closed--

[fernbeleafer]

Who: Keyleth & her brunch invitees (Vanessa, Taako, Laura, Lup, Kyna, Jo, Girl, Elena, Carolina, Carlisle)
What: A thank-you brunch for some of Keyleth’s homies that went a bit differently than she meant it to.
Where: The Orchard
When: Right now, y’all
Warnings: Probably nothing intense-- cussin’ and maybe fighting a giant rock monster because Keyleth is an irresponsible druid.

Traditionally, responding to an invitation to free food yields a pretty darn nice outcome. You don’t need decorations, place cards, or balloons. But they’re a nice touch! Welcoming, and stuff.

The other welcoming thing that's conspicuously missing? Chairs. And food. And a table? That one's kinda necessary. This thing was advertised as a brunch, after all. That comes with the logical inference that there'll be somewhere to eat said brunch! A closer look reveals the extant parts of those things, smashed and scattered about in an outward pattern from where Keyleth is cleaning as her guests arrive.

And even though she greets her brunch buddies enthusiastically, they might think they got the day wrong. Or the time. But no! Keyleth’s working with what she’s got-- she urges folks in, reassuring that everything is definitely fine and look here’s your comfy seat in some nice cool alien clovery stuff. Surprise! It’s a picnic brunch! The food will be here, she promises. It’ll just be a moment. Just come over this way and have a seat. Yes, on the ground. No, it’s just, uhm, part of the experience. Please?

Once everyone has arrived and settled in, Keyleth seats herself in the circle and places a small gem-encrusted bowl before her. She chatters for awhile, thanking everyone in an attempt at formality. Each person she invited helped her in some way and made the transition to this wild new world a little easier. And hopefully, the quality of the food that magically springs into being makes up for the less than perfect organization of the event.

Out of nothing appears a full spread: juice and cocktails, a nice breakfast hash, veggie breakfast flautas, fruit salad, blueberry scones, and a nice crudités platter. So maybe there’s no table or chairs and it’s something of an unmitigated disaster. Maybe Keyleth’s smile is constantly nervous and every so often there’s some sort of stomping noise off in the background.

This is fine! It’s fine. Sláinte, homies!

[ ooc | 1. top level as you like, free mingle it up, fill in details & put your touch on the log | 2. there is DEFINITELY something roaming around the orchard and it’s large and angry and made of earth. oops? it will disappear after an hour but if you want to have to fend it off or fight it, godmod it and have fun! | 3. the feast is magical food and narratively speaking might make characters feel a bit braver and wiser ;) ]

Comments

keyleth--

[fernbeleafer]

𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒--

Oh, hey! You made it!

[ she greets each of her guests with nervous enthusiasm, ushering them away from the mess behind her if she can. of course there are a few surprises beyond her elemental blunder (she still doesn't know carlisle's name and also are there two of that hot elf???) but cheer is the cure and she's going to lavish it upon everyone. ]

𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛--

Need a refill? Another scone, maybe?

[ the other way she handles her nerves is to be a bit of a pest when it comes to hostess duties. she buzzes from person to person with extras and encourages everyone try each dish at least once. full of compliments and forced positivity, she's probably more annoying than she means to be... ]

𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑--

[ set me up and i'll follow along! ]

chow down

[storyseeker]

Oh, yeah—I'd love a refill, thanks.

[Elena grins and hands Keyleth her glass. If a hostess' success is measured by the enjoyment of her guests, Keyleth's doing a bang-up job so far.]

But sit down for a few minutes, huh? You should enjoy yourself too.

[fernbeleafer]

Hmm? Oh!

[ as she's pouring, keyleth's attention is half on her guests, half in the trees. but then she realizes what was just said and happily plops down next to elena. ]

Yeah, I just I guess I'm kinda nervous? It's probably kinda obvious I've never really done anything like this on my own before. And since I only had one of these meals in me, I wanted to make sure it was good, you know?

[ and she's rambling already. oh boy... ]

welcome

[outofthefire]

Yeah, I did. How could I say no to something like this? Oh, and I brought this [a raspberry coffee cake] for everyone. One of the bonuses of working in the bakery, you get your own time to make your own stuff, too.

[Keyleth's cheer is contagious. and it's funny, but she's smiled--really smiled--more in her eight months here than she did the entire last year of her life in Twin Peaks]

[fernbeleafer]

You made this? It smells so good! C'mon, I haven't made the food yet just in case someone's a little late, so we can find the perfect place for it.

[ she ushers laura, her treat, and her very good smile toward the manicured picnic area-- while it looks natural, it's obvious that there are cushions of growing soft plants, and a few cleaned logs to sit on or arrange food on. ]

I'm so glad you came-- you're going to have to teach me how to bake some time, because after this meal my food capabilities are going to be pretty much picking berries and making tea...

Welcome

[knifecollecting]

[Jo smiles when she finally sees Keyleth. That's a good sign, right?]

I don't usually turn down free food, even though I'm not sure it's not a trap.

wildcard--

[possidetur]

( when the loud thudding begins, and vanessa can't get an accurate sense of what it is or where it is, she seeks out keyleth. could her magic do something more? )

Was there anything here when you set up?

( her voice is hushed, not wanting to cause an alarm to anyone else before they knew anything )

welcome

[uptightness]

[She's not exactly the brunch sort of person. Typically, she doesn't have time. Work-out, breakfast, work-out some more... Perhaps a mission. More recent, it was retirement, but that's a work in progress with her.

The invitation had come as a surprise, literally, both the actual means of the invitation and the actual invitation itself. It had been a nice gesture though, and it had perked her interest, which is why she is here today. She's met a number of people since arriving here, although she tends not to venture out too far or for two long, especially since the whole island thing.

Still, it is a smile that Carolina gives to Keyleth as the other speaks.]

I did. Thanks for the invitation. Uh, do you need a hand with anything?

Chow Down

[thelastjoy]

[Girl's got crumbs on her face and is looking surprisingly content for someone who's mostly just shown their worst around Keyleth. It'd take her a while to relax with all the strangers around -and even longer to start eating, with her natural distrust of prepared food- but she's finally unwound enough that she sort of smiles when Keyleth draws near.

It's kind of nice to be away and surrounded by all the forceful cheer. A change, it seems, from the swirling mess of anxiety that's been her home since Kobra disappeared. Or maybe she's just slipped cocktail or two and it's worn away her edges.]

Pretty sure if I eat anything else I'm gonna hurl chunks. [She looks childishly amused at the prospect.] You ain't a bad cook, lady.

welcome!

[evocation]

Hey.

[Kyna's grinning as she grabs a scone.]

You look kind of nervous. Is everything cool?

welcome

[restinglichface]

[There absolutely are two of that hot elf, though even with their perfect similarities, it doesn't take much to tell them apart when they aren't trying to imitate one another. Lup, for one, makes it easy with the low cut top she's wearing.

At the greeting, Lup grins wide, as if she'd been actually invited to this brunch.]

Sure thing, sis! Always happy to help a sweet thing like you.

[Have they even met? Nope, not at all.]

dabs in way late, chow down!

[pocketspa]

[Taako is absolutely planning on eating everything he can fit in his body, and then maybe cramming more into his bag and running off with it. Sure he can make his own food, but like, magic food he doesn't have to cook. Abso-fucking-lutely.

She's probably already found Lup by now, and he wouldn't justify himself even if she hadn't accidentally gotten an invite (which they'd had a good laugh about). So when she buzzes by, he gives her a lazy smile, mouth absolutely full.]

Shhh, chill out, bubbleh. You're doin' fine. All you had to do was provide the munchies, everybody else is just gonna go for it, no prob.

[possidetur]

( brunch time )

( the brunch was beautiful. it may have taken a little set up but keyleth had clearly put thought into this, into her guests and the meal. it had made her smile, thanking keyleth for all that she'd done here.

she didn't know anyone else, though it was possible that she'd seen a few of the faces around on the island or in the orchard before. it was somewhere what vanessa frequented regularly, the one place that felt good in this strange world.

she's hesitant to begin the conversations herself, though if someone approaches vanessa may ask--)

How long have you been here?

( the orchard )

( though the brunch was a lavish affair, and a very thoughtful thing for keyleth to do, it had been a little overwhelming. there were many people there that vanessa didn't know and though clearly friends of keyleth's it was a challenge for her. this place with little familiar, with no one she knew, and an intimate event.

she'd quietly stepped away, slinking out towards the orchard. she wanted some time to clear her head, to find a moment of peace. the orchard was her favourite place in this strange world, somewhere calming and beautiful.

calming until the thuds appeared.

vanessa turned on the spot, seeing nothing at first, reaching with her senses to try and feel where it is. though as she did the steps seemed to get closer. and closer.

and closer )

the orchard

[storyseeker]

[After having seriously considered lying around until her brunch is a little more digested, Elena's opted to walk it off. It's a nice day in a nice setting; she should enjoy it. Spotting Vanessa a little ways off, she hasn't decided whether to approach the other woman yet when there's a thud. And another. And another.

Their eyes meet when Vanessa turns, but Elena's baffled expression should make it clear she has no idea what's going on. And then there's another thud, louder and closer.]

So...that's not good, is it.

[outofthefire]

[she's probably seen Laura at target practice in the orchard. she goes there to train herself in archery, practicing hitting smaller and smaller targets as she goes. it should probably be noted that she goes there wearing a 1989 sweater set, a wool plaid skirt, and pennyloafers with socks. which she is currently wearing now, by the way]

Me? Eight months, I think. Long enough to get caught up in all of that Null bullshit, but nowhere near as long as some people. How 'bout you?

brunch time

[uptightness]

[She's not the cold hearted bitch that she was before, that much is for certain, although Carolina isn't also the most outgoing social butterfly either. That's never really been her style. Being around the Reds and the Blues has changed her, brought her back in to focus, reminded her that revenge isn't going to make you happy at the end of the day. She helps though, or tries to, those who need it, although she's still not exactly one to just walk willy nilly up to someone and start talking to them. In many ways, she's like Vanessa, which is why there is a little flicker of relief. Talking about weather just seems awkward, and it's a good question.]

About five months, give or take a few days. Yourself?

Brunch!

[tongueamok]

[Carlisle stiffens upon being spoken to -- he hadn't quite meant to approach Vanessa so much as sidle past her, wanting to refill his drink, but now that he's been addressed, he feels he has no other course of action but to return the conversation. It's not the lack of table or chairs that makes him nervous, nor is it that he doesn't find the orchard nearly as comfortable as the sanctuary of his own garden on the northern isle; he, too, is a stranger to nearly everyone there, including Keyleth herself, given the circumstances through which they met.

His free hand wrings around the one holding the glass, ink beneath his nails evident against his pale skin. He offers the politest of lopsided, apprehensive smiles.]

Too long, frankly. Longer than many. Long enough to know better than to attend parties like this, though as this one wasn't being held by the false gods, I assumed it would be, ah. Different.

[Yep, good answer.]

elena;

[storyseeker]

chow time;

[Elena's not dumb, she knows that even in this time of relative peace, they're in a precarious situation. Hadriel is dangerous, full stop. But that's all the more reason to take their moments where they can, and enjoy the connections they've forged with each other—old and new.

When the food magically appears, she grins in delight, as impressed by the magic as she is hungry. Of course, before anyone can get going, she pulled out her phone to take a picture, throwing a sheepish grin at the person net to her.]

Sorry, I'm going to be a food blogger for a second—this is too great not to capture. [Click.] Hey, want to take a selfie?

digestion time;

[Of course, in the aftermath...]

I think I'm going to have a food baby.

[Also a cocktails baby, but she's had too much delicious other stuff to feel very tipsy. Elena leans back on her hands and resists the urge to groan a little, wondering how uncouth it'd be to loosen her belt a notch.]

Think anyone will mind if we just stay here for a week or so? Oof.

wild card;

[Elena's social and very friendly! Also slightly nosy, because reporter. Toss me a scenario.]

chow time

[outofthefire]

[Laura is from 1989, she has no idea what you're talking about. blogger? selfie? these are things people do? she laughs a little at herself for being so behind the times]

I don't mind as long as you explain to me what a blogger and a selfie are first.

Digestion

[thelastjoy]

Give it a week and the gods will probably have this place overrun with monsters or makin' us hallucinate. But if you can handle that, I don't see why anyone would run you off.

[Girl smiles slightly, like she's trying to soften her statement into a joke.]

chow down

[restinglichface]

Uh, do you even know me, babe? Pretty much invented the selfie back where I come from, thanks.

[And on cue, the elf slinks forward, throwing an arm around Elena and dragging the other woman close in. Pucker up, time for their best instagram face.]

chow time

[pocketspa]

[He laughs as soon as she brings out the camera, snickering.]

Hey, if there was every a time for takin' a pic of somethin' sweet, it's now. When it's me. I'm the sweet.

[He winks, but he's absolutely coming in for that selfie.]

We tryna get the food in there or just sayin' fuck it, this is us time now?

digestion

[uptightness]

[Her comment does have Carolina glancing over in her direction before a wry expression crosses her face. It's not something she would say, but it is something that she might expect one of the guys to say. Of course some of them are a bit more focused on food, or eating all the food that they could, than others.]

I could possibly be bribed in to rolling you home.

[Her attempt at humor. It's a work in progress...]

Jo Harvelle | OTA

[knifecollecting]

[Jo wasn't sure if she was supposed to bring anything or if there was some sort of dress code. Of course, if there is a dress code, she's willfully ignoring it and she wasn't told.

In the end, Jo arrives empty-handed to survey the damage. She stands still for a moment, staring at the pieces of wood scattered around the area.]

This can't be good. [Hopefully she doesn't need the machete she left at home. Her pause is momentary and she heads deeper.

At Keyleth's insistence she eventually does sit and manages to look only slightly surprised when the feast appears.]

Hey, pass me that glass. [Free drinks? Jo's going to enjoy that.]

[uptightness]

[Considering her natural state of affairs is usually dressed in a body suit in her suit of armor... It's about as good as it gets for Carolina as well. Clean v-neck top, jeans, reasonable shoes. You can take the soldier out of the armour, but they're still a soldier.

It had been a unique scene to arrive to, that much was certain, although Carolina's still not sure what to make of it. There doesn't seem to be anything harmful running around- no nurses with knives or flying monkeys, not to mention the other things that she has seen since coming here.

Her attention if drawn away at the voice, and reaching over, she passes a glass her way.]

Cheers.