And we're all adrift together through the cold mist, 'til we're lifeless together

[dokkalfheimr]

[The preparations hit differently this time.

Last weekend was at least an attempt at being festive, even with the light supplies they have; at being joyous, at giving people at least one nice thing to look back upon before things inevitably took a turn for the worse. And now two people are dead, and instead of trying to figure out structure placement and how best to keep everyone entertained and occupied and well-fed, the preparations now are given to much more practical purposes.

Large amounts of bottled water from the machine. Bagels and bread and muffins, light starchy things to avoid forcing anyone to keep meat or seafood down after seeing a corpse. Fruit for the sake of providing energy. Avoiding including bananas for any reason. Quietly pulling aside one of the first people she sees with any experience in the matter and asking them to help her make tea.

Once she's got one of the tables at the party zone set up and the tea is on its way to being prepared, she'll set around letting people know; the invitations are simple, written in Freyja's broad, elegant handwriting:

I think another gathering tonight would be beneficial. Not to celebrate, but to remember; perhaps more importantly, to ensure that no one is alone if they don't want to be.

Tonight is hard. There is nothing further to do but get through it.]

Comments

top deck

[dokkalfheimr]

[Freyja will make her way up to the top deck well after everything has died down; she's both surprised and unsurprised at having company up here - again, it's a little morbid, but the view really is spectacular.]

Oh... Sylvando, I-

[She pauses for a moment as she takes in what's going on here; her words die for a moment, and she pauses before she moves to sit down nearby.]

...I wanted to thank you. For your assistance with the gathering tonight.

[hypnowhip]

[That gets Sylvando to perk up if only momentarily.]

I was happy to help- [Aaaand putting on his usual pep immediately causes him to sniffle a little.] Lady Freyja.

[Well, there isn't much use in brushing it off now. He takes a breath and rubs away any remaining tears threatening to form.]

Goodness, I am so sorry. I did not mean to make this an awkward encounter...

[dokkalfheimr]

No, it's all right.

[It's gentle, but it's firm.]

I knew tonight would be difficult for many. You have no reason to apologize to me.

[hypnowhip]

I appreciate it, darling. It just feels a bit wrong for me to be getting this down. It's supposed to be my job cheering everyone else up.

[...]

This was just so much, though.

[dokkalfheimr]

It was.

[...]

I find that I'm not very good at cheering up others, myself. But I can offer company, should you want it.

[hypnowhip]

I don't think that's true at all. You just have a different way of doing it, is all. Just you being here is comforting, you know.

[Before he can ramble on too much, he breathes again and smiles at Freyja.]

Which is my way of saying I do.

[dokkalfheimr]

...Thank you, then.

[She tips her head back a bit, looking up at the stars for a little while.]

I've never cared for being unable to do anything during bad times; I've always been one to solve problems, to not just let things stand. I hate feeling powerless.

I suppose that may be why I'm doing all of this tonight; it's the one thing I'm able to do - if not about the situation, then for others.

[hypnowhip]

That same feeling is actually what got me to found the Soldiers of Smile. Despite our efforts, Mordegon destroyed Yggdrasil, aggressive monsters took over Erdrea, so many people were suffering...and I felt powerless.

But bringing smiles to the people was something I could do, even if it wouldn't completely fix things.

[He follows Freyja's gaze.]

After today...I feel like I'm in that position all over again. I just don't know how successful I'll be this time around.

[dokkalfheimr]

I can understand that much. Just...wanting people to be happy again, despite everything. Hoping that perhaps it would be enough.

[...]

It seems like something you would be good at. While I won't say it's a good thing that you're here, I do hope it isn't bluntly horrible to say it's something of a relief, in a way.

[hypnowhip]

[Sylvando shakes his head and lets out a small sigh of relief.]

Don’t worry, I understand what you mean, and I’m glad. If I’m going to be trapped here, the least I can do is try to take everyone’s mind off of the situation from time to time. I don’t expect it to ever be the same as our first week here, but if it helps, then at least I’m serving my purpose.

So, Lady Freyja. If you’re ever feeling particularly down, just let The Great Sylvando bring a little light in, okay?

[dokkalfheimr]

...You're a very kind person to offer.

[That's so sweet? What the hell, my dude.]

I'll be sure to bear that in mind, however. Should I ever need it.

[hypnowhip]

Good! I'll always be here, so the offer will stay on the table until you need to use it.

[He knows he probably can't claim that for certain, but if he's going to pull himself out of this despair, he has to try to retain his optimism.]