Happy Dawning!

[labrathor]

With the setting of the winter sun, the Plaza falls into a quiet lull, most of the hustle and bustle of the crowds trickling away as visitors wrap up their business and head home, shops closing up for the evening save for the late night life. Snow falls softly along the darkened streets, muffling footsteps and leaving tracks through the blanket of white.

But in the darkness up ahead, there is a soft glow and a scent of sweet baked goods.

A series of tables is laid out on the walkway, lit by the white glow of a sword thrust into the ground in the center, casting a wide circle of warmth and light around it. Blue and gold fabric covers the tables, decorated with stylized snowflake patterns, and hand-written labels declare one table as Synthetic-Friendly, another as Safe For Organics. Both tables are festooned with a wide assortment of offerings, some still steaming from the heat of the oven that burns industriously behind them, smaller labels propped up against each plate.

Perhaps you may find your eye drawn to one of the biscotti-like Vanilla Blades, or maybe a sugar-dusted almond Alkane Dragée cookie is more your style. Harshly-angled hazelnut Dark Chocolate Motes provide a little bite of bitterness, while the White Chocolate Traveler truffles combine vanilla and coconut and orange for a burst of sweet. You may be surprised at the airiness of the Void-infused Chocolate Unwafers, crunchy and light like biting into impossibly chocolately puffed rice, or indulge in a lemony Lavender Ribbon cookie. Soft cashew Gjallardoodles, chocolate-dipped palmiers, and classic Chocolate Ship cookies may serve as comfort food, a taste of the familiar and less adventurous side of baked goods. And for those who want nothing more than simple sugar cookies, a series of Snowflakes, or meticulously decorated Exotic Weapons.

Cookies are not the only items on offer. A cup of little plastic spoons sits ready near samples of Telemetry Tapioca and Radiolarian rice puddings, portioned out into tiny portable bowls. Thin slices of cherry-chocolate Infinite Forest cake sit ready on paper dessert plates, disposable forks already doled out with each slice. For the thirsty, empty glasses stand ready to receive bourbon-spiked Sunshot milk punch from a large pitcher, or the more meticulous assembly of an Invective sangria. Steaming mugs of spiced Skyburner's Oath hot chocolate can be put together on request, the marshmallows on top scorched to a golden brown by the flames of a conjured Solar hammer before serving.

This small spot of warmth on the cold winter streets is made all the brighter for the spherical lanterns that stand ready at the last table, small offerings for visitors to send aloft and bring a spot of Light against the dark.

However you choose to celebrate, you'll be greeted all the same by the Guardians behind the table. "Happy Dawning, traveler!"






[OOC: The Dawning is the Destiny universe's celebration of new year, held in the deep of winter. Originally created by refugees from hundreds of cultures on the founding of their new home, the Dawning has come to stand for a time of unity and hope, bringing Light to guide people through the Darkness, a reminder that dawn will always come no matter how dark the night is. Giving gifts and treats are customary gestures of good luck and health for the coming year, and lighting lanterns is done as a beacon of hope that grows all the stronger for every light added to their number.

Feel free to use this space for characters to meet up and exchange presents and goodies, or share in the warmth of companionship of friends both new and old. Happy Dawning!]

Comments

[stark_ravingmad]

Just seeing the usually upbeat and crazy Ziggy look so trodden down sent Tony Stark immediately trudging over through the snow, allowing it to crunch loudly under each step of his heavy boots. Tony's clothes weren't so near as bright as Ziggy's but he couldn't help but feel sorry for his new friend. This was a stark contrast, excuse the pun, to how he saw him at the party that night.

"Hey, Ziggy? I got you something, pal. Hope it cheers you up."

He pulled out a couple of vinyl's from his backpack and handed them over to the musician. They were a Black Sabbath "Iron-Man" and AC DC "Back in Black" vinyl.

It wasn't cookies but Tony figured the guy might like something musical instead. He couldn't help but wonder what was eating him but decided not to poke around. This was supposed to be a cheery gift giving festival so Tony would make it one. He could cheer anyone up.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy looks up from the lantern and a faint smile appears and then quickly fades. He takes the two vinyls, one of which doesn't quite exist in his world yet, gratefully.

"I'm sorry I didn't get anything for you." Ziggy would have if he was in a better place. "I've been a bit inside my own head since the party."

He had found out the next morning his lover was leaving and then only a few weeks later that he would never see him again. It weighed heavily on the singer. He knows this is supposed to be a happy occasion for others and so forces a smile, the best he can.

"Any luck with your angel?" He asks with a bit of a tease but his voice is dull and lacks the constant mirth and flirt that it typically has. He wished he wasn't so effected if only to stop it from bringing down everyone around him.

[stark_ravingmad]

Tony is pleased that Ziggy doesn't at least own all the vinyls he has in his collection. The man's face though? It still needed some brightening up and the engineer would offer his ear as well as a voice to comfort the singer.

"Hey, it's totally fine. I didn't expect anything anyway. This is more about giving to you, Ziggy. Since you threw a hell of a party back there. You deserve to be treated."

A friendly hand came out to clap the taller man on the shoulder. Tall? Yeah, he was getting towards Lucifer's height but not quite. Those legs? Whew. They were something to be marvelled at for sure. Ziggy's comment about the angel had Tony smiling broadly.

"Oh yes. Lucifer and I, we're--getting closer. I can feel it. The man is achingly handsome and well--yeah. I don't mean to gush."

A smirk and Tony was releasing his hand on Ziggy's shoulder and sliding it through his hair. His face becoming more serious as he focused on his red-haired friend.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I shouldn't be forgetting everyone." This is a cultural faux pas as far as Ziggy's concerned, a failing in the Anthean culture he was mostly raised in. "Things have been a mess."

The touch has Ziggy swallowing hard and blinking back tears. Part of him just wants to go home and go back to hiding in the back room at his parent's house. Still, Tony's happiness brightens him a little.

"He's like a crime." Ziggy thought of himself as very attractive but the angel, both of them he knew, took that to the extreme. "Don't worry. I could use hearing some good news."

[stark_ravingmad]

"You know I'm the same because all my Avenger buddies? They're back home fighting a creation of mine that shouldn't have been. It's called Ultron and it's a killing machine. I miss the guys and know I should be back there helping them. Sometimes, I wake up at night just feeling the pangs of guilt gnawing at me that it's them fighting against my creation and not me."

Tony couldn't help it. Ziggy would understand surely, being half Anthean and having the ability to read someone. He didn't mean to bring the mood down but somehow being with Ziggy caused Tony to reflect in on himself. Those tears though threatening to burst from the singer's eyes? Tony knew of that.

"Hey, come here, Hot-Pants. None of that."

Moving in he pulled the lithe man into a hug, just wanting to console the poor guy. Shit, he must have it hard. Tony knew he could go back via PINpoint but did he want to? To face the shit had had left behind? Was he selfish now that he had a life here in the Nexus with his friends and Lucifer? All those things.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I hope you haven't lost anyone in your war." His eyes drop down and he starts fiddling with the engagement ring. "My fiance was in a war against something like that.... but he's not coming home."

Ziggy couldn't bear to say it but as Tommy became more and more sure the witch destroyed that universe Ziggy has to accept that his partner is dead. He just can't bear it.

Ziggy kind of collapses into the hug. He's incredibly light, even more so since he's back to not eating again. He clings to Tony sobbing but there aren't any tears. He's physically run out of them.

[stark_ravingmad]

"To be honest I have no idea but then again I don't know how time works between here and back home. If the Nexus time runs slower or vice versa. Weird time shit and all of that."

Tony shrugged. He didn't know and right now didn't want to get involved about thinking those sorts of things. This was more about being with his friends and Ziggy needed one of those right now. The poor guy was close to tears. Shit. He lost his fiancé? Damn. That was some harsh news right there.

"Man, that's---I'm sorry, Ziggy. I'm sure he went out fighting with you being his last thought. But yeah, sometimes life is a bitch. I feel you there, pal."

He allowed the taller man to collapse into the hug as he held him. Tony knew all about grief and loss and it sucked. The man was wracked with pain and for good reason. Yet, Tony was surprised at just how light Ziggy was considering his height. The guy could do with a good meal. Did half Antheans eat pizza?

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"Everyone seems to experience slow passage or no passage of time in their home universe compared to here but I'm not sure that's universal." Ziggy hadn't really thought about it much.

Ziggy hasn't come around to the type of realism Tony had about loss yet. It was difficult having the first death you experience being your partner who wasn't old or sick. Ziggy wrapped his arms around Tony and held on for a bit. He needed it for a moment then pulled away and straightened himself out. It was wrong to bring people down here.

[stark_ravingmad]

"Right. So, it might not be too late for me to save the world from Ultron and go back. My friends need me I know that. Also, it's my fault so yeah."

Tony just shrugged and then decided not to talk about any more sad stuff around Ziggy. The guy needed a lift and talking about his own problems wasn't going to help the matter. So, the engineer offered Ziggy a smile once he broke off the hug.

"Hey uh--do you like pizza? I was thinking you could come back to my place after the Dawning to chill. A couple of vinyls and I could order us some pizzas. If you want, of course. Totally optional."

If the guy was in the mood for company and some possible dorky tech talk along the way. But if Ziggy required space then Tony would also offer him that option too. He had a soft spot for the guy.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"My species does not engage in warfare but I hope whatever you need to do is successful." That was honest as Ziggy could be. He worried about war before the situation with Hiroki and now it was amplified to manic levels.

He could use the company and the people who had been supporting him could use a break from his presence. "Or mine. I haven't been home in a few days."

He had been staying anywhere else but home. It hurt there but maybe going back with someone else might make it easier?

[stark_ravingmad]

Then it seemed Ziggy's species had one up on the human race who were always at war with each other since the time man could stand on two feet. The worst thing was that Tony profited from warmongering countries and had Stark Industries fuel wars with his weapons. How far he had come since then. He was no longer a tool for war but one of peace and saving the world instead of helping destroy it.

"Yours sounds perfect. I mean I've never been to a super star's house before. At least not one like yours."

Was he making much sense? Tony could always order pizzas at Ziggy's and they could play vinyls there too since the guy was a singer. Also half alien? This would be good. He was half expecting to see some signs of Ziggy's Anthean heritage somewhere inside the house too. The main thing was cheering him up and if he wanted to go back to his then Tony would tag along too.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"It's not to everyone's taste." Ziggy admits but his eyes drift down to the lantern. He still has something to do before he goes off home.

"Why don't we meet up in a few hours?" He offers. "I've got some people here I want to talk to before leaving."

With that he offers Tony his pinpoint so he can get in touch later when he's ready to leave the festival. It would be easier than trying to bustle around all these people to find each other again.