EVENT LOG: HÆIÐRS-MINNI

[asgardmods]

Who: EVERYONE
What: the Hæiðrs-Minni event log
When: November 16
Where: EVERYWHERE
Rating: PG-13; please take anything higher than this to a private log!

morning: the funeral

The morning sun is lost behind clouds that pour in an endless rain, casting the city into a dark and gloomy shadow. The streets of Asgard are almost entirely empty, although hardly a soul can be found indoors either. Everyone is gathered instead at the riverbank on the castle grounds, where a series of boats are tethered along the short and gently tugging with the current. The native Asgardians place gifts, food, and personal belongings into the boats in memory of their lost loved ones.

Whether you've lost someone, were lost yourself, or carry some other loss within you, the natives invite you to place your own offerings in the boats to send off your sorrows together.

Several hours into the morning, once everyone has had their chance to fill the boats, Heimdall gives a short speech honoring those that fell in the recent battle as the boats are let loose down the river. Honir fires an arrow towards the last one to float away, and Odin lights it on fire as it soars overhead, the single arrow splitting into a wave of shooting stars that strike each boat dead center. The boats alight all at once, and even with the rain pouring overhead, they continue to burn as they float gently out of sight, carrying everyone's grief away with them.

all day: the dedication

Throughout the rest of the day, many of Asgard's residents seem to buzz around Firar Samka, the cultural museum in Mimir's district. A new wing has been added to document Asgard's recent triumphs, but most especially to honor the unexpected stalwart allies of the kingdom: you, the Wanderers from other worlds. This display was added to memorialize the lengths you've gone to in the name of protecting and preserving life within the realm, the core purpose of Asgard in its entirety. You are heroes among gods and this exhibit seeks to portray that for all to see.

As you wander through the display, you might see childish drawings of familiar people fighting a massive dragon, or a large painted mural of solemn faces standing off against an army of ghoulish figures. Skadi can be found beside these, sometimes twisting them into eerie motion or placing a new piece somewhere along the halls.

Elsewhere, you can find Njord alone or accompanied by some human skalds as they sing or read poetry or even sometimes reenact part of the battles against the Red Death and the Army of the Dead. Your characters can watch or join, and they might even hear their own names mentioned among the reverence and song. This is the story of Asgard and the Wanderers conquering death, and you're right at the center of it.

evening: the feast

To end the day on a high note, everyone is invited to Nādhirhöll in Tyr's district, where the entire banquet hall has been decked out in so many colors and leaves and lights that it might feel like walking into an overgrown forest tightly held in the grips of a sparkling autumn. With the growing success of the distilleries in Njord's district, vodka and ales are passed around freely alongside the mountains of food available on tables in every room. People dance and sing and lounge around the leaves with laughter and a joyful appreciation of life in the air.

If your character joins the party, they might notice themselves feeling more warm and relaxed over the course of the evening. They might have the unusual inclination to be more physically affectionate with people and vocally declare their appreciation to them. Deep in this glittering "forest," it is easy to feel lost in the warmth and comfort of good company and relative safety.

This party continues into the morning of the next day, something that many may not realize as deeply wrapped in an artificial forest as they may be. The effects of the curse fade as everyone stumbles their way out of Nādhirhöll, leaving a heavy blanket of strangely warm exhaustion behind. It's been a long and potentially emotional day, but the city seems to be brought together under a shared relief and a new tomorrow.

[ OOC NOTES: This is the event log for Hæiðrs-Minni! There are various goings-on throughout the day to acknowledge past strife and be grateful for a projected future. If you have any questions or need any help, please let us know on the mod contact page! ]

Comments

[yiling_laozu]

Wei Wuxian jumps for the touch, settling somewhat when he realizes it's Lan Wangji beside him. This isn't a state he cares to be caught in, but there's little he can do for it now, rubbing his wet sleeves beneath his eyes to smear tears and rain.

"Lan Zhan," he says, "It's a waste. Why is it me? Why am I the one to come back?"

[lan_wangji]

"Not a waste," he says firmly, using his own sleeve to gently wipe at Wei Ying's face. "Wei Ying didn't ask to come back. Didn't choose it. But I am grateful for it."

The sleeve of his rob is wide and long and he raises it over their heads, already wet but providing a little shelter from the downpour.

"Lady Jiang was not your fault. Was not fair."

[yiling_laozu]

"Lan Zixuan was my fault," says Wei Wuxian, closing his eyes as Lan Wangji dirties his robes with his tears. "I took him from her. I thought I could stay in control, but I couldn't. She died trying to save me, and I didn't protect her." If he'd stopped demonic cultivation after defeating Wen Rouhan, if he'd listened to Lan Wangji, if he'd found a way to save the remaining Wens, if, if, if...perhaps it will never stop stealing his sleep, little boat or not.

He rubs at his forearm. The scars there are healed, but on days like this he can still feel the unknit wounds. "I was brought back for revenge and death. Ugly things, horrible things. The Yiling Patriarch is still the boogeyman."

[lan_wangji]

"Were set upon by Jin Zixun. Was not your fault. She chose to protect you because you were loved," he insists, grabbing Wei Ying by the shoulders to turn him towards Lan Zhan.

"Wei Wuxian returning was a gift," he says, fingers digging into Wei Ying's bony, wet shoulders. "Lan Wangji waited for sixteen years. Does not matter why you were brought back, you are a gift," he finishes, a little desperately.

[yiling_laozu]

[she is cruel and won't let me fix my typo ﴾͡๏̯͡๏﴿]

Wei Wuxian lets himself be tugged about, weighed down by rain and long buried grief. Lan Wangji is gripping him so hard it hurts, but Wei Wuxian welcomes the pain, clinging to the only rope he has out of the melancholy he's let himself slide into.

He folds one of his hands over Lan Wangji's, his grip soft in comparison. It isn't right that it's him and not shijie, but he won't say so to Lan Zhan again, not with the scars that stripe his back. "Don't let me squander it," he murmurs. "If the chance is mine and not hers, I should use it to honor her."

[lan_wangji]

"Wei Ying would never squander it, has not squandered it," Lan Zhan says, wishing so badly he could make this right. He wishes he could reach in and pull out all the affection he has for Wei Ying and show him, show him how much he thinks of him.

He remembers clutching at him that night at the river, hazy memories of leaning in for one of the only proper hugs he's allowed and certainly the first he's initiated. This one is not quite as gentle, as his arms jerk Wei Ying towards him more than anything but he is unpracticed.

"Wei Ying is good," he murmurs, hoping he is not holding too tightly. "Never wanted anyone, before. But I want you. Wei Ying is good."

[yiling_laozu]

Lan Wangji holds him tight enough to squeeze the breath from him, and Wei Wuxian shudders against the raw pain in his voice. Live for this. Shijie would not want to trade places with him. He thinks of Song Lan, turning from Yi City with Xiao Xingchen's sword on his back, the remnants of his soulmate in a bag hanging from his waist. The man wouldn't need his tongue to say that he wouldn't wish this kind of solitude on anyone. Live for this.

Wei Wuxian draws a shuddering breath. "Promise me you'll help me," he whispers against Lan Wangji's shoulder. "Sometimes I'm so tired," he admits. "Keep me worthy."

[lan_wangji]

"Already worthy," Lan Zhan whispers, cupping the back of Wei Ying's head, holding him close and relieved that he was able to offer this comfort.

"But Lan Wangji will always help Wei Wuxian. Soulmate. Will never turn away unless you wish it."

[yiling_laozu]

Wei Wuxian nods, sagging for a moment into an embrace he knows will bear him up. How many times has Lan Wangji stood by him when no one else would, how many times has he carried him? More times than even Lan Wangji remembers, but Wei Wuxian recalls them all.

"Thank you, Lan Zhan," he murmurs. "For always being there."

[lan_wangji]

Lan Zhan nods, gladly taking Wei Ying's weight, wanting to offer him a fraction of what Wei Ying gave him that night at the river.

"Wei Ying is wet and cold," Lan Zhan finally says. "Shijie has been honored. Come with me. Feast is not for many hours. Come with me, now."

Odinhaus is not far and Lan Zhan wants to offer Wei Ying warmth and privacy, all he has to offer at this time.

[yiling_laozu]

Wei Wuxian doesn't realize how tired and weighed down he feels until he pulls back, listing a little in Lan Wangji's hold. "With you?" he asks, wondering where, but he's already in agreement, nodding as he gets to his feet. Grief is an odd business, lying dormant for days and even months, only to lay waste to him in unexpected moments. Wei Wuxian is very glad not to bear such sadness alone, today.

[lan_wangji]

Lan Zhan grabs his arm to steady him as they rise before taking him by the waist and steering them towards Odinhaus.

He can get Wei Ying warm and dry and offer privacy Wei Ying's own quarters lack.

"My room. Let me take care."

[yiling_laozu]

"Hanguang-Jun is so courteous," says Wei Wuxian, stumbling along with him. Lan Wangji's steps are even and sure, his own robes damp and getting wetter the longer Wei Wuxian remains plastered to his side.

"Lan Zhan, is there wine in Odinhaus?"

[lan_wangji]

"Mm, wine and food and dry robes," he promises, willing to get anything and everything Wei Ying needs as he walks them towards the front doors. It seems far too early in the day for wine but Lan Zhan is not willing to say so, not this time.

"Will go to my room and change clothes. I will take care of the rest." He is glad that, as always, his room was left immaculately clean and suitable for a guest. "What else does Wei Ying need?"

[yiling_laozu]

"Lan Zhan's robes are too big for me," says Wei Wuxian with the certainty of a man who's worn them before. What else does he need? "Just to get out of the rain for a while," he says. Perhaps burrow under Lan Wangji's bed linens and scandalize Lan Qiren a world away.

His thoughts turn to that little home they'd sheltered in after the battle, a humble dwelling made cozy by a fire and furs and Lan Wangji. "Too bad you have no hearth."

[lan_wangji]

If Lan Zhan had his magic, he'd be half tempted to light something in his room on fire just to recreate a hearth but he does not. And will not. Even his lights cannot give out heat.

"Robes are fine to relax in," he argues. "Bed linens clean. Wei Ying will rest in bed and drink wine and eat something."

He opens up the door to the main floor, bypassing the kitchens as he has a stash of wine specifically for Wei Ying already in his dresser. He leads Wei Ying to the stairs, wishing he wasn't on the third floor but determined to carry him if needed.

[yiling_laozu]

"I'll get rain on your floor," says Wei Wuxian, more observation than protest as he grips the railing, not so worn down by fresh grief that he can't manage some stairs. (Did there really need to be so many, though?)

He turns a half smile on Lan Wangji as they ascend. "Lan Zhan will let me eat in bed?"

[lan_wangji]

"Lan Wangji would also get rain on the floor. This is what cleaning cloths are for," he points out, actually only recently learning how to use such cleaning supplies.

He takes more of Wei Ying's weight, helping essentially lift him up each step as much as he can for as long as Wei Ying will allow him.

"Mm, will let Wei Ying eat and drink wine in bed. Not always, but today will allow."

He nods at the door one flight above them, leading to the bedrooms.

[yiling_laozu]

"Wei Wuxian will be spoiled," he chuckles, "Will want this indulgence always." Even spoken with a smile, the words are likely true. Wei Wuxian will ask for an inch and take a mile when a few feet are granted.

He lifts his chin, watching the door come closer for every laborious step. "Lan Zhan," he says, "Did you release a boat?"

[lan_wangji]

"No," he says, finally making the landing as he can feel Wei Ying starting to sag a little against his side. He opens the door and takes a few steps towards his own bedroom, unlocking it swiftly.

He swings the door open, revealing his small but clean bedroom. He stops just inside the doorway and holds up a hand to Wei Ying. He makes quick work of his own boots and outer robe, the inner robe still dry. Wei Ying, however, is a different story. "Dry inner robe for Wei Ying," he murmurs, pulling his softest inner robe from inside his dresser and holding it out. "Will step out, give privacy to change. Wei Ying can get in bed if he desires."

[yiling_laozu]

Wei Wuxian is still toeing off his second boot when he finds his arms suddenly full of soft inner robes. He nods, staring at them, and when the door closes he gives in to the strange desire to bring them to his nose and sniff deeply. They smell of sandalwood, of frost and Lan Zhan, and Wei Wuxian smiles as he sheds his own wet clothing, trading it for Lan Wangji's.

He tugs his wet hair into a high bun to keep it from his shoulders and climbs into the bed, whose sheets he also presses his nose to. Here the scent of Lan Wangji is even more pronounced, and Wei Wuxian relaxes considerably.

[lan_wangji]

Lan Zhan returns not long after Wei Ying crawls into his bed, a sight he is not sure he was quite prepared for. He pauses for a moment, composing himself before shutting the door and presenting Wei Ying with a plate full of fruit pastries he'd found downstairs in the kitchen.

"Eat," he commands before leaning down to pull a jar of wine from underneath the bed. He sets it carefully down next to Wei Ying's hip before stepping back. With a pleased nod he starts to undo his hair ribbons and silver hair pieces, setting them all neatly on his desk in a precise and practiced arrangement. "Warm enough?"

[yiling_laozu]

Wei Wuxian had been expecting vegetables, not sweets, and he sits up in happy surprise to accept the plate. He's trying very hard not to get crumbs everywhere despite the flaky dough, but then Lan Wangji produces wine from beneath his bed, and the bite falls right out of Wei Wuxian's mouth.

"Lan Zhan keeps a supply?" he asks as Lan Wangji takes his hair down, calm as you please. "Wei Wuxian is warm enough. What are you doing?"

[lan_wangji]

"For Wei Ying. Would have brought to you," he explains, pausing his hair ministrations long enough for it to tumble free, confused at Wei Ying's confusion.

"Wet," he explains, now uncertain if he has done something untoward. He is certain he'd taken his hair down in front of Wei Ying at the river, before, but perhaps it seems too intimate in this setting. "Wanted to put up until dry and dry ribbon out. Did I...did Lan Wangji do something wrong?"

[yiling_laozu]

Wei Wuxian quickly shakes his head, staring at Lan Wangji with his hair loose. "I'm not used to seeing Lan Zhan undone, that's all," he says, likewise hoping he's not made Lan Wangji uncomfortable in his own room. "Another indulgence for Wei Wuxian," he adds with a smile. Lan Qiren would eat his beard if he could see his nephew now.