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Jul. 1st, 2025 05:11 pmNATSUME'S 18TH
Thanks to the help of everyone who volunteered to arrive early and help set things up, Natsume's forest cottage outside Stellari is all done up inside and out. Colorful party decorations are strung up from the rafters, tables set up with bright cloths. Rainbow confetti litters various surfaces, and party favors are available for anyone to make the most of the impending surprise. With everything picture perfect, Cater leaves to pick up the unsuspecting birthday boy--and as soon as the two come back into view of the house, it's time to kick things off. There may be some tears following shock, but that only means that the impact was extra successful.
If you missed the big reveal, there's no need to worry--the party will be in full swing for many hours, well into the night! All guests are welcome to come and go at their leisure, as long as they behave themselves. There's a wide, open carriage with plenty of seating decorated with bright flowers located at the northern gate of Stellari, awaiting those that have received an invitation to a birthday party outside of city. The driver will allow even those without an invitation to tag along so grab a friend and hop on in! He's already been paid to make a circuit throughout the day for anyone that doesn't feel like walking the eight or so miles it would take to reach the cottage. A twin pair of dragons with flower wreaths around their necks are ready to make the trip enjoyable!
If you'd rather go straight to the back where the sound of music can be heard, simply follow the painted stones set in a flower pattern. They'll take you past a large garden in perpetual progress to the right of the house, to a wide backyard covered in wildflowers. Various weeping trees interspersed by magnolias had been planted by the previous owners, and there's a path leading from the house to a series of steps set into the hill.
A long table is filled with a wealth of food from different cultures, as everyone was encouraged to bring something. From snacks to drinks to more filling entrees, there's plenty to try and to keep everyone full and happy throughout the event. At some point later in the evening, a special dessert will be brought out: a matcha cake sandwiched with layers of sweet adzuki bean paste and adzuki cream frosting. Various non-alcoholic beverages are available, from water to tea to coffee to juice--but nobody's going to stop you if you BYOB. Just make sure you drink responsibly!
Following the steps from the garden leads one down to a large, river-fed lake and a dock with a single boat big enough for two to three people. The water is slightly warm from the sun, and crystal clear closer to the shoreline. The area has been setup with various pool floaties to encourage guests to jump in and enjoy the water. Towels are available, and if you didn't bring a swimsuit there may be a few available to borrow from one of the hosts.
Those feeling like a walk can follow the edge of the lake, and choose whether they'd prefer crossing a low wooden bridge or keep going as it ventures into the forest, where it turns into a slow-moving river. The trees quickly grow denser here, but even if you wander, the sound of the river will easily help you find your way back.
Roast marshmallows and craft yourself some smores, or maybe just enjoy the warmth of the fire while surrounded by good company. There's one final bang to be had with a small fireworks show to light up the night sky... but if you're still not ready to go home yet, there's still a few options. Stretch out on a blanket, enjoy the fireflies dancing over the lake and stargaze for a while as things begin to settle down and the number of guests dwindle.
If you missed the big reveal, there's no need to worry--the party will be in full swing for many hours, well into the night! All guests are welcome to come and go at their leisure, as long as they behave themselves. There's a wide, open carriage with plenty of seating decorated with bright flowers located at the northern gate of Stellari, awaiting those that have received an invitation to a birthday party outside of city. The driver will allow even those without an invitation to tag along so grab a friend and hop on in! He's already been paid to make a circuit throughout the day for anyone that doesn't feel like walking the eight or so miles it would take to reach the cottage. A twin pair of dragons with flower wreaths around their necks are ready to make the trip enjoyable!
REFRESHMENTS
Arriving at the cottage, there's a mix of rounded stone and colored seaglass leading up the slight hill to the door. The two-story cottage itself is stone and wood, with a good third of it seeming to be open windows filled with plants. Inside, the downstairs area boasts a Japanese genkan, a living area with a fireplace and large ceiling fan, and a large kitchen with a walk-in pantry and series of skylights letting in the bright sun. An open door off the kitchen leads to a sunroom that stretches the length of the house. Please leave your shoes at the door! There's plenty of guest slippers.. hopefully.If you'd rather go straight to the back where the sound of music can be heard, simply follow the painted stones set in a flower pattern. They'll take you past a large garden in perpetual progress to the right of the house, to a wide backyard covered in wildflowers. Various weeping trees interspersed by magnolias had been planted by the previous owners, and there's a path leading from the house to a series of steps set into the hill.
A long table is filled with a wealth of food from different cultures, as everyone was encouraged to bring something. From snacks to drinks to more filling entrees, there's plenty to try and to keep everyone full and happy throughout the event. At some point later in the evening, a special dessert will be brought out: a matcha cake sandwiched with layers of sweet adzuki bean paste and adzuki cream frosting. Various non-alcoholic beverages are available, from water to tea to coffee to juice--but nobody's going to stop you if you BYOB. Just make sure you drink responsibly!
ACTIVITIES
Of course, there's much more than just mingling to be done. In the living room, a designated spot for karaoke has been set, with a machine hooked up to a TV screen that'll display the lyrics of any track you can seem to think of. In the media room, there are video games available to play with up to four people, and outside a few more traditional games are set up. Outside, music is coming from a boombox that peculiarly seems to change the music its playing to fit the mood of whoever is closest to it when the song changes. Take your turn at the pin the tail on the dragon, take a swing at the candy-filled pinata, or see how lucky you can get with a game of spin the bottle (if you're shy and don't want to wander off into the forest for privacy, make sure you find your way to the designated kissing closet).Following the steps from the garden leads one down to a large, river-fed lake and a dock with a single boat big enough for two to three people. The water is slightly warm from the sun, and crystal clear closer to the shoreline. The area has been setup with various pool floaties to encourage guests to jump in and enjoy the water. Towels are available, and if you didn't bring a swimsuit there may be a few available to borrow from one of the hosts.
Those feeling like a walk can follow the edge of the lake, and choose whether they'd prefer crossing a low wooden bridge or keep going as it ventures into the forest, where it turns into a slow-moving river. The trees quickly grow denser here, but even if you wander, the sound of the river will easily help you find your way back.
ENTERTAINMENT
If games aren't your thing, maybe you'll enjoy the live performance that's being spearheaded by Reiner and Erwin. Watch as they fly through the air in an incredible display of strength and agility with their ODM gear from home--all culminating in a breathtaking fire show that ends with the lighting of a bonfire to kickoff the final leg of the party. Roast marshmallows and craft yourself some smores, or maybe just enjoy the warmth of the fire while surrounded by good company. There's one final bang to be had with a small fireworks show to light up the night sky... but if you're still not ready to go home yet, there's still a few options. Stretch out on a blanket, enjoy the fireflies dancing over the lake and stargaze for a while as things begin to settle down and the number of guests dwindle.