Thread: The Lantern Festival [Lost Lamb x VonGentlemen]

The sight of the Lantern Keepers hanging their glowing chains of paper lanterns from the tips of the Lantern Towers was considered to be the most important sight of the year, yet it currently rang empty. Each year survived in the land of dark was cause for celebration, a reaffirmation that the human spirit could triumph in spite of a hostile world. This festival in particular seemed doubly so, as it concluded a year free of altercations with the Iron Giants and howling predators that stalked the night beyond Havens walls. Tradition dictated that the celebrations would a last a fornight an endless stream of festivity, hedonism, and debauchery that was likely to empty the pantries, coffers, and inhibitions of the citys countless revelers. Like the others of his land, Vayce had never seen the sun. Instead, he occupied a nameless land forever consumed by the darkness. Against all odds, a small settlement named Haven survived and eventually blossomed into the metropolis of present age. While the countless carved stone faces that comprised the streets served as an ever-present reminder to the citys traditions, the constant need for reaffirmation manifested into a massive celebration aptly dubbed The Lantern Festival. Yet, for all the promised jubilation, Vayce felt little elation. The nobleman had little desire for the tiring games of power that mired him to amplify in the presence of celebration. While others in the citys many courts relished a chance to both elevate their status and engage in sin, he saw the entire affair as a testament to the shallow greed that mired the citys noble courts. His birth likely contributed Vayce wasnt born into nobility his only birthright had been a drunken mother and an increasingly overpowering reason to leave home. He was little more than a conscripted smith when he became one of few artisans to successfully forge tools from godsteel and soon found himself forced to deal with the machinations of high society. The nebulous nature of wealth meant that attempts to leave the political games facilitated by wealthy heirs would leave him both destitute and burdened with countless detractors. For now, he would play their little games. While Vayce oft found himself clad in the uncomfortable tunics and countless white straps that indicated nobility, his rough features betrayed his lowly birth. His olive skin was lightly adorned with scars and burns sustained during his conscripted days. A sharp jawline and intense brow were adorned with a mane of auburn hair that had been carefully tamed into a modest braid. The light indications of a beard were beginning to form, although Vayce couldnt determine if he wished to shave. His garb was a mixture of regal and common he wore a neat teal jerkin with padded shoulders and several white leather couplings along the limbs. Across torso lay a fur sash a callback to his days tending to the forges. At present hour, he was doing his best to avoid tending to his political duties. He had little doubt that the workers of his estate were bustling about in preparation for the countless feasts he would be obligated to supply. Countless carvings of seared beast meat and dried mushrooms stocked his cellars as his servants distilled potent poisons in anticipation of the inevitable slight. Simply sitting streetside and watching the busy Lantern Keepers go about their business proved an adequate distraction for his turbulent mind. As his eyes surveyed the workers, he found himself drawn to the contours of their bodies. Something about the flickering of lanterns certainly embellished the curves of their bodies and the sways inherent in their walk. As his concealed flask wet his lips, he found himself idly walking about with a random crowd of merchants on the way to the market. The celebrations were soon to be upon them.