Audio Broadcast and Journal Message

[lonelysmiles]

[Audio Broadcast | November 4th]

[Alastor has started having a regular broadcast on Saturday afternoons covering everything from the latest news and gossip that you can find on the monthly dream notes post to interviews and local business ads to just whatever catches his fancy. Sometimes it runs a bit longer than others. Reverein is getting bigger but it doesn't have too much hustle and bustle.]

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for tuning in to 666 AM with me, your host and local Radio Demon, Alastor! Quite a bit to talk about today on the comings and goings around Reverein!

First of all, a genuinely warm and hearty welcome to my fellow broadcasters who have been taking advantage of the radio station being officially open! It's marvelous to hear the airwaves humming with so much fresh talent and creativity! I've got quite a library of music and other past broadcasts in my head, but I find myself quite frequently tuning in to my fellow Reverein broadcasters when they're on the air nowadays! Don't be discouraged, my friends! Everyone's first time on the radio tends to be rough! My, the stories I could tell of my own early outings as a broadcast personality! Though at least most of you are taking advantage of it during the daylight! I started out as the weeknight broadcaster so my days and nights were flipped for almost two years!

In the latest update on our newfound friends in Orkili, the Reactor is still under repairs but is no longer in immediate danger of erasing us all from the map! We're still not entirely out of the woods, of course, but a round of applause to everyone's assistance thus far! According to my sources, pockets of dream crystals to keep the reactor stable have been located amongst other discoveries. Might be a good idea to swap stories with anyone else who ventured around Orkili. Who knows? Maybe someone saw or heard something that could be of further use to keep everything stable but they haven't realized it yet!

In local news, everyone may have noticed the sudden leaf storms we've been having. Ah, reminds me of the starfish storms we had summer a year ago though at least the starfish didn't bring half as much trouble with them! At the moment, there are scattered reports of innocent piles of leaves coming to life to attack but burning the leaves seems to put an end to that. Do make sure to keep something to light a fire with you when going outside. On a less potentially life-threatening note, there seems to be a large uptick in cold-like general symptoms with amusing dreamotion side effects. Given how bad allergies are in Hell, I wonder if the number of Hellish residents we have now influenced that!

The large beetles that originally overtook the town when we all first arrived seem to have returned along with some fresh insectoid faces. I had quite the charming conversation with a ladybug just yesterday! A proper ladybug if ever there was one! Reminded me of dear Niffty but with less manic cleaning!

Finally, I wish to invite you all to the annual Thanksgiving celebration that's become a tradition for me. For those of you who arrived after last November, Thanksgiving is a holiday where I originally came from intended to celebrate the blessings we have received during the previous year no matter the trials and hardships. It's a feast for friends and family alike...and a perfect opportunity to show off my cooking prowess! Ha ha ha!

So much has happened this past year. Not just major disasters we've had to avert and friends waking up and returning to their own worlds, but also watching our odd little community grow and flourish. Relationships forged and souls choosing to bind to one another for as long as they possibly have together. The arrival of new friends and companions that we might never have met were it not for this place. Yes, I do believe we have much to be thankful for!

This year will be an outdoor affair. While I am eternally grateful for The Wild Harvest's assistance and generosity in sharing their venue last year, it became increasingly obvious as the day went on that more room was needed. Not only do we have so many residents -- both those of us who came in from other places and locals -- but many people wanted to stay and chat even long after their plates were empty, content to take a day to catch up. Which is wonderful but sadly The Wild Harvest just doesn't have enough seats to accommodate everyone in Reverein at once!

The date is Thursday, November 23rd from noon to six PM! While staple dishes will be provided -- a full menu available via the journals -- everyone is encouraged to bring a dish of their own to share just like last year! I look forward to seeing all of you there!

But for now, please enjoy the music!



[Journal Message]

Sender: Alastor
To: Everyone
Subject: Invitation and Menu

Greetings and Salutations, everyone!

Last year I continued a certain tradition from the land I grew up in. The first year I partnered with Dreambucks and last year with The Wild Harvest. This year I've once more partnered with Dreambucks to once more host Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23rd, from noon to six PM!

For those unfamiliar with the tradition, the third Thursday of every November back where and when I grew up was reserved for the holiday known as Thanksgiving. It's intended to be a celebration to count one's blessings despite the hardships and setbacks of the previous year. It's also a chance to show off one's cooking prowess!

The basic menu provided below has what are swiftly becoming the staple dishes, served buffet style. However, space will be provided for others who have dishes they might want to share with their neighbors!

Do enjoy!

Sincerely,
Alastor

Menu

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey with optional giblet gravy

Roasted Boar

Mixed Greens Salad with French Bread Croutons

Mushroom Risotto

Potatoes Au Gratin

Green Bean Casserole with Andouille Sausage

Cornbread Dressing

Spinach Ring

Brioche Dinner Rolls

Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Beverages provided by Dreambucks

Comments

Sender: Anya

[grandduchess_anya]

I don’t think that we get to celebrate Thanksgiving in Russia at all. Maybe I could bring in something for the day itself that pays homage to my homeland.

[lonelysmiles]

It wouldn't surprise me if you didn't. After all, it's an American holiday that apparently migrated to the north as well. I'm not sure if there's an equivalent elsewhere.

But do bring a dish if you feel so inclined, my dear!

[grandduchess_anya]

Oh wow! I could? That would be wonderful. I will have to check and see which one would like to bring for the party. Regardless of which one I decide to bring, I would love to share that part of my country’s cuisine with everyone.

Excrement hit the rotary blades at home. Holy crap. @_@

[lonelysmiles]

Of course! It's a tradition that started last year as part of the festivities!

Whatever you choose to bring, I look forward to sampling it!

No worries, it is alright.

[grandduchess_anya]

Oh gee thanks. I am looking forward to share the dish with everyone for Thanksgiving soon. I hope that it will be making a lot of good impressions.

[lonelysmiles]

I'm sure it will! There's only one dish I ever turned my nose up at, and...well...honestly it could hardly be described as "food".

[You tried, Della.]

[grandduchess_anya]

Oh dear. I am really sorry that you had to deal with that one dish. I might have been lucky enough to avoid it at the time.

Sender: Madhuri

[songbird_slayer]

Goodness, I hope you're not footing the work on a menu like that. Would you like an extra pair of hands?

[lonelysmiles]

I do so every year, Miss Madhuri! I simply eat a large breakfast and then basically inhale the leftovers during cleanup!

[What was that? You asked if he needed help? Are you sure?]

[songbird_slayer]

Sounds very filling. Now, how long does it take you to put everything together?

Sorry for the delay. Been super busy

[lonelysmiles]

I usually get started early in the morning and then stop cooking around five PM so that clean-up can start in the kitchen at least.

That's okay!

[songbird_slayer]

That is... a lot.

I'd be a little stressed, if I were honest. If you're finding a way to shoo me out of the kitchen- which I completely understand- couldn't I at least provide emotional support?

Shake some pom-poms maybe?

[lonelysmiles]

It's my third year doing this, so I've gotten into a bit of a rhythm. Besides, it's rude for the host to asks his guests to clean up!

Though I wouldn't mind having someone to chat with while I cleaned up.

[songbird_slayer]

ooh me! pick me! I volunteer!

[lonelysmiles]

Well then, I look forward to us chatting once everything starts to calm to a dull roar!

Sender: Denji

[mansbestend]

Do you need a taste tester? I can check everything for poison.

[lonelysmiles]

I should think you showing up to sample others' offerings should suffice. I'll be working on the main menu, and I've no interest in poisoning anybody. Not my style of killing; I can't control my victim's agony that way.

[mansbestend]

well yeah, but it's in case someone ELSE poisons your food.
got nuthin against the chef! its for safety.

Sorry for the delay.

[lonelysmiles]

Ah, of course. I hadn't considered that.

Well, if you stop in near the end, you might be able to take home some of the leftovers in addition to filling your plate.

[mansbestend]

Sick. That's my plan, then.

[lonelysmiles]

Excellent! It'll help ensure nothing goes to waste! I appreciate your assistance, my good fellow!

Sender: Maedhros

[holdshisown]

What a lovely tradition that sounds like. If you wish I might bring with me some venison, I have been very lucky with my hunts lately and have some surplus I wouldn't mind sharing.

[lonelysmiles]

I'd be most gratified if you did even if for no other reason than venison is a favorite of mine!

[The deer demon loves venison. Don't think too hard about that.]

[holdshisown]

Then I'll be sure to bring some. I'm always happy to share my catch with others, so if you ever have a wish for venison or other wild game you only need to ask.

Sorry for the delay. Things have been crazy lately.

[lonelysmiles]

I do appreciate it, my friend! Perhaps in the future we could go hunting together. Doesn't matter if it's the local wildlife or the local redcaps!

No worries. Sometimes life just get's a little crazy at times.

[holdshisown]

If you wish, I would not mind a companion on the hunt from time to time. I have yet to run across any redcaps, however, mostly just animals of one kind or another.

[a_sweet_little_peach]

Thanks for making space for us to bring food, too!

I look forward to the food and company. I'm thinking about bringing, in addition to the dinner foods I'm not sure of yet, some kind of chocolate covered coffee beans, since you're such a fiend for the stuff!

Sorry for the delay. Things have been crazy lately.

[lonelysmiles]

But of course, my good fellow! It was suggested to me last year, and it went so swimmingly that I saw no reason to continue the tradition!

And I for one would greatly appreciate those! I don't suppose you could dip them in dark chocolate, could you? I'm not much of a fan of sweets.

[It'll help him manically keep cooking all day.]

Completely fine!!

[a_sweet_little_peach]

Oh, duly noted! Let's see, dark chocolate covered coffee beans. Maybe some other similarly-covered nuts and other snacks. Separate batch for people that like 'em sweeter...

[Ralsei's going to need some sturdy gear just to deliver all this. Alastor might have met his match when it comes to cooking for parties.]

Oh, maybe some potato tornados, those're good for gatherings so folks can eat while walking, without risking dropping things. Ooh, and some blooming onions for table food...

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor can already see the mistake Ralsei's about to make. He did it, too, for Eustace's bachelor party.]

As intriguing as those plans are, my good fellow, you only need to bring a single dish. There will be plenty of food provided to begin with and our neighbors are sure to bring their own as well.

[a_sweet_little_peach]

[It's far from the first time he's made that mistake. And this probably will not be the last he is stopped from it, much less commits it.]

Ahahah, alright, then! I'm just eager to help out.

[The goat gent was in a more or less perpetual state thereof.]

sender: Prompto

[chocobosnap]

Man that sounds like a ton of food.

What's the holiday about? We don't have that one in Lucis.

Sorry for the delay. Things have been crazy lately.

[lonelysmiles]

The basic idea is as I said: to give thanks for one's blessings in spite of one's hardships. In the country I was born and raised in, it takes place at the end of the harvest.

Tell me about it

[chocobosnap]

Huh that sounds really nice! We have a holiday at the end of October for being spooky, but nothing until Starlight in December, but then we have the Thaw in March.

November kicked everybody's butt LOL

[lonelysmiles]

That would make sense. Particularly if that October festival overlaps with the harvest. Honestly, I believe the idea of Thanksgiving is rather unique overall. Even in my world, only one other country has anything like it.

And then I left this tag on my computer before travel ;; I'm sorry

[chocobosnap]

Nah, we don't really do much for the harvest, that might be weird to think of but it's kinda true. And some countries do different things, I think. I know in Accordo they do things for Leviathan that we wouldn't do in Lucis.

Sender: Naminé

[lethechained]

[ It really is that time again, isn't it? Naminé has such fond memories of Thanksgiving now, in large part due to Alastor's influence. ]

I'll make sure to be there, no matter what.

[ And she remembers how it's been in the past, but-- she has to ask nevertheless, ]

Would you like some help in the kitchen this year?
Even if it'd be too much trouble to teach me what to cook, I can still wash dishes.

[ Of course, she'd love to assist with the actual food prep too, maybe learn some things along the way - but dish duty seems the easier route to get a foot in the door, so to speak. Let her help you, Alastor...! ]

Sorry for the delay. Things have been crazy lately.

[lonelysmiles]

I'd be delighted if you showed up!

[The little dear is always welcome wherever he goes...unless it's into danger, of course.]

It's a bit rude for the host to ask the guests to do too much but perhaps I could teach you a dish that you could bring if you'd like. I know you've been wanting to learn.

Quite alright, it happens!

[lethechained]

[ Alastor does have a way of always making her feel welcome...! Even if she sometimes wishes he'd let her help more, too. ]

If that's your compromise, I'll take it.
I guess that's still one way of making things easier for you.

[ Or at least the overall experience better, hopefully! She just wants to do right by him, honestly, as he has by her. ]

I'll do my best to learn it well, whenever you have time to teach me.
Thank you, Alastor!

[lonelysmiles]

[One day, sweetie, your time will come to help him out!]

It's a deal then!

And I'm sure you'll do just fine! If nothing else, there is the option of baking a batch of cookies and you using your equisite art skills to decorate them!

[lethechained]

[ Luckily, she has the patience of a saint. She'll wait him out for sure one of these days, indeed! And since she knows the terms he likes, she confirms readily, ]

Right. It's a deal.

[ Mouth curling up at the corners, Naminé quietly appreciates the vote of confidence. ]

I hadn't even thought about doing that.
I guess I always pictured cookies as more of a Christmas sort of thing.

[ Now that she's thinking about it, though, ]

Still, that could be fun, even if it's not all that I want to do.
But what should the cookies look like?
Other types of food?

[ That's been the main body of her experience with Thanksgiving, after all. ]

sender: eustace

[flamekthunder]

[pretend this is from way earlier in the month]

Thanks for the updates on Orkili. I was considering going down there to check on a few things once the weather clears.

[this also does not happen for numerous reasons.]

[lonelysmiles]

[What are you talking about? This was totally earlier in the month and things didn't happen because reasons.]

Might not be a bad idea. I wouldn't mind doing so myself.

At least if we made a day of it, there'd be less frantic racing across the desert, hmm?

[flamekthunder]

Helps that we can actually use the sandworms.