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

[halfheartedmagician]

Laughing, Asra lets himself be dragged into the crowd and squeezes the other man's hand, tugging him close as they find a space among the dancers and settling one hand at his hip.

"Ah, I do love those that aren't afraid to take initiative." He takes the opportunity to look over the other man's face, memorising the details, his gaze lingering on his lips.

"My name's Asra, what's yours?"

[gallowsbait]

"Do you now?" Greyjay hums along with the song and rests his hand just at the curve where Asra's shoulder curves up into his neck. He lets his thumb skirt over collar of his shirt, warm and calloused against the magician's skin.

"Greyjay Gallowsbait."

[halfheartedmagician]

A shiver slides through him at the brush of a warm touch against his skin and Asra flushes, his fingers tightening at the other man's hip.

"Greyjay..." The name falls from his lips like a prayer, his expression softening into a smile. "A beautiful name. It suits you."

[gallowsbait]

"I'd hope so; I helped pick it." He grins, dog-tooth peeking over his lip and looking just a little wild. "My folks didn't name me after a mean little bird."

"At least I'm no Lucky Shrike?"

[halfheartedmagician]

That gets a laugh, and Asra shifts their stance, taking the lead for the next few steps so he can tug Greyjay closer and hook the other man's leg against his hip.

"Oh I don't know, I think maybe I could take the name lucky for meeting you."

[gallowsbait]

"Don't lay it on so thick, darling." Greyjay leans into the dance, letting their bodies press together. "At least not until you know if I've brought you good luck or bad."

He huffs out a quiet little laugh and tugs them into another close move.

[halfheartedmagician]

A flush darkens Asra's face at being called out so clearly and he looks rather embarrassed about, although at least he continues to swirl through the dance with flawless grace.

"Ah, too much?" His teeth worry his lip absently. "I can't really help it, I can't imagine you bringing me any kind of bad luck."

[gallowsbait]

"I think you can do better." Greyjay watches his mouth, the way he worries at his lip. Tempting. Should he? He could use some stress relief and he'd rather not spend what little coin he has on a sex worker.

"Don't you?"

[halfheartedmagician]

"Oh?" This sort of playful back and forth he is more familiar with, and Asra takes the opportunity to spin laughing away from Greyjay and then back into his arms, snug against his body and arms resting around his neck.

"How would I do better?" His fingers brush gently through the other man's long hair. "Maybe you should give me some suggestions?"

[gallowsbait]

"I do like to work for it." He leans in, ready to speak quietly and just for Asra as the dance shifts to something a little slower. "Or to have fun with it. Be happy. Be joyful. Make me laugh."

"Be clever and sharp." Greyjay punctuates his words with the smallest nip to the shell of Asra's ear and then pulls back to see what will happen next.

[halfheartedmagician]

There's the barest gasp at the nip and the immediate flush of heat that it earns. He watches Greyjay for a moment from beneath pale lashes as his fingers gently twine about the other's thick braid of hair.

Then Asra's grip tightens and tugs Greyjay's head back firmly to expose his throat to the scrape of his teeth, the thump of his pulse beneath skin earning a sharper bite, just shy of breaking skin.

The tip of his tongue traces his lips as Asra pulls back, looking entirely smug and satisfied with himself. "Hmmm I can think of a few ways to have fun with this... if you were interested."

[gallowsbait]

Greyjay's eyes go wide and he laughs as he's bitten. It's a breathless, delighted sort of sound. Now, that's an improvement over idle flattery.

"You've a choice here: either we can be quick and dirty, because I need to get back to work, or find me when the dancing ends and we can take our sweet time." He should probably mention something else, just for the sake of safety. Who knows what this world is like? Do people here care about that sort of thing? Perhaps his partner does. "You ought to know, I'm six of one, half a dozen of the other? Does that euphemism translate? Neither man nor woman."

[halfheartedmagician]

He feels flushed with a heady rush of desire at the sound Greyjay makes and Asra is tempted to push further and see how many other sounds he can get from the other man when he's offered that choice.

"Hmm, must you?" he asks, dropped his lips to press a kiss against the mark left by his teeth. "Do you really have to work right now?"

But he supposes he'd rather have the chance to enjoy the time together and Asra reluctantly draws back, pressing a kiss to the corner of Greyjay's mouth. "After the dancing then."

Then there's the other remark and he blinks, a touch surprised but shrugs. "Does it matter?"

[gallowsbait]

"I do." Money is a rather useful thing to have, and he's not (yet) ready to steal or offer his other, more specialized skills. There's bound to be some flavour of underworld here; it's just a matter of finding it.

"To some." He doesn't mind, his people don't mind, but he's run afoul of others who do. Humans are a varied and odd lot. At least dwarves always understand - maybe it's something to do with both of their genders having beards?

[halfheartedmagician]

Asra sighs, playing up how much he's put off by Greyjay's insistence that he continue working and twirls him about into a dip before straightening and offering him a bow.

"Alright, I suppose I'll have to wait until the dancing is done, won't I?"

[gallowsbait]

"A pleasant sort of suffering." He stands back and returns the bow, looking Asra up and down once more. "And while I'm busy working, I'm sure you can have a good time and think of all sorts of lovely things."

[halfheartedmagician]

"Oh, I think I can picture a few things," Asra answers readily, his lips curling into a playful smile. "Although I hope you're not thinking too much about them yourself. It seems like it might be distracting..."

Still smiling, he slips away into the crowd to wander the stalls for a little while.

---

It's later when he returns, searching the area for Greyjay and wondering if he's finished his work yet. His expression brightens at the sight of the other man and Asra makes his way towards him, a flower crown settled haphazardly in his pale curls.

"Care for another dance?"

[gallowsbait]

As he puts away the oud, Greyjay stands and smiles. He stretches, arching his back to try and work out any sore spots from sitting and playing for so long.

"I'm not as limber as I used to be, but I'm interested." He slings his kit over one shoulder and holds out a hand to Asra.

[halfheartedmagician]

Taking the offered hand, Asra tugged the other man closer and curled an arm around his waist, leaning in close immediately and resting his head on Greyjay's shoulder. It was oddly nice to find someone the same height as himself for a change, and he turned his head enough to press a kiss against Greyjay's pulse and give a pleased hum.

"Only interested?" he teased. "I was hoping for a little more..."

[gallowsbait]

"Very interested," he says, leaning into the embrace and gently teasing. "Exceedingly interested. Curious, even."

"I wouldn't want to gild the lily." They're not dancing again, but there's a gentle sway of movement. The closeness helps a bit of the stress he's been carrying unwind. "Do you have a place or do you want to head back to mine?"

Subtle, ain't he?

[halfheartedmagician]

"Hmm." Asra enjoys the teasing and the touching, reaching up to tug at Greyjay's braid and twine it through his fingers. He'd enjoy braiding it at another time, he thinks absently, threading flowers through the strands if he could.

He's not especially worried about the other's directness either, though his nose wrinkles a bit at the question. "It'll have to be yours. I don't live anywhere in particular."

[gallowsbait]

"I'm going to take full advantage of a regular bed for as long as I can." He smiles and pecks a quick kiss to the edge of Asra's jaw before tugging him in the direction of the barracks. "I'd been out on campaign for months before coming here and I would like to get at least a little fatter before I go back."

Hardtack and whatever paltry game they could scavenge or steal wasn't particularly enjoyable.

[halfheartedmagician]

A thrill of delight goes through him at the kiss and immediately his face flushes darker. Asra is more familiar with having to take initiative and controlling any moments of intimacy, so even a small brush of a kiss like that sends a surge of excitement through him.

"Where have you been campaigning," he asks, doing his best to snuggle into Greyjay's side now. The fingers of one hand tease a line down the other man's stomach at his words.

"Although I can understand how you'd feel, going without food. I'm glad that isn't a concern here."

[gallowsbait]

"Ashamoil, or rather one of their Dux, hired us to to go and raise hell in the border cities of Yesh-Me Ayin. We'd gone in, poisoned the wells and the usual, and taken the young son of their Exchequer. We'd been bringing him back to the Dux for safe keeping when...well, when I got here." Greyjay continues to curl close and keeps his voice low as he speaks. It's awful work, but he doesn't seem to be upset by any of it. War is war, even when it's not open warfare on a battlefield.

"And you? Tell me what you do?" He bites at his own lower lip and keeps gently leading Asra along to the barracks. C'mon, a little privacy, hmm? Let's not in the alleyway?

Record scratch

[halfheartedmagician]

Whatever he'd been starting to picture in his head, it wasn't even close to what Greyjay said. Asra stumbles, takes a few more steps simply because of how they're tangled around each other, and then pushes himself away from the other man.

"You poisoned wells and kidnapped someone?" he repeated, shock and distaste clearly evident in his voice. "Why would you ever do that?"