#sunwitchsays

[RECORDING START]

Flowers walks into frame, wearing a blue dress, lighter on one side and tied with a red belt with a flower around their waist, with a white shirt and red tie underneath. They are wearing light brown boots. Their black hair is tied into 4 pigtails, 2 at the front and two at the back. Co has small red flowers in her hair, as well as 2 leaves on top. They pose a little bit in front of the camera before sitting down and starting to speak.

Hey there! I don't know if this is working, but it's fine, probably. I'll probably wear this to the ball, but I'm not sure if it looks good or not? It kinda gives private school uniform but I don't like my old suit as much anymore, so I chose this. I think I like the colours though— oh, sorry for rambling. I'm a little tired.

It took so long to get this outfit ready, honestly. I almost did a different skirt for the dress, but I decided, like, 3 hours ago that it didn't work so I had to change it out. It was a pain in the ass.

I'll probably save one of the frames of this video later so I can actually have a picture before the ball. It's pretty exciting, if I do say so myself.

Flowers looks up at a clock on the wall.

Well, I'd probably get going, I guess. Ball's starting pretty soon, and I don't want to miss the start.

Should I make these audio logs, like, a thing for me? I guess it's kinda weird to ask this, since I'll probably be one of the only people actually looking at this, but I guess future me can answer that. I do need a place where I can, y'know, say things, and it's easier to talk anyway.

I better go now. Bye, I guess?

Flowers steps closer.

Is this thing off—

[RECORDING FINISH]

OOC: I haven't really written in this style before, so lmk what y'all think I guess

As soon as Flowers re-enters the atrium, they the first thing they notice is the almost overwhelming smell of food.

The second thing they notice is the massive spread in front of them; behind another set of doors— when did that get there?— a set of tables, somewhat like a dining hall but way more resplendent in every way, shape and form. All down the room, attendees chat, laugh and clink glasses in toast; it's definitely less… formal, for lack of a better word, here than in the ballroom. That could just be them though. They didn't pay as much attention as they could've when they were there, really.

Flowers is startled out of their reverie by a stranger bumping somewhat roughly into them as they leave the doorway, and they realise that they've been standing there for way too long and probably look neither sane nor like they're supposed to be here. Not like the latter is much of a problem, they think, seeing one of the guests, obviously more than a little buzzed, stumble into one of the back doors and unceremoniously trip over a step. They grin, finally stepping into the building properly and making their way to one of the tables.

Upon further inspection, the place is set out like a buffet; food of all kinds, from grapes to cakes to entire cheese wheels are laid out for anyone to take a piece or bite. Flowers reaches for what appears to be a brownie. It turns out to be, in fact, not a brownie; it melts in their mouth too much for that and it doesn't taste the same, but nonetheless, it is good. They reach for another soon after.

As they continue their stroll further into the crowd, they stumble on a familiar figure— the one they saw on the tower a few minutes before. They blink, startled that they even vaguely remember what they look like, but smile at them all the same. They don't notice, however, and continue whatever they were doing before, which turns out to be eating at a rate that is… a little unhealthy. They don't control the other's body, though, so they let them be. It's none of their business.

Flowers is starting to regret eating before the ball. To be fair, they hadn't realised how much food exactly would be available, and certainly not what kinds, but they'd thought that they'd become hungry faster than they actually did. It would be a waste to not take as much as they could take, though, so they head to where they thought they'd seen a group of fruit salad bowls, and takes an apple. They bite into it; it's surprisingly crunchy, considering how long it must've been out there, but then they remember that oh right, magic, and it makes a little more sense. They thoughtfully chew on it. It's sweet and tart.

Flowers jumps at the chime of a bell, far above themself but still loud enough to echo in their ears. They stop for a moment; they hadn't even realised this place had a bell tower. It sort of makes sense, though, considering the fact that this ball is situated on an island that bears the weight of what's for all intents and purposes, a city. They glance up at a gigantic clock on the wall, just as it ticked over from eleven o'clock to midnight. Time does fly when one's having fun, they think absently.

Guests are starting to stream back into the atrium, and the room is starting to get somewhat crowded. They spot some of the dancers they saw in the ballroom, but don't make a move to go and talk to them. It's too much effort, really, to actually try to do small talk with strangers. Besides, they probably have other people they want to chat with more anyway. There really isn't any point.

At that, Flowers decides to head outside, back to the gardens they found before the ball. As they step past the massive doors at the entrance, they are suddenly hit with how much quieter it is outside; how much more peaceful. It's almost jarring. They shake off these thoughts, though, and end up trailing along the border of the garden, making an effort to memorise all the different flora scattered around in a way that is somehow chaotic and orderly simultaneously.

Unsurprisingly, they find a considerable amount of blooms that, upon further inspection (both by hand and with a little magic involved), appear to only blossom at night. Considering the time frame of this event, it's not a surprise, but still welcome nonetheless. It's something nice to look at that they don't see incredibly often, after all, as they generally don't leave the cave after dark. They really need to get in touch with the gardener(s?) in charge of this. This would be amazing to note down in their studies.

Enough rambling about something Flowers barely knows though. The ball so far has been way more fun than they thought it would be. They'd met exactly three new people— which isn't a lot, but fight them the last time they talked to new people they turned out to be the Fey— and had actual conversations with two of them. The dancing in particular had gone surprisingly well; they hadn't had fun, exactly, but it wasn't terrible, and that's all they were asking for. Flowers glances up into the sky. It's been a while since they left the atrium— and the building altogether— and as their eyes had gotten used to the darkness, millions of stars can be seen in the night sky, unfamiliar constellations covering it as on a canvas. In the centre of it was the moon; glowing a bright, almost unnatural looking blue, hanging right in the middle like it was designed to be the focal point of the event, not the thing the event is designed around. Flowers takes the opportunity to take a seat in a patch of uncovered grass, suddenly aware of how tiring this has been. Sure, they've had a lot of fun thus far, and they're sure they will enjoy the rest of the ball through till morning, but a break from the excitement would be nice. They do have some time left, and they do need to make the most of it; how would they do so if they were exhausted out of their mind? If they're exaggerating, they don't know it.

Flowers turns back to the main building. The architecture really is quite nice; whoever designed this place must have had a lot of experience or talent or maybe both. Behind the atrium, towers rise, and if they squint, they can just about see a figure staring over the banister at the moon, now behind them. They wave up; the figure does not notice. Shrugging off the slight insult (and ignoring the fact that it isn't much of an insult if the other person barely even knows you exist), they contemplate re-entering the hall. It has been a while, and something new is probably going to start. Midnight is an important hour, so it would make sense that something interesting is about to happen. On the other hand, there would be a lot more people in one place— they do know that some attendees arrived late, but not how many; the number of guests could have increased by three or fifty and they have no clue as of right now.

After a moment to think, though, they decide that it's worth it to return. They should make the most out of this night, after all, and what better way to do that than to get involved? They do need to do some amount of interaction tonight, and maybe they could find some food to make up for their lack of social skills. Flowers starts to walk back to the doors, brushing the dirt off their dress as they go.

The first thing Flowers realises about the ball that it was big.

Well, big might not be the right word for this situation. The main hall ahead of them sprawled out over a gigantic area, and guests who had arrived before them chat amongst themselves, glasses clinking and people laughing. A little ways away, behind a drawn-back curtain, some have taken to the dance floor, humans and elves and beastfolk and others who Flowers cannot categorise all coming together.

Above them, massive, gilded chandeliers dangle from tall ceilings held up with winding gold and silver beams, almost like a cathedral. Blue banners and sconces line the walls, also decorated with gold and other precious minerals that previously, they couldn't even imagine seeing in person. Many doors of all different sizes branch off from the atrium, although some seem to be locked off to guests and others don't even have proper doorknobs; they are instead almost plate-like discs, engravings of the moon carved into them.

Flowers feels incredibly out of place, surrounded by other attendees in outfits much more suited to an event such as this; all elegance and beauty, nothing like the simple blue dress and boots they're wearing. They slip off to the side, next to the door, and watch the guests. A clockwork construct puts a glass in their hands with surprising grace. Flowers thanks them, before moving on. A quick sip reveals it to taste of honey and something they can't place. Alcohol, probably, but that isn't it.

They glance around, trying to find someone recognisable that isn't Liam, Hemi or Lurien. Some part of them wants to talk to someone new, but they have had a surprising level of difficulty starting up a conversation with a stranger lately; it's probably nothing though. After all, out of the maybe fifty-something people in attendance, at least a couple have to somewhat know Flowers, right?

They dismiss that issue for later, taking another sip of their drink. To their side, a distinct portion of people have made their way to the snack tables. Flowers decides on a whim to go ahead and join them. After all, they'll want to try the good food before it all runs out— if it all runs out. With the size of the rest of this event, there's a good possibility that there will be leftovers by the end. Still, they do want to sneak some stuff out for later.

Shaking off these thoughts, Flowers makes their way to the snack tables. It's piled high with chocolates and puddings and other foods that they can't even name, much less know what they are. They pick up what they think is a brownie and take a bite; it almost melts in their mouth. They reach for another, but realise that they probably shouldn't take all the food for themself. They laugh quietly to themself, then make a mental note to ask for the recipe later. They might even actually learn how to cook for this, instead of just sending the instructions to their friend.

Flowers is suddenly aware of everyone moving toward the main floor, just in front of the second-storey walkway. They shove through the crowd a little, continually apologising (and ignoring the voice in their head that keeps calling them a Canadian), until they get to the bottom of the staircase. They see Hemi and Liam almost at the other side of the crowd, and almost start to move toward them, but everyone suddenly starts to quieten down and Flowers stops. They step back so they can see above the banister, on which Lurien is leaning with his glass, a warm smile across his face. He starts to speak.

"Good evening everyone! I'm honored to see so many of you in attendance. For those I haven't met in person yet, my name is Lurien. I look forward to getting to know you all tonight.

"The intent of this ball is to bring together members of our community and celebrate the arcane— so I raise a glass in toast of new friendships forged and old ones strengthened," Lurien says, raising his glass. Around Flowers, others do the same; they follow.

"To new friendships and broadening horizons, may you all enjoy the festivities tonight!"

Almost all glasses have been raised in toast, and as Flowers backs away from the crowd, the music starts. They grin, wider than usual.

The sun is starting to get low in the sky when Flowers sees the entrance to the ball.

They'd been struggling to figure out where it is in the first place for the better part of half an hour – fight them, it's not their fault they have a terrible sense of direction – and their legs are getting tired. Logically, they probably could have taken a look at the address on the invite and teleported over, but considering they barely even know what the place looks like besides a few vague details, there's a not-zero chance that they'd have passed out by now.

Well, in any case, at least they've arrived.

At least, Flowers thinks they've arrived, judging by the massive gate ahead of them and the sprawling practically-a-city around them. They take a moment to stare at the intricately-designed buildings and decorations surrounding the plaza – it's a little bright, considering how late the event will be running. They trust they'll get used to it though. It's too beautiful not to look at, what with the almost mountainous clouds all around the city and the jagged outcrops of stone floating around the main island. Everything seems to almost glow, even though the only light visible is from the sun, which is quickly setting. Whoever made this place really outdid themselves with this one.

After a few seconds of gazing upon their surroundings, Flowers elects to visit the gardens. From what they can see, there is an abundance of flora that they haven't encountered yet in their admittedly few travels. They step through the gate and are immediately bombarded with plants and flowers and flora of every kind, some of which they have never even heard of; a little surprising, really, what with the amount of study they have done on this subject, but not an unwelcome surprise. Flowers settles against a rock outcrop, internally going over everything in this section of the gardens she knows of.

Flowers is snapped out of their thoughts by the sight of a figure before them. They jump, slightly startled, and wrack their brain to work out who this person is. They're dressed in an elegant white tunic and frilled pants, along with a pair of navy high-heeled shoes. Their hair flows around their shoulders, and if they turn a bit they can see a moon pin tucked into it. The host, they think.

"Oh, uh, hello there sir," Flowers stutters, still a little flustered by the host's sudden appearance. They smooth down their dress, suddenly aware of how little it suits this event. There's no going back now, though. "I like your outfit," they continue more evenly, flashing their invite from one of their pockets. Not for the first time, Flowers is glad that they know how to sew their own clothes. They'd probably go a little bit insane without pockets.

"Thank you," the host says, "Flowers, I assume? Just Lurien is fine, by the way."

"Yes, that's me. It's a pleasure to meet you." The two stand there in an awkward silence for a few moments, before Flowers speaks up again. "When will the ball start? I'm afraid I didn't bring a watch and time-related magic is not my thing."

Lurien thinks for a moment before responding. "It's about twenty minutes until the formal schedule commences," he says, "You're actually somewhat early."

"That is a relief," Flowers replies, "I think I will stay here for a while."

Lurien turns around for a second, then back to Flowers. "It appears that we have another guest here," he says, “I’ll allow you two a moment to become acquainted. There’s a matter I’ll need to attend to.”

Not a second later, a great eagle swoops dangerously close to the edge of the courtyard and begins to circle the courtyard. Lucien sighs, then lifts off to redirect the rider. "Oh gosh!" Flowers giggles, hand against her mouth, then, in a more controlled voice, "Oh my goodness."

The other person, who had apparently appeared in the few minutes they were talking to Lurien, shakes their head. "Some people…" They then blink, focusing on Flowers. “Well– ah, greetings!” The person gives a curtsy. “My name’s Liam.”

Flowers returns the gesture. “I’m Flowers, the Sun Witch. It’s nice to meet you!" After a short pause, they added "I like your dress.”

“Thank you~!” Liam twirled around a little. “Yours is very cute.”

Flowers smiles, but doesn't respond otherwise. They lean against the rock and watch Lurien guide the eagle, now a bright point in the darkening sky. They then turn their attention to Liam's dress. It's pink and somewhat round – very much unlike their own. Their ear twitched as they tried to think of what it reminded them of. After a moment, it clicked.

“I’ve not seen a dress of that style in a while. Lunar hibiscus, right?” they comment.

Liam's head tilts in their direction. "How did you—"

Flowers grins a little. “I don’t call myself ‘Flowers’ for no reason. The color’s pretty accurate, too. Though, those flowers are pretty rare on the island…”

“Ah, I’m not actually from here. I’m not even properly a wizard – that title belongs to my partner. I’m his plus-one.”

“Oh!” Flowers glances along the rim of the floating landmass. A little ways away is a person, sitting alone on an outcropping and staring into the sunset. “Is that him?”

“Yeah… He’s a little shy. I’m sure he’ll warm up when things kick off.”

Flowers nods, tapping their foot. “I hope the host is back soon… I hope everything’s alright with the bird situation.”

As if on cue, on a beam of light, Lucien appears next to the two guests. “I apologize for the wait, Mx. Flowers. I hope you’ll forgive my cutting your tour short for the moment, as the floor will open momentarily. I suggest you both make your way to the main hall and meet some more of the guests in the meantime.”

Flowers jumps (again! They should really get some spatial awareness at some point.) “Ah—! Of course, thank you.” They start to walk down the path toward the person on the rock. Maybe they could find another new acquaintance. Lucien, apparently satisfied, vanishes into light.

They hear Liam fall into step behind them. "Um," he says, "The fastest path is to the right."

They glance back at him. “We need to collect your partner, don’t we? Besides, I need to compliment his dress, too.”

By the time both Flowers and Liam reach the rocks, the sun has fully set. The clouds around the islands, no longer glowing red and purple, swirl like dust.

She glances back at the other person. They are wearing a deep indigo dress, made with a soft fabric and, unlike their partner, no plants in mind. As they turn to face them, Liam speaks. “Hey, we’re supposed to go inside soon.”

Admittedly, Flowers is a little distracted for the rest of the conversation. All is fine, though; they go through the motions of introducing themself and compliment the other's— Hemi's, if they remember correctly— dress.

Hemi smiles at the compliment, but Flowers turns toward the door, from which they can hear the sound of it unlatching. “Ah, it seems it’s time to enter. Have a wonderful time, you two—!” they say, then head off.

Flowers blinks their eyes open, suddenly realising they had fallen asleep. Sluggishly, and also a little embarrassed, they stand, fixing their dress as they do so. They glance back around the room they're in. No one's entered it besides them, as far as they can tell, and the attendees seem to be congregating outside. They sigh, before stepping out into the hall, just as Lurien, looking considerably more tired than the last time they'd seen him, starts to speak.

“Esteemed guests! The hour is drawing late. We have prepared a final surprise for all of you. If you would please make your way to the atrium, then follow the signage to the newly opened sky garden. Please bring any spellcasting equipment you have handy.”

Flowers automatically glances up, even though they know that the garden wouldn't be in the main hall of all places. They then sift through their pockets, making sure that they have some form of spare materials on hand. They internally panic for a moment, but calm as they find a dark blue agate stone, obviously shrunk down so it would fit, hidden in their dress. They breathe. It'll be difficult to do, well, anything really with this, so they'll have to be a little creative, but they haven't had much of a challenge with their magic recently. It will be fun, either way. Probably.

Flowers pauses briefly, letting most of the crowd travel ahead of them, then join the trail of stragglers and attendees who apparently didn't get the memo when everyone started leaving. As they walk, they admire the portraits, huge banners, tapestries, and other fine decor they see along the way. Soon after, though, they realise that everyone's mostly left them behind, and try to move a little faster. Finally, they walk past the doorway into the sky garden. It was more of a glorified balcony or terrace, really; flowers and other shrubs and plants of all kinds line the corners, but in the centre is a giant rune circle, large enough that everyone could sit in the ritual space with no issues whatsoever. They turn, and are immediately startled by the fact that Liam and Hemi are right next to them. They take a seat next to Liam quietly, some unknown guest on their other side.

And then the show starts.

Lurien, surprisingly, seems to be conducting his magic spontaneously; it travels up into the air in a pillar of light, shining both pure white and with every colour imaginable, then branches off into thousands of 'twigs' of power. It winds and twists, almost looking like vines strangling the stars, now difficult to see with all the new light. Flowers holds their agate, now properly sized, tight to their chest. There isn't much of a reason to do so— of course, they haven't been given anything to really do with it yet— but at their action, a couple others also do the same. It feels right to do.

The air trembles with something, and they sense that it's nearly the end of the light show. The branches, now fading slightly, start to shine bright with colour, doffing their previous white glow. The tips of each branch form orbs of swirling red and blue and purple, and Flowers fixates on one, clutching their gemstone tighter to themself. As they do so, the orb seems to almost explode, colours dancing in the sky so brightly that stars dance in their vision for a few moments afterwards.

After theirs went off, a chain reaction begins; thousands of balls of light explode into the cloudless sky, like a firework show. Some only burst into colourful circles of light, like Flowers', but others form shapes— Rabbits bounding through the lights, trees sprouting and growing at a rapid pace, dragons waving in between the others. Still more branches, not yet faded, trace sigils and symbols that Flowers does not understand into the air. Underneath them, the balcony trembles with energy. They glance down for a split second; the rune circle is glowing as well.

And then it's over. Fireworks crackle one last time, before dimming, then they disappear. The atmosphere itself around the attendees seems to relax, and they let their shoulders drop. The runes' light fades as well. Flowers sits down back on their assigned seat; they hadn't even realised they'd stood in the first place. They hear Lurien talking about the rest of the ball, but they aren't listening.