Conquest of the Horde

http://www.conquestofthehorde.com/calend...calendar=1
Starts: 06-21-2013 11:00 AM GMT
Ends: 06-23-2013 08:00 PM GMT


Midsummer Fires

Quote:"...and there is little left to produce anything more than fanciful speculation about the roots of humanity. However, that is for another chapter in another book.

Here, we delve into the history of the popular summer gathering known as the Midsummer Fire Festival. Celebrated across Azeroth by nearly all civilized (a relative term) races, it is a time to chase off the last vestiges of Winter's chill. In truth, some of the more fantastical legends state elaborate on great elder spirit of frost that rises each year to stake one last claim on the seasons.

Humanity, as a whole, has been agricultural. Planting in Spring, growing in Summer, harvesting in Autumn, storing in Winter. The theories of the origin of the Midsummer Fire Festival state that it was born in the early mists of history to honor and empower the sun, so that He might shed His rays upon our forefathers' crops. Early pagan practices flourished so many eons ago, so that this festival was a high point in..."

-Historian Ezra Zachery Miles, Royal Library of Stormwind
from Humanity's Holidays, Festivals, and Sabbats, a minor note in Humanity's history keeping.

The longest day of the year is finally here, and it is time to celebrate. Time to honor the gifts of the sun's rays on our fields, to set spark to the fires of wood and heart. This year, a shadow of sorrow darkens the smoke from the fires, as participants remember the fallen in the new wars.

This event will be Alliance only, as it will be located just outside of Goldshire where the Darkmoon Faire usually establishes itself. It will mostly be small and socially driven, despite a few "events" to set the stage and mood therein. Come and go as you will, meet new faces, enjoy a drink and the summer air!

Recommended attire is something festive in green and yellow!

Time of the day is subject to change, it's an estimation right now. Let me know below if they work for you!


Day One, 11:00am ST
Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there, she once was a true love of mine.

Tell her to make me a cambric shirt. On the side of a hill in the deep forest green.


Day Two, 12:00pm ST
Tell her to find me an acre of land. On the side of a hill, a sprinkling of leaves.


Day Three, 12:00pm ST, 8:00pm ST
Tell her to reap it in a sickle of leather. War bellows, blazing in scarlet battalions.
Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there, she once was a true love of mine.

Updated with singers!

:| I am very pleased this occurs after the end of the first half of summer classes, c0r.

The set up seems to be going quite well...


Just a reminder bump!...Also, please don't pick the herbs.

I for one think this is a really cool idea. I believe it would be a great idea to follow this with all the other major holidays.

Excitement all around.

Start time on the first day will be moved to 11:00am Server Time!

Update the main post, noob!

Final bump, for it starts today!

For those that missed the opening, here's the speech by Celestine and surrounding RP! A huge thanks to @Sol for pretty much seeing my lines, tearing them up, stepping on them, and then building a skyscraper from them.

Another thanks to @Jonoth for the last minute NPC set up, and his using of them during the event.

---

6/21 14:14:20.723 After a long while's spent studying the festivalgoers with kindly eyes, Celestine begins caning her way up towards the stage, crooked staff splashing through puddles of mood.
6/21 14:14:36.052 Cristovao says: there's no alcohol. I gave my daughter some, its fine.
6/21 14:14:42.349 Cristovao looks at Celestine of the Harvest.
6/21 14:14:50.363 Saul looks at Celestine of the Harvest.
6/21 14:14:55.363 Faust looks over at the stage.
6/21 14:14:58.729 Peshko slowly went behind the tent. Burrowing his weapon in the dirt keeping a close eye for nobody to see. He turns back to Faust as he said. ''Lets explore.''
6/21 14:15:08.176 Roux glances over to Celestine as she moves. She clasps her hands together over her stomach, inclining her head a bit.
6/21 14:15:21.722 Chardonay directs her eyes to Harvest Witch. Her hand remains around the bundle of crochet that is keeping her warm, and slightly dry.
6/21 14:15:26.636 Faust says: [low] I think its starting.
6/21 14:15:27.654 One by one, step by laboured step, she ascends the wooden staircase and turns to cast a strafing glance over the assembled, leaning heavily onto her staff for support for a moment before she eases herself straighter.
6/21 14:15:36.385 Draenei Reveler says: <I am Haalal. And this is my niece Faalaphel.>
6/21 14:15:48.965 Peshko says: I would surely stand close to you for this part.
6/21 14:16:00.977 Paulton says: It offers earthly pleasures. Two days in a row of earthly pleasures would not be wise.
6/21 14:16:03.028 Peshko says: My name is Peshko.
6/21 14:16:06.543 She turns herself around, folding both hands atop the crook of her walking staff before her.
6/21 14:16:13.624 Paulton says: Oh, Light...
6/21 14:16:15.374 Cristovao | Melodia says: <.... Wow, you got a big name. I think Fala is better. My name is Melodia!>
6/21 14:16:21.172 Cristovao bows before Celestine of the Harvest.
6/21 14:16:21.622 [Raid Warning] Castor: The Matron of the Order of the Harvest has taken to the stage.
6/21 14:16:51.830 Faust says: [Low] Owen Faust, my friends just call me Faust.... sometimes Brambles.
6/21 14:17:18.924 [Raid Warning] Castor: Much of the clamour and the hubbub of the festival quietens, begins to die down, but only slowly. Fortunately, the smiling old witch doesn't seem in any particular hurry.
6/21 14:17:33.502 Paulton stands rigid as a board. He backpedals, and hides behind the tent.
6/21 14:17:35.118 The pair of Draenei chuckle.
6/21 14:17:53.963 . . . although Celestine does glance over at Chardonay almost knowingly and roll her eyes skywards in mock exasperation.
6/21 14:18:01.577 Roux turns slightly watch Paulton scurry away. She snerks, then focuses on the Matron again, beaming.
6/21 14:18:42.416 Thalvin steps closer to the stage, trying to see Celestine's lips.
6/21 14:19:01.210 Thalvin peers at Celestine of the Harvest searchingly.
6/21 14:19:05.760 Peshko gazes his eyes on the woman on the stage. He rubs his head a few times watching the mysterious lady.
6/21 14:19:17.440 Celestine of the Harvest straightens her shoulders, tips her chin up, and opens her mouth to speak.
6/21 14:20:10.910 Saul waits patiently for Celestine to speak.
6/21 14:20:27.687 [Raid Warning] Castor: And through all the noise of the festival and of the forest in rain, her kindly old voice, straight out of the Blackwald in its accent but clear and even all the same, carries out over the crowd.
6/21 14:20:32.402 Saul did not jump.
6/21 14:20:38.833 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "Sons and daughters of Gilneas!"
6/21 14:20:54.262 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "Friends and allies, old and new!"
6/21 14:21:07.392 Cristovao listens with his arms folded.
6/21 14:21:16.989 [Raid Warning] Castor: She draws her staff through the air as though to sweep something closer to herself.
6/21 14:21:25.886 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "Please, come close!"
6/21 14:21:33.220 Chardonay rests easy with the support of her staff, though her posture does seem to straighten with pride as the Matron Celestine speaks.
6/21 14:21:37.435 Peshko perked a brow as he went closer.
6/21 14:21:40.416 Roux glances around, then trots forward.
6/21 14:21:59.061 Alassae takes a few steps closer. She guides her partner along.
6/21 14:22:05.325 Cristovao | Melodia pays attention to the speaking , and walks up closer!
6/21 14:22:14.540 Saul strides closer, looking over his shoulder to see if Chardonay is too.
6/21 14:22:19.772 Paulton did jump. In fact, he holds an effigy of the Light close to his heart, which is beating rapidly. "[Low] Not gonna happen to me. Just...Remember the healing spells." Paul nods.
6/21 14:22:46.314 Paulton says: [Low] Ohgosh, I said spells instead of prayers.
6/21 14:23:09.458 Peshko perked a brow at Paulton worried about his weapon being found.
6/21 14:23:17.155 Chardonay does approach, but her steps are slow. She keeps a protective distance behind her Roux, still wary of those not like her.
6/21 14:23:19.106 [Raid Warning] Castor: As the crowd starts to gather in, the woman's wizened smile grows all the wider, a web of age-old laughlines creasing through her face. She studies the gathered, and in particular the non-human shapes, with bright and curious eyes.
6/21 14:23:54.295 Celestine of the Harvest says: "There was a time not long ago when I feared I'd never have another chance to preside over a festival like this, you know."
6/21 14:24:39.166 [Raid Warning] Castor: She knocks the end of her muddied staff against the wooden stage.
6/21 14:24:58.894 Celestine of the Harvest says: " . . . the woods might drum a different beat down here in the south, but the seasons dance to the same tune."
6/21 14:25:48.346 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "As you know, we mark Midsummer to celebrate the height of growth -- both in nature and in ourselves."
6/21 14:26:31.001 Roux continues listening with wrapt attention, still beaming as any summer sun.
6/21 14:26:39.282 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "The peak attained before the chill of autum and the frost of winter, a height to which we climb anew with each passing of the years."
6/21 14:27:00.093 [Raid Warning] Castor: She jabs her staff out towards the burning pyre behind the crowd.
6/21 14:27:14.439 Cristovao glances over to the bonfire.
6/21 14:27:29.102 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "Let us celebrate around the bonfires so that the sun's warmth will last in our hearts through the dark of seasons to come!"
6/21 14:27:33.500 Chardonay turns her head to look upon the growing flame and smiles.
6/21 14:27:57.576 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "So that the light of love and community will keep the lonely shadows at bay!"
6/21 14:28:29.018 Allan nods slowly in agreement.
6/21 14:28:45.480 Paulton jumps back behind the tent, and twiddles his thumbs in nervousness. "[Low] Oh goodness gracious me, it's happening."
6/21 14:28:47.897 Chardonay beats the tail end her staff into the earth, the gesture being her heartfelt agreement.
6/21 14:29:10.590 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "Let us remember the fallen, the fighting, and the sacrifices made to ensure we see the dawn another day."
6/21 14:29:43.630 Saul smiles at Celestine's speech, he's having a good day.
6/21 14:29:52.263 [Raid Warning] Castor: She grins like a girl despite herself as, damp about the eyes, she thrusts her staff into the air and splays her free hand out before her.
6/21 14:30:07.157 Thalvin grins as he continues watching her face.
6/21 14:30:10.473 Chardonay 's hazel eyes fill with sadness and she is forced to tear them away from the dancing fire.
6/21 14:30:11.006 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "The Order of the Harvest's blessing falls on this year's celebration."
6/21 14:30:24.803 Roux glances up as the rain stops--then flits her gaze to Celestine at the sudden movement.
6/21 14:30:29.484 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "So dance!"
6/21 14:30:36.315 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "Embrace!"
6/21 14:30:38.783 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "Laugh!"
6/21 14:30:44.663 Celestine of the Harvest yells: "And keep the fires burning strong!"
6/21 14:31:12.459 Allan 's lips curl upward.
6/21 14:31:25.518 Paulton says: [Low] This is the shadow's work. This dancing can only lead to mischief.
6/21 14:31:36.632 Roux jumps with an unabashed cheer. Awkward stares from others be damned.
6/21 14:31:45.613 Chardonay sniffles, "Aye, keep the fires burning strong." Despite the threat of water works, she smiles.
6/21 14:31:54.044 Peshko removed his hood down as he tied it up on his belt. He smiled faintfully, listening to the woman.
6/21 14:32:00.259 [Raid Warning] Castor: The elderly matron lowers her staff, dips down into a creaking curtsey and begins to descend the steps.

(06-02-2013, 03:44 PM)c0rzilla Wrote: [ -> ]Day Two, 12:00pm ST
Tell her to find me an acre of land. On the side of a hill, a sprinkling of leaves.

Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Washes the grave with silvery tears.
Between salt water and the sea strands. A soldier cleans and polishes a gun.

Then she'll be a true love of mine.

Float paper boats with prayers for those in the war, and their loved ones
Outdoor picnic feasts
Tarot divination

Saturday's event will be moved to later in the day so as not to interfere with Felfire. Not sure when, as I may be out.

If no one happens to show up, I'll have the prayer boats (tiny kites?) moved to Sunday!

Despite, grounds are always open.

(Can't attend today. Family reunion!)

Chardonay will be available to do some more tarot readings later today, but will not be attending Sunday. I am working on some things so if people show up today that are interested in a reading you might want to poke me on Skype.

Prayers sent on the winds...

Leafra

Allan

Thalvin

Matthew

Victoria

Sorrowfang

Elles

Tavren

...Sometime after the fair, when others watch the fireworks, a lone little kite is sent off.

Roux

Even later, for a few that missed the fair...

Cristovao

Melodia

. . . As the festivities die down that evening, a scruffy-haired youth with tired old eyes and a deceptively well-callused swordhand lets his own prayer to the skies.


(Sorry I couldn't make it!)