[Open, Major Event] 12 June 2066

[geistnet]

Over the course of the last week, you'll have likely noticed the buzz and excitement that's been building all around Metro Manila -- if you've been around awhile, you know what time of the year it is. If you're new: well, this is an experience you're sure to enjoy.

The festive mood surrounding Philippine Independence Day is hard to miss. Wander around the metropolis and you'll note that the streets are filled with tourists and locals; turn one corner and you'll see parades, turn another and you may be treated to performances set up on strategically placed stages.

As for Falner, the colors of the Philippine flag seem to be everywhere you look: the kids who live or study at the estate are mostly running around with their faces painted. If you wander down towards the Fair Grounds in the South District, there are a couple of booths set up offering anything from body paint and temporary tattoos to local delicacies. West District establishments The King's Rest and Liquidated also have special treats aligned with the theme of the day. There's also talk about the annual street party which will be held over at the Baywalk later this evening, and the younger initiates are abuzz over the yearly light show held over Manila Bay that showcase reenactments of all the major battles all the way up to the Darkest Vigil.

Independence Day is also not all that's being celebrated, because for Keepers of the Vigil and supernatural communities all over the world, today marks the second anniversary of Arcis Fortress City.

OOC NOTES FOR PLAYERS

Don't forget to mention in the subject heading if your threads are OTA (Open to All) or Closed, and the time in which the exchange takes place. Feel free to make a top-level comment of your own if none of the placeholders fit. For details on each of the locations found at the Falner Estate, here is a handy link!

Comments

[anteayer]

Pretty well, considering how our last vid chat went.

[He's playing back that conversation in his head, now, remembering how relieved he was when he saw that his brother was alright. He also remembers how glad Sid was as well as he told him how it happened.]

It scared him badly at first, though.

[clayce]

I can imagine it would.

[ He's seen a lot of young Minstrels through their own awakenings. The most notable one that he recalls is Gideon Reyes.

Speaking of. ]

Has your family informed the Order of Minstrels?

[anteayer]

They did. Not long after it happened, in fact.

[Especially since one of his mother's closest friends in the court was a Minstrel himself, and he had stepped in to help Sid through sorting himself out.]

They're still working out a few things for him, like who'll be his mentor. But Sid's hoping that he can balance out the training he'll be getting with his college studies.

[He knew his brother was in good hands, and Sid's awakening had not been as traumatic as his had been. But he was worried, all the same.]

If things keep going as smoothly as they are, now, then it should be enough. But I'm definitely not the only other supernatural in the family, anymore.

[clayce]

[ Listening, of course, with the occasional acquiescent sound. At the end of it: ]

That is a good thing, isn't it?

[anteayer]

Yeah, it is.

[Having a Changeling for a mother meant that he and his siblings had grown up being very accepting of supernaturals (especially any of the Lost). It had also made them more likely to inherit a Gift compared to others. It had happened for him. And now, it had happened to Sid, too.]

Sorry. I know I should just be happy for him, but... [He sighs, then, while shaking his head sadly] I'm also a bit envious. He got lucky with his awakening.

[While I wasn't with mine...

He's quietly chastising himself for that thought. And he could see Temo looking up at him with a concerned look.]

[clayce]

[ Hmm. ]

Can only really apply the concept of fortune upon an awakening, though?

[anteayer]

[He'll face you, now, as he ponders that question with a frown]

... No. Not really. But the same can't be said for the circumstances behind it.

[That's enough for him to think about 'that day', again. And Temo was quick to pick that up through their bond as he went over to nudge his leg in an assuring manner.]

[clayce]

For the moment, that does appear to be the case.

[ If there is one thing that Aidan has learned in all of his years, it's that, ironically, what is tends to be the best possible outcome. ]

[anteayer]

[There's a look of confusion on his face when he hears Aidan say that.]

I... don't quite follow you there, Father.

[As he says this, he started to feel a little anxious over what he might hear next.]

[clayce]

[ Peering inquisitively at Gray now. Was he ready to hear what he was thinking?

Perhaps not. ]

I think it would be best if I told you in the future.

[ Or if you discovered it for yourself. ]

[anteayer]

[He holds his stare for a few more seconds before looking down at the grass in thought.

A part of him wanted to know what was on the Voidseeker's mind, right now. But perhaps he had his reasons to not let him know right away.]

Of course, Father...

[He could wait. Everything comes in due time...

For the moment, though.]

I probably should get going. There's still a lot of things to get done, today. He moves to stand up with a final nod to Aidan] I hope you have a good day, yourself, sir.