Narrator:
Chapter 7 = Into the Festival of Hedon-Nanaya… Earth #8193 in the year 1976 AD, The Turing Estate in the wealthiest part of the Palisades within the City-Province of the Sprawling Gardens located in the city of New Alexandria, in the year 1976 A.D….
The march of time gradually puts the funeral of Anya's parents in the rear-view mirror. Especially as school life resumes. Anya, now having grown another year older, slowly but surely adjusts to some new form of normalcy. This new status-quo, while still painful, is at least bearable… sometimes. With the love and support of her friends, Anya learns to laugh once more. She learns to sing again, and in time even rediscovers what it is to feel joy in her heart… a joy she most commonly finds in the alluring gleam of Emma's eyes or the nectar-sweet taste of her lips.
Anya resolves to never forget what she has lost, but also to seek out what new treasures in life can be found. She decides on a new tradition that every year on the anniversary of her parents' death, she will visit them either at the Necro-Spire where they are entombed or at the Remembrance-Stones placed with honor on the grounds of the Lothrin Estate. Through this tradition, she shall reconvene with their spirits, talk about what is happening in her life and leave offerings in honor of them.
Anya knows it will be hard and it will hurt, but it will also be worth it. With the help of Oskar, his family, and the larger Druidic Community to which they belong, Anya learns to look beyond her loss and find motivation, love, and purpose. They teach her how to honor the dead and confront her pain without becoming trapped by it.
Despite pressure from the responsibilities of life, such as school and social duties, Anko, Anya, Artair, Emma, and Oskar spend every moment they can spare with each other. However, with the Festival of Hedon-Nanaya fast approaching, Oskar finds he cannot help but feel a steadily increasing uneasiness… With each day that the festival draws near, this mysterious and powerful fusion of Eros and Mania inside him for Anya grows stronger and stronger. He has always had a deeply ingrained Philia for Anya ever since they first met as kids, but this feeling is different. He is scared… scared his virtues might fail him… that his control might fail him… scared of hurting Artair and even worse… hurting Anya.
Prince Hellion:
Quick Hellion's Note = In Orthodox / Traditional Alexandrian Philosophy, there are Nine-Loves. Now, I'm NOT going to go into all of them because that would take FUCKING ( cover with a bleep sound effect in editing ) FOREVER, and I don't want the thirsty little catamite tied up in my basement to get lonely. However, I will explain the three that are relevant here, enjoy:
Eros = Eros refers to 'Sexual Love' or love that is derived from the influence of the High-God Eros. Lord Eros is one of the High-Gods of Lust and Fertility. Philia = Philia refers to 'Soul-Love' or 'Platonic Love'. This is usually the spirit of love that forms the foundation of True-Friendship and Familial-Love, such as the love between siblings or the love between a parent and child. Now it should be noted that Philia is not exclusively non-sexual or non-romantic as a rule. Philia can be a vital component of romantic love between couples. In fact, it is taught that Eros without Philia at its heart will not last. That Eros without Philia often deforms into something selfish and possessive, becoming a deeply self-centred love.Mania = Mania refers to 'Obsessive Love'. It can show itself in conjunction with Eros. Symptoms of Mania Love often include anxiety, aggression, emotional instability, and jealousy.
Narrator:
Oskar waits impatiently at the foot of the stairs for Artair to come down. Anya, Emma, and Anko promised to make him the prettiest dolled-up 'girl' at the festival. While normally the idea of that would have greatly excited Oskar, lately he has been struggling to be intimate with Artair. Whenever he tries to be tender with him or make love to him, he finds his mind bombarded with strange feelings and thoughts for Anya. He has done his best to hide this from Artair, using excuses like 'I'm just not feeling well right now' or 'Sorry, babe, but my head is just really killing me right now,' but he can tell Artair has noticed something is wrong. However, luckily for him, Artair seems to have decided against prying too hard into the matter… a decision Oskar is most grateful for. He knows he still loves Artair, but his feelings for Anya… this need for Anya grows more and more powerful with each passing day… especially over the last week leading up to the festival tonight…
He promised Artair that he would be out of this strange funk before they got to the festival, that he would give him an unforgettable evening to make up for how distant and cold he had been lately. It was a promise he made because he couldn't stand seeing the concern and anxiety his behaviour was causing his beloved boy to experience, but it is also a promise that, right now, he wishes he had never made. He is scared for this evening, scared of being near Anya tonight and what might happen if he finds himself alone with her… and he is scared that this night may become a nightmare for him, Artair and especially for Anya…
Oskar paces anxiously as his mother and father come down the stairs in their best makeup, their most regal adornments and their finest festival garbs. Oskar downs a shot of Nirn-Port Spiced Whiskey. Vincent can tell something has been deeply troubling his precious son for weeks, and decides to walk over and join his son for a drink while Oksana Turing, Stefania, and some of the other maids work together to load the Turing Family Festival Offerings into their A.C.E..
Vincent Turing:
"May I join you for a drink, son? Or is this a private party?"
Oskar Turing:
"Of course, father. I would like your company right now."
Narrator:
Oskar pours his father and himself a shot. Though Oskar was very good at keeping his first several drinks from showing to most people, Vincent can always tell when Oskar has already had a few drinks. Oskar can feel his father's eyes on him, penetrating his soul. He looks away, trying to hide the storm tearing him apart inside. Vincent, sensing the chaos in his son, kneels down in front of him, pulling his boy in close.
Vincent Turing:
"Oskar, I've loved you with all my heart since the moment you were born, and I can tell when something is bothering you. I know you think you've been hiding it, but I see the suffering you endure. I've watched it fester inside you every day for the past several weeks… I'm not going to pry if you're not ready in your heart to discuss it, but please… my son… my precious boy… just know I'm here for you and my love for you is as eternal as it is unconditional. You are the greatest love in my life, and nothing will ever change that."
Narrator:
Vincent playfully jostles his son's hair as the boy smiles half-heartedly.
Oskar Turing:
"I know, Father. I know… thank you… I love you, too, even if I don't say it enough."
The Narrator:
Once the offerings are loaded up properly, Oksana and the maids return to the house. Oksana gestures to her husband that it is time to leave, or they will be late. Vincent nods to her before placing a loving goodbye kiss on his son's lips. With that, he stands back up and gives his son a supportive nod before heading toward the door.
Oksana Turing:
"So, mo stór beag, what shire are you and your friends going to for this evening of the festival?"
Narrator:
Oksana Turing asks her son as her husband retrieves a scarf from a nearby rack.
Oskar Turing:
"Oh, yeah. Right. I should have told you and Father earlier. Sorry… My friends and I are going to the Ganymedos-Shire. It's Artair's first festival and the Ganymedos-Shire has a more calm reputation… extremely sexual, but calm. What about you two?"
Narrator:
Oskar runs his hand through his hair.
Vincent Turing:
"Well, your mother and I shall be celebrating at the Kore-Nymphai Shire,"
Narrator:
Vincent answers with a *very naughty* wink as he returns to his wife's side, scarf equipped and ready to go.
Oskar Turing:
"Yes. I should have known, given the reputation of that place during the festival. You two should have a blast there. Well, I hope you both have a truly hedonistic time."
Oksana Turing:
"We always do. Promise to show Artair a wonderful night. A youth's first festival is… special."
Oskar Turing:
"I promise,"
Oksana Turing:
"Come now, mo beithíoch suarach. We do not wish to upset the elders by arriving late"
Narrator:
Mrs. Turing continues before making her way out of the house with her husband in tow…
Oskar pours himself another shot of Whiskey as he continues to wait for his friends to join him.
Emma:
"We now ask the audience to close their eyes and wait for the command to open them," [Playful declaration]
Oskar Turing:
Here we go! Just keep it together, Oskar. You can do this… Artair deserves a good night tonight…
Narrator:
Oskar takes a deep breath to steady his emotions and closes his eyes like Emma instructed him to. A few silent moments pass, and he continues to focus on calming his breathing and his heart as best he can.
Emma, Anko and Anya in unison:
"OKAY… OPEN THEM!"
Narrator:
The three shout together as they step aside, revealing the truly stunning vision of perfect feminine beauty that is Oskar's lover… Artair. Normally, the sight alone would overwhelm him with deep, lustful passion. But tonight, he's using every ounce of willpower to keep from turning his gaze toward Anya, the one his heart and mind are truly screaming for.
He forces himself to stay focused on Artair, determined to give the sweet girl who has loved him and stood by him through good and bad the best night he can… and a first festival worth remembering.
Oskar battles down his feelings, offering a deeply suggestive "come to daddy" smirk. Artair giggles, rushing down the stairs and leaping into his arms. She had been clear in the days leading up to tonight that she wished to be referred to as female during the festival. Oskar showers her with kisses before spinning her once. She clings to his arm, nuzzling his shoulder, as he turns to the other friends descending the stairs.
Emma and Anya appear, arm‑in‑arm, smiling like gleeful newlyweds. Emma's golden‑yellow silk gown glows in the lamplight, her auburn hair swept into a bun with a single curl framing each cheek. She is radiant.
And then the moment Oskar had been dreading. His eyes find Anya. His blood ignites, his heart flutters frantically. She is, without question, the most radiantly alluring sight he has ever seen.
Anya wears a dark‑red furisode, the long sleeves swaying like banners with each step, the hem and cuffs edged in black silk embroidered with gold. A wide black obi, embroidered with a golden crest, cinches her waist, the bow at her back sculpted and regal. Her golden curls spill over her shoulders from beneath a cluster of red‑lacquered kanzashi pins tipped in gold leaf.
At her waist, the obi is secured with a slim black obijime cord, its silver clasp shaped like a fox mid‑pounce, a perfect echo of the fox mask perched in Anko's hair.
Oskar's gaze snags on it. He knows that clasp. He's seen it before, tucked in a jeweller's box Anko had guarded like a dragon with treasure. The realisation hits him: the kimono isn't just beautiful, it's Anko's gift.
A small, sharp twist of something unpleasant curls in his gut. It's ridiculous, he tells himself. Petty. But the thought of Anya wrapped in something chosen, bought, and given by Anko makes his throat feel tighter. He forces his eyes back to Artair, willing the heat in his chest to cool.
On Anya's other arm, Anko is resplendent in a royal‑blue kimono with bright scarlet floral designs, a fox‑effigy masquerade mask perched at the side of her head, and a shimmering silver tiara. Together, they are a vision.
Oskar's throat feels drier than the sands of Egypt. His lip quivers. His heart thunders.
Oskar Turing:
Calm your shit, Oskar. You can do this. Don't just stand around gawking like an idiot; say something.
Oskar Turing:
"Well, you are looking quite exquisite, dear Anya," [trying his best to hide all the emotions raging within him]
Narrator:
Emma and Anko giggle at Oskar's comment as they both lick Anya on the cheek closest to them. Emma mouths the word 'Yummy' to Anko, who smirks and nods in agreement.
Anya Lothrin:
"How did I end up taking both of you naughty girls as my dates tonight?" [aroused musing tone]
Oskar Turing:
Must you two be so sexually aggressive with my Anya?!... Wait… my Anya…Why did I?… Stop it, Oskar!
Narrator:
Oskar recoils inside at his own inner rage. He hates this building anger that has plagued him ever since he first found Emma and Anya playfully kissing while playing hide-and-seek when they were young children.
Normally, it is a brief passing anger that comes and goes. However, lately, it has done nothing but build with each tender affectionate act between them. So far, he has been able to hide the feeling, but it hurts more and more every day. Their love is poisoning him, and he does not know why.
The anger he feels towards Emma has already begun to spread, even to issues not directly related to her affection towards Anya. He has begun to experience twinges of the toxic anger even over small things, like when Anya lets Emma adorn herself in the finest clothes or when Anya lets Emma go on fancy hangouts with them to places that NO ONE in Emma's extremely low social-economic peer group could ever even dream of going. He knows these thoughts and feelings are toxic and wrong, but he cannot shake them, and he is scared that his mask will slip.
Anya Lothrin:
"Thanks, you're looking very dapper yourself,"
Narrator:
Anya replies, turning his attention to Oskar.
Artair:
"You bet he is. I'm a lucky girl to have such a cute and wonderful boy as my date tonight."
Narrator:
Oskar kisses Artair on the head, causing her to blush.
Anko De La Vega:
"You certainly are," [naughty playful tone]
Narrator:
Anko leans in and kisses Oskar playfully on the lips before also kissing Artair on the lips as well.
Emma:
"Did you finish your study of the Erotic Manuals of Elephantis and Vātsyāyana in preparation for your first festival?"
Artair:
"I have indeed. Both Oskar and the Archivist, Mrs. Thalos, have even been helping me practice for the festival," [excitedly]
Emma:
"Good girl,"
Narrator:
Emma replies, giving Artair a firm but teasing smack on the butt.
Oskar Turing:
"Well, shall we then?"
Narrator:
Oskar asks, turning the group's attention to the door and gesturing for them to leave and begin making their way to the festival.
As they arrive at the splendid gates of the Ganymedos Shire, they are greeted by two boys from the temple who have been assigned to act as the Ganymedian Cup-Bearers for this particular festival night. They are both dressed in the traditional Ganymedian garb. Their oiled skin is perfumed with the essence of apples and pomegranate, and their eyes are smoky with dark purple and black sparkling eye-shadow and mascara. The boys recognize Artair immediately from their Alexandrian Youth Scouts, where she works as a Youth-Mentor and Camp-Brother.
Cup-Bearer #1 and Cup-Bearer #2 in unison:
"Camp-Brother, it is so good to see you,"
Narrator:
The two boys cheer in unison, rushing over and hugging Artair firmly around the waist. Artair laughs for a moment, hugging them back.
Artair:
"A little bird told me you two might be serving as Cup-Bearers this evening… Oh, I am just so proud of you two! And so... I brought you both these just in case the rumor was true,"
Narrator:
Artair smiles gleefully at the two boys as she pulls two lollipops out of her hidden pocket, handing one to each of them. They both smile up at her excitedly as they take the candy.
Cup-Bearer #1:
"By the way, we heard it was your boyfriend here who nominated us for this honor. You did not suggest the idea to him, did you?"
Narrator:
Replies one of the boys as they both gesture to Oskar.
Artair:
"I swear I have no idea what you mean," [tone faux innocence]
Narrator:
Oskar just averts his gaze and whistles nonchalantly for a moment.
Artair:
"Oh, I have not had a chance to tell you both yet, but from now on, I am actually a Camp-Sister."
Cup-Bearer #2:
"So you're a girl now?"
Artair:
"Ahah,"
Cup-Bearer #1 and Cup-Bearer #2 in unison:
"Wow, that's so cool,"
Narrator:
Both boys shout, excited to have a Camp-Sister.
Cup-Bearer #2:
"Well, before we can let you enter, you all have to drink this. Now, remember, we have to say it together. ready"
Narrator:
One boy nods to the other as they both take a deep breath before continuing.
Cup-Bearer #1 and Cup-Bearer #2 in unison:
"Welcome to the first night of the Festival of Hedon-Nanaya. To all those who dare to enter, may the sacred powers of this mystic brew both protect and empower you during this depraved festival of madness and chaos. This week, when the High-Gods of lust, love, passion, chaos, indulgence, and confusion hold the most sway over our mortal world. In this time, when the mischievous fey-folk, tempting Nymphs and the lustful Satyrs are set free to work their wicked ways among the children of Man. May your appetites be great, your lust untamed, and your passions wild.
Narrator:
Recite the boys in one voice as they raise forth a great silver and gold chalice of luminous amber liquid, which they offer to Artair and her party.
Cup-Bearer #1 and Cup-Bearer #2 in unison:
"Yay, we did it. We got it right on our first try."
Narrator:
The boys cheer triumphantly.
Emma:
"Gut gemacht! Gut gemacht! You boys recited it perfectly," [exclaims gleefully]
Narrator:
Artair and her companions follow the boy's instructions and drink deep from the chalice containing the Aegle-Hotepian Formula, providing them all with temporary protection from all STDs and STIs.
Anya Lothrin:
"Now, isn't there another step to this…" [playful tone]
Cup-Bearer #2:
"Oh shit, yeah, um. Palms please,"
Narrator:
Request one of the boys as the other boy grabs a nearby palm scanner and begins scanning the parties' I.B.A. Chips in order to confirm that all of them are up to date on all their relevant vaccinations required to attend the festival.
Artair:
"Good job, boys! You've done so well,"
Narrator:
Artair proclaims, kneeling down and hugging each boy one last time before standing back up and wrapping herself once more around Oskar's arm.
Anko De La Vega:
"Well, we'd better be going, boys. Sounds like the party is really heating up in there. Now, you little cuties better beware of eagles tonight, okay?"
Narrator:
Anko smiles goodbye to the boys before guiding everyone through the gates.
Cup-Bearer #1 and Cup-Bearer #2 in unison:
"We will. Have fun!"
Narrator:
Anko and Emma each take one of Anya's arms as if escorting her down the aisle. The movement makes the long sleeves of her furisode sway, and the silver fox clasp at her waist catches the lamplight. Oskar's stomach sinks and churns, that clasp again, that reminder of Anko's gift, but he forces himself to turn away, redirecting his attention to Artair as they pass through the gate, which latches shut behind them.