Solstice Party: the bonfire :: milliways_bar

[jack_inthegreen]

As the sun sets and the evening grows colder, Jack lights a brand and stands on the dancing platform, near the bonfire.

"Everyone!" he calls. "Everyone. Can I have your attention, please.

"We're going to light the bonfire in a few minutes, but first I've been asked to say a few words. As many of you know, we have great sorrows in the bar today. Friends who are endangered, and the outcome is unclear. I have been asked to speak a blessing to the Universe to bring them safely home."

He pauses a moment, holding the torch high, and then speaks to the stars. "Father and Mother of us all, hear our plea. We have great fears tonight. Loved ones whom we wish to see and touch and make speech with again. See them safely home is our cry. Guide the warriors who seek them. Protect their champions. Bring them home to us that we may celebrate the lives we cherish."

He stands quiet again, and there is no sound but the crackling of the torch. Then he holds the brand to the bonfire, and in a moment it bursts into a great flame.

Comments

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack's voice stays quiet. "What happened?"

[gris_bug_man]

"He laughed in my face." A brief hint of remembered pain.

"You are the first I have felt truly safe with."

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack gets his feet to the bottom and looks at Gil. "When was this? How old were you?"

[gris_bug_man]

"Twenty or twenty one. I was finishing college--" details are fuzzy, even for Gil. It has been many years since he thought of the incident.

"I honestly don't remember his name."

[jack_inthegreen]

"I'm sorry," Jack says quietly. "I'm sorry he reacted that way and I'm sorry you had to go through that.

"I'm sorry I wasn't with you then."

[gris_bug_man]

He also finds the bottom and stands so he can look Jack in the eyes. "I'm not--obviously he wasn't who I needed to be with at the time. And I am with you now, Jack. I don't regret anything as it has brought me here, to this moment."

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack kisses him, holding the back of his head. He rubs his nose against Gil's and says quietly, "You're strong." He smiles. "I like that about you."

[gris_bug_man]

"I'm glad," he smiles, laying his forehead against Jack's.

[ooc: Really hate to do this, but I have an evil econ test of doom tomorrow and I do need to study. Want to milli-time the consumation in the woods at some other point? :)]

[jack_inthegreen]

[yes: I'll be travelling tomorrow but online tomorrow night and after that.]