Good Solstice, milliways_bar

[jack_inthegreen]

In the gray pre-dawn light, the man in green has been busy.

There are rows of trestle tables set up by the lake--far from the new grave as well as anything else that might be disturbed by such things--and on the central table he sets up the horn of plenty he carved the day before. Now he lays a hand on the wood and quietly asks the elements around it to fill the horn and assemble themselves, so that there will be plenty to eat and it will all be nourishing and tasty. When he has done this the horn begins to fill and soon food is spilling out: fruit and bottles of wine and loaves of bread and slabs of cold cooked meats and wheels of cheese and whatever else a patron might think to ask for.

At the end of the rows of tables there is a wooden platform, with a small raised stage for musicians and plenty of room for dancers. Jack has found no one to play pipes but no matter, there are still musicians aplenty should anyone wish to dance. And he hopes they will, for what's a celebration without dancing?

Beyond the tables there is a small course set up for races, just a starting- and finish-lines marked off. There is a large rope for tug-of-war, various props like sacks for sack races and spoons for an egg-and-spoon race, and a pitch for bowls and another for playing horsehoes. He thought about playing tossing the caber but decided that might be pushing things a bit, even here.

Farthest from the bar proper is the bonfire, currently unlit. He pauses there and asks the fire within the wood to do no harm to anyone, that there will be no stray sparks or wayward ash to burn.

There is a great deal of magic at Milliways for him to draw upon and soon the party preparations meet with his satisfaction. He blesses the area before he goes back inside for some more rest before the party begins: that no one will be hurt in play or eat themselves sick, that not even a dancer's ankle be turned.

When he is done the morning fog is just beginning to burn off. It's going to be a beautiful day.

Comments

[jane_drew]

*She smiles, going back to fidgetting with her skirt.*

I've been well, really. Trying to finish the book Bar gave me, in between times when I'm talking with people. Some of the people are really nice.

[gramarye1971]

*He nods, approving.*

I must admit, I do not attend most of the festivities that the patrons of this place host, but if all are similar to this one...

*He glances at her, and there is an amused glint in his eyes.*

...then I still doubt I would attend very many. To be truthful. But tonight's seems to be quite enjoyable.

[jane_drew]

*She smiles wryly.* Some of the festivities are just a bit too much, just like some of the people to be found here.

*mild, mild blush*

Yet this one seems mild in comparison. Even the little kids can join in, and no one is left out.

[gramarye1971]

Ah, yes. *He looks out to the lake, at the people splashing and paddling about.* It is a holiday for everyone, truly. In the old days, it was an excuse to make good use of every possible minute of the long hours of daylight -- particularly in our part of the world, where the contrast to the winter was so marked.

Some of the celebrations in that time were not quite so innocent in nature, either. But here, there are no such demands being placed on tradition -- not by the master of this celebration, truly.

[jane_drew]

*She nods.* Jack said as much when he told me about the party. He said he was hoping everyone would join in, but everyone has seemed so down lately.

[gramarye1971]

*Merriman's mouth twists slightly.*

I felt it, as well. There has been unpleasantness here, lately.

But those who can come, will. And perhaps they will find comfort here for a while.

[jane_drew]

I hope so as well. They need some cheer, something to take their minds off whatever is bothering them so.
Just like me.
*She smiles slightly, looking around at the crowd enjoying themselves.*

And I, I think I shall go find myself some supper.

[gramarye1971]

There is certainly enough to choose from. *He nods to the nearest table, which is almost groaning under the weight of its offerings.*

I have no doubt we will see quite a bit of each other, tonight. Take care, Jane.

*He pauses -- or hesitates -- before he adds:*
Be of good cheer.
And...thank you.

[jane_drew]

*She pauses as she turns to go, a slightly bemused smile on her face.*

For what, Gumerry?

[gramarye1971]

For being here, so that I may thank you properly.

*It is said without any outward difference in his normally rather dour expression. But there is warmth in his voice...and something akin to pride.*

[jane_drew]

*After a moment, she flashes him a smile, simply happy at having earned that pride.*

*And then she goes to supper.*