2021-11-04 - Harvest Festival: Dancing a Reel in teh Flickering Light

This is actually the first Autumn Harvest Festival that Conner Hawthorne has made an appearance at since he was a child. The former shut-in is currently buying up purple pumpkin pies by them, kind of charmed by the fact that they exist and blatantly ignoring the supposition that there might be something odd enough about them to warrant caution. Maybe there isn't. Maybe it's just food coloring or an otherwise harmless long story. Either way he is going to bring some home. And eat them. With abandon. It's probably fine.

There are enough people here to make him look as shy and as awkward as he is of course. He has on a jacket, a brown one, over his common clothes, and this does nothing to make him look any more pulled together or any less rumpled. Still, he's got smiles for people, gentle even though they are simultaneously awkward. He has sort of retreated back to his apartment of late, proving that the kind of growth that changes a shut in into a citizen isn't a straightforward path. Yet here he is, making an effort.

Alexander isn't really a 'festival' kind of guy, overall. On the other hand, he is a nosy sort of guy, and plus there's cider and pies. So here he is, walking around dressed like a homeless person, skulking at the edges of conversations, eavesdropping on people, and basically doing what Alexanders do best: creating a low-level but persistent sense of discomfort among regular, upstanding people.

Perhaps surprisingly, though, he keeps weaving back to an older couple who are much better dressed, and much kinder-looking, who are standing near Conner as they politely applaud speeches and exclaim over decorations. Native townies would likely recognize at least the male of the couple as Coach Clayton, now retired, but who used to coach high school football and teach history at Addington High for several decades. He's the one who looks over to Conner and says, in a jovial sort of voice, "Good to see the town coming together after a tragedy, isn't it? Teamwork, that's what that is."

"Or everyone's just scared out of their minds and figures a high target environment is a better risk," Alexander deadpans in, to quelling looks from his mother and his father. He shrugs, then turns a flat, near-black gaze on Conner, like he's trying to decide if he recognizes him.

For Devlin it's about damn time to get some down time to relax. He has his hat on as usual that shows off jump wings and a combat medic badge. And he's casual today wearing blue jeans, running shoes (for a change) and a tee shirt that has the silhouette of a medic evac chopper taking off with wounded and the following words around it: "I am a grumpy veteran. I Served, I Sacrificed. I don't regret. I am not a hero, not a legend. My oath of enlistment has no expiration date. I have anger issues and a serious dislike of stupid people. I am proud to be a veteran. If this offends you, I don't care." A small day pack hangs off his shoulder as he window shops the farmer's market. Here and there he stops to buy a little something. A few craft knicknacks here and there along with a few food items like sauces.

Lately, Jonathan's tried to avoid the big events, but still, here he is. He looks around for a few moments, to look for familiar people (and probably if those are ones he'd want to avoid or not), nodding to those he knows as he looks around. Noticing Alexander, he offers the man a brief grin and a nod.

Vyv is not, broadly speaking, the sort of person to throw himself into festivals either. But he is the sort to show up and people-watch, even if he weren't also the sort to 'let' the short list of his nearest and dearest drag him along to such things. Which is to say, he was inevitably going to end up here; the only real question was whether the highest odds on that list were for Bax or Hyacinth. As it turns out, it's the latter. 'City event' and 'Addington-run' have perhaps won out over 'hay maze' and 'lots of food'.

If further evidence that it's Autumn were needed, that could be gleaned from today's ensemble as he walks along beside her, eyeing the stalls. Tweed, mostly, one of those perfectly tailored three piece suits he's so fond of, with a pale butter-yellow shirt and tie and pocket square in (different; coordinate, never match!) patterns involving shades of brown, orange, yellow, and the occasional hint of blue for contrast. Also it sets off his eyes. What catches them, right now, are the purple pumpkin pies. And not even just because they're other people's baked goods and thus require intense judgement. Some of that appears to be spared for Conner, who gets greeted with a curious, "You're intending to eat those, are you?"

Devlin as he makes his way through the stalls pauses as he notices a familiar face, "Hello Conner." He then sips on a soda that he just got from a stall. "I swear some of those pies look like I'd have to run a marathon to work off if I eat those sugar bombs." Noticing Vyv he smiles to the man, another familiar face.. perhaps a little less familiar in truth.

Hyacinth is happy to be the FIRST PERSON to tell anyone that everything is suspect in Gray Harbor. She's sort of resigned to just letting people figure this out for themselves. To be honest now that the wave has crashed she even has to wonder what new 'normal' is going to feel like. Normal, too, is also weird. By virtue that Vyv's 'other' is going to be busy a while carving a pumpkin like it will survive posterity is seems Hya wins a Vyv for the afternoon a while. Fingers flit to Alexander in a greeting. A more open smile to Devlin (Party medic) and a warmer one for Conner who survives on merit that he impaled a pineapple many times into a plant to cheer her once injured (and still bedazzled) self up.

"Jonathan. I haven't seen you since...huh, prom I suppose. How ARE things?" At the question of the 'eating those' Hya's eyes widen in a Devlin and Connerwardly direction murmuring, "Dear god I think he may..."

"Um," Conner says to Alexander, helpfully, as he gives the other man an owlish blink. He shakes off being taken aback and says with soft, mild reproof: "Well if people are scared, it's likely better to avoid saying things which make them more scared, instead of saying things which help them relax and have a good time." He himself can't remember having met Alexander, at least...there's no sign of recognition on his face. That doesn't mean they haven't, it just means it's slipped the older fellow's mind for now.

Vyv and his judgement produce a hint of a smile. "I mean. I've never had a purple pie before. How are you, Vyv? You're looking well. Quite dapper tonight, as usual. Devlin, nice to see you," he says. He pats his own Dad bod tummy a little and says, "I've already lost the war. I might as well enjoy the pie. Ms. Hyacinth, delighted to see you, ma'am."

Alexander notices Jonathan's grin and nod. He looks momentarily startled, but returns the nod cautiously. And adds a tentative sort of smile for good measure. "Mr. Wallgren. It has been a while. You're still alive. Good." His eyes flick away, noting the approaching Hyacinth and Vyv - as always, Alexander sort of shrinks back as if the two most intimidating people in Gray Harbor (with that title recently usurped from Margaret Addington) might just ignore his presence. His parents aren't so restrained, and cheerfully wave and greet everyone who comes near.

He recovers enough for a rueful look in Conner's direction. "Something terrible is going to happen. It usually does." So much for cheerful. And then there's music! It's lovely music, and Mr. Clayton whispers something to Mrs. Clayton, who laughs. The two excuse themselves to go dance. It's not really dancing music, but they don't seem to care. Alexander's eyes follow them with his brow furrowed in concern, even as his head tilts to one side. "Is someone playing wrong?" If it doesn't have electric guitars and screaming, he's not an expert.

Devlin nods with the comment about something terrible is about to happen. He cocks his head a little, "Yes, something seems a little off. As to what.." he shrugs, "Gray Harbor. Rod Serlings' second home it seems." He takes a breath, "Then again.. a bit of pie may be a good idea.. might need the energy."

"Not dead yet," Jonathan begins a bit lightly as he hears Alexander's greeting. "It has. Good to see you're alive as well," he replies, before he looks over to Hyacinth at her greeting. "Hey," he offers, before he pauses at the mention of that prom, before he offers a brief grin. "Things are good, I suppose. And you?" He looks over towards the others as well, offering them a brief smile.

"Probably alive," Alexander tells Jonathan. "Haven't ruled out other possibilities." But he keeps standing there, his head cocked to one side, eyes darting this way and that rather than focusing on anyone there - although he returns to his parents several times before moving on. Reluctantly, he sidles towards the other folk who Glimmer, so he can lower his voice and mutter, "Maze. The fireflies are...uh...blinking. With the music. Gonna go check it out." Another quick look to his parents, but the Claytons don't shine at all, and don't seem inclined to go anywhere near the maze. So he heads off, shoulders slumped and head down, one hand reaching under his jacket to the small of his back. He doesn't draw the knife he has there, just checks to make sure it's there.

Devlin sighs a little as he looks to the fireflies and takes a few moments to listen to the music along with watching the blinking. "Man.. just one day. I swear.. it is like no one wants to let me just enjoy a day of late. Bad enough I missed fishing... no fun having a freezer full and no memories..." He shrugs a bit and nods, "Yeah.. may as well check it out." He digs into his day pack to check something.. "Yup.. knife. Good"

Jonathan pauses momentarily at Alexander's words. "Other possibilities, hmmm? Like we're all dead and this is some kind of an afterlife?" He goes quiet as he hears that mutter. "Wait..." He steps over in the direction Alexander's moving off to, steps a bit slower. And looking around to see if there's something he could use for a club or something, just in case.

Conner shoots Jonathan a polite nod and a smile, and says, "I don't think I've met you yet. Conner Hawthorne."

But then he's hearing a fiddle, and he tilts his head to listen to it, his brow furrowing down just a little bit. Nothing about a fiddle seems inherently alarming on its own, so curiosity is certainly the only emotion on his face. He decides to follow Alexander into the maze. He appears to have no weapons but a bag full of purple pies, but then again he might well rely on what's inside him when confronted with trouble.

Either way he looks positively placid as he goes to have his look.

Hya arches an eyebrow and says to Connor flatly, "I am not stepping in that fortress of allergens. I have seen Superman and I know what happens to exceptionally dressed persons. I'll watch your pie for you." Apparently Vyv is presently also on the not having it trip and for a little bitt goes to watch the pumpkin carving. Normally he's not in a habit of watching people gouge 'food' but he has stake in the outcome this year. as a parting to the Fab Four she says "Alexander, Pleease do not let my lawn catch fire this year?" It's a simple request and not even an accusational one but that IS a flamable maze.

Devlin pulls out a neck gator to put it on so his nose and mouth are covered. He then just walks over to the maze. Rather than enter it, he says to whom ever is manning the entry, "Paramedic.. just doing check of those in there. I'll make sure they are getting water." He then just climbs up to walk on top of the hay bale walls.. not even allowing an objection.

Alexander glances back, briefly, and blinks in surprise to find people following him. "This could be dangerous," he warns, before turning his attention back to the maze. Now that they're mostly out of sight of the festival-goers, he draws a wicked-looking, bone-handled knife from the small of his back, holding it with skill in one hand. The rise of the walls is noted, as are the sizes of the bugs. Curiously, Alexander reaches out towards one of them. With his empty hand, but also with his mind, trying to get a sense of if there's a mind or emotions in there to touch.

Noting that there has been a change in elevation, Devlin frowns under his gator as he mouths, "Just lovely." He pulls his knife out of his day pack, holding it close to his leg as he walks along the top looking down. Hearing the voice, he moves in that direction. He instinctively brings up protection using his talents. "Music's good.." He comments out loud from where he is.

Having gottened hold of something to use as a club, Jonathan offers a brief grin at Alexander. "Can't let you go get yourself killed, can we?" he remarks, frowning as he looks around at the others. "Right?"

"Thank you, Ms. Hyacinth," Conner says, sincerely, handing off the pies before he goes to follow the others. He frowns a little as the stacks start going higher. "Don't lose your balance," he says to Devlin, and this is true concern at work here. Growing walls seem ripe for balance issues. He slides his hands into the pockets of his jacket, still listening, watching. On a whim, he puts out a finger to see if he can attract a firefly.

Alexander actually smiles, a brief, bright smile as the excitement he feels from the bugs pulses into him. It doesn't counter his natural paranoia, but it shivers through him, nonetheless. There's a murmur to the bug, "Not here to hurt you." He looks back at Jonathan again. "You can. But I appreciate that you don't," he says, bluntly. And then the smile falls away. "Something's watching us," he says, flipping the knife idly in his hand as he continues, giving a sidelong look upwards at the walls as he notices Devlin. "Not him. Something else." And then he continues.

There's a brief grin offered in return, while Jonathan looks around, frowning as he hears the part about something watching them. "Past the point of no return, I guess," he offers, rather quietly as he looks to see what might be watching them, continuing on with the others now.

Devlin smiles from where he is down to the others. "Lots of kids around here." He keeps the knife tucked close to his leg as he continues to move along the maze. His gaze working back and forth as he tries to observe what is about.

Conner smiles gently at the little firefly and just lets him stay there, but then cottons to the fact that it's not that the maze is growing, it's that they're shrinking. "Uh. Guys," he says. "Speaking of children. I haven't been this short in over 4 decades and I'm not cool with it." He tries to transfer the firefly to his shoulder. His child-like size might go well with the air of childlike wonder he so often maintains, but he still has some displeasure to express about this new development.

And yup.. there is a reason Paramedics get Scoobie Snacks.. he spots a couple of kids that are in a panic with one clearly chocking. Without warning from above, Devlin vanishes to another spot in the maze and jumps down to help the kid and get the group to the aide station.

"We're kids," Alexander agrees, nearly stumbling and faceplanting on the ground when he realizes it. "Fuck." His expression sets in a scowl. "I hate being a child." But at least he's a child with a knife, right? But in deference to no longer being a forty-year-old man, physically, he slows to make sure he's staying with Conner as they move through the maze. "Have you been lost before...what's your name? I'm Alexander. Alexander Clayton. Hi."

Jonathan frowns as he hears that realization. "Kids..." He lets out a bit of a breath, grimacing, before he looks around again. Catching up to the others for now, he nods at the introductions. "Jonathan Wallgren," he introduces himself to Conner, before looking around again, briefly.

Well it's a good thing Hya's not here to revert back into being a pouty prideful pageant porcelain princess. we are all spared these stories. They are children but the fireflies don't seem to notice. Do they have tiny faces? Who knows but they seem like they're smiling. The joy from the probing mental connection Alexander set up with them seems to pick up that thrill wanting to move forward in an infectious way; more like tiny light up hype-men than Mysterio compelling anyone against their will here.

Devlin heads off to help a child choking on candy corn and it's Jonathan looking around that can see one of the pumpkins overhead sprouts leafy viney legs , pop up, and shamble off after Devlin. Well... no screaming ensues at least? Just ahead now the music is rather loud, joyous, and festive really if not for the odd lot of bugs and a stray cat.

As they turn again the fireflies take flight save for the 2-3 that remain buzzing around their human friends. There is a stage. There is a cricket playing a fiddle on the edge of a stage that is the top of a barrel. Stage curtains have been made from tried corn leaves, and the scarecrow hanging in teh corner seems to be clapping keeping in time with the crickets, and that junebug that seems to have a tiny jug. Aww tiny junebug jug band. This is happening and the insects all seem direly huge for their size. Which is to say the crickets on fiddle and guitar are 3" tall. They're still not that big. There is a sinister looking spider trying to solicit a moth to dance on one side and with some insistence the big people are encouraged...to join this little conclave.

"Conner Hawthorne," Conner says to Alexander and Jonathan both. "I have indeed. Not. Quite like this. A pleasure to meet you, Alexander, Jonathan."

But then the scene unfolds before him, and the song lyrics sort of get there, and he laughs softly, forgives his current state as a tiny person, and he shrugs his shoulders and says, "Well. This isn't bad at all." He doesn't exactly jump into the dancing, but it's as much because he doesn't think much of his ability to do it without stepping on anybody as anything else. He bobs his head in time to the music though, seeing no particular harm in it. His toe taps. His hands are still in his pockets.

Sometimes he just decides to embrace the weirdness and find the joy in it. Nobody seems to be getting their face ripped off here so this seems to be a fine time to do it, at least for right this very second.

"It's going to try and kill us soon," Alexander says, with a suspicious scowl at the insect hootenanny. He's not totally immune to the charm of it, or the infectious draw of that music - his foot starts tapping in time, and his head bobs along with it. But he suppresses the urge to go out there and dance, although it takes enough effort that a muscle in his jaw jumps. His eyes twitch from one insect to the other, focusing on the musicians, then skipping to the spider trying to coax the moth onto the dance floor. His scowl deepens, and his mind extends again, his Glimmer reaching out to try and gently distract the spider from its...dance partner.

Wait, this doesn't seem too dangerous, right? Jonathan seems to decide that it's not a bad thing to join into the dancing, a bit gently to make sure he doesn't step on anythi... anyone, or otherwise stumble. If things will try killing them soon, might as well enjoy themselves first, right?

Well, there are truly worse things in the world. "Don't mind if I do," Conner says, bowing back to the moth. He steps in to dance with the dapper little winged fellow, just going right ahead and getting into the spirit of it. He's still worried he might step on someone, but if the moth isn't worried about it maybe he shouldn't be either. He smiles at the Cricket and waves his fingers, because the guy is doing them the courtesy of providing some party music, and such things ought to be acknowledged.

And so he remembers how to actually move his feet in time to some music now, and reveals that he's not nearly as bad as he judged himself to be. Probably the last time he did this was very awkwardly at a sock hop or something when he was in middle school. This is better.

Alexander's scowl deepens as he looks around, noting a sudden and distressing lack of exits. "Don't--" he tells Conner...but the man is already moving to take the insect up on its invitation, and the (now pint-sized) investigator can only huff a sudden irritated sigh. It doesn't look like stabbing anyone is going to get him out of this, so he puts the knife away, but he still doesn't dance. "I don't dance," he says, to no one in particular. Maybe to the Dream itself.

The Cricket gets a glare. This is probably its fault. But what Alexander can, or is willing to do, is try to sing along with the tune. He's got a surprisingly good voice when he isn't grunting and being deadpan, and sure, he's making up nonsense lyrics, but at least it's mostly in tune.

Jonathan continues dancing along, as well as humming a bit along with the music. Simply having a good time for now.