Starlight, Starbright, Won't you dance with me tonight?

[levelthreehooligan]

Throughout the continent, chilly winds herald the change in seasons.

Farmers gather their tools for one final, bountiful harvest before the soil turns too hard to cultivate. Chefs and Bakers gather their retainers, sending them out to find the best ingredients before the competition can. Mercenaries and soldiers take extra care to wax and grease their armors, for stiffness in the limbs due to the cold is a matter of life and death.

Of course, not every part of the realm changes. Thanalan's deserts are too warm at any time of the year, and Coerthas is constantly battered with snow all year round, and yet all know that it is time to gather, to celebrate, to remember. Perhaps even to travel far and wide, and farther still. The Source is not the only place celebrating the ending of this year and the coming of the new.

Starlight is once again returning to Hydaelyn and her Reflections, and the question on everyone's where will this year take us?

Gridania - A Kiss under the Mistletoe

The snows don't touch a lot of the lush greenery of the Shroud, but neither is it unheard of.

The Conjurers and botanists have decorated the City as if it were a bouquet; red berries and holly and sage line the wooden splendour of the city for all to enjoy.

And of course, Fufucha wouldn't leave the mistletoe out! The boughs of the Carline Canopy, strung across the banners of Mih'Khetto's Amphitheatre, dotted along bridges and nooks and crannies are gorgeously presented wreathes of mistletoe, waiting for lovers to notice them.

Ul'Dah - Passions of the Starry Night

Though it's not cold here in the desert, that isn't to say that the festivities aren't in full swing! For, of course, there is drink and merriment to be had! And what would an Ul'dahnian's Starlight look like if not at least a little bit drunk?

Dancing girls in their skimpy clothes offer tasters from brewers, Merchants tantalize shoppers with glittering treasures, fine silks and jewellery in the Sapphire Avenue, and there are a fair amount of Thaumaturges putting on shows for children and adults with reflective ice and shimmering flames.

But be careful, the booze flowing freely means that inhibitions are lower than usual. Bar fights aren't uncommon in the Quicksands, nor are 'secret' trysts in the inn rooms, just what kind of night will you have?

Limsa - Just one Dance

The central plaza is as bustling and busy as it always is, though you can't help but think it feels even busier today!

And of course it would, for everyone's here to celebrate.

The Aetherite has been decorated haphazardly by children throwing tinsel around it's ever-spinning foci, glitter sprinkled onto the surface of the already shining crystal itself; the Yellowjackets don't have the heart to interrupt them or to undo their work. What the hell, they think, it's the holidays.

Bards both solo and troupe line the streets a respectful distance apart, so you are never far away from music!

As the sun sets and the stars start to glitter over La Noscea, they seem to have made a truce, come together for a night of music and dance.

Grab a partner for a song or two, just what is playing and who are you dancing with?

Ishgard - A Warm Meal, a Warm Smile

The King that looks over the Snow.

The spires that call to the dravanian winds.

A warm hearth in the centre of Foretemps manor.

This year, the relationship between Ishgardian and Dravanian has been slowly, but steadily improving. As an act of good faith and in the interests of bringing the groups together, Aymeric has opened the City to them as they Celebrate Starlights.

The scent of mulled wine and honey-roasted boar fill the whole city as the Skybuilder's hand up their tools for the holiday but can't stop themselves from crafting even off the clock. The Firmament is decorated with lights as families that previously resided in the Brume make the most of their new homes.

Though the fare is simple, it's stomach-filling and heartwarming; the Skybuilders and the Denizens of the firmament have made a feast for all to enjoy! Take a seat and have a chat over some steaming food.

Kugane - The Gift of Giving

The streets of Kugane are awash with warm colours, gold and silver and yellows and reds; Lanterns glow in the mild winds and chimes can be heard from stalls as you wander through.

And though the markets are nice, the person or people you've come to meet are waiting for you in the Shiokaze Holstery, and you have something for them with you!

The Crystarium - Just one more sleep

And after it all, there's the night. The blessed night so hard won.

The blanket of stars that you can see over your room in The Pendants. Perhaps you have someone with you as you sit on pillows and blankets, warm in your sleep clothes with a mug of cocoa. Two friends talking the night away, or perhaps something more?

You're tired, but gods if it isn't the good kind. Will you make it through till dawn, or will you fall asleep right then and there?

Comments

Re: Ishgard - A Warm Meal, a Warm Smile

[rosesandrolanberries]

"J'anet!" Spiced called out in greeting, standing from the chair she had chosen to perch on as she waited, careful, as ever, to not make a mess.

"I hope you don't mind that I arrived so early. Hilda showed me in." She tilted her head to one side, a slight frown crossing her face. "I... do hope that's alright."

After a pause, she pulled her hands together, lacing her fingers and tapping her forefingers against one another. "I... wasn't sure what you would have wanted me to bring." She began slowly. "So I... well..." She turned to look at the once-clear table she had just been sitting at - now cluttered with platters of food and bags of ingredients, several bottles of wine and even some extra Starlight decorations. Just in case.

Re: Ishgard - A Warm Meal, a Warm Smile

[runawayoctopus]

J’anet paused long enough to take off her thick coat and heavy boots before eyeing the table by the hearth. As always, Spiced had tried to consider every detail in her planning. Platters of hors d'oeuvres ranging from sweet spun sugar and fresh coffee biscuits to small lamb and coriander dumplings topped with minute capers, a massive beef shank, wines and dry goods enough to feed all four great houses were piled on the table carefully; there would be no damage to any dish here.

“Of course it’s alright, I’m so glad you came!”

She reached up and grabbed Spiced in a tight hug around her waist, “You’re the perfect person to pull this off.” J’anet motioned for Spiced to sit back down in the den, “Please make yourself comfortable, I hope I haven’t made you wait too long. Do you want something warm to drink, something to snack on while we chat? Are you still helping Francel with the restoration? Have you eaten today?”

Re: Ishgard - A Warm Meal, a Warm Smile

[rosesandrolanberries]

Spiced let out a small 'oof' when J'anet hugged her - it was a little unexpected, though certainly not unpleasant. She wanted to lean down to hug her back properly, but... If she did, the shorter woman would get naught but a face full of... well... So instead, she just wrapped one arm loosely about her shoulders and patted her head with the other.

She hesitated when a veritable flood of questions escaped the Miqo'te's mouth. She paused to carefully consider each answer, smiling at her characteristic enthusiasm. "No, not long at all. I had only just finished unpacking all of this. I was actually visiting Ishgard to assist with the restoration some more when I got your invitation; I'm glad to see it has proceeded apace."

The last question, though, gave her more pause for thought than the rest. She raised a hand to her chin as she pondered. "Now that you mention it, I don't think I have. But you needn't worry yourself too much, I will find food for myself later." After a moment, she smiled almost sheepishly, nodding her head in a small apologetic bow. "...Although, a tea would be lovely."

She settled herself back down in the seat she had adopted previously, folding her hands in her lap. She watched J'anet in silence for a while before a question came to mind. "What exactly is your plan for this celebration? Your letter was rather brief."