#bdt otsukimi

[bigdippertalent]

YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED TO—

Autumn is just about finally here and I, Okina Matara, have magnanimously decided to yet again pay back all my shining stars and those who cheer them on with another festival. This time, I’ll be offering you all a divine otsukimi— bringing the brilliance of fall to a forefront in this spectacular moon-viewing festival!

What Is It?

The Hidden Fall Otsukimi is meant to be a gathering meant for one to indulge themselves in the splendors of the autumnal season while basking underneath the glow of the moon.

There will be food stands featuring traditional autumn food such as sweet potatoes, mushroom skewers, season fruits and nuts (such as persimmons and chestnuts), grilled fish, oden and more— along with various stalls to participate in games to win prizes, such as goldfish scooping, (toy) gun shooting, ring tossing, and so on.

In addition, there’ll be various stalls to purchase festive objects, such as masks and the like. Residents of Spirale are more than welcome to set up shop with permission from Big Dipper Talent, with a 10% tax on profits. We currently are partnered with Fire & Iron, but welcome any other local merchants to partake.

There will also be a small stage where a handful of our performers— including Troupe Master Grimm and the flautist Waka, among others!

Where Is It?

We’ll be holding this little event in a spot resting between the Ophiuchus Tree and the Forest of Airaisal, close to the river. A helpful map will be sent to all employees.

When Is It?

The Hidden Fall Otsukimi shall be taking place on September 29th, from noon until the late evening. This shall be but for one night, so I hope you can make it!

Who Is Invited?

While primarily for employees of Big Dipper Talent, the general public is free to join as well! However— same as with our Hanami celebration, members of Big Dipper Talent will be given passes for free food and drink, with two additional passes for friends they would like to invite.

Non-employees and locals without passes must pay for their own food and drink, but may otherwise enjoy their time with us at no expense! Of course, this doesn’t apply to the other stands we’ll have set up.

Troublemakers will be expelled. Security shall also be working for the evening, with frequent breaks allowed.

[hiddenstar]

☾ ~ Hidden Fall Otsukimi ~ ☾

     It was a beautiful day with not a cloud in sight, and within the Cotes Ward, overlooking the river running betwixt the Ophiuchus Tree and the Forest of Airaisal, was a grove dyed with the full brilliance of autumn. The trees were a menagerie of red, orange and yellow— their vibrant colors burning brighter here than any other location within the city of Spirale. Truly, this spot was the epitome of fall.

And beneath those warm hues were a myriad of attractions. From the multitude of food stands came the scent of delicious mushroom skewers, roasted chestnuts, potatoes, fish, dango and so on— while already there was the sound of laughter from the various festival games being held nearby, coupled by the voices of hawkers selling their wares to those interested. 

Opposite to this by the river were countless red picnic blankets with people already seated down at them and enjoying themselves, and a currently empty stage nearby...

A clamor would suddenly rise, however. Coming down through the entrance of the fair grounds were a line of people— all carrying a festive mikoshi, decorated with a throne on it’s backside. As they cheerfully moved forward with the palanquin, the festively dressed employees of Big Dipper would turn it around and set it down on an empty platform at the northern point of the grounds, just underneath a conspicuously dead tree...

Then, without warning— an ominous green door would manifest from behind the throne, visible to all. And as it opened... Okina would appear from within.

“Welcome, everyone~” The god would cheerfully announce, having been tossed a microphone. “I am Okina Matara— executive director of Big Dipper Talent and host of this event! Thank you all for taking the time to come here today.”

“Otsukimi is an occasion meant to bask within the glory of the harvest moon while enjoying the fruits of the autumnal season... and though the moon may yet be up, I can promise you a moon like no other! So until then— eat ‘till you’re full! Play to your heart’s desire! Cheer for the performances we’ve got set up for you, and enjoy this divine gift of the ultimate autumnal display! Embrace it!”

     The goddess pauses as an applause forms after her words. Closing her eyes, she rises slightly into the air— looking back at the dead tree behind her momentarily.

“So what's there to wait for?! I hereby announce that this Hidden Fall Otsukimi—” The barren tree sitting behind the god would flourish to life before everyone’s eyes, immediately proceeding seasonally through it’s spring and summer lifetime before bursting with the color of autumn “—Has officially begun! Haaahahahaha!”

[rudebustxr]

So, she ended up here during some kind of festival, huh? All the food smelled great, but for whatever reason, Susie was more drawn to the gigantic tree that came to life in the middle of everything. How’d that weird woman do that? 

Well, she wasn’t going to think on it too hard. Instead, Susie reached up and grabbed a fist full of leaves from said tree, shoving them into her mouth and chowing down on them.

“Not bad. The Dark World ones were better, though. Tasted more red.”

[kujoutengu]

@floradorned

Waka was currently next to the stage, his back leaning against one of the posts as he kept an eye on the crowds around him. He had sent an invite to Haruki earlier, asking him if he would not only join Waka at the festival, but also perform alongside him on stage. Haruki had agreed, so now all Waka had to do was wait.

After a few more minutes passed, he spotted the familiar spirit approach, and a bright and oddly warm smile crossed his lips.

“Bonsoir, mon ami~” he said. “I see you have finally made it~”

[twohundredpower]

Amidst the falling leaves of the trees and the various stands wafting with the smells of freshly cooked food, Lloyd stood behind his very own venue; finishing up the last of the touches to make his display area look as inviting as he wanted it to. Lining the counter were various trinkets and jewelry, adorned with intricate detail and brilliant, shining stones. Even behind him on the wall sat various works of his, though these fell more into the decorative weapon type; small daggers, shields, and other metal work gleaming under the light of the warm autumn sun.

As passerbys glanced over, small crowds of people slowly making their way closer, Lloyd was ready and eager to meet them with a smile; raising his hand to wave in greeting.

“Yo! Welcome to Fire and Iron’s very own Otsukimi stand! We’re being hosted by Okina and Big Dipper Talent today, so be sure to stop by and check out our wares! We’re even taking commissions if you don’t see what you’re looking for!”

[hiddenstar]

Hidden Fall Otsukimi ☾ Conclusion (Part 2)

“Hello, hello~ May I have everyone’s attention~?” Okina’s voice broke out over her microphone for the last time this night, and she’d wait until all eyes were on her. “Firstly, I’d like to once again thank you all for joining us tonight, and for sticking with us until the very end! As of now, the festival will soon reach it’s conclusion... the stalls will slowly be closing up within the next two hours, however, so there’s no rush to leave.”

“However, in the meantime, I would like to announce the winners of our in-company raffle! ... I got many confused looks when I mentioned it before, and that’s because it’s a little surprise of mine to give back to three lucky employees.” Gesturing to an employee nearby, they bring to her a small golden box. “I’ll be drawing from this four names. The first three will be our grand prize winners... and the fourth? ... I’ll save that for later. Now then! The first prize winner goes to...”

     Okina digs a hand into the box, and pulls out a strip of paper.

“... Oho! It looks to be... Steve, from accounting!” A whole bunch of the Big Dipper Talent employees who lived natively within Spirale suddenly began to cheer, as the dryad named Steve looked on in shock. “Your prize is— a trip to the local spa, all expenses paid for! Isn’t that nice? Makes me wish I had put my name in here as well... we’ll hash out the details later, so sit tight. Anyhow— or next winner iiiiis...”

     Fishing within the box, Okina pulls out another paper.

“... Well now! If it isn’t Ismael ( @heclingmuzik​​ ) ! Congratulations to you, Ismael— you’ve won a shopping spree at RE:CORE in the Sunset Circuit! You’ll be free to buy up to any ten items you want, no matter the expense! Aren’t I generous? Next up...”

     Once more, she digs for a paper...

“Is Seiichirou ( @workaho1ic​​ ), our runner up! Your prize is...! A basket of the finest ginger and bamboo shoots, personally grown by yours truly— and a free dinner at the Ol’ Gal diner! And now, for the last prize. The boobie prize.”

“This ‘prize’ denotes who shall be leading the cleaning duty for the evening! So now, without further hesitation...!” Once more Okina searches for a paper, and a drumroll begins to briefly go off. And as she pulls out the paper... the god loses it.

“Hah...! Ahaha! Aaaahahahahahaha! I don’t believe it! Hahaha, tonight’s grand loser is...! Zelos Wilder ( @gleamknight​​ )! What rotten luck you’ve got! ... Well now, that’s that! The prizes will be delivered to all you lucky winners by tomorrow— and as for Zelos, feel free to get a start on things in an hour, won’t you? Anyhow! That’s all the announcements I’ve got for you all tonight! I do hope you’ve enjoyed this Hidden Fall Otsukimi of mine... perhaps I shall see you all again in the spring? Farewell!”

     And with that... the Hidden Fall Otsukimi came to a joyous close.

[hiddenstar]

Hidden Fall Otsukimi ☾ Conclusion (Part 1)

     Daylight had fully left the city now, and up in the sky above the fairgrounds, the moon was now gigantic. It’s visage, while beautiful, was more than intimidating— and in fact, there were many citizens of Spirale who had been looking up at the orange specter with fear in their hearts... and Okina, who was watching it all, grinned.

Pulling out her phone, she’d send someone a text message— before bringing up her mike once more to speak with the wary masses. “How is everyone doing tonight?”

“Is the moon you see before you not unbelievably breathtaking? Heh heh, many of you seem to be at a loss of words, just by looking at you...” Looking down at the the fairgrounds from her throne and to the people beneath her, the god nodded approvingly. “As promised, I’ve brought you all a moon unlike any other. But I can see it in your eyes... such splendor is perhaps a bit much, isn’t it? Hahaha, why, I just so happen to agree!”

     Slowly, Okina rises to her feet— and outstretches her hands.

“That is why now, before this moon engulfs the entirety of the night, I shall let you all witness yet another moon like no other. Are you all ready?” Her body raises into the sky as citizens look between themselves, confused as to what she means. In her hands, the scabbard of a straight sword— one which she draws, and points skyward.

“Behold!” From the tip of her blade does a brilliant star suddenly form, said star soon glowing an overwhelmingly bright light. “The visage of a moon destroyed!”

     And from that light— a bright beam fires forth, straight upwards. And as the beam seems to disappear into the distance, the light from her blade fades... and then. The ominous moon, resting on it’s laurels above everyone... cracks. From it’s center, multiple crevices form... and suddenly, it begins to glow brighter and brighter, until—!

In a flash of light, it ‘explodes’... sparkles trail down above the fair, and now in the night sky the true moon can be seen in it’s usual spot. Across the river, the sound of fireworks go off— exploding into a big dipper, with many others following it.

“Aaahaahahahaha! Breathtaking, wasn’t it?! I’d like to personally thank the one who made such a sight possible, Kay ( @spiderstaff​ ), for her impressive handiwork. How did you all like it? Amazed? Afraid? Both? Regardless, I do hope you enjoyed the spectacle!” An uproar of applause soon follows, and the god returns to her throne. “Feel free to enjoy the true moon, and the rest of your night! I’ll be announcing the conclusion of this festival— and the winners of a company lottery I secretly held— in an hour, so I do hope you all stay until the end! Hahaha!”

[hiddenstar]

     With the action already having died down, Okina sat atop her throne, gazing up at the ever distant true moon of Spirale, smile across her face.

“Phew... that went well— though it’s a shame this is the least I can do. Still... seeing the moon crack like that was truly exhilarating. What a wonderful sight.” Raising a hand, the god stretches her fingers, placing the celestial body between them.

“Still...”

     Idly, her fingers crush the distant moon in her fingers.

“How fantastic it would have been were it the real thing... heh heh heh. Oh well.”