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!

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Qi'ra | Star Wars | Merrow

[syndicators]

( first full moon )

[Her heart races the morning she wakes up of the full moon. Something feels off, like her skin is nearly glowing. It isn't until night begins to fall that the scales are produced, luminescent colors around her face and arms. Small fins and webbing protrude from her hands and wrists, and she feel the calling of the water.

It's an interesting look, but Qi'ra prides herself on her looks and is at first shocked by the new change. It seems she must be part fish. But eventually she is drawn toward the water by the docks.]

Am I to gain a tail, too? [She asks someone near by, almost wary of the answer. She will adjust. It's what she does best, and now she knows what monster she will become.]

( asking for a little company )

[A brothel is nothing of note for Qi'ra, both from where she came from and the people she often had to deal with in her line of work. She doesn't shy away here either. If anything, it's a good time to make some contacts for some possible business deals she is already working on.

When she's paired up with someone else, the room they are left in is lavish enough to her own tastes, with beautiful tapestry. Fabrics adorn the room, and she is not shy as she stands to greet them.]

I have been given instruction to dance. [And she has not yet decided if she wants to follow through with this person or rebel on principle. She is no slave now after all.]

( i'm wishing for the one i love )

[Qi'ra holds the red flower in her hands, still with the light, iridescent scales trailing up her arm. She knows this is meant to be a lighthearted gag, but it's a lot harder to reconcile when the person she loved most is here, and she is sure he hates him.

And he has every right to be. She's light and left him behind. He might argue against her reasons why, but she's been trying to keep to self preservation both back home and while she's here. Leaning on the well, she doesn't say anything as she just drops the flower into it.]

asking for a little company

[justbeingknife]

That a question?

[ Majima was dressed in a dark formal suit, as was usual, but in the setting of the dance hall, he looked to have abandoned his usual posture of casual disinterest. Rather, he held himself like a dancer, and the hand he held out to her was an offering to begin.

He hadn't come all this way to play wallflower, after all. ]

I'm Majima. Pleased to meet ya.

[syndicators]

[There's a cant to her head as she looks up at him. He looks good in a suit, like he belongs in it. Qi'ra can respect a well dressed person. She is in a sultry dress with a long slit that shows off her legs. It's perfect for this kind of place, the kind of dance they've instructed.

She takes his hand with a light smile.]

Qi'ra. And likewise. [She smiles at him before moving to the music, hips and body matching.]

[justbeingknife]

[ He gave her a little bow of his head, and then they began. Though Majima had never danced with her before, he paid close attention to the length of her steps, matching them and his own cues so as not to overlead.

There was a sense of balance to his movements; if he wasn't a regular dancer, maybe some kind of athletic training? Either way, there was plenty of room for a little flourish or two during the number. ]

The dances here're a little different than what I'm used to. I imagine it's the same for you?

[syndicators]

I never had much opportunity for dances, [She responds back as they seem to move very well together. The music is not familiar, but he leads well enough with allowing Qi'ra to move along with him. She's skilled enough in martial arts to know how to move her body despite not being trained in dance.]

But it seems here there is time for everything.

[justbeingknife]

You can say that again. After the hours I used to keep back in Kamurocho, I'm a little at a loss for what to do sometimes.

Ain't quite as many establishments where ya can waste time, either.

[ A step, two, three, and dip -- ]

So mostly, it's been studyin' magic. Only the last time I was in class was six years ago.

[syndicators]

[He works her easily over the floor, and she follows suit, even impressed at the dip.]

You are a witch then? [Qi'ra is intrigued now.]

first full moon

[iminthebook]

Maybe. But it depends on a lot of things, and very much on what sort of monster you are merging with, and how much you fight it.

[ Harry's voice is gentle, and his eyes are understanding. He knows what it is like to change beyond understanding, and to fear that change. ]

That said, a tail is not an end all be all, and can be quite useful, or so I have heard.

[syndicators]

[She brushes back some of her curls, trying to not look at the scales that deck her arms. It's like she's ready for a swim, minus the tail itself.]

I've had a call toward the water since I've been here.

[iminthebook]

[ Harry blinks, then peers at her scales, and nods. ]

That could come in handy, maybe. And be fun.

[ He nods, but also holds sympathy in his eyes. ]

Hopefully it is not painful.

[syndicators]

The scales seemed to just appear through over the day, but seemed to get more colorful when night fell.

[She feels fine now, just shocked over the changes. It seems it's all true, what they were told. It's still something she has to process, but she's handling it on her own for now.]

[iminthebook]

They do look like they are... like... complimentary, if that makes sense, to the rest of you. Almost like they are... like whatever is making them happen is making sure they fit in with how you look. If that makes sense.

[ He nods. ]

[syndicators]

Thank you. [She does take pride in her looks, knowing that it oftentimes helps when being in the positions she's been in. It also makes her feel better. Like even if her world is changing completely, it's still something she can handle.

That's what Qi'ra does after all, handle things.]

I suppose I will deal with each stage as its comes.

first full moon

[reborningreen]

Maybe, but it is not a bad thing, if you do...

[ The cloaked figure raises hands that are clawed and furred, and pushes back the hood of his cloak, revealing a head and face of a man-bear hybrid, brownish-black fur with eyes that are a deep brown, but still humanish, and showing compassion as he looked down at her from a greater height than he had before. ]

This place can change our outsides, but it cannot change who we are inside.

[syndicators]

No, [She shakes her head. Of that she is sure. She is still the same woman with the same past, capable of doing the same things.

It's still just a shock to suddenly have scales, even if they are pretty and more or less enhance her complexion.]

I am just not used to-- these changes.

[reborningreen]

Nor me. I am... this body is... ridiculous.

[ Normally, it is not so bad, but this full moon,the extent of the changes has caught him offguard, and he feels... silly. ]

I keep feeling a desire to eat fish... I really hate fish.

[syndicators]

[She laughs lightly at his response.]

I should probably not get too close then. It seems I am turning into a fish.

[reborningreen]

Oliver chuckles, a low rumbling, and nods.

I do not have a desire to eat you... [ and he eyes her, for his bear brain is beating at him with other desires, ones which he wrestles with every moment of this moon, now, but he jerks his face away, his cheeks under his fur turning red. ]

...but, it ah, may be for the best, yes. [ There, have an embarrassed werebear. ]

[syndicators]

[She tilts her head to watch him carefully. He seems embarrassed, and she is used to men behaving in such a way. It is probably fitting she is a mermaid in this manner. Alluring and beautiful, and just as deadly.]

I am assuming there are more changes from this place?

Wildcard ( because nobody can tell Han Solo what to do ... )

[runningscams]

Han has been walking around the festival.

Given that he had always been more of a night person than a day person — though the place was surprisingly well lit after dark — it was a nice surprise to see all the activity going on at a time where he was feeling more inclined to be social. There merchants with tents and carts everywhere offering to sell their wares. Lots of flowers being offered, the significance of which needed to be explained to Han.

‘The midsummer festival was a celebration of love‘, he was told and that made him want to roll his eyes. He didn’t see love as something worth celebrating these days, because it seemed to be the cause of most of his pain.

Beyond that? He felt a little restless underneath the red sky. He was a mage that had been ignoring magic entirely since he had gotten here and he was beginning to feel some of the symptoms one might expect of someone with too much unused magic inside of him.

<3 never

[syndicators]

She walked along by herself, a little taken with this celebration. It's nice, something she isn't exactly used to, but this whole place has that fairytale feel to it-- something that shouldn't be tainted. She still has her own plans here, but it's moments like this that she could appreciate it.

The full moon had come and passed, leaving her with iridescent scales up her arms and over her neck. They almost make her skin look like it's glowing. Walking gently, she caught Han up ahead, seemingly doing the same thing. So this place was real, and everything was true.

"Good evening, Han," She spoke softly. They ended their last conversation walking on eggshells, but now things were starting to settle.

[runningscams]

He didn’t need to turn around to know whose voice that was. It was a voice that belong to a person he had practically grown up with, so he knew it very well.

“Hey Qi’ra. I didn’t know I’d ...”

When he turns enough to see her approach behind him, the thing that immediately catches his eye is what’s different about her. The faint shimmering that trail that outlines her neck. It’s enough to make him stop mid-sentence and he doesn’t try at all to hide the fact that he’s staring at her scales.

[syndicators]

She wasn't at all shocked by Han's reaction to her, the way his eyes looked over the scales on her neck. At least the fins and webbing aren't over her hands any more. It seems to just be a full moon thing. She hadn't even gone near the water, too afraid of what it's going to do her. She wasn't going to tell him that though.

"It seems that everything they've told us is true," she said as she gestured outward, like here she was. Her smile was tight, but so far it simply just added to her features.

[runningscams]

It was extra shocking for him. He knew every line and curve of her so well that he couldn’t help feeling shocked when he noticed something had changed. And scales were not a small change. He’d be lying if tried to say that there wasn’t a part of him that was averse to it. Yet, there was a kind of beauty in those scales too. Or, perhaps, glamor was the better word.

He was certainly transfixed and it takes a lot of mental effort to make himself look into her eyes instead.

Han looks ... more or less the same as usual. Though his already scruffy hair seemed a little bit scruffier, his eyes had some bloodshot in them and it looked as if he had missed a shave this morning.

“Yeah.” He pursed his lips like he was debating something and in the next moment he blurts out, “are you okay? After the moon, I mean.”

[syndicators]

She shifted, feeling more vulnerable as his eyes moved over her. She was used to the way men looked at her, but watching him do it just made her stand a little straighter. It wasn't going to bother her.

"It didn't really hurt. It felt more like an itch. I hear it's supposed to get worse," she told him, not as light as she wanted it to sound. "It will depend if I'm in the water or not."

A beat as she sees just how worn he looks. "Are you okay?"