Faction [GA Halloween Event] Grim Grinning Force Spirits

[Amelia von Sorenn]

The Netherworld of the Force is a place of unknowable mysteries, with innumerable planes and places of existence each within the twisting and everchanging confines of the Mist-Beyond. From verdant gardens to chaotic realms of blood and fear, there is always something just beyond the veil that separates the realm of the living from the realm beyond.

Throughout the year there is a barrier that encompasses the known Galaxy, keeping the two realms separate, yet, there is one day in the year that the veil weakens and those that dwell beyond can return to the other side. Many cultures have their lore and holidays that celebrate this time, from the simple costumes and children asking for treats to the more somber days of remembrance and prayer. This day has many names, yet, most in the Galaxy know it best as Halloween...

When the veil grows thin and the crypt doors creak, tombstones quake and force spirits come out for a singing wake. It materializes from the depths of the Netherworld of the Force where it sits, waiting all year, for this day, the day of All Hallows' Eve... Reports and rumors abound, whispers jump from lip to ear; from Coruscant to Alderaan, Fondor to Kuat, Hapes to Copero...

The Pumpkin Patch has appeared...

All across the Galaxy, a mysterious shimmer has appeared, a gateway into the world beyond that leads to a strange and almost magical Pumpkin Patch. An eternal twilight grips the sky, as though the Sun were always just about to dip below the horizon, creating a mural of deep purples, pinks, and oranges setting the scene that awaits. Music fills the air, dancing upon the stillness, from a band of Scarecrows sitting outside the door of a large red barn. Within the Barn itself are a variety of activities for both Child and Adult alike, and an unseen force keeps the drinks flowing at the bar in the back.

Stretched out from the Barn in all directions as far as the eye can see are pumpkins, vast patches that are watched over by the unmoving scarecrows. Some patches are larger than others, and colossal pumpkins have been carefully carved into a myriad of designs, with some even housing smaller parties and get-togethers among those in attendance. At the very edge of the fields is the veil, a twisting, rolling wall of mist from which stranges and eerie noises issue forth; fear not, for the scarecrows remain ever vigilant, watching for threats to the Pumpkin Patch and those that would enjoy its splendor.

Feint outlines of attendants on planets across the Galaxy can be seen, feint voices heard, and grinning spirits have come to socialize.



​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Keshian Dress | Wedding Ring

Valery settled down amidst the field of pumpkins, the warm glow of the perpetual twilight casting a magical light across the scene. She wore a soft, warm smile as she let herself sink onto the cool, earthy ground, her lap becoming an instant playground for her three little ones and a safe haven for Eryx, who curled up happily against her.

The triplets, eyes wide with wonder, darted around the small pumpkins around them, their little hands reaching out to tap on them, fascinated by the hollow, echoing sounds each tap created. Each one had a tiny smile, occasionally looking up at their mother as though checking to see if she was just as delighted by their discoveries.

Eryx snuggled in close, content and calm, his head resting against her chest as he looked around with wide eyes, a grin lighting up his face every time one of his sisters made a joyful squeal or tried to hand him a pumpkin as if it were the greatest treasure. Valery leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head, and he let out a little, contented hum, his small hand wrapping around one of her fingers.

The deep purples and oranges of the sky stretched above them like a dreamscape, and Valery's gaze softened as she watched her children immersed in the magic of it all. She gently stroked Eryx's hair as he looked up at her with adoring eyes, then reached over to ruffle each of the triplets' hair as they stumbled back over, beaming up at her, each trying to show off their little pumpkin discoveries.

"Did you all find some good ones?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with love.

Three heads nodded in unison, and Valery let out a light laugh, holding Eryx close as the triplets leaned in against her, captivated by the pumpkin patch and the gentle music drifting through the air from the band of scarecrows nearby. In this fleeting moment, surrounded by her children and the twilight-lit field, there was only happiness, a peace as warm and steady as the little heartbeats she held close.

Open​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Attire: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Pumpkin carving knives
Tag: Caelan Valoren

There was an opportunity to take a more relaxing time away from the busy, chaotic mess that the galaxy was in currently. A chance for Dreidi to show a more creative and unserious part of herself. It was good to demonstrate the ability to unwind and have a relaxing time with people around you. She figured it would be good for Caelan and could help him embrace the child still inside him. The area was interesting and the sensation in the Force felt odd but not unpleasant.

She spotted Valery Noble with some of her children were hanging around the pumpkins and Dreidi waved to the Sword of the Jedi with a polite smile. Turning to Caelan, "so, want to carve some pumpkins? Got any skills with pumpkin carving?" Dreidi asked, curious to see if Caelan could carve any pumpkins or held any artistic skills in general.

"I'm thinking about maybe doing a Grisial style one or, perhaps, maybe something simpler like a ghost." Dreidi chuckled, thinking that perhaps attempting to carve a Vulptex would be tricky for a first time. Though Grisial was happily running around and sniffing the open, natural environment. His crystals glistening in the light.

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Dreidi Xeraic

Relaxation. He did not understand that word anymore. Not because he'd never relaxed, but because he forced himself to always remain busy. Every waking moment was spent either studying or training or spending time with Arhiaa. Well, he supposed the latter was relaxing. She did calm him more than anyone could, and they did enjoy being together. So maybe he did understand it, he just didn't take as much time off as he probably should because of his stressed desire to grow.

"I don't think we have pumpkins on Lazerian," he said, staring at the strange, orange gourd. "I've never seen one before."

He knelt down beside one and reached out to tap his knuckles against it. It made a strange, hollow sound. Yeah, he'd definitely never seen these before, so he wasn't really sure what carving them entailed, other than cutting them.

"How do you carve them? I know how to carve meat, but not a pumpkin."

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Attire: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Pumpkin carving knives
Tag: Caelan Valoren

"I have seen similar vegetables but they weren't specifically pumpkins. Be interesting to know what they tasted like." Dreidi thought aloud as she looked over the differing sized pumpkins that were available to them. When she watched tap against the gourd, she watched as his mind whirled around as he tried to figure out how they were going to carve them.

Pulling out the carving knives, "well, from what I learned, we cut the tops, pull out the innards of the pumpkin. Then carve and cut out chunks on the side to make it look like an art piece. Then I believe a candle goes inside to light it up?" Dreidi paused as she tried to think if there was anything else she was missing out on in the steps but she couldn't think of anything. "Think of this more like whittling wood than carving meat." Dreidi mentioned to Caelan.

This wasn't a practical skill they were using, something more creative and artistic. "Found a pumpkin that you think is best?" Dreidi asked as she looked over to the Padawan.

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Dreidi Xeraic

Caelan blinked at what Dreidi said. Cut the top off and scoop out the insides? Sounded kind of morbid when put that way. Still, he supposed there was some merit to it since it seemed others around them were doing the same thing. Apparently they were used as decorations, though that seemed odd because with the outer skin ruined they would rot quickly, wouldn't they? Perhaps there was something that could be done to preserve them longer, but he didn't know what.

"I think this one will be fine," he said, motioning to the medium sized one that he had just tapped on.

It had a smooth surface that was unblemished and a nice round shape. If they were going to cut a design into it, so that a candle could be placed inside to light the design, it seemed like it would do well.

"I don't have a knife, though. Can I borrow one?"

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Attire: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Pumpkin carving knives
Tag: Caelan Valoren

Nodding her head, "it is a solid pick. Now... Which one should I go for?" Dreidi pondered aloud as she looked over the many options that she had. Moving around gracefully, she inspected different pumpkins before selecting one she found to be perfect for her goals. It was one that was slightly larger than Caelan's but still manageable in size and perfect for a carving she had in mind.

"Of course! I made sure to bring one for you." Dreidi smirked as she pulled out a carving knife for Caelan, being careful to offer the handle end to him so he did not risk cutting himself. "Any idea on the pattern you wish to carve or going to surprise me with the design?" Dreidi grinned as she eager to have some fun with the carving.

Placing her pumpkin down, she got to work in carving out the top, circling around the stalk and then reached in to begin scooping out the innards. "Well, definitely going to need to wash our hands after this." Dreidi chuckled as she could tell this was going to be some messy work but she was still having fun with it.

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Dreidi Xeraic

"Forward thinking does wonders," he said when she offered him the knife.

He took it, carefully, and then turned his attention to the pumpkin in front of him. First things first, he needed to gut it. Not like gutting a person or an animal, but just cutting the top off and taking out the insides. Well, he figured he'd start with the first step and jabbed the knife into the top of the pumpkin to start cutting around the stem on the top. Seemed like the best place to do it because he could grab the stem to remove the piece he was cutting out.

"I don't really know what design I'm going to do yet. Have to think about it while I do this part."

Pulling the top off, he set it aside and then peered into the inner portion of the pumpkin. There were a bunch of little white pods, he assumed seeds, and lots of stringy material holding them. It looked kind of gross. He stuck his hand down inside and grabbed a handful of the slimy material and pulled it out, tossing it onto the ground nearby. Well, tossing down what he could get to come off of his hand, at least. The stuff was sticky and he had a hard time getting some of it off, also some of it stuck to his sleeve.

He muttered something about it being nasty and then went back to it, pulling out the rest of the innards before cleaning off the top piece and sticking it back on. Then he sat back and stared at the pumpkin.

"That stuff on the inside is pretty gross. Gonna have to wash my robes to get it all off."

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Attire: Casual
Companion: Grisial
Equipment: Pumpkin carving knives
Tag: Caelan Valoren

Nods her head, "couldn't have you missing out on the fun!" Dreidi smirked as she breathed in deeply. The gutting of the pumpkin was something that made her stomach queasy but she managed to cope with the ordeal and felt her body settle down once she had finished with clearing out the contents of the pumpkin.

"Must admit, it was grosser than I had heard it to be." Dreidi nodded her head as she agreed with Caelan. Luckily she had a sleeveless top on and the leather jacket was easy to wipe any strings of guts off it. "Well, I am sure that you can come up with something pretty creative." Dreidi mentioned since he seemed to have no solid idea currently. With her connection to Grisial, the Vulptex padded over to her when he sensed that her stomach was upset again.

He sat beside them and dropped his ruby red ball, panting slightly since Grisial had been rushing around checking out all the new senses that he could. Grisial posed himself for Dreidi when he could sense that she had her eyes on him, studying him for her carving. Keeping with the bold ambitious move of carving the Vulptex for her first attempt.

"Hopefully things get easier from here."

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Dreidi Xeraic

"I don't know about easy, but at least it'll be fun."

She seemed to have an idea of what she wanted to carve. Or else Grisial wanted her to carve him. Either way, the Vulptex's actions made him smile, at least a little. He enjoyed being around the two of them, especially when he wasn't feeling himself. Their connection and interactions made him feel good about life. When he wasn't with Annie, he preferred their company. He thought about carving the two of them together, but decided that might be too much to take on for his first attempt at carving a pumpkin.

But he was still going to take on the challenge of doing something not rudimentary. With knife in hand, he set to carving the pumpkin, carefully peeling away layers of the exterior flesh in certain areas, starting with the basic shape he was going for, and leaving the skin in areas that he wanted to still be dark around the light areas. Based on the translucency of the flesh, he was certain that the more of it he left, the darker it would appear when a light was placed inside of the pumpkin, which meant the lightest areas needed the most carving.

"I really hope this isn't terrible or I'll never live this down. Especially since I'm carving someone specific."

He grimaced a little, but went back to carving, being careful not to cut himself in the process.