Opens: February 1st Closes: February 14th, 10 PM EST Judged By:: smolderingskies, Porcelain Pinch
Almost all young Solar Cherubs relish their first ball, with the promise of the traditional Ribbon Game. Coincidentally, these Cherubs' birthdays line up with the first day of Hunter's Jubilee, and this game is the front and center of their celebration. The rules, taken from the Cherub race lore, are described below:
"One type of game the Solars like to play at their dances is called 'The Ribbon Game'. An individual will be seated, blindfolded, having invited their romantic interests to join them. The ones who have been invited will line up, taking turns to place a kiss upon the blindfolded cherub's face. The invitees then have three options; a kiss on the middle of the brow; kiss on the cheek; and a kiss on the mouth.
The kiss on the brow symbolizes sensuality, a desire to be closer to the individual, though the invitee is not romantically inclined - at least not yet. The kiss on the cheek means the invitee just wishes to be friends, or is not interested in the other Cherub in a romantic sense. A kiss on the mouth means there is a deep longing there - a want to share a deeper connection.
After everyone has placed their kisses, everyone lines back up and claps three times to let the blindfolded Cherub know they can remove their ribbon. Now, the Cherub has to guess who kissed them, and where."
How this works:
In this contest, you will be writing as one of the Cherubs above experiencing the Ribbon Game! You may use any characters of your own as NPCs in this game, and create any outcome to the situation, but it must encompass the Ribbon Game from start to finish. Your RP entry may not be more than 2500 words. Fill out a form below.
[b]Username:[/b] [b]Cherub:[/b] 1 or 2? [b]RP Entry:[/b]
Rules:
This contest is completely free. Please use the form provided. Anyone may enter, whether they are a newbie or not! Staff MAY NOT enter this contest! Whining, guilt-tripping, or generally misbehaving over the contest will result in you being disqualified. Make sure you've read the Guide to the Worlds forum in its entirety! You may not gift or trade prizes from this event. You may not proxy for another person.
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 6:23 pm
Username: Duke of Donut Cherub: 1 RP Entry:
Cyprus had been so excited with the promise of his first ball, and the Ribbon Game! He'd heard so many stories from his peers and seen first-hand the result of so many wonderful friendships and relationships blossom from such things, and it was finally time for his own. It was made all the more special by it falling on his birthday, of course, though that seemed to only make him more nervous and excited.
Cyprus had watched the responses come in to his ball, looking keenly for the names that he'd invited himself. One name in particular didn't seem to show up even as the day drew nearer, and by the time the party had arrived, Cyprus wasn't sure if they'd come at all.
He tried to be happy regardless; most of his friends did come, happy to celebrate with him, and especially those he'd hoped to come for the Ribbon Game had (almost) all arrived. As the party began and the music floated through the room, Cyprus spent his first few hours dancing with friends and family, happy to celebrate his birthday and his first ball all at once.
Eventually, though, someone gently tapped his shoulder, peering down at him with a smile. "Cyprus, are you ready to play?"
Cyprus nodded quickly, breaking away from his partner with a grin. "I am," He agreed, following the older Cherub to where a chair was waiting. Cyprus nearly leapt into it, scooting back in his chair and tipping his head up for the blindfold that covered his eyes. Music began, signalling the beginning of the game for Cyprus (who could hardly see anything behind his silky blindfold), and he waited impatiently for the first kiss to come.
The invited guests lined themselves up, and Cyprus preened a little when he felt the first kiss, tilting his head into the gentle kiss pecked onto his cheek. He couldn't contain the giggle as the second came, this one pressed to his cheek as well. It was a little disappointing, but he thought he had a good idea who each of those came from.
The third came soon after, pressing a gentle kiss to Cyprus's brow. Cyprus smiled at it, tilting his head to the kiss and holding onto the bottom of his chair. He waited for the claps, having only invited four to his game, only three of whom had responded. But the claps didn't come, at least not before a fourth kiss.
This kiss came slowly, pressed to the corner of Cyprus's mouth and eliciting sparks and butterflies in his chest and tummy. He felt himself blushing deeply, and shifted in his chair as impatience settled in. He didn't dare hope, though who else would be so bold to join a game they weren't invited to?!
Finally, after what Cyprus was sure was hours, the quartet clapped three times, allowing Cyprus to finally pull his ribbon off. He couldn't contain the need to light up at the sight of his fourth invitee, blushing and grinning a little stupidly.
"Well, Cyprus?" The older cherub who'd begun his game looked down, smiling warmly. "Who do you think it was?"
"Mm..." Cyprus got up with a grin, walking to the line of his friends. "I think Eden and Ella kissed me on the cheek." He said coyly, biting his cheek. The twins were two of his oldest and most dear friends, and it almost felt like cheating, but he knew he was right when the twins gave way to laughter and embraced him in a hug he returned happily.
"And the kiss on your brow?" They inquired, still giggling since they had the pleasure of knowing the answer already.
Cyprus huffed at them, turning to face the remaining to invitees, peering at the two of them. He'd known both for so long, but he hadn't expected Tyr to show up in the first place, and it was hard to say whether Tyr or his other friend, Micha, would be more bold.
"I think..." He said cautiously, peering at the two of them. "I think Micha kissed me on the forehead."
Tyr and Micha both had fun in waiting before they finally broke. Tyr, the taller of the two Cherubs, split into a grin while Micha bowed low, stepping in and taking Cyprus's hug.
"You're right," Micha admitted, smiling shyly. Cyprus returned the smile, pressing his forehead against Micha's gently.
"Thank you." He muttered, moving around Micha and to Tyr. "That leaves you." He said, squinting at him. "It's rather rude not to respond to an invitation."
Tyr's grin only widened, which made Cyprus happy and annoyed at the same time. "I did." He said simply, holding a hand out for Cyprus and hugging him. "Or, my Mother did."
Cyprus blinked at that, frowning. "Why-- Oh!" He'd never seen her writing. Of course Tyr would have someone else respond to his invitation, he was all about making a show of things. Cyprus huffed at him, folding into the hug anyway. "That was a mean trick." He accused.
Tyr smiled brightly. "I like to think of it as a surprise on your birthday." He said, pressing a kiss to the top of Cyprus's head. "Now dance with me."
Cyprus smiled at that, sighing at him, and pulled Tyr with him to the dance floor. After all that agonizing over whether Tyr would show up or not, he owed him at least two dances.
Duke of Donut
Liberal Lunatic
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OneWintersNite
Kindly Kitten
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 5:18 pm
Username: Onewintersnite Cherub: 2 RP Entry:
The overwhelming anticipation of the day had begun. Laughter and games and overall joy filled the air of every room you walked though. It was that time of year again; the Ribbon Game. It would be her first year to take part in the traditional cherub’s game. She had watched from the crowd for many years. It was all so exciting and romantic. *Squeak* she just couldn’t help but let the sound out as she clapped her hands and skipped around the room where the event would take place. Sometimes someone got their hearts broken if a cherub didn’t guess the right person, but she wasn’t going to think about all that. She was bursting and too happy to let the sad thoughts bring her down.
As time drew closer to when she would be blindfolded, her anxiety manifested into full body shivers. Can I do this? She questioned herself. I mean what if I’m a bad kisser, she continued. After all she had only ever kissed or been kissed by her family members. Or worst yet what if you guess wrong, her mind was reeling at this point and she wasn’t sure is she could do this now. NO. no. You can do this, she told herself. In all the times she had watched cherubs guess, no one that guessed wrong had ever been made to feel bad.
“OK everyone please gather together the Ribbon Games are about to begin,” the host called out to the room. All the cherubs playing the game this year gathered close to hear the rules they all knew by heart at this point. Gazing around her, she admired all of the gaily colored outfits of her fellow cherubs. It was clear that everyone was just as excited and nervous as she was. The host continued with the rules of how the game was to be played. She could feel her cheeks heat up every time the word kiss was said. Looking around embarrassedly she could see that other girls were blushing as red as she was. At least you’re not allow, she thought.
“Now does everyone understand the rules and how to play?” We all nodded our heads like those bobble head dolls you see in shop windows. She might have laughed if she wasn’t so scared. “Alright then blindfoldees take your chairs. Everyone else line up.” Swallowing the big lump in her throat she moved forward with the group that would be blindfolded. She chose to sit in the center of the pack. There was no way she wanted to be first and being last was just as bad. “Blindfolders please begin,” the host ordered form the stage. It was time, there was no backing out now with everyone looking and pointing. That would be more embarrassing for her then anything she had imagined earlier.
Saressa took a deep breath as the blindfolder placed a silky yellow ribbon over her eyes. Now she was left with only her sense of smell, sound, and touch. Touch by a kiss and nothing more, her muse reminded her. Stop doing that, she scolded her muse. Well its true and you know it, her muse replied, sighing as she fell quiet.
“Now Cherubs, Let the 394 Annual Ribbon Game begin.” Giggles, laughter, music, clapping, feet began shuffling down the line, and kissing sounds filled the ballroom. Saressa took another deep breath, quieting herself until the only sound she could hear was her racing heart.
A sharp giggle to her left informed her it was time. Though she could see only darkness, she could feel a Cherub standing close to her. The rustling of her Cherubs silky outfit let her know she was about to be kissed. Saressa felt a Cherubs lips against her cheek, briefly then they were gone. A sigh of relief left her lungs in a rush. She was sure her heart had stopped , but the next kisser was on their way and she didn’t really have time to wonder at all her bodies reactions just then.
As time passed, the Cherub lost count of how many times she was kissed, each soft kiss landing on her reddened cheeks. Five of the kisses she received upon her brow, she was pretty sure she knew where two of those kisses had come from. The other 3 were a total mystery to her. She hoped that once the blindfold was off, she could judge based on their reactions when she looked into their eyes.
As the line continued, she could hear the footsteps of the last kissers approaching. Saressa bit her lip in between another 4 pecks to her cheek. The last remaining kisser stepped in front of her, standing silently. The pause dragged on and she felt frozen in place. What was happening? Was this going to be…? No, she hadn’t had a crush on anyone, and no one had ever shown interest in her before. The questions spun though her mind repeatedly as she waited.
The air swirled suddenly, letting her know that whoever it was before her had made a decision and was committed to that choice. She sat unmoving, waiting. Suddenly, soft lips were against her own and the Cherubs around them began clapping and whistling. But all of that was in the background of her mind. The lips pressed to hers exhaled, making her shiver. Just as fast as the kiss had started it was all over and the feet moved away.
“Wow,” she breathed out. Who could that have been? Her muse was still in total shock with her mouth hanging open very untastefully. Shaking her head, she really wanted to remove her blindfold but had to wait until the host announced they could remove their blindfold. Taking deep breaths in and out, she tried to get the heat out of her face as best she could. The next part would be harder, she told herself. Next, she would have to guess who had kissed here and where.
“Well that is the end of the line. You may remove your blindfolds.” announced the Ceremonies Master. In one pull the blindfold was off. It took a few minutes for her eyes to adjust to the light of the room. As soon as she could see clearly, she began to search for the one who might have kissed her. Ya right like you can pick him out form the crowd. You didn’t even know someone liked you. Her muse had gained her composure again and was in full sarcasm mode. Would you please stop. you’re not helping, she scolded her muse.
“Alright blindfoldees it’s time for the second part of the Ribbon Game. It’s time to see if you can guess the kisses you received.” Cheers of excitement from her fellow Cherubs erupted around her. The host continued her instructions after the crowd quieted down. “At random I will draw the number of a blindfoldee, that blindfoldee will then guess who they think delivered each kiss.” Her number was 16 and she truly hope she wouldn’t be drawn first. Holding her breath as the host swirled paper slips from a fish bowel, Saressa waited on pins and needles. “And the lucky blindfoldee is…Lucky number 16.”
All color drained form her face as she realized that her number had been called first. Hello, that would be you, her muse emphasized rudely with some humor. Moving slowly to the front where the stage was, she looked around hoping for some clue as to who had kissed her. “Alright so start with the ones you think you know and work up to the ones you have no clue about”, the host told her as she walked off the stage. Saressa gulped, gazing around at the assembled cherubs. Better you than me, her muse quipped, as Saressa held the microphone awkwardly.
She began by calling out the names of the ones she did know; each time the crowd cheered. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad in the end, she thought to her muse. As she moved on to the kisses she wasn’t so sure about, the crowd grew even more excited. With each wrong selection the crowd would laugh and clap and cheer her on to guess again until she got it right. It really was very fun, but she was still dreading the last kiss. The one from some cherub who wanted to be more than friends.
As she called the second to the last name that had kissed her cheek, she grew even more nervous. She had no idea who it could be. Searching the crowd for even just one clue as to who had delivered the lip kiss, she saw nothing that would help. Ok, well now what smarty, her muse mused unhelpfully. Saressa had no idea what to do. The only thing she could think of was to start naming random boys from her age group. Each time she guessed wrong the crowd would say “No, guess again,” laughing and giggling with their encouragement and excitement. This isn’t going to be easy at all, she said to herself.
After guessing about a half-dozen wrong guesses, she searched the crowd once more hoping for just one little clue. Out of nowhere Saressa spotted what she had been searching for since the blindfold had been removed. In the corner of the very back of the room stood a boy. His arms were crossed and though the shadows mostly hid his face she could just make out the grin on his lips. He was amused that she was having such trouble guessing. Not the same amusement the crowd had taken form her struggle but a knowing amusement. It was him she knew, but she didn’t know who he was or where he had come from. Pointing in his direction she said into the microphone, “It was him.” The crowd burst into an accomplished cheer for her. She finally knew the face of the one who had given her her first real kiss.
The Ceremonies Master returned to the stage and congratulated her on her first Ribbon Games. Walking off the stage as the host drew another number, she made her way to the corner she had seen the boy standing in. The crowd was difficult to navigate. By the time she had reached the corner she was exhausted. Taking a deep breath, she looked up to confront the boy; after all she didn’t even know his name. He wasn’t there! Searching the dark corner as if he might have disappeared into the wall somehow, she looked around in disbelief. Where did dream boat go? her mused pouted. Searching the crowd, she looked around lost and a little more than confused. There was no sign of the boy. Where he could have gone, she had no idea, but she sure hoped he would reappear someday.
(wc:1810)
Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2019 1:15 pm
Username: Lural Cherub: 1 RP Entry:
Today was a huge day. This was not only Zain's birthday, but also the Hunter's Jubilee, and his first Ribbon Game. Zain had a huge grin on his face as he tied a ribbon into his hair. This was his birthday ball, and he was the guest of honor, so he knew he needed to look his best; after all, everyone would be there!
The ballroom was decorated with flowers and hearts, and streamers of red, pink, and white formed a canopy above the dance floor. As the guests arrived, Zain greeted them all warmly, happy to see all his most beloved companions join him. Zain found himself pulled into some dances as the guests arrived. When everyone was there, Zain's father announced that it was time for the Ribbon Game. All the young cherub cheered, and Zain was called to the front of the ball room on a makeshift stage. He was seated and his father tied a soft black cloth over his eyes, making sure that Zain couldn't see.
Ah, he was so excited that it was hard to keep his legs from bouncing in anticipation. Lively music filled the ballroom so that Zain wouldn't be able to hear any giggles or whispered clues from the invitees. The first kiss came as a surprise, because Zain didn't know when it was coming, let alone who it was by. But it was a simple kiss to his cheek. A smile spread across his face. This was going to be fine, it was fun!
His friends continued to come up. A kiss to the cheek, one to the forehead, another to the cheek. Zain was trying to think of who each person might be. Then his heart stopped. He could smell a faint perfume. One that he recognized. It was like someone had spun sunshine into sugar and laced it with summer flowers. Zain's heart started to race. It was Violet. He'd had a crush on her for as long as he could remember. He'd always dreamed of playing the Ribbon Game with her. She would lean in and kiss his lips, and he would guess correctly, and then ask to court her. He was so ready for this! Zain took a deep breath and…
He received a kiss to the cheek. Even behind the blindfold, Zain's eyes flew opened, and he blinked a few times, wishing he could see her face. She just kissed his cheek. She… wasn't interested? He tried blinking away the wetness he felt prickling his eyes, his lashes brushing against the blindfold every time he did. At least the tears that did escape were whisked away from his eyes by the cloth. He didn't even notice when she left, and the next person came, and placed a kiss to his forehead. As all the children finished and lined up, clapping, the blindfold was removed.
"Zain, are you ok?" His father whispered to him. "Your eyes are red…"
"I'm fine, father. I think I just got some lint from the blindfold in my eyes…" He wiped his eyes to try and clear away the tears that lingered and threatened to fall again. He sucked it up, plastering a smile on his face as he started guessing. He had to take a few tries on some of his friends, surprised by a couple who had kissed his forehead, and felt his cheeks flush when he realized how things could go. But then… his eyes fell on Violet. She wouldn't look at him. Zain felt tears threatening to run down his cheeks again as he stated where she kissed him.
As the game concluded, Zain wanted to leave. He wanted to be alone and cry, but before he could, his friends gathered around to pull him into another dance, congratulating him on his first Ribbon Game, telling him how well he'd done. It was like he'd won somehow, but he only felt like a loser.
Lural
Shirtless Lunatic
Offline
Porcelain Pinch Crew
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Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2019 5:53 pm
After much pondering and debate, we have finally chosen our winners!
Congrats OneWintersNite and Duke of Donuts! Y'all were chosen for the two kiddos above!
Please tell me if you either accept or pass on your win within 72 hours!
