prismatica | video;

[The video opens on a man who couldn't be called old, neither did he exactly appear young though the way he's dressed suggests that he's some noble from some ancient time. There's a cup of tea beside him and as he moves and speaks, it's with a kind of ethereal grace.]

For those of you from Japan you may be aware that Obon season is upon us. For those not familiar with it, Obon is a time to honor those that have departed the world, celebrate their life and invite their spirits back into our own lives for a few days. That may sound rather somber but it's really quite a joyous affair.

Although the particulars are somewhat unique to Japan, I believe there are similar traditions all over the world. I'd love to hear about them if you are familiar with any of them.

I would also like to extend an invitation to a festival that we will be having in a couple weeks around our home in Caihong. [He says our home as if he's done anything to make his housemates or employees aware of these plans. Maybe this explains the boxes they have been piling up in the back of their estate as of late.]

Make your way to the teahouse, Tsukiyo on the 14th of this month for a night of festival food and dancing. Light a lantern for someone you care about and end it all with a bang. There will be fireworks, to put it plainly. It hasn't quite felt like summer without any as of yet, don't you agree?

I hope to see you all there.

[He pauses here to sip his tea. Seems he's not quite done yet.]

Before I leave you, there is one small inquiry I'd like to make as well. I'm in need of someone capable of repairing a sword. I'm happy to pay for this service and I can guarantee a modest amount of additional business in return.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes, I have had the opportunity to also celebrate a Japanese Halloween! It is not quite the same, but it can be just as fun as the Western version.

[To be honest, Sonia is a happy person by nature and she loves everything that has to do with Japan and strange magic and spirits and Obon is the perfect mix of all three things!]

Perhaps... since I arrived during the Vulpis festival? I have been away from my homeland for nearly six years, but during that entire time, I have been with a group of fifteen people my own age that started off as classmates and became good friends over the years. We were...inseparable for quite a while.

As long as it's fun or it brings joy and comfort to our hearts, that's what really matters in the end.

You haven't been here very long at all then? I'm sorry to hear that these are the circumstances that may have separated you. Did you arrive alone? [It's certainly nice to have the company of a friend but then that means selfishly wishing the same fate on them.]

Well, I'm glad that Halloween has lost more of the older beliefs behind it, if only because it's safer for smaller children.

[The lack of magic behind it is saddening for her, but as the princess of her country, she's always been focused on the safety of her people.]

No, I have not been here long at all, perhaps a week. However, two of my classmates are already here and I've had the chance to meet with them since then. It hasn't been too terrible.

[Granted, there are far more missing than are here, but she's not sure she should wish the others here. Not with her in residence.]

I see. You're taking it rather well. Should you require any assistance in getting settled in, I arrived with the first group. It's the least I could do for such a charming young lady.

[In spite of the pleasantries, it's an offer made with good intentions.]

And you can tell me more about the origins of Halloween. I wasn't aware that it had a dangerous past?

One must always keep one's head in any new situation, yes?

[She's already had a slight panic by herself and now she's just determined to try and make the most sense out of this place as she possibly can. The stakes are too high now that she has certain information for her to lose her head too much.]

I can't think of anything off the top of my head, aside from possibly... Do you know any places that would be willing to hire someone who has never had a real job before around here?

[She's aware of her limitations. What does being a princess get you? The ability to read in thirty languages and how to use military grade weaponry. She's not sure either of those skills will do her much good here.]

I would be glad to tell you more about Halloween's origins! [Please ignore the shaking. She's just really excited to talk about something she knows about.]

It originated as the pagan celebration of Samhaim and people would wear masks to make the Devil and the demons think that they were one of them. Otherwise, they would come and steal your soul or kill you overnight. It was especially important for children, since they're so innocent. And most of the "trick or treating" began to keep the evil spirits from wrecking havoc in the small towns and villages, as they were wont to do.

Lets see. I think since we're all in the same predicament together, many of the moonblessed are inclined to work with one another. If you drop by the festival you'll see our place is rather large and there's always some work that needs but it's also not the sort of environment that everyone would be comfortable with.

[And well, he's already gotten in trouble once for hiring cute young girls. Oops.]

It seems as though spirits are inclined to make such mischief wherever they turn up. Was there anything special about this night that enticed them out? If I were to go around stealing souls and stirring up trouble, I'd want to avoid anyone getting in the way. [He may or may not sound like he's speaking from experience.]

Ah, then I will look around the establishments that are owned by fellow Moonblessed more than the Prismals. But what sort of work is prevalent in yours?

[She's totally curious now. And not as young as she looks, but that's a different story for a different time.]

I believe that the veil between the world of the living and that of the dead was thinnest due to the move from harvest time to winter. [She gives him an indulgent smile.] Are you in the habit of going around enticing the souls of innocents to come away with you? There are legends like that as well, but they are not so focused on the time of year as they are places of great natural magic.

I own a teahouse together with other members of my world. The sort of place where geisha would go to entertain to their clients. I thought it pragmatic given the circumstances of generating the currency here.

[Ah her smile is reminiscent of so many of his own. He offers one in return.] Were I the sort to do such a thing I might have made you an offer already. Or cast a spell to lead you astray.

A teahouse? A genuine Japanese teahouse?

[SHE IS SO THERE!]

Do you have any geisha in attendance? I would love to meet them if that is the case!

[Look at how excited she is. Like a little blond fox kit.

However, his flirtation is of the kind she is comfortable with and it helps to calm her down a bit.]

Oh? I don't know that I am very easily led astray, by spell or otherwise, but it would be interesting to find out if that were the case. Besides, I'm not sure how well my soul would work in that instance.

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