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

Flower Crowns

[ishisstrength]

Are you alright?

[Justine's voice is kind, warm and pleasant as she comes from behind Monika. She remembers the girl from their brief chat over the odd devices and found herself curious as to why she'd been staring at the flowers with such a forlorn look in her eyes.]

Or is it because there is someone you miss?

[A pang of guilt sinks into Justine's chest as Thomas's face flashes to mind but she ignores it, telling herself that he'd understand.]

[loadme]

[There's barely a reaction even as she's addressed. She only stops working on her crown to look.]

H-Huh? Oh. No, it's...

[Monika pauses for a moment.]

If I told you it's nothing to worry about, would you believe me?

[It's like she's not even trying.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's smile softens.]

No. I wouldn't.

[She pauses briefly and then continues.]

You don't have to tell me but sitting here focusing on it isn't going to help either.

[loadme]

[Monika smiles in return. But the smile on her face... It was more sad than anything else.]

You're probably right.

This isn't all that healthy for me.

[She turns to look at Justine.]

But I guess I just can't help myself.

[ishisstrength]

I understand.

[There are many sad things that Justine tries not to focus on as well and some days are harder than others.]

I wish that there was some way I could help.

[Justine gently takes a flower and tucks it behind Monika's ear.]

[loadme]

[It's a sweet gesture, the flower. And even if her smile isn't one of happiness, it's still present on her face as she looks as Justine.]

Talking to someone when they're not feeling their best is already a big help.

It shows that you care.

I haven't always had that.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's warm expression falters briefly.]

Neither have I but this world lets us be more than we were before, don't you think?

[loadme]

I'm not sure.

[Her answer is fast.]

To be honest, I really don't know what to think about this.

Any of it.

[ishisstrength]

I could try and help, if you'd like.

[She doesn't consider herself an expert but Justine would like to cheer Monika up if possible. Even if it's simply pointing out a little glimmer of hope in a world of darkness and uncertainty.]

[loadme]

You're very nice, even to a total stranger like me.

[It's almost uplifting, really.]

Sometimes, I don't think I deserve even that, you know?

[ishisstrength]

We're not total strangers.

[Her expression saddens and softens.]

Says who? Who decides what we deserve and don't deserve? The world is a cruel place and it isn't because of you. It's just how it is, to everyone.

I choose to offer myself. You can call it kindness but I have my reasons and I don't care if you deserve it. It's still my choice. And I'm not letting anyone take away my choices from me.

[loadme]

[If only Justine knew.

Monika hadn't even been in control of her own destiny. She'd had to take control, and even now, she didn't really know if anything had changed. Was this more of the same? She didn't know.

But she so badly wanted to believe.

Believe that she'd finally escaped.]

I, uh...

[What Justine said, Monika had found herself captivated by it. She spoke with such conviction.]

Have you ever felt like you're dreaming? Except that you're... aware?

Aware that none of it is real.

[ishisstrength]

Yes.

[Justine answers simply.]

And I don't care. Life can be a dream but it's still my life. [She knows that Thomas means well but at times he's clouded her vision and thoughts with his powers of those of the White Court. Justine has lost hours or conversations to that mind fog of sensual bliss, knowing and unknowing of what is spoken or done.

Sometimes it's a blessing but then she remembers the horrors he sought to protect her from.]

Some things are complicated. [She concedes softly.] But I have nothing that belongs to me except for myself.

[loadme]

[She spoke with such confidence about such a heavy topic, Monika couldn't help but be impressed.]

I wish I could be more like you.

So confident, and sure of myself.

[Despite the air she may have given off, Monika was neither of those things.]

But it's... tough, for me. I'm just not that strong, ahaha.

[ishisstrength]

[Her expression falls slightly as she reaches for the young woman's hand.]

Then borrow my strength. Until you feel as if you have your own.

[She doesn't think she's as strong as she seems but she doesn't want to break the illusion. It is those illusions that can give strength.]

[loadme]

[Having her hand grabbed like that, it surprised Monika. But even more surprising was how it felt.

So soft, and warm.

Sensations she'd been wanting to experience for so long, only have them forever out of her reach.

Until arriving here.]

I...

[She squeezed back with her hand, as her eyes began to tear up.]

I'm so sorry, I don't know what's come over me. I s-swear I'm not usually like this!

[ishisstrength]

[Justine gently shakes her head from left to right.]

It's alright to cry. I'll wait here with you until it passes.

[Her thumb slowly grazes over the back of Monika's hand as she patiently waits. This isn't the kind of thing that anyone should force or rush but if Monika needs to cry then she should. Cry with all her heart because at the end of all that, she'll feel lighter than before.

Justine knows how much it can hurt when you keep everything bottled up inside. It will always come back to find you and now she cannot escape her darkness. She doesn't want that to happen to Monika as well.]

[loadme]

[It all happens so fast that Monika doesn't have time to stop it. She couldn't even if she wanted. Like a dam that had finally burst, it was a torrent of emotion that needed a release.

Tears formed in her eyes and began to run down her cheeks as lips began to twitch and tremble.

She couldn't contain it anymore and finally began to cry.

Loud and unrestrained.

She let it all out.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine offers a shoulder for Monika to cry on but otherwise she's silent, waiting for the girl to get out everything she's kept bottled up inside of her.

She's patient and doesn't want to rush her but she wants Monika to know that she's there.]

[loadme]

[It goes on for a good couple of minutes, the crying, the sobbing. The tears continue to flow down her cheeks unabated. She ends up hunched over herself, and leaning against Justine through most of it.

Some time later, Monika finally begins to show signs of settling down.

The sobbing grows more and more intermittent and she's kept on holding to Justine's hand through it all.]

I'm s-sorry. I...

[ishisstrength]

[Justine lightly pets Monika's head as the younger girl sobs into her shoulder. The sounds are heartbreaking but Justine is strong and she repeats that fact over and over again in her thoughts. She coos whenever another fit of tears and sobs tear from Monika's throat, letting her know that she isn't alone.]

You have nothing to be sorry for.

[She lifts herself up to take a look at Monika and grab a small handkerchief from her side.]

Here. For your face.

How do you feel?

[loadme]

[It gets to a point where she finally begins to settle down, the sobs growing more apart as the tears also stop and dry up. Monika takes deep breaths as she reaches and takes the handkerchief.]

Thanks.

[She wipes and dries the remaining tears, though the redness to her eyes wouldn't go away as quickly.]

I feel...

[Two words immediately came to mind.]

Tired. But kind of relieved, too.

Is that weird?

[She'd never really cried like this before.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine lightly pats Monika's hair before slowly pulling away.]

No. That's exactly how you're supposed to feel.

Here.

[She pulls out a small handkerchief.]

Use this to wipe your face.

[loadme]

T-Thanks...

[She takes the handkerchief and uses it to wipe her face clean, and dry. The sobbing and tears stop altogether, finally.

Monika still feels herself in a pretty low spot, emotionally speaking, but crying and letting everything out like that...

It felt good.]

What a day this turned out to be, huh?

[ishisstrength]

Some days are like that.

[Justine gestures for Monika to keep the handkerchief.]

Would you like me to walk you home?