ioduanlogs | And the snow it was falling

Entry tags:

And the snow it was falling | December Catch-all

Characters: Pepper Potts, Devin Parker, and you!
Date: Throughout December
Location: Holiday markets, cafes, and parks. Around Aifaran, basically
Situation: Pepper is going whole hog on the holidays, and Devin is gentle dipping a toe into both celebration and learning his Talent.
Warnings/Rating: None yet, will add as needed.

A. [Pepper] Early Dec | Holiday markets | Gene

Gene does not like shopping. Pepper knows this well. She also knows that she has successfully dragged him out in the past, and that the end of the year brings with it a special sort of shopping that no other season can: holiday shopping. Although Aifaran doesn't have a big investment in Christmas, per se, the variety of traditions comes with just as many varieties of gift-giving opportunities.

"We're getting ugly sweaters," she announces, hooking an arm around his elbow and marching forth.

B. [Pepper] Before the storm/Meta 3| Around Keeliai | Open

Pepper is a huge fan of this holiday season. There are so many new fun traditions to learn, and she's engaging in a lot of them on some level or another. She can be found in the stands watching the Shuyul Bay regatta, although on one day she decides to watch it from the sky in her power armor. Meet her in the air if you can fly - or, she can carry you! There will be pictures going up on Xa Xa for sure.

Although she can't knit, Pepper is serious into the crazy fashion trend of ugly sweaters. She attends a couple of the competitions and will be dragging anyone she can convince/tug/bribe to join her in voting for the Fan Favorite. Careful, though; she'll wheedle and argue (genially) you into trying on at least one knitted atrocity even if it doesn't get purchased. (This will also go up on Xa Xa.)

At one point during the month, Pepper is walking through one of the parks when some Igheeri children race up to her to ask her to stop moving. Apparently, something about her in this one very, very specific spot has bolstered the miniature snowstorm created for the purpose of sledding. She is… not the best at standing still, but she promises to do her best so long as she gets a chance to go sledding at the end, when there's enough snow that it doesn't melt immediately. It's possible to see her fidgeting, kept company by her ka until it's her turn to go racing down the small hill.

The Yule-like traditions are closest to home. Despite her enthusiasm for shopping, the warmth of fire and good company gets her to slow down. She misses her father most at this time of year. There's a wistful ache of homesickness in her smiles that eases some amid this companionship. If she spots someone she knows, she will hold out a cup of hot cocoa and wave them over.

C. [Devin] Early Dec | X's Apartment/Gift market | X

Devin does not celebrate Christmas. He doesn't really celebrate anything, in truth. He has participated in a few gatherings or events over the course of his life, but most of the time he finds a way to do literally anything that is free of song and lights and presents. The fact that his birthday is around the corner is also distantly on his mind, although the story there is the same: the date is acknowledged for coming and going, but not more than that.

This year is different. This year, he has a partner. And the Fool is definitely the kind of person to delight in what the holidays have to offer. Devin is 90% certain he will be half-coaxed/half-coerced into an ugly sweater, among other activities. That's all fine. The problem he's encountering is that he does not know what etiquette, if anything, there is around Christmas and relationships and gift-giving. Tours through the marketplaces only muddle things further. So, he decides to text someone who not only knows about their relationship but has intimate knowledge of Devin's opinions about this time of year for some advice: X.

I don't suppose you know how to do Christmas, do you?

D. [Devin] Before the storm | Die Rosa Tulpe/Apartment | The Fool

Although Devin is filling the role of curmudgeon this holiday season, he's also trying to stretch a little out of his comfort zone. At some point early in the month, he'll arrive with Luthien perched on his shoulder - wearing a tiny scarf designed to drape down her back and provide some added warmth. It has nothing to do with holiday cheer, of course. He's not been precisely nervous lately, but there are definitely Things On His Mind about celebrations and gifts and relationships and how those all come together. It looks like eighth-dimensional origami at the start.

But there is one event that catches his attention, and not for reasons of seasonal spirit. "I heard the Ban Om are holding an open ceremony for Tu Vishan and the other turtles," Devin says one morning, watching their two pets entertain each other. "I thought… perhaps it might be worth attending, given the link you have."

E. [Devin] Before the storm/Meta 4 | Academy Library/Seitura Park | Open

In his restoration work at the library, Devin comes across an exceptionally old book containing information on a Talent remarkably similar to his. He's been reticent to explore the depth of his abilities thus far. His destructive potential is significant without being able to speed up the decaying force of time. But if he has an instruction manual… well, the guideposts are laid out at least part of the way, and that satisfies enough of his concerns to pursue the knowledge and put it into practice.

Devin spends a few days copying out the book so it won't be damaged further, and then heads to Seitura Park. Turning leaves brown and rotten will at least fit in there. It's less populous this month, and he can be found in a secluded corner a few hours a week creating a growing pile of brown leaves. These are then separated into smaller piles for further experimentation. The piles are in varying stages of decay as he plays around with volume and extent and whether he's preventing natural processes from taking hold by speeding too quickly past them, and taking copious notes.

(OOC note: Let me know if you want a specific starter, or write a wildcard of your own!)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Glibly, the Fool demurs, "I have never been wise." After all, he is a Fool.

He gets up from his seat in front of the mirror and takes a moment to put away various bits of cosmetic and other accoutrements he'd been fiddling with throughout the morning, then slips behind the partition in his bedroom to finish dressing himself. "I don't intend to share my secrets with the Ban Om lightly," he says; there's the sound of fabric shifting and rustling. "I assume it isn't a common experience, the turtles choosing to commune with us little folk."

"You've said that before," Devin says towards the partition, a little wryly. "I'm not convinced it's true."

His partner might have earned the name and title of the Fool for good reason as much as the court position, but Devin also knows he is not truly foolish in all things.

"It isn't, no," he confirms, looking back to their pets. Luthien seems to be attempting to engage Holly in playing with a toy, but thus far her own tail is still more interesting. "Part of that is simply the difficulty of it, I think. Our minds and theirs are so vastly different. And from what you've described and what I saw, it also sounds a bit like these turtles are young enough that they haven't quite gotten the hang of using communicating across that gulf - Tu Vishan spoke to us in addition to imparting clear impressions of non-verbal meaning."

Devin smiles to himself when Luthien gently drops her entire fluffy tail (gently) atop Holly. "You may be teaching him how to do that," Devin posits.

"...Tu Vishan spoke to us in addition to imparting clear impressions of non-verbal meaning."

"Like the Skill," the Fool muses more to himself than to Devin, though he doesn't intentionally exclude his lover from the thought. But there is much more to mull over on that topic before he will feel confident in divulging more of his thoughts on the matter, and so he shifts his focus to instead making himself presentable before he comes out from behind the partition.

When he does at last make his appearance, he might look almost subdued in mostly black--if it weren't for the streaks of brilliant turquoise rippling through the fabric and accentuated by bits of glittering cosmetic near his eyes. He detours past both Luthien and Holly to give the pair of them affectionate pats upon their respective heads, then steps over to Devin to insert himself familiarly between his lover's arms. (Rather like a cat who knows that this is where he's supposed to be, thank you very much.)

"You may be teaching him how to do that."

"Well I must be a poor instructor, in that case," the Fool replies, smiling wryly, "if I haven't yet learned my pupil's name."

It has not yet ceased to impress Devin how easily having the Fool near him sweeps away other concerns. He can sit through a ceremony for that; he could sit through a lot of them, in fact, and even be respectful about it. Mostly.

"They've probably been given more than one name over time," Devin points out, just as wry as he slips his arms around his lover. "Maybe they've even named themselves in a way that can't be shared verbally," he adds, teasing.

Given that he is willingly going to walk into a temple and let someone expatiate for who knows how long about the turtle he once lived on, and also because he can, Devin kisses the Fool's forehead. "Besides, by that logic I'm a poor partner for not knowing your name," he remarks, quirking a smile. Devin's tone is intentionally light and still a little teasing; he's not trying to guilt the Fool into telling him, just point out that relationships can develop just fine without knowing each other's names. And if there's a request in there, well... it's a patient one, rather than demanding.

He bends like a reed into Devin's arms and smiles, eyes closed, when he receives that kiss to his forehead; he'd stand up on his toes to follow it up with a warmer one if that wouldn't defeat the purpose leaving the apartment today.

"Besides, by that logic I'm a poor partner for not knowing your name."

"A sound point," the Fool rejoins with a rather enigmatic smile that suggests he's heard that request quite clearly. He allows a moment of considering silence to settle between them as he regards his lover with thoughtful fondness; how to answer that unvoiced question, when he has carried so many names over the course of his life? But he knows the one that Devin would know.

He lifts his chin, and a hand, so that he can thread some of Devin's hair back from his eyes. "Would you call me by my name, if I told it to you?" he asks... and there's something almost sly in his eyes, as though he finds this discussion amusing for some private reason.

Given the artful dodge the Fool made when he first told Devin what to call him, the vampire has wondered what story lay behind concealing it. They've been careful about where and how they share their pasts, and in any case 'the Fool' has ended up as much a name as anything else - though clearly not entirely, or Devin might not still be curious.

He's not sure what to make of that sly glint. Better to take amusement from confounding him again than a flicker of pain, he supposes. "If you wanted me to, yes," Devin answers, faintly confused.

...There's very little he wouldn't do if the Fool wanted it of him, Devin realizes, and while that doesn't come as a surprise (vampire territoriality extends somewhat to interpersonal relationships) he hadn't noticed that development before. Huh.

"If you wanted me to, yes."

For the briefest of moments, the Fool's smile seems to falter; a bit of the light flickers in his gaze. Devin can't know what that small qualifier means. Though perhaps he will, sooner rather than later.

He lets his fingers curl against Devin's cheek, silent for a moment longer. Then his smile warms and a glimmer of his cheeky humour kindles itself in his eyes again.

"Beloved," he says. "That is what my mother called me, when I was a child."

Ah.

For a moment or five, Devin isn't sure how to respond. His name both explains and does not explain why he uses 'the Fool' - Devin can guess there are numerous reasons aside from potential awkwardness. Apprehension twists in his gut; without context, were he to use that name in public it might read to people as something else, something he doesn't yet mean (does he?) and isn't even sure he can mean, despite X's assurances. If Devin is going to be disingenuous, he'll do it on purpose and not by virtue of a technicality.

But he meant what he promised: no matter if it makes him uncomfortable, if the Fool-- if Beloved wishes to be called by the name his mother gave him, Devin will. He can get over himself and grow comfortable with using a new moniker if it makes his lover happy.

"Thank you," is what Devin says first, quiet and appreciative. Even if it's not such a big secret, he knows Devin well enough to anticipate some of the thought process he's just had, and trusts that Devin will keep his word regardless.

The vampire hums thoughtfully, an uncertain smile tugging at his lips. "Beloved," he echoes, as if testing the sound of it rolling off his tongue - and so his lover can hear it, and decide if he likes the sound, too. (Maybe he's stumbled across an ideal Christmas gift after all.) "Well, that does seem an appropriate way to make sure one's child knows their parent loves them, even after they're gone."

Assuming it was not meant for narcissistic reasons, but Devin gets the feeling that the Fool wouldn't be quite so amused about the whole thing if his mother hadn't given him that name truthfully. They haven't talked much about parents and family.

Ah, indeed. The Fool doesn't intend to read Devin's expressions like an open book, but his impish smile spreads just a fraction as he discerns at least some of the thoughts going through that analytical mind. Then, "Beloved," Devin says softly, and though the Fool cherishes his candour, he cannot help but flinch.

(It is too soon. Will it always be too soon?)

He takes a breath and lets his fingers settle against Devin's chest, eyes following the path they trace over his shirt. "Yes," he says almost absently, "I was loved dearly, for a time." And as with so many things, there exists significance in what he doesn't say, as much as in what he does--he was loved, until he wasn't, and somehow through the process that followed he came to be known as the Fool. Somehow, he carried that title with him into Aifaran, and hasn't let go of it.

"Not yet," he decides quietly. Then, anticipating guilt or an apology, he insists in a gentle voice, "You did nothing wrong. 'Fool' shall suffice for now--and you cannot deny that it is an apt name for me." This he adds rather dryly, recalling his every foolish choice and action since his arrival here.

The reassurance is appreciated after seeing that flinch. He was loved-- the use of past tense makes Devin's heart tight. I've never been wanted before, either. He remembers those words too clearly. Would that his lover had never experienced such a harrowing journey, but it isn't within Devin's power to change the past. Clearly there is a story, and not an altogether pleasant one. He'll find out or he won't, and that's up to the Fool.

"It does suit you," Devin agrees warmly, holding his lover more tightly for a moment. "Though, to quote Shakespeare, 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.' What you're called matters less than who you are, which also applies to our turtle acquaintance. You're not strangers to each other. He trusts you enough to keep coming back," he reasons, gently steering them towards the previous topic.

The Fool doesn't object to Devin's attempt to gently steer the conversation back towards the topic of the turtles--but he does delay it, just long enough to lean up and kiss his lover fondly on the mouth. I mean, really, if you compare him to a rose, what other reaction do you expect? He is at least mindful enough of their schedule to not get too wrapped up in the embrace, and so draws back after a moment with a look on his face rather like the cat who got the cream.

"Then I should not be late to this ceremony held in his honour, at least in part," he replies, then takes hold of Devin's hand and takes a few steps back towards the front door.

Devin makes a mental note to quote more Shakespeare in the future.

He knows a gentle nudge when he sees one, and he goes with the Fool's pull easily. Even in the darker-than-average garb, the Fool will garner more attention than him. Arm candy works well as a guise, and practice makes up the rest.

"I thought being fashionably late was key to making an entrance," Devin needles gently, smiling.

The ceremony starts at sundown which allows them to take their time getting there, though not enough time to go through one of the holiday markets, which would be just as distracting as staying in the apartment. The central temple is growing crowded already by the time they arrive, with streams of Ban Om followers trailing along the garden paths. It is by no means packed, thank goodness, and though the spirit of the crowd is subdued, it isn't somber. There is a focused intent here as everyone turns their attention to the great turtles at once.

Since they're no longer hiding their relationship, he hasn't put distance between them. The instincts of his past do take up space in his mind, however; the last time he'd been near a large Ban Om event, there had been an attack. He doesn't think that's likely to happen now, but Devin has always had half his focus reserved for tactical analysis.

"I wonder what they think of all this," Devin remarks in an undertone for the Fool's hearing only.

"I wonder what they think of all this," comes Devin's quiet commentary as they stand just outside the gathered participants; even spoken so softly, the words startle the Fool from his contemplative silence, and he looks from the devotees back to his partner with a distant, far away look in his eyes for a moment. Whatever intense focus has overtaken the participants in the ceremony, some of it seems to have touched him, too.

It takes him a moment to recall the question, a small furl forming between his brows. The Fool lifts his hand and curls it around Devin's elbow. "Do you mean the turtles?" he asks just as softly.

The contrast in their reactions is, as ever, worth noting: his partner is able to engage in a way that Devin cannot (or perhaps will not allow himself to). He'd rather the Fool be able to remain present, and he can be the one keeping an eye out for trouble.

He nods, a faintly wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I suppose they'd appreciate the respect for their protection of us," Devin murmurs. "But I don't think they would want veneration to turn into worship. No doubt they are forces of nature," he grants, glancing upwards to the shimmering barrier miles above them. "We would all be in a great deal of trouble if either they or us began to consider them gods."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And the snow it was falling | December Catch-all

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject