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

I

[wylderrant]

[ Ah, Justine. Iramaat has been considering what to do with her - how she wants to approach her, now that they're all settled and she's no longer a wandering, near-helpless slip of a thing. Iramaat still likes her, of course. She's still entertaining. And how better to make things more interesting than by giving a gift? So when she pots her in the crowd, Iramaat starts over without a hint of hesitation. She even raises her arm to wave to try and draw her attention. ]

Oh! Justine!

[ She pays very little heed to anyone else as she ducks over, face lighting up with a smile. ]

There you are! I was hoping I'd see you today! Although you look a little lost - hope everything's all well with you, hmm?

[ Her hands are both clasped behind her back now, holding something out of view. ]

I

[ishisstrength]

[Justine turns, her eyes wide with warm surprise as Iramaat approaches her. It's true that she's seen the young woman less and less. As days turn to weeks and weeks to months, she's found her place in this strange world... as odd as it is. She's stronger though her own weaknesses shine at the worst of times.]

Iramaat. It's good to see you.

[Her expression softens into a sweet smile while her thumb and pointer finger continue to rotate the rose bud she held against her chest.]

And yes. Things are going well. [It's a lie but Justine is already moving on.] How have you been?

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat's been trying to bide her time, honestly, and there's been a lot going on. She wants to find Justine again; wants to renew her interest. After all, she isn't one to simply forget. Her eyes track her movements, trying to gauge her health, her state of being, her mood. ]

Well enough - getting new bits and bobs, but that's all. Same as everyone else.

[ She shrugs and her smile turns a touch sly. ]

I have something for you.

[ishisstrength]

[Her eyes brightened, the soft hints of green flaring around her iris's as she stared at Iramaat. She doesn't see what the other woman might be holding behind her back but it's obvious that she's inspecting her friend to find out what this surprise is.]

You didn't have to get me anything.

[But of course she wants it.]

What is it?

[wylderrant]

[ Ah, that is what she loves to see. The flash of appreciation and curiosity in the other woman's eyes. It's lovely. All that she wants. Her smile widens and she debates trying to make Justine guess, but that might turn this from playful into something childish. No, better to reveal it all at once.

With a flourish, she produces a flower crown of red carnations and holds it out with a grin, settling it on Justine's head. ]

A flower crown for the loveliest of women.

[ishisstrength]

[Thin delicate fingers raise to inspect the circle of flowers placed upon her head. She lightly teases the soft silky petals with her fingertips before letting her arms return to her side.] I don't know what to say. [Her voice is soft and filled with a mixture of wonder and uncertainty.]

Thank you Iramaat.

[Justine pauses, gently digging her teeth into her lower lip.]

I hadn't made any crowns. [For various reasons.] But I'd like to give you something in return. If you'll allow me?

If you could please close your eyes?

[wylderrant]

You're quite welcome-!

[ Iramaat's voice is full of warmth and excitement and her eyes gleam as she watches Justine's reaction. It's all that she wanted, honestly. And then Justine has to go and sweeten the pot. ]

Of course, of course. One good turn deserves another, hmm...?

[ She laughs softly and then settles her eyes closed, waiting expectantly. ]

[ishisstrength]

[She waits for three breaths and then leans forward to lightly place her lips against Iramaat's. The kiss is sweet and tender, filled with the pure affection that blossomed in her heart as the lovely crown had been placed upon her head.

Justine lingers against Iramaat's lips but then slowly begins to pull away.]

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat had half-expected something like this, but it's still sweeter than she knows and she savors it, lips parting, a little sigh escaping her as she leans into it. There's a little skip and a jump from her heart and without pausing to ask or think about it, she twines an arm around Justine to hold her close as she starts to pull away. Her head lowers and she rests her forehead against hers with a little laugh and a grin. ]

Your gift was lovely. Dare I ask for another?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine happily molds against Iramaat, losing herself to the pleasant warmth and strength of the other woman's arms. Her emotions had been hectic lately but she feels safe with Iramaat. She always had.

Her lips quirk into a warm smile.]

You can have anything you want but if you ask for too much more we might have to find somewhere more private.

[wylderrant]

Daring, aren't you?

[ Iramaat laughs, voice pitched low and sweet as she nuzzles in against Justine's cheek. She wants to, honestly. The idea of taking a break from the sunshine and the scent of lowers and enjoying a little bit of time with her is incredibly tempting. ]

Maybe I should. I've been thinking about you...

[ishisstrength]

I can be, sometimes.

[It's easy to be daring when you don't have anything to lose.

Justine rests her head against Iramaat's shoulder, inhaling the sweet scent of her skin. She closes her eyes and focuses on the pleasant warmth thrumming between them.] Please tell me. What sorts of things do you think about?

With me that is...

[wylderrant]

Oh, wondering how you were doing. What you've been getting up to. All that sort of thing...

[ Iramaat murmurs against her temple, quite aware that they're basically having a very long embrace in the middle of the street and the swirling crowd. She doesn't seem to mind all that much. ]

All sorts of things, really. Why? What comes to mind when you think of me?

[ishisstrength]

[Her voice is sweet and warm as it brushes against Justine skin. It sends a pleasant shiver down her spine that makes her yearn for more of that intoxicating touch.]

A lot of it is the same. [Justine wraps her arms around Iramaat's thin waist and nuzzles against her friends neck.] Some involve far less between us. I wonder what sweet noises you'd make.

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat makes a low sound, deep in her throat. It's pleased and content and she glances up for a moment, lazily taking in the street around them. She really ought to find some place a bit more private for this sort of thing. ]

I'd love to show you - or rather, I'd love to be the one to make You make those sounds.

[ She laughs again and then pulls away, grabbing at her hand. ]

Let's go-!

[ishisstrength]

[Justine feels herself being pulled along before she has a chance to register what Iramaat has said. She doesn't mind. Her fingers wrap around her guides hand while her heels click eagerly against the stone path. She doesn't know where their going but she doesn't care.

As long as Iramaat is with her.]

cw: probably gonna get nsfw?

[wylderrant]

I wonder, I wonder, I wonder-

[ Iramaat is talking to herself, glancing at storefronts as she passes. She's leading Justine - flower crown and all - down toward the red light district. Some of them have rooms they can borrow, right? ]

You don't have any plans, do you? Oh, of course you don't, what am I saying!

cw: probably gonna get nsfw? yes.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's mouth tugs into a warm smile.]

I believe my plans are with you.

[As was decided by this moment.]

[wylderrant]

Well. No need to cancel anything then!

[ Iramaat grins and gives her hand a squeeze and then ducks into the nearest place of ill repute she spots. She chats with the attendant all smiles and winks and knowing looks and arranges for a room.

Easy enough, right?

And then she's leading Justine down a hallway, key in hand. ]

Well, easy enough, hmm?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine has frequented more than a few of the brothels in the city. It's an easy escape though momentary in its relief. She finds herself exhale a breath of comfort and relief as she's encased by the lust and discretion that these places are known for.

She follows behind or next to Iramaat, attempting to remain close to the other woman as they head towards their room.]

Yes. [She agrees softly, anticipation twisting in her chest.]

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat hasn't come down her too often. Poked around once or twice, yes, but never really partaken. She prefers her pleasure to be a touch more personal. So this is exactly what she wants, in the moment. ]

Here.

[ She unlocks a room and steps inside, waiting for Justine to slip in before she closes it behind them. It's comfortable and cozy and rather decadent, although it really only has a bed and a wash basin and a dresser or two. Still - it's enough for what it's meant for. She steps in and wraps her arms around Justine and nuzzles in against her neck with a sigh. ]

I've thought about you so often...

[ishisstrength]

[Justine follows at Iramaat's heels and then steps out of the way so that her guide and companion could close the door behind them and lock them in the secrecy, comfort and privacy the room offered. Her eyes fall over the plush velvety throw-blanket draped across the bed and then finally turn towards Iramaat.

The other woman's touch sent pleasant shivers down her spine while an aching heat coiled in her lower abdomen. Justine hummed softly, looping a single pale finger through Iramaat's long wheat like hair.]

I don't know if you realize what you do to me. How often I've thought of you.

[She inhales, her chest rising dramatically.]

I've thought about the way you might touch me or let me please you. Many nights. [She admits softly as a plan glides across the tight confining fabric of her corset before moving over the swell of her breast.] Many showers.

[Her lips move towards Iramaat's hear, her voice hot and sensual.]

Many moments when I was alone.

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat takes a deep breath and her eyes lid as she listens to Justine talk, feeling the tug against her scalp as her fingers toys with her hair. Well, that's extremely gratifying. To know that she's had that affect on her from a few brief encounters and some whispered promises. It's like fine wine to her - to know she's the center of someone's attention. Of their world, even, although she doubts it's quite that far (and more's the pity).

She leans into her, allows her breath to warm her ear. ]

Tell me about it. Tell me what you did in those moments.

[ Her loops around her lazily, fingers splayed against her hip. ]

Tell me what you thought of me.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine basks in the pleasant heat and pressure of Iramaat's breasts and hips against her back as her palm roughly groped her own breast. Her fingers slowly begin to loose her bodice, just enough for her to slid her breasts free and pinch their peak between her thumb and forefinger.]

This is what you make me do to myself.

[Her slender frame trembles with desire while her voice lows to a sensual whisper.]

I've thought of simple stuff at first. Running the tip of my finger along your long lovely ears, placing your earlobe between my lips. [Justine's opposite hand teases at the waist band of her skirts, tugging the fabric down an inch to simple touch her fingers against the bare porcelain skin of her hip.] Then the images got worse and I had to do more.

[She pushes back against Iramaat and grins her hips erotically against her.]

Then I thought of pleasing you, worshiping you the way you deserved. I imagined my lips on your body, exploring your curves and my lips on your tit. I wanted to taste you, pleasure you. I thought of us having toys. Letting you thrust inside of me and taking me as yours as I cried out your name.

[wylderrant]

[ Oh. Iramaat had expected something, but not quite that and it steals her breath away for a moment as she listens and watches and feels the warmth of Justine pressing against her front. Positively lovely, she thinks, and she can't help but savor those moments where she's obviously the center of Justine's world - or at least her fantasies.

Her fingers trace little circles against the bare hip that's been exposed for her, face nuzzling in against Justine's neck and shoulder now as she draws a slow, shuddering breath. Her other hand creeps up Justine's side until her long, dexterous fingers can gently draw against the peak of her nipple. She's moving slow, taking her time.

Savoring the moment. ]

I can make all of these things happen. I can do so much for you...

[ She hums quietly and nuzzles into the soft skin at the nape of her neck. ]

I want you to worship me, Justine. That's all I ask.