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

[activatingcombatmode]

[The touch definitely starts to calm him. His tails starts to swish again and he even leans against Cloud with a nuzzle of his horns.

And he laughs.] Cloud... You can't be serious about going completely celibate just for the sake of a magical bond between us.

[It seems like such a long step to take. They're just friends and while Zack adores Cloud and wants to bond with him he also knows he's got all these new senses inside of him that he knows himself well enough that he's going to want sex. He's a grown man.]

Unless you really are serious about this jealous thing. [He nuzzles Cloud some more.] I wouldn't break a bond with you. But the sex thing... If that's the case...

[Zack thinks he's proved more than enough the lengths he'd go for Cloud.]

[purpose]

[ Flatly, as she leads them through another hole in a hedge wall, ]

I can't see that far ahead.

[ Still sore over the perceived implication that she's forced herself on someone in some way — or repelled him with her suggestions of blood-drinking — the sarcasm is unmistakable. ]

They care less about what's in the heart of the maze than the games they're using to — [ 'Help' feels like an odd word when the Witches' intent had been clear: to pair them together, to burn off adrenaline, but it's the only word she can think of in her lexicon. After a hiccup of a pause: ] — help us. If I have to guess, it's probably another activity.

[plasticasshole]

[Connor manages to catch himself before he falls too hard, moving to straddle Ocelot and pin both of his wrists down on the ground. He leans in until their lips almost touch, then smirks a little.]

Is this what you wanted?

[ishisstrength]

Justine took a step forward as they kissed and wrapped her free non-ice cream hand around his neck. She smiled against his kiss, her fingers twisting through his short hair as she eagerly fell into the alluring warmth of his frame.

Ice cream melted over her fingers but Justine was too enthralled with Paris to pay any attempt to it.

[ishisstrength]

Yes but it was an accident. I don't think they knew the power of their own voice. [She pauses thoughtfully and then adds.] It is a... friend of mine. Now they know and I don't think they'll be doing that again.

[Justine isn't going to tattle on him.]

Yes and I've started a garden too. It's mostly herbs though. I wanted something more to cook with and I feel like I'm learning about spices all over again.

[ishisstrength]

[She inclines her head in a gentle nod while trying to find her voice again. It's different but similar. It's familiar but new. It isn't bad but she needs to get used to the feeling that he's always there.

It isn't something she's had a lot of in her life.]

Yes. [Justine takes Majima's arm and smiles. She doesn't need to steady herself but she wants to feel close to him.]

And you?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine smiles.]

I think we're close to the same age. [She doesn't want to get into her own experiences or situations. It's complicated. The world she lives in involves super natural creatures with their own laws and rules and dangers. It will only take a misstep for her life to end and there is no need to be discreet about it. Thomas is the only one keeping her alive and out of a whore house.]

And I am a fan of action myself.

[She loops her flower crown into a circle and places it gently on Sansa's head.]

There.

[ishisstrength]

Yes.

[Justine checks their drinks, making sure that they have plenty to get them through the evening, and then gently takes Chandra's hand. She slowly guides the red haired woman through the crowds and down a back street. It's significantly less crowded and Justine breathes a little easier.]

Do you like the water?

[She asks conversationally, keeping her hand in Chandra's but giving her the freedom to pull away if she wants.]

[ishisstrength]

[She laughs softly and gently shakes her head.]

You have an answer for everything, don't you?

[Justine looks very amused.]

[ishisstrength]

[She hums softly as her fingers brush against Caren's hip.]

Off to the side of the front door. [Justine's smile is warm and inviting as she steps forward and leans against the kitchen table. She quickly pulls off her shoes and places them under the table so that there out of the way. It doesn't matter where things go since Justine is the one that cleans the house.]

So about that first kiss?

[ishisstrength]

[A soft whine catches in her throat as Iramaat teases with that single button. It's too slow and yet the anticipation is driving her wild in a way that Justine finds she fully enjoys.] Is it vanity if it's the truth?

[She leans forward and brushes her lips against Iramaat.]

I've seen many beauties and you rank high among them.

[Justine's lips trail over Iramaat's jaw and throat while her palms come to rest on her Iramaat's hips.]

[ishisstrength]

It's laugh echoed against her skin and sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. Her corset suddenly felt incredibly tight as she struggled to inhale and deep breath of the cool night air. It's lips trail fire in the wake, teasing her lips with its. Another little moan catches in her throat as she's gently pulled towards its kiss.

Justine didn't have time to respond. It was kissing her and it was easy to let the pleasant heat seep into her and sweep her away. Her thoughts slipped through her fingers like sand as her lips parted and she breathed it in.

"Yes. There are many empty rooms tonight." It was far closer than trying to go back to one of their homes and Justine didn't want to wait. It was teasing her and it was working.

[beariot]

I think I can forgive that, since I like spending time with you, too... You've done a lot to help me feel at ease, feel welcome. [ Her smile softened. ] Thank you.

[beariot]

We shall. [ Ursula, probably too many cups of wine in as it was, hooked her arm with Maria's as if on instinct, regardless of whether or not it had been offered, gesturing for her to lead the way. ]

[beariot]

[ Well he had downed quite a bit already. Ursula flicked her wand to lift their cups, the bottles, and the flower crowns all at once, letting them float about them as she made her way to Berserker's arm, looping hers with his, leading him away from the table and the associated crowd. ]

[beariot]

[ Ursula listened and nodded along, thinking of this Vanille as someone she'd get along with splendidly. She found herself reminded of Akko to some degree, at least the "crybaby" part. And, well... Ursula could be a bit of a crybaby herself, at times, too. But when Fang's tone dropped, the narrowing of her eyes. The affection in her tone, replaced so suddenly by something... deeply familiar.

"You don't understand a thing."

"Your shows will be shunned and forgotten. Magic will be forgotten."

"I can't take the same path as you." ]

You care about her a great deal...

[beariot]

[ She was puzzled, at least briefly, by the shift in his smile. His smile was a memorable one to be sure, grand as the sunlight he claimed to be descended from, the sort of brilliance that brought warmth to all around him (though easily could annoy some). This was different, a sort of smile that looked strangely familiar, one she'd seen on a different, paler face before. Her wine-induced haze made it difficult to piece together, but as he held her face, leaned in...

... Suddenly, she remembered exactly what sort of smile that was. And her heart skipped a beat. It was good of him to have only kissed her forehead, or else she definitely would have passed out right then and there. The heat in her face was palpable, cheeks deeply red, unable to find any other words to say.

If this was where her star had guided her, she definitely didn't expect her destination to be something like that. She felt her heart hammer in her chest. Once again, she felt like a teenager, swept away and swooning, but this time by a man. A king, no less. If Croix could see her now...

... Well. Best not to think about that. ]

I... admire your restraint. [ What a dumb thing to say. She immediately winced, realizing that probably sounded stupid. ]

I-I mean... um... I'm not hallucinating all of this, right?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He's still not quite used to the magic usage and it catches his attention just for a moment. When Ursula takes his arm, he looks down with a little bit of surprise. ]

Most people won't get near me. [ That's changed here quite a bit. Personal space is a suggestion with some people. ] Being drunk is overriding your sense of self-preservation, isn't it?

[ He's not threatening her, that would be silly. An idle question because he's an asshole. Once they're to the bench he takes a seat and settles in. The warm feeling of being drunk is like a comfortable drunk. ]

[belligerentwarrior]

[Fang ran a hand through her hair, exhaling softly. For all the bad blood that had suddenly come between them, whether she still cared had never been questioned, not for one second. Hell, she stormed out in the first place to try to save her. Fang just hoped it still looked like she cared from Vanille's perspective.]

[Fat chance of that, after being abducted into this damn mirror world. The thought left something tight in Fang's chest.]

Yeah. [And that softness is back again. Something she'd said once bubbled forward.] I'd tear down the sky if it'd save her. No matter the cost.

[There were two kinds of people that said "at any cost." Those that hesitated when they saw the price, and those that retorted with is that all? The subtle gravity in her words made it clear which category Fang fell into.]

[sullenstallion]

"So you went back and did it after all," he says to himself. He remembers that had been his first unfortunate encounter with this woman. "Congrats on not falling into the flames, then."

He sounds a little disappointed somehow.

[sullenstallion]

Yeah. I'm pretty strong.

[He has to think about it for a second, but he shrugs.]

Usually, I just left the packages that come to Porcoline's...how much does a crate of apples weigh?

[sullenstallion]

Hm.

[Ugh. He feels like he sort of said something stupid. 'Sure it is' makes it sound like Kyo really believes it to be true? He's torn between minding his own business and pressing further, because hell if he knows what the right thing to do is.]

If you disagree with me, then...how are you different? I don't get it.

[sullenstallion]

[There's someone he wouldn't mind getting a wreath from, actually, so it takes him a moment to give his answer.]

Nah. Not from anyone here, anyways. It'd be weird, and flowers don't look good on me.

[He doesn't flinch away when Nel reaches up to touch his wreath, but until he's sure what she's doing isn't invasive his eyes are narrowed.]

The person who made this one made it too small, so they put it on my horn. They meant it for someone else, I think.

[sullenstallion]

Aren't mage and caster the same thing?

[Look, someone had to ask that question. Dylas comes from a world where magic is used by people every day, so he's not impressed by this 'knowledge of magecraft.' He finds it relatable, however, because even Dylas knows a fair bit about magic just from having been exposed to it over and over.]

I doubt you're the only one. That goes for me, too. I could do without the horns, but the magic I used to have...it's missing. I can still feel its absence. I miss it.

[sullenstallion]

[That's the most tragic part—Dylas likes Majima, but right now he's only seeing red. Someone who won't stop bothering him, another nuisance that compounds his misery on top of the growing pains he's experiencing and the surges of energy his body and mind can't comprehend. If he had a choice, he would never choose to fight someone he liked this much, but in the red of the moons, he can't make that choice. Majima looks like a target.

He whirls his head in the direction of the origami at first, wondering if that unicorn was supposed to mock him somehow, and for a split second it seems like he might give chase after it. He's tempted to. Anything that moves or annoys him right now is a potential outlet for his frustration. But then he sees that baseball bat, and damn, he really wants to fight that.]

I knew it—

[But what Dylas knows or thinks he knows he doesn't elaborate on. He rushes in close, trying to prevent Majima from getting a good swing of that thing in, but his body is larger than it used to be by a few inches and he's not as steady on his feet as a result. His goal is still to grab or slam his opponent, but there's more than enough time to get out of the way.]