Harvest Festival

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

Wednesday, September 23rd, early evening

From my bedroom I can hear a band tuning up outside. I smile and look out of the window. Stalls are being put up all along Main Street, and at the end nearest the river there's been a temporary stage erected. Bunting flutters in the breeze, and I smile, because we have two things to celebrate today - the harvest, and Edmund's win. I am so happy for him! That good news, along with the meeting we had on Monday, has left me feeling quite optimistic. It's true that we didn't find anything in particular to help us, but we started to get some ideas, and maybe more importantly I think it helped to know that there was a group of us willing to act. We've arranged to meet regularly, and I think good things should come of our meetings. I plan to spend some time in the library during the week, too, to try to make myself useful. I don't have any specialist knowledge about any of these things, unlike some of my friends, so I have some learning to do.

I wasn't sure what to wear. I thought about the dress I wore to Hermia's party, because with a jacket it would be warm enough, but I decided it would be a little dressy. Besides, if I see Laurence tonight, I don't want to remind him of an event we went to together. I feel a little cramp as I think of Laurence, but all the same, I hope I see him today... It's been a few days, and I want to see him for myself so that I know he is well, or as well as can be expected. That doesn't help me decide what I want to wear, because I don't want to appear like I am too lighthearted because that will hurt his feelings, but I don't want him to think I look plain. Which is selfish of me, really, and I shouldn't care if he has a low opinion of me. But I do. In the end I take out a sober but fitted navy wool dress. I don't think I've worn this since last autumn... I check my hair in the mirror again and touch up my lipstick, and then I go outside.

I see Mrs Wilson and Amanda manning the raffle stall, so I of course stop and buy a couple of tickets. Amanda looks happy and excited, but Mrs Wilson looks so careworn these days. She still hasn't heard from Edith; no one knows where she went after she attacked Jamie's sister. It's a horrible thing... I see another stall where you can pay a dollar and throw a wet sponge at someone. Toby Hutchinson seems to have volunteered to sit in the chair, but he seems like the council member least likely to have people throw things at him... I spot that a couple of the Saturday market traders have put up stalls selling knicknacks and laces and ribbons... And there's the abbey stall, which is selling homemade ginger ale and apple juice... John Longfellow, Terence Longfellow's nephew, is with the band. They are playing some cheerful country music, and I know once they get going there'll be a few girls standing around, because although he's not the handsomest young man, John has a good voice and a fine smile, and that seems to be enough. I wonder who else will be playing tonight?

I sit down on a bench and watch things begin to come together. It looks like it should be a lovely evening.

[open]

Comments

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

I wonder how much right I have to be here, really, when I wasn't pleased to meet Edmund nor have I been involved in much, but I did vote for him and I suppose that gives me right. I half hope I see Kate as I walk out onto the street. I half hope I don't. I dressed carefully, a simple buttoned shirt and clean dark jeans, nothing important. I smile at Amanda when she waves at me as if I couldn't see her through the crowd, then I sigh a little and keep walking.

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

I see Laurence walking along the street. He waves at Amanda, who looks pleased to see him, and then he is near my bench.

"Laurence," I say, and feel my throat close up for a moment. Then the knot relaxes, and I can speak again. "Hello."

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

I hear my name and my body freezes a little. Kate. My Kate. No, not mine any more. I take in a deep breath and force a smile, then turn to look at her. She is more beautiful than I have ever seen her, and that just makes it hurt more. The muscles holding my smile twitch a little but I make them behave.

"Hello, Kate," I say as warmly as I can manage. After all, none of what happened--or didn't--between us is not her fault. "You look well. How are you?"

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

His smile falters when he sees me, and it hurts to know that seeing me upsets him so much. But then he smiles again, and so I smile back as best I can.

"You look well. How are you?"

"I'm -" What to say? If I say well, does that sound like I don't care? But if I say I'm not, will he worry? I've never been so concerned about how I answered a simple question before. "I'm doing quite well," I say. "And you?" Did you - " I realise there's little I can ask that won't potentially be upsetting, so I settle on "vote in the election? Apparently there was a high turnout."

[nansekam.livejournal.com]

It's a nice sort of day. The weather's getting cooler and crisper, but the sun is still bright and the days are still quite long. I always like the harvest festival party. We'll have a service on Sunday for it, obviously, but the street party's usually a nice do, and it raises money and goods for the poorer families. Excolo's booming, no doubt about it, but come winter there'll still be some who'd go hungry if it weren't for a bit of charity. I reckon we should be able to do some good this year.

I'm manning the drinks stall at the moment. Lovely cloudy apple juice from our orchard's fruit, and some homemade ginger ale which has a good spicy tang to it. I sit on the little stool behind the counter and chat a bit with Sister Dove who's helping me out. Nice girl, and I'm hoping making her get out in town a bit like this will help her get over her shyness a bit.

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

Had to get out, clear my head after Glass and Kent left the shoppe. Never had a client affect me like this before. Need to think, need to think, need air. Maybe I should give it up, and stop seeing him for a bit. Hell, I was ready to twist his head off for talking to Glass! Not a good sign....

Throwing on my coat to chase off the early evening chill, I wander out to the harvest festival alone. No sign of the victor, Edmund, yet, so I decide to gee something to drink. Make my way over to the abbey stand and smile at the brother and sister sitting behind the booth.
"Good evening to you both." I know I have seen them both about, but since I do not attend services, I don't think I can recall their names. Handsome fellow though... "Could I have an apple juice please?"

[nansekam.livejournal.com]

"Evening, Miss!" I say, and then I spot the sparkle on her finger. "Or should I say Missus? In any case, you may have a juice," I say, passing her a cup. Dove takes the money shyly, bless her. "A fine night for this, I reckon," I say cheerfully. "I'm Brother Nanse-Kam, and this is Sister Dove. Your face looks a bit familiar, miss... Do you happen to work at the tea shop? I think I've seen you as I pass by."

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

Laugh when the brother points out my ring as he hands me the juice. "Miss for the moment... planning the whole 'Missus' thing. Soon enough." I say with a grin, handing the sister my money.
"I'm Brother Nanse-Kam, and this is Sister Dove. Your face looks a bit familiar, miss... Do you happen to work at the tea shop? I think I've seen you as I pass by." Take a sip of the juice, and good gods it's tasty.
"That's right Brother Nanse-Kam. I'm Wanda von Sach---" Laugh a bit and wave my hand. "I'm Wanda. The rest is a mouthful. And yes, I own the tea shoppe."
Take another sip, and grin at him. "This is excellent. The Abbey's own?"

Wonder if I can work out a trade of tea for juice?

[kaeli-whyte.livejournal.com]

The meeting went well I think, though we didn't get to do as much as I would have liked. First meetings can be like that sometimes and we'll all have time to talk at the next ones. Cain and I spent some time after reading over books to see what we could find and to see if anything rang true. It does make me wonder if he'd say anything about Eris anymore than I'd deliberately put Lúgh in harms way. I haven't asked him about her and I'm not sure I even want to know.

Today turned out to be really pretty and a wonderful day to celebrate the harvest and Edmund's winning a seat in the council. I haven't gotten to know him as well as I'd like, but after having to deal with them from time to time, I can say his presence is most definitely welcome.

I'm not sure if Cain is going to make it tonight, but its right on Main Street and there's lots of people around so it should be okay. Grabbing a sweater I make my way down to the festival, hoping to see some friendly faces.

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

I see Kaeli walk by and I use the chance to escape from Mrs. Wilson, who seems very interested in having me over for dinner. And perhaps walking Amanda home after work at some point because of all of the rumours of wild animals in the area. What could I do but agree. I excuse myself, though, with promises to see them later.

"Kaeli!" I call out and quicken my steps to catch up with her. "Hello," I say.

[kaeli-whyte.livejournal.com]

I'm headed toward the stage when I hear my name called from behind me. Turning I smile seeing Laurence walking up, "Laurence! Hi!" I say hugging him when he stops in front of me.

"How have you been?" I ask. Though I know not too well, I saw him and Kate in the park. I'm not going to make him talk about it if he doesn't want to. Even I know sometimes its just nice to have fun and not have to think about things that bother you for a little while. And I'm still holding out hope that him and Kate will mend things between them.

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

I smile while Kaeli and I embrace, a tiny part of me wishing such a thing would affect Kate even though Kaeli is seeing Cain and certainly not interested in me.

"I've been well," I say and don't hesitate at all. My hand pats her shoulder and I smile down at her. "How have you been, Miss Kaeli? I've not seen you in a few days."

[will-moreton.livejournal.com]

After meeting little Neko and gettin' to know her a bit, I decided its time to get to know more folk in town. Specially since management said we ain't leavin' anytime soon. Too late to go south now anyway, we'd never beat the winter.

Saw some signs up sayin' there was gonna be a harvest festival and celebration of some guy named Edmund Whyte getting voted into town council. Couldn't find Boden and had the night off so figured I'd check it out. Looks kinda nice too, stands all around and even a stage and live music. Stop by what I assume is the churches stand and settle on a cup of ginger ale then leaning against a nearby light pole, I look around and smile, deciding what to do next.

[ella-kessler.livejournal.com]

There sure are lots of people out on Main Street right now. It's real big news that Edmund won the election. Daddy's happy for 'im, even if he is worried 'bout what'll come of it. I'm excited 'cause it means things'll change an' maybe that lady I met, Karina-- maybe she'll end up bein' our mayor. Maybe I'll get a chance ta see her tonight.

I catch sight of Manda standin' at a table with her momma an' wave. I bump hard inta somebody. Somebody kind'a big an' hard, too. I stumble back a step 'r two, lookin' up at him.

He sure don't look familiar.

"I'm so, so sorry, sir. I should'a been watchin' where I was goin'."

[will-moreton.livejournal.com]

I'm watching the people walk past, and thinkin' of goin' over to the stage since it looks like the band's about to start up when someone runs flat into me making me drop my drink. Doesn't hurt me in the least, just kinda takes me by surprise.

"Shit," I say surprised, then feel my face flush when I see its a young girl. "I'm so, so sorry, sir. I should'a been watchin' where I was goin'."

Fuck, here she is apologizing and I swear. "Oh hey, think nuthin' of it, I should watch where I'm standin'," I laugh, even though my damned ears feel like they're burning now, "Sorry about that miss. Didn't mean to curse, just took me by surprise. You okay?" I ask, running a hand through my hair. Nice goin' Will, can dress ya up but can't take you anywhere.

"Names Will Morten," I say, offering my hand.

[verite-belrose.livejournal.com]

Been kinda busy this week. Election on Monday and various customers, also been working on designs for Valda's tat. Assuming she likes any of them...We still need a proper consultation about it.

Today everyone's been talking about and getting ready for this harvest festival thingy. I couldn't avoid it if I wanted too given it's right on Main street. so I pull my leather jacket on over my asymmetric skirt and fishnet and velvet top, run a brush through my green hair and go out to mingle with the towns's folk.

[tereixa-zann.livejournal.com]

Hey, you know what? I've been in this town months. I bet I've damn well been here longer than than some of the townies, the way people are coming in. I mean, I've even gotten beaten up here, you know? And did I get to vote? I did not.

But I'm glad Edmund won, though, 'cause he's a sweetheart, he really really is. And hey, street fair, and I'm not gonna miss that, and I head down Silk to Main. Music's starting and there's some cute guy in a sponge booth and I swear I'm starting to recognize people, it's kinda weird. Not everyone, but a lot of them. Not really a bad feeling, and I suppose most of them are sweet, but... makes me think of dust and grass collecting around the edges of the rides.

Still, might as well make the best of things, right?

[cain-excolo.livejournal.com]

I did not work any more after my visit to Eris. As many questions were answered, more and more have arisen. Tonight, I want to celebrate with the town and forget what else has happened and is already happening. I hope to run into Kaeli somewhere out here, though Main Street is bustling more than I can ever remember.

A slight girl passes close to me and a wide smile breaks across my face.

"Zann! How have you been?"

[tereixa-zann.livejournal.com]

"Zann! How have you been?" And I turn and see who's talking, and I grin, and bounce over and hug him. Figure it's okay with Cain, I've seen him fight like he's dancing, I don't think he'd mind and if he does I'm pretty sure I won't actually be able to hug him so it's cool.

"Oh, hey! Haven't seen you in a bit. I'm--" I was feeling fine for a second, but I still grind to a halt before I can say pretty good. "It's been busy," I say, still smiling. "And it looks like we're going to winter here. I'm kinda glad Edmund won, he seems like a really sweet guy. You know he gives tea and cookies to soaking wet carny girls who come in out of the rain?" I add a little quieter, and I'm smiling, but I don't want that too overheard. He's a public figure and all now.

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

I follow Maryk like a child, like Leah, and wave and smile at people we pass all the time thinking of how we're going to get Laurence for what he's done, whatever it is. Stupid preacher. Can't trust 'em.

Can't trust them.

He's got that look in his eyes like I'm scaring him again, but no one else can see that and I smile that I know him so well.

"Hi, Maryk," we say softly.

[maryk-graeb.livejournal.com]

I lead Karina off to the side of the crowd and she waves, smiling, the whole way. Some of the people I recognize. Most of them, I don't.

She gazes up at me, eyes filled with exhaustion and a little wet from tears that I know won't fall. "Hi, Maryk," she says, her voice soft and low. I give her a slow, sad smile.

"Hi. You weren't making any sense back there." Except she was. If Kate knew Karina like I do, then there'd be sense behind it all.

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

"I don't trust him," we say simply as if that explains it all away. My lips match his sad smile and my body leans into his, pinning myself under his arm. "It'll be OK," I whisper just so he can hear.

But I don't think it will be this time.

Time.

tiiime.

t--

time

[edmund-white.livejournal.com]

Bakery was insane this morning, and once we're all nice and clean and closed I went upstairs, showered and changed. Put on a suit- want people to be proud that they've elected me- and then headed out. Almost as soon as I stepped out the door people were around me clapping me on the back and shaking my hand.

I've never had so many people happy to see me in my entire life. I've never had so many happy to have a bit of me- people have been coming up to me all day yesterday and today telling me that they voted for me. That they were so glad to hear of my win. People I've known all my life and people who've not been in town long all telling me the same things.

Its exactly what I'd hoped. This election has given them all something to join together for. Something to fight for together. I'm elated I'm part of the cause.

[valmont-vicomte.livejournal.com]

Hermia went out to work very early this morning - I know I woke up at around seven, briefly, and she was already gone - and I haven't seen her all day. She has been quite preoccupied with a few things lately, but I'm glad enough of those distractions - it seems to be keeping her from dwelling on Lysander. She went to a meeting at the library at the start of the week, and came home very pleased with plans she and likeminded friends had made to research the gods who have gathered here. If she doesn't appear soon, though, I will fetch her from the library; she shouldn't work herself too hard.

Ah, but there is Edmund! I must congratulate him first.

"There's the man of the hour!" I say, walking over and smiling at him. "Congratulations, Councillor White!"

[edmund-white.livejournal.com]

"There's the man of the hour! Congratulations, Councilor White!
I've just stepped away from a friend of my father's- nice old gent who was very amused to tell me that he'd voted for me in part because my mother yelled at him for 20 minutes- when I hear Valmont call out to me. Turn to see a great big smile on his face and clasp his outstretched hand.

"Valmont! Thank you my friend! Though I wouldn't call myself the man of the hour, really. The festival is more for the Harvest that's coming in now. My good luck only just happens to run along side it."