looks like they need or want help making their lantern, he's sure to stop by to at least give some suggestions or tips.


Lantern with Lan Zhan

So maybe Wuxian has kept a few special supplies just for his and Wangji's lantern. He'd meant it when he'd told his friend he wants to make one together. He doesn't mind if he ends up doing most of the work, not if he gets another of those unfairly adorable smiles!

And he makes sure to lead his friend a bit further away from wherever Meng Yao is, though within watching distance because he knows otherwise, Wangji is more likely to be too distracted wondering what the one-armed man is up to to really enjoy the peaceful crafting of the lantern.

Wuxian still gives a sleeve a light little tug and smiles before reaching for some bamboo to form a loop for the lantern.

"This was a good idea, right, Lan Zhan?"

[secondjade]

Lan Wangji is already distracted. The Lantern Festival was already a touchy time, for him, and for whatever reason he hadn't quite realised the full extent to which Wei Wuxian had planned for this event. There are people here that Wangji doesn't even know, which already sets him a little on edge at the best of times (even if he looks utterly impassive and immaculate as always).

And then there's Meng Yao. Even out of his sight, Wangji is aware of him, like a deep thorn in his side, tearing flesh at every slight movement. The continued lack of justice against him is something that Wangji has reluctantly agreed to but is hardly happy about.

He doesn't belong here. He shouldn't be allowed to have any dreams, any wishes, any hopes for the future. He should be pathetically thankful he's been allowed a future at all, after what he's done. He has stolen so much from the people Wangji cares about. From Wei Ying, he stole a life - 16 years, a sister, a brother-in-law, a nephew, a unbroken family. From his brother, he stole all hope and half a heart. From Jin Ling, his parents, his uncle.

He doesn't think about what Meng Yao stole from him. He doesn't need to. He breathed it in and out of his lungs every day for 16 years, the air like shards of glass in his throat. He doesn't think of his own suffering, because Meng Yao never did either. He was never a target.

His heart was collateral damage.

And now he's here, daring to share the same space, the same air, and it's driving Wangji to distraction.

So he doesn't even hear the question, at first, before he realises Wei Ying spoke and he forces himself to concentrate, glancing to Wei Ying.

He looks pleased. Excited. Wangji's heart grows heavier. He should not steal what happiness Wei Ying can find.

"... Mm."

It's delayed, but then he reaches to take a piece of bamboo as well, forcing his focus back on the task.

There are things he wants to ask, but he doesn't know how to say them.

"... Many people." That was totally a question, right??

[lanofsizhui]

Of all the juniors, Sizhui is the quietest one, but then again he was raised by Wangji and Xichen. He dutifully makes a lot of lanterns in preparation to send them off.

He personally drew and painted a lot of animals on each and every lantern from flying dragons, horses, tigers, pandas, and of course, lots of rabbits.

When Wei Wuxian passed by, Sizhui looks up. It's been a while. Life has gotten busy. Sizhui is busy when his group of juniors has grown in numbers.

"Senior Wei...? Wait."

He hands him a lantern with a painted rabbit on it. "Here." He smiles gently. "This is for you. You can send it off with the other lanterns."

An Enthusiastic Hello~

[gusumouthcannon]

The various people whose manner of dress he recognize set Jingyi at ease when he arrives, as do the familiar tasks and activities among all the strangeness. After he has spoken to his friends, however, he decides that this is a good time to greet his host. This time he is not only wanting to to be polite, but he was told that Senior Wei was the host, which means he must find him immediately.

"Senior Wei!" he exclaims when he does, though it is half a question. He is sure that it is this person because Hanguang-jun is never wrong, but he appears very different. According to Jin Ling, Senior Wei is from a long time in the past, so this would make sense, but Jingyi only now understands what having an entirely different body means. The expression on his face is all curiosity.

Still, he does not hesitate. "Thank you for this festival," he says very properly, and follows up with a genuinely delighted, "I am glad you in this world also."

Jin Ling | OTA

[snowsparksjr]

The infamously bad-tempered youngest member of the group is in a surprisingly good mood today. He has friends and family, and it's a festival! It might be a small festival, with only their little group and their friends, but the amount of people that Jin Ling personally counts as friends and family has quadrupled. His world has expanded, and he's growing up.

He's gathered supplies and is seated cross-legged on a patch of grass, working carefully with a small smile on his face. A few people--Sizhui, and maybe that little kid he made friends with on the network--will be called over to help make lanterns with him, but to everyone else he will be civil and friendly but a little bit aloof.

His dog Fairy is close at his side, as usual. She sits behind him, standing guard and sizing up everyone who approaches to decide whether they're a threat.

[yilingdaddy]

Jin Ling will get a bit of a pout for bringing Fairy, and Wuxian will just...keep looking over at him. Checking to make sure he's okay. That he's happy. And that that dog stays put.

But still sulky because he'd really like to go over and give his stupid nephew a hug.

[measuringdicks]

Richie is so obviously not a threat it's kind of laughable, really. Look: this is a thirteen-year-old kid, whose biggest problem at the moment is figuring out what the fuck is he going to do about all these inconvenient Feelings. And a really good routine for a comedy club, too. He waves a hand at Fairy as he comes over, then fishes out a dog treat from his pockets.

"I'm sorry you got stuck with Fairy, Fairy," he says. "You're way more fucking badass than that name deserves."

To Jin Ling, he says, jerking a thumb at the materials for a lantern, "What the dick's all this?"

[lanofsizhui]

On this day, there was food everywhere and good cheer. Despite Jin Ling squabbles and troubles, he comes to have relaxed and have fun. The members of his juniors came with him, and he's here being an anchor of peace.

Sizhui spends the day drawing and painting animals on the paper for the lanterns. Rabbits, lions, horses, tigers, pandas, dragons, and trees of blossoming flowers. The skill of his calligraphy and artistry is on display for all. Memories from the forest of Gusu were on the lanterns that he painted.

With a smile, even playful around the dog, giving her undue pets and scritches. "Jin Ling, have you made your lantern yet? You should try drawing. I even bring watercolors to paint and color."

[blackwaterchild]

[A. Lantern Making]

[She sort of wishes she had a proper kimono for this, if only because this seemed the perfect opportunity to show off. Ah, well. She’d have to make do with making herself look pretty as a picture in other ways.

Either way she sits on the grass, quietly and diligently working on trying to make this stupid lantern thing herself. Her brow furrows in the utmost look of concentration, she seems pretty determined to do this on her own, as if she has something to prove to anyone. It seems to be going fairly well... up until something isn’t secured right and the bamboo piece she’d just put into place breaks free and whips her right in the face.

She recoils with a yelp of pain and anger, cursing under her breath as she rubs at the red mark now bisecting her cheek and nose, tears of pain in her eyes.] Stupid—

Ow]

[B. Food&Alcohol]

[Yes she’s underage, yes she thinks alcohol is kind of gross to begin with, no she’s not letting any of that stop her.

She slide up to the table and peruses the snacks with a semi-disinterested air, glancing casually around to make sure no one’s watching as she lingers by the alcohol. And quickly, before someone can figure out what she’s up to, pours herself out a shot and downs it.

She makes a face and coughs lightly, eyeing the bottle before she shrugs and goes to pour herself another—and a spare in case someone’s come to investigate.] Want one?

[C. Floating Lights]

[Somewhere along the lines she’s managed to recover from her harrowing ordeal with making the damn thing to have a completed lantern. It’s decorated mostly with snakes...and rabbits; in particular 3 rabbits wearing headbands, 1 rabbit with a red dot on its forehead and a gold ribbon around its ear, and 1 rabbit with a red ribbon. There’s a tiny cat sitting with them too. Don’t ask she’ll just get flustered!, (so of course ask if you want.)

She hasn’t seen fit to light it ye though, frowning down at it with an unsatisfied air.]

I don’t really have anything I care about to wish for, but it feels like I shouldn’t send it up without something...

[D. Wildcard]

[Obligatory wildcard option! Also I’ll just match formats w/people idc]

C

[yilingdaddy]

[ Wuxian wanders over to her and smiles at the cute decorations. No, he's not going to comment on how she's even drawn Jin Ling into their little family. But he does reach out to rest a gentle hand on her shoulder. ]

How about a promise? Or just something you'd like to do, or see happen over the next year?

A.

[secondjade]

[ A second later, there are finger tips at the top of her head, and then a soft, gentle warmth as Lan Wangji lets a thread of spiritual energy pass between them.

Yeah, he knows it isn't a big deal, but he thinks it will probably soothe her anyway.

He pulls his hand away for a moment and looks down at her. ]

Difficulty?

B. bonding over bad behavior

[snowsparksjr]

Jin Ling is coming over to investigate the snacks (and maybe the alcohol, maybe, though he's already caused enough trouble and he's worried about the amount of punishment he's going to incur--his hand is cramping from all the copies of the Lan rules he's had to make lately!). Miu is there, but he finds it's better if he just ignores her. She's bad tempered and has questionable morals (he has never stopped believing she's a prostitute, despite the scoldings he's received on the topic), so he doesn't want to associate with her, despite Hanguang-Jun's approval of her.

But when she offers a drink, he's surprised and intrigued. And not about to miss the opportunity for alcohol or trouble. "Yeah."

A. Lantern Making

[softheartedshizun]

[He can't help but watch her struggle from the chair and table he was sitting at. At first it was just an idle curiosity, who was this girl? How did she fit into this? But then it was a test in growing frustration. Why was she holding it that way? Don't force it! That's not-!

With an exasperated sigh he got up and walk over with some paper and aluminum wire.]

This master could not help but see you having difficulties. Perhaps these supplies will help you better.

[He has wire cutters too, over at his table, along with pliers.]

c.

[lanofsizhui]

[Of all the juniors, Sizhui is the super quiet one by nature. During the festivities, he made a lot of lanterns. He even becomes artistic and painted a lot of animals on each and every lantern. Dragons, horses, rabbits, cherry blossom trees. It's a variety of his colorful paintings and doodling. It's a matter of getting ready to send them all off to join the others to make a prayer and a wish.

He's about to make a suggestion in what she could wish for when he notices! Seeing what she drew on the lanterns.]

Miu is that us? All of the juniors?

OTA

[usaf]

Carol hadn't been to Jeopardy since Rikki ported out. The town just didn't feel full without her friend there. But she's there now, on some errand for work. The errand is finished pretty quickly, though, so she decides to take her time before heading back to take the Porter home. She goes walking through the streets, eventually ending up in a park where a bunch of people are gathered, doing some kind of... arts and crafts project? She walks over to the nearest person.

"Hey... What's all this about?"

[yilingdaddy]

Wuxian pauses at the question and smiles at her.

"Today is a traditional day in my world where we make and send up paper lanterns with hopes, wishes or vows for the future. You're welcome to watch, I brought some traditional food in case people got hungry."

[mostlyprofessional]

The nearest person happens to be holding a drink and a pretty decent lantern painted in patterns of colorful splotches rather than any writing or literal depiction of objects.

"A lantern festival," she says, her Australian accent in force. "New Year's, maybe?"

Chloe had seen the lantern festival network post but not read the comments, so she's guessing based off Lunar New Year and lantern festival advertising imagery both online and during her travels back home. Not being East or Southeast Asian herself, she came out of curiosity - it's been a very long time since she's celebrated Diwali, but she remembers lanterns.

"Do a girl a favour and take my photo?" she adds, indicating her lumpy jacket pocket with her beer.

Armitage Hux | OTA

[therewillbeorder]

He hadn't been planning on coming when Wei Wuxian had invited him to come. His leg was healing, it had stopped bleeding but it still hurt and he still needed the cane to get around. He didn't get the point of a lantern festival but the alternative was spending time alone at home going over what he had done over and over again until he made himself even more miserable.l

He poured himself a drink and found himself a comfortable seat. He appreciated that Wuxian had taken the time to make sure he had comfortable to sit so he didn't have to get on the ground. He propped his cane against the chair, dedicating that this would at least be some distraction for a few hours.

He didn't have any clue where to start with making lanterns. He had never seen anything like it. He reached out to take some of the paper, turning it over in his hand with a frown, not sure what to do with it. Someone help him.

[dazzlingdream]

He didn't have any qualms about approaching the man with fiery hair. Though Meng Yao gave others a wide berth, he walked to Hux as if they were old friends.

"Have you ever made a lantern?" he bent over the man's shoulder, "The paper is delicate. When you paint, keep your strokes light."

The brushes made it difficult to tear the paper, however it wasn't impossible.

[softheartedshizun]

[Lantern Making]

As promised Shen Qingqiu had managed to procure oiled rice paper, half of it he had made disastrously in his kitches and half of it he had scoured the internet and had delivered. He made a vow to never make such a stupid thing again. The other materials he had gotten were all more modern, aluminum wire for the frames and a set of jewlers pliers.

Though he did not wear anything special for the occasion his robes were still rather extravagant and being a person that minded his appearance in such gatherings he sat in at a table in a chair.

He carefully worked on making a lantern, deftly using the tools in his hands. However whe. It came to decorating it he was at a loss. And for wishes, did he have any?

[Food and drink]

The worst thing about the type of low fantasy monstrosity that was Proud Immortal Demon Way was that it was inconsistent with it's rules. Even though he could practice inedia he could not do so indefinitely. But it was something that cropped up when 'sick' or 'hurt' or 'convenient'. He also still craved food, and that was just rediculous! Wasnt the idea of inedia removing such things from your needs? Also, as if to punish all cultivators alcohol did nothing! He couldnt even feel a buzz as he drank. Not that he had ever been much of a drinker, but it would be a little nice to feel the effects, otherwise what was the point?

"This body... is disappointing at times...." at least the food was okay.

Lantern Making~

[gusumouthcannon]

Seeing someone he knows making lanterns that does not have anyone else at his table, Jingyi brings his owns supplies over to where Second Master Shen is and drops them on the surface. Paper and bamboo and paints go rolling halfway across the table. This frees up his hands so he can give a proper cup-handed greeting. "Second Master!" he exclaims, clearly pleased with himself for remembering. "May I sit with you?"

Lan Xichen | Open

[ze_uwu_jun]

I. Making lanterns

Xichen... isn't sure he should be here, but he also knows he ought to be. He just...

He already gave up his future, at Meng Yao's request. What he might want in it...

There is very little left. Prosperity for his sect. Happiness for Wangji. That is about it. It seems paltry and wan compared to the joy that everyone else is putting into the lanterns. But he has something, at least, so the long fingers work quickly to shape the paper, then paint it with familiar brush-strokes.

It's only as he puts in the framing that the trembling in his hands finally takes its toll against his control, and the paper rips so easily with the strong jerk. Xichen swallows... then starts from the beginning.

II. Letting them go

It's easier, this part. Now that he has decided what to wish for, and that is right to wish it, he can let it go with honesty in his heart, and then stand back to observe everyone else.

"They are beautiful." Even the ones not best made. All of them.

III. Wildcard.

ooc: Need help with your lantern? Anything else you'd like to poke Xichen with? He's there. Not the best of company (by his own standards), but there all the same.

[snowsparksjr]

Jin Ling wasn't planning to talk to Zewu-Jun today. He respects Zewu-Jun as a senior, a teacher, and his collaborator in the rehabilitation effort, but he rarely ever spares a thought for Zewu-Jun. He's a background constant in Jin Ling's current life, steady but forgettable. It simply doesn't occur to him to make any effort to spend time with Zewu-Jun.

But as he's walking by, heading to interact with someone else, the paper lantern tears.

Jin Ling stops and glances over, trying to make sense of this inexplicable situation. Calm, unflappable Zewu-Jun. The torn paper.

He bows to Zewu-Jun and then sits down in front of him. "Teacher."

Finn | OTA

[hatejakku]

Finn does not like Jeopardy. There is an actual list of reasons as to why he really does not like Jeopardy. Yet, Wei Wuxian is one of his newest friends. He doesn't want to snub the invitation.

So Finn arrives only slightly paranoid about the surrounding area but relaxes once he's at the gathering. He hasn't seen anything like this before but seems excited about crafts and socializing in general.

Despite how much he enjoys mingling and making new friends, he's going to be spending most of his time concentrating way too hard on his lantern, at least once he has the basics down. He's currently very carefully trying to paint lines into some sort of shape... An artist, he is not. Maybe it's abstract.

For Wei Wuxian:

When Finn initially shows up, his first task is to seek out the man that invited him, and he greets him with a warm smile. "Wei Wuxian." He figured out the name thing, thanks. "I appreciate the invitation. Ah-"

Tucked in the crook of his arm like a baby is a bottle of whiskey, the same kind they shared before. Finn hands it over with a smirk. "I'm told it's polite to bring the host a gift, so I hope you enjoy."

[usaf]

Carol likewise has never seen anything like this before. She happened upon the gathering by chance, rather than receiving an invitation. So of course she drifts closer to one of the few people here to appears to be something of an outsider like her. She's got a plate of authentic Chinese food in hand, so she's happy about that, at least.

"Nice... is that a cat? That you're painting?" She tilts her head, not sure what it is she's looking at.

YOU KNOW HE HAS TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE... [Open]

[dazzlingdream]

Meng Yao arrives, wearing little ornamentation. There is a lantern in his hands, the sides painted with well-chosen symbols. Some of them mean family; others mean hope and there are flowers to represent renewal. All of it is beautiful - done by someone with a good eye for how shapes can work together as a whole, but is that any surprise? He was Jin Guangyao once.

He says nothing to those gathered, moving off on his own, keeping himself separate from their happiness. The prosthetic arm is awkward, however it is easily hidden with his robe. He shifts and lowers the lantern to the ground by his feet, freeing his hand to readjust the straps holding said prosthetic in place. Once it is settled more comfortably, he chances a glance to see who has come.

All he needs is a glance. He will remember.

[blackwaterchild]

Once again people watching works in Miu’s favor. While she has no idea about the connection between Meng Yao and the makeshift family she’s created her (other than a vague knowledge that they’re from the same world, she’s pretty sure), she does know that she’s genuinely pleased to see him.

She at least has the grace to wait until he’s done playing with the prosthetic to all but literally pounce on him. “Meng Yao! You made it!” Her arms go around his real one, latching in without a hint of shame or self-consciousness. She smiles up at him, but her eyes are searching on his face,

“You’re looking better.” Not nearly as drugged out.

Tenno | OTA

[notyuvan]

[lantern making]

[She has absolutely no idea what she's doing but for Wuxian, who has been nice enough to invite and probably the closest she's had to a friend in millenia, she was willing to try.

And it was a pleasant distraction from the new truce she'd formed with an old enemy. That and the fact that he had suggested she turn to theft to supply him.

More than once she looks at others, brows knitting together as if this was something beyond her. In some ways, it is. She hasn't done anything like this, anything crafty, in a long time. Before the Zariman had been lost in the Void. After that, it had just been survival, tests to control their powers, being shut away, being given the Warframes, training, war, sleeping, fighting, surviving.

She lays her head on the table with a huff, somatic implants giving a little tink as they make contact.]

I don't think I was ever good at this.

[food and (non-alcoholic) drinks]

[Okay. Food from this time? Definitely high on her list of favorite things now. Not that she had a list. Really, this world and time was more baffling than anything.

But food and drinks? These beat what she'd find on Cetus or one of the relays. Or what Ordis kept the orbiter supplied with.]

[wildcard]

[anything goes!]

Lantern making

[lanofsizhui]

[Sizhui is busy helping his family making the lanterns, making multiples of them, and it brings him joy to help others complete their lanterns before they lift them off as a group of lanterns to carry their prayers and wishes.]

Hello, do you need assistance with your lantern? The trick is framing correctly to give it a proper shape, but the paper is thin that it rips easily.

Jiang Cheng

[angrygrape]

[One of the first things he had read when he had figured out how to use the network was Wei Wuxian's post about the lantern festival.

Of course, he was here. He had spent years hunting down any sign of his former brother only to find him in this strange world he found himself in. He wasn't going to let Wuxian just do what he wanted here. He knew the kind of trouble that followed him and he was going to put a stop to it.

He looked around as he entered the lantern festival, a hand on the hilt of his sword. He had no interest in making a lantern, there was only one thing on his mind.]

Wei Wuxian! Show yourself!

[snowsparksjr]

Jin Ling had been in the middle of drinking alcohol on the edge of the festival, with a girl wearing skimpy clothes who was probably a prostitute, when his uncle strode in shouting from the edge of the festival uncomfortably close to where he was sitting.

Spitting out his drink, he scrambled to his feet, looking around quickly before deciding that he’d probably best just retreat into the trees, hoping that his uncle hasn’t noticed him yet even though he’s right there.