Solstice

[we_meet_again]

Who: peps and invited guests (party crashers also welcome)
Where: pep!pep!
When: Day 191, afternoon to night

[on the morning of Day 191, an invitation went out to various people:]

You’re Invited!

pep!pep! is celebrating Solstice, a major holiday from the home of Glacies and Cobalt. It is a celebration of the return of the light to our darkest days, the changing of seasons, and appreciation for our friends and loved ones.

There will be food, activities, and places to hang out. No need to bring anything, as your presence is a gift enough, but if you really feel compelled, a light of some sort (candle, lantern, etc.) is traditional. That said, do bring a swimsuit if you’d like to play in the heated pool while you’re here. You are also welcome to bring friends!

Festivities start this afternoon and last until midnight. We hope you can join us!

((ooc: All are welcome, whether invited or not. If you have CR with a pep or the other guests feel free to attend))

Comments

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Carrying something wrapped in cloth. Of the size of a small, flatter post office box.]

You're rather festive today.

[we_meet_again]

Seemed like the occasion for it.

Thanks for coming! It's good to see you!

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

So was this event only for the Winter Solstice.

[Holding the package out for Cobalt to take]

Or was there a similar ceremony in summer?

[we_meet_again]

The winter's the big one 'cause of symbolism reasons.

[Takes it]

What's this?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

A present.

What else does it look like?

[we_meet_again]

[


wh..

what?

he opens his mouth but it takes a second for a sound to come out]



Should I open it now?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Well that's up to you, isn't it?

1/2

[we_meet_again]

...

[we_meet_again]

I'm gonna open it!

[he's doing it!!!]

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[He's doing it!

And wrapped up in cloth so that it doesn't make any noise and the glass pieces don't break is this windchime]

Your mother was very specific that there had to be 6 lanterns.

[we_meet_again]

[--Ah! It's beautiful!! He's so distracted with looking at it he almost didn't hear what Intensity said.]

My what now?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Just laughs.

You sweet summer child]

What's the proper greeting in this circumstance?

Happy Solstice? Or Bah Humbug?

[we_meet_again]

[How do you tell the difference between a dreamwalk and just a normal weird dream?

He holds the wind chime up so all the lanterns can hang freely, glinting as they catch the light.]

Bright solstice.

[A little distracted, as he admires it]

...This is really beautiful, Intensity. Thank you so much.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Answer: When you dream anything that's not a nightmare because of an unlocked memory. ... Don't take that route. There are much easier ways. ... Probably]

I had no idea that one of your unitmates was also from your world.

[we_meet_again]

Ah, yes! Isn't that lucky?

We didn't know each other in person, I think, 'cause we were from completely different countries. But it turns out we both have this holiday in common!

I've been feeling really homesick lately [for some reason] so I'm grateful my unitmates were willing to indulge me. This has been really nice!

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

So what does on typically do on Solstice?

If you're going to go for it, go big or go home.

[we_meet_again]

Hah! Mileage may vary! Apparently Glacies' family had a bonfire party for seven straight days.

In my family, though, it was more ...intimate, I guess? Just me and my family, maybe a very close friend. We'd have a big meal and stay up late hanging out and watching comedies. It was really nice.

For me, this is already really big in comparison. But I'm happy because it means I get to see all of my important people at once.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[A grin at that answer]

Sounds awful.

[And gestures Cobalt closer]

Come grab a coffee with me. Unless you'd rather imbibe something stronger.

[we_meet_again]

I'd like that!

Before we leave, though, I've gotta ask you something.

How many prosthetics have you made so far?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Hold up.

He actually has to count on his fingers]

If we count eyes as one item, fifteen.

Why?

[we_meet_again]

Jeez, that's a lot. I wonder how many collective hours you must have spent hunched over your desk. Isn't that hard on your back, sitting on those cubes?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

My lab has a floating chair.

Helps with my evil overlord posture.

[we_meet_again]

But like, how ergonomic is a slab chair, really?

[we_meet_again]

Anyway, here, help me appraise something.

[he turns and starts leading the way down the hall]

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Raises an eyebrow, but he'll obediently follow Cobalt to wherever he wants to lead him]