MINGLE - Post-Op(era) Recovery

[pumpkinhollow]

On this night we drink to the death of Sorrow.

After the Fall of Efrain With the Prince of Sorrow's Song dead and gone, the opera dissipates, spitting its victims out on the summit of Crane's Ridge where the Dance of Celestine was held some months before. It's getting late, and there is no one yet in town to run the train. Some will brave the trip home simply for the sake of collapsing into their own beds and achieving some sense of normalcy. Others will do so with the hope of returning with help. But many others will simply say "fuck it" and camp out on the mountain, still fitted with extra firewood from the festival and the means to build temporary structures in nearby storage sheds. The journey down will be safer in the morning, and there's solidarity to be had in a cool spring night spent under the stars.

Oh, look, there's even some non-perishable food and wine from the Dance. Combined with what can be hunted or foraged, as well as snacks and drinks stolen from the concession stand, there's plenty to go around. This might even be a little bit fun! Anyone up for another game of Never Have I Ever? Maybe a little Truth or Dare? Or perhaps you just want to chat and unwind with your friends. Whatever the case may be, have fun. This is your time. After darkness, there is a dawn. At the death of Sorrow, there is joy.

Comments

[xiaoxiuya]

Shen Qingqiu, it's been well-established, is not Neil West's biggest fan. He's deeply unsettled by the thought of Neil's dreamwalking, and something about him just doesn't feel right in a way Shen Qingqiu can't seem to put his finger on. The guy's kind of a weirdo, when you think about it.

But he's also...ugh, he doesn't even want to think about it...he's also incredibly handsome. God damn it! This wouldn't be an issue if Shen Qingqiu were really as straight as he used to think he was! But the simple and painful truth is that Neil looks downright sexy in that suit, and with how well he's playing that violin...it's just too much. It's really too much! Shen Qingqiu has to do something before he loses his mind!

As Neil starts in on a new song, Shen Qingqiu abruptly realizes that it's a tune he recognizes, and before he knows it he's singing along, his voice ringing out nice and clear across the impromptu camp. Well, why not? Wasn't he just complaining to Sally about how Efrain wasted his talents??

[itsjustabaddream]

Ah, a musician's favorite thing--- collaboration. There's nothing quite as fun, at least for Neil, as playing an instrument and having another musician join. He's not familiar with the singing voice (probably because he didn't actually hear much of Shen Qingqiu singing at the actual opera...) and is surprised to spot the source across the way.

How very interesting!

Part of Neil considers just ignoring him, considering Shen Qingqiu has been a bit of a thorn in his side. But there is an edge of petty joy to the fact that this is in front of everyone and will surely annoy Dahlia. So he keeps playing, switching gears to lead less and accompany more, and moving toward his fellow performer.

[xiaoxiuya]

Shen Qingqiu appears startled and uncertain, but keeps singing, reasoning that it would be more embarrassing for everyone if he stopped now. He remains sitting, and thus ends up in the unenviable position of looking up at Neil as the man comes closer, still sawing away at his violin with expertise and grace. It is deeply unfair how attractive he looks in the moonlight, and Shen Qingqiu desperately tries to think about his experiences with Meng Mo, the dream demon, to avoid embarrassing himself by blushing even harder or missing a note or something like that.