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

[ua_duibhne]

[It shouldn't come as a surprise that he moves so stealthily; in some regards, he's more beast than man and there's a lupine quality to the way he stalks through the maze. Diarmuid's chest rises and falls with each quiet breath- stopping dead as Berserker's shadow falls across the ground. He tenses, ready to spring back if he makes that fatal turn-

- but he passes.

The Lancer pauses only to catch his breath before he's back up on his feet. Every instinct tells him to run but this is looking to be a test of reflexes and senses as much as speed; acting rashly will only alert him to his presence. Ideally, he would lose him somewhere in the maze and simply concentrate on getting out but he doubts Berserker would allow that to happen and anyway, where's the fun in that?

So, he takes a risk. Diarmuid steps back out into the same path as his pursuer and, cautiously, begins to shadow him.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ The further he gets into the maze, the more he realizes something isn't right. There's no way Diarmuid outran him in such a small amount of time. At the next fork he comes to a stop, listening once again for anything that might give away the other man's position. ]

Where are you, pretty boy?

[ Nothing...He narrows his eyes and raises his head. In a flash he turns around and spots his prey, a vicious smile crossing his face. ]

Trying to be clever, are you?

[ Berserker assumes this is the end of things and goes in for the "kill", leaping forward at the Lancer. ]

[ua_duibhne]

[Their eyes meet. In the moonlight, his eyes take on a ruby glow, bright with the kind of primal instincts that seem entirely against his earlier promise not to harm him. Well. Not to kill him. Diarmuid fully suspects that everything else up until that point is fair game.]

Something like that.

[At once, he throws out a hand. It's a spell that, thanks to a certain mishap in the library, he's committed to memory and, as he draws forth the energy to cast it, a barrier of crackling white light bursts across the path.

Directly beneath Berserker's feet.

The second he steps on it, the barrier reacts, throwing Berserker backwards with enough force to slam him into the hedgerow. It's not a powerful spell by any means; he probably won't be much more than dazed but that's all Diarmuid needs.

Without turning to check his handiwork, Diarmuid sprints past to round a corner, boots digging into the dirt as he all but skids into place.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ A startled grunt comes from Berserker as he's sent backwards. It's certainly enough to daze him as he stays off his feet for some time. He rubs at his eyes for a moment, shakes his head, and stands back up.

Now he's mad. Well, not really, but more determined to end this on his terms. Forget the stealth, it's back to his other method -- tearing straight through the hedges in pursuit of Diarmuid. It's not dignified, but dignity really didn't suit someone like him. It's brutal and efficient. ]

I'll catch you if it's the last think I do, Lancer!

[ Something about this sparks some kind of emotion in him, more determination than anger resonating in his voice. ]

[ua_duibhne]

[What Diarmuid's feeling is a little easier to define: sheer, brilliant exhilaration. Being the hunted rather than the hunter is a thrill he never quite expected and it's a mixture of apprehension and anticipation and dizzy excitement that drives him on. As Berserker plows through the walls of the maze behind him, getting closer with every shortcut he cleaves, his heart drums harder in his ears and his breath falls into ragged pants.

Behind him. He's right behind him and there's no time for another magic truck like the one before. With a hiss of frustration, he rounds one more corner- only to find himself at the very centre of the maze. A large fountain in the shape of a twisting leviathan takes up the majority of the circular clearing and, any other time, he might take a moment to appreciate it. The art of sculpture sort of loses its appeal when you're being chased by a man skilled enough to have an entire mythos based around him.

Immediately, he puts it in between himself and his chaser. This time, when Berserker finds him, he's watching with the wide, intent eyes of a rabbit before a fox, ready to circle left or right to escape his claws.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ This is probably the greatest challenge Berserker has faced since being summoned again -- without the additional strength and speed granted to Servants, he has to rely on skill. It's not so much skill in this case, but instinct. It's refreshing, really. It feels less like a chore and more like an exercise; he feels something and that's an improvement. He's giving into his instincts more and thinking less about his actions. It's not something he's worried about right now, his only concern is catching the other man. The changes brought on by the full moon, physical and mental, can be worried about later.

His red eyes glint in the moonlight, locking onto Diarmuid. The predatory look on his face remains as he appraises the situation. The area is not ideal and there are multiple escape routes. Left or right, he has to predict the Lancer's movement.

Or he can charge straight through the fountain on all fours, like an animal. One large, splashing missile coming straight for you, Diarmuid. ]

relatable

[ua_duibhne]

[You'd think by now, Diarmuid would have learned that Berserker will always find a third option to brute force his way into. Before he has a chance to make a break for it, he has a clawed, horned meteor of animal instinct bearing down on him.

A spell. He needs to cast another barrier.

But he misjudges the placement. Rather than blocking Berserker, his unsteady aim causes the barrier to cut into the top of fountain, slicing the head of the leviathan clean clean off as it forms through it. Water and dust spray wildly into the air as it crashes into the pool- and he doesn't even have the good fortune for it to fall anywhere near Berserker.

Those crucial seconds where he could have made an escape are gone. All he can do is dive to the side, not even managing to tuck into a roll in his haste, and hope that he's quicker to his feet than his hunter.

Damn it.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ These situations generally came down to patience, just waiting for his opponent to make a mistake. The misplaced barrier spell is just that, an opportunity for him to end this. Berserker leaps over to Diarmuid, grabbing for any part of him he can get a grip on. It doesn't matter if it's a limb or if he can pin him down, this is the end.

Whether he has him or not, he can't help himself. ]

You made a mistake and it will cost you...

[ua_duibhne]

[A hand seizes hold of his ankle. The world tips. His back hits the ground.

By the time Berserker's dragged him into place and pinned him, Diarmuid's hissing curses in between heavy pants, expression furious and proud in spite of his loss. The first thing is does once he has the breath for it is to press one knee up against his rival's abdomen- not hard enough to hurt but enough to keep a distance between them. It also serves as a pointed warning: the game is over and if he tries to turn those claws on him, it won't end well for either of them.]

... it always does in the end, doesn't it?

[With one last huff, he lets his head drop back into the grass, content to watch him with thoroughly satisfied exhaustion. As frustrated as he is at being caught, he has to admit that it's the most fun he's had in a while.]

But it was a sporting hunt. [a chuckle, albeit one just lightly laced with wariness] Are you marking this against me as a failure, Berserker?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ The sleeping dragon inside him has been awakened somewhat in the light of the full moon. Less reasonable than usual, he's having to fight against the urge to just kill his prey. This is just a game, just for practice. The Lancer's given him no reason to actually kill him, so these thoughts bother him for once. Claws dig into Diarmuid's shoulders very briefly as his eyes widen, sharp teeth bared before he regains control of himself.

He's visibly troubled by what just happened, his grip loosening. Heavy breathing steadies as he stares at the man beneath him. ]

...N-No. [ Hesitation because it was hard to speak, hard to find words. What is wrong with him? ] You did well to evade me for that long.

[ua_duibhne]

[To say that Berserker wears apathy like a mask would be inaccurate. That might imply that he has something to hide, something beneath his coldness that he doesn't want the world to see but the reality is far bleaker in its own way.

Diarmuid sits up carefully, gaze never leaving his even the movement brings them close enough to feel his breath, ragged and hot, against his skin.

It's not a mask: to his eye, it seems more like a second skin. An kind of scar tissue that's grown so strong that it doesn't matter what it's covering up anymore. Perhaps that's why seeing a crack in it, no matter how small, is so unsettling.It's almost as though-

The wildfire in his eyes cools. He breathes out.

And yet it still takes him a moment to remember what he wanted to say.]

Next time, I'll have you running in circles. Or maybe I'll be the one giving chase.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It takes a moment for him to move away, their closeness more intimate than he'd like. He doesn't stand up, just sits back, leaning back on on arm. The cool apathy settles back over him like a comforting blanket he can't let go of. ]

You don't want to face me when I'm cornered.

[ There's no sense in hiding the truth of what just happened, but it's difficult to admit. He averts his gaze, finding it easier to speak about such things when he's not looking at the other man. ]

Something nearly made me lose control. I've never felt that before...despite what I am, I'm always in control. I don't know why...

[ Because you didn't stay to get tested nor did you ask any questions, you dummy. Berserker only knows what little he was told by Caster and Archer, enough to ensure he won't kill himself or anyone else. Bonds are the last thing on his mind normally, but the reality of the situation is bringing them to the forefront now. ]

[ua_duibhne]

[Diarmuid eases himself backwards and into a more comfortable sitting position, moving at a careful, measured pace. Whatever those instincts they managed to awaken with that hunt were, he'd rather not have to test the other Servant's resistance a second time.

And yet, in an unexpected twist, it isn't his own vulnerability that strikes him, it's Berserker's. As he speaks, Diarmuid remains silent but attentive, letting that last admission tail off into a good ten seconds of silence before he even answers.]

You're becoming unstable. [He shakes his head.] I don't know what triggers it or why but...

[But the clearest solution is also the most patently unthinkable- at least, he suspects, from Berserker's perspective. He sighs.]

You already know what I'm going to say.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It's the most logical answer, of course. There is some kind of trust between them, otherwise this hunt never would have happened. Nothing would've happened beyond their initial meeting. There must be a reason besides curiosity they keep seeking each other out. That odd loyalty showing itself? Perhaps.

Berserker considers what was said, letting the silence linger between them for a moment. ]

You don't even know what I am. [ Neither did he himself. ] Are you really willing to take a risk like that on someone like me?

[ It's not that he didn't have some kind of faith in Diarmuid, it's just that pushing people is away is what he does. Keeping everyone around him at arm's length is easier. The idea of forming a bond like this, despite its benefits, meant allowing someone close to him, closer than he'd let anyone be. That vulnerability could be exploited and used against him. How? Who knows, but it's easier to keep people away. The scar tissue built up over the years is a lot to dig through.

The emotional part of the deal is something he's unaware of, too. If he knew that, he would reject it out right -- positive emotions are something he gave up in the name of strength, why let them back in? But this knowledge is beyond him. ]

If you're willing to take on that burden, I can do nothing but accept.

[ua_duibhne]

[Berserker's bluntness comes as a surprise not because he had expected him to skirt around the issue but because of what it represents: it's another layer of armour peeled back; another dose of vulnerability that both of them seem to struggle with swallowing. Forming a Bond would not only mean maintaining this bizarre relationship when he's sure the other man would rather be alone but trusting him with being inside his head.

Bond. Though he knows that it would be a matter of convenience, there's a lot of weight in that single syllable.]

... I... I would have no objections whatever form you take. Besides... [It's difficult to put what he wants to say into words and there's another, shorter pause as he tries to piece it together.] ... what becomes of you and whether or not we do this are intertwined. Maybe not literally but in the way that matters.

[Urges can be lessened. Hunger can be soothed. Feral minds can be placated. If he can play a part in that while keeping his own abilities in check then it wouldn't just be foolish but irresponsible to turn him down. And, just maybe, there's that quiet desire to please needling at him to say yes too.

Even so, he's quick to soften the edges of a potentially painful decision.]

It can be undone. And there's no need to decide immediately.

[And then there's Waver. How did this get so complex?]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ At this point, there's no one else he would trust enough to form a bond with him. Asking Caster is out of the question entirely -- it's a matter of pride. He may not have much pride left, but what's left he still clings to. It's unthinkable to go to his lighter side for help right now.

Berserker closes his eyes, his mind finally relaxing. Feral, uncontrollable thoughts gnaw at the edges, but that's all the further they get. If this is as bad as it is now, someone would die the next time he lost control. The death isn't what bothers him, it's the loss of control. It might also mean the death of an ally, an unfortunate casualty. For everything a Berserker is, he still clings to that control of himself.

The silence hangs between them for a few moments longer. There's no sense in holding back his true feelings on the matter. It's a weighty decision, but there's only one conclusion. Exhaling slowly, his eyes open again, resting on the Lancer. There's still no warmth within them, but there is a determination. ]

I've already decided. [ A pause as he puts a little more consideration into it. ] It can wait for a little while, but the next time I lose control, it will be worse. I don't want to kill an ally because I couldn't control myself.

[ His role as a force of chaos comes about in one way or another, it would seem. Berserker isn't aware of the kind of chaos this choice might cause for Diarmuid, but that's not a concern of his, either. The only thing that matters is that it's the necessary decision. ]

[ua_duibhne]

[Diarmuid doesn't need the insight into Berserker's mind that a Bond provides to see that he's already resolute- and who can blame him? A Berserker is by their very nature without control but on through a lens all of their own and on their own terms. It's disturbing enough when he feels the magic gifted to him by this place shifting out of his grasp but having your entire body and mind revolt against you must be something else entirely. What a terrible burden to bear alone. No wonder it has to be shared.

This time, it's his gaze that softens. It's his duty as a Knight to protect those who can't defend themselves from harm- in this case, by preventing the harm in the firm place- but also to stand firm by his allies, few that they are here. The strange kinship they have must hold some kind of meaning to Berserker if he's asking for his help- and he won't turn away from that.]

Then so be it.

[With a nod, he holds out one hand for Berserker to shake. Slender though it is, the tips of his fingers are worn from battle and there's a bandage around his palm from a spell gone awry.]

The ceremony to initiate it is performed at the Coven. I don't know much about how it works but... when you're ready- if you even still have need of me- reach out and I'll make preparations.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Without a moment's hesitation, he takes Diarmuid's hand in his own, being mindful of his claws. He gives it a firm shake before releasing it. Berserker's mind was already made up, this was the only solution, the only possible outcome. ]

There's no one else I trust enough for this...So I will seek you out when it becomes necessary. Sooner rather than later.

[ Admissions better left unsaid, but he felt the need to speak them. As if they're reassurance to himself that this is the right choice or maybe even reassurance to Diarmuid that he's needed. ]