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

[levelthreehooligan]

"I can't tell you that, it would ruin the surprise! And that's the good bit," she grins.

"Fair that, though Oschon knows you could have just teleported and beat even me to this place," she laughs.

The box is wrapped in bright red paper with gold ribbons that have been lovingly, though completely haphazardly, tied into a bow. She places it under the tree carefully, not being able to stop the smug smile from spreading on her face.

As J'anet keeps speaking, though, the smile turns into a taunting smirk.

"Oh, you know me so well! I can pull some strings, absolutely. Did you want me to arrange for the Foretemps manor or for the Forgotten Knight to be the venue?"

[runawayoctopus]

"As the Domans say: ‘When traveling do not calculate the distance, at dinner don’t think of how much’. The trip was the perfect chance to relax and enjoy some fresh air to clear my head, and very few sights compare to Limsa approaching over the blue horizon. Full glad was I for the time as well, it offered a chance to reminisce on Ishgard and how she’s changed.”

J’anet put a finger to her temple as she thought about Pinya’s question; Fortemps Manor could likely hold the necessary guests, and it would make for a much more entertaining event to surprise Count Edmond his sons in their own home, but the Forgotten Knight was a popular and larger venue that was easily accessible from both the Pillars and Foundation, as well as the Firmament. After a moment she had her answer.

“Given the developments in Ishgard I think the Forgotten Knight would be the best choice, assuming we can ensure the presence of House Fortemps and Aymeric. It would feel more open, and isn’t that what the spirit of Starlight is all about? Spreading our joy to everyone we can?”

[levelthreehooligan]

Pinya laughs, giving J'anet a conspiring wink.

"I say the word and you know that they'll come running, those poor men," she grins. Edmont in particular would never miss a chance to gather with them, even if it was in such a place as the Forgotten Knight. Though, now with the Firmament restoration afoot, seeing nobles around the Brume isn't such a queer sight anymore.

There's still growing pains though, but Pinya knows that if she asks nicely and pays hilda in gil and booze, there won't be a problem.

"I can make the arrangements tonight, you probably need some rest after your travelling! And, ah," she looks over to the rather large gift she'd been trying to leave before J'anet actually arrived. "Well, Merry Starlights," she laughs.