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

D.

[ishisstrength]

[She turns towards the familiar young woman and smiles.]

I would like the same. It's good to see you again Caren and you look as lovely as always. [It doesn't take the spiced drink for Justine to be flirty, warm and inviting with her words. She naturally can't help herself and Caren is a very lovely woman.]

How have you been?

[Justine is wearing a lovely low cut blue corset with a short silky skirt that she'd made herself. To accompany that she has on a pair of long stockings that end near her upper thigh and a pair of lovely white embroidered boots. Justine has a talent for turning heads.]

[ooc: I'm assuming that shopping was handwaved cuz I was slow :(]

[showsnopiety]

And you're far more lovely, as always.

[Justine is rewarded with a light smile and a nod. Flirting, what flirting, when it was the truth. Honest flirting? Close enough. And as usual, Justine was dressed very well, getting admiring looks from all over the bar.]

I'm glad that the full moon is over and done with. It was...unpleasant. There was no transformation, but the urges were rather...

Savage. And yourself Justine? You've been well?


[ooc: correction: handwaved the first shopping trip because there's more fun to be had!]

YAY MORE SHOPPING!

[ishisstrength]

[Her dark eyes flash in understanding at Caren's words.] Well, next full moon, if you need assistance, I'd be happy to come to you. [Justine is fairly sure that she can handle whatever moon inspired urges plague Caren.]

I've been well.

Working on runes for clothing and reading. It's a little bit of the same. It seems that my habits here haven't changed much from home.

[Though there is a lot less relaxing and a lot less sex.]

ALL the shopping!

[showsnopiety]

Would you? You may wish to be careful Justine. I may hurt you.

[Which is funny, coming from a tiny woman like herself. But still, it's a serious consideration.

Not that she thinks it will stop Justine, but it's fair to offer warning.]

So you were a big reader at home then? I can't say I've done much reading since my arrival.

[And now...thinking on it, that would be nice. But the garden needs to be set up, as does her nest egg. Maybe during the winter.]

<3

[ishisstrength]

[Justine lifts her shoulders in a shrug as she takes a sip of her newly acquired wine.] I'll take that into consideration.

[It doesn't stop her but she will make a point to have runes that might prevent her own death. Anything else is fine.]

I am. It's easy to lose yourself to a good book. [She smiles.] And what about you? I've sure you've done more than work and sew.

[showsnopiety]

Good.

[Better then her dismissing it out of hand. Which was something.]

I've been setting up house. I've been trying to set up a garden, gather money with the festival preparations...gather information.

Including the temporary bonds that the Coven was offering. That was...rather particular.

[ishisstrength]

Oh? And what do you think of these Bonds?

[Justine has mixed feelings.]

I know they have their uses but it's... an indescribable feeling.

[showsnopiety]

It was...

terrifying.

[Maybe it seems over-dramatic but...]

The results were so mixed. With one person, we had a keen empathy with one another and we knew each other's emotions.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine leans forward, placing the tips of her fingers delicately against Caren's elbow.] I understand. I felt that way too. I've only tried it twice and it hadn't been permanent but it's... scary.

I think it's better if it's someone who you already know, someone you can talk too.

Otherwise you're trusting a strange with the deepest parts of you. [She remains close to Caren's side, her voice sweet and kind as she invites the young woman closer.] You have time to choose. Find someone you feel comfortable with first, until then, there are ways to live without a Bond. I have for several months now.

[showsnopiety]

[She made a soft noise at the touch, but she nods. At least Justine seems to understand her hesitation.]

I think so too. It's more of something...that should be done between friends. I'm not sure I have anyone like that. Not yet.

[She finds herself pulled in, nestled against Justine. She's not sure if it's due to the spicy drinks, or if it's just Justine being herself. It could be either.]

But...I think it means months of being lured away, taking potions, and either hunting, fighting or cavorting.

I'm not sure it's the same for monsters as it is for witches.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine circles her arm around Caren's thin waist, enjoying the heat of the other woman against her side. It's comfortable and she feels elated knowing that she can offer some small measure of comfortable.]

It isn't the same. We have to use our magic more but there are the option of bond that aren't permanent. I had offered to help and I mean that. Maybe I can come up with a potion that can help or I'll let you hunt me.

[The last option might not end well but Justine is willing to discover more options.]

We all understand this. You don't have to face it alone.

[showsnopiety]

[She nodded. Coming up with spells and having to use them must be a pain, but could be useful for those who were curious or used spells for one thing or another on a daily basis.]

The potion would be safer. I don't know if I could stop if it was a hunt.

[And she could never forgive herself for her lack of control. And she knows there's little control on those nights now.]

It feels...not lonely perhaps. I've accepted that I will change. But...I don't know. I dislike not being able to control my emotions.

Maybe there's a spell for that. Maybe the energy I get-I could give it to you somehow, without the Bond.

[ishisstrength]

It's possible but I think it's the witches that give magic to monsters in order to help calm them. [She gently runs her fingers in soothing circles at the side of Caren's waist.] I understand.

Even before I arrived here, I had trouble with my emotions. There are potions and then there are distractions. Both help.

I'll see if I can come up with something for the next fool moon to help you. The Coven has some things but they aren't used to people being unBonded. I don't think they understand how difficult it is. [Opening up to someone like that takes more than just trust and most of those who have arrived aren't used to it.]

[showsnopiety]

[Caren sighed, her eyes closing. She found herself leaning into Justine's touch. Usually she wasn't much for contact, but maybe it was the drinks, maybe it was simply being worn out from the Fool Moon. Or maybe both.]

I don't think they understand either. We're just being difficult to them.

And yet...we didn't choose this. Those of the Coven-they chose to become what they are, yes? And the monsters...

[She goes quiet.]

Were they born the way they are...? Or did they change, like we are?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine lowers her voice to a soft wisher, brushing her lips against the shell of Caren's ear when she spoke.]

I've read some about it. I think many are born but magic can be used as well. I don't know the details myself but perhaps that's the key to helping you control the changes as well.

[She doesn't know and she's finding the young woman too distracting to think straight.]

[showsnopiety]

[Caren shivered, her eyes closing once.]

So it's a...learned skill. A hobby.

[Justine's body is warm against hers, and there's a pleasant scent. But...still, something is a little strange about this.]

Justine, did you have one of those drinks...?

[ishisstrength]

Maybe.

[Justine doesn't have the answers that Caren is hoping for but she wishes she had. There are so many parts to this world that are unknown to her and as much as she tries to learn, its never enough.]

Mm? [She hums softly as she turns to look up at Caren.] I did.

Why do you ask?

[showsnopiety]

[If only. Caren is both easy and difficult to satisfy, wanting to know if one thing or another is possible. It might have been better if she had been a Witch.

Caren offers a quiet sigh. Her eyes were closed for a few moments, before she opened them, and pulled back to look at Justine.]

Because I'm quite certain you're flirting, heavily, with implications of more things to come.

Just in case you weren't aware.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine laughs softly as she gently takes a strand of Caren's hair and tucks it behind the woman's ear.]

I know. That's just how I am when approached by a beautiful woman. Drink or no drink.

If you'd rather I not I can stop but I find the idea of those heavy implications of more things to come intrigued. [She doesn't need the warm spice from the drink to want to become intimately acquainted with Caren.]

[showsnopiety]

[How very bold.

She made a soft sound, amused. So much for regular conversations but-the festival wasn't a time for such things was it? It was a time for love and affections in all forms.]

I'm not against it. Not used to it, but not against it.

You'll just tell me how best to please you.

[ishisstrength]

[Her lips tug into a warm smile.] I think I can manage that but only if you tell me how I might please you as well. I'd love to hear what sweet sounds you make at the peak of pleasure.

[Justine lightly runs the tip of her finger along Caren's jaw before leaning forward and pressing a light innocent kiss against her cheek. Her lips trail slowly to her jaw and then just behind her ear as Justine lightly nips and sucks at Caren's lovely skin.

She doesn't seem to care that they're in public.]

[showsnopiety]

Mm, that may be something you have to discover first hand. Or perhaps first kiss?

[She doesn't seem to mind the touches, offering her cheek, pulling her hair out of the way so Justine can get to nibbling behind her ear.

The sensation causes her breathing to hitch, but she didn't squirm.]

Especially if you want to play it here.

[ishisstrength]

[She laughs softly as she pulls back just far enough to meet Caren's gaze. She is a truly beautiful woman and Justine finds herself captivated by those lovely mysteries and promises.]

We don't have to stay here. If you don't want too.

[Justine leans forward and lightly brushes her lips against Caren's.]

We can go to my house or yours. Wherever you want to go.

[showsnopiety]

[She smiles back, her expression gently amused. But not rejecting. Not in the least. She's not sure how she draws people like Justine to her sometimes; the brunette was far kinder to her then she deserved.]

They'd make us stop if we stayed.

[She kissed her back, a light brush over the lips.]

So your place. Or any place that you think may give us privacy for awhile.

[ishisstrength]

That is true. [Her smile widens as if she found the thought delightfully amusing and then gently discards it.] We can go to my home.

I live in a cottage in Haven. [It's the first on the row so its easy to remember.

Justine tucks Caren's arm against her side as she gently guided her friend towards the safe privacy of her home.] I think my roommate is enjoying the festival. We should have the house to ourselves for a time. [She distantly wonders if Harry would be interested in joining them but disregards the idea. It'd be too complicated.]