Event #09: THE FETE OF KNOWLEDGE

[vivalamods]

EVENT #09: THE FETE OF KNOWLEDGE

As the month wears on, the Imperial forces withdraw, tired of scouring the seas in attempts to pick off individual Corsair ships, have slunk back to their masters. During this time, the Corsairs were hard at work finishing the Crimson Portal in Asphodel, and for the first time ever the Corsairs now have four waypoints - an enormous gain as they welcome the refugees from Vindess.

The refugees themselves are settling about as well as can be expected. Tension is still high, while the people are grateful for being saved from certain doom, a lifetime of propaganda doesn’t fade away in an instant and they remain wary, upset at the loss of their homes and way of life. Struggle is natural, and thus, the Corsairs have prepared for the second phase of the resettlement operation - the Fete of Knowledge.

As Asphodel residents stream into the Vault, music - the kind never permitted under Imperial auspices - echoes through the halls. Although the hammering of munitions is ever-present, this music is meant to reverberate through the caverns, echoing upon itself to build into even greater harmonies. This is music of the Crimson Corsairs, made to suit their purposes and circumstances. A salve for aching hearts and a beauty to bring a tear to the eye, the Vault is ready to prove that as the last repository of forbidden knowledge in the world, the wonders they hold welcome all who have the minds to seek it.

With the spring thaw well underway there is still much to be done, but the Corsairs have worked to complete it as best they can. Thus, most everyone within the three, no, four cities should find some time to partake in the Fete. As the week-long festivities commence, Corsairs are welcomed to take a much-needed break and celebrate their triumphs.

Join the Performance

The music of the day is a beautiful choral arrangement, repeated on the hour to echo through the halls, the verses building upon each other. While not enough to drown out the bombing, it’s a gorgeous piece and one that somehow provides a measure of peace and comfort. Any and all are welcome to lend their voices, there are several parts for any vocal range with the more complex vocalizations being handled by experienced musicians. And, best of all, any who aid in the song are gifted a jug of honey wine, a salve for a sore throat and a delicious delicacy besides.

Debate Hall

The Debate Hall is often lively, and during the Fete it has been repurposed to serve as the center of introduction to rhetoric. Debates between people of roughly equivalent skill are held throughout the Fete, and the topic of debate can be anything the participants choose. Debates over best foods, fashion, or even the odd lyrical exchange of truly hair-raising insults, just about any kind of confrontational discourse is currently on display for the amusement of refugees and Corsairs alike. Corsairs are free to join the stage, so long as they honor the traditions of the hall - settle disputes with words, not blades. At least while you’re in the hall, anyway.

Banquet Hall

The Corsairs have tapped their stores to create a truly enormous feast of delicacies only found in the Eternal Ocean. Aquatic creatures of all sorts grace the tables, as well as some of the native flora and fauna of Elysium’s fields, prepared to absolute perfection. And then, of course, there is the grog, free-flowing and plentiful to help take the edge off the trauma of the resettlement. The mood is mostly festive, with sober bouncers on hand to eject any Corsairs who might get a bit too belligerent while soaking in libations.

Dueling Hall

Sometimes words are not enough, and the Corsairs have set up a dueling hall within the Vault for people to test their skills against each other in controlled environments. Ether is dampened in the Dueling Hall, so while one can cast spells as they might, the lethality is far reduced, a once-searing flame is now a gentle warmth and a block of ice a pleasant mist. This, along with padded weaponry, make for a fine way for Corsairs to both test their skill and show off for the masses, with any number of interesting rules in play to make the contests of strength more interesting and enjoyable to watch. With many a pair from the Debate Hall making their way to the Dueling Hall to continue their disputes, the hall is busy for the entirety of the Fete.

Story Hall

A Story Hall has been set up near the library for actors and orators to read and sometimes act out the books and stories found within the library. While the townsfolk of Vindess are not entirely illiterate, their lower class nature as mine workers means that many cannot read, or read well, and this hall gives them an opportunity to experience the wonder of the written word, of story and legend, and to hear the histories the Empire has long suppressed. The Story Hall is always looking for more orators and actors to read or act out books and plays, and it is one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the Fete, with the Vindess residents hungry for these once-forbidden tales.

Wildcard

The Fete of Knowledge is all about sharing, so there are any number of activities, and Corsairs are encouraged to come up with their own to keep the Fete moving. You may use this prompt to do whatever you wish. Enjoy the party!

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[testygirl]

Raph's summery draws out an even more exaggerated ehhh? from her.

"That's enough to make anybody seriously paranoid. I mean, most people probably are way too trusting, but still."

Then she folds her arms. She isn't averse to topics surrounding suppression collars and slave labor, but it's not the easiest stuff to navigate. Donnie was just answering her question honestly to begin with.

"... I don't even try to read anything complicated. I was worried I might even screw up reading that kid's book. I'm sure you'll learn more of those words bit by bit, though. Renne could help you, too."

[supersmashbrother]

Mention of the suppression collars makes something in his gut recoil, setting his mouth into a thin, firm line surrounding his protruding tooth. That doesn't make sense. Why would someone like Donnie be punished for being curious? For wanting to read?

What's worst is that they did it to his brother without a second thought. And no one was there to stop it from happening.

"...That ain't fair." He feels that anger again, mixing with the sickening guilt that wells up inside of him. Despite keeping a lid on it, it still shows upon his bandanna-covered brow. "Those nobles are chumps. Books should be available to anyone. An' stories are good to have."

He exhales a sigh, trying to soften his hardened gaze, sympathizing with Donnie and Aira as he looks to the latter. "You sounded fine to Raph, Aira. If it helps any, my reading level hasn't improved either way. I've been tryin' the past few months an' none of it sticks fully."

[purplexing]

It's always upsetting to come across shelves of books in noble spaces. Donnie's sure they've probably never even read half of the ones they owned. He tries to pull his thoughts away from the past. As much as he'd agree with his brother, it seems most of the world feels otherwise. That the Corsairs have compiled such a collection and has openly taught to those willing to learn have only been additional points in their favor after he'd been finally freed by them.

"Raph's right, you didn't sound too bad. I know they gave us a few story books to practice, and they are a lot easier to read than ones on engineering or ether magic theory." Donnie sighs. But of course the books he wants to read are all the ones about specific fields of study.

"You on the other hand, need to work on your accents," he notes as he turns a look towards Raph, browline flat before it softens into a more fond expression. "...but I guess you don't sound outright terrible."

[newmemorywhodis]

Link makes a wordless noise of affirmation - but there's a tinge of irritation in it, and if Rezo could see he'd be able to notice Link wrinkling his nose.

Yes, he's observing - only observing - the duels. But he's not entirely happy about it.

[newmemorywhodis]

Link thinks about it a moment. And then...shrugs.

He has absolutely no idea. Koroks work in mysterious ways.

[straykitty]

Renne ponders for a moment.

"I suppose I have been wondering - are you of the nobility? You seem to come from quite a luxurious home with access to good food and fine materials."

[singlemilletgrain]

Shu waits.

"..."

...

"....... . . . . . . "

Ahem.

"Well. Never mind, then." Bowing lightly, Shu steps away from the spotlight, allowing another to take her spot in the storytelling.

"I hope you enjoyed the stories, Link. Perhaps we may partake of the other festivities for now?"

[singlemilletgrain]

"You are very welcome."

Shu bows politely as the two brothers manhandle each other for a bit, covering a smile. She puts up a little sign on her table as she replaces the lid of the steamer basket. 'Back later.'

"I would like to sample some of the other offerings as well. Please enjoy the rest of the festivities, you two."

If Raph is squishing Donnie's face, Shu will squish his head as she walks by. He is very squishable.

[supersmashbrother]

In the middle of laughing, Raph whoops, laughing a little harder in amazement when he's shoved away. He'll never get over how strong this version of Donnie is. This is the kind of roughhousing he's been missing!

Getting his own face squished by Shu causes him to pause, slowly putting a smile on his face as he starts to feel warm and fuzzy inside.

It gets him to behave for a few seconds before he continues pushing Donnie around, messing with his goggles as he starts walking in another direction.

[purplexing]

"Have fun Shu-" Donnie starts to say, right before he's being pushed, and all at once he's launched himself at Raph. It's as oddly natural a behavior as it is unusual for most Corsairs to see, given how they usually see Donnie being quieter or more thoughtful. ...as opposed to a disgruntled cat.

[testygirl]

"... Huh? Seriously?"

That's about the last thing in the world she expects him to say, and it shows on her face. Though the surprise eases into an incredulous grin, and Aira giggles a bit, shaking her head.

"I knew you were the silent but deadly type. Just had a feeling. But punching out a few chumps is cheaper, you know? There's less collateral damage, at least."

[testygirl]

A gold star, huh? Of course Aira is happy to be right, but her pride as a Young Adult ends up spilling out.

"I'm in high school, Miss Shu." She pauses. "I mean, I used to be, back home. For tests, we get number scores and they're out of a hundred."

In case she was interested in a bit of Earth lore. As Aira continues to listen, she does pick up on the sentimentality in Shu's voice. Considering Shu's appearance and what Aira has seen of her abilities, it's certainly possible that she could be a Xian herself. Now, as for whether she could also be the Xian from the story...

It's strange to think that Shu might have ever been callous or uncaring towards humans—their lives, and their toils. One supposes that spending so much time with this caring, patient farmer—one "unparalleled among men"—could have easily changed her outlook.

"I hope she agrees to stay." Aira holds Shu's eye, speaking softly. Then she shrugs a little. "But I get that not every story has to have a happy ending."

[testygirl]

Aira's eyes widen, saucer-like as Nat reveals the card. It is, of course, definitely too late to hide the contents.

"Aha! So you use it to keep track of who you dance with. That's really cute, hehe."

Her gaze flicks back over to Natalia's face, getting an immediate read, and she has to hold back another giggle.

"You're not embarrassed about dancing with her, are you? You just told me you two went to the party together. The writing was totally on the wall!"

[spacetogrow]

'What did the farmer do then?' Ilphyl asked. They wanted to know how the story concluded.

[testygirl]

Aira is quite happy to jump to Raph's defense, and she knowingly lifts a finger, switching from self-pitying to self-assured rather abruptly.

"Stuffy languages with complicated rules and accents always end up getting dumbed down as generations pass." She clears her throat. "They did back on Earth where I come from, anyway. We used to have loser nobles in our history, too, and they wanted any excuse to look down on common people. Simple is just better, hands down. It should be easy to learn for everybody."

This diatribe is inspired much by her own struggles. Like in Donnie's case, it's very frustrating when the Empire's esoteric language gets in the way of her getting what she wants.

"I bet in a hundred years, everyone is going to be talking like Raph. He's setting the right trend."

[testygirl]

"You're calling me spoiled, aren't you? Jerk."

Considering how the common people live on Esthere, she can't really argue.

"... It's different. We don't really have nobles anymore, and we hold elections and vote on who stays in power and makes laws." She pauses. "Having money is the big thing, still. My dad has a pretty good job, so... yeah. He'd get me some nice clothes and perfumes and stuff."

[theriflespiral]

"A-and who you have promised dances to," Natalia says with a nod. "Ideally you fill it up before the set starts, and don't monopolize anyone's time..."

"Though, honestly, well. I am quite... awkward. N-not in dancing, but..."

[supersmashbrother]

"Raph can't help it if his mouth don't work that way!" Raph balks, crossing his arms with a huff as he frowns around his tooth. Truthfully, he's not that offended. It's a typical response to Donnie's straightforwardness, the corner of his mouth quirking as he tries to defend himself. "How was I supposed to know the differences between accents? An A is an A."

He perks a bit as Aira vouches for him, nodding as he learns something he didn't know before. "If your Earth's anything like my Earth, then New York got its vocal variety, that's for sure." Only to frown a bit more at her last point. "Alright, you'll get half a point for that," he says, barely stifling a chuckle. "They'll only wish they can sound like me! But I'll keep on practicing to make it a little easier on the ears."

[purplexing]

"Oh, I am sure dad never taught us noble-ese," Donnie snorts, somewhat amused at the thought. Then again, he'd never considered the possibility that his brothers had learned their own variation of the local language from a non-native who clearly had his own accents.

Huh. Maybe that's why the nobles thought he was a Gate escapee...

"Hah! Now that would be the ultimate revenge, the complete erasure of Imperial standard, replaced by Rapha-ese."

[newmemorywhodis]

Link stares back, with his usual blank-faced expression. Clearly, Aira has never witnessed Link as he merrily traverses across Hyrule while attempting to solve any and all problems with judicious application of bombs.

Including fellow Corsairs who are feeling a little bit down, it seems.

"I have bomb flowers," Link offers. He's willing to share them, for a noble cause.

[straykitty]

"You said it not I."

She contemplates this revelation for a moment. "Elections? How on earth does that remain stable?"