event pt 1 | full moon & litha

[moustre]

Event Log: June, A Midsummer Night's Dream

I. IUNERIL 17TH - THE FULL MOONS The days leading up to the full moons are the same as last month: Monsters are a little itchier and a little easier to agitate, whether they mean to be or not, which becomes increasingly noticeable the day before the full moons. But of particular note is that this may be the second full moons that some arrivals have experienced, and with that comes greater risks, greater agitation, and further reminders to take care of themselves. Weather fair, despite the worries of the city, Monsters will find that the Sisters aren't blocked away by clouds this night. The moons cast their light down on the city, and the pull is strong for even the veteran natives that call the city home. The Coven is offering potions and charms, in an attempt to encourage those without a Bond to ensure that they will be able to keep their wits about them throughout the entire stretch of the Sisters' time in the sky at their fullest. They're always allowed to reject the offer, but it's with a warning: if they let their newfound instincts overtake them, then they might find themselves back in the Coven under worse conditions. But the Sisters rise framed in stark red skies, even as evening falls across Aefenglom, much to the discontent of the city. Streets that are rarely dim are lit up even moreso, now, in the face of this omen, lanterns and candles leading all the way to the Harbor District. Their colors flicker with shades of blue, green, violet - anything to offset the red. Boats that come and go along the river also carry a lantern or two with the same intent, and ships in the harbor are decorated with magical faerylights, strung across hulls, masts, the works. There's no place in the Harbor District untouched by light, with nary a sign of red in the midst of their goods. Tensions are already high, between the humans and Monsters of Aefenglom. It's especially noticeable on this night: full moons already cause everyone to be a little jumpy, but with the red tidings for Litha, they're more on edge than ever. Some blame the new arrivals, though never directly to their face, especially when they don't know who, or what, someone might be. It's always a there-and-gone whisper, it seems like. Gossip. Distrust. Unease. It doesn't lend well to the full moons, but there are still those that want to help. Many will notice that there's already activities and decorations up for Litha, some of them still under construction despite the fast approaching festival. The most notable of all are the hedge mazes that have been constructed, both by hand and with magic to encourage their growth. Behind the festival organizers' backs, a group of people - both man and beast - are offering Monsters a chance to burn off some of their energy by embracing their instincts in a more... constructive manner, with native Witches and Monsters alike prepared to intervene if things get a little too violent. In a sort of mockery of Litha's traditions, they're partnering Monsters up with a willing participant to run the mazes, with a variety of options that they will list. The partner - or partners, if there is a party looking to go in together - can be either Witch or Monster, and the people organizing this won't judge as they inform the interested individuals of their options: a. A-HUNTING WE WILL GO, allowing the Monster to either hunt a small livestock or game animal (a piglet, fowls, rabbits, the like) or to hunt down their partner through the maze they've chosen. This need not end violently, and can become more of a game of hide and seek meets tag. b. EVERYBODY WAS FIGHTING, where one maze in particular has been devoted to a makeshift fight ring at the very heart of it. The organizers hope, somewhat, that by making the Monster(s) in question run the maze first they'll be a little tired out already when reaching the ring. c. UNDER THE PALE MOONLIGHT, because instincts don't always call for violence, the organizers offer a more intimate experience here, whether it's sexual or nonsexual. Maybe you just want a good cuddle..? The organizers emphasize the idea of consent, and will not force anyone against their will into the hedge mazes, no matter which one it is. They also want to make sure that they will step in to help if called upon, in case someone gets a little too overeager. Witches looking to use magic this night will, peculiarly, find that their magic is a little less... cooperative. Many of the Coven Witches speak of how they specifically wait to cast powerful spells on the night of the full moons, to ensure that they have the greatest chances of success with the help of the Sisters. However, Witches of the new arrival persuasion are much weaker on full moons. Their magic is still there, and they can still draw upon it for spells, but they'll have to put greater effort if they want to cast a spell with any significant amount of power. Overexerting oneself while doing this is entirely possible, so it's best to try and find some sort of balance, lest you find yourself exhausted and without a means to defend yourself. We ask that any and all NSFW threads be marked accordingly, or otherwise moved to a locked post on the log community or an entry/inbox on a character journal. Remember to please be excellent to each other, and respect all limits that your threadmates might have, if you explore the more sexual or violent aspects of the offered prompts. If things get OOCly out of hand, please let us know; if things get ICly out of hand, please let Nessie and Mhairi know.

II. LITHA - IUNERIL 21ST TO 23RD Despite what chaos there might have been on the night of the full moons, and the subsequent day after as things began to calm, Litha still arrives as scheduled on Iuneril 21st, as the sun begins to set. The summer solstice reaches its peak the following night, and the festivities wind down the third dusk. While certainly still lively, it isn't as completely festive as Boaltinn, most certainly because of the red skies, and the natives are obviously trying to make the best they can of what they perceive as a poor situation. To say that the natives are on edge would certainly be an understatement. Whatever happened in those hedge mazes is untraceable, now, and everything looks pristine. Faerylights decorate every awning, overhang, and eave, magical and twinkling with colors to offset the red skies. There are no bonfires, this go around, but much like the fires it seems that the lights all lead to the primary area of celebration: in contrast to Boaltinn, Litha is celebrated in the Entertainment, Shopping, and Harbor Districts. Doors to businesses are wide open (with many even having large signs indicating VAMPIRES WELCOME HERE - those that don't make a clear statement), and stalls offering wares and foods and activities alike are set up at nearly every corner alongside preestablished businesses in the market. The harbor is especially lively, with many sailors coming and going as they prepare for setting sail. While ships themselves are always coming and going in the port, Litha is an important time for the more longterm voyages and those meant to carry some significance, and each ship departing is bid farewell with equal fanfare. Fireworks and celebration that is, at least in some part, genuine, but does carry a certain level of enthusiasm that borders on force of will. a. ASKING FOR A LITTLE COMPANY Though all businesses in the Entertainment District open their doors for the festivals of Aefenglom, the brothels of the city in particular are offering a warm welcome this Litha to anyone who might be interested in spending some time with someone - or, multiple someones. They have open rooms for mingling, lounges with floor pillows and low tables where customers can partake in spiced and unspiced drinks alike, where the unspiced are lacking in the potions and near-aphrodisiacs of the spiced drinks. Private rooms are also available for those seeking a more... intimate experience, however one may take that to mean. The brothel workers are more than happy to attend to any interested parties, but also aren't against randomly pairing individuals up, based on their specifications. And, after a little misunderstanding regarding their classes, the Head Madame of the guild has decided that they will be offering chances for individuals to perform at their establishments. She was rather charmed by the mishap, bless your souls, as were the rest of the guild, so the new arrivals have endeared themselves to the brothel workers. Dances, conversation, assorted busking - whatever skills that their quest-takers learned, whether it be of the more sexual nature or not, they'll provide whatever they might need to put on a show and attract or entertain clientele. b. I'M WISHING FOR THE ONE I LOVE Anyone interested in making their way into the Shopping District will find just as many open doors, as well as numerous stalls interspersed where they weren't before. Vendors hawking their wares and goods like always call out with Litha specials, and businesses set up temporary stalls to draw attention to themselves, with promise of greater bargains and products to be found at their main establishment. There are many that sell spiced foods and drinks, with varying degrees of strength depending on how one wants to feel. Others are selling candles and lanterns, offering a magitech version of a lighter at a steal, depending on how much you purchase otherwise. The largest stalls, and the biggest displays at storefronts, are the flowers though. Every single flower shop in Aefenglom has come out full force, practically painting the district in a myriad of non-red colors as they put their stock on full display. They offer deals for those who wish to buy bouquets for a sweetheart or someone they admire, as well as anyone wanting to make flower crowns for those they care for. Each of the seven largest shops are also handing out a single flower for those partaking in festivities to place under their pillow to dream of future partners, the flower they're typically most well known for; this varies from shop to shop, but the up and coming Rose Bush certainly isn't going to let superstition stop them, and are handing out red roses. It's a bold move, but one that causes the tizzy that they were intending it to. And if one is feeling particularly whimsical, they can go to any well at night, looking into the depths in a bid to see their future spouse and true love within. Perhaps making an offering of a flower would bring good luck..? Just don't linger for too long, as there's a rumor that someone is pushing unfamiliar faces into the well, likely targeting those they think are new arrivals. c. GET LOST WITH ME Though the Harbor District has some bleedover from the Shopping District in terms of festivities, their streets and warehouses are where the most room is available for the hedge mazes. Some are sprawling as they fill the streets and alleys, spilling into the towering buildings that have been empty to load the contents onto waiting ships. They create their own environments, with flowers from the flower shops blooming in the rows and creating archways at entrances and exits. Some are enchanted to seem neverending, although there always is an exit, if one can only figure out the puzzle. Each maze has a different method to its madness, and arrangements that those running them have decided on. (Some faces may seem familiar, to those that encountered them on the full moons; they'll feign otherwise, focused only on the now and refusing to draw attention to any recognition.) Some mazes send in the partners together, randomly selected and tasked with figuring out how to reach the end of the maze together. Others will send the partners in from different ends, with the instructions to find one another, whether in the center of the maze or in its winding path. Another variety offers something reminiscent of the hide and seek meets tag game, tasking one as the hunter and the other as the hunted, a game of pursuit meant to replicate the "playing hard to get" variety of courtship. There's no restrictions on how many times one can enter the maze, as it allows one to forge many bonds - and possibly Bonds - and replicates the process of finding your true love. Or, loves; no one here is going to judge anyone. They certainly won't judge, either, if participants opt to take a swig of something for luck in love before they go in. However, some mazes have been tampered with: rather than opening out into somewhere safe on the street or in a building, they empty out unaware participants into the port itself. Hopefully you know how to swim. Once again, we ask that if any threads take on a NSFW nature that they be marked as such, or otherwise moved to a locked post in the log community or an entry/inbox in a character journal.

Welcome to the event log, part I! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. As ever, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know, and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

[quickrecipeh]

[What a graceful, gentle gesture. She's just so darn lovely. He's honestly glad they met, and the flower means as much. There's something soothing and familiar about Aera that he can't put his finger on, and while he doesn't mind the peculiarity, it's still kind of distracting at times. Nevertheless, he'll just smile.]

Then I'll hope against hope you find a place with a lovely garden area for you to nourish and cherish. Would you like me to ask my acquaintances if they have any rooms available? I'm concerned, if you're living totally alone, that you might be bored or lonely. Of course, that's me projecting. I've gotten to the point myself where living alone might be strange again, even if the peace and quiet is welcome.

[quickrecipeh]

So you do. But I'd say I'm not really far above a commoner, in a lot of ways. I just have a fancy job, I suppose, compared to some. Do you come from a monarchy?

[He's not pretentious, is what he means, though he is rather of expensive taste and terribly exacting. Oops.

He surveys the options...]

Right, I think. The footpath looks more worn here, so we might be on the right track.

[syndicators]

"Sometimes we have to be a little diplomatic to get somewhere," she said with a leveled look as if to say 'play nice'. It was hard here. It was absolutely nothing like they were used to, even living on the streets. But having that background at least made them equipped with handling what they needed to to get by.

She held the mug herself and took another drink. "It isn't bad," Qi'ra replied back, not displeased with the drink itself. She could feel her cheeks flush quickly, the ease in which she leans into him as they walk along.

"It could be worse." And she didn't just mean the drink. She wanted to get back home, but she could still do a lot here in the meantime. If she could figure out how to work through being half fish.

"Does it really look bad? The scales?"

[quickrecipeh]

If they put it in the coffee, I'll be well and truly doomed. Regardless of the outcome, it might improve the flavor. [He laughs quietly to himself, a little huff, because yes, he's just that picky about his coffee. Where's delicious, dark, canned coffee when he needs it? These heathens.

They turn down the path she selects, and Ignis mentally tracks where they're going for a moment. That next question surprises him.]

I do, actually. Prompto is a friend from home, and Paris I met here. Are you close with either of them?

[quickrecipeh]

[Considering the number of flowers he's selected in his life and analyzed on the incoming, it's fair to say this is actually somewhat effortless for him. And he's so glad he's been able to help people, as it flexes some trivia muscles he was concerned about losing.

And her smile of satisfaction makes it doubly worth it. He's made someone's life just a little bit easier today.]

No, not a florist. I'm experienced with flower language for political reasons. A dear friend of mine sent and received flowers regularly, and they were often politically motivated. So... I learned.

[quickrecipeh]

I'm willing. It's much fairer.

[Effortlessly, he slides the second dagger back into the sheath on his back, then steps back himself and holds the remaining one at his side. With a quick step to the side, he aims for his opponent's weapon directly in a sideways upward thrust.]

Though, as you say, it's all in good fun.

[quickrecipeh]

You mustn't think of it that way. Even if it's such that having a limited number of bonds is better and safer, I think there must be plenty who would consider having you with them.

[He smiles gently, squeezing Paris' hand.]

Don't be afraid to ask for help. We're all in this together, aren't we? This place is a great equalizer. We're all just muddling along, trying to figure things out. Find someone you work well with and ask them, when you feel you're ready.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias shakes his head.]

I appreciate your company regardless of nothing, [he corrects. He isn't harsh with this correction, but his mind is firmly made up and he will not even entertain the notion of something else.] You are a beautiful, intelligent, and kind-hearted woman. Why wouldn't I enjoy your company?

[interlucere]

[ She can hear it, but the sounds mingle with everything else that she can't discern a thing; birds singing outside, the distant street noises and chatter filtered through the heavy haze of a headache. Lux isn't quite awake yet, if that isn't apparent from the addled look she gives Akira as he toils away in the kitchen. ]

Good morning.

[ Trying to pull on a smile and sound chipper in response, it misses its mark by a mile. ]

I've... felt better. And you? [ She admits it?! Shock! Pressing her lips together briefly, she mumbles to herself; ] ...Ugh, I have the worst taste in my mouth.

[ Yeah I bet you do. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Cats were fine. They were soft to pet and often chose to sit on her since she tended not to stare at them and was also generally not moving about.

But they weren't tigers which were cool.

Kaede made a sluggish grumbly noise, though her tail didn't stop its appreciative fluffing. And that did feel nice, Kaede admitted to herself. She turned away from the mirrors, finally, and shuffled towards the bathtub.]

Which dials do what?

[She could figure it out through trial and error--it wouldn't be the first time she was in a stranger's house, though under...more benevolent circumstances this time. Kaede didn't have to step over any bodies to get to the bath and back again, for instance.]

[interlucere]

[ It's hard for her to not giggle in response, watching him gleefully admire his recent acquisition. Really, it's heartening considering the state he was in when they first met. ]

I'm just glad I could help! [ A beat, as she considers something. ] You know, we may have enough to make a crown for your friend. Or we could find a vase to put them in.

[showsnopiety]

[She can't help it; she had to laugh quietly at how he thought it'd only be a kiss.]

I think you were underestimating both of us.

[She leaned up, giving his lip a soft nip, before drawing back. Else, they'd get wrapped into the kisses again.]

I'd like something more. I want you to touch me Ignis. More- I want to sleep with you.

[fiddlestick]

[he thinks and shakes his head]

Not unless it's another name for Arteria, sorry.

[showsnopiety]

[She might still be a tiger. But still, Caren might be teasing her a bit. A little. Besides, she makes cute grumpy noises.

When Kaede stepped away, her hand dropped, and she moved towards the dials.]

This one is for hot, this one is for cold. And this one switches between shower head and the bath nozzle.

[So no bodies, no blood, Kaede can wash up without having to step over bodies this time.]

[showsnopiety]

[She was a bit of a homebody. But then-she had things to do, outside of her home. People to help.]

I've seen bits and pieces. It's more impressive then it sounds. As for when...

A few weeks? Months? I think I lost track of time, between one thing and another. But it hasn't been long. I know that much.

[hearthebell]

[The answer is both emphatic and succinct; essentially, just what L hoped for, followed by the kind of detail he'd be lucky to get on a good day as an interrogator. He catches himself; he needs to train himself to stop thinking of ordinary conversations as opportunities to set traps, or interesting facts about people's lives potential leverage to hold over them if he ever needs to, because it isn't like that, here and now.]

Why do they attack everyone? Even beings without reason have motives. Fear, or hunger, or some drive that makes them choose to take violent action.

[L might be sort of a wreck, socially, but "motivation" is a fascinating concept to him, the gem of sentient and nonsentient behavior. it might not always be reason, but it is a reason.]

I spent most of my time in the Coven studying, or... at Runetchers, where I work at present. But I can't learn everything about Geardagas from books, and so... I decided to come out here tonight.

[And he's not sure if he regrets it yet.]

Through process of elimination, if you're not a monster, you're a witch as well. Is that correct?

[interlucere]

[ That isn't the answer that Lux was expecting, mild surprise flashing in her eyes before being replaced with a more understanding look. Ah. A dear friend, he says. Is Ignis some sort of adviser, then? If they were sending and receiving flowers... She could think of a few reasons.

With a knowing smile, she continues to look over the flowers on display. ]

I suppose that would be important to learn about, then. I hope your friend was willing to learn with you as well, even if the reasons for giving them are politically motivated.

[ At least she would want them to, if she was in the position of this friend's companion. Or what she assumes is what is going on here. A marriage, or a formal request for courtship both seem likely—neither of which Lux cares for, but she is at least knowledgeable on the subject. ]

A. ii

[newtralize]

[Newt was a bit sore and tired. From being chased about the mazes to even being in a few fights with them (he agreed to it), he certainly has had an eventful day. His hair is a little damp from sweat he fans himself a little.

Honestly, water sounds great about now.] Alex! [He doesn't quite pick out the fish tail from afar, but he easily makes note of it when he approaches her.]

Merlin, I think the amount of water you need far exceeds a glass of one. You're going to dry out that way. [He doesn't know the extent of how long she can be out of water, but he can't imagine it being good for her health.] We really should get you settled somewhere. [Like a lake. Hell, even a bathtub is better than just letting her just be laid out on a blanket like she is.]

[fiddlestick]

Eheh, sure. "Fancy Job" is one way to put it... [It's okay Ignis it's not like you scream nobility like some. Just...very put together] Yeah. Erebonia's got a robust nobility, you could say. What's it like where you're from?

[He examines the paths. His friend was better at tracking, but he can see what Ignis is getting at]

Hm, seems sound to me.

[he'll jot a note in his notebook and then head on to the right!]

[cult]

( stop, what did he do wrong?

there's many things going through wei wuxian's head, even the annoying grin that shows on his features every time he makes eye contact with berserker. he's scary, but endearing, he speaks rather strongly but he feels as if there's heart to him deep down which comforts the idiot enough to lean against the other. yeah, he makes this look horrible around others. he nods in agreement, not seeing what the problem is about the situation or even.. why they have to keep it on hush! )

Huh? Are you embarrassed being caught with me or something! ( a little banter has never hurt, teasing berserker once again as he laughs softly to himself — he seems to be having a good time despite his shoulder is throbbing. ) I can speak about your good will, right? You really could have left me to die, you know. ( it would have been a familiar scenario to him, it's not like that isn't what was going to happen to him back home.

he sighs, looking around towards the signs of various brothels in hopes to catch a good deal — some actually are, once he reads the descriptions. extra little things for certain pairs of bondeds: witch/witch, monster/monster and even witch/monster gets extra items for their rooms. they're really giving certain couples a nice and warm welcome on the celebrations it seems like. ) That place looks like they'll be kinder towards you than that one.

( some doesn't say too much about monsters and that's mostly what wei wuxian is looking forward, not wanting to make this anymore awkward for the other than it's already been. the best part is that everything about tonight is free, opening their doors to any person that wishes to come through but wuxian truly can't forget the one woman's words about how there may be quite a few hardships for monsters from time to time. )

Dead by Daylight

[newtralize]

[Newt has plenty of things to do, but Newt is also too nice of a person not to assist her. Just a cursory glance, he can tell that the other looks tired. Perhaps unwell even. That in itself is enough to merit taking the time to assist her. Even if it's just to get her a drink.

He approaches her with a cup of water and holds it out to her.]

Here. You're looking quite tired. A long day?

[honoraboveall]

Symon smiled up at Lyr, not the wide handsome expression he would show others, not the mask, but his honest one, smaller, sharper. His tongue flickered out to lick at his teeth and he leaned in closer, whispering.

"Kiss me, then."

[complementing]

[A bubbly laugh escapes her. She can perfectly picture Shinjiro's expression in reaction to that question.]

He'd probably balk at the title, but he did admit it to me, so yes.

I knew him a little less than a year, and I barely saw him for most of it. And our time together was even shorter on top of that. [She runs her finger over the leather band of her watch.] So not very long at all.

[It was worth all the struggle to be with him, says the gentle smile on her face.]

[fieryimpulse]

Don't worry, then. I'll make sure you get home.

[Chandra waggles a finger playfully. She has actually spent some of her studies here making a tracking spell. So, she figures she can retrace Kaede's steps a bit.]

So, drink all you want, kay?

[fieryimpulse]

Yes, there is.

[Sitting up a bit straighter, Chandra turns serious eyes on Liliana, brow furrowed in an intense look. There's no reason not to get this checked out, is there? No. Not that she can see.

Maybe she's jumping at shadows. Maybe she's just being paranoid. But there's a pall hanging over her thoughts right now.]

Because it might be a while. And because I'm worried it's a bigger problem. Liliana, I already lost Gideon, I don't want to lose you too.