[10] baby... kurisumasu daze 🎄

[judicialassistant]

Who: Anyone!
Which: Open mingle log
Where: The Wild Harvest in the Residential District.
What: The holidays are here! This is a place where dreamwalkers can retreat during the month of December (and beyond) for a quiet, festive experience away from the crowds.
Warnings: None?/TBD (Gumdrops are in season.)

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The Wild Harvest has been open almost a year now, welcoming patrons from all walks of life with unique dishes every month inspired by both Eastern and Western Earth culture—sometimes beyond. This month, the coming holidays have made the atmosphere homey and warm, simmering with excitement around every corner; and while it is never overwhelming, it is clear to anyone who observes that Christmas is here.



I. Deck the Halls

a.) Along with usual vines of yellow, brightly lit moon-shaped fruit strewn about, there are ornaments with holes in them hung around the restaurant and garden. Some have been decorated by staff; others have small critters taking residence inside for a quick snooze, from young snakes to noodle dragons. Try not to disturb them too much if they're asleep!

Aside from the small critters, the mistletoe gumdrops are also back in season. They are still a menace, and these creatures also fit inside these ornaments: red, white, and pink alike, so be careful! What you might find may not be so harmless.

b.) A small station has been set up for those who wish to decorate their own ornaments to take home or hang in the restaurant. There is a variety of material including paint, flowers, markers, crayons, and glitter along with colorful paper where patrons can draw, write a message, a Christmas wish—anything they want! If they are able to flag down Susato, they can even learn how to fold origami (her specialty is cranes). There is popcorn for making garlands (or for eating), as well as colorful tinsel that can be looped around the Christmas tree or around banisters and door frames to add to the festive atmosphere.

Patrons are also invited to craft their own Christmas star and personalize it however they wish with all the decorations, bells, and whistles.

The staff will do their best to keep the area tidy, but make sure to clean up after yourselves where you can! (Susato would appreciate it...)

» BONUS: Reach for the Stars! Patrons will be encouraged to enter their star in a special contest as part of the Harvest's special quest to find the perfect star. The patron whose star has the most votes will have the honour of placing it atop the Harvest's Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Entries can be submitted with a picture or short description here. Please vote for your favorites with a +1 comment! (Think Flower Fest/King & Queen.)

c.) While the search for the perfect star is ongoing, patrons may notice the top of their Christmas tree remain notably bare throughout the month. Most of the time, this will be true, but take another glimpse during a quiet moment when it isn't too crowded, and you may catch the rare sight of something pink in its place.

Meet the newest cat addition to the Wild Harvest family. She doesn't have a name yet, but she has wings, and evidently is not afraid to use them. She looks pretty comfortable, with her weight tilting the top of the tree as she sleeps. She's not a star, but who's going to be the one to tell her?

Not any of the staff, apparently. Or maybe they just haven't noticed...?

---

II. The Garden

Maybe you're already tired of Christmas, and you just want a quiet meal away from the holiday buzz. Walk out into the attached garden to enjoy your food and you'll find a variety of things to see aside from what's going into your food. There are certainly enough critters walking and crawling around that one might get the sense they're being watched.

There are signs that say something like: Be Mindful of Snakes.

a.) Rows of crops and various ingredients can be seen growing. Yellows and reds from various peppers and fruits burst into color against a sea of green and call for your attention. Wait long enough and you may see a garden snake or two lurking in the foliage. Some may even be brave enough to come out and greet you, with a few of the bolder ones demanding pets. They're relatively friendly, as long as you're not up to anything mischievous. Otherwise they'll start hissing at you, or get the attention of the staff.

The soothing sound of a small waterfall also fills the air, flowing into a pond nearby. Lotus blossoms float above its surface, glowing faintly after dark; though whether they are from the plant or the lotus koi fish swimming about will not be immediately obvious. The fish and the snakes both can be fed by asking a staff member.

b.) Speaking of feeding—if you're sitting down to enjoy your meal, you may feel the gentle brush of a cat or two against your leg, begging for food. You may also be visited by a spice or garnish noodle dragon, looking to live up to their names and add a little something extra to your meal; or a curious axoturtle that may nip playfully at your long hair, if you have it. Or your hat—if you happen to be huddled up or lying down somewhere on a vacant bench, and have your head low enough.

Or maybe it's your blanket as it trails onto the floor, if you have neither of those. Honestly—

c.) "To those who have left Songerein, but are not forgotten." Between two ponds in the garden is a Remembrance wall. On this wall and amidst the grass and dirt at your feet, you'll notice several star-shaped stepping stones, each one adorned with the name of someone who has left the dream world. This was started by the staff, but in light of the holiday season, they have opened it up for anyone to write the name of someone they wish to honour upon a star, and hang it on the wall with the rest. (You can also etch the name onto the star using dreamotion.)

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III. Sing your heart out!

Back inside the restaurant near the bar, a small stage has been set up with speakers and a microphone for the occasional live performance. Karaoke is also welcome, so feel free to take the floor (or bully someone onto it)! Sing whatever song or tune your heart can dream up.

Just be careful not to let the alcohol take you too far. Become too drunk and disorderly and you may find yourself sinking into the shadows and back outside before you know it, with no idea how you got there...... Hmmm. (Did this place have a bouncer the last time you checked?)




[ OOC: This is a mingle log to showcase all the various updates to the Harvest we've implemented over the past year. Feel free to top level, tag around, and/or wild card it up! Happy holidays ♡ ]

Comments

[judicialassistant]

...Hm. Well...

[ Susato doesn't go far; still has him in a loose embrace. She looks like she's really thinking hard about this, though. In the end, she just leans up onto her tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek--lingering there for good measure, breathing against his skin.

That counts, right...? ]

There is that... but I wouldn't call it hidden when you receive it every day.

[chippedsoul]

[He probably should have seen it coming, but he takes the kiss as if it were his first. His expression softens at contact, lightly chuckling.]

I say it's hidden. One more kiss than usual. [He tried. He glances down at the outfit once more.] Would you like me to put this on now...?

[judicialassistant]

[ He tried. Susato's expression softens to follow, and she finds herself following his gaze down to where he's set his new coat down. Aura seems to have snuck her way into the sleeve, however, and Susato chuckles, seeing her poke her head out as she explores. ]

If you don't, I fear it may be confiscated. [ aka: yes, try it on!!!! for your gf, gosh darnit. ]

[chippedsoul]

[Aura looks to Kazuma, as if wanting to stay in those fresh clean clothes even longer. He shakes his head as he removes his current coat.]

Come here. [She better get on his hand unless she wants to fall out of the new coat. Snake curled around his arm, he proceeds to get his new coat on. Surprisingly loose on him, but comfortable. He looks it over, walking towards the nearest pond to admire the reflection. It really looked good on him. But was it a bit much for casual wear?]

Well? [He looks to Susato. What did she think?]

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato follows him to the pond, her eyes on the coat and then on Aura, who seems to be enjoying the warm ride. Kazuma will see her smile brighten as she regards him in the reflection, but then she turns her attention to the real thing. She starts to pull the white fabric closed around his chest, and adjusts the red strap running across. ]

Do you like it?

[ Doesn't matter what she thinks--though it's probably written plain on her face.

To be fair, it's probably written on his, too, but words are important and she wants to hear them. ]

[chippedsoul]

[He looks to the red strap as it's being adjusted. That's going to be a troublesome piece, isn't it? He leans in closer while she's busy.]

I'm happy. [A simple reply, but it felt like he was happy about more than just the jacket.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Troublesome... perhaps. It may be easier just to remove it, but she can't bring herself to do that after only just processing his whole look with it on. There is something brave and dashing about it, and the Karuma remains ever perfect at his side, only amplifying both.

Notably, her hands practically freeze in place at the simple words, and for a moment, she doesn't know what to say. Perhaps he's only saying that for her benefit... She can feel his presence as he leans closer and she looks up to meet his eyes. ]

With me?

[chippedsoul]

[He reaches to move aside her hair, his face getting closer to hers.] With you...with how things are, I suppose. [At least in this moment, he genuinely feels content. Not letting any negative thoughts bring him down and enjoying the moment. Their faces touch, the space feeling warmer.]

Thank you, for bringing me happiness.

1/2

[judicialassistant]

[ First their foreheads touch, and eventually their noses. She can feel his breath against her own, and she closes her eyes to immerse herself in his presence. Her cheeks feel a little wet... Did a few tears escape? Is she relieved?

Yet a part of her knows that it is not as simple as that. Demons like his are not easily defeated; but as a certain foul-mouth girl once told her, most things worth doing are pretty damn hard. All she can do is refuse to give up on him, and refuse to let him give up on himself.

For now, that's enough. ]

[judicialassistant]

[ Eventually, his inviting warmth leads her to fall into a hug. She doesn't know how long they stayed that way, though she can feel a squirming that starts in his arm around her back, until it ends just above her head at his shoulder.

Aura is still there, and she can't decide whether she wanted to join in on the hug, or whether the warmth was getting to be too much. Susato laughs a bit sheepishly. ]

Oh, sorry.

[chippedsoul]

[He lets the hug happen, doing the same in return. The moment could go on forever, but it's momentary when he remembers Aura was still with him. Poor Aura, caught up in their little fling. Though she didn't seem to mind, understanding and admiring how in love they were being.

He reaches to give her little headpats as she chooses to remain on his shoulder for now. It seems like they had a few other admirers in the garden now too. Watchful eyes from snakes and dragon noodles alike.]

Hm, I think we've brought some attention to ourselves. [He looks down, seeing the wetness on her face, reaching to wipe what tears remain.] I suppose I have to give you your gift now too, don't I?

[judicialassistant]

[ NO WHY IS SHE CRYING THIS IS EMBARRASSING.

She is too slow to wipe her own tears after him, but seems to try anyway, bringing a hand up to her face as she glances around them. She is met with innocent reptilian faces, and some curious hissing and chirping. ]

......

[ His words go over her head at first. ]

Huh? Oh--! [ aaaand protesting ] N, No, I... You don't have to.

[ That's not why she presented his gift early... ]

[chippedsoul]

[His hand reaches for hers, trying to dry her tears. She was getting flustered again and he's trying to reel her back to him. Only him.]

But I don't think it's fair I can enjoy your gifts and you not mine. Will you let me...? [He's asking at least, before actually committing.]

[judicialassistant]

Well...

[ Curse him for bringing up the notion of what is just and fair. For once, it's not about that, but she seems to relent in light of it, diverting her eyes quietly as she clears her throat. Her face leans into his touch. ]

. . . Yes. I'd like that.

[ She feels a little defeated, honestly!!! But she would be lying if she protested any further. ]

[chippedsoul]

[He tugs at her hand, directing her to follow him. Putting the journal and such back into the box (along with a possible snake sneaking along), he takes her back up to his home and into the living room.]

Wait here, and close your eyes. [He directs her to a seat. He hasn't had the opportunity to wrap her gift yet, so best to keep it a surprise somehow.]

[judicialassistant]

[ That's a lot of steps, Kazuma. Yet she's traversed them so many times, she doesn't seem to question it, and doesn't let go of his hand. There's a mild nagging feeling at the back of her mind, like she's inconveniencing him, but she tries to silence the feeling as she takes a seat as directed.

Instead, she tries her best to drum up the childish excitement that comes with receiving a gift. She cups her hand over her eyes like she might start counting for hide-and-seek, letting out a noise of confirmation. ]

[chippedsoul]

[Look, it'll make sense why they have to go back inside his home. There are footsteps moving away from Susato and after a few minutes, returning to her. The sound of something being set on the table, something relatively heavy apparently.]

You can look now. [Opening her eyes, she'll found a minature sakura tree sitting in front of her, and a box with an assortment of interesting flower ingredients] This is a sakura bonsai tree, it has an interesting effect when you water it. And these are crushed plants and flowers for tea, the ones found native in that cavern. I think you'll find the taste to your liking, especially when you have a bit of a sweet tooth.

[judicialassistant]

[ Though he's given her explicit permission, it still takes a moment before Susato obliges. She hesitates, peering first through the cracks she creates between her fingers, but then immediately starts to lower her hands. Her mouth hangs open; her eyes are wide, and it might seem like she's barely listening.

Then it all hits her at once, as she slowly reaches to touch the bark of the bonsai. ]

It's... It's beautiful! What happens when I water it?

[ Her eyes finally glance over to the box as well, taking in all the colours of the crushed plant life--all of which she wants to try as tea straight away. Now she knows how Kazuma felt a moment ago, when he opened her gift. ]

[chippedsoul]

Well...why don't you water it and see? [As if he knew she would ask, he had a water pitcher ready for her. Upon watering it, the sakura petals will start to shudder and glow. Butterflies of varying colors come forth from the bonsai, leaving a sparkling trail behind them, grass and other plant life form around the bonsai, all over the floor and furniture within it's vicinity.

They'll soon be surrounded by an imagery of spring, chirping birds and falling sakura petals included. They will all eventually disappear on their own, so no cleaning is necessary!]

1/2

[judicialassistant]

. . . [ Susato's a bit surprised for a moment by the water pitcher. She'd been prepared to have to slink away to the sink to get some herself, but she thinks he must know exactly what is about to happen. She stares at him as she takes the pitcher, and...

...carefully, after some hesitation, tips the pitcher to allow the water to trickle onto the bonsai.

Is she scared about what might happen? Maybe. There's no possible way it could be anything bad, though. At least that is what she's telling herself, and what she's trying to manifest. It's water, and tree. ]

[judicialassistant]

!

[ In the end, she lets out a surprised noise. She automatically steps back when the butterflies come forth, and greenery starts to sprout, starting on the table where the bonsai sits until it travels outward, even coming out of the cracks in the floor. There are flowers where her foot had just been, and it all lingers for a moment as the sakura petals rain down, and their glow slowly fades. ]

...I think I've just created spring amidst winter.

[chippedsoul]

[Kazuma says nothing while she's taking in everything that's happening. Was it too much? Nah.]

In the fall, summer, anywhere and anytime you like.

[judicialassistant]

[ Anywhere, huh... Susato grins at the possibilities. The garden seems to be an obvious choice, though they have already spent so much time and effort to arrange it as it is. After staring at him for probably longer than necessary, she is immediately looking around the room.

Already some of the petals have started to fade, though the spring feeling remains. ]

Where shall we keep it?

[chippedsoul]

[He blinks. She was asking him? He hums quietly to himself.]

Well, I think maybe the porch would be a good place for it. Or would you prefer the bedroom...?

[judicialassistant]

[ Who else is she going to ask, Aura?

...

......

.........Actually-- ]

It would look nice near the lily... [ As good as an idea as asking the snake is, Susato is humming thoughtfully in response to Kazuma's ideas. But like, they could also just... move the lily. ]