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

[justbeingknife]

Really? Why not?

[ Despite the runework, the attempts to keep himself busy, he had made a point of sending her a flower arrangement. Nothing too obvious, or too showy -- more of an attempt to replicate the arrangements he'd seen back home, with small pink flowers and baby's breath. Long-lasting, and strangely fragrant.

That was all, though, and it hadn't been signed. Not his style. ]

No, suppose I can guess. It threw me for a loop for a little while, too. Wasn't expecting things to go the way they did, or as fast.

[ Now that he was here with her again, however, it was like they'd just spoken -- for him, at least. Majima had expected to feel awkward about running into her unplanned. Instead, he merely felt comfortable, like he'd known Justine for longer than he really had. ]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine rolls her shoulders in a gentle shrug as her gaze returns to Majima.]

I wasn't sure if you wanted to see me. [She finds it easy to be honest with him though she isn't sure why. The truth is that Justine had been worried. She hadn't known how he'd react to seeing her again. If their tryst had only been because of the Bond or if it had been something more.]

I didn't mind how things turned out but I- [Her cheeks flush a light rosy hue that's difficult to see in the darkness.] It's nothing. [Liar.] I'm sorry.

[Her heart trembles in her chest but Justine buries it, telling herself that it'd only complicate things.]

It's good to see you again.

[justbeingknife]

You've got nothing to apologize for. I...

[ Was it nothing? Had he only made things more complicated for her? ]

It's just been a while since I've been close with anyone. Listen, Justine, I know things're a little strange out here. And I don't want to get in your way when we're all tryin' to muddle along as best we can.

But I do like you. Would it be all right if I dropped in from time to time? I'd like to get to know ya a little better.

[ And they'd sort of skipped right past that stage of getting-to-know-yous, hadn't they? For shame. ]

[ishisstrength]

[Fireworks ignite over head but Justine found it difficult to focus on the vibrant bursts of color lights.

She was staring at Majima. Her eyes slowly mapping the harsh angles of his features and the pleasant shape of his lips. She thinks of Thomas and wonders if that's the reason she feels herself drawn to him but it isn't. It's the difference between them that have captured her attention, not the aspects that they share.]

You aren't in my way. [She replies softly.] I like you too but- I don't know what I can offer you. Sometimes... I feel like I have nothing except what I've already given you.

[Justine wonders if she's even capable of truly loving another person. Affection she can do but love isn't something she's ever known.

Tear well at the corner of her eyes and her heart aches at her own words. Was she lying to herself? She quickly looks back up at the fireworks, brushing the tears before they have a chance to fall.] I don't want to accidently hurt the people that I care about and I already know that I can care about you. Maybe it's too late and I already care but I still don't want to hurt you.

[Lately, it seems that it's all she can do.]

[justbeingknife]

[ Oh god, oh no was she crying ]

Hey, hold on. It ain't about what you can offer me, or anyone else. You don't spend time with someone because of what ya can get out of them -- at least not if ya give a damn.

[ He put a hand out to touch her shoulder, trying to reassure her. ]

When I'm talking to you, I feel like... I don't know, like I can understand where you're coming from, even if it's just a little. And like I can tell ya things, and you'll understand me, too.

I'd be lyin' if I said it wasn't a little frightening, but you don't have to be afraid of hurting me.

[ After all, he'd been wounded so terribly already. Majima slipped a handkerchief from his jacket pocket, and offered it to her. ]

Here.

[ishisstrength]

[Even as he says the words, she wonders if that's true.

Everything in her life is give and take, nothing freely given, because she'd paid for it with time, actions or devotions. It makes sense that it shouldn't cost a thing but Justine struggles to fully understand the concept when she's never experienced first hand.

She reaches out and carefully takes the offered handkerchief, using it to dot the corner of her eyes.]

Thank you. [She stifles her desire to apologize.] It is the same for me. That is, I feel comfortable around you. It feels like you're the only person here who see's me for who I truly am.

[Her lips curl together as another loud crack of fireworks brighten the sky.]

I would like the chance to get to know you.

[justbeingknife]

[ Majima smiled a little in turn. ]

Then we'd better stick together, huh?

[ Another firework went off, this one red and gold, filling the sky with sizzles of brief heat and light. This time, he looked up at them and watched them fade before turning back to her. ]

I guess I should've told ya about the flowers.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine gently places her hands in her lap. She runs the tips of her fingers over the soft fabric of the handkerchief, feeling too reluctant to let it go. It was dotted with her tears. It was the uncomfortable proof that Majima had already wormed his way into her heart.]

Yes. [The panic and fear in her chest begin to subside at the sight of his smile and in it's place, warmth blossomed. Comfort and affection filled her limbs and a sense of calm descended upon her. Majima truly was unlike any man she'd ever met. She'd found it intriguing at first but perhaps she had simply read the emotions incorrectly. It was very possible that she'd always felt a kinship with him, despite knowing so little about him.]

The flowers? [She snapped from her thoughts, her cheeks flushing when she realized what he was talking about.] The flowers I received were from you?

[justbeingknife]

Uh, yeah.

[ And now he seemed a little embarrassed. ]

I don't usually sign presents or anythin' when I give them out. I thought maybe you'd remember the flower arrangin' classes, and...

[ He shrugged. Water under the bridge, right? ]

I charmed them to smell extra sweet.

[ishisstrength]

I do. [The words were spoken too fast for Justine to stop.] I remember and I had thought of you but- [She hadn't let herself hope that they were from him.]

They were lovely. I cast a spell on them to keep them bright and lively. They sit next to my bed now.

[Her cheeks flush as she continues, her eyes staring at the fireworks.] I can show you sometime. It was such a beautiful arrangement. I hadn't wanted to see them die. [Another burst of light flashed over head and Justine felt a chill course down her spine making her shiver despite the spring heat.]

[justbeingknife]

That's kind of ya to say, Justine.

[ And a little surprising, too. He couldn't remember the last time someone had complimented his flower arranging skills. ]

I'd like to see your work sometime, if that'd be all right.

[ But here they were, watching fireworks and not paying attention. Oops. ]

Even if it was a feelin' I wasn't used to... I'm glad I could help you, even a little. Didn't realize it could get that bad for ya.

[ishisstrength]

Maybe but I didn't say it because it was kind. [She turns back towards the fireworks in an attempt to ignore the fervent heat spreading across her cheeks. Justine doesn't know what's wrong with her. It must be the atmosphere or the pleasant mood of the fireworks as the ships drift off to sea.

Luckily its dark enough that she doesn't think he'll notice.]

I would love to show you.

[She keeps her eyes forward but continues to speak loud enough for Majima to ear above the clamor around them.]

I- [Her voice trails off.] It's always like that for me. I had ways of quieting it before but I don't here. Some days are harder than others. I've found things that help but nothing lasts. Even now I hear it-

It's very loud.

[Drinking, sex, drugs, potions, anything that allows her to distance herself from her thoughts helps but nothing lasts forever. Not the way Thomas had affected her. He'd taken away the voices and Justine truly misses the silence.]

[justbeingknife]

All the time, huh...?

[ For a little while, he said nothing at all, letting the crackling and whistling of the explosions fill the air. ]

When we were together... it helped ya, didn't it? I mean, when I put together that spell.

[ You know, not what happened afterwards, the thought of which made him briefly look askance. Things had gotten... well, heated. ]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine silently nods her head, unwilling to give voice to her weaknesses. It's always like this. Even now she can hear the distance echoes of cruel dark voices teeming at the edge of her mind.

She glances over at Majima when he breaks the silence.]

It did. In different ways. It all helped.

[While Majima might not want to mention it, sex is the easiest distraction. The voices quiet then and Justine is able to lose herself in the sweet moments of bliss and exhaustion before the clamor once again returns.]

I don't know if that's an option. I wouldn't want to put that on someone else. I thought I could hold it back but I couldn't. You felt it didn't you? The panic I feel, even when I try to be calm.

[justbeingknife]

Yeah, I felt it. Wasn't exactly a pleasant experience, but it also wasn't like feeling it myself. More like... sensing it. Hearing an argument from the next room. You felt what it was like for me, too, right?

[ That low-key fascination with violence, walking the line besides his own mortality....

Another pause. ]

They do say bonds're supposed to help ground people. Witches.

[ishisstrength]

I did. It was- [Her voice trails off as her eyes drop to her fingers, twisting nervously in her lap.] Exciting. If I'm being entirely honest.

I haven't felt something like that before but... I liked it.

[Justine gently shakes her head.]

I know but I wouldn't wish that unpleasantness on anyone. Least of all someone I care about. [Her cheeks burn with heat but Justine continues to look away, hoping that Majima doesn't notice. It's difficult for her to talk about these kinds of things and it's embarrassing because of who Majima is.]

[justbeingknife]

So ya care about me, huh?

[ The question was gently teasing; they hadn't known each other all that long. But still, he felt a kind of... kindredship? Was that the right term? He cared about what happened to her, too. ]

...Listen, I don't know how long either of us are gonna be here. I can't guarantee I'll stay here if I get the chance to leave. 'fact, I can say right now that I plan to take my first opportunity to get back to Kamurocho.

But if you don't mind puttin' up with me, I'd be happy to support you, too.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine doesn't look up at him.]

I do.

[She hates to admit it but somewhere along the line she'd begun to care. She hasn't known Majima long but with feelings like this that doesn't seem to be a factor. There is something about him that she can relate too. It's something she'd noticed before the bond, that had only been strengthened afterwards.]

You would do that?

[Justine finally looks up at him.]

Why?

[She doesn't understand kindness.]

[justbeingknife]

Because I can help you. And because I trust ya not to use it to... I dunno, whatever it is people might use that kinda connection for.

[ Voila, the biggest reason he'd been avoiding all of this. ]

I mean, yeah, I'll probably have to use a lot more magic. It's not gonna be a picnic. But I...

[ He looked at her, frowning a little. ]

I care about ya, too. I don't want anythin' to happen. And maybe if I get myself in trouble, you can save my bacon, too.

[ishisstrength]

[She worries nervously on her lower lip before inclining her head in a brief nod.] When you say it like that... It sounds ideal. I'd like that. I mean to say, I won't misuse your trust. I also might have a monster I know who I can bond with to help too. With magic for both of us. [If she takes it from Majima and then siphon's it off.]

You wouldn't be connected to them but it could help.

Maybe.

This is all new to me. I keep changing my mind if I want to or not. It's... frightening.

[justbeingknife]

[ He nodded. ]

It is... I think tryin' it with you helped. I'll deal with the extra on my own, though -- no offense, but I ain't sure I even know your monster acquaintance.

[ And just because he trusted Justine didn't mean he trusted the others, even friends of friends. ]

Take some time to think it over, if ya like? I'll be around.

[ He smiled wryly. ]

And ya know where I live.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine exhales a slow soft breath.]

I do know.

[She falls silent for a moment or two and then inclines her head in a gentle nod.] I'd like to make a promise this time. That we won't misuse it.

Then... yes. [She looks up and meets his gaze.] I would like to Bond with you.

[justbeingknife]

[ He dipped his head in answer. ]

All right.

Tell ya the truth, I'm not sure exactly what we have to do, but I'm pretty sure you have to prepare some kinda oath.

[ And maybe he wouldn't think too hard about what had happened the last time he'd done so. Not when those dark eyes were looking up at him. ]

So how are ya at writin', Justine?

[ishisstrength]

[Her lips tug into a warm smile.]

I think it's just saying how we feel and what we promise. [Not unlike marriage vows.] But I could write something if you'd like. I haven't written anything before but I think I'd be good at it.

[She pauses and gently takes his hand, trailing the tip of her finger over his palm as she spoke.]

We make our vows and drink the silver liquid. That's it but we can add whatever you'd like. I think it should only be us but the flower crowns are very beautiful. Flowers seem to be there every step of our friendship. Maybe they should be there for this too.

[justbeingknife]

[ He pulled a face as he tipped his hand, letting her draw as she wished along his palm. ]

Those goofy flower wreaths, ya mean? I mean, they'd look good on ya and all, but I don't think I could actually pull it off.

[ Majima could just... pin some flowers to his pocket, or something. Yeah. ]