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

Sansa Stark | GOT | witch

[mislike]

( full moon mazes )

[She must stand out as a witch, constantly being reminded of who she is, but this time most of the remarks are from fellow witches, reminding her to be safe and that her powers will wane this night. She works at Parliament for most of the day, but is sent out toward the evening.

Sansa isn't afraid of monsters. She knows men that are worse than the ones here. And she wants to know what the newcomers like her feel since even she has noted the hostility. The organizer spots her immediately and pairs her with one of the monsters not far.]

You two, [They say as they try and get them both together.] Pick a maze.

[Sansa stares for a moment at the monster that was chosen for her and dips into a curtsy.]

I am Sansa. I have not yet been in these mazes, but I am open.

( asking for a little company )

[She holds a heated mug in her hands. The night is cool on her skin, more like the weather she was used to growing up, but unbeknownst to her, there's something in her drink. Her cheeks are a little more heated, and she's smiling a little more delighted.

She's just out of the way from the brothel itself, but those no longer make her blush. After all Lord Baelish once operated one. It's not for a lady like her, but she is looking up at the stars with a small smile, affected already.]

It is a nice night. It reminds me of standing out on the Gatehouse back home. [The tall castle walls, protecting everyone within.]

( i'm wishing for the one i love )

[She's sat on the floor with her legs crossed, working the flowers into flower crowns. It was more something she would have done when she was younger, but it's pretty. It reminds her of a lighter time, and she appreciates that about this place. She knows it has known it's own wars and hardships, but still it goes on.

She has hope that if her people back home survive this war, they can move on. The North will be okay. Placing the red rose she was given, Sansa heads towards the well where others are starting to gather. She doesn't line up to look though, having already married twice now.

When asked why she doesn't go over, she just responds,] It isn't for me.

( get lost with me )

[Still wearing the flower crown, it seems it's another chance for a maze. She thinks this place likes pairing people off. Sansa tries to find someone she knows for this, already casting her light upwards to hopefully guide them.]

Have you done this, yet?

( wildcard )

ooc: definitely open for anything. if you want to plot out something (especially with some crazy mazes or potential cuddling with or without aphro let me know! hit me up at xdombillyx

get lost with me

[iminthebook]

Harry turns at hearing that voice and his smile warms and widens. "Sansa! and no, not this one. I helped with keeping the peace in a hunt maze earlier, but I have not been in for myself, yet, in any of them."

He smiles genuinely and warmly to see her again.

"Care to wander in one of them together?" He liked this curious young witch, and thought her rather impressive in many ways. And well, she was also very cute in many othje4rr ways that he tried to not think about.

[mislike]

She kept herself poised when he greeted her, smiling lightly when he offered to join her in the mazes. The hunt was different to this, more active. She planned on taking her time, getting to explore more of it. It had been a long time since a more adventurous side of her was able to come out.

"I would like that," she told him as they entered the maze together. "How have you been, Harry?"

[iminthebook]

"I've been okay. Mostly studying. I am thinking of trying to specialize in healing magics, and in herbalism to see if I can bring some medical help to others. When i was young, I was mostly very... blunt force, very fire and force magic in people's faces. I think i want to... use my abilities to instead help."

Which is more than she asked, but... there you go.

"How have you been, Sansa? I am sorry I have not been around as much."

asking for a little company

[wylderrant]

[ The brothels don't hold a lot of interest for Iramaat, personally. Sex for th esake of sex is entertaining enough, but she prefers the investment to be a little personal. Where's the fun in exchanging coin for pleasure? But she's wandered down that way regardless - they've warm drinks and little shops and seeing what they're up do down that-a-way is still something she wants to do.

It is, after all, a new place with new traditions and new people.

She has a mug of something in her hand and she turns to Sansa with the arch of a brow and a winning little smile. ]

Oh? And where is home for you? Since we're all from different places and different times.

[mislike]

[She doesn't know the woman who responds back, but she's sitting comfortably in an outdoor lounge chair, watching the festivities of the night. Sansa is not even sure how she feels about sex itself given her own history with men which is why she chose to promptly move away from the brothel.]

Winterfell. It is the northernmost kingdom in Westeros. It is winter though.

[wylderrant]

Huh. Never heard of it... or Westeros, I'm afraid. Sounds... well. A bit like my home, if they have kingdoms and courts and that sort of thing.

[ She drums her fingers against her chin thoughtfully. ]

I'm a courtier of spring, so can't say I approve too much of winter, but the seasons change and that's our lot in life! Still - strange to go straight from one to the other without that slow change of seasons, isn't it?

full moon mazes.

[ipseite]

( if petrana hadn't precisely been intending to choose a maze at all, nevermind with a stranger—she is both more than a little curious, and certainly relieved to recognize in sansa something familiar. that certain courtesy. either of them could have done far worse for a companion, she thinks, and so does not dig her heels in,

for all that there's an uncharacteristic flare of visible irritation when she's you there'd by, by—

she is nothing here, she reminds herself. the moon does not make it any easier to tamp down an imperiousness she is ill-accustomed to allowing reign. )

Well,

( bracingly, when she's certain she won't snap, )

perhaps—the first? I am excellent at hide and seek.

( her eyes glitter, oddly; they are in the midst of change, too, and it has played havoc with her sight of late, but certainly she thinks she could amicably chase someone about for a little while. )

Perhaps if I can make your hair sparkle, we shall say I've won.

( both because that is adorable, frankly, and as a preemptive assurance to this perfect stranger (some inches taller, but several years her junior if she's not mistaken) that she doesn't wish to make too literal the notion of the hunt. )

[mislike]

That suits me well enough. [She says as they approach the entrance. It has been so long since she was able to run around. Sansa was never as wild as Arya, but she has memories of running around the courtyard with Jeyne Pool, trying to avoid the boys as they aimed to catch them. Her heart lurches at the thought of Robb and how much she truly missed him.

She does not know how it would be possible to make her hair sparkle. If it were magic or mayhaps the girl was some sort of fae.]

You can do that? [She asked, turning back to the other girl with true amusement.]

Alright then. [She does not give the chance to ready either of them. The boots she is wearing are heavier, but not so much that it would weigh her down. But they are no dress shoe meant for the indoors.

Digging down, she takes off and makes for the clearest path. Not actually sure where she's going, Sansa starts running and hoping to not wind up in one of the dead ends. She would surely get caught then.]

[ipseite]

( petrana's smile is enigmatic, to sansa's query, but the elegant elongation of her hands and the unnatural brightness of her eyes underneath the moons' light certainly suggests the shape of the answer. no wings are—yet?—in evidence, but at her wrists there are glimmers of something glittering, and hinted at just at her throat, above the high neckline of her dress.

she will have to catch sansa to drop fae dust in her hair, but even before they begin to move she's confident that she will. she has all of the relevant skills—she's quick, and light on her feet, and accustomed to navigating unexpected obstacles with practised ease, in leaping and landing even upon a moving target (an improbably able horsewoman, but that would probably be cheating)—it's only that she's always before been running away, and not towards.

not after.

as she bolts after sansa, she uses the hedge maze itself to her own advantage; catches a corner and uses it to launch herself into a graceful leap, shoes abandoned at the start, the thudding of bare feet and silken swish of skirts heralding her, and her breath, trained for this, easily sustained. marius had not thought he was molding something that might chase. )

Wishing for the One I Love

[imperfectporkchops]

[Aren't you going over too? It was a simple question. Humans were so funny, with their ideas of permanence, and eternity, the way they demanded to be taken seriously, like a kitten snarling at a mountain.

You'd think she'd learn not to think things like that. But rocks change slowly, much slower than ordinary folk, and Rose is more willing to make mistakes from most. And learn from them. She's not taken aback by Sansa's reply, but she does look at her, at the rose, and then turns back towards the queue, watching.]

I understand. [She doesn't seem to be in a hurry to step up to the well, either.] Sometimes it's better not to know.

[mislike]

[It isn't about knowing. It is simply not wanting to be in that position where a man can rule over her again. She is strong enough on her own, leading her people in her brother's stead. It would not be surprising if Jon would eventually arrange something, but the North does not need allies. They have been very exclusionist before her grandfather.

Mayhaps it is time to return to their old ways.]

It isn't necessary. Nor do I plan for it.

[imperfectporkchops]

[Rose looks down at her, blinking. Necessary? She can't help the little snort, nor the smile.]

Well, that's a grim tone.

[Sansa please.]

Of course it isn't necessary. Goodness. [Oh! To be young again! And full of purpose! It was horrible, truly genuinely awful. Why does she feel nostalgic for it?] What's your name?

asking for a little company, if it is okay to double this one up. Otherwise, ignore thsi.

[reborningreen]

[ Oliver is in town, fully shifted. His turnskin form that of what he would call a werebear. He is tall, and furry, and looks, well, like someone squished a bear and a man together, and then wrapped loosely tied leathers around him, and added a quiver and a bow.

The moon's pull has him irritable, and shifty, and makes him feel like his skin is itching all the time, and... and it is instilling urges in him. Ones he is resisting, but having a hard time doing so.

Spotting the woman standing on her own with a drink, he drifts closer, only to hear her words, and reply, his voice something between a growl and true human speech. ]

It reminds me a little of home as well, of staring out into the city I lived in, and breathing in the air....

[ The rumble of his voice is low, and heavy, and he falls silent near her. ]

no worries!

[mislike]

[She keeps herself poised, already used to worse than werebear. Sansa had spent time with the Hound after all, and Ramsay could put both of them to shame. So she keeps her composure as she looks over at Oliver.]

The city itself is different, but there are evenings like this that are calmer.

[She can appreciate it, a slight warmth welling up in her bones.]

[reborningreen]

That's a good thing, I think. Calm nights, always best with good company.

[ His voice purrs our the words as he gets closer, and inhales her scent, the smell of her making his body seem to ache, and burn warmly, pleasantly. ]

What was your home like?

[ He wants to hear her voice more. ]

i'm wishing for the one i love

[ishisstrength]

Why do you say that?

[Justine recognizes Sansa's voice from their brief conversation over the odd dial devices several weeks before. She hasn't learned anything new since then but she has found a few books that the lovely woman might be interested in. Sadly, they were all at her home and not with her now.]

Excuse me. I'm Justine, we spoke once before. Do you mind if I join you?

[She gestures towards the seat next to Sansa.

She has mixed feelings about making flower crowns but if it's all in good fun... then maybe she can make one or two. Even if she doesn't give them to anyone.]

[mislike]

I do not have a desire to know. [Or to find that person-- if they exist. She has already been twice married. The bonding ceremony is already serious enough, something she is taking her time with.

Sansa looks up when the girl asks to join her. She remembers her, and gives a light nod, moving to give her some space to sit.]

How are you? Fairing well during Litha?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine takes the seat next to Sansa and begins to passively gather flowers for a crown. Meanwhile her thoughts take a different path, one that follows the pain and uncertainty that seems inherent in her life.]

I am doing well. I have some books for you but I'm afraid I don't have them with me. I can drop them by your home, whenever you like. [Her fingers skillfully begin to weave some of the stems together but Justine really isn't paying attention to what she's doing.] I am well. I think those turning into monsters are having a more difficult time.

[Justine pauses briefly, letting a comfortable silence fall between them, before continuing in a more sober tone.]

I don't think I'd want to know either.

[Her fate isn't to be with the one she loves.]

i

[digiorno]

[The organizers certainly are enthusiastic, Giorno considers, nose wrinkling as he suppresses a smile at their bustle. It's a funny thing, jostling between the bitterness he feels towards the people at large for their constant remarks and amusement at the good nature of this whole festival.]

[He's curious to play the maze game, anyway. That's why he didn't flee as soon as the organizers spotted him. There's a sharpness in the eye of the girl he's been paired with, which he appreciates, so after a moment he nods and bows slightly in return. It's a bit stiff, maybe, and not as low as courtesy might want, but he wouldn't make the effort for most strangers.]

Giorno Giovanna. I haven't either, but I'm confident we'll clear ours in record time.

[Cocky much. With a faint smile, he nods towards the maze entrances they have to choose from.]

Do you have a preference? I'll trust your judgment, if so.

[mislike]

[She understands the point of the mazes, the help the restless monsters who are struggling during the full moon. She is not yet bonded herself, so this is the only way she knows how to help. And for her its important to be seen here. After all she is trying to prove to the natives here, especially the Coven, that she means to help. Sansa thinks they will be more willing to help if she shows that she is.

So when he gives a quick bow, her smile is tight but apparent.]

I suppose it actually depends on how you are feeling. I am a witch, and so the full moon does not affect me in the same way. [If he means to make chase or if he's more likely to want to fight. Either way as his now partner, she would do what she needed to help him even if her magic is somewhat weakened right now.]

[digiorno]

[Ah. Right. Just because he's happy to ignore the realities of this world until they blow up in his face doesn't mean everyone will indulge him. Nor should they, probably, but it's — uncomfortable. His gaze lifts to the twin moons in the sky as he shifts his weight slightly.]

I . . . don't know.

[It's the truthful answer, but not a particularly helpful one.]

I don't want to fight, [he allows after a moment.] Do you honestly trust a stranger enough to offer up the choice?

Asking For A Little Company

[newtralize]

[Newt is hanging around the well. Not because he wants to personally find out about his future spouse or what have. He is a little curious as to how the well works and the potential magic surrounding it, but as far as finding out his true love-]

It really isn't my thing personally. [Newt has a few flowers on his person and there's a platypus-like creature tucked in his arm eating some of the flowers.] I can't say that my experiences have been great before and I suppose I'm apprehensive at the thought though.

[That, and he didn't quite like the idea of seeing them in a well when he could just eventually meet them in person someday.]

[mislike]

[At the voice Sansa looks up to see a familiar face, the young man from the animal store. She gives him an understanding smile, knowing exactly what he means. It's hard for her to open up, especially all that she has lived through back home.]

I would have loved something like this as a girl. [She reminisces for a moment.] I used to believe in brave men doing noble deeds for me. I would have twined together all the flowers I could just to see what prince would be waiting for me.

[But Sansa had a prince once, and he was cruel.]

I saved myself in the end. Now it just seems foolish.

[newtralize]

[Newt had always been a tremendously private person about his personal life. He wasn't much for talking about more personal matters.]

I wouldn't necessarily consider it foolish. There is something romantic about having some sort of fated love. I can see the appeal and I think to want it isn't terrible in anyway. It's nice to think of a love as fantastical as tales and stories can spin. [Harmless love stories were preferable to things like enchantments and love potions at the very least.]

Though, I suppose I don't really have any personal wishes of that sort. [His rather awkward disposition towards people and his complex feelings over someone previously has estranged him from the idea as something possible for himself perhaps.]

There's probably no harm in at least fantasizing once in awhile.