OPEN | let's change from the heart, let's shout

[nomorules]

Who: Anyone and everyone! That means you! Yes, you, c'mere.
Where: The stream and the lake.
When: July 12th, evening.
Rating: PG in case any of y'all get wild with that decorating.
Summary: Come and take part in a mini lantern ceremony, Wonderland-style. Mingle away, comrades!
The Story:





The evening of the 12th, visitors who feel like moseying their way to the stream where it empties out of the forest will be able to enjoy a summer celebration in the Japanese style. Outdoor lights illuminate the area, and tables hold all manner of art supplies and blank paper lanterns waiting to be decorated.

Didn't catch the network 411? Someone around will surely explain: it's a nod to toro nagashi, the paper lantern ceremony meant to guide the souls of the departed by decorating lanterns and setting them loose. Maybe you have a departed soul you'd like to remember, or a prayer to make. Maybe you'd just like to write a note message-in-a-bottle style. Maybe you just feel like taking the air and enjoying the sights. The choice is yours!

Either way, once the sun has set and lanterns have been decorated, the candles inside will be lit (remember fire safety, kids!), and the lanterns will be released into the water.

Gather at the lakeside afterward to watch them empty into the lake and enjoy the ambiance with some food and drink. Because we could all use a little more light in our lives, no?

Comments

[eatsyourscience]

Souji nodded and crouched at the edge of the water, his lantern held in both hands. Looking up, he nodded to Minato. "Whenever you're ready."

[jivitadana]

Minato nodded too and then at the same time as Souji, he set his lantern on the water, watching it float away. He hoped the two lanterns would stay together.

[eatsyourscience]

Souji stayed crouched there as he watched the two lanterns drift off. They bumped up against each other a few times and Souji smiled a little.

"...I'm happy."

[jivitadana]

Minato was just as happy as well, seeing that his wish had come true, even if it was just in the form of two little lanterns.

"Me too." And he liked hearing that Souji was. He reached to hold onto Souji's hand. "Thank you."

[eatsyourscience]

Souji gripped Minato's hand and looked over at him with a small smile.

[jivitadana]

Minato continued to watch the lanterns for a moment before he turned to Souji and smiled too.

"I want ice cream."

[eatsyourscience]

Souji nodded and got to his feet, pulling Minato up with him.

"Let's go get some."

[jivitadana]

Minato appreciated the help and linked his arm with Souji's.

"That's the first time I've done toro nagashi. When we're at home, let's do it again."

[eatsyourscience]

Souji nodded. It was the first time for him, too.

"Yeah. I think we should." It was a quietly cathartic experience.

[jivitadana]

It would be good for both of them. They both experienced some kind of loss that they should be able to remember and then set free once in a while. Or if they were still here after a year, then they could do it here at that time.

"Thanks. You always humor me."

[eatsyourscience]

Souji shook his head.

"I'm not. I want to do the things you want to do."

To him "humoring" made it sound like he was reluctant. It wasn't like that. He enjoyed doing things with and for Minato. Making him happy, making him smile--that wasn't humoring him. More like he was humoring himself, getting what he wanted.

[jivitadana]

Minato smiled and leaned a little into Souji as they walked.

"I always worry that I'm troubling you."

Minato felt like he was so demanding. Souji always went with whatever Minato wanted. He wanted to do things for Souji too.

[eatsyourscience]

Souji shook his head again. It wasn't like that at all.

"Maybe I should trouble you more?" To make it even. But he was only teasing.

[jivitadana]

"I'd like that." Minato was teasing too. But if Souji really were more trouble, Minato would be more than happy to help him.

[eatsyourscience]

"I'll see what I can do for you about that."

[jivitadana]

"Let me spoil you too." Minato wanted that chance.

[eatsyourscience]

Souji nodded and put an arm around him as they walked. It could go both ways.