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

Ignis Scientia | ota

[quickrecipeh]

I-b. Everybody was fighting

[Ignis doesn't really care about the mazes until he hears there's a fighting arena in the middle of one, at which point he ends up lurking around the entrance to the maze area looking for familiar faces to suggest a little spirited combat. He misses the fight, just a bit, misses Gladio for that most of all, but maybe he can find someone strong enough to give him a run for his money here, too. Armed with his daggers, and well aware that his Witch abilities will not be cooperating, he waits in a little area that seems to be filled with people looking for ideal partners for the mazes.

And once he finds someone, in they go. Whether they work their way through the maze together or go separate ways to see who gets to the arena first, eventually they end up there. He'll politely bow to his opponent before sliding his daggers out of the sheaths he acquired for them and settling in, ready to fight.]

I'll let you have first strike, then.


I-c. Under the pale moonlight

[Once he has a few fights under his belt, Ignis opts for a more relaxing stroll through the mazes. These festivities, it turns out, aren't all his thing, but he'll at least try to take the advice of others and do one whole turn in the mazes for a more calming experience.

He finds surprising company for this, considering he's not willing to ask anyone for it. He's merely milling around and mingling until he's asked to join someone. If it happens, it happens, and he'll gladly take a nice little tiptoe through the hedges.]


II-b. I'm wishing for the one I love

[A friend deposited a flower crown on Ignis' head early into this, and he's found a little amusement in helping others select bouquets (flower meanings--from back home at least--aren't beyond him) and single stems for friends and lovers and companions alike. He looks a bit of a silly sight with the flower crown occasionally dipping low to knock his glasses about.]

You look like you're looking for something. I can help with the flowers. This one looks like one from my home that means "unending loyalty". It's one of my favorites.

[Need help selecting a flower? He'll be there. But beware the latter parts of the day, because someone graciously bought him a drink as thanks, and being rather parched, he drank it without knowing the consequences of the spiced beverages. So later in the evening, one might just get offered a casual, meaningless flower by a slightly friendlier than usual Ignis.]


II-c. Get lost with me

[Since the prior mazes were entertaining enough, Ignis finds himself near the ones in the Harbor District, too. This time, they're less into letting you pick your partner, it seems, and he's awkwardly thrust forward into the maze with... some random person. Maybe he's met them, maybe he hasn't, but he's straightening his waistcoat and looking around for a moment like he's been done a bit of a disservice. Then he smiles faintly to his maze partner.]

Well, shall we? Left or right first?

II-C!

[fiddlestick]

[ Elliot had done this with the intention of meeting new people. Because hey, what better way to meet people than to do a strange orienteering exercise-

Okay so there was lots of better ways, but this is what was available. Still, whatever he was expecting for a partner, he can't say he was fully expecting a really tall proper looking guy. He feels like he's seen this guy before- maybe either from the magic classes or from that video post the other day with the free food. He wasn't someone he had spoken to personally before, elliot was sure of that much. ]

Oh- Hi!

[Okay, right. Make the best of this]

Sure um...how about left?

[quickrecipeh]

[Orienteering is a good way to look at it! Hopefully they'll all earn their scout badges, so to speak, with all this silliness. But it's a festival going on, and Ignis is trying to go with the flow and make the best of it.

And this? This is just a hedge maze. Nothing to it! So he looks his new partner over for just a moment, sizing up physique, various features, insignificant things, before he gestures to the left.]

Left it is. [He leads on.] Shall we come up with a strategy?

[fiddlestick]

[Elliot would like a scout badge. Much better than having to find a demonic gargoyle (his teacher was not good at safe lesson planning).

Elliot looks normal enough for a human. There was no sign of monster parts or anything that'd indicate he's anything but a typical guy on the edge of the twenties. He's short and petite, but not abnormally so. The only thing unusual, if Ignis has made himself familiar with witch equipment in this place, was his staff with him. It's looks metal and more factory manufactured than staves typically found in this place. Weird.

He'll follow him to the left]

Sounds good to me. Should we keep track of our turns, or make some kind of marker?

II-b

[clickclickbang]

Iggy!

[There he is! Prompto's been looking for him for a bit now and he wastes no time in throwing himself on the other man with a laugh. Guess who had a little spicy drink?]

Here, gotcha something else.

[Ta-da! It's a bouquet of blue and purple carnations.]

[quickrecipeh]

[He instinctively puts his arms back around Prompto for a bracing hug, then pats him on the back. Seems they've both partaken of a drink or two. But that's secondary to the fact that Prompto is actually... giving him something? Flowers? He looks from the flowers to the blonde, and takes them reluctantly, as if unsure they're being given to the right person.]

For me? You shouldn't have!

[clickclickbang]

I totally should have, and I totally did, so deal with it.

[Wow, Iggy is hugging him? That's a first!]

It suits you one hundred percent.

ii.c.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine is dressed in dark colors as she approaches the entrance to the maze. She's a little worried about where it might lead but she's curious too. It's likely less hectic compared to the maze of the full moon.

She pauses at the entrance and turns when she hears the man speak next to her.] Oh.

Left.

[Her voice is sweet and kind. Justine doesn't know Ignis by name but she's seen him around and knows that he's a friend of Prompto's.]

[quickrecipeh]

[First of all, Justine looks killer in that outfit, and it's a nice match to Ignis' black corset waistcoat with a leather back harness for his daggers. They're quite the pair as they head into the maze. He's seen her around, particularly while working his tailoring duties, so he's cordial enough.

If only he knew she was into tormenting Prompto, they'd already be best friends.]

Left, then! [He nods that way and gestures for her to go first.] How's the festival finding you?

[ishisstrength]

[She meets his gaze with a pleasant smile. Justine is fairly sure she's seen him when she's visited Paris or Prim at Prompto's house but she hasn't made the connection that her flustering friend knew the tall handsome man personally.]

It's been interesting. [She follows at his side, her fingers lacing together as they come to the first fork in the maze.]

The spiced drinks have thrown me for a bit of a loop but I think others are having a harder time with it. [She smiles at a private memory.] How about you? Are you enjoying yourself?

II-b

[loadme]

[Love is a tricky subject for Monika, and it's tied to a lot of memories that aren't all that pleasant for her. Being that there's so much talk about it going on, it's enough to bring down her overall mood.

She's distracted and unfocused and her expression could best be described as...

Tired.]

Sorry, I wasn't...

I wasn't paying attention just now.

[quickrecipeh]

[Tired. A mood. Ignis backs off slightly from the flower he was pointing out, and drops his arms down to his sides.]

Not to worry. You seemed interested in the flower, and I'm helping out around here. Flower language is something I have passing familiarity with, that's all.

[loadme]

I, uh...

[She didn't know too much about that.]

I was just browsing and, um, didn't really have any idea about flower language.

What could you tell me about it?

I-b

[wordsinthesoul]

Ah? That's most polite of you.

[In all honesty, he's a little concerned about his grip, with his hand shifting…. But this is certainly one way to test himself out, isn't it? He settles the dagger he's acquired in one hand and pushes himself forward, aiming for a light strike.]

[quickrecipeh]

[It's all in good fun, just a little exercise, in Ignis' opinion. If he really wants to flex, he'll go up against Noct. But this might be entertaining for a while, and he's been feeling completely antsy. So he slides his foot back a half step and raises one dagger in a reverse grip to parry the strike.]

Shall I limit myself to one?

[wordsinthesoul]

[It's a good parry, and Thancred backs off a step, evaluating for a moment before he nods.]

If you're willing to- it might make it more even. And this is but for the thrill of it, correct?

ii-b

[interlucere]

[ Lux doesn't know the language of flowers, and for the most part has been selecting them based on whether they remind her of someone she knows. Yes, giving flowers is supposed to be romantic, but that has never been her thing. And yet she still wants to give her friends something. Truly, this is a conundrum.

Staring down intently at the selection in front of her, Ignis breaks her concentration, drawing her attention upward before redirecting it back at the bucket of flowers. ]

"Unending loyalty"? That might work...

[quickrecipeh]

[Ignis is giving them to friends, so romance isn't the only reason! In fact, he'll encourage the buying, selling, and trading of the flowers to stimulate the local economy. They're all strangers here, after all.

He smiles, pointing out another flower.]

This one here means "I respect you", if you want to go a touch milder.

[interlucere]

[ That's a little too detached. It's pretty, and she could certainly make it work, but that's not quite right. She curls a hand to her lips, considering. ]

I didn't realize that picking out flowers could be this involved...

[ She doesn't want to get this wrong, but at the same time... ]

What would you give someone who you like and appreciate?

II-b.

[exterreo]

Loyalty.

[Somnus repeats, a grin tugging at his lips. This festival is probably the most comfortable he’s been since he landed in here. People, parties, even flowers… those, he knows how to deal with. So even though moonlight seems to be tugging at him, even though his legs hurt and he can hear himself hissing as he speaks when he’s not paying attention, he’s determined to have a good time and to gather as much information as possible in this place.

So he’s in quite a good mood as he approaches Ignis.]

It suits you, I believe. Are you planning on giving that one to my descendant?

[quickrecipeh]

[It's good to see Somnus in high spirits, though it's still strangely like seeing a distorted mirror of Noct. The festival seems to be doing good for all Ignis has interacted with, so he's glad Somnus is no exception.

He smiles and bows politely to Somnus, then straightens and puts the flower back.]

I wonder what he'd think of that.

[exterreo]

Well, if he's anything like me he'd probably be flattered. And quite amused.

[He glances at all the flowers, his gaze lingering over the blue ones because he's definitely got a theme going on. He wishes he were in better terms with Aera, she was the one that knew about flowers. Somnus dabbled in flower language, at most.]

I have... had? Have, back home I suppose. I have someone like you, someone loyal to me. I'm glad that tradition hasn't been lost.

II-B

[oceanschild]

[Paris has had a little bit of the spiced drinks by now, too- he doesn't know what's in them, but the taste good and make him feel good so he's not terribly worried about it. He's browsing through the flowers, wondering if it would be appropriate to buy some to just take home and have for his roommates when he bumps into Ignis and is offered the flower.]

Oh... hello! Thank you. [Paris smiles, taking the meaningless flower in his hands and looking over it. It's very pretty, but he'll look up to smile at the man himself.] Um, how are you?

cutie

[quickrecipeh]

[Ignis, too, is planning to give plenty to acquaintances and friends, so he's sporting a small handful of stems in addition to the one he just gave Paris.]

I'm well, Paris. Are you enjoying yourself? I can't thank you enough for your contributions to the great food experiment. [A soft laugh.]

:3

[oceanschild]

[Paris smiles quietly back.] Mm, it was fun. I... like being able to make things with other people. [It's interesting, especially here, since everyone has different foods they're used to...]

I am enjoying this festival. It seems like a very nice one. [Even though there are clearly people who are mad, but Paris is ignoring them. People are always mad.] Are you...?