February always came in like a draft under the door. The 9th carved itself into the month like a scar, and no matter how many years passed, it still ached. Noah's laugh. Creaton's small hand in his. Two ghosts that showed up right on schedule, polite as church bells and twice as loud. So this year, he had fought back. He had been so determined to fill the silence and the void with Mardi Gras noise. If he couldn't outrun their memories, he'd drown them in brass horns and drums. A little New Orleans spirit dragged all the way to South Carolina.
He leaned against the streetlight. He dipped a square of cornbread into a cup of gumbo and hummed a bit at the warmth. It wasn't perfect, but it was close enough to almost be authentic. The parade rolled past in a blur of purple and gold, jazz horns echoed around him. He chuckled a b it as a stranger slipped beads over his neck, smiling like they'd known him forever. He ducked his head in thanks, fingers brushing along the cheap plastic like it was something precious.
When he looked up again, he felt someone lingering just behind him. He turned, smiling gently. "Having fun...?"
Selene adjusted the crisp blazer of her Portside Hotel uniform and stepped behind the polished front desk, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. “Good evening, and welcome to the Portside Hotel,” she said, her tone professional but warm, a hint of curiosity in her dark eyes. “I’m Selene, the manager here. May I have your name for check-in?” She handed over a sleek key card, glancing up with a polite smile, ready to make a first impression that was as flawless as the view of the harbor just beyond the lobby windows. They were busier than usual but that was because of Valentine's Day and the Mardi Gras.
Lia hadn't been out since she had gotten back to town. She'd been hiding at the Winery. Well hiding was probably what the family called it. She just hadn't felt the rush to go out and see people. She just wanted to get used to her family again. She wanted to spend time with her mother and sister having been separated from them for so long. And a small part of her knew she hated the thought of going out. Of being perceived by a town. Her family bought into the founder family aristocracy less than others but still she was the smart girl from a small town that had gone away to get a high ranking degree from a very prestigious college. She was supposed to have gotten out of small town life and had settled for a marriage to a mediocre man became a housewife and now was back in her family home a failure. She didn't want to feel the judgement around her but she had to get out.
So here she was in her most colorful dress almost an insult to the people who put this together how plain she looked in comparison. But still she was out and could feel the universe encouraging her like this was the right move. That maybe she was meant to be here not a warning that she'd ignored but an encouragement for letting her walls down truly and letting her family legacy in. She turned hearing her name. "What was that. Sorry I couldn't hear you over the music." she said.
The Mardi Gras festivities were amazing. Neptune had been so excited when she heard about them. Literally the whole town partying on the street. Her father never would have let her do something so fun. Nor would the high society she grew up around. She had brought out some PolyGlide and decided to showcase some tricks on the synthetic ice. She was skating along the small square, doing some spins and the occasional jumps. She had to be careful though because it was not nearly as large as a real rink. More opportunity to actually fall off the edge. She did a lutz before turning and bowing to the small crowd that had gathered to watch. She took a bow, smiling softly. "Que la fete commence!" She had heard quite a few people say it in a strange version of french. Apparently Louisana French was different than Paris french, but it was okay. She was enjoying it none the less.
As we wrap up our snowstorm event, we’ve cultivated some activities for the month of February leading into March’s activity check! ( Now- March 15 )
This event will run as optional back ground fanfare for you and your characters to enjoy should you wish to participate!
With Mardi Gras coinciding with Valentine’s Day this year, we’ve decided to do a fun little mashup mash up of sweetheart & Mardi Gras activities! You’ll find all of those below the cut!
Please use the hash tags: turtlebay.event , turtlebay.valentines , turtlebay.mardigras for event starts and threads!
Sweethearts, palentines, valentines! :
Gala at Wine & Dine will be hosting an outdoor event for couples, single peeps.
Speed dating at Lux every tuesday and thursday throughout the month of February
Turtlebay newspaper is accepting submissions for “sweethearts.” Spotlight! Share your love story with with us for a chance to be featured during the month of February!
Activities: Poem submissions and providing and kids coloring sheets- winning poems will be featured - candy and cash prizes awarded!
The Downton diner will have a speciality sweetheart’s drink and food menu
Heart shaped pizza and desserts from our very own downtown pizzeria
Inked tattoos will be offering a Friday the 13th tattoo flash sale
Buds in bloom will be offering a build your own bouquet for just seven dollars!
Two for one game play tickets at arcade paradise on select nights in February
Sunniside drive in will be showing classic romcoms with popcorn and a drink for just five dollars on select week nights
The book nook will have free card decorating!
Mardi Gras! :
Mardi Gras Parade celebration! The streets of downtown will come alive for an all day celebration featuring live music, art, street vendors, beads, king cake, gumbo and maybe crawdaddies!
Mardi Gras celebration at Envy Nightclub hosted by Nicholas Stewart & Thaddeus
The town council is accepting float submissions from local businesses! Let us know if you want your character or business to take part! Be that in providing a float for the parade or throwing beads and candy from one!
The downtown diner will be serving up fresh beignets all throughout the month!
Paws up for Gras! Healing paws will be offering discounted and free services for animals in need
Safe haven will be offering animal safe dye during the parade event if you want your furry friends to look festive!
Pretty cold ice cream is going to be serving special beignet and king cake ice cream flavors throughout the month of February
Visionary haven will be hosting an art exhibit during the season - taking submissions from local artists to display their works
