[EVENT] Bonfire Night

[ironwood]

Characters: ALL!
Date: February 21st
Location: Various.
Situation: It’s cold. Time to cuddle up and make bonfires for the warmth.
Warnings/Rating: Add warnings as needed.

As night falls the city’s lights take something of a unique turn. Instead of being lit by millions of paper lanterns, Keeliai is tonight lit by the flames and warmth of dozens if not hundreds of fires. Some of them are small, not much more than warming hearths in a barrel on a street, but others encompass squares and boulevards.

The fire lighting procession winds through the city’s streets, beginning at the first bonfire in Fire Sector. By the time full night has arrived, that procession is a snake illuminated by dozens of torches, parting from the main parade to light smaller fires in smaller streets. It ends, finally, in Central, in the Courtyard of Public Opinion, whose bonfire is second only to the initiating one in Fire Sector.

In some areas an exchange of goods arises, mostly in terms of woollens and other warm clothes and blankets. Though food is considered a public resource on this occasion, bartering small knickknacks, songs, stories and even other woollen items is not uncommon an exchange.

Meals are shared among kedan and Foreigners, commoners and emissaries--primarily stews, soups and other foods easily baked in the coals of the fires. Everyone brings food, and what isn’t contributed to the pot is nevertheless shared around after preparation. Although some bonfires are markedly wealthier than others, food and shelter is spread around to make sure everyone is safe and warm. No one goes cold and alone on this night.

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LINKS
Fire Sector (main bonfire) | Water Sector | Metal Sector | Earth Sector | Wood Sector | Central Keeliai

OOC Notes
The five Bresilykian emissary NPC can be found moving from Sector to Sector and partaking in the various traditions of each, and so can be engaged anywhere, while the Keeliai NPCs generally are staying in their respective areas as detailed below. Please put the name of the NPC you're requesting in the subject line of your tag if you want to interact with them. Thank you!

Comments

[rawiron]

Courier? He was young to be an entrepreneur, and that fact alone made Heojin stop and turn again.

"What manner of courier services?" he asked, though the Woodsmen had no need to outsource couriers. Those who travelled the turtle's shell were far hardier than anyone to be found in Keeliai. There was no harm in getting more details.

[akito]

"Guaranteed delivery within twenty-four hours or less - usually it only takes a few hours at most, depending on where it's coming from and going to! And, um, for anything sensitive there is a one-hundred percent guarantee that nobody but the desired recipient will get it, though that guarantee comes at the cost of destruction of the package if necessary to keep it from being stolen."

He's been through this twice before, so it isn't too difficult to remember all of the benefits his service can provide. It also helps that he doesn't want to take up too much of Heojin's time, meaning he speaks more quickly than he might have otherwise.

"When delivering a package I am loyal only to the person who requested my services and can't be paid off to botch a delivery. My only stipulation is that you respect my neutrality among the different families and don't interfere with any of my courier runs. And, um, if you agree to employing my services I will draft up contracts to be signed and upheld."

[rawiron]

The boy was confident, though as a Foreigner perhaps he had reason to be. He was clear about his terms, too, which Heojin could appreciate. It was obvious Akito was seeking to fill a void in a city left by ever-changing sides and alliances, which was a worthy enough goal; but the Woodsmen didn't live in the city.

Heojin listened attentively and nodded when Akito was done. "I appreciate your offer," he said, "and wish you well on your endeavours. However, the Woodsmen have couriers whom we already trust. We are not as afflicted by politically territorial disputes as those in the city."

[akito]

Akito isn't surprised by the rejection itself, though the polite way in which Heojin does so is refreshing. Not that he expected him to be impolite, but it's done so gently that Akito has to replay it twice in his head just to be sure he interpreted it properly.

"I didn't think you would need my services, but I offered them to Yunxu-san and Zanru-san, so it would be rude not to offer them to you too, ne?" he admits, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "If for some reason you ever need a package delivered with assurance that there will be no interference from the other families, you're free to contact me! I won't deny my occasional services to anyone as long as they can agree to my terms."

Hoping that didn't sound too pushy, Akito fumbles with his bowl of stew as he gives a small, polite bow. "Um, thank-you for listening to what I had to say, Heojin-san!"

[rawiron]

"I will keep that in mind," said Heojin, though he doubted it was an offer the Woodsmen would ever need. Rather than saying so, however, he only bowed in return, though shallowly. "Good evening." With that, he left.