open | pumpkins scream in the dead of night 🎃

[ornamentals]

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: Persephone's Cottage (also known as, That Weird Farm Cult)
WHEN: Mid-October (before 10/15)
WHAT: Fun Halloween-themed activities put on by the Cottage crew to ring in the spooky season.
WARNINGS: None, excluding Kni's usual sour attitude.

[halloween is just around the corner, bringing with it a fine autumn chill and trees shedding their summer greens for warm oranges and reds. there's plenty to do in the city to celebrate the changing into a much more spookier season, but the festivities certainly don't end at the city limits!

the residents of persephone's cottage have, in the spirit of the season, put on their own fun activities for anyone visiting. it's a collaborative effort from everyone, but some are just a little more excited than others to be hosting fun autumnal activities for friends and not-yet-friends alike.

while the cottage is always decked out for halloween (thank you goodwill), at least now it's seasonally appropriate. pumpkins of various sizes and shades of orange sit everywhere as you come up to the property. closer to the cottage more and more of those pumpkins are carved with fun, fangy smiles and sinister eyes. there are so many of these carved pumpkins, in fact, that there is a table dedicated to them with a sign resting against one of the legs that just says 'FREE'.

inside the free jack o' lanterns is a surprise - could be candy, coins, or a fortune / misfortune cookie. if you're really lucky, some of the jack o'lanterns even have chicken eggs inside.

next to that table is another table, this one laid out with platters of apple and pumpkin baked goods, as well as shucked corn and other vegetables ready to be roasted over the bonfire nearby as the sun starts to set. there are also marshmallows and mugs of warm cider and hot cocoa ready to be enjoyed by the fire, and for those old enough to drink it, ask any of the adults for a cup of moonshine.

there are hand-painted signs sprinkled around the property pointing in the directions of all the activities one can find:

- the apple orchard, where various sizes of worn baskets and a random variety of reusable totes sit near the entrance for people to pick their own fruit. it isn't limited to just the apples, but any of the fruit trees they have growing despite most being way out of season.

- a corn maze with rumpled pumpkin-headed scarecrows littered throughout the corn, some of which are sporting familiar clothes that some of the cottage residents may recognize as their own, like a certain long, bullet-riddled red jacket...

- carve your own pumpkin station (where you can sit in silence alongside kni, if you choose to) and make your own funky faced jack o'lantern.

also in the spirit of halloween, almost all of the pokemon and even a few of the chickens are dressed in some kind of costume variations from orange and black and purple ribbons to little hats and bat wings and whatnot.

before anyone can leave, they will be offered (heavily encouraged) to take home a crate of various vegetables and fruits, on top of everything else they may have picked themselves.]

Comments

[ornamentals]

[a very good number of the carved pumpkins sitting around the cottage and gardens can be traced back to kni, who is having a bit more fun than he'd readily admit. he's taken up a spot by the corn maze entrance with a few untouched pumpkins sitting around him waiting for their turn on the carving block. near his feet is a bowl for pumpkin guts that is already being pecked at by a very fluffy chicken wearing a purple ribbon.

anyone is free to join him, or at least ask for one of the handful of carefully laid out carving knives on the grass next to him. on occasion those walking into the corn maze may be rewarded with some words of warning from the teen plant - ("If you find any of the others who got lost, could you tell them to stop screaming?" or "Watch out for the scarecrows, we're not sure where they came from.") although it's hard to say if he's being serious or not.]

[blackcloak]

[Jon squints at the pumpkins as he walks up the path to the cottage, a black-clad figure with somewhat squeaky shoes coming towards Kni. He looks at the pumpkins, considering.

Then he sits down.]

D'you mind if I borrow one of your knives? I'm planning to decorate my brother's place.

[ornamentals]

[it's the approaching squeakiness that has kni slowly raising an eyebrow at jon. he looks up from the affronting shoes to jon properly, brow still arched in a question he doesn't feel like voicing right now.]

So long as you don't leave the gardens with it.

[he motions over the arrayed knives with a hand, giving jon the go-ahead to pick his poison, so-to-speak.

kni looks back to his own work in progress when he speaks again,]

Do you get lost easily?

[blackcloak]

I won't. [There's kitchen knives at home. In any case, he grabs one of the knives, weighs it in his hand for a moment, then sits down and starts working on a pumpkin. He knows his way around a blade, that's visible enough, but at the same time he's never tried to carve a pumpkin before.

He shakes his head.]

No. Not very often, in any case. Why?

[ornamentals]

[well, thankfully there are plenty of examples around them to take inspiration from for jon's own jack o'lantern in the making.]

Your shoes make it very easy to keep track of you.

[the squeakiness is probably not as obtrusive as kni makes it out to be, as sensitive as he can be, but there isn't a universe out there where he wouldn't point it out.]

[doubledollar]

[ he's watching kni as he walks away from a visitor--after telling them to tell others to stop screaming and the frown on vash's face is LOUD. ]

You know, it IS Supposed to be a spooky maze, but if you tell them things like that, they're gonna start thinking we're letting people die in there!!!

[ornamentals]

Don't be ridiculous, Vash.

[that smile he gives vash isn't the most virtuous, but he's allowed a little fun. somewhere deep into the maze, he's sure varian is kicking dirt in frustration as the dead ends pile up.]

No one could be that unreasonable. They'll calm down... [he's going back to shaping one of the teeth on the pumpkin resting against his lap, shrugging a shoulder.] Eventually.

[crisantemo]

[ After hearing about this from her giant beanstalk of a co-worker, Lapis decided this would be a fun thing to do with the little ones - they've never really celebrated Halloween before, despite the spooky holiday decorations that always cloak their house, so this would be a whole new experience! And while she is worried about October's... usual horrifying shenanigans, going to a place where there's other app users should be safe.

With a Cosmog dressed up in a little witches hat and a shiny Murkrow with a dapper vampire cape, they'll make their way over to the free jack o' lanterns first; the babies cheer happily when they find candy in theirs, and after nudging their guardian to take one too, Lapis finds a... particular fortune in hers; ]

"You will get a paper cut from something not even paper." Ah, that sounds about right...

[ Even with her +4 luck, she's still an Agapov.

Otherwise she'll be walking them through the corn maze after they dragged her over to it, trying not to laugh at how now they've taken to hiding under her skirts the moment they spot one of the scarecrows. ]

There there, you're not scared of the friend in our garden. [ Cue a series of protesting chirps and squeaks from underneath the white fabric. It's different when it's their garden with their scarecrow!!!! And the one at home is nice and not creepy!!!!!

It's hard to pat their heads when they're hiding under her dress like this, but she still crouches down enough to manage. ]

Come on. If you're really really brave, we can go pick some apples once we're out.

[ That gets them to peek their little faces out, the desire to gather apples and more outweighing their fears. They can be brave, the bravest, and then they can go home with a massive pile of treats for everyone!

... They might just need another minute or so to gather their courage. Then they will be the bravest! ]

[doubledollar]

It IS a little spooky, isn't it?
I mean it when I say we didn't mean to do such a good job...

[ you can thank wolfwood for getting the Halloween House curse for the entire cottage... ]

But I can promise your little ones that it's totally safe. Maybe Rabbit can go in with them to make sure they feel safe?

[ rabbit, of course, being a pikachu in a cute costume... ]

[crisantemo]

Mmhm. Our house has Halloween decorations all the time, but I guess it's a little more intimidating when it's somewhere new.

[ It's all so big and new, and they're still so litte... But they're determinded!! They can do this!!!

And there's a gentle smile directed at Rabbit as Azzurra and Haneul peek out from under her skirt now, their little faces perking up. ]

I think that's a great idea. Azzurra, Haneul, what do you two think? [ Cue some excited chirps and squeaks as they finally emerge, now eager to go and make their way through the maze. ]

I'll take that as a yes. And make sure to be on your best behaviour for Rabbit too.

[playtag]

End of the Maze
[Those who reach the end of the corn maze will find a small table with mini pumpkins and a "I Survived the Haunted Maze" posterboard sign. The table has many colored sharpies so they can sign their name underneath. There is also a nice stack of hay bales and one last scarecrow next to the corn wall, a nice place to sit for photos! There's a Eevee dressed in little batwings next to the hay bales, flopped onto the ground like she's lost her leggies.]

[Eve is waiting at the table to greet them. When someone leaves the maze, she looks up and claps.]

Congratulations! You made it out.

[She stands and holds up a camera with a light smile.] Would you like a picture?

Lost in the Corn
[Every so often, Eve will fly up to check on those still in the maze, looking like some goth angel. If someone is struggling, they are welcome to flag her down for hints or directions. She'll swoop down herself if she notices someone has been lost in the corn for too long, landing expertly on the path.]

Hello. Do you need help?

[Hopefully she didn't startle you.]

Lost in the Corn

[eternalsolitude]

[ he's not lost he's not lost he's not lost he

...just wanted to come to this place because he heard it was great for fresh vegetables and eggs, and now he's lost in a maze and totally isn't panicking at all not even one bit.

Which is when Eve floats overhead and asks if he needs help.
Hello little girl. The man looks stressed but immediately puts on a brave face. ]

I'm... just taking my time.

[ he speaks naught but lies. ]

[playtag]

[Hello sir. You are new.]

[Eve looks up at him with an impassive stare. Somehow it still manages to radiate judgment.]

You've been in the maze for at least 20 minutes.

[Which wouldn't be too alarming if he wasn't still in the same area she saw him last, retreading old ground. She tilts her head.]

Are you sure you don't want directions? At least a hint?

[whiteshroud]

Jack-o-Lanterns - OTA
[Jun definitely wanted to come check out the cottage's halloween celebrations- it was his favorite holiday and it sounds like they had put a lot of work into it. So he'll be getting into the Halloween spirit and showing up in costume along with his partner. This year, he's going as a kitsune samurai (source), even using his carbuncle ears and tail to make the effect look real as possible. Even the sword is real! Because who at this cottage is going to stop him?

While checking out everything this place has to offer, he'll end up at the jack-o-lanterns. He's always been pretty fond of these things, so of course he's going to be drawn in. Inside his own happens to be a misfortune cookie, which he'll read outloud..]

"You’ll overthink a high five."... [Well, that makes him a little confused] ... What's there to think about with those?

CLOSED TO VARIAN: Corn Maze
[This felt like a good opportunity for a date night, so no surprise he'd be spending the evening at Varian's side. And also no surprise that they'd end up at what looks to be the biggest challenge of the event]

Ohhh, a corn maze! Have you done one of these before?

THE CORN

[droptheious]

[ Varian has come dressed as a vampire - sure, the ears and fangs are his werewolf ones, but no one said he couldn't be a mix! He can make his own silly Halloween rules! Besides, he's having a far better time enjoying the view of his partner and his chosen outfit. He's been enjoying spending the evening with Jun - though his ears perk at the mention of the corn maze. He glances towards it, shaking his head. ]

Uh no. Our corn was just... well, corn. y'know? For harvest. We never made a maze out of it. Why? You wanna give it a try?

[whiteshroud]

[That's right, Halloween was about making their own rules! And you better believe Jun loves the Vampire-werewolf combo, having told Varian so many times throughout the evening.

But right now? He's focused on the corn]

I mean, sure! It could be a good challenge- especially if you've never done a maze like this before.

Don't worry, I'm pretty skilled at this stuff, so you can just rely on me to get us through it in no time.

[He knows these are fighting words.]

[droptheious]

[ Jun knows what he's doing. He knows exactly what he's doing. Varian had already perked up at the "challenge" comment - but what followed? Those were absolutely fighting words. One might think Varian would have learned Jun's games by now. Perhaps he does - it's been over three years of them by now, after all i but his pride will not allow this to lie regardless.

So he scoffs, starting to stride into the maze. ]

Please, I think I can handle a corn maze. I grew up on a farm. I'm pretty sure it'll be simple. I don't need to rely on you to get us through. I can get us in and out in no time. We'll probably set a record.

[whiteshroud]

[Jun knows exactly what he's doing. A maze like this would be simple for Jun, but where's the fun in that? It's way more fun to prod his partner's competitive nature and watching it snowball from there. Not like he was in any rush]

Oh really? Even though you've never done one of these before? They're trickier than people think - so are you sure you won't need my help?

Jack-o-Lanterns

[doubledollar]

[ Don't say it don't say it don't say it

the words are on the TIP of his tongue as Jun says 'what's there to think about', and he has to FORCE himself to swallow down the response 'how you'll do it when you're so much smaller than me.

Vash knows better.
Vash likes being alive.
He loves being alive SO MUCH. ]

That's a pretty weird one. [ fuckin nailed it. ] From what I've seen? Half those fortunes seem to be duds, as far as I'm concerned....

Maybe you should draw again to get a better one.

[ safe. ]

[whiteshroud]

[Good job Vash. You have chosen to live!!! Jun is not a mind reader, so he's unaware of the heightism going on in Vash's brain]

Yeah? Guess that doesn't surprise me....

Alright, I'll draw again. [After quickly eating the cookie? He'll grab another jack-o-lantern, this time with another fortune cookie. It reads:]

"You'll explain something… incorrectly. With confidence."

... Oh. I do do that sometimes! It's funny. [SHAMELESS]

[mediocrites]

[Fortunately? - OTA]

[Tonight, Ratio is dressed in a smart pinstripe suit, with his hair slicked back and a pencil mustache meticulously drawn on his upper lip. Iphitus the Rowlet is perched on his shoulder, wearing an improbable dog ears headband. Both of them are peering down at a fortune that he's pulled from a cookie.]

"You will unplug the wrong cable." ...Hardly a prediction worthy of the name. No one ever labels the equipment in the lecture halls correctly.

[Orchard Date Night - closed to Aventurine]

[Since Aventurine has been working the Zodiac haunted house, the two of them have elected to find a different activity for their romantic evening. Ratio has picked up one of the baskets and is eyeing the produce trees thoughtfully.]

...Since they're liable to drop apples on my head regardless of what they're actually growing, perhaps we should pick some other sort of fruit to start with.

orchard date night

[neverchanged]

[Aventurine is dressed in a luxurious black slinky dress with spaghetti straps and a deeply-plunging neckline, along with some glittery diamonds around his neck and pretty heels. His hair is pinned and curled in a way that only existed around the time of the 30's, giving the impression of a wealthy heiress of the time. And that's exactly what he's playing tonight, as it turns out.

He looks way too comfortable for someone who usually wears suits to work. Even traipsing around in an orchard. He hangs daintily off Ratio's elbow, balancing a basket in his other hand.]

Good point. Hmm, I think I see peaches over there. What do you think? I could ask Baba for a recipe.

[mediocrites]

[Ratio is more than happy to help support his lover's weight, especially when Aventurine looks so good in his costume. He's not making any effort to hide the way his eyes wander - after all, that too is part of the costume they've chosen, right?]

Good idea. Since this place isn't subject to the usual natural laws, we can get something that's normally out of season.

[He'll lead the way over, making sure Aventurine can keep his footing steadily in those heels.]

...Hm. Do your wings let you hover? [Some logistical difficulties with this choice have occurred to him.]

[neverchanged]

[Aventurine preens a little when he notices, and bites his lip a little. All part of the act.]

Not precisely, but that doesn't mean I'm empty-handed. Watch - and - learn~

[He concentrates and holds out his free hand. A stepladder appears in front of him, gently glowing gold and far less threatening than his usual deluge of coins in battle.]

This will do just fine, don't you think?

[mediocrites]

You're getting more creative with that ability.

[Ratio can do the same thing with shadows at this point, but it occurs to him less often.]

In that case, we can both account for our share.

[Iphitus, still wearing the dog-ears headband that indicates his current assigned role as Asta the Terrier, warbles his own agreement and takes off to settle on the branches of the tree.]

Yes, and you too, of course.