{ dream faire: part 1 - festival }

[dreamposts]

DREAM FAIRE: PART 1 - FESTIVAL

The first annual Reverein Dream Faire kicks off with an explosive burst of flower confetti and music. The town itself is blinged decked out with all kinds of jewels and decorations and everyone is in a festive spirit. The local townspeople and many of the fae who live outside of Reverein are gathering at the Riverside where all the activity has been set up and down the banks and neighboring streets. After a year of being in this world, although many have come and gone, others have started to think of this place as home, especially those who don't have anywhere to return to or just prefer it to what's waiting for them back home. Although there's no known way for the current Reverein residents to stick around permanently, everyone is enjoying their time and for all its ups and downs, the world has given something worth celebrating.

This is the first part of our double anniversary event! ICly, this log covers three days and is focused on just the festival portion of the anniversary event. The second part will go up Sunday, September 18th is here. For more details and questions, refer to the Dream Notes.

I. COSTUMES

The day of the Dream Faire has finally arrived and everyone must, absolutely must wear clothing that are fairytale or general fantasy themed. Even dressed as a casual peasant will do. But for those who would like something more creative, there are several boutiques that will have been open for days before the start of the faire and continue to remain open during it so that participants can rent or buy costumes as the faire goes on.

A. Fantasy Flair. Regardless where or how a costume is made, once within the faire grounds all costumes will have an additional "effect" where those wearing them may feel more inclined to "act out" what they're wearing. This is especially so for anyone modeling after a storybook character. Dreamotion abilities may also be "stylized" to fit the theme, which could come in handy for the games.

B. Runaway Outfits. A bit too much dreamotion magic ended up exploding in one boutique's selection of costumes and now the clothes have come to life and are flying amok through the streets and the riverbank. Some outfits are forcibly trying to put themselves on people while others are acting out their design. A set of pirate costumes with sword props are even trying to rob and pillage, though with mixed results as most of their "victims" are too surprised to pay much attention. Collect them all before they get damaged!

II. FESTIVAL FOOD

Stalls and vendors are lined up all along the Riverside and the streets, and many cafes and other eateries are open with special discounts. There are a lot a variety of styles and tastes for anyone to try, as well as the typical festival food, but there are some special Faire food and treats as well. Plenty of open picnic tables and blankets available so enjoy the refreshments! Just don't mind the singing fish that may occasional serenade those eating on the riverbank.

A. Cotton Candy Clouds. A special vendor is requesting customers to dreamotion up their own special cloud, particularly by mood. Happier moods will produce thick, fluffy clouds while sadder clouds are a bit thinner and more coarse. But that's alright because this vendor will take the clouds and sweeten them up no matter what they are! Even thunder clouds are welcome. With some special sugar, a dab of color, and some special dreamotion the clouds are now edible. Happy fluffy clouds will have a sweeter taste while stormy ones may have a spicy kick to them.

B. Firebreather Kebabs. These kebabs are the talk of the faire, daring any to take a bite to see if they can handle the extremely spicy taste. If one is able to handle the flames, they will be able to breathe fire for a few minutes. Of course, this does provide hazards, such as loose cloth and pennants catching on fire from overexcited eaters. And when there's alcohol nearby…

C. Honey Mead. Plenty of cat-bee honey was collected for the Faire and there are several stands and makeshift pubs set up for anyone to have a taste of the special Honey Mead. Even minors can have a taste as there is a low alcoholic version that is safe for consumption. Drinking it will leave anyone feeling giddy and festive. Just be on the look out for very small bumble bears and not so small honeycomb badgers. They're not aggressive, but they will be attracted to the Honey Mead and if they get the strong alcoholic versions…might get a bit more exciting.

D. Starfruit Candy and Jam. Special starfruit are available to be turned into candy or mashed into special jam. What makes these fruits special is when cut open, the inside looks like the starry skies and the jam will also appear like distant galaxies. The taste is also out of this world and can make for great gifts for friends! Anyone who is doing the glassblowing activity could use their jars here.

E. Wild Bliss, At Day's End Pop-up Cafe. A lively looking pop-up outdoor café has been setup on the faire grounds, and by the sign setup with it is called Wild Bliss, At Day's End. The closer the curious venture, the more clear it becomes that this is a collaboration of three restaurants in Reverein itself; At Day's End, Lady of Bliss, and The Wild Harvest. Reason behind the curious name! The food and drinks they provide are somewhat exclusive in the celebration of reaching the one year mark in this 'dreamy' town all have found themselves in. A seating area has been arranged so one does need to travel far to settle down and enjoy their treats:

Bountiful Taco (Wild Harvest): A tortilla bowl filled with vegetables both grilled and fresh, braised tender pork, and seasoned chopped steak. A mix of both Western and Eastern spices and marinades made to work in harmony for a delicious taco-bowlful of filling food. Comes with verde salsa on the side.
Radiant Tempest (Wild Harvest): A trio of bright and colorful tacos, filled with shrimp and other fresh caught seafood. Topped with pico de gallo that includes chopped apples, pineapple, and a splash of lime juice to help tie it all together like a refreshing drink. Comes with a choice of wine-infused salsa or spicy verde.
Taco Temptation (Wild Harvest): A choice of any color of the rainbow, these are waffle cone inspired taco shells filled with rolled ice cream, with a few various toppings of your choice! Enough sweetness and sugar to appease any sweet-tooth.

Azure Omen (At Day's End): A naturally cold, dark blue wine that glitters like ice, with a taste halfway between dry and sweet and hints of mineral flavors. When drunk, it may grant a change in luck for a period of time from mild to moderate, potentially increasing with the more consumed. Disclaimer: the luck is not always good.
Dawn in the Wildlands (At Day's End): A non-alcoholic punch consisting of white grape juice, peach concentrate, sparkling water, multiple fruits (limes, oranges, strawberries, cherries, and peaches), and mint.

Pudding Tapirs (Lady of Bliss): Steamed pudding shaped into a sleeping tapir on a cloud of whipped cream and people can jiggle em or slap their lil tapir bumbums
Dreamer Tarts (Lady of Bliss): Like little baked alaskas, a cloud of toasted meringue with a chocolate tapir on top, and cutting into the cloud reveals a scoop of ice cream over a lil cake.

III. FUN & GAMES

A. Leather Bags of Holding. Special leather bags can be made at this stall, with the option to either make one from scratch or decorate a ready made one. The sizes range from small pouches, to medium shoulderbags, to large backpacks. What makes these special are the special patterns that can be sewn on. If done using the proper amount of positive dreamotion, particularly ones filled with hopes and dreams of the future, the bags will be able to hold up to three times the amount they physically can hold.

B. Dreamglass. Wearing appropriate gear including gloves, aprons, and face shields, participants can use dreamotion to create their own special glass creations. One way is using the traditional technique of using a blowpipe to blow through the rod to expand the glass into any shape that is on their mind. The other is using special tools to sculpt their creation instead. Imagination is the only limit, and colors, decorations, and other accessories can be added. Even a memory could be imprinted on the glass.

C. Flower Swings. A few trees have flower swings installed and while some are for relaxing and enjoying a fun swing, there is one in particularly that actually spins like a swing carousel. Everyone hangs on tight for a thrilling ride—until there's a little too much excitement and the branches suddenly raise everyone up way too high, spin dangerously fast, or even shake the branches. Time to calm this ride down!

D. Dreamotion Dancing. A special dancing troupe has formed to perform unique dances supplemented by dreamotion to retell stories and scenes. With each movement, a scene is painted briefly in the air, each one so vivid it's almost like watching it first hand. They can also create other spectacles, kicking up dust made bunnies, ribbons rippling up a glittery storm, and making their musical instruments dance as they play. They invite anyone willing or unwilling to dance with them, encouraging others to find partners to try and create their own special dance. Perhaps the costumes will help add an extra flair.

E. Duels. What better way than to show one's combat skills by a friendly duel? However, to keep everyone safe, instead of real weapons everyone is given pool noodles foam weapons molded in the shape of their real counterparts. They are soaked with special paint so when one is hit, a red or blue color splashes to indicate the "injury" sustained. Dreamotion is also allowed to be used, with the only restriction that no one should enter with killing intent and anyone who goes overboard will be thrown out by these friendly looking ogres. (The only thing "friendly" looking about them are the flower crowns on their heads.)

F. Axing Redcaps. Show off your throwing skills by competing against each other and going through a short obstacle course filled with various targets. Players must throw their ax at designated red bordered targets, using dreamotion to give it an extra boost in speed, strength, and even direction. Don't hit any with the green borders! Bonus points are given to Redcaps that pop out—but wait, why are some of them real!? In the middle of a few games, real Redcaps will appear to try and steal goods, especially other axes and weapons. Capture or kill, they need to be stopped!

Comments

[whirlwindthrust]

[ What is that expression, Venti? Xiao feels a flicker of something in his chest. Warmth. Something light. Fluttery. ]

I should have some how captured that moment. This way I could hear it again and again.

[ That he shouldn't complain so much! ]

[concierto]

Ehe, if you expect me to write you a song about how I shouldn't complain I'm afraid it won't go that far!

[Venti giggles in return and shakes his head. But since he's being carried like a newly acquired bride Venti has his arms around Xiao's neck. So he surges up so he can press his nose to Xiao's cheek.]

I can only thank my great savior.

[whirlwindthrust]

Why did you automatically think of that? I wouldn't ask you to write a song.

[ The problem with carrying Venti away like this was the fact that, well. Where would he go? Was there a place that Venti stayed? ]

Where should I take you?

[concierto]

[There is no place he's just as homeless as ever-]

Hmmm. Somewhere with sweet wine...

[Venti, no.]

Did you see the dancers, Xiao? Or the axe-throwing contests?!

[Venti, no.]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Maybe he'll just take them both to the tree that they occasionally share with one another. Hard to say. But he's still going to carry him out of here. ]

I did not. There was only one person I saw and only one I cared to see.

[ They are not going anywhere with wine. ]

[concierto]

Xiao~! I haven't tried all of the wines yet! And the games!

[Venti giggles and whines softly.]

I want to play together. Xiao. Want to play? Play with me.

[He's starting to babble and coo.]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Yeah, the giggling and the whining are not going to win him over. Xiao continues the walk, pausing only to heft Venti a little higher. ]

I don't think you need to have any more wine for a little while.

[ Then he sighs. Augh the giggling has taken on cooing now along with it. ]

...Play what.

[concierto]

[Is Xiao so sure it won't win him over? It looks like Xiao is blushing...]

Let's play a game together, Xiao. Any game.

[He softly whines again and squeezes the yaksha.]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ ...Who is the Archon here? Who is the OLDEST of the two!? Sometimes one just has to sit there and wonder.

Xiao sighs. Again. Every time he is in this one's presence that seems to be a common sound passing through his lips. ]

How about the quiet game?

[concierto]

Ehe, I think I can play that game.

[Venti coos playfully. He might not be the quietest person in the world (far from it) but he can play a game of it. And that means reaching up and kissing Xiao's lips without warning.

Kissing means he has to keep quiet...]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Well. If there was ever a way of getting Xiao to stop in his tracks? That would be it. He's not expecting Venti to just reach up and kiss him. To be fair, Xiao should have anticipated something. That's just the way that the Archon thinks. He's definitely got the sort of mindset...

But a kiss? Yeah that's not. That's not where Xiao thought that he would go. So of course he immediately stops moving. His feet come to a complete halt and his eyes go wide.

And maybe blushing. ]

[concierto]

[Just please don't drop him-

Venti is drunk but there is always that sincerity in his touch. He kisses Xiao softly with that surprise. Knowing that this is only their second kiss together so he shouldn't be too... much. But it's difficult.

He parts and quietly whispers,]

Forgive me for drinking too much?

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Oh Xiao is aware, of course. He knows that, even in Venti's worst drunken state, he isn't the sort to just do things that he doesn't mean. Venti never fully loses awareness, giddy as he might become. Kissing Xiao in this moment is something he genuinely wants to do. It might be a partial ploy, but Venti does mean it. The emotion is still there and Xiao can...

He can actually feel it. ]

I really shouldn't. Apologies mean nothing if you just plan on doing it again.

[concierto]

[That's the truth. It never matters how much Venti has sipped his self-awareness is always there. It must be some sort of god's power with how good he is at keeping his wits about him despite being cups and cups of wine deep...

He wanted to kiss Xiao because he truly wanted to do it. Even if the response makes him giggle sheepishly. His nose pressed gently to Xiao's cheek.]

Pretty please?

[Yes, accept his apology. Even if it won't stop the behaviour...]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Oh Venti. Making it so difficult. Now Xiao seems to understand the moments where Rex Lapis had been exasperated. The moments where just hearing Venti's name - Barbatos - would elicit a sigh.

Exasperated, but fond. The Yaksha understands now. He does. ]

Very well.

[concierto]

[And it makes Venti giggle happily all the same! Hearing Xiao accept his loose apology makes him feel silly and happy. It must partly be the drinks in his system but he's truly happy.]

Then I owe you my thanks! [He giggles out a little too loud before he gulps in a short breath and then whispers again,] Take me away, dear Yaksha.

[He has to keep his promise that he won't be so loud. Right now.]

[whirlwindthrust]

You are thanking me for accepting your apology. Perhaps I am letting you off of the hook too easily.

[ Not that Xiao has exactly paused in his steps. He's still carrying the other. Further and further away from the alcohol that could further be a disruption. It's not like they have a place to go though. They just sleep in trees.

So that's where he's going? ]

[concierto]

Noooo. Please don't take it back, Xiao.

[Venti murmurs drunkenly. He cuddles close to rest his cheek on Xiao's shoulder in hopes it will soothe Xiao's coldness.]

Please keep caring for this silly sleepy bard...

[whirlwindthrust]

I never said anything about taking it back, Lord Archon.

[ Xiao... Teasing? Maybe he can do so right now because Venti is drunk and might not remember this exact thing later. Hard to say.

Or maybe this world and the people in it are having more of an affect than he would have anticipated. ]

Sleepy bard, he says.

[concierto]

[He does look up at Xiao with this curious little look. A small smile appearing on his lips as he admires the shape of Xiao's face. He's always so very pretty and handsome.]

Just Venti.

[He coos softly. His hand coming to rest on Xiao's cheek.]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ He leans down further. Closer to Venti's face. Almost breathing the same air now. ]

So you've said, yes. Not that it changes who you are. It never truly did, did it?

[concierto]

[He wants to kiss...!!!]

It doesn't. But I want you to call me Venti, always.

[whirlwindthrust]

[ No one is stopping Venti from kissing him? He can kiss Xiao if he likes. It's awfully tempting, even if the other smells a bit like alcohol. ]

Venti.

[concierto]

[But what if... Xiao kisses him first???]

Ehehe. That's better. Xiao.

[He flutters his eyelashes at the other. Kiss him...]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ He might. Xiao just might. Especially with the way that Venti is looking at him. Like he expects it. ]

Venti.