Héctor (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
unpocoloco) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
daybreakacademy2019-10-25 09:09 am
unpocoloco) wrote in daybreakacademy2019-10-25 09:09 am
Calacala calavera la noche invita los muertos bailan con mi canción
WHO: Héctor OTAs, MUSIC CLUB, and anyone wandering in on the Día De Muertos mingle
WHERE: Around Soliel and campus, in an expanded music classroom, and Lumiere Floor Three respectively
WHEN: Through October and into November
WHAT: A BIG LOG MASH UP WITH Héctor preparing for the day of the dead, MUSIC CLUB MINGLE, and a Día De Muertos mingle
WARNINGS: The big spoilers, nothing much else atm
A Helping Hand
The set up starts early in the month. Acquiring all the needed items to properly fill out the ofrenda while staying in France means a lot more care is required in hunting things down, ordering early, and begging the french chefs of Daybreak to make orders for copious tropical fruits not typically sold. Finding a florist who will go the extra mile to acquire the flowers they need proves even harder, never mind one who will get the sheer amount. At least, worst-case scenario, Imelda's always got some cempasuchils on hand.
At any given time in his waking evening hours, Héctor can be seen trying to haul boxes this way and that. The healing done on his bones is weakening a little, his leg starting to give him problems again. Perhaps one wants to give him a hand.
Calaveritas de Azúcar
In the days leading up to the Imelda may likewise be busy. There's a lot to cook and prepare after all. Nevertheless, Héctor tries not to leave all the work to her. It's rare to see him doing anything with food, but he seems to be working with a sticky white paste of some kind. It's evident what it's for once he's finished working all the molds into shape. Eventually, he's managed to shape several blank white sugar skulls. There are tubes of colored frosting and decorative pieces featuring ribbons and candied flowers and gems. There's an empty chair at the table where he works.
Las Flores
la Toussaint isn't something he'll be witnessing this year, technically. He's got too much tend and mind, not to mention actual school business. But with all his ties to the dead, his family lost and the ghosts he only just learned he could see this year, he heads out one night near the day, hauling as many flowers as he can-- the kind that are easier to find around France, the tiny little mums that come by the barrel. He couldn't come for the official grave sweeping, his schedule being what it is, but in a way, that's for the best. It means that he doesn't have to pretend he isn't chatting with every spectral figure he can, opting for Spanish when English gains no understanding and doing the best he can with French from there. He lays out the flowers over the graves and settles with his guitar. In honor of Old Garcie, he plays La Vie En Rose for the spirits lingering there and any other requests he knows how to play.
He does the same at both gravesites but lingers for a longer time at the one in the forest, holding the graves of the forgotten. He can be found throughout the night.
Music Club - [MINGLE BELOW]
It's been a long time coming and it's nothing if not ambitious with all he's set out to do this month, but The Music Club gets its official opening. Posters go up around the school to advertise the event. It's advertised as a club for musicians and music aficionados, a space for people to play together, offer and receive lessons, share and discuss any musical interests with one another, and simply enjoy music.
For the first meeting, an expanded music classroom has been taken over, reinforced with runes for better acoustics. Storage closets line the walls with just about every kind of instrument, plenty of spares available to be borrowed, not to mention electronic equipment for mixing and sampling. It is a wealthy school after all. There's even an enclosed side room for anyone who might like to go a little crazy on the drums, or practice matching the high notes of their favorite singers.
The main central floor is quite large, open to fit a number of instruments and the people playing them. Chairs are stacked on the side, available to be used or kept out of the way depending on the type of practice that's happening. Club participants could even turn it into a game of musical chairs if games of musical trivia are a little too serious for their tastes.
One corner has been arranged into something of a lounge area with bean bags and comfier seating, mats, rugs, and pillows around on the floor. An old fashioned record player has been hauled in to sit in the corner, a less-old-fashioned boombox with CD player near to it. There's a selection of headphones to borrow and listen more privately if one wishes. There's also a set up of the infamous video game; Rock band.
A board on one wall advertises lessons, who's teaching them and what instrument they teach, and when those lessons are available, as well as the dates and times for any upcoming personal performances. There's even space just for some interesting concerts in the area people would like to invite others to join.
A selection of snacks and drinks have been lain out for those attending. There are also name tag stickers featuring musical notes, with little notes suggesting people add their favorite song to the sticker as well.
Día de Muertos - [MINGLE BELOW]
Halloween and October pass on by, one man working on setting up into the night, and one woman busy at work in the day as the rest of Daybreak wraps up their festivities. By the late afternoon of Día De Muertos, floor three has been completely taken over.
Tables have been pushed to the wall, covered, and made into a massive ofrenda. Lain out over a delicate tablecloth, framed photos of various people sit. Gifts and trinkets are lain with the pictures, amongst spilling piles of marigolds, fruits, breads, and other foods. Sugar skulls sit with the pan de muertos, along with offerings of water and other drinks. The fruits pile on the floor. Fuschia cockscombs, purple orchids, yellow chrysanthemum, and white amaryllis settle in vases not claimed by the cempasuchils. Candles burn bright upon the table, many plain but a few with the image of the cross or the Virgin Guadalupe. Burning with them are sticks of incense and dishes of copal. Set apart is a dish of fresh earth and a plate of salt. Amongst it all are cheery statues of grinning Catrinas and Calacas in suits and a few small toys for any young spirits around the school. Although not traditional, an alebrije or two has made its way into this ofrenda, mostly in thanks to the spirit guides Imelda works with, such as Pepita who presides over the festivities. Over it all is a great arch of marigolds. Elsewhere around the room, Papel Picado hangs above, along with strings of purple and yellow paper chains.
Another table sits aside from it all, cluttered with candles and flowers and food, but to a lesser degree than that of the ofrenda. The food there is cooked fresh and made for the living; tamales, calabaza tacha, atole, champurrado, hot chocolate with cinnamon, conchas, mole, and countless items more. It's really all too much for one person alone and so guests and passerbys are encouraged to take more than their share.
(There is also a small cake, set aside specifically for Maverick. A few wrapped gifts sit on this smaller side table, decorative paper strings hung around it.)
The Karaoke machine is in its same place on the floor, though it's hardly the only music for the evening. Besides Héctor himself, quieter music in the Spanish language drifts about the common area, interspersed with lively mariachi style recordings. There's just enough space to dance if one wanted to.
Anyone with an awareness of ghosts may find a few stopping in to visit the party. Whether or not that the case for every visitor, everyone is welcomed to leave an offering or even a photo on the ofrenda if they wish-- things can be hard on the magic side of the world and sometimes loss can creep very close. Despite that, the celebration is a joyous one. Anyone close enough to the Riveras is invited into Lumiere's third floor commons for the evening and even those simply curious as to what's going on are allowed to stay if they wish.
It's very carefully hidden, and it'll only be found by those who look-- and know where to look for that matter, but there's a smaller unframed photo of Héctor himself tucked in amongst the ofrenda's flowers. Next to it is a very small bag of chapulines.
When night falls, the celebration begins.
(Later into the night, for those who stay that long, a laptop is pulled out, two identical men and one teenage girl waving out from the screen, speaking rapidfire Spanish. The room behind them has been done up with as much extravagance.)
WHERE: Around Soliel and campus, in an expanded music classroom, and Lumiere Floor Three respectively
WHEN: Through October and into November
WHAT: A BIG LOG MASH UP WITH Héctor preparing for the day of the dead, MUSIC CLUB MINGLE, and a Día De Muertos mingle
WARNINGS: The big spoilers, nothing much else atm
A Helping Hand
The set up starts early in the month. Acquiring all the needed items to properly fill out the ofrenda while staying in France means a lot more care is required in hunting things down, ordering early, and begging the french chefs of Daybreak to make orders for copious tropical fruits not typically sold. Finding a florist who will go the extra mile to acquire the flowers they need proves even harder, never mind one who will get the sheer amount. At least, worst-case scenario, Imelda's always got some cempasuchils on hand.
At any given time in his waking evening hours, Héctor can be seen trying to haul boxes this way and that. The healing done on his bones is weakening a little, his leg starting to give him problems again. Perhaps one wants to give him a hand.
Calaveritas de Azúcar
In the days leading up to the Imelda may likewise be busy. There's a lot to cook and prepare after all. Nevertheless, Héctor tries not to leave all the work to her. It's rare to see him doing anything with food, but he seems to be working with a sticky white paste of some kind. It's evident what it's for once he's finished working all the molds into shape. Eventually, he's managed to shape several blank white sugar skulls. There are tubes of colored frosting and decorative pieces featuring ribbons and candied flowers and gems. There's an empty chair at the table where he works.
Las Flores
la Toussaint isn't something he'll be witnessing this year, technically. He's got too much tend and mind, not to mention actual school business. But with all his ties to the dead, his family lost and the ghosts he only just learned he could see this year, he heads out one night near the day, hauling as many flowers as he can-- the kind that are easier to find around France, the tiny little mums that come by the barrel. He couldn't come for the official grave sweeping, his schedule being what it is, but in a way, that's for the best. It means that he doesn't have to pretend he isn't chatting with every spectral figure he can, opting for Spanish when English gains no understanding and doing the best he can with French from there. He lays out the flowers over the graves and settles with his guitar. In honor of Old Garcie, he plays La Vie En Rose for the spirits lingering there and any other requests he knows how to play.
He does the same at both gravesites but lingers for a longer time at the one in the forest, holding the graves of the forgotten. He can be found throughout the night.
Music Club - [MINGLE BELOW]
It's been a long time coming and it's nothing if not ambitious with all he's set out to do this month, but The Music Club gets its official opening. Posters go up around the school to advertise the event. It's advertised as a club for musicians and music aficionados, a space for people to play together, offer and receive lessons, share and discuss any musical interests with one another, and simply enjoy music.
For the first meeting, an expanded music classroom has been taken over, reinforced with runes for better acoustics. Storage closets line the walls with just about every kind of instrument, plenty of spares available to be borrowed, not to mention electronic equipment for mixing and sampling. It is a wealthy school after all. There's even an enclosed side room for anyone who might like to go a little crazy on the drums, or practice matching the high notes of their favorite singers.
The main central floor is quite large, open to fit a number of instruments and the people playing them. Chairs are stacked on the side, available to be used or kept out of the way depending on the type of practice that's happening. Club participants could even turn it into a game of musical chairs if games of musical trivia are a little too serious for their tastes.
One corner has been arranged into something of a lounge area with bean bags and comfier seating, mats, rugs, and pillows around on the floor. An old fashioned record player has been hauled in to sit in the corner, a less-old-fashioned boombox with CD player near to it. There's a selection of headphones to borrow and listen more privately if one wishes. There's also a set up of the infamous video game; Rock band.
A board on one wall advertises lessons, who's teaching them and what instrument they teach, and when those lessons are available, as well as the dates and times for any upcoming personal performances. There's even space just for some interesting concerts in the area people would like to invite others to join.
A selection of snacks and drinks have been lain out for those attending. There are also name tag stickers featuring musical notes, with little notes suggesting people add their favorite song to the sticker as well.
Día de Muertos - [MINGLE BELOW]
Halloween and October pass on by, one man working on setting up into the night, and one woman busy at work in the day as the rest of Daybreak wraps up their festivities. By the late afternoon of Día De Muertos, floor three has been completely taken over.
Tables have been pushed to the wall, covered, and made into a massive ofrenda. Lain out over a delicate tablecloth, framed photos of various people sit. Gifts and trinkets are lain with the pictures, amongst spilling piles of marigolds, fruits, breads, and other foods. Sugar skulls sit with the pan de muertos, along with offerings of water and other drinks. The fruits pile on the floor. Fuschia cockscombs, purple orchids, yellow chrysanthemum, and white amaryllis settle in vases not claimed by the cempasuchils. Candles burn bright upon the table, many plain but a few with the image of the cross or the Virgin Guadalupe. Burning with them are sticks of incense and dishes of copal. Set apart is a dish of fresh earth and a plate of salt. Amongst it all are cheery statues of grinning Catrinas and Calacas in suits and a few small toys for any young spirits around the school. Although not traditional, an alebrije or two has made its way into this ofrenda, mostly in thanks to the spirit guides Imelda works with, such as Pepita who presides over the festivities. Over it all is a great arch of marigolds. Elsewhere around the room, Papel Picado hangs above, along with strings of purple and yellow paper chains.
Another table sits aside from it all, cluttered with candles and flowers and food, but to a lesser degree than that of the ofrenda. The food there is cooked fresh and made for the living; tamales, calabaza tacha, atole, champurrado, hot chocolate with cinnamon, conchas, mole, and countless items more. It's really all too much for one person alone and so guests and passerbys are encouraged to take more than their share.
(There is also a small cake, set aside specifically for Maverick. A few wrapped gifts sit on this smaller side table, decorative paper strings hung around it.)
The Karaoke machine is in its same place on the floor, though it's hardly the only music for the evening. Besides Héctor himself, quieter music in the Spanish language drifts about the common area, interspersed with lively mariachi style recordings. There's just enough space to dance if one wanted to.
Anyone with an awareness of ghosts may find a few stopping in to visit the party. Whether or not that the case for every visitor, everyone is welcomed to leave an offering or even a photo on the ofrenda if they wish-- things can be hard on the magic side of the world and sometimes loss can creep very close. Despite that, the celebration is a joyous one. Anyone close enough to the Riveras is invited into Lumiere's third floor commons for the evening and even those simply curious as to what's going on are allowed to stay if they wish.
It's very carefully hidden, and it'll only be found by those who look-- and know where to look for that matter, but there's a smaller unframed photo of Héctor himself tucked in amongst the ofrenda's flowers. Next to it is a very small bag of chapulines.
When night falls, the celebration begins.
(Later into the night, for those who stay that long, a laptop is pulled out, two identical men and one teenage girl waving out from the screen, speaking rapidfire Spanish. The room behind them has been done up with as much extravagance.)
no subject
Oh! You mean on the calaveras! They're just to decorate them and make them more artistic. I don't think they mean anything.
[Héctor, who'd been lifting a brow at Tobias, amused, takes his time to answer then.]
I like to think they show a little bit of life. The sugar skulls on ofrendas are offerings to the dead more than something people really eat. Some people even put names on them. It gives a little glimpse into who the people are, I think.
no subject
< Makes as much sense as anything else humans do. Like painting eggs for Easter. >
no subject
Which means he's giving Tobias a grin in response. If you wanted to know, kid, you could've asked.]
Painting eggs? People paint eggs on Easter?
no subject
[Obviously, those with hawk eyes are disqualified because no one else stands a chance.]
no subject
Too busy! I remember going a long time ago before you were born, mija. Thought I was going to get trampled! You would've had a pancake for a father.
[She giggles]
no subject
no subject
Exactly.
[Coco meanwhile shakes her head.]
Spring break is easter. Though I've heard that different in other places.