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

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?

[quickrecipeh]

[He smiles back, equally pleasant, but a bit stiff. It doesn't seem unnatural; it's just the way he is. There's an ease to the stiffness, like he's practiced at being too serious and too unmoving.]

The drinks haven't managed to catch me yet. I've been sticking to coffee, though I can't say they make any up to snuff here. [It's his own little addiction, don't mind him.] Other than that, it's actually been somewhat enjoyable. Certainly it's not what I expected when we arrived. This is almost idyllic. [He pauses at the fork then goes right, pointing the way casually.] I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[ishisstrength]

They don't but I like the tea. [Justine's countenance is relaxed despite the inherent tension in her companion. She's met all kinds of people and doesn't mind.]

Be careful though. The spice they're adding to drinks can be put in coffee as well. [She doesn't want to see him become a complete mess after spouting his aversion to the additive.] It will. It always does. I have my guesses as to what it will be but it's only guesses now.

[Justine points at another fork, picking a direction.]

Do you know Prompto or Paris? I think I've seen you around there. [She doesn't know anyone else who lives in the house.]

[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?

[ishisstrength]

[A light smile teases the corner of Justine's lips.] I think you'll be able to smell it. The spiced flavoring isn't subtle. [Some people seem to have trouble with it but Justine doesn't have that much trust in strangers. She has no problem drinking intoxicants but Justine prefers to know what she's putting in her body.]

I am. Both of them. Well, [Her head tilts to the side.] Closer with Paris.

With Prompto I've developed the hobby of making him flustered.

[Not that it's very difficult.]

[quickrecipeh]

I'll be on my guard. [Maybe. Or maybe he'll let loose for once.

But oh, what's this? Ignis suddenly perks up more. Tormenting Prompto tell him more.]

He's an easy target, for a beautiful lady like yourself. Is it really that satisfying?

[ishisstrength]

If you must. [Justine chuckles softly. She doesn't need to have the spiced flavoring to want to get friendly with someone. She believes in letting the night go where it may without attempting to steer or hinder it in any way.]

It is. It's turning into one of my favorite hobbies.

[Her smile widens a fraction as her dark eyes glitter in the light of the red moons.]

We took a flirting class together at one of the brothels.

[quickrecipeh]

[And Ignis... is unpredictable at times, though dependable at once. So he'll spice, or he won't, whatever the night offers up for him, perhaps he'll take.

For now, they've found an amusing common ground. Not that he wouldn't take a proverbial bullet for Prompto, but the man is so fun to tease.]

I can safely say he's probably very weak to anything you might throw at him. Should I be worried for him?

[Oh. Oh. Did she see Ignis there, too? He managed to sneak out of most of it...]

I see. I heard they were productive. Did you manage to get him to flirt back?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine grimaces as she gracefully guides Ignis around another corner of the winding maze. They were making favorite good time and have yet to run into a dead end.]

Possibly. I promise I won't do any serious danger.

[She bites her lower lip to try and hide her smile.]

I think.

I did, well did. A woman from the brothel was with us. She taught both Prompto and I some tricks. Though as we left he was the one teasing me. It felt very backwards. [Though not at all upsetting.]

[quickrecipeh]

[Does Ignis look, very briefly, like a proud mother hen? That's because he is. Not that Ignis' flirting or seduction skills are noteworthy, in his opinion, but Prompto is an eligible bachelor and deserves to be able to enjoy himself. And, well, Ignis of course has taken quite the shine to Prompto.]

I'd have to commend him for that. I admit... I was signed up, and managed to escape doing any of the actual task. Maybe I should've stayed.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine laughs softly, her voice sweet and kind as she glances over at Ignis.]

I can help you practice if you'd like. It's a hobby of mine and I was thinking of flirting with you anyway.

[Ignis must know that he's very cute.]

[quickrecipeh]

[And Ignis' tone is equally kind, warm and inviting. His diplomatic voice, it turns out. The one he uses when he needs to make an impression, or when he has an expectation to meet.]

That might serve useful, should I ever decide to be anything but a bachelor. I usually just let the wind take me where it will, so to speak.

[A little laugh.]

That may explain why I've always been single, of course. I may also just be quite as boring to others as I fear I am.

[ishisstrength]

A man after my own heart.

[Justine voices chimes as she places a palm over her chest.]

I'm the same way though the offer won't expire. Even if it's only for the fun of it. That really is the best time to flirt. [She doesn't think that flirting has to be serious because it is a lot of fun and Justine tries to avoid serious commitments.]

Do others really think you're boring?

I haven't thought that yet. of course, we've only just met so there is time.

[quickrecipeh]

[He laughs lightly again, running a hand through his hair and taking a look at the maze. A right, he thinks, and then a left. But he's more focused on his maze partner for the moment.]

I don't know what others think of me, honestly, with the exception of my companions. They tend to think I'm... useful, but possibly overly serious and too business-minded to be "fun". I'm not sure I mind, though. There's something to be said for being a steadying influence.

[ishisstrength]

Well, we are walking through a maze. I tend to think that only found people would be interested in something like this.

[She thoughtfully brushes her pointer finger across her lower lip.]

I'd like to see this overly serious side. Do you like to tell people what to do? Treat them with a firm hand? [Justine is still teasing him but beneath the humor she's genuinely curious in the man walking next to her.]

[quickrecipeh]

I'd thought it would be entertaining, and I suppose I was right.

[He looks her over again, considering... Yep, that's definitely an attempt at teasing him, he knows.]

It's just my habit, you see. I have a friend who wasn't always very good at business, and I did a lot of it for him. I prefer things being... completely transparent. Totally clear. I may even be a perfectionist.

[ishisstrength]

[She glances over at him, her dark eyes gleaming as she asks the first question that comes to mind.]

Do you think its possible for someone to truly be perfect?

[quickrecipeh]

That's statistically improbable, isn't it? However... I am rather exacting, so I like to see things followed through fully, and done right. So that kind of perfection, or something more like a pinpoint adequacy, is definitely possible.

[Justine did you think you'd trip him up?]

But it's all relative.

[ishisstrength]

[She laughs softly and gently shakes her head.]

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

[Justine looks very amused.]