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

youll regret this when i kill you

[cult]

( oh no, they're reluctant. the best pray, of course, wei wuxian is even more interested in getting his catch to stay with him. no matter how much they try to wiggle their way out his grasp, he keeps himself tight on their person — just stay awhile; it's not that bad with him. he's always been a guy to make himself get on friendly terms with someone but his adamant and annoying nature of his has always brought him into trouble so it's not an unfamiliar feeling with how his company wishes to run away.

a shiver rolls down his spine at the sound of a voice though, pulling his attention away from his partner and to the unknown behind him. it's only for a few seconds because to wei wuxian, it's familiar but to his company — that's probably their savior. ) Wife! Wife, how mean! You know I don't get stupid after drinking easily ~ ( his excuse is bad, anyone under the influence would have a silly way of speaking which only works to san lang's liking. whether it's his lie or his way of dress, it doesn't bother wei wuxian at all as he finds himself now slinking over to the male instead of the other — locking arms with him instead! )

Is that what you've been up to? ( the flower crowns, which aren't too bad. how the white meshes well with the bright red is actually in good taste — he wonders if there's reasons for only those two. for now, he's too busy nosing himself into the male's basket and his other hand holding onto the crown to make sure it doesn't fall over. it's successful, san lang's efforts to free the person who wanted to dip much early in; they even give him a thankful expression before rushing away so they aren't noticed by wuxian any longer. ) Oh? You can have my dinner anytime if you'd ask! I should be polite and ask if my friend wants to sw —

( he turns his head, not seeing the person he was with by them any longer and he looks around almost confused. and then, a thought comes to him! ) Do you think I was with a ghost? They're gone! How sad, do you know ghosts are the greatest partners that you can have? When you die, they'll be with you in the afterlife! Ahaha! ( despite the hooking of their arms, wei wuxian even goes as far as entwine their fingers together and the cold from his skin is welcomed. which makes him squeeze a little tighter to keep him in tow. )

Since they're not here, I'll ask you appropriately. Since I've realized you're here, how about getting lost with me in the maze? I'll cook you dinner too ~ ( because he's going about this as if san lang had been his choice all this time, it makes it even cuter that way as he takes a step forward in hope the other matches pace with him. ) Ah, wait.. for the crown.. it just won't do! I can't accept this without giving something back! Hm.. hmm!!! ( looking towards the director of the game, wei wuxian calls out for an additive to their hunt. ) Will you let a pheasant and rabbit run in this maze! It'll help me so much with my new partner! Okay ~

i'm already dead?

[flowercity]

Depends if you plan to stick around.

[ That's his answer to the spiel about ghosts, given with the twinkle of a knowing smile, or maybe it's just amused? These expressions of his are always a little too fleeting to tell. For some reason, he thinks for a second about Ghost City, the one place he has that... he wouldn't call home precisely, but it's still his residence, or was. Before their present cottage in this world, that is. If he had this guy with him there, clinging to him like this, it would make quite the sight; half the district would stop just to crowd around, suddenly curious and eager to know who he is. The hustle and bustle and chaos that always reigns with that bunch would just get even worse.

None of that happens here however, perhaps for the best.

"Sir," one of the attendants begins, "we can't change the rules so abruptly, it would take another half hour to--" ]

There's no need.

[ Hua Cheng isn't used to having another set his pace -- he goes where he pleases, does what he wants, and there's only one person to whom he'll match himself willingly from afar. So it's amusing, in a way, that this Mo Xuanyu seems to think he can lead him at all. Are such gestures supposed to affect him in any way? It's all too easy to take that hand in turn, changing strength so it's him who's more rather holding the other's instead; and then he lightly steps to the front, taking the conversation from him. ]

Give him a timer instead. If he doesn't catch the animal that's already inside and get out before then, it becomes the other type of maze and I'm allowed to chase him.

[ The worried director's face seems to brighten right on the spot.

"That, we can certainly do! We'll just launch an enchanted flare in the air, that will burn for a given amount of time!" He gestures towards the attendant behind and she's quick to nod eagerly and comply, the tip of her finger already glowing as she begins the spell. "These are very bright, mind you, so you'll easily see it go out when it's done. Will thirty minutes be enough?"

Since Hua Cheng is feeling generous, that part can be left to Mo Xuanyu, so only he inclines his head curiously to defer and let him decide. ]

everyone says that when theyre alive?

[cult]

Not really. ( he speaks with a his own sort of flair, laughter right behind his answer. stick around? no way. that's what every person wants to do but he has his own reasons, maybe he's searching for something but the excitement visible shown on his face as he plucks a random flower out of the basket only to pluck its petals, choosing between two numbers with every pull. )

...?

( with the challenge placed before him, wei wuxian tilts his head to the side almost childishly at the dismay of the hosts. to be limited and not just act, how dare they close off the chance to have fun and appeal to something boring like rules. either way, he's not paying attention too much and more so to whatever san lang says, curious as to what will leave his lips, and also, wei wuxian is the type of guy to hold his attention on one unless otherwise. another pluck of a petal that he keeps in his hand. )

You're testing my stamina.. how cruel, before the cute sister and brother too. ( he's looking towards the set of witches, whether or not their bondeds are here to accompany them. he slowly lets the other go, taking a step forward and giving a wink as well. ) You really must like him, huh! You're so cooperative, could it be you find my partner .. ( don't speak, don't speak is probably the fixed expression they have but he only keeps his grin as he continues. once again he plucks and it's the second to last. )

.. Attractive, right? It's why girls even listen to guys! See a cute one and they listen, how lucky! ( but that's enough, looking inside the maze and then up towards the flare and it truly does illuminate the inside. the last petal remains on flower but decides wei wuxian's answer: ) Fifteen. ( cut it in half because he doesn't need the whole thirty, in his previous life, he's caught so many pheasants that it's natural to him and also, the flower decided this itself. he raises his hand to wave towards the directors and then right after, san lang.

is he in a rush? no. trying to impress? not at all. he is accustomed with the name of the game so why not make the challenge more tight than what he's use to. so he's not too worried about the whole maze shift — ) You'll be able to chase me home so we can have our dinner much quicker. ( so wei wuxian moves forward, entering the maze and once inside — the entrance immediately closes; leaves blocking it off and the gates shoot skyward releasing the prey in the maze. the petals in his hand are disposed of quickly, stuffing them into his sleeve while the bird's feathers rustle together, running off only from pure instinct. it doesn't understand the area it's trapped within so it's normal, same goes for wei wuxian who takes a quick step forward; immediately stepping into the bulk of a bush that appeared out of nowhere. so it's this type of maze. the game has a mind of it's own now which makes it even more exciting as he turns right instead, taking the new path given to him.

his steps begin to quicken, trying to listen out for any sounds that may give the creature's whereabouts. now, wei wuxian never goes empty handed, he's placed in an odd new place so digging into the sleeve of his robe to pull out a few talismans — they're basic but working at runetchers has it's advantages. remember that animal attracting seal he had made for himself..? well, it's a good thing he keeps certain items for him and he promptly kneels down to set it on the ground but he doesn't activate it at all. grey scan the area around him, waiting to learn the pattern of which walls disappear and which ones take life around him and as soon as one opens up — he takes a straight path that certainly praises him good choice! the small feather of an animal now down by his feet which he picks up, it's whether or not he wants to go back to his seal to set this specific piece down to lure the animal in but that means going back. he doesn't have time, so he'll move forward and who knows with how this maze treats its guests, he'll probably stumble upon it again. he has another talisman, it'd be a waste since he can only take so much from his job but..

would this be considered cheating? )