nexus_crossings | Bringing in Spring with a worthy revel

Bringing in Spring with a worthy revel

[With the changing of seasons, many Nexus visitors are very happy to see the snow melt away and life returning to their beloved home. Spring is here!

It appears overnight: a large pantheon in the center of the Nexus forum, and once can only guess how such a great building was erected without anyone noticing. Atop the Patheon are two golden thrones, adorned with gemstones of great value. No one seems to be sitting there, but they seem to hold a great deal of importance to the cloaked humans who guard the Pantheon entrance.

The land in front of the Pantheon is paved with smooth, old stones in the shape of a large circle. Lush flowers and grass grown along the outskirts of the cropping, full of beautiful and exotic plants. Truly the host of this revel wants even nature to bend before their whim.

On the left and right sides of the sides of the circle are two long marble tables, where different food and drink await those who enter. Freshly cooked meat. Ripe fruits and unsullied wine. Whatever your heart desires, be it simple or sweet, you will be hard pressed to not find it on one of the tables. Near the tables is also a large group of tents, adorned with many plush chairs and sofas for those who like to relax while indulging.

The center of the circle has a large bonfire pit, carved of fine stone, lit with a brilliant (almost unearthly) red fire. Comforting to those seeking warmth or invigorating to the souls of the weary: it carries an important symbol for the revel: let your soul burn as hot as the flames inside. Which, to the satyr, it means that everyone present should be partying and indulging with one another. There seems to be plenty of space for dancing and socializing alike, whatever your preference may be.

The entrance into this festivity is monitored by a group of half-human, half-goat satyr. They don’t seem to be picky about who gets let in, assuming you’re not here to ruin the fun, but it would be wise to check it with them first. This is a masquerade-style party, so all of the guests need masks.

But there can’t be anything possible wrong with such a wonderful party, right? Perhaps things are not all as they seem….]

((Here's your OOC guide guide to this event. Post when you can as you like, no worries. Have fun!))

((The second half of the event is live link here Please read the OOC thread so you know the details!))

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Grizz is an absolute sweetheart, is Adia's initial impression. Never mind that he's a grizzly bear, she's never lets outside appearance color how she perceives others, once their inner personality shines through. She keeps pace with him through the festival, a few steps ahead of Caspar, who stays by Ice Bear's side. She eyes the craftwork curiously when they pass. At some point, she'd like to ask one of the satyrs what this festival is truly all about...

"You've been visiting the Nexus a while, right? Let me know if you see anything strange," Caspar tells Ice Bear while his gaze flicks over the crowd. There's too many people here for his liking. Too many places for a psychotic game show host to hide. But as far as festivals go, it's fairly tame, even with the satyrs running part of the show.

It is during the puppet show that the eerie familiarity of the festival begins to fade a little. Yes, it still reminds her of home, but there are differences. For example, while she easily recognizes the hydra from myth, the two brave warriors battling it are unknown to her. When the show ends, she applauds as well, impressed with the showmanship.

Grizz is clearly the outspoken and socially active member of the bear family, in contract to Ice Bear's calm demeanor. For a moment, while walking, Grizz is worried that he's moving too fast for Adia, so he makes sure to slow down if she stops to glance at something. As for Ice Bear, his gaze, shifts between the crowds and Adia, never looking at Caspar directly. "Understood. Ice Bear will be vigilant."

Both of the puppet show hosts step out from underneath the booth, a satyr and a human female, respectively. They both bow while the crown claps, unless the woman addresses the crowd. "The slaying of the hydra welcomed the God of Revels into the world, and today, this very festival honors his ideals. Celebration. Fun. Leaving behind your timid selves and embracing the wild spirit within." Her eyes stop on Adia and Grizz, before returning to the rest of the crowd. "I will more than happily share any tales that you wish you hear."

It's hard for Caspar to read Ice Bear sometimes, but he can tell that the bear is taking him seriously. He gives the bear a brief nod, then turns his attention to the puppet show, long enough to get the gist of the story. Hydra, God of Revels, blah blah blah. "Sounds like a Bacchanalia," he mutters, mostly to himself. Not exactly a compliment.

Standing by Grizz closer to the puppet booth, Adia blinks when the woman looks over at her. Grizz, she understands, but her? What would set her apart from the rest of the crowd? Maybe it's her mask. Or maybe it's just her imagination... she really should relax a little, it's nice for the Nexus to have a party once in a while.

"Um..." She raises her hand, shyly at first, then a bit more boldly as the woman suggested for the partygoers in the first place. "Can you tell me why that building is here?" She points towards the parthenon. "Is there some symbolism behind it in relation to the festival?"

"Bacchanalia? What's that?" Ice Bear notices how the puppet actors stop to stare at him and Grizz, frowning a tad. He suspects that the gaze is because they're bears, which is still something Nexus visitors can't get over.

Grizz smiles at Adia's question, whispering to her politely. "That's a smart thing to ask. I never would've thought of it." Which is true, but seeing how smart Adia is reminds Grizz of Chloe. As for the woman, she can't help but rest her eyes on Adia fully now, given the presented question now needs a response.

"Of course. It is a Pantheon that was build by the satyr, to celebrate and honor the Gods of Revel. It is said that inside those walls, the god Dionysus and his followers pray and bring good fortune to those whole celebrate the festival." She nods her head. "Only those blessed by a God or Goddess may enter. The reward is worth the effort, as one will find great knowledge and answers they so desire."

Grizz frowns, frustrated by the answer given. "Awww...so no one can enter? Is there any way to be blessed by a God or Goddess?"

The woman shakes her head no. "The Pantheon is a sacred place, my dear ursine friend. You would have to pray very hard to receive a God's favor."

Caspar makes a derisive sound in the back of his throat. "An excuse for a bunch of horny humans to get drunk on cheap wine and then --" He cuts himself off abruptly, remembering his audience. Is that a blush peeking out from underneath his mask? It's not that he thinks Ice Bear is a child, but... well... best to stick to euphemisms in polite company.

"It's a wild party. Lots of booze, lots of... people being intimate with one another." He shrugs. "It's not much of a thing these days, but you'd hear rumors about them every so often"

Adia gives Grizz a sweet smile in return for his compliment before returning her attention to the puppeteer. Her eyes light up in surprise at the mention of Dionysus -- so it is a temple like the ones back home. But then the woman speaks of a god's blessing, and... wait, does that mean that she can enter the temple? "Does it need to be one of the Gods of Revel?" she asks curiously, before she can help herself.

Caspar frowns openly and leans forward to touch her shoulder. Anything involving gods makes him uneasy.

"People mate with each other." Well, that's a nice way of putting it, but Ice Bear isn't stupid, and he knows what alcohol can do to a person. This is why the cafe doesn't serve any booze like some other brunch places, of if they do, it's specifically kept off the menu for a reason. "Only in the Nexus would a party like that show up."

"No. If that were the case, it would be a very lonely temple." The puppeteer smiles, while Grizz ponders her words. Seeing Caspar reach over and touch Adia makes Grizz actively speak up.

"Shoot. Looks like getting in there is impossible." He shrugs his shoulders, realizing that something is happening between the two lovers, but he's uncertain as to what is going on. "So, hey, should we go get some grub? Unless there was something else we should be doing here?"

Caspar keeps a straight face despite the incongruity of a statement like that coming out of Ice Bear's mouth. He's an adult bear, the Cylon reminds himself. An adult bear. Don't make it weird, Caspar. "Yeah. That. In the myths some people would be driven into a frenzy by the wine, but I never heard of that happening in real life."

"Hmm," Adia says softly. Impossible for Grizz, it sounds like. Perhaps not impossible for her? Caspar's hand on her shoulder seems to rouse her from her pondering, and she flashes him a brief, apologetic look from behind her mask. "Sure, Grizz, let's get something to eat. The food at Nexus parties is always delicious." She gives the puppeteer a polite smile. "Thanks for the show, and answering my questions."

She turns, Caspar's hand slipping off her shoulder and taking her hand instead as they head towards where food is being served, but she can't help a longing, backwards glance at the temple. If there were answers to be had inside, maybe she could finally learn how to overcome her interpersonal troubles...

Later, though. After she makes sure that Grizz samples the best treats available.

Edited 2018-05-11 23:53 (UTC)

"Doesn't wine have that effect already?" Ice Bear, in his ever stoic voice, seems to be blunt and honest about everything. Even sex. Thankfully, the polar ursine has nothing more to contribute to that conversation.

The puppeteer merely nods her head, watching as the four of them walk away. She ignores any other questions, blending into the crowds and heading straight for the Pantheon steps.

Grizz slides the mask up onto his head, using his two short ears to keep it in place. He can't eat while wearing the mask, after all! Approaching the buffet table only gets him even more excited, and he has to resist drooling upon seeing all the different foods. He quickly takes a plate and begins choosing different meats along with some veggies. He can always come back for dessert. "Oh man, I don't recognize some of this stuff, but it all looks so good!"

Ice Bear is more reluctant to partake in free food, but it's hard to resist seeing seafood be grilled over an open fire. Adia or Caspar might have to talk him into getting something...

Caspar actually has to take a moment to think about that. Not a fan of revelry, he's only gotten drunk once -- on accident -- and immediately regretted it. "Not necessarily. It lowers inhibitions, but everyone is different. It could bring out a violent streak, or just as easily make someone warm and mellow. There'd have to be some sort of rage there, already underneath the surface."

That's his personal take on it, anyway. He's glad enough to to let the subject drop, walking beside Adia this time instead of Ice Bear.

The food does look great, and Adia also helps herself to a plate -- mostly fruits and vegetables, although the dolmas are a welcome surprise. She takes a few of those, along with a serving of ambrosia. It's not the same as her mother's recipe, but it's close enough to make her smile in nostalgia. "Where do you want to sit? I think those open tents over there are meant for eating."

Caspar, meanwhile, takes exactly one triangle of baklava, and only because he knows that Adia will want a bite of it later. He turns to follow Adia, but catches sight of Ice Bear stalling. "You think it's a trick?" he asks him seriously. He looks around at the other party-goers who are enjoying their meals without any ill effects. "Seems pretty safe to me."

"Yeah, I think you're right, Adia! There seems to be quite a few spaces open, so we shouldn't have any trouble finding a tent!" Grizz wants to start eating now, but seeing Ice Bear hesitate is concerning. The polar bear just seems torn between eating now and then again in a few hours. Oh well.

"Ice Bear was just thinking. Will partake if everyone else is." He takes a small serving of grilled salmon along with some salt cod croquettes. Where Grizz favors meat, Ice Bear likes seafood. After they've filled their plates, Ice Bear grabs a few bottles of water, not taking part in the alcohol.

Grizz is already picking out a tent, where a small table and a few chairs are. It should be enough space for everyone one, including two large bears. "Ooh! Adia, you'll have to let me know what those things are and what they taste like."

Edited 2018-05-12 01:00 (UTC)

Well, at least Caspar isn't the only one feeling pressure to put food on his plate. Those croquettes look pretty good, though. Maybe he'll work up more of an appetite later.

"They're called dolmas," Adia says to Grizz as she sets down her plate and takes a seat next to him. Caspar quickly claims the space on her other side. "They're grape leaves stuffed with rice. They're a little sour, but nice. You can have one from my plate if you want." Taking a glance at Caspar's plate, she beams when she sees the baklava and rewards him with a peck on the cheek, which makes his expression soften considerably.

Neither of them bother to remove their masks, as they are not at all obstructive when it comes to eating. Caspar keeps an eye on the tent's entrance, sounds of the festival outside filtering inward. "So, tell me, Grizz. What's your world like? Are there other talking animals?"

If anything, Grizz will have enough of an appetite for everyone. Without hesitation, Grizz takes one of the dolmas with his fork and puts it on his plate. "Thanks Adia! I'll let you know what I think about it here in a few." First, he wants a few bites of cooked lamb, which immediately gets a smile on Grizz's face. In fact, he almost forgets about Caspar's question, until he sees Ice Bear look at him.

"Our world is really sunny, but cold. There's lots of people and other talking animals. Like Nom Nom the koala. Pan Pan. Oh, and there's Charlie too! But he doesn't like to be seen by people."

"Charlie is bigfoot. Afraid of cameras." Ice Bear chimes in, while in between bites of his fish. "How are things on Adia and Caspar's homeworld?"

"I can't blame him for wanting to avoid people," Caspar replies, leaning back a little in his seat. "Sounds like a nice place, though." Time spent with pokémon has warmed him up to the idea of worlds of talking animals, even if the idea of a Bigfoot named Charlie stretches his credulity.

The dolmas taste as good as Adia remembers, but she's quick to swallow her bite, having more enthusiasm to answer Ice Bear's question. "It's wonderful. Everyone's tending to their gardens so there are flowers everywhere. We've started beekeeping, too. I think we'll have a good harvest all through summer and autumn."

There's a lot more going on, of course. Atlantis is less than a year old and here is much work left to be done. But it seems only appropriate to focus on such things at a Spring revel.

"California is nice. A good home for Ice Bear." A brief smile flashes on Ice Bear's face, wondering if Charlie would ever want to meet Caspar and Adia. Barring they don't try to take his picture, it might be possible. He nods his head in approval to Adia's talk about how well the fleet is doing on Atlantis.

Grizz can't help but clime in after swallowing a piece of meat. "We got hypnotized by a queen bee once. It wasn't cool at all. Hopefully the bees on your home world are nicer." Ice Bear puts one palm in his head, mainly in shame. "In San Francisco, we have lots of waterfront views and a cool trolley car that can be rode around town."

"Probably a lot less crazy than here," Caspar says pointedly. Then again, maybe not, if there is a queen bee hypnotizing people! What??

It takes a moment for Adia to respond to Grizz, her eyebrows raised high in surprise. "No, the bees on my world are... um, regular bees. They can't hypnotize anyone." She smiles at both bears reassuringly, then blinks when the name of the city they live in is said. "Oh! That's the Earth city with the Golden Gate Bridge, right? That's where Jim lives. Well, when he's not on the Enterprise. A trolley car sounds like fun, is that how you get around?"

Caspar resumes staring out of the tent, awkwardly picking at a flake of phyllo with his fork. He has no personal issue with Kirk -- either of them -- but the mention of the Starfleet captain reminds him of their plan to evacuate the Fleet to Jim's universe, and how close he came to never seeing her again. In light of her relative danger in the Nexus, it's an unpleasant feeling, and he resolves to maintain his vigilance of the festival outside.

"Bears are easily addicted to honey. May have caused some problems." Ice Bear doesn't want to admit that he dressed up as a bear to get absurd amounts of honey. Both bears suspect the bees on Atlantis will not be a tricky as the ones from their home.

"We actually take the subway or bearstack whenever we want to go somewhere. And yeah, you got it right on the nose, Adia! The Golden Gate bridge is in San Francisco." Grizz doesn't notice Caspar's feelings towards Jim, focusing on talking to Adia, while also sneaking in some food. "Hey Adia, we should share photos of our homes with each other! I got a PINpoint today and can take lots of pictures with it."

Because if the bears can't visit Adia's world, they can at least share the experience through other means.

That explanation makes a little more sense, enough that Adia resumes eating the various morsels on her plate rather than gawk at the idea of hypnotizing bees. It's too bad that Ice Bear doesn't want to mention the bee costume, as she would find that mental image too cute for words. "So... um, should I not save you any? I was hoping to give jars of it out to friends."

Caspar looks down at his plate of honey-drizzled baklava and subtly slides it a little farther away from the bears. This is for Adia, you two. Don't get any ideas.

"Bearstack?" Adia asks, turning her attention back to Grizz. "Oh, that's a good idea, Grizz. I have some photos on my PINpoint, do you want to see them now?" She sets down her fork so she can pull the device from the pocket of her cardigan. It only takes a moment to bring up the photo app, and then she offers it to the brown bear. If he cares to look, he'll see photos of idyllic beaches interspersed with rolling green countryside and a small but modern city with some buildings similar to the parthenon outside.

There is also a folder labeled 'Anastasia' that is exclusively photos of a brown tabby kitten doing typical kitten things, sometimes with Caspar in the photo, too. Mixed in with the landscape shots are photos of other people -- a tall, broad-shouldered man holding a baby in one arm and his other around the shoulders of a petite red-headed woman, a striking blonde woman smiling shyly for the camera, and a little girl with dark hair proudly holding up a drawing of a polar bear that looks remarkably like Ice Bear. There are photos of Caspar and Adia, too, taken selfie style, their cabin in the background.

"You don't have to look through all of them," Adia says apologetically. "I know there are a lot."

Ice Bear has to think about the honey offer, before nodding his head yes. Even though him and and Grizz had a bad experience with the bee queen, taking the offered honey should be okay. It's from Adia, after all, and gifts of that nature and ones to cherish. "Ice Bear will not say no to the honey."

Grizz nods his head in agreement. "Yeah, we'll come up with a gift for you guys as well." And then the pictures come out, causing Grizz to ooh and ahh at seeing the landscape of Atlantis. He smiles brightly at the selfies and at the pictures of Adia's friends from home. The pictures of Anastasia are probably his favorite. "These are really great, Adia! Here, I'll give you my PINpoint number so we can text back and forth." Because Grizz will not get tired of cat photos. Ever.

He reaches into the cheeseburger backpack, grabbing his newly acquired PINpoint and offering it to Adia so she can exchange numbers with him.

As awkward as it was to ask, Adia is glad that bees came up in conversation. She'd feel terrible if she handed over something addictive to the bears, as inadvertent as it might be. "Great. Hopefully I won't have to wait until the next Winter Solstice to deliver."

Grizz's offer of a gift is sweet, but unnecessary. But before she can say as much, his attention is on her photographs. "That's Anastasia, our pet kneazle," she tells him, when she notices how much he enjoys them. "She accidentally came with me to the Nexus once."

"Just about gave me a heart attack when I couldn't find her," Caspar adds, although he doesn't sound mad. How can anyone -- Cylon or otherwise -- stay mad at a kitten?

Taking both her PINpoint and Grizz's, she gets to work transferring contact numbers. "Your PINpoint is nice," she tells him. "The first one I had was an older model that looked like a stopwatch."

"Waiting isn't fun. Ice Bear approves of doing things earlier." Finally, the younger brother pipes up again. Both bears seem to smile at the sight of kneazle pictures, since anything cute practically causes the bears to be happy.

"Thank you for the compliment, Adia!" Grizz is beaming from ear to ear, while also balancing conversation and eating. Adia and Caspar are so nice and he wants to get to know them better. "We should plan for a day trip when the two of you aren't busy!" Ice Bear nods in agreement. If he can't go to Adia's world, then she should come to theirs.

This cute lunch won't last forever, but for the next few hours, the bears are intent on enjoying every moment they can with Adia and Caspar. Even if they did agree to only spend 15 minutes at the festival. Oops.

"Well, it's up to the bees, but so far the hive is doing okay." She dotes on it nearly as much as she does the kneazle kitten, much to Caspar's chagrin. It's hard watching her out there with the swarming insects, only a protective hat and gloves between her and their stingers. Although somehow she emerges each encounter unscathed.

The bears' offer to visit for the day is met with a grateful smile from Adia and more reserved, albeit curious look from the Cylon. "We'd like that," says Adia. "Ice Bear and I can work out the details." It might take some finagling on her end to manage a day away from Atlantis, but at least it shouldn't be a problem visiting San Francisco. So long as that nasty tech CEO doesn't find out about Caspar...

It is so nice to spend time with the ursine brothers that even Caspar doesn't start checking his watch until a few hours have passed. By then, Adia's plate is empty and she's helped Caspar finish his baklava. But all good things must come to an end, and the Cylon gently nudges her knee with his. "We should get to the Library if you want to pick up your books before we leave the Nexus."

"Oh, right." She smiles apologetically at their friends. "It was nice to finally meet you, Grizz. Hopefully I'll see you again soon." She stands up, Caspar following suit, and hoists the strap of her messenger bag over her shoulder. "Enjoy the rest of the festival."

"Well, you don't have to force the bees to do anything for us, Adia. If we get honey, that's cool. And if we don't, that's okay as well." Grizz is pretty easy-going either way, he knows he doesn't need a gift from Adia to be happy.

Ice Bear gives them both a quick thumbs up in approval, knowing full well that he's okay with the plan. It'll be the best trip to California, at least that's what Ice Bear hopes to turn it into. It's only once Caspar starts looking at his watch that Ice Bear and Grizz are both observant of the time, and as expected, both freak out. Well, Grizz does while Ice Bear sighs, realizing that those 15 minutes came and went multiple times over.

Both bears stand and be sure to give fuzzy hugs as part of the departure ritual. "It was fun hanging out with you both! I guess we should be going home right now. Nice to meet you both!" Ice Bear nods and has to start dragging Grizz to the exit so they can actually get home on time.

"Goodbye Adia. Caspar. Ice Bear will see you again. Good luck with the beekeeping." And with that said, the ursine family is off, leaving Adia and Caspar to themselves.

The afternoon is starting to wind down and the satyr are staring to idly clean up the festival grounds, while moving around different tables to make space in the main plaza. The entire festival has filled up with lots of people, making it a pain to navigate anywhere in this place. The satyr are even starting to gather people near the center of the festival for the evening ceremonies.

She's about to reply that she doesn't force the bees to do anything, but decides that it's not worth mentioning. It's nice to know that Grizz doesn't mind if she can't follow through with a gift of honey. Although she resolves not to show up at their 'cave' empty-handed. The idea of visiting another Earth is as exciting as ever, and she wants to be a good guest.

The hugs are returned by her warmly, despite her small stature in comparison to both bears. Caspar tolerates any physical affection directed his way; if Grizz were a human, he'd have far less patience. "See you later, Grizz, Ice Bear. Stay safe."

With the bears gone, the festival suddenly feels rather cold and impersonal. Caspar frowns at the crowd that is gathering, making it harder to leave gracefully. He wraps an arm around Adia and guides her towards the exit, a curt "excuse me" for anyone in their way.

Edited 2018-05-18 01:13 (UTC)

Most of the people start to migrate away when Caspar starts shooing them, but the satyr are not so compliant. In fact, their numbers seem to grow, but in a way that doesn't look intentional. One might argue their actions are deliberate, especially after a wandering satyr accidentally bumps into Caspar, spilling his wine onto whatever fashionable suit the Cylon is wearing today.

"O-oh! My apologies, good sir! I didn't mean to ruin your fine clothes." The goat ma, despite his apology, doesn't look sincere.

Meanwhile, both satyr and Nexus visitor crowds are starting to congregate near the couple. Once could say it's pretty tricky to move towards the exit at the current moment, and some people are even trying to slip past Adia and Caspar quickly, making it harder to stay together....

The wine stains crimson on Caspar's pale blue blazer, eliciting a sharp frown from the already irritated Cylon. "Sure you didn't," he snaps, automatically pulling out his pocket square and dabbing at the soaked fabric.

"Hairy freak," he mutters to himself before raising his gaze. "You okay, Adia? He didn't get any of that on you, did he?"

...Adia?

She's gone. In the brief moment he checked on his suit, a group of party-goers cut between them, separating the couple. "Adia!" he calls out, alarmed. He pushes past people indiscriminately, searching the crowd for her flowery mask or the soft gray cardigan she had wrapped around her, but spots neither. Only those damn satyrs and an endless stream of masked strangers.

"Adia! Adia, where are you?"

~*~

"Excuse me. Excuse me, please!" Adia's words fall on deaf ears as she swept up with the flow of the crowd. She can't even reach for her PINpoint, afraid that it will be knocked out of her hands. Since when did the festival get so loud, so rambunctious? It makes her heart race as she searches for a way out of the swarm of people and satyrs alike.

Fortune strikes when she spots an open path. Uncaring where it leads, she takes it, hoping that with a little space and quiet, she'll be able to think about what to do next. She could try to text Caspar, or one of her friends who isn't at the festival, but perhaps the best thing to do is simply teleport home and then --

The path ends abruptly and she stumbles against some stairs. Looking up, she realizes that she has walked right up to the entrance of the Pantheon.

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