Second Spell // Written

[anita_hero]

[Anita debates what form her post should take for a long moment, but in the end, the answer is obvious: she's a little nervous at the prospect of hosting her first St. John's Eve party, something that constitutes a big responsibility in her world, so a written post will seem most confident and allow her to edit as she goes.

With that in mind, she opens her journal to a fresh page and picks up a pen:]

Hey, everyone. As some of you may know, St. John's Eve is coming up on the 23rd of this month. What you may not know is that where I grew up in the Louisiana bayou, we liked to celebrate with a big bonfire, lots of food, and all our friends and family.

Of course, I won't be able to make it back to the bayou this year, so in the interest of sharing culture and having a good time, I thought I'd host my own celebration here in Luceti. There'll be a bonfire, I'll set up some music - if anyone's interested in providing live music for fun or for compensation, please let me know ASAP so we can work something out - and we'll have a whole lot of traditional Creole food, which, if you haven't tried it, allow me to assure you is delicious.

Most St. John's Eve celebrations in the Vodoun style involve religious ceremonies, the cleansing of bad spirits and sacrificial chickens and stuff, but because I doubt there are many other vodouists in the community (and due to a similar lack of live chickens), we'll probably skip most of that. I think the gods will forgive me on the grounds that I'm currently not on the right planet. However, if anyone's interested in what goes on at a traditional celebration, drop me a line! I'm happy to answer any and all questions.

So, this party will take place outdoors near Community Housing Building 4 (you'll be able to see it by the fire) on the evening of June 23rd, say, starting around 6pm. Dress code is casual, food will be provided, and it's BYOB, although alcoholic and non-alcoholic punch will be provided. If anyone's interested in something like this, let me know here or just stop by on the night of the party. All I ask is that if you do plan to show up, please let me know about any dietary restrictions or food allergies, because I'll be doing most of the cooking.

Bònn jounen, everyone!

[Satisfied, she closes the journal and heads out to the Battle Dome to practice some moves.]

Comments

[written]

[redjacketthief]

[Lupin can almost translate the phrase that closes the message in the journal. Almost. It feels close to French, or related to it, but it was some regional variation that he never bothered learning.]

Parties are always welcome around here. They're a good way to close out a season, or get people back together after a Shift.

It's a great idea.

Re: [written]

[anita_hero]

[It's Haitian Creole (Kreyol) for "(have a) nice day". Just for the record.]

Thanks, mon. I don't think we've met; I'm Anita.

[written]

[redjacketthief]

We haven't. I'm Lupin, in Community House 5. You're not too far away.

[written]

[folklorist]

I didn't realize we had anyone who knew or practiced voodoo here. Louisiana sect, correct? I sometimes get it mixed up with the Haitian and West African branches. [ Though he should probably have realized that it was possible. Helios doesn't practice but he knows a thing or two and has made an acquaintance or two with a practitioner. Still it's nice to see so many different cultures coming out of the wood works recently. ]

It sounds like a wonderful idea though. I-I wouldn't mind helping with things if you needed any.

Re: [written]

[anita_hero]

Yeah! I'm third generation Haitian, raised Vodoun in Louisiana. ["Vodoun" is her preferred term, the one she uses, but eh, anyone else can call it what they want.] You know about--? I almost never meet people who know about my people for real, mon! Are you...did you live there, or have you studied, or...?

[She's kind of excited. Was definitely not expecting to meet anyone who even knew what she was talking about.]

[written]

[folklorist]

[ Helios chuckles a little on his end at the endearing response. It must be quite exciting for her to talk about her people. Helios isn't a Voudoun himself, no, but he has tried his hand at it before. He might know a person or two who knows how to do it as well. It's amazing what kinds of people you meet here, really. ] I've tried my hand at it before. I, frankly, wasn't very good at it. I believe it requires a very strict study at least. But I have known a good few people who practiced it in my own world. It's a fascinating culture actually. I was sad to have to cut my stay short when I went to Louisiana on business.

[voice]

[kineticcajun]

[This. This is so much what he's been needing. But he's still keeping up the calm front rather than let on how sorely he's missed this kind of thing.]

Well, well, well. When'd we get another Louisianian 'round these parts?

Re: [voice]

[anita_hero]

Uh - about a month ago! Hi there! [She'd been convinced there were no others like her around, so this is pretty exciting.] I don't think we've met - I'm Anita. It's nice to meet you!

[voice]

[kineticcajun]

Enchanté, Anita. Name's Remy.

[That explains it, though. He's sure "about a month ago" was while he was still stuck with the Malnosso. He feels a little better about missing someone from the bayou showing up because of that.]

Ain't gonna need a hand wit' the cookin', are you? Sounds like you got it all planned already.

written

[weaponry]

Anita! I'd be delighted to go! I'll try to rope in some friends in attending too. I'm sure a bunch of them would be interested in the free food at least. And, everyone can bond a little over some good cooking.

Do you need any help with setting up this party? I feel a little bad for unleashing all of these people on you at once. So, if you need anyone to get you supplies, or ingredients, or set up or organize, I'd be happy to help!

[ Leave it to Tenten to nosy her way into everyone's lives within one comment. ]

Re: written

[anita_hero]

Thanks, Tenten! Actually, if anyone would be willing to help, that'd be really great. I'm definitely going to need someone to help me set up the bonfire, and the cooking might be a lot of work - I've never actually hosted this kind of party before. Usually it's up to someone much more experienced.

But don't feel bad; the more, the merrier! I'm hoping for a crowd.

[weaponry]

I know how to make and sustain a fire. It comes in part with my explosives expertise. I might use tags though, if that's okay with you. As for cooking, I know my way around a chicken. I cook what most would call Chinese food but I also dabble a bit in Japanese cuisine. I can adopt to ow you cook though, it's nothing. If I can master fighting with a giant club, I can learn a new method of cooking. Should I arrive a couple of hours before the party to help?

Really? Sweet. Thanks for the hospitality.

[voice]

[all7seas]

Voodoo....

You practice voodoo.

[Jack has had some horrific experiences with that recently.]

Re: [voice]

[anita_hero]

It's technically called Vodoun, but yes. Is that a problem?

[voice]

[all7seas]

Technically? Doesn't HAVE to be a problem, eh? You don't....thing. With the dolls. All the...mmf. Controlling?

[voice]

[rashness]

You sure there aren't any chickens? I feel like I've seen some around...

[...Most of those are pets though]

Re: [voice]

[anita_hero]

I figured they were all pets. Do you think someone would sell me some?

[A thought occurs.]

...Do they talk?

voice

[thelittlemacthatcould]

[Mac doesn't ever respond to written comments with his own; he's sure he'd be slow and the message would be riddled with spelling errors.]

Hey, Anita! Man, this all sounds like helluva lot of fun t'me - never been t'anythin' like it! I wanna help ya if y'needed stuff t'be moved or somethin'.

Re: voice

[anita_hero]

Hey, Mac. I think it will be! And thanks - I'll probably need help setting up, so I really appreciate it.

voice;

[greenjacketed]

[ forget vodoun -- all of this sounds incredibly papist to him. not that he cares, in the end. his religion is war. the holy trinity of rifle, bayonet, and king george.

however, he doesn't respond in writing. gosh darnit, it took him long enough just to read the damn thing. ]

Will there be fire jumping? I once ate at a St. John's feast in Spain what had fire jumping. Entertaining, aye.

Re: voice;

[anita_hero]

That's not a bad idea. I wonder if anyone else would be interested in doing it...

voice;

[truthin_bones]

It has certainly been some time since I last attended a Vodoun style ceremony or celebration. I would certainly be interested in attending.

[And considering she too resides in Community House Four, it's extremely convenient.]

Re: voice;

[anita_hero]

You have before? Great; it's always nice to have someone around who knows how things go.

[Voice]

[immamartillo]

...Sacrificial chickens?

[Does he even want to ask?]

Re: [Voice]

[anita_hero]

To please the gods. And for removing evil spirits from those attendant. The problem is I'm having trouble finding chickens.