[MINGLE] Harvest Feast 🍂

[sixthiteration]

WHERE: 6I Inn
WHEN: 10 November, all day
OPEN TO: ALL - MINGLE POST
NOTE: Details can be found here.

---

In the wee hours of November 10th, before even the earliest risers have roused themselves for another day, items begin to appear in the front room of the Inn. Decorations first — Boughs of autumn leaves in their reds and golds, wreaths of dried flowers and silken ribbon, flickering candles among the goards and berries and acorns. The food arrives next, the decadent aroma slipping up the Inn stairs to tempt those lingering in bed — Every imaginable harvest time delicacy, from roast turkey and ham to smoked salmon and oysters; fresh, soft bread warm from the oven to plum pudding and ice cream. And did we mention pie?

Once again, it's time for a feast. The bar is stocked, the coffee is brewed and the tables are groaning with food. Indulge, there's more than enough for everyone — That is, if you don't lose your appetite worrying about what it will all cost.

Comments

[ethnobotany]

"No." Beverly gives her head a firm shake. Whatever she's seen of these Observers, "kind" does not seem to be on the list of words they understand. "I mean, this might be the last we see of decent food for a long time." Months, likely. Where their next meal comes from... not even she knows.

"I found a letter recently and I can only assume it was from these Observers. It asked me to do something unkind in exchange for a reward. Needless to say, I haven't done it." And she never will. She's the kind of idealistically kind person, who would never hurt someone if she could help it. "I wish I could here. Where I come from, we have technology to monitor and even alter entire weather patterns. But none of that seems to exist here." The people in charge, though, might be using some of that technology. It would explain a whole lot.

[iron_beneath_beauty]

"There are at least some that have experience in hunting during the winter and snow." There were others that didn't seem willing to let something like this get in the way of providing for the village. Still, it was nice to have less pressure and stress about what to do in the coming months.

"There was a letter?" Actual communication with the Observers? That seemed impossible but valuable in so many ways. Not only had they never heard from their hosts before, but this was the first time they actually were told what they wanted. Though the unkind aspect was perhaps the most frightening. "What did they tell you to do?

"Someone must have an idea. We could at least prepare for the worst days and anticipate the better ones." Rather than simply assuming everything would be terrible.

[ethnobotany]

Beverly nods; though she might not assume that the supply of game in the forest will hold for the entire winter, she's also not about to burst the girl's bubble too much. That kind of optimism is rare here and it should be protected. Or at least not burst entirely.

At the question about the letter, she sighs softly. It's getting almost tedious to recount the atrocity they wanted, though she doesn't have anyone to blame but herself for bringing it up. "They wanted me to steal something of value from someone else and leave it somewhere specific. If I did that, it says I would have been rewarded."

Needless to say, and given the specific tense she uses at the end, she hasn't done it and doesn't plan on ever obeying.

"It can't hurt to ask around. Exploring might eventually turn up something."

[iron_beneath_beauty]

Because it hadn't caused trouble before, there was little reason for her to suspect that there wouldn't be enough game for this winter. While she hadn't experienced winter in the village yet, she had heard stories.

She's amazed by the letter's directions. If Beverly had followed the instructions, could she have waited nearby for an Observer to appear? It was a long shot, but it was a chance at least to hunt them out, if it was possible. The Observers were unlikely to appear, but when had they ever received instructions before?

"Has anyone else received a letter?" Maybe they had done it, even if it was a dark request.

[ethnobotany]

These particular directions are some Beverly would never be tempted to follow, not under these specific conditions. And especially not for people who torture on a regular basis. If it were specifically to help someone in need and there were literally no other options, she would. But not otherwise.

"I've only heard of one other. I don't know who, just that she didn't do it, either. Ned Stark told me. You might ask him."

[iron_beneath_beauty]

"My brother?" He hadn't said anything to her about a letter or knowing about one, but that didn't mean very much. Only that it was something he didn't believe was pressing compared to so much else. "Ned Stark is my brother."

She was so much younger than Ned (only 16), but there was at least a resemblance there. Though of late, she had begun to realize how much more she looked like his child rather than his sister. Time continued to move for him but became a standstill for her. "I'm Lyanna Stark."

[ethnobotany]

Given that she lives on a starship, wasn't born on Earth, and has known plenty of people with stranger age gaps than that, Beverly doesn't even bat an eye at this news. The only reaction she really has is a look of delight that crosses her face. "Really? I haven't had the chance to see him more than two or three times, but he seems like a good person. All the more reason to ask him."

Holding out a hand in greeting, she lets her smile warm further. "Beverly Crusher. It's wonderful to meet you, Lyanna."

[iron_beneath_beauty]

"He is a good person." Something that people took advantage of, considering how rigid his sense of honor was. "It's probably why I haven't heard about this before, the letter, I mean. He doesn't want to worry me about what is happening." Just as she hadn't told him about the letter she received...if she ever told him.

She smiled shyly, starting to let her guard down. "It's nice to met you too. I have seen you about the village, but I never had the chance to talk to you before."