The Gathering

[bladeoflight]

IC
Characters: EVERYBODY
Summary: It's been a year since Chaos was defeated and the world was saved. So, naturally, it's time for a reunion party, right?
Location: Lindblum Grand Castle
Date: November 1st, 1806
Style: Up to you!

About two weeks ago, an invitation was sent out via skyphone to all of the sky people of Gaia- and a select few natives, too. It invited everyone to Lindblum, for a one year anniversary celebration of Garland's defeat. Such an event couldn't pass by without a celebration, after all. Yesterday, airships had been sent out to the far corners of the world to pick up everyone and bring them to Lindblum. Even the most reticent and party-hating of adventurers won't be able to avoid this. It is a worldwide celebration. Besides, it's best to celebrate with friends.

The Lindblum castle is covered in decorations for the occasion. Most are plain and themed for the upcoming winter, though for some reason, moogles feature rather prominently. Tables set around the ballroom are covered with snacks and foods, from snowmen to more moogles to- are those cookies shaped like Garland on a chobobo? ... Maybe it's best not to ask.

In the center of the ballroom is a clear space for dancing, and musicians sit off to the side and play for those who want to dance. To the side, there are tables for those who are looking for a simple conversation or who are taking time to eat. And, of course, for those who want to get away from everything for a while, there are always places in Lindblum to slip away to. But why would you want to do that, when everyone is here?

Comments

[bladeoflight]

A celebration of Chaos's defeat is one sure to draw in the Warrior of Light, even if the way he's standing back against the wall indicates that a year passing hasn't done anything to change how used to them he may or may not be.

Something else has changed, though. It's not his hair, that's as messy as ever, of course. But you can see his hair, which is a new development. In fact, his usual armor is nowhere to be seen. There's a sword and sheath at his side, of course, but someone seems to have managed to convince him not to wear his usual attire.

[dragoon_rising]

Kain almost doesn't recognize his friend, he's so used to looking for the typical armor. His surprised expression is largely hidden by his helmet as he approaches the Warrior.

"My friend..."

[shatterhearted]

Had it really been a year since the war ended and the final battle with Garland ended? Fran had lost touch with many people after the war ended. It seemed that chaos and the fight to survive and save the world had drawn them together and once that was over people went their own way.

Of course 'their own way' for Fran meant returning to a life of piracy. After all, she's one of the most infamous sky pirates of all time. That's not excuse to miss a party though! In fact, all the more reason to attend!

[withthewood]

A year it had been and still Jote didn't feel comfortable with the Humes. Regardless, she was at the party for her sisters, searching the grounds for them both and looking as uncomfortable there as always.

[redthespian]

Blank may still be one of the most notorious thieves the world has ever known, but he is also one of the greatest Thespians too. He's spent much of the year getting a reformed Tantalus back in the spotlight as one of the greatest theatre troupes in all of Gaia. Of course, his real passion is writing, and behind the scenes he's been working hard on penning a new play.

He takes in the guests, shooting his most charming smile at a group of pretty girls. Of course, his womanising days as Lindblum's ladies' man are far behind him.

[wishtolivefreely]

Mjrn, though having given to settling in Lindblum for Blank's sake, still had fits of wanderlust here and there. One such excursion cut it close to this event, but she promised to return on time. When she gave her word, she kept it and strode into the ballroom festivities with plenty of time to spare.

Finding him ahead, she quietly headed over and taps him on the shoulder. "Might I have a dance this evening?"

[wishtolivefreely]

Mjrn enters the ballroom early on, having taken pains to return early. More often than not, the viera is in Lindblum these days, but she still have fits of wanderlust. One such bout took place shortly before this event, but she arrives as calm and collected as though she hadn't just spend the day aboard an airship, willing for it to arrive at her destination all the sooner.

She takes an offered glass of champagne and begins to wander around, peering around for familiar faces. As much as she doesn't care for crowds even now (thanks to her heightened senses), Mjrn would make an exception. If she manages to renew ties with even one old friend, the night would be well worth the effort.

[withthewood]

A year it had been and still Jote didn't feel comfortable with the Humes. Regardless, she was at the party for her sisters, searching the grounds for them both and looking as uncomfortable there as always. With luck, she won't be searching long.

[withthewood]

Jote had never liked parties, particularly where Humes were concerned. But she'd decided to attend this meeting mostly for her sisters. Her place was with the Wood, though the laws seemed to be rewriting themselves here in this world. No longer did the Wood cut away Her people if they left. The ones who returned were welcomed and Jote herself had come to cry mercy for those who did.

She herself rarely left but for these events, knowing her place and ignoring the call her sisters had not been able to resist. Still, she would look for them here, and give audience to any Humes who might listen to her, particularly the ones she'd spoken amiably - for her, anyway - with before.

[holycross]

Rosa never turned down an opportunity to visit with her friends and an event such as this provided the best chance of that. So, of course, she would drag her family with her to the party. Grabbing a drink for herself, she wandered the room, looking specifically for those she had spoken with most, though she would never turn down anyone's conversation.

[mistlegacy]

And suddenly, Rydia was there to link arms with her, as though she'd been by Rosa's side the whole time. She flashes her friend a warm grin. "I knew you couldn't resist this. Welcome back, Rosa."

[magitekfloozy]

Celes was there, of course, even though she still wasn't much of a party person. It would be a good excuse to see people and talk about what had happened so long ago. It was strange to think that another year had passed and that this one had been so quiet, but that was what had happened and she was grateful for the lack of excitement. She tended to get a little bored, but at least the Hunt board wasn't lacking with things to do and kill.

And naturally, Locke could drag her anywhere he wanted to. Which was probably why she was there anyway. Grabbing a drink, she wandered around, looking for people she knew. May as well enjoy the time she had while she was there, right?

[imtheleadingman]

At first, he wondered whether or not he should approach her at all.

Emotion was a complicated beast. It had been well over a year since Celes had made her decision, far longer than the time they had actually spent in each other's company, though at the same time, the sting of it still felt fresh, raw. He understood, of course. He had then, and he had now, and perhaps it was all for the best, in the long run. That didn't mean he didn't miss what they'd had, however brief it was.

Finally, he chose to approach her. They were supposed to be friends, after all. Avoiding each other had never been part of the plan.

"You look well," he greeted her with a smile, nothing short of warm and pleasant. "You're not here alone tonight, are you?"

[tosavecocoon]

Vanille is, as usual, the life of the party, flitting from person to person and bringing as much cheer to everything she touches as always. No one will be left unpoked! And she might be bringing snacks and drinks with her, too.

[tearcrystal]

It's easy to spot Vanille, and Serah makes her way over to her as soon as she does. Even if she's hardly far away in Luca, it's always good to see family, right? So she'll be going in for that hug right about now.

[manipulatetime]

Ellone loved parties and even though she had no one to worry about dancing with, she loved bringing the kids and watching their eyes light up at everything. So she was running around after Slai this time, just enjoying acting like a child again and loving every little thing about the reunion. She'd missed people and was definitely taking the time to talk to as many people as she could while she was there.

[ultrawaves]

Quistis, on the other hand, had never been particularly at ease in large groups. She was the kind of person who preferred to either keep to herself or a small group of acquaintances, and larger crowds tended to overwhelm her -- not that she would ever admit it. She tended to compensate by becoming overly formal, but she was relieved when she spotted someone she knew she could be her self around.

"Sis!"

[transcendthestars]

Golbez isn't at all difficult to spot, considering how large he is, though he's doing his best to stay out of the way of everything going on. He's not fleeing the party, but he's not doing much to participate in it either. In fact, he's got a tome of magic laid out in front of him, and most of his attention is on that.

[mistlegacy]

"...really? You're here surrounded by any number of familiar faces and you're focusing on that? For shame, Theodore...." Rydia is standing nearby, arms crossed and slightly amused, as well as unsurprised. Honestly, it would have been more surprising to see him being a social butterfly.

[demonized]

If anyone is looking for Vincent, they'll probably be disappointed at first. There's no sign of a red cloak anywhere in even the darkest corners of the ballroom. If one looks particularly carefully, however, they might find a dirty and threadbare scrap of red cloth.

And if one were to go outside through the castle, one might just be find him out on a balcony, leaning against the railing and looking out over Lindblum.

Because Genesis must annoy

[rhapsodist]

Genesis hadn't actually been intending to look for Vincent, he just happened to find him. Despite not remembering his previous visit here, this year upon this Gaia had given him ample time to get back into the swing of things when it came to the caped man.

That is, the fun bantering.

"Why come to the party if you don't plan to actually be seen?" Genesis asked, leaning on the railing with his elbows, sipping the wine that was offered here.

[explodingdragoon]

Ricard is carrying on the classic dragoon tradition of wearing his armor to celebrations. The set is clean and polished, obviously well taken care of in preparation for the event. He is around the party, talking occasionally, but most of his time is spent going outside. He's got a yearling dragon to take care of, after all.

[dragoon_rising]

Of course, it really is a fine dragoon tradition to go everywhere in armor. Kain wouldn't think of wearing anything else. As he notices his father, he takes a break from his angsting to go see him.

"It was tempting to stay up on the roof with the dragons..."

Solitary heights are clearly better than parties.

[dragoon_rising]

Kain isn't one for celebrations, but he'll gladly take Reis there if she insists on it... she's always one to tell him he deserves this sort of thing. They arrive on Zephyr, of course, and once the dragon is settled on the roof, inside they go.

He's in his armor of course, never one to go anywhere without it. He spends most of the evening on the fringes of the party, leaning against the wall with his arms folded. He's brooding about all that they've been through, the war in the foreign land and also this one. Occasionally he does move away from his spot, to get refreshments.

[dragonkin]

Hume gatherings are still as overwhelming for Reis as always, still she recognizes that her husband needs encouragement to spend time among his own. Ultimately, it is good for him, and a small burden she's willing to bear for his sake. Still, brooding isn't a good sign, so she slips up behind him, arms around Kain's waist. "It is good to see your friends once more, beloved." Part of the purpose in coming is to celebrate, and that includes his part in bringing peace and stability. Another part is taking the time to see others they know.

[lastoftheredwings]

Ceodore arrived in well-polished dress armor and with his ever fluffy hair tamed enough that he should escape Porom and her hairbrush. Hopefully. He'd gained a few more inches over the year, although he was finally showing signs of slowing down growing, now that he matches Cecil for height. While he circulated to visit with a few friends, he seemed determined to stay firmly entrenched at his wife's side, and making a fuss about her welfare.

[ursulafangleiden]

As ever, Ursula wasn't one for being coddled and doing so now only made her feel self-conscious. "Ceodore, really...you're going to give it away before we have a chance to tell them!" Which at the moment was more important than her 'I'm a monk, not a china doll' speech. They didn't come all this way just for the party, after all.

[summonerqueen]

It was practically an obligation to make an appearance, but even if it hadn't been, wild chocobo's couldn't have dragged the Queen of Alexandria from this gathering. All of their lives had fallen into their own routines, and seemed harder and harder to find an excuse to seem them, or even speak to one another.

But on this particular occasion, Garnet -- Dagger, to most of those in attendance this day -- was glowing. Smiling like many had not seen for quite some time, dark hair pulled back into a long braid, loose hair a thing she tried to minimize now that she had tiny hands always grasping for it these days. And she was not alone, of course. Zidane was somewhere, doing his own fair share of socializing no doubt, and he'd taken off with little Amber in tow. Not that she minded, as long as they stayed out of trouble.

She had plenty of people to see.

[mistlegacy]

In a determined effort to ignore royal dignity all around, Rydia approaches Garnet for a hug as soon as she's spotted. Who cares that she's Queen of Alexandria or that Rydia's co-ruler of Alfitaria? Not her. The summoner's just glad to reunite with kinfolk, which Garnet is despite being from different worlds.

[lousyepopt]

A whole year past that final battle. It really was a final one this time too, which was a relief. Leonora still wasn't fully convinced she had any reason to come to the celebration for it. She'd only been there to support, not because she was anything special. But a certain Mysidian genius had insisted.

Not that she had the first clue what one should wear to these sorts of events. Her old Epopt regalia hadn't been worn in all this time, but her everyday students garb wouldn't quite cut it either, so she'd settled on formal sage's robes, despite her not being anywhere close to enough mastery of anything to be a full sage.

Uncomfortable and uncertain, Leonora hung out on the fringes of the group, watching with wide eyes.

[trinitycrusade]

Cecil had arrived with all his court from Troia, and he couldn't have been more happy with the return to peace. Although he was edging onto forty years, now, he still had a peculiarly ageless look, thanks in part no doubt to his Lunarian heritage. Of course, he too was continuing the fine Baronian tradition of armour on special occasions, and was decked out in his best paladin finery, with a circlet decorated with a silver half-moon on his brow, and a white mantle flowing from his shoulders, trimmed with silver and gold.

The King was making the effort to mingle with as many people as possible, including those less party-inclined who preferred to stay on the fringes. The quieter types ought to enjoy themselves and feel included as much as anyone else, after all.

[mistlegacy]

And suddenly there's a swirl of green hugging Cecil from behind as though she hadn't just seen him the other weekend. Because, why not? Armor and finery weren't going get in the way of what she wanted, and Cecil had plenty of other people to look regal at.

[mistlegacy]

After checking in on various members of the moonfamily, Rydia will turn her attention to seeking Cuore again...and maybe those shoes that have mysteriously disappeared. She's not expecting to see them again, but will still make the attempt. Of course, others are welcome to find her on the way.

[divinejudgement]

Hope didn't have to go far to reach the party, considering he's been living in Lindblum for the better part of the year. Since Garland's defeat, Hope finished his magical studies in Mysidia and decided to move into a different field entirely: airship technology. Now sixteen, he's hard at work studying the sciences and engineering. He's always had a knack for machinery, and he's hoping to be just as talented as Regent Cid one day. He excels in all his classes, even if it means he can't see Lightning and the others as much as he'd like.

Right now he's sitting on the fringes; he's not much of a party person, and teenage awkwardness ensures he's not about to approach any of the strangers here. He is looking out for anyone he knows, though, in particular, the l'Cie family... or a certain white-haired girl.

[summonerqueen]

Dagger and Hope had never been close. Honestly, they were barely acquaintances; she knew him only from one instance, but when Alexander summons someone, a Summoner remembers. That, and Cid was always on the look out for up-and-coming engineers, and the young boy's name had come up a few times.

"Not much for Social Gatherings?" she asked softly.

[waitedinwinhill]

Raine is still a small town girl at heart. She doesn't mind indulging Laguna and Ellone in their love of big social events, but it's not her scene. Probably for the best anyway, since most of her evening is keeping a watch out on all her kids, including the adult ones. Brooke is consuming most of her energy though, as the little one will turn two in just a couple of months, and is proving to be an energetic toddler. In fact, Brooke is very much her father made over, which is both endearing and frustrating. Keeping Laguna in line was enough work already. Frequent outbursts of "No, Brooke. Don't!" ring out over the din of the crowd. The toddler won't have any of this being carried around business but she sure as heck won't stay out of everything she can get into or climb onto.

[manipulatetime]

Between Brooke and Slai, Ellone's certainly got her hands full as well. Eventually, she'll bring the oldest child back to find Raine, drinks in hand and smiles on their faces. "Is Brooke going to be this full of energy her whole life?" she asks, clearly out of breath from recently chasing one of them down.

[fatedcircle]

[Though there's been precious little call for SeeDs these past years - and thankfully few complaints about the Sorceresses already present, as well - Squall hasn't precisely been taking a well earned vacation. There's still the day-to-day life of running the Garden, not to mention the fact that there will always be Sorceresses on Gaia now, and so there will always be need for SeeD. Unfortunately, he's never had any particular gift at recruiting, but slowly and surely new blood has been trickling in.

For now, however, the Garden is parked outside of Lindblum, since there's scarcely room for it inside. Squall might not be much of the partying sort, but even he knows better than to ignore one of this scope. Even if he only sort of knows what to do at parties and thus has something of a tendency to lurk quietly around the edges.

[manipulatetime]

Ellone is honestly surprised to see Squall here, but she supposes that is due to Rinoa's influence and she makes a note to thank the girl later. For now, though, she approaches her brother with a bright smile on her face, having dropped Slai off for a moment with Raine.

"Squall!" she calls once she's close enough to be heard, waving at him as she heads over.

[vierablessed]

Fifteen going on sixteen, Ritz has perhaps left most of her childhood behind; she's not grown much taller, but she has matured some, particularly in her face, where much of the childish roundness has gone. She's also noticed she gets taken a lot more seriously by looking, and well, being older when she's researching and presenting finds, which is something she's not going to complain about. Not to say she wouldn't complain if they did rebuke her, but that aside.

Whilst Ritz was always keen on travel, her travels over the past year have slowly become more focused on one continent in particular; the outer continent. She's still a little too adventerous to settle down completely; she can usually be found flitting between Goug, Guadosalam, and occasionally Eryut Village, but mostly at the Library of the Ancients. Her drive to learn mostly takes over her drive to explore, though she still has flights of fancy every now and then, and her swordarm is still at the top of her game, as well as her magic.

Her moogle entourage that began to follow her shortly after her arrival on Gaia hasn't ceased, either, though she only has a few of them following her today at the promise of being well behaved, as the rest are back at the library. Some of the ones that are with her have been following her the longest, and some of them are only young.

Right now, Ritz is taking a moment aside from the party to entertain her moogle friends, and partly to people watch, keeping an eye out for those that she knows. It's good to take a break sometimes.

[wishtolivefreely]

Spotting Ritz after a moment, Mjrn approaches. She's prone to traveling as well, when not busy raising her dragon hatchling, and has likely seen the girl on her infrequent trips to Eruyt Village to see Jote. The year's changes in her hume friend are noted with some sadness, as it reminds her how quickly that race ages in comparison to viera. But she pushes such thoughts aside for now, a smile on her lips as she pauses before her.

"Well met, Ritz. Has the evening been kind to you, thus far?"

[pathtowalk]

Even nearing twenty four, Frimelda has not settled. Even as the war ended, she still wandered, ever following her path. Not to say that she didn't check in to civilisation now and then, as she did, but most of the time, she followed her path wherever it took her, be it helping others or simply traversing roads not often travelled on. Her quiet, calm, and resourceful nature made her most welcome wherever she went.

She always checked the sky phone intermitently, and seeing the invitation, had not hesitated to head in the direction of Lindblum. She's hardly dressed for a party - she still feels much more comfortable in her armour, swords at either hip - but she's here, and that's what matters.

[gamblinghigh]

Unsurprisingly, Setzer's spent a good portion of the intervening year in the air. It's taken some time to find his own wings again, but that's to be expected. The Falcon's certainly an excellent ship, but Cid's had a few good ideas as well. Besides, he doesn't think Daryl will complain too much about him making a few improvements.

Either way, the party's something he hadn't about to been about to miss. He travels enough that it's nice to simply take a quiet moment and stay relatively settled. (He hasn't quite decided whether or not to return to being the Wandering Gambler or simply take up semi-permanent residence in Treno, but that's not really here or there at the moment.) Besides, he has friends to see again and surely that's more than enough for the moment.

[magitekfloozy]

Friends to see indeed. Celes approaches Setzer as soon as she sees him, a small smile on her face as she does. "Setzer. Should've known you'd be here." It was less of a surprise that he would be, more that she was there.

[nogoodpeople]

Even now, it's almost second nature for Tseng to keep an eye on the proceedings. His long years with ShinRa are no doubt to blame there, but another set of eyes keeping watch can't go amiss. To be honest, there's not a lot that appears different about him. Habits are hard to break, and though he might still rather wish he could return home that's no call to avoid what's meant to be a celebration - and one that's all but in his backyard, at that.