[EVENT | TAVIMBI] HAPOYELA'S BLESSINGS

[ironwood]

Characters: Come one, come all!
Date: March 5th
Location: The Sabonile Temple, in Hatal
Situation: The Foreigners, as well as many prominent kedan, have been invited to the great Temple of Hapoyela in Hatal, where the Sabonile priest class wishes them to participate in a celebration!
Warnings/Rating: Character nudity in the after-feast comment. Indicate content warnings in subject headers as applicable.

---

According to the Sabonile priests, Hapoyela wishes to properly welcome the Foreigners and the kedan to the full scope of Tavimbi's hospitality, and has instructed the clergy to organize a suitably impressive celebration for the citizens of the oldest living Great Turtle. All Foreigners, as well as many notable kedan including the Family heads, are invited to attend a grand feast and celebration at the Sabonile Temple, one of the largest buildings in all of Hatal.

The clergy has promised an evening of good food, lively entertainment, and the magnificent blessings of Hapoyela. At the same time, the Sabonile will be hosting a soup kitchen in the Temple's courtyard, feeding the hungry and the poor, as dictated by their religious tenets and beliefs.

While those who receive an invitation to the event, which the Sabonile consider a sacred charge from Hapoyela, are not required to attend... it could be seen as a disrespect to their deity.

MOD NOTE: For the naked after party section, soul gems are still allowed to be worn. If your character isn't up for stripping down, they can excuse themselves from that segment of the evening, which will have no negative repercussions with the Sabonile. In this case, they will simply do a wave-over blessing from Hapoyela around the person, and bid them a pleasant evening before they go.

Comments

THE GRAND FEAST AND FEEDING THE NEEDY

[ironwood]

Given the rareness of meat in Tavimbian diet, the grand feast has a treat for everyone involved -- roast rakenga on a spit. To do this requires big spits. Ginormous ones, in fact, which are turned via a pulley system and attended regularly by numerous residents. (The wings and hide have already been removed, as they're used for other purposes and are best left unroasted.)

This kind of cooking is decadent, but it essentially allows attendees to walk right up and cut choicest parts off the carcass at will, and -- the Xojan will assure anyone who asks -- nothing goes to waste. Once the evening is over the rest of the carcass will be stripped, unroasted meat smoked or dried, and even the bones cracked for marrow or turned into tools.

While certainly a banquet, the feast is not considered the focus of the occasion, and most Tavimbian attendees wander in and out, picking up 'finger food' on the way through to some entertainment or another.

The rakenga provide the base for most of the soup offered in the courtyard, particularly the bone-marrow, and for many Kin'nal is the richest and most nutritious meal they'll eat in their lives. For that reason, many go back for seconds, or bring large containers to fill and reheat later.

Those who don't wish to have roast rakenga are quite welcome to partake in the soup, and for those who -- for whatever reason -- cannot eat meat there are several cauldrons of vegetable-only soups provided.

OTA

[lordhotman]

MEAT. This is definitely Zuko's hang out of choice. He had only just started exploring Hatal since his arrival and the Rakenga hunts had particularly caught his interest. So he is indulging himself in the delicacy and it's pretty darn tasty. Though it does bother him a little that they look like dragons. But surely this isn't the same kind of mess like back home right? They are using every bit of the carcass like responsible hunters and not just doing it for glory.

He is also actively avoiding the entertainments areas since he found out the requirements for entering. Because uh... that's kind of embarrassing. Zuko isn't exactly eager to have his royal parts showing where everyone can see them. So pardon him as he becomes a meat eating wallflower over there.

Though when he sees the soup being given out to the Kin'nal, that definitely tugs at him a bit. Thus he eventually goes over to help.

[omnivident]

Once discovered the requirements to join the entertainment part of the festivities, Leo decided that he wanted very little part of it. Plus, neither dancing or racing were his things either- especially in front of hundreds of strangers.

So, what's left to enjoy? Meat, of course. Meat and volunteering to pass out dishes of soup for those who come by for some. It was a bit sad to see the inhabitants in so much need, but Leo also happened to enjoy the atmosphere in the festival. So much cheer and happiness- the celebration for deity that was so important for these people. He hoped that this small amount of help would show his appreciation for being invited to such an amazing event.

"It's pretty neat, to see all of this liveliness..." The brunet speaks to himself, unaware that someone happened to be right there next to him. "O-oh, haha sorry..." Leo apologizes with a sheepish laugh, cheeks hinting at a bit of red with embarrassment. "I don't usually talk to myself out loud."

[lordhotman]

Zuko was just minding his own business, not really taking much notice of those around him until he hears someone next to him. He blinks. Was that guy talking to him?

"Yeah, I guess so," he agrees.

The apology though just results in a shrug. He doesn't mind talking to someone. Kinda beats standing around trying to avoid Tavimbians wanting him to get naked.

"I haven't been to a festival this big in awhile. Other than the... uh, you know, it definitely beats Yang Chen's festival."

Sorry Aang, but tofu, vegetables, and fruit pies can't beat this.

[omnivident]

"We don't really have festivals like this back where I come from at all." Well, if that's not including how lively it was on Halloween. Exploding zombie-like creatures and a possessed friend trying to end the world? Five gold stars and two enthusiastic thumbs up.

With a somewhat thoughtful expression, he continues as he fills up another guests' bowl, "I guess I just like that these people are having a good time-- and that there's no blood or destruction or...well yeah." He stops himself right there, hoping that this winged stranger hasn't already filed him under a list of 'weirdo freaks' or something.

"What's that Yang Chen festival you mentioned about though?"

[angelofnaboo]

Charity. That's something that Padmé has been doing since she was eight. So, when she notices that the Kin'nal are being given soup from stock made from the feast food, she skips the decadent meal out on display to join others in helping the less fortunate.

She is happy to pick up a bowl and fill it with the delicious broth and addings before handing it over to a person that looks so grateful for any sort of help. When the young man with the noticeable facial scar comes over to she happily gives him a ladle.

"It's good that you've come to help. They all look so hungry."

[lordhotman]

Zuko takes the ladle and gives the pretty lady a smile. He then starts dipping it into the soup and fills bowls. Giving them to the eagerly waiting hands of the Kin'nal that are waiting.

"Yeah, they do. I didn't realize there were so many."

He had heard some mention of the Kin'nal and how many Tavimbians looked down on them. But this was a heartbreaking realization to see how poorly they were treated. Atleast the Sabonile were reaching out to them.

[angelofnaboo]

She flashes him a quick smile before going back to her own serving position.

"Where there is an abundance for some, there is a lack for others. That is a sad truth in any world, I'm afraid."

She doesn't care who the people are, they all deserved to be treated with respected and allowed to share in any bounty they could. And if there was a chance that she can be of service to those who need it, Padmé will be there.

"I'm glad to see that they're getting some help."

OTA

[edgeoftheknife]

The soup kitchen is the part that draws him in. For several months now Erskine has been working with the poorer kedan of Keeliai, helping out at the few shelters and soup kitchens that exist on the turtle. He hasn't done a lot of poking around on the new continent, short of the shops that he's visited as Rue, and seeing this side of things is a bit of an eye opener.

He volunteers to help almost immediately, and as he works he'll be trying to chat with some of the Kin'nal who come through the courtyard, keeping his tone light and friendly but trying subtly to find out more about their race and the dynamics of Hatal.

[purrns]

Chat may be used to the big battles and saving the day, but he's more than aware that this is an important part too; reaching out to those who need it, offering help that doesn't involve superhero antics. He honestly treasures it, it's rare he can stick around much post-battle to do what he'd much prefer. Be with the people, help them.

He recognises Erskine from the hotel, of course, but that's as Adrien. So, he keeps up the charade, acting as if he's never seen this guy before in his life. Just people. Helping other people. Nothing special.

"It's pretty great this is being help for the people here. Got to love giving something back, right?"

ack sorry for the delay! I've been off my tag game the last few days

[edgeoftheknife]

Erskine likes to think he goes through most of his days in Keeliai without being noticed. It's more wishful thinking on his part than actual reality--he's never been the sort of person able to blend into the background easily. Not with the way he looks. If he didn't want to so badly, he might realize that.

He would be surprised to know that Adrien recognizes him, even from the Hotel. Right now he's more surprised by the young person in the mask talking to him.

"I-- Yes, right," he replies, a little flustered. Aside from looking up to figure out who it is that's addressing him, he keeps his gaze down, looking vaguely discomfited. "I wouldn't mind if there were more events like this on the turtle."

no worries, I can backtag forever :)

[purrns]

He's far more used to flustered weirdness as Adrien than as Chat. Marinette tends to do it all the time when he's as civilian, weirdly less so when she sees him like this. He doesn't get it. Maybe it's something he brings out in her as Adrien that he doesn't as Chat. Girls.

As such, he seems unfazed by Erskine's flusteredness moving to help out a little. Every bit counts, right?

"The people would appreciate that, I'm sure. A good meal and a warm place to go would be purrfect for them."

OTA

[portal_refugee]

Upon arriving at Hatal, Abigail had been in high spirits. Wearing a new outfit bought with assistance specifically for the event, she realized Pepper had been right. She felt fantastic, and every extra bit of work she had put into getting ready had been worth it in anticipation of enjoying the celebration. Moreover, she could not deny the pride that came with being at her father's arm for the special event. She had to be at her best to accompany him, and tonight she would be.

Politely and with curiosity, she had listened attentively to the telling of the beliefs regarding Hapoyela and the elements. It gave a little more data to help her better understand the culture of Hatal, yet so too did what followed. The request for offerings is not a unique concept, though it had caught the Callaghans by surprise. At the very least it seemed to catch others off guard as well given the looks she could spot worn by those around them. A warning of some kind would have been nice, but parting with her new ankle bracelet was not going to spoil things.

Of all her greatest hopes for the celebration, Abigail had been silently and eagerly hoping for a chance to dance. Hearing talk about dancing had led her focus towards the entertainment courtyards only for her bright mood to be snuffed with the realization that in order to participate in any of the entertainment, even to watch, one had to be completely and utterly...stark...naked.

Abigail had walked away from the exit to the courtyard without a word and a mad blush of color turning her cheeks vividly red. With no appetite to speak of left from the notion of stripping down in front of others, she would instead gladly stick herself out of the way at the wall with an untouched drink in her hands to observe. There she would stay until her father was ready to leave or someone else were to engage her.

This party is so much worse than any business conference she had sat through at Krei Tech Industries.

[highprofilerichkid]

Tony's not all that great at reading people, but even he can read 'intense discomfort' radiating off of the young woman standing stiffly in the corner with an untouched glass in her hand. He wanders over and gives her a wry, sympathetic smile.

"Not crazy about the naked dance party, huh?"

[portal_refugee]

The glass in hand keeps her from fidgeting as she at least attempts to keep a calm demeanor while her body language warns against trying to pry her from the wall. At the sound of the vaguely familiar voice, she looks to the young man joining her and offering sympathy. As much as she wants to leave, having company even for a few moments will be of some relief.

Cracking a hint of a smile she replies, "After spending over an hour getting dressed? Not so much." A tilt of her head, and she asks, "Is it safe to assume you've also decided to abstain?" He does have his pants on still after all.

[highprofilerichkid]

"An hour?" Not to enforce gender stereotypes or anything, but it took Tony, like, ten minutes to get ready, tops. He doesn't know what it is girls do when they get ready, but whatever it is, he's definitely intimidated by it. "I don't think I'd ever want to get undressed if it took me an hour to get into my clothes."

He chuckles at her question, and replies, "I can think of a lot of good reasons to take off your pants in public. Dancing's not on the list."

[pompous_today]

Simon, having recognized Abigail from the network, decided to approach her with a polite smile and a sarcastic bow when he saw her staying well away from the dancing.

"Not in the mood to engage in nudity, I see," he winked.

[portal_refugee]

The bow is met with a fresh tension in her shoulders and grip on her glass as Abigail is caught off guard by the gesture, but the wink that follows eases the flash of worry. Being social is not her forte.

With a half chuckle born of relief and amusement at the uncomfortable situation she has found herself in that has placed her literally back to a wall, she answers, "Afraid not. I would need a dangerously high blood alcohol level to even consider it."

[pompous_today]

"I am with you there," Simon agreed with a sigh, reaching down to run a finger along his soul gem. "In fact, alcohol might not be enough for me still. I am all for fostering good relations with people here, but that's a bit much."

[purrns]

It's easier, to come to these social events as Chat. He feels more confident, can be a little more outspoken and social. More to the point, it allowed him to people watch. Abigail caught his eye, and he can't help but chuckle to himself as she returns from the courtyard looking completely abashed. He doesn't blame her, he wouldn't have gone out there, either.

Eventually, he sidles over to lean on the wall near her, offering her a grin.

"Talk about not laying things bare at the start, right? You think they'd have warned us about that."

[portal_refugee]

Turning her head to look towards the unfamiliar footsteps, Abigail turns her attention to the teen when he shares a grin with her. His eyes are certainly interesting if not the words he uses to comment on the situation at hand.

"Unless they were trying to expose a bit more about us. You can learn a lot by surprising someone."

[purrns]

There have been poems written about those eyes. Okay, one poem. Maybe. He gives a soft snort of laughter, folding his arms.

"There's surprising and then there's surprising. It's like the difference between realising you left your fly open and realising you left your pants at home."

His grin widens.

"Anyway, if they wanted to learn things, all they needed to do was ask. I never mind giving an interview," he shifts from the wall to offer a flamboyant bow. "Chat Noir, at your service, Mademoiselle."

[lasergrenades]

Given that Pepper had helped pick out the dress Abigail is wearing, she spots it immediately. Besides, it's a far more comfortable sight to behold than the nudity next door. She's not judging anyone who is stripping down, but Pepper personally isn't all that comfortable with it herself.

With a plate of food in hand, she strolls over to her new friend with a smile on her face.

"You look too good to be frowning," she teases gently. "I think tonight definitely goes in the 'mega-strange' category of this whole turtle trip."

[portal_refugee]

That bright red hair helps Abigail to take notice of a friendly face coming over her direction and she summons up a grateful smile through her discomfort at the compliment. "Thanks, Pepper," though it comes out half-hearted. All their efforts shopping together feel wasted at this gathering.

"It has set the bar a little high," she responds withholding some other choice descriptors that she would rather not use around Pepper or priests. Still, she can see Pepper at least has not lost her appetite and is fairing better than herself, "You look great too. Far too pretty to be standing by the wall." It is a gentle nudge to let Pepper know she need not stay and lose out on mingling if she would rather be social.

[lasergrenades]

"Please. We're making the wall look good, and someone has to do that," Pepper replies, firmly staying put. She can be social right here.

"It's very classical Greek of them," she remarks with a shrug, taking a small bite of some kind of crunchy vegetable. "I guess being from a different universe is a little like living in a different millennium, in a way. We're all looking at each other like we've sprouted three heads and turned bright green."