[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

[duskrider]

[ So that's what's put that look on your face. ]

Family updates? Good news or bad?

[ Feel free to elaborate, kid. He's got a whole gamut of his on his own and the Kings are effectively his brothers and sisters. He gets the importance of family. ]

[anteayer]

It's good news, sir.

[There's a slight pause there as he takes a deep breath, then exhales softly.]

And my brother waking up to his Gift would rank at the top.

[duskrider]

[ WELL.

Have a clap on the shoulder then, Magallanes. That is pretty big news. ]

I should get you a beer, kid. [ A beat. ] You and your brother close?

[anteayer]

Very close, sir.

[And his face is lighting up again with that smile, showing just how much he cared for Sid.]

And you wouldn't be the first to offer me a beer. My blademates did twice.

[More like they'd treated him to drinks at King's Rest, and then Lazare had handed him a couple of shots last night at Haven.]

I guess I really needed it. I kind of panicked a bit when I found out.

[duskrider]

Panicked? [ Have a brow quirked your way. ] That's a pretty unusual word to use when celebrations are due.

[ What was it Rilea mentioned about you again? He's trying to remember now. ]

[anteayer]

[This one's nodding in agreement.]

I guess it is... But Awakenings can be a big shock for people when they happen. Sid's was no exception. [And he's bowing his head slightly in thought.] He got really spooked at first. And while it wasn't anything at all like how I woke up, I was still worried over how he was handling it.

[Everything worked out, though. Nothing bad happened, and his little brother was adjusting well to his Gift.]

[duskrider]

[ Tilting his head to one side now. ]

Is he a mage like yourself?

[ It would make sense, sympathetic Awakenings do happen. ]

[anteayer]

No, sir.

[Glancing at you when he adds:]

That's what I thought, at first. But it turns out he woke up as a Minstrel.

[duskrider]

[ Huh. ]

Well, congratulations anyway. [ He means that. He's known his fair share of incredible Minstrels -- Gideon, Selene -- just to name a few. ] How's it working out for him so far?