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!]