[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

[eolasemah]

There's Nari's voice again, and it almost startles her. Sina looks around, but sees no one, least of all Fen'harel-- and with a pang of fear she realizes she has no idea what to expect. If this is a dream, a vision of some sort, will she see him?
Is the Dread Wolf here in the garden with her, has he been dogging her steps all along?

"What.. brings you this way, Lord of Tricksters," she asks, her little voice quavering.

[rowancrowned]

He comes. In a moment, he is behind her shoulder, leaning over, the whole of his height used to his advantage to loom over Sina. The mask is beautifully made, and terrifying for its feral roughness—the mask large enough that his eyes are in shadow, and his whole face covered. The cloak he wears covers his body, but she will know Thranduil by the long fall of his blonde hair over the fur collar, and his height.

“I seek the sun the same as you, youngest sister.” His voice is distorted through the wolf’s head mask, but it is still low, near purring. He has embraced his role enthusiastically.

[eolasemah]

Sina doesn't know what she was expecting, but it wasn't this. She gives a little yip of terror when a voice suddenly speaks right by her, and she turns quickly to see the mask: it's imposing, and has its intended effect, but then a moment passes and... she realizes it's familiar. Or rather, she hasn't seen this specific mask before, but she'd know Nari's handiwork anywhere.
...and the long tresses of blond hair pouring out from beneath it look familiar, as well. Matched with the voice... a ghost of a smile appears on her face, though she remains cautious.

"And have you seen it," she answers, politely, carefully, "in your roaming?"

[rowancrowned]

He’s pleased with himself, there’s a smile under the mask for his own success in making Sina smile. He stands straight—and his hands are clasped behind his back under the cloak. His head tilts to the side like a dog’s, quizzical. “No.

“But I have seen the selfishness of the People,” he continues, stepping to her side, looking down and to his side at her. “They tear at each other for trinkets and steal each other’s meat, aware only of their own emptiness, never the other's.”

He does not think much on the truth in those words. This is Sina’s night, and that is paramount. And she is, apparently, enjoying it, so there’s no reason not to partake with delight.

[nadasharillen]

For a brief moment Nahariel had herself been shocked by the abrupt appearance of the Dread Wolf, but she shook it off quickly, rather enjoying the change. Besides, with the mask, his face remained in shadow and that was every bit as good. She quirked a smile of her own. With his height, Thranduil cut a figure worth the title--especially next to the frail frame of her clansister.

"With no farewell, the Wolf's presence faded," she intoned, waiting for the cloaked figure to dip back into the darkness beyond the lamplight before continuing, "and Ghilan'nain walked on.

"As she followed the tracks of darkness in the sky, she came soon upon a pair of stars, twinkling and exuberant in their brightness." Nari had difficulty keeping the smile out of her voice, far too excited to see the two of them in action.

[chainlightning]

An orb of light appears as soon as Nari says "stars", bobbing and floating in between them, though she also goes into the lamplight. Nothing wrong with more light, after all. Merrill has found something brilliantly golden-colored and sparkly, and she shimmers as she bounces a bit. There are more sparkles on her face, outlining her vallaslin and in her hair. She's managed to somehow get some of the sparkles on Merrick, too, whose hand she also keeps insisting on (at least attempting to) hold.

"Greetings, Halla Mother!"

The narration does say 'exuberant', after all.

[eolasemah]

Sina turns just in time to see Merrick and Merrill appear from the darkness, and any trepidation she had left is quickly swept away by the sight of them. She cups her hand over her mouth and laughs, stepping forward to approach Merrill and lightly touch her sparkly face. "Greetings, little stars," she replies (never mind that they're both taller than she is), "tell me, have you seen the sun?"
She turns to Merrick when she asks, smiling sympathetically. She knows it couldn't have been easy to get him here and dressing like this, but she is quite touched by it.

[dalishious]

It had been surprisingly easy to get Merrick to do this; it was for Sina, and that was all that was needed to get him to grudgingly nod his agreement. What wasn't as easy, however, was getting him to dress the part (it feels weird not to be wearing his usual ensemble of black, black and more black) and allow Cyril and Merrill to put makeup and sparkles on his face. It's for Sina he had to remind himself more than once.

He lets Merrill hold his hand (though it's a bit clammy with nerves) and tries to act his part without blushing and feeling like an idiot. He fails.

"My sorrow, Halla Mother, I have not seen the sun," he mumbles.

[eolasemah]

Sina can't help but grin wider at Merrick's attempt, but of course doesn't mock him. Instead she does the same as she did with Merrill, gently touching his face in a quiet display of affection.
Then she looks between them, waiting with cheerful expectance for their next lines.

[chainlightning]

It's the joint line now. This is part of why Merrill has insisted on hand-holding; she squeezes Merrick's hand, a little cue, and starts to speak slowly so that he can speak with her.

"But we saw the kindness of the People."

Making sure Merrick has also said the line, Merrill continues with her own.

"They sing songs of hope and light to their children, and make of the endless night a game."

Which sounds quite nice, actually.

[dalishious]

Merrick continues to put up with the hand-holding. Merrill is lucky she's pretty.

"They gather all their fears to themselves in secret to spare their young," he recites, articulating a bit more this time, though he does have a much thicker accent than the other Dalish.

[nadasharillen]

"Ghilan'nain was touched," says Nahariel's voice from the darkness, her smile evident, "She looked down upon the People and gathered the light of that kindness to her breast, and walked on, following the darkness."

"Soon," she says, tone changing to match the lithe padded stalk of Thranduil's next appearance, "the darkness became pools, and the pools became tracks, and She could again feel the smile of Fen'Harel."

[eolasemah]

Sina casts her eyes about, even hamming things up a little, bringing her hands to her face in a gesture of worry.
"What brings you this way, Lord of Tricksters?" she asks the darkness.

[rowancrowned]

"I seek the sun," he starts, again just somewhere over her shoulder, low and melodic. "-the same as you, youngest sister."

He is very committed to this play, and despite himself, enjoying it. His arm brushes Sina's shoulder as he walks around her, and stands before her.

[eolasemah]

Though she can see him, Sina pretends he evades her, though she does turn her head slightly when she feels Thranduil brush her arm.
"And have you found it, in your roaming?" she asks, with a hint of challenge.

[rowancrowned]

"No," he answers. "But I have seen the cruel ambitions of the People. They smile sweetly, then hiss lies behind each others backs, scrambling for power."

And then it's back off into the shadows.

[nadasharillen]

"With no farewell, the Wolf's presence faded, and Ghilan'nain walked on," came Nari's measured voice again.

"As she followed the tracks of darkness in the sky, she came soon upon the Moon," the storyteller's voice lightened with respect and gladness for the celestial sphere--and her earthly counterpart here, "bright and full in her beauty."

[mythalenaste]

A pale blue light shines just before Pel steps out, holding a round lantern of ice by a wooden base. Her hair, for perhaps the third time in the past two years, is loose and unbound and reaches her tailbone in grey waves. She sees Sina and gives a faint smile, almost apologetic, knowing Sina has not wanted to be near her in some time. This is how she hopes to help redefine what became of their relationship.

"Greetings, Halla-Mother," she intones, hoping she sounds wise and matronly enough. In reality, there is a baby kicking up a storm, so it's a little hard to focus.

[eolasemah]

Whether or not Pel sounds wise or matronly, Sina is in fact glad to see her. Her face seems to light up with the approaching lantern, and grins as she goes to hug her, all terrible associations momentarily forgotten.

"Greetings, wise moon," she says, pulling away, "tell me, have you seen the sun?"

[mythalenaste]

Pel actually chokes up when Sina comes to embrace her, and there's a moment where she squeezes tightly, breathless, till she regains her voice and takes a deep breath.

"My sorrow, Halla Mother," she rasps, "I have not seen the sun. But I saw the love of the People for your children."

Give her a second. Pregnancy hormones are playing a part, as well as sentiment.

"Even in this cold, they give the spaces of the aravel to the halla."

Her tears, forming in her eyes, shine in the pale blue light. She gives a smile to Sina, and steps back to let the play continue.

[nadasharillen]

"Ghilan'nain was touched," said Nari, sounding touched herself. She'd thought only of Sina's healing as she made preparations, but seeing Pel's reaction to being readily embraced gave the ethereal light of the ice lantern a bright halo as it refracted in her suddenly stinging eyes. Perhaps there was some comfort for everyone who loved the fragile First as well.

Nari cleared her throat surreptitiously--she hoped--and continued, "She looked down upon the People and gathered the light of that love to her breast, and walked on, following the darkness.

"Soon the darkness became pools, and the pools became tracks," she continued, letting her voice darken in twinned self-satisfaction and warning a third time, "and She could again feel the smile of Fen'Harel."

[eolasemah]

Sina smiles sincerely back at Pel, and before her friend withdraws, she places a little kiss on her pale cheek. She steps back again when Nari continues, angling her head slightly in the direction of her clansister's voice, though she doesn't try to find her in the darkness.
She does, however, listen for the footsteps of Thranduil, and turns slowly, all her senses straining.
"Thrice you cross my path, Lord of Tricksters," she says, in a voice that's almost challenging.

[rowancrowned]

It is a very small space, and he cannot wander far enough to be both out of her sight and yet pitch his voice to be heard. So again, there he is, beside a tree, glad of her inclination to play along with his supposed invisibility.

"Do you find that strange, youngest sister? We seek the same quarry. Should we not sometimes share in the hunt?" Thranduil says, appropriately measured and reasonable and not in the least suspicious.

[eolasemah]

Sina tilts her head as though listening, her posture of alertness resembling a deer's. "I find it strange to hear thus from He Who Hunts Alone."

[rowancrowned]

He waits, counting down, until:

"...Do you not tire of your seeking, Ghilan'nain?"