[Semi-Closed] On the Longest Night

[nadasharillen]

WHO: Everyone who signed up--and maybe you!
WHAT: Solstice celebrated a la Dahlasanor; with a little play (and a big surprise).
WHEN: Winter Solstice, Haring
WHERE: For Sina and Beleth, everywhere but the Skyhold garden. Everyone else (and eventually Sina and Beleth), the garden!
NOTES: Anyone's welcome to take part, just check the sign-up post for deets and drop a line in it so we know to wait for your contribution to the sunburst. ♥

--[Preparation]

The sun was slowly dipping beneath the parapets of Skyhold earlier and earlier. Dark came sooner, and stayed longer. It seemed to Nari that it echoed the slow dissipation of Sina's energy; like a tide that ebbed a little more each day, receding towards the horizon. Unlike the tide, it showed no sign of returning. Something had broken inside her clansister. Something Nari hadn't been able to reach, let alone try to put back together again. In the night, before sleeping, she stared troubled at the subdued movement of Sina's thin back. Whether the First was asleep or not was immaterial. Nari had learned that either way, she wouldn't talk.

This year, Fen'Harel wins... Nahariel thought idly, chin in her hand. And then she blinked, suddenly energized. She'd been avoiding talking about anything having to do with the People, had translated her endearments to the trade tongue after seeing Sina wince at the sound of their language... but the solstice story--that wasn't just People, that was Dahlasanor. If she were to start it... Sina still loved Ghilan'nain, of that there was no doubt. She'd still honor the Halla Mother, wouldn't she?

And by the end, perhaps she'd remember that there was still light in the Dalish, even amidst the dark. Light enough to live by.

The more Nari thought, the more excited she got. Yes, this was it. But how to do it here? She'd need people, people who loved Sina. And she'd need to spring it on her clansister, or the younger elf would have time to throw up walls. Nari chewed her bottom lip, and thought furiously until she'd come up with a plan. And then she let herself put hope in her heart again. And then she slept. And in the morning, she left their tent with a spring in her step to find her moving parts.


↠Merrill and Merrick
She'd thought at first to just ask Merrill if she might be interested in being their Star, but then remembered how Sina had to struggle to keep from giggling the year the part had been played by the two Halaani siblings most different in temperament, and decided quickly to ask Merrick as well. And so they were both sought out, and when all were together, she told the tale of the Dahlasanor tradition, and how she hoped it would be able to reach Sina, as far away as she was--and seemed to be going.

"The Stars are the first light that Ghilan'nain sees on her journey through darkness... and you'd be the first people that Sina would get to see. I know she's fond of both of you, and I know it would mean a lot to her to see you there, so... would you?"


↠Pel
Pel she found nearer noon as a courtesy, in case she was bothered by morning sickness, catching the other woman on her way to the practice ring.

"Pel! I have a favor to ask," she began, trotting up to join her on the walk. "I know you know well enough that Sina hasn't been the same after you all came back; how she's closed herself off from everyone, even you, I think, even though you were there," she said--and then made a gesture of apology. "I hope that's not unkind of me to say. It's that I've thought of something that might help, but I can't do it alone." Out came the story; Solstice, the tale they'd enacted each year with the clan, how happy Sina had been when she took her place as Ghilan'nain for the first time, and then about the Moon. A wise woman, often a new or expectant mother, who contrasted the bright energy of the Stars with a cool and constant light.

"I want to do it here, as a surprise. I thought even though the clan isn't here that the people she cares about were the closest to clan she has, and I know she cares for you, so...?"


↠Thranduil
Nari, to her chagrin, didn't know the elven rifter. She had, however, become familiar with him in passing as he often came to visit with Sina--first as she healed, and then after, again and again, as patient and consistent as the wind that slowly wears away the jagged edges of a cliffside. She found him in the library, stepping close enough to catch his attention, and speaking quietly.

"I have a request to make of you--and not a small one. I know you're not from Thedas, and so our traditions and our gods aren't yours... but I also know you care deeply for Sina, and this would mean a lot to her. Maybe everything." The smaller elf hugged her arms to herself and continued. "Our clan has a story that we tell together every year on the longest night. We missed it last year in the confusion of coming here and getting used to... everything... but Sina loved it, and I was hoping to put it together with people she loves since we have no clan here but each other.

"It's a story about finding light even in the dark, and two of the Creators--our gods--sparring over the nature of the People. Sina always plays Ghilan'nain, and Fen'Harel is usually the most senior hunter, but I'm narrating since I know the part, which means I don't have anyone to be Fen'Harel. Since it's sort of an adversarial role, I was hoping someone who Sina trusts a great deal would play it, so she knows for certain in her heart that no-one there wishes her ill. And... I was hoping that could be you." Nari paused, took a breath as if she was going to say something else, and then decided against it, releasing the air instead with a small worried smile.


↠Korrin, Rydia, and Sam
Next stop, mages. There had only ever been the Keeper providing magelights, while the rest held rushlights, but here in Skyhold... well. She had it in mind to make this a particularly bright and lovely Sun, and what could extra magic do but help.

One by one, Nari sought them out. First Korrin, who had become very dear to both of them, then Sam, ambushing the first shem'len friend she'd made in the workshop, then Rydia, who'd seemed so earnest and lovely over the crystals. Each time she explained her idea, and the great importance of what could seem like such a small part; in essence, representing the good in the world, the heart-light that sustained through the dark of the cold season, and the surety that the days would again get longer. And in this case, the lit up faces of people who cared. And each time she stood, shifting back and forth a little, waiting for an answer.

↠Ellana
And then for the fire that wasn't magic, Nahariel went straight to Ellana. She was slightly breathless from gallivanting around Skyhold when she found the other woman, but buoyant all the same.

"Savhalla, hearthmistress!" she called with a lopsided grin, "Would you help me with some fire?"

Despite being sorely tempted to leave it at that for humor's sake, Nari launched into an explanation of the evening; Dahlasanor's story, Sina's part, the attempt to reach her clansister who continued to slowly pull away. How she'd recruited mages for magelight, but how important it was that non-mages could participate, which meant actual fire, and could Ellana help to make sure everyone was safe, and what the best vehicle for the fire would be, and how they could light up very quickly at nearly the same time.

"From all my rambling, I think you can probably tell I'm out of my depth." Nari drawled wryly. "At home we usually had two people at the midline of the circle dip rushlights into the fire our hearthmistress had prepared for the occasion, and then we sort of passed the fire around quickly until everything was lit..." Nari said, and then spread her arms with a helpless look. "but the garden is so big?"

"...And even without all the questions, I know it would mean a lot to Sina to have you there, and know that the fire was ours. Does that sound stupid? I mean, it's all fire... but I think you'd make it different. Will you come?"


↠Beleth
This one was important. Nari was sure none of this would work if Sina caught the scent of it, and she could think of no-one better suited to preventing that than the Bard. Nari found her in the evening, sliding up next to her with a rather obvious air of conspiracy.

"Would you take a day to distract Sina? On Solstice. I need to make sure she doesn't go into the garden for the entire day... but then get her there somehow near midnight? And have her not suspect that's what's happening?" Nari's requests tapered into questions, not sure how that might be accomplished without arousing her clansister's suspicion, but the earnest look in her eyes made obvious her hope that Beleth would know.


--[On The Day]

In the afternoon, after she was sure her clansister was occupied, Nari passed the word around that it should be safe to meet up in the garden to go over any last additions, changes, and questions anyone might have before they met again that night to put everything into motion. The normally rather stalwart carver is full of nervous energy that she seems to be holding in check by pacing enough to plant a new row of elfroot, but she nevertheless has a broad smile for everyone as they appear.

"Thank you, all, again. Really. It means a lot to me. And Sina," and by extension, the future of their tiny clan, but that wasn't anything anyone needed to hear. "There're just a few things I wanted to mention, mostly about light," she said, then nodded to Pel, and to Merrill. "Since Sina doesn't know where she'll be going, would you two mind making small lights as it comes time for her to go to you?"

"For everyone else, Ellana's going to explain how the sunburst is going to go," she paused for a moment to nod at the Hearthmistress, "and then we'll get to any questions anyone has, and then," she grinned, "I think Cyril wants to to make you all pretty." She paused, then amended, "Well, prettier."

With a last crooked grin, she'll step back to let Ellana talk about fire.


--[Solstice Night]

All was in readiness. Everyone was in their places, rushlights had been passed out to the non-mages, all the lanterns quenched--save one small one right at the entrance--to let the full dark of the night blanket the garden, and Nari had scrambled up to perch on top of the well so as to pitch her voice better.

And then they waited, attentive to the sounds that would mean that Sina and Beleth had arrived.

Comments

--[Preparation] (including Sina and Beleth's Day Out ♥)

[nadasharillen]

[mythalenaste]

A good call, though Pel's morning sickness comes in the evening, night, morning, afternoon, and at noon as well unless she is religious about exercise. Which she has been, since finding this out, and Nari has found her during her brisk noon walk. She listens without comment, expression only shifting a little when it's mentioned that Sina has closed off from Pel--yes, that has been true, most painfully. It's made it harder for Pel herself to move forward. The play sounds...

The play sounds like exactly the sort of thing Sina needs. That Nahariel has approached her for this role, played by someone considered wise by the rest of the clan?

"It's an honor," she says at last, and she means it. "Though I suppose I look enough like the moon these days," she adds dryly, placing a hand on the side of her rapidly-growing baby bump. "I will do anything for Sina. Just tell me what to do."

[nadasharillen]

Nari's relief is palpable--it's obvious she's putting a lot of stock in this. "Serannas, Pel. Really. As far as the part, well, what happens is--" Nari pauses abruptly, eyes darting down to where Pel's hand rests beside the swell in her body. "Would sitting somewhere be more comfortable?" she asks carefully. Despite having been adopted by the most prolific family in the clan, the pregnancy she remembered most clearly was the difficult one that had brought them Siuona.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin's not hard to find, not when she visits the stables daily to tend to her nuggalope. Nari's presence is welcome, of course, though as she begins to explain, the Vashoth woman gives her undivided attention. There's no interruption from her, not this time, and when it all sinks in, she responds with a warm smile.

"I'm honored you'd think of me, Nahariel. Sina deserves this, and I'd love to take part. Is there anything else I should know ahead of time?" The last thing she wants is to flub something so important to her Dalish friends and acquaintances.

[nadasharillen]

"Well..." Nahariel frowned in thought. "I don't think so? The cue should be fairly obvious, but I'll make sure to go through it again when everyone's gathered on solstice. Although I am planning on speaking with Ellana later about the non-magical fire, so I might come back with some extra information like 'we're giving everyone a bucket of water in case the garden goes up.'" She cracked a grin, obviously not expecting such an outcome.

[gatheringstorm]

That gets a chuckle out of Korrin, who can only agree to such measures, unlikely as they might seem. "It never hurts to be prepared, at least. I'll be sure to tell Araceli so she can at least be there for support, whether or not she wants a part. Sina's dear to us both." She can keep it a secret from most, but there's no real reason not to tell her kadan, so why bother?

[serannas]

Ellana is grateful for the interruption from her subpar lute playing. She sets the instrument aside and listens quietly to Nari's explanation of her plans. It's true that Sina is in a mindset that she can't be shaken from easily. Seeing her degrade has been heartbreaking, and Ellana wishes she knew the right thing to say or do to help her. What Nari suggests seems like it might be just the thing, and once everything is explained, she nods and smiles.

"Of course I'll help. Though I'm not sure how we can get the fires lit any faster without having more campfires set, and that would just defeat the purpose because it would be too lit up in the gardens." Ellana curls in her knuckles and presses them to her lips for a moment in thought, before lowering her hand and saying, "Unless we have mages stand at intervals between them, creating fire in the palms of both hands. Then the person on either side could light rushes or candles." Her forehead creases. "Except you said you already needed the mages for their lights. That won't work, will it?"

[nadasharillen]

"No, that's a great idea!" Nahariel replied excitedly, "It's not as if we had too much in the way of magelight back home for this part. I'd much rather have everything able to come alight at once than have a partially spectacular light show and everyone else fumbling around with flint." She paused for a moment, and then wrinkled her nose. "Oof. I hope none of them had anything expansive planned... or maybe I could recruit some of the apprentices to aid in helping everything get lit up?"

Either way, Nari looked much more relaxed now that there was a definite way to make things go 'woosh'.

[serannas]

"Oh, good!" she exclaims, clasping her hands together. I think it could look really wonderful if we time it right. How many people were you thinking would be there? Then we'll know how many mages we need at intervals." She's pleased to be able to offer something to this whole arrangement, especially since she'd do anything for Sina.

"It wouldn't hurt to have a practice run too, to make sure everyone knows what to do. We can't have things going wrong when Sina sees it."

[rowancrowned]

(a thranduil.)


He sets down his book—this, a treatise on trade relations— and interlaces his fingers, Nari treated to the whole of his attention. When she finishes, her nervousness is near endearing.

“I am humbled that you would think to include me.” He smiles for her, something small and genuine, and unlaces his hands to take one of hers in his own, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We are kin, and Sina is very dear to me. If this will make her smile, I will gladly offer myself.”

He releases her hand, closes the book, gestures to the empty seat across the table. “I cannot and will not praise your gods, but I see no harm in telling a story.” Yes, let him play dress up it’s been so long. “What will be required of me?”

[nadasharillen]

(bless u)

Nervousness turns to a smile of her own as Thranduil agrees to take part, and Nahariel swiftly slides into the empty seat across from him to further explain.

"It's a rather large part, and I don't know any way to teach it but to repeat it," She spread her hands in a gesture of helplessness, "ours is a spoken tradition." Saying so caused her expression to vacillate between pride and the chagrin of saying so in a place full of written record.

"That's not to say it couldn't be written down if it would help... just that it hasn't been."

[rowancrowned]

“I have learned stories by rote memorization before,” some of his teachers born on the shores of Cuiviénen, who viewed writing as a waste of one’s time, too new for them to be comfortable with. Thranduil reaches for his notes, revealing a selection of careful, tight notes written on a page of inexpensive paper. Whatever they are—plans, connections, interesting tidbits to bring to Galadriel’s attention—they’re written in looping Sinadrin.

“I would prefer to have the whole of the story penned down in Elvish, in some form or another.” And since the Dalish have lost the written form of their language, Sindarin will work just as well. “Would that be permissible?”

[el_tybs]

It seemed Nari enjoyed ambushing him when he was in the armory, though this time around he wasn't actually working on anything at the forge, just doing some sketches and thinking deeply on some things. Least she didn't have to wait to have his full attention, which he gives in full silence as Nari explains what she wants him to do.

"So you're putting on a performance for Sina? And you want me to be one of the people who helps represent the sun?"

[nadasharillen]

Nari nodded. "Both of those things, yes." She hesitated slightly. "That is, if you'd like to."

[el_tybs]

"Well I don't think I'm against it, but perhaps you could elaborate on how I'm to represent the sun exactly." Short of setting someone on fire it sounds like something he'd be fine doing.

TEAM DISTRACTION HO

[arlathvhen]

Beleth was happy to take up the task of keeping Sina distracted--Nari hadn't exactly mentioned why this was necessary, but Nari was Sina's clansister, and she trusted the other Dalish to only have the best of intentions. That said, Beleth had the perfect plan--after all, what was more distracting to a woman than her own wedding?

And so, Beleth showed up at the healing tents, around the time Sina usually left, a sheaf of papers in her arms, and a cheerful smile on her face. "Sina! I know I haven't addressed this much, since I wanted to give you time to tell everyone on your own--it's your news, after all. But, I was thinking. I had a free day, so maybe we could start going over some of your plans...?" She holds out a paper, where a (badly) drawn canopy had been doodled, complete with flowers and little notes indicating colors and other details.

"It's traditional for the families to help out in my clan, I don't know about yours...But you're going to be my sister. So I'm going to do whatever I can!"

don't call me a ho you're a ho

[eolasemah]

SIna looks awful. It's less in the wasting illness way and more in the Drowned In Depression way, but her dismal expression does give in to one rather more resembling a startled deer when Beleth shows up holding papers and beaming and talking about weddings.
...oh.
...the wedding.

"Plans," she says weakly, smiling in a way that is distinctly uncomfortable and perhaps vaguely panicked. She has literally not formed a single thought about the wedding since it first came up-- a small pile of unread letters from Sorrel has accumulated by her bedroll, which she now makes a somewhat frantic mental note to read and respond to.
"...serannas," she squeaks as she takes the parchment with the drawings and looks it over, trying in vain to make sense of anything that's happening right now.

[chainlightning]

The tradition sounds delightful, and as Nahariel explains, Merrill's expression grows to match. The other elf has barely had a chance to finish asking before she's practically bouncing, reaching out to grip Nahariel's hands in her own.

"Of course! I'd love to, I'm so honored that you thought to ask me! Is there anything special you think I should do, anything that will really reach out to her?"

[nadasharillen]

Merrill's energy is bright and infectious; in Nari's already keyed up state it's all too easy to let it grab hold of her, the usually subdued hunter breaking into a wide sunny grin of her own as she gives the other woman's hands a quick squeeze in return.

"I can't think of anything that would reach out better than just your being there and taking part," she says, her confidence buoying along with the mood. "We'll meet in the morning after I'm sure Beleth has Sina to go over any last questions and figure out where to stand and everything, and then come back that night to get everything ready. Is that all right?"

--[On The Day]

[nadasharillen]

[serannas]

Once they're all gathered together for the practice run, Nahariel turns it over to Ellana and she clears her throat before starting.

"I know I don't need to tell any of you that fire can be dangerous. We're all well aware, but when people have assigned roles and have to work with cues and getting timing right, people can become flustered, so I wanted to get us all together to practice to make sure things go smoothly."

She starts pointing to people and gesturing to where they should stand in the garden to form the sunburst as she continues speaking. "And you go right here, and you next to her-- all right. As you can see, everyone who isn't a mage has a mage on at least one side of them. When it's time to reveal our light to Sina, I want the mages to do this." Ellana lifts both hands up from her sides and a flame appears in the palm of each hand. "The non-mages can light their candles from the flames, and the mages just stay like this to provide their own light." The flames go out and she lowers her hands. "I'm going to get some empty jars from storage and fill them with water and have them close by, just to be extra safe, but we all know how to handle candles and our magic. And to roll on the ground if our clothes catch fire." She gives the group an encouraging smile. It's not that she expects disaster, but it's better to have water and not need it, then not have it and need it.

"Well, that's all I needed to say. Nahariel said something about asking questions now?" She looks towards the head of all this and lifts her brows slightly, handing things back over to her.

[nadasharillen]

Nahariel nods, self-consciously adjusting her tunic. It had been one thing, talking to everyone on their own, but talking to everyone at once made her palms itch. Even so, it was heartening to see all the people who'd come out to help her with this wild last-moment hope. She smiled, quick and furtive.

"I know I promised the mages exciting displays, but this was the only way we could think of to get everything lit fast enough," she said apologetically, eyes flickering through the gathering to look at them each in turn. "If you've thought of something lovely, I think there should still be time for it... just after the people next to you've gotten themselves lit up." She runs her hand through her hair with a short laugh, "Well, you know. Not themselves. Their torches. Or candles." She turns to look at Ellana for some reassurance, "Do you think torches would be better?" You're rambling.

With some effort she managed to pull herself back. "In any case, yes. Questions?"

--[Solstice Night]

[nadasharillen]

shes here

[eolasemah]

Today has been odd, and Sina is tired and frankly grumpy and she has wanted nothing more than to just be under her blankets and unconscious. She hasn't even remembered that it's the solstice, and is only aware that the night is darker than usual, plunging her mood and overall outlook even further.
Now that she has been sufficiently grilled on and stressed out about her upcoming nuptials, Sina is finally-- finally trudging her way back to the garden, her spirits as black as the sky.

o no

[nadasharillen]

Sitting silent and tense with anticipation that was a mix of excitement and fear, Nahariel's hands tightened on her careful perch when her ears picked out the slow heavy shuffle of footsteps coming from the keep towards the garden entrance. When her clansister actually appeared in the small light they'd left remaining at the doorway, her wan face and the bleakness of her expression nearly sent the hunter scrambling to cancel everything they'd planned. Sina looked so... tired. Nari's hope that she'd gladly take part in the surprise shrank to a sliver in her heart--her fear that a failed attempt here would mean losing her little halla threatening to devour even that. But even as she set her teeth fretfully, feeling for all the world like a cornered animal, something inside her prodded.

Isn't it that way in the tale?

And it was. And something told her that if she couldn't reach Sina soon there wasn't going to be another Solstice. So Nahariel made her own prayer to Ghilan'nain; and even knowing she spoke to no-one but Fen'Harel, it calmed her heart.

"In--" she began, and immediately choked as she heard her voice in the silence for the first time. Breathe from your center scolded her adoptive father instantly. Be the flute, be the breath, let the tale worry about the telling.

Nahariel closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath.

"In ancient times," she began again, "it came to pass that the sun was stolen from the sky." The sound was smoother now. Stronger. "Without it, the world grew colder and colder, and the People suffered." Her grip on the wood relaxed slightly. "Those in the cities shut themselves in their dwellings, those in the forests drew to their deep hearts and pulled the branches close, but those in the wide grass sea had nothing but their aravels, and they could not find their way amidst the plains without the day and night to mark their travels.

"In their desperation, they called out to Ghilan'nain, Navigator, Mother of the Halla, and She answered."



The lot was cast. Waiting now in the dark silence, in no little of her own desperation, Nahariel was more sympathetic to their ancestors than she could recall ever being. Breath held, frame taut, eyes dark and intent on her clansister's face, the hunter waited to see if the Halla Mother would, in fact, answer.