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

[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.

[lastoftheredwings]

"Eh? Oh yeah, sorry about that." He is sorry for being distracted but it's also not preventing him from watching for Ursula anyway. Overprotective behavior has been kicked into high gear and it's impossible to stop. "I just want to make sure she's okay."

There's a sheepish grin at being caught out though. He promised not to ruin the surprise by openly coddling Ursula, but it's proving difficult at best. "I think she'd not mind us catching up. Although you're welcome to visit the Skysea anytime, the door's always open."

[transcendthestars]

"It's a harmless habit, as long as she doesn't hurt herself. She is a child, after all." Of course, Cuore's not the only one who went around without shoes. Though Golbez isn't doing that any more, it seems. He's traded out his old cloak and kilt for something like black mage robes, and he's even wearing boots.

[lastoftheredwings]

"I know... I... I don't know what's okay or not." Not exactly like either of them have been through this experience before. Probably does not help most of his life, people have used the term 'delicate condition' and he's pretty certain that means Ursula's become fairly fragile overnight.

He'll take the hint from the nudge though and start working their way over to where refreshments are being served. The only thing worse than worrying himself sick over Ursula is her temper and he'd just as soon not rouse that. Not tonight.

[transcendthestars]

"I am aware. I do plan to visit, sometime soon." He's just been spending a lot of time alone in this past year. He's had a lot of thinking to do, and a lot of conclusions to reach about the things in his past. The time has done him well, though, if his more relaxed demeanor is any indication of that.

The comments about Ursula get Golbez's attention. "She seems fine to me," he says, looking her over briefly. "Did something happen, Ceodore?"

[ursulafangleiden]

"I know, Ceodore. But I feel fine, I promise. The moment that changes, I'll let you know." At least if she's feeling seriously unwell; Ursula's not about to stress him out over anything minor.

[mistlegacy]

Rydia chuckles, giving him another squeeze. "Oops." She couldn't help it, of course. "By the way, if you see stashes of tiny girl shoes around, let me know. I think Cuore's been hiding her spares again."

[mistlegacy]

"I know, and I've given up expecting otherwise." Rydia shrugs, figuring that there are other things more worth focusing on than her child's barefooted tendencies. "She seems to be developing an aptitude for Blue Magic, by the way. I'm sure she'll be all eager to talk about it."

[transcendthestars]

"I offered, did I not? I would be glad to visit with you and Rosa, for a time. I have been gone long enough." He smiles himself, at how happy Cecil looks at the possibility. "Ceodore, as well."

[transcendthestars]

"I have no doubt. I may not be a blue mage, but if she wishes to learn more, you may send her to me, if you feel it necessary." He knows a lot about magic, after all, and in the past year, most of what he's been doing is learning more.

[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.

[mistlegacy]

"Or you to her." Again with the offering. Rydia can be persistent when she wants to be...and she usually does. "Maybe you can help encourage her on a different path other than slipping away alone to feed the monsters in order to get them to share their secrets." Because as impressed as Rydia is at Cuore's drive, that's a little too nerve-wracking for her to bear. She's trying her best to at least get Cuore to bring her along, though.

[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.

[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.

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.

Beware. He is Shipperdin's son and potentially plotting for some beach bunny encounters for Uncle.

[lastoftheredwings]

"Yes!" Big stupid grin manifests on his face. Although given a moment, he realizes that was perhaps not his uncle's intended inquiry. "Well no. Not yet anyway." Being cryptic is unintentional on his part, even if it's not terribly like him. Still, he's determined not to spill the beans until Ursula is there to help. He's still vaguely uncertain how that's done anyway, if there's some sort of protocol he's not aware of.

The change in demeanor doesn't go unnoticed though. Ceodore can be derpy and oblivious, but that's something he can't quite miss and it's a good thing to see. "Glad to hear you'll visit though. It gets busiest in the winter, with everyone flocking to the sun." The eternal tropical summer on the sky continent certainly attracts those with an aversion to snow.

[dualcast]

She has reached something of a truce with his hair. It remains as messy at it likes and most of the time, she leaves it be. And in return she uses its messy state as an excuse to lazily draw her fingers through it in what is, she claims, an attempt to get it to behave. It's not enough to tug and certainly not enough to make much of a difference to the mess, but it's as good an excuse as any to touch him.

Not that she needs to find excuses and openings so much any more, now that the armour isn't quite so permanent. But old habits die hard. So as she approaches him (from the side, since she can't sneak up behind him when he has his back against the wall) she slowly pulls her fingers through his hair, fingertips brushing over his scalp and the back of his neck.

"It's really been a year since all of that, hasn't it?" She sounds a little surprised by it still, the year's been busy but it's flown by.

[lastoftheredwings]

He'll stress himself plenty even if there's nothing minor to be concerned about. Although the more it sinks in for him that all this is really happening, the more he feels like he understands about his own parents. At least he's got the good graces to look sheepish for his behavior.

"I think I get it now. Why Father is so determined to keep Mother safe, and why she was so against my enlisting. I want to protect you. Both of you." Because now there are two very precious lives at stake and they are more important to him than himself. It's daunting to think about. "I know you can handle yourself." Heck, her strength and strength of will and character are two of the things he loves best about her. "But I need to do something. I just don't know what."

[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.

[shatterhearted]

Fran had been unsure of the man at first. He had a roving eye and a slick, charming tongue - he reminded her far too much of Balthier, and she was worried he would hurt Mjrn and break her heart. Luckily she had been wrong and she had warmed to him.

"It is good to see you happy. Shall we be hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet any time soon?"

[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.

[holycross]

Rosa should be used to this sort of thing but it takes her a startled moment before she turns to wrap her arms around her friend, smiling warmly. "Rydia! It's so good to see you." Of course she couldn't resist. It's a chance to show off her family and see her friends! "How have you been?"

[holycross]

Well he's not getting out of it completely. Rosa makes her way over soon enough, a gentle smile on her face. "I am glad to see you are here." No comment on the tome of magic yet, as she understands how studies are.

[summonerqueen]

"Very well," replied Dagger, the smile never fading from her face. "Busy... but well. Zidane and Amber keep things... interesting," she added, though it was clear she had nothing but affection and perhaps just a hint of frustration for her family.

[holycross]

At least Ceodore's gotten used to how his mother is by now. That's a start! She looks upward at the hand before turning around and smiling brightly at her son. "Ceodore!" Oh how he's grown indeed! Rosa reaches for the hug quickly before she feels Cecil's arm around her and leans into the embrace. She's missed having Ceodore around, but she knows what he's doing is very important. Somehow they'll manage in Troia anyway. They always have.

She returns Cecil's glance with a fond smile. Yes, she feels the exact same about all of this. So long ago and yet it feels like an hour ago... She leans her head against her husband's shoulder.

"So good to see you, Ceodore. How have you been?"

She does take notice of Ursula off to the side and she smiles at her son's wife as well, hoping Ursula will take the hint and join them.