Fleetsgiving Mingle [ Open to All ]

[universal_charm]

Who: Everyone Who Wants to Come!
Broadcast: Nope
Action: Yes, Planetside
When: Sunday

An invitation was sent out via the network to all of the Fleet, inviting them to come together for a night of feasting, dancing, and games.

Kirk has managed to procure an event space for what he has dubbed Fleetsgiving. It sports a warm, interior space, decorated with tables, including two longer ones for food and drink. Along the far wall is a fireplace, crackling away for warmth, chairs set around and a table for fireplace games. The entire room glows with lights set in draped garlands, candles, and dim lights, warm and inviting and offering intimacy for those who wish to find it. Kirk would take credit for the decor, but no, it was the product of the owners of the event space. Probably just as well, to be honest.

An open space at the center is open for dancing at one's leisure, music drifting through the air - loud enough for dancers to sway to a beat, but not loud enough to make conversation impossible. But, who knows, maybe towards the latter half of the evening when everyone has drunk enough, there will be a dance contest. There might also be a karaoke contest, but, really, that's up to the people.

There is some prepared food - something that looks like a kind of poultry and something like meatballs in a bright orange sauce. Kirk can't vouch for what sort of animals they came from, but he can vouch for them being delicious. Bread, jam spreads, butter, local nuts and crackers. For desert there are what look like tiny tarts, and cookies dusted in a sweet pink powder. But while there is food provided, there is plenty of room for others to bring their favorites from home, or even their favorites from being here in the Fleet.

Nothing was spared for drinks either. Local wines are set out in their bottles, ready to pour, fizzy drinks in cans and punch bowls, harder options for those who wished them further down, and water and juice for those less inclined to imbibe. While there isn't much room for additions, they are welcome.

By the fire are a number of games laid out for choice - cards, some board games, and even a chess set, though it is a touch odd. Three boards, at varying heights, on a curved stand. The way the seats are arranged make it comfortable for many to play at once, or for only a few to play and many to gather by the fire and watch or idly chatter.

Come one, come all, and have a good time!

_{[ ooc: this is an open mingle post! Go ahead and make your own starters, tag around, and have a good time! Characters would be encouraged to bring their own food to add, or drinks if they so like, favorite games, etc. ]}

Comments

BRING ON THE FOOD

[spellsteal]

[Belthazar usually organizes something like this himself but considering he ended up disappearing last time and falling into a coma, he doesn't want to risk it. Instead he calls on some people he knows (and some he doesn't) to help with preparing food-- whether it's cutting stuff up, procuring fresh-ish ingredients, or finessing the kitchen.

Belth has been everywhere in the past twenty four hours, using magic as a shortcut to help conjure rationed ingredients or lending an expert hand, or taste testing, or working on things of his own. The most eye-catching thing he brings in is several trays of rainbow macarons, lightly brushed with glitter, which change between several delicate flavors when they are eaten-- definitely an enchantment. The second is a matching crepe cake with light fruity layers for each color. There is also a four cheese macaroni dish with crispy golden crumbs on top, a savory dish of brussel sprouts and bacon, and a big basket of airy potato bread.

He's not much of a party person, though. After heaping up his own plate of everything in sight, he takes a seat by the fire so he can eat while watching everyone else. He doesn't eat... terribly gracefully, though. He shoves it all in his mouth, chipmunk cheeks and all. Even though the cookies aren't to his taste (he can do better), he hoovers a bit of everything.

Old orphan habits die hard.

He also spends some time staring at all the alcohol, wondering if he should bother imbibing. He's certainly-- probably-- old enough now but he's never really had a taste for wine. Maybe it's something you're supposed to acquire as you get older? ... But the fizzy sweet stuff sounds a lot better.

After an hour or so of being full, he starts to doze off right next to the fire.]

((ooc: For volunteers who helped him prep the feast, feel free to assume they know his name, that he's a mage, etc.))

[ananym]

[ alucard doesn't immediately reach for food. he doesn't need it as much, though his body still requires him to eat. eventually, he will have to ask for blood but alucard has time yet. for now, alucard merely looks it over curiously, trying to discern what each one was. finally he gives up, picking up small increments of each onto his plate until he spots belthazar with an empty one.

with a smile, he approaches. ]

Do you need more?

[scalpelofmarmora]

[Ulaz had seen the request to help with the food. He wouldn't consider himself much of a cook, but if he was good at nothing else, he could follow directions so he had volunteered to help with the food preparation.

So he arrives at the designated space, dressed a little more casually than he had been, but he figured the occasion called for it]

What can I help with?


[ooc: let me know if this works]

Taako - OTA!

[abracafcku]

A. The Food
[When Belth had asked him to help put on a party, Taako had been hesitant. But considering he'd offered to cater a goddamn wedding, and the fact that no one had dropped dead from him cooking for either the First Breath or the Melting Pot, he decided why not? Go for broke. Cook for an unknown and large audience and see what happens!

So Taako decided to do the one thing he knew had to be at any Candlenights/Fleetsgiving party - a turkey. He'd had to conjure it, of course, but a turkey of this size and magnificence just couldn't be found elsewhere on the planet. It wasn't his aunt's recipe - that was too special - but it was a damn good turkey: moist, juicy meat with crisp, fragrant skin. He carved it to order and offered up breaded stuffing and gravy to go with it.

Weirdly, no matter how many people asked for dark meat it never seemed to run out. White meat? Yeah, same thing. He's always ready to serve and when someone approaches the food table, he spins the carving knife in his hand.]

Are you ready for your taste buds to get blown away?


B. The Party
[Once the food serving was over and the party was in full swing, Taako made his way around with a drink in hand. He's chosen to wear the most outlandish of his cloaks over his outfit tonight: a dark blue one with gold embroidery and stars. It makes him stand out and that's what he's all about tonight. He's had a culinary success tonight and he's going to celebrate it.

And what better way to celebrate than to put a little magic in the air? Whenever he gets close to someone as he moves across the dance floor, he'll give them a little whiff of Prestidigitation. Sparks fly up from their drinks or they'll find little stars raining down around them as he raises his glass in a toast.]

Merry whatever this holiday is!


C. The Ambience
[And sometimes? Taako is just sitting by himself looking into the fireplace. He's wrapped himself up in his cloak, his hands holding a mug of hot wine, knees drawn up to his chest. There are quieter ways to celebrate a night well spent and a meal well prepared, and he's doing that now. The party is in full swing by now so he's got a chance to sit by himself, thinking back on the last time he cooked for this many people with a note of bitterness under his silence.]

C

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ It was his party, more of less, but even Kirk needed a break. He had a glass of something pink in his hand, which tasted warm as it slide down, spiced even. An odd flavor to associate with the pink coloring, but he wasn't going to argue with good alcohol.

He came up beside Taako in his finery, patting the chair Taako occupied and taking the seat beside him, stretching out his legs. ]</sub>

I was worried you had ducked out early when I couldn't see your cloak.

A;;

[postocular]

[ What can he say? He's a food motivated kind of kid and Taako's cooking always smells amazing. It had honestly been a long time since he'd been to a Thanksgiving party, though he imagined what it would have been like back at home before everything with Negan happened. There'd been promise.

He goes for the dark meat option, smiling at Taako. ]

As someone who once at a hundred and twelve ounces of pudding in one sitting, I'm ready for pretty much anything.

B

[spellsteal]

[Belthazar is full of turkey and good food, and he's not inclined to dance, but he passes through the dance floor on his way outside. That's when Taako catches him with stars falling cutely around them. He's dumbfounded at first, and then softly, shyly delighted.

After studying the arcane threads for a moment, he waves his hand in a subtle motion to reform the starry spell. He transforms it into little rainbow blossoms swirling around Taako instead.]

daryl - ota!

[worn_wings]

i.

[ On one hand, Daryl doesn't like parties. At all.

On the other hand, he also doesn't like being stuck on the ship. And this planet seems to be a pretty constant party, so really, the captain's shindig is kind of the lesser of two evils.

But he's still terrible at socializing, so he justifies it by telling himself he's here as ship's security, doing his job.

At the very least he's making an effort to not seem actively hostile, which is a bit harder than it should be since left to his own devices he would just lurk in a corner and stare at everyone.

Trying to relax he goes over to the unattended, makeshift bar, scanning bottles, glancing up at whoever else might be nearby. ]

Any clue what's what?

ii.

[ He picks at the food a little early on, but in a group he always tries to be among the last to eat. When they didn't have enough on the road he'd try to fend for himself and make sure everyone else got a share of whatever they did scrounge. It's different on the Fleet-- they never seem to run out, which is one of the (honestly) many improvements, but it's an old habit and it's tough to break.

So instead, eventually, he settles himself over by the fire with a pack of cards and plays solitaire, only halfway paying attention, mostly people-watching. ]

iii.

[ Things settle a little eventually and he does go for the food, shamelessly loading a plate. He eats like a stray dog that isn't sure where its next meal is coming from-- way too quick, with little regard for table manners. Polite society or no, some things don't really change.

Whoever has the misfortune of being next to him will have to forgive his eagerness as he nods down the table. ]

Hey, pass that yellow thing?

ii

[universal_charm]

I think it's a party foul to be playing solitaire at a party.

<sub>[ Seriously, Daryl. That's pretty bad.

Kirk takes it upon himself to assume a seat across from Daryl, setting his glass down with a forceful clink. ]</sub>

iii;;

[postocular]

[ It's still hard not to balk at gatherings like this, just because it wasn't a thing that happened at home, and even though the fleet has the restaurant, it's different. It's the feeling that goes with it that makes everything a bit bizarre. Like one big family milling together, even though a lot of these people are complete strangers.

He'd plopped down next to Daryl as he was hovering over his plate like someone was about to take it when he's spoken to. Carl hands it over, of course, nodding down the other side of the table. ]

Only if you pass me some of that stuff..ing? That weird stuff. [ It at least looks like stuffing. ]

i

[candothat]

[Pavel is pleasantly surprised to see Daryl here and... well, mingling is a strong word, but he's striking up a conversation and that's a lot.]

This is a bar, that is a buffet, and I believe the open space is referred to as a dance floor.

[Yeah, he knows Daryl was asking about the drinks.]

loki | ota

[dothelokimotion]

[ honestly, anything was better than heading down to that godforsaken ice planet. loki knows he will have to head there eventually to stock up on supplies for the ship and other duties he needs to fulfill, but until then, loki plans on avoiding it for as long as he can. and what better way to do that than to visit a party?

he doesn't dress fancy though, wearing a crisp black suit and white shirt, punctuated with a green tie. his hair is pinned back, a few haphazard strands escaping the knot.

on his part, loki spends his time sipping wine by the fireplace, shuffling a pack of cards hoping to lure some poor schmuck into a game with the God of Mischief or eyeing the chessboard curiously, trying to figure out how it works. ]

[universal_charm]

<sub>[ He is honestly surprised to see Loki here. He wouldn't exactly say they get along and while this invitation was open to everyone, it was directly attached to himself given he had more or less put it on. Not that he was upset to see Loki, nothing like that.

He spies Loki eyeing the chessboard and he comes over. ]</sub>

Would you like to learn how to play?

[postocular]

[ Let's be completely honest, Loki is definitely dressed up, especially compared to Carl who still looks a little like a ragamuffin in his plaid shirt. At least his hat isn't forever present and he's combed his hair? When he spots Loki, he plops down next to him as he shuffles some cards in his hands. ]

Haven't seen you in a while.

[princessences]

[ Allura is attending out of courtesy to her Captain--given that it was his idea in the first place--but also because she's heard that it's inspired by an Earthling tradition. Just as well, as it seems much of this universe is more familiar with Earth than she had been prior to meeting her Paladins.

But she is quite fond of the wine, and of being warm, though the former she hasn't indulged in properly as of yet. She does take her own stance a few feet away by the fire place and holds her hands out to taken in some of the heat. ]

I hope you don't mind company for a moment.

Jim Kirk | OTA

[universal_charm]

FOOD & DRINK
<sub>[ Kirk is not a cook by any stretch of the imagination. Oh, he can manage what one might deem batohleor food, but it wouldn't be considered gourmet by any standard. He was happy to let others see to that portion of the evening, and equally happy to partake of efforts.

So don't mind him as he piles a plate high with samplings. Turkey, of course, and various other meats. And what is a good Fleetsgiving without potatoes or veggies? And then, of course, there is the plate of sweets - the true star of any feast.

He's just turned from getting a glass of wine, twisting to where the desserts where, only to take on the look of a kicked puppy. ]</sub>

Is there anymore of the apple bake?

DANCING
_{[ What better way to burn off all those calories than to hit the dance floor? Kirk isn't very picky about his dance partners - if you want to dance, he will dance, to a variety of beats as well. If you so much as look like you're considering, he will glide over and offer his hand to take up a dance. Seriously, he has no preference, just so long as they all get to enjoy themselves. ]}

May I have this dance?

FIRESIDE
<sub>[ Eventually, even Kirk needs a break - from food and from dancing. He's graduated to a nice glass of something warm and spiced by now, and claimed a seat beside the fire. He reached over and took up the 3D chess board and set it out in front of him, expertly placing the pieces into their proper starting places.

He looked up when someone new came by, greeting them, and then the time was right... ]</sub>

Care yo play?

OUTSIDE
<sub>[ He always got this way at parties after a bit, and ended up going outside into the hall's garden. It wasn't really supposed to be open, but whatever. He pulled his coat tight around him, walking along the lightly dusted path as his breath fogged in front of him.

Just a few moments along, in the cool, to cool his own head, though he was a tad bit drunk by this point. He even let out a giggle when a bit of snow touched his nose and began to gather on his lashes. He probably looked a bit mad, but that was all right. ]</sub>

Fireside

[jolting]

[It isn’t hard for Victor to find the familiar figure in the crowd. He notes the chess setup and invited himself to sit. Jim will note that Victor has buzzed his hair short since they spoke]

I’ll play.

Dancing

[princessences]

[ She's known her Captain to be something of a charmer, but she takes his request as congenial. Allura gives his hand a glance and raises a brow, before smiling and accepts the offer as she takes his hand. ]

I would be delighted, Captain.

Outside

[candothat]

[Food, drinks, and chess? That's how you throw a party!

But when it began to snow, Pavel headed outside to enjoy the weather. He was more than a bit surprised to see someone else out in the cold (and not technically open to partygoers) garden. That the someone else was a giggling Kirk? Wholly unexpected.]

Jim...? Did you lose your party?

Fireside

[scalpelofmarmora]

[Ulaz had quite enjoyed the meal and had now taken to wandering the space and mingling. Was this how all Earth celebrations were? He kind of liked it. Food and people to talk to.

He did happen to pass by Kirk who was setting up the 3D chessboard]

Of course. I'll play.

[And he moved to join him]

dancing!

[winscenario]

[ Jim looks up at the offer, eyebrows raising on his forehead. It's surprising to get asked by Kirk for a dance, and he can't help letting out a soft chuckle. But after a moment's thought, he purses his lips and shrugs. ]

Sure. Why not?

[ He takes the offered hand and lets Kirk guide them to the dance floor. ]

Although I will have you know, I had some pretty intensive dance lessons back in Riverview. Don't feel bad if you can't keep up.

[ Grinning cheekily, he winks at his partner. ]

Kramm - OTA

[krammbunctious]

Kramm is most certainly there, enjoying the food and wine and maybe a little too much on the wine, towards the end of the evening he's a bit more bright-eyed and vivacious than normal, which could never be called sedate.

He loves a party. He'll put things on your plate he thinks are tasty and you have to try, drag you onto the dance floor, or joke and laugh and regale with anecdotes of a world so very far away.

Food

He's got his plate piled high - and that's not even his first helping! A big dragonborn's got a big appetite, but he's not beyond sharing!

Dance

No, he's not exceptionally good at it, but what he lacks in skill he makes up in pure enthusiasm. Watch out, though, because he doesn't always look where he's stepping!

Mingle

Tell him a story, he loves stories, or ask for one of his; he loves telling them as well!

[eternallyoutrageous]

[Lord Akeldama had decided to attend because it was really the first social gathering since he arrived. He was a social butterfly even if he wasn't one particular for dining at such events because of his nature.

So he is flitting around with a drink in hand when he spots a familiar face]

My dear, that is a lot of food. You must be quite famished.

OTA

[candothat]

I: Your party style is valid
[Pavel is, as he often is at Fleet gatherings and parties, content to linger somewhere off to the side with a glass of something alcoholic. There won't be any crazy drunkenness today--last year's Fleetsgiving exercise in getting-hammered-to-cope-with-feelings was enough to put the Russian off of public overindulgence, thanks--but he's not opposed to being pulled into the shenanigans of others.

Or not. Sometimes it's nice to enjoy the company of others without any shenanigans at all.]


II: Chess
[At some point, inevitably, Pavel makes it to the tri-dimensional chess set. Anyone who challenges him to a game will, if they seem disinclined to take him too seriously, be treated to a tale about chess' proud Russian origins.

They will also (likely) be utterly (but affably!) crushed.

It probably goes without saying that Pavel is good at chess. He's a Starfleet tactical officer, a genius, and a Russian, which puts him at a distinct advantage. What may come as a surprise is that his gameplay style is subtle, unpredictable, and ruthless in a way that he is definitely not. Don't expect to win just because he likes you!]


III: Choose your own adventure!

II

[cajunspice]

[Remy is so very out of his level of understanding.

But he doesn't care.

It's been many years since he's played chess, even more since he had a go at tri-dimensional chess (yes, of course he owns a set of it, no doubt a collectors one too, don't doubt his obsession with it all). But he was most of a bottle into something very nice and very strong, so had a light buzz going, had just had a good meal, and was enjoying the chance to hang out with friends and be all relaxed. So, even if he's not great at it, he is trying his best at the game, mostly using Chekov as a tool to remind him of the rules.

He'll pick it up again. After all, his name is Gambit...] So, ya sayin' ya took the time to look this all up from a love of chess, or just to push the point on how good ya fellow countrymen be?