May the Best of your Todays be the Worst of your Tomorrows

[thespaceopera]

The morning of the final day of the year - called Last Eve - brings with it a soft, gentle chorus of bells. No matter what town or city you've found yourself in, the tradition is the same: a simple scale plays every hour throughout the day - a melodic, slow countdown to all the festivities to come tonight. People - especially children! - run through the streets ringing hand-held bells of their own, all in the name of good luck and best wishes for the upcoming year. Don't want to wait for the night to start the party? Don't worry! There's plenty to do all day long, too!


A ringing melody in the wind

You thought the festivals throughout the month were extravagant? Well, they're nothing compared to the parades today! Marching bands, performers, and dance crews show off routines they've been preparing for months, candy flies through the air for all of the parade-goers to catch and keep... The floats are elaborate and grand, with humongous shapes in bright colors. A lot of heart, soul, and expert craftsmanship went into these, and it shows. Some parades have set themes, others are just a representation of the towns that give them and what they've put together to share with everyone... but all of them are full of love, joy, and good luck wishes for the upcoming year. Maybe you're part of the parade - riding on a float, tossing out candy, singing or playing an instrument... or maybe you're just there to watch! No matter which way, it's going to be a good time.

The waters may be too cold to swim in, but that's why boats exist! Once the sun goes down, the natural glow of the water is even more breathtaking set against the black, starry skies -- and local tradition is to spend Last Eve out on the water in some way! From rowboats, paddle boats, and sailboats to motorized party boats with loudly blasting music and flashing lights, or huge luxury liners with all the fancy trimmings of fine dining and entertainment -- no matter what kind of boat you want, you're going to have a great time ringing in the new year on the water. Get your party boat on! Or, spend a romantic evening with your loved one on a crewed private charter! Or, row out on your own and meet up with other rowers. Bring snacks~ and a life vest - safety first!

The best part, though, isn't Last Eve... it's First Dawn. Once it gets closer and closer to midnight, and the bells begin to chime louder, and faster, and more jubilant... that's when the real light show begins.


Light up the skies!

Almost every inch of the night sky is covered in bright lights and brilliant hues as fireworks soar through the black. The breathtaking display reflects in the glowing waters, which seem to mimic all the colors back like a visual echo. And with the backdrop of the bells' song, this is how the new year comes to Libuscha IV.

So - Happy Last Eve, and Happy First Dawn. Enjoy your holiday, dear Fleet. ♥

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(( This post is a mingle for all of your New Year / Last Eve / First Dawn Celebration needs. Go forth and have fun! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. o7

And on a final note: Happy New Year, Drift Fleet. ♥! Thank you for spending your RP time with us. We're absolutely convinced that you're all the best players out there, and we love you for coming on this journey with us. May the next year be full of fun, happiness, and of course, some shenanigans~ ))

Comments

[shroudedsecrets]

[ She is recalling a very ironic conversation, please hold- ]

... Because of the influence of your foster family? Or is what you know of them... something you want no part of.

[dothelokimotion]

[ shh. ]

I was taught that my people were monsters. They stole children. They killed, they took. Beyond that, I know nothing of them.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Ah. ]

... I can understand why you would deny that association. If all that is true.

[ History lessons were not always complete. ]

[dothelokimotion]

It may be true. It may not.

All I know for sure is that I was unwanted. On both sides.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Ah. That's a sharp pang. ]

It must be difficult to make meaning from that. But... you are yourself.

[dothelokimotion]

[ he draws into himself, straight. ]

Of course. There is no other like me.

[shroudedsecrets]

[She tilts her head, a faint hint of a smile.]

There's your pride. You have outshone your heritage.

[dothelokimotion]

[ he blinks. ]

How can you say that for sure?

[shroudedsecrets]

If I did not believe it were true, I would not say it.

[ She pauses. ]

I do not fully know your story and your people, but. It does remind me of another.

[dothelokimotion]

[ huh. ]

Who?

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Again, she's quiet for a long moment before answering. ]

It... reminds me of what... my son is facing.

[dothelokimotion]

[ he blinks, surprised. ]

Your son?

[shroudedsecrets]

He is a Prince with... a mixed heritage. He has recently... become the Emperor of his father's people.

[dothelokimotion]

[ ahh. ]

That could be difficult. I imagine one side isn't too grateful for his diversity.

[shroudedsecrets]

... yes. They had only accepted it as a temporary measure while our Emperor was... comatose.

[It was strange to reflect on those circumstances with a new mindset. She frowns at her own words, but continues.]

For more permanent situation, he would have seen more opposition, but... he has earned the right by their laws, though I have not yet witnessed this event for myself.

[dothelokimotion]

[ strange way to refer to one's husband. loki would have never pegged haggar for royalty though. ]

What happened afterwards?

[shroudedsecrets]

The witch eventually revived the Emperor, because she had been unable to comprehend the Prince's vision for the Empire, and... the Prince was banished.

[ Which probably sounded no less strange, and would undoubtedly raise more questions, but she had not started this story from the beginning, either. ]

... When the Prince arrived here, he said that he had not only succeeded in killing his father in combat, but that he had also defeated the popular Warlords who would contend with him for the vacant throne. And so he now has become the Emperor, whether or not they will stay united with him.

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki absorbs this with a hum. what was going on here? ]

Are you so distanced from what happened?

[shroudedsecrets]

... No. I do not deny my responsibility in these events. I can only look back upon them now with... less shrouded eyes.

[ And brood about it. ]

Is it strange to believe there are benefits from being pulled away from our own realities like this. If only it could make any difference there.

[dothelokimotion]

[ brooding is a normal activity on their ship. ]

I do not think it's strange. The weight of a world is a lot to bear.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ He's not wrong. ]

There is a freedom in this, in being away. Of having the -- opportunity, to... make realizations, and paths toward... understanding. Even if I still have much to learn about such things.

[dothelokimotion]

But have you decided anything?

[shroudedsecrets]

... In regard to what?

[ There are many things that could apply to. ]

[dothelokimotion]

In regards to your future.

[shroudedsecrets]

My son is the future.

[ No hesitation in those words, and yet. She was plagued by her own limited sense of identity, her need to project onto others to define herself. ]

... Our meeting a few days ago was not favorable, but I was... prepared for that. [ Thanks to a certain set of twins and Loki himself, she'd accrued reasonable expectations. It still hurt. ] The mother he once dreamed of has never known him. He cannot accept me in that role when he has known me as another for so long.