[Action] A Very Happy Birthday + The Girls Festival

[innocent_royal]

Who: Open To All
Where: Archangel City Sub Archway
When: March 2nd, 3rd and 4th. (Tag what day you want to be in)

[A text goes out to the rest of Genessia indicating that the Girls Day Festival will commence on the 2nd of March rather than the 3rd, and the festival itself will be held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The location, as stated in the text, is still in the Archangel City sub archway found in Fayren.

Anyone coming into the city will be greeted by knights and clothiers handing out free complimentary coats due to the country being always cold. Sign posts along the roads will guide tourists to the city plaza where the festival itself is being held. Alongside patriotic banners of the snowy kingdom's flag were bright-colored decorations.]

DAY 1

In the city plaza, there were numerous women of all ages enjoying some leisurely time off from their jobs. All around the plaza were vendors all sorts of clothing from all corners of the world, many kinds of food and sweets, collectible knick-knacks from paper weights to dolls, books and many other things. There were also quite a few stalls for people to get crash-course lessons in cooking, doll making, candy making and pet caring. While rare, some of the tougher women can get a chance to spare with the capital's knights.

There were some forms of entertainment as well, for a stage was constructed in one corner of the plaza where musicians from all over the kingdom, and some international bards, have come to join the festivities. Anyone needing to rest can sit near the bards and enjoy a snack.

Finally, a higher stage was built around the fountain in the middle of the plaza where Princess Anastasia Leonheart, and her mother, Queen Melody can watch over the festival and speak with the common people.]

((Day 1 venue summary: Vendors, DIY Stalls, Bunny Petting Zoo, Bards Corner, Sparring with Knights,
Speak to Queen and Princess (Day 1 only.))

DAY 2

[The festival slows down slightly as many people gather around the castle, home to the royal family, in honor of Princess Anastasia's 13th birthday. Common people aren't permitted inside of the castle, but residents of Genessia do have permission to seek out Anastasia on the Social Floor of the castle. There, the young Princess Anastasia humbly awaits on a throne as a pile of gifts on one corner of the table steadily gets bigger as maids arrive to add on to it. The smell of something sweet baking can be smelled on this floor.]

((Day 2 venue summary: Same as Day 1, Anastasia's Birthday Party.))

DAY 3

[The festival begins to wind down as all vendors, excluding food vendors, pack up and leave as the musical stages are expanded to accommodate larger performances. As the day settles to dusk, and light fills the plaza, bands continue to play as the able and willing women gather to dance the night away, all though not recommended.]

((Day 3 venue summary: Dancing, Food Stalls, Mingling.))

Comments

Day 1 OTA

[youfool]

Ever the contrarian, Ted came to the girl's festival just to ruin everything. The formalization of woman's self-worship is practically satanic; it couldn't go unchallenged.

Unfortunately, challenging the knights was a women's only affair. Foiled again!

Defeated, he avenged himself by visiting each and every crash-coursing stall he could. So many experiences to have, and Ted was greedy for them all.

The day ended on a sour note when he saw the host and her mother. Ted had subconsciously made it his goal to save whomever he could from feeling alone or hopeless in Genessia. Then he saw Anastasia, ostensibly with her mother, and it broke his heart. He had been enjoying the festivities so much that he'd all but forgotten their source. Anastasia had to sacrifice something for this. Something real for something unreal. Everything felt tainted after that, like he'd been indulged by a phantasm. It's all too understandable that a child would yearn for home, but even this felt like a kind of retreat, or despair.

This wasn't the first archway that he'd enjoyed. But it was the first one that made him feel practically ill. She was so happy, and yet the perceived hollowness of it tore at his conscience. He knew that if he saw Anastasia, some of this would escape. He doubted whether anything good would come of that.

[innocent_royal]

[Anastasia had been pacing around on the royal perch that she shared with her Queenly mother, casually waving to the people who waved at her. Though, quite often, she would stop at a corner and stand on her toes, shading her eyes with her hands as she looked over the crowds to find any friends, or at the very least, a familiar face to know her attempts that generating tourism worked. It would've been a success for her as a budding leader.

Her mother often stays close, as any caring mother would. As Anastasia continued to try to spot anyone possibly from the outside, and she thinks she sees someone who might be. But she was too close to the edge of the platform and slips.

Before the girl fell, her mother was quick to catch her and pull her back onto the platform.]

Day 2

[weavemyownfate]

When Satsuki heard that Anastasia had opened up a subarchway, she didn't take it well. Not that she raised a fit or anything, but she knows what the price is and the possibilities of what the young gift would have given up left her feeling troubled. And yet, it is an extremely simple answer to her weather problem, isn't it? For now, she'll just have to accept that it is best for the young one.

Having been told of the climate before, she arrives already adorn in heavier winter wear though her attire is more fashionable than usual thanks to a certain someone. It's pretty rare that Satsuki attends festivals these days, but of course she would arrive for the Princesses birthday, and she even has a gift carried under her arm.

And so she arrives at the social floor (hopefully with little trouble), and looks about for little Leonhart.

Any Day | Open

[spitfireprincess]

[Sakura makes a point to spend each day with her best friend doing what she wants and enjoys. The first day she brings a strawberry cake, the second is chocolate cake and the third is a cherry sponge cake. She knows she doesn't have too but she wants too.

She smiles and laughs as she goes through the different attractions. All of her birthdays have been very small affairs with close family and friends. Though there has always been that missing seat in her memories, as if someone important sits there. She doesn't linger on that thought long letting her lips remain in a warm smile for her friends special day.

Sakura also has a birthday present for Anastasia which she hopes she'll have time to give her. Otherwise she can be seen at all of the stands and excitement.]

[innocent_royal]

[Satsuki would have no troubles at all. The guards were ordered that if anyone dressed differently, they were likely from Genessia and to let them in. Plus, the guards could see the gift under Satsuki's arm, so one guard escorts her to the dining room where Anastasia awaits.

The young princess spotted Satsuki enter the dining room and waves her over.]

"Miss Kiryuin, thank you for coming."

Day 1

[innocent_royal]

[After some time scanning the people from her royal perch, she spotted someone definitely familiar.

Against all she was told from her mother, she looked for a open space between the people. When she found one, she jumped off the perch amidst the gasps of people and her mother who quickly summoned nearby guards.

Anastasia quickly moved around the people until she found her way to Sakura, taking both of her hands into her own and happily gently swinging side-to-side as she shoots off questions as quickly as she can as she can see the guards making their way over to the princesses.]

"Sakura, hi! Thank you for coming! How are you? Are you having fun? Do you like the city? You'e not cold, are you? Have you seen anyone else? Are you coming to my castle tomorrow for my birthday?"

[youfool]

Ted audibly gasped along with any other onlookers as he saw her near-pratfall. The symbolism of the action stuck out to his mind. The girl, about to fall off the precipice and onto cold, hard reality, only to be snatched back by the comforting illusion. In an instant he saw the contrast between painful truth and palatable lie. If he knew how to shatter it peacefully, he'd drag her out of here and tear down the archway himself. But he knew how bunglers can often make things worse, so he'd drop off his present (one of the dolls he'd made at the booth; thought that counts right?), a thank you note, then make his getaway.

[innocent_royal]

[Because of the size and state of the gift from Ted, a retainer didn't take it to leave with the others and instead brought it straight to Anastasia.

The young princess checks the contents of the note while her mother reads it over her shoulder...]

[weavemyownfate]

[Light clacks accompany each step as she makes her way over to Anastasia, though she notices the table along the way and pauses.]

It was my pleasure. You appear well, Princess.

Should I set this gift with the others?

[youfool]

"Dear Anastasia

Thank you for inviting me to the Girls' Festival and your Birthday. Sorry I couldn't attend the latter; may this gift suffice. I'm pleased to note that I learned how to make it, along with a bevy of other things, at those charming booths in the village square. Despite the event being neither for my sex nor my caste (I've never mingled with royalty in any significant fashion), I nonetheless enjoyed the glance into your cold kingdom. May your thirteenth year be full of grace. Don't forget to spend it with all of us outside too, all right?

With love yours Ted

Day 1 :I need to fix her icons so ignore those for this thread lol <3

[spitfireprincess]

[Sakura smiles brightly when she sees her friend come running towards her. They've seen each other in passing and she's made sure to pass by every now and again but it's been some time since she's been able to hang out with Anastasia.]

Happy Birthday! This party is amazing! I haven't seen anything like it!

[Her smile only widens.]

I'm fine and yes and yes and I'm fine. [She's loosing track of questions.] I haven't seen anyone yet. I'm coming tomorrow and I have something for you.

[She drops her friends hand and then reaches beneath her arm where she has a bag. She pulls out a cake and on top of that is a small brightly packaged parcel.]

[innocent_royal]

"Yes, you can. Once you do, want to have a seat and speak with me again?"

[Whether or not Satsuki moves at this point, Anastasia was too ready to ask questions.]

"How is your visit to the city so far? Did you recently arrive? Do you have any questions about the city?"

Day 1 -> 2?

[innocent_royal]

[Anastasia was smiling brightly when she was given a cake and gift box.]

"Thank you, Sakura. I can't wait to see what's in it."

[And just then, a pair of guards flanked Anastasia and reminded her it was dangerous to run off like she did and asked her to return to her mother's side.]

"Oh... Well, this may not be the best place for us to talk anyway. I'll see you tomorrow at my castle?"

Day 1 -> 2!

[spitfireprincess]

[Sakura nods her head with a wide smile.]

Yes. I'll see you then.

[Anastasia will find a small pendent inside the birthday gift and a note. The pendent is half of a heart that reads best friends across it's center. The note tells her that Sakura has the other half and that no matter how fair apart they are, they'll always be best friends.]

Day 2!

[innocent_royal]

[The next day!

It was time to open gifts at Anastasia's birthday party. The first one she opens is the one from Sakura. The half-heart shaped pendant with 'Best Friends' was simply far better than she could ever hope for. She was quick to put it on.

A maid had a mirror with her, so while Anastasia viewed herself with the pendant on, the maid would help to adjust.]

"I hope she comes. There's so much I want to show her."

"No friend of yours would want to miss out on time with you, Your Highness."

Day 2!

[spitfireprincess]

[Sakura is only a little late because making the second cake has proved more difficult than she thought. she shows up with the sweet in hand and a smile spread on her lips.]

Anastasia! Am I late? I tried to hurry. Happy Birthday!

[Again.]

[innocent_royal]

"Sakura!"

[Anastasia got up from the table and walked over to Sakura to help place the cake on the table. Once it was done, she smiled at her best friend.]

"I'm so happy you came, and thank you for the pendant. I have not started anything yet. Would you like me to show you around before the party starts?"

[spitfireprincess]

Sure!

[Sakura smiles brightly, she's happy to know that Anastasia liked the pendent more so considering she's wearing it's other half.]

This seems very big.

[weavemyownfate]

[Satsuki is actually a bit surprised that Anastasia is so eager to speak with her. Though once she sets the gift in its proper place and is bombarded with questions, it becomes all to clear. It's almost enough to bring a smile to her face. Almost.

She takes a seat as requested.]

I am afraid I did not partake in much sight-seeing, but I would describe what I have seen thus far to be... Surprisingly warm. The atmosphere, I mean. The Military District in particular caught my interest though.

[A pause.]

There is some confusion about this event- Is it your birthday that is celebrated for three days?

[innocent_royal]

"I'm glad. While you were at the military district, did the soldiers give you a demonstration of our most feared maneuver?"

[The way she was smiling softly as she said that was kind of creepy in its own way.]

"And no. My birthday is not celebrated for three days. It's just today and today alone. The three day festival is all about honoring girls. My birthday just happens to fall on this lovely time."

[innocent_royal]

"Great! Come this way."

[Anastasia takes Sakura's hand and leads her out of the hall and up some stairs, stopping at a door. Anastasia opens it and goes in. It was a impressive feminine room that seems to have 2 additional rooms and a small dining table in the open space.]

"This is my room. Go ahead and explore."

[The first room behind a curtain leads to a small bedroom, only big enough for a canopy bed topped with a variety of cute stuffed animals, a dresser with some jewelry and teddy bears on it and a vanity mirror. Near her bed is a picture of a red-haired young man.

The second room behind a door was sitting area with book shelves and study desk, a wardrobe with regal dresses and school uniforms in it.]

[spitfireprincess]

It's so big.

[She looks around Anastasia's room with a curious gaze. She doesn't know why Anastasia would need so much space but it looks like a lovely room.]

This is where you sleep?

[innocent_royal]

"Yes it is."

[She was the first royal child since the king before last, so she was given whatever spare room closest to her parents. Renovations to the castle long before her birth made for awkward arrangements.]

"Let me know if you're done or have any questions, then I'll show you my Bunny Garden."

[weavemyownfate]

Unfortunately I did not spend much time there, it was just an area I had noticed along the way to the castle. I must confess I am rather curious, though. You know of it?

[Creepy? Satsuki isn't too bothered by that, as far as she's concerned it could be a sign of a budding warrior. Nothing wrong with that.]

I see.. I find that an interesting tradition, though I confess I am still uncertain of its significance from a historical standpoint. Is there a reason it is this particular time of year?

[innocent_royal]

[Anastasia nods.]

"It's called the Riveran Bloody Opera. Three rows of musket riflemen resemble a huge organ piano while singing a haunting variation of our anthem, then fire all at once or one row at a time. It was only done once about 20 or so years ago, and it was a turning point in the war then."

[She would need to know these things, as she would need to learn how to command.]

"I don't know why it's at this time. I think they just picked this day and I just happened to have been born on it. I've been called special because of that, among other reasons."