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

[sullenstallion]

[Dylas isn't too sure how he feels about having horns, either, though most of the time his feelings are more on the negative side. He tries not to let Konoe see that, though, because he doesn't want the cat to worry.

He doesn't notice Konoe walking up to him at first. Dylas is opting to buy a small bouquet instead of buying flower crown materials, and so far he's picked out something that's cheap and mostly in soft purples and whites. A few petals are missing here or there because he picked one of the cheaper ones, but he has it tucked under his arm anyways as he walks or stands, admiring the flowers and then turning to Konoe.]

What is it, Konoe? I didn't drop that.

[Unaware of Konoe's flower plight, he completely misses the meaning of what's being offered.]

[catasstrophy]

I know you didn't drop it!

[Seriously - what is he supposed to do with a stupid horny horse like Dylas?! If Konoe hadn't put so much effort into making his miniature crown, he would have just given up on the idea of giving it to anyone, but he set out to do this, so dammit, he will do it.

Reaching way up (and probably standing on tiptoe, let's face it), Konoe puts the mini-crown on one of Dylas' horns.

There, that's better. He just... can't seem to think of what to say, now that he's done what he wanted to do.]

... It's for you.

[You know, in case that wasn't glaringly obvious from the whole putting it on him part.]

[sullenstallion]

Then why are you—

[Oh. He never put two and two together there. No one's ever given him a flower crown before, and honestly Dylas never would have expected it from Konoe. He looks in the direction of his horn, gives up because he can't really see up there, and then looks back down at the cat. Some color is seeping into his face, because this is really...embarrassing.

It's such a dinky flower crown. At least it slides onto his horn easily, but...having Konoe look so closely at his horns feels funny, too.]

Oh. It's...kind of small, isn't it? [Wait. Shit. No, he shouldn't have said that. He thrusts the bouquet he'd been carrying right at Konoe's chest with more force than really necessary.] Take this!

[catasstrophy]

[It is small, and yet hearing Dylas say that... truly hurts. Konoe doesn't even get angry or lash out in ill-conceived emotional self-defense: it hurts too much for that.

Fortunately(?) the bouquet is a good - and quick - distraction. He accepts it because he can't not accept it, when it's thrust at him like that.]

... You got that for yourself, right?

You don't have to give it to me.

[Especially if it's like an obligatory return gift for a tiny flower crown.]

[sullenstallion]

No. I didn't buy it for me.

[Now that he's bruised Konoe's chest and ruined the flowers a little more by practically punching them into acceptance, he pulls his hands back. With one, he reaches up for the flower crown, idly pulling at it until he can see it out of the corner of his eyes.

Konoe shouldn't have given this to him. He's not a flowery person...and with the treatments he's been getting at the Coven for his infection, he still thinks Konoe is pissed off at him, or...or something. He lets go of the crown and lets it fall back against his horn.]

Flowers aren't really my thing, but I thought you might like 'em.

[catasstrophy]

[Dylas is right about the "or something" anyway, but that's literally the only thing he's right about. Still, it's not like Konoe is doing any better on the brains front, as evidenced by his flawless conclusion.]

... For the house?

[There's no way he thinks Dylas would ever get flowers for him, but if he just got them to decorate their place, that sorta kinda makes sense?

His eyes flick up as the flower crown falls into place again. It's clear that Dylas doesn't care for it, but... Konoe can't help but feel it looks good on him.]

[sullenstallion]

You can eat 'em for all I care. They're supposed to be a sort of 'thanks' or something...that's what she said about the little white and purple ones.

[He points to the hydrangea flowers. He's already forgotten what they're called, and he sounds unsure even as he points them out. Dylas hasn't really properly thanked Konoe for dragging his ass to the Coven and back. He still has arm pain, but it's getting better with the treatments.]

...Except maybe don't eat them.

[That would make him kind of sad.]

[catasstrophy]

I'm not going to eat them.

[His tone is long-suffering more than angry, though: unless the flowers were medicinal, he'd never even consider eating them. They're too pretty, and probably not even tasty (and possibly poisonous).

He turns the flowers around in his hand, his tail swishing in excitement.]

I don't get what you'd need to thank me for, though.

[sullenstallion]

I wouldn't know that. Maybe the flowers are both sweet and sour. You could end up a huge fan.

[He's pretty sure cats don't wag their tail when they're excited. Why can't Konoe's tail be easier to understand? Just seeing that, he wonders if his roommate isn't very fond of the gift.

He places a hand on his hip and stares down, and a quiet grunt is the next sound he makes. He doesn't want to answer that. It's not a question, so he doesn't have to, right?]

Well...if you don't know what they're for, just pretend they're for the next time you do something nice for me instead.

[catasstrophy]

...! Shut up!

[Called out... How embarrassing.

Konoe really doesn't get what he did that's so great. The most he's done for Dylas is getting him infected, and he's pretty sure that that doesn't normally earn one a gift, let alone flowers.]

... Thanks. I'll find a nice spot to put them.

[Somewhere very prominent, where they can both enjoy them.

Once the flowers wilt and need to be tossed out, Konoe will be too sad to leave the spot empty afterwards, so this is just going to be the start of non-stop flowers in their place.]

[sullenstallion]

You shut up.

[Wow, isn't that a great comeback? But there's no lightning behind his words, he's just quipping back for the sake of it. With this little delivery out of the way, his load is a bit easier to carry, so that's great.

He ends up nodding.]

Sounds good to me. I'm no good when it comes to decorating. I've been thinking about growing some vegetables, though.

[catasstrophy]

[It's such a great comeback, Konoe doesn't even have anything to say in return, inadvertently proving it very effective. Congratulations.]

That's a good idea. It'd be pretty nice, growing our own food...

[If he conjures up a kuim, eating it doesn't satisfy - but could he plant it and grow his own kuim?! Food for thought and stomach, possibly!]

[sullenstallion]

Almost everyone has a small garden or farm where I'm from...except for me. I catch the fish.

[Konoe probably already expected that last bit, but hey.]

I don't see why I can't do it, too.

[catasstrophy]

[SHOCKGASP Dylas and fish?! There's no way!]

Maybe I'll catch the fish, then.

[Since Dylas will handle the vegetables.

Okay, Konoe is mostly joking. He doubts that Dylas would want to give up finishing. But it's... unexpectedly fun, even in a joking way, to divide all these domestic chores.]

[sullenstallion]

What? W-what are you talking about? I'm the one who does the fishing!

[Dylas' ears droop and his mouth hangs open, a rare look of disappointment crossing his face. Konoe might not have realized it, but he's gone too far. Instead of feeling like he's being teased, Dylas takes the words at face value. No more fishing...Konoe has truly taken something valuable from him.

His tail curls against his leg, and he looks absolutely miserable.]

[catasstrophy]

[Dylas' reaction is honestly hilarious, and part of Konoe wants to push the joke even further for that reason alone, just because he can. But he can tell that he's close to crossing a line in a way that would exceed mere teasing, so he gives it up.]

Fine, you do the fishing.

And... I'll be in charge of the flowers.

[After Dylas damn near throwing a filly fit over fish, Konoe feels a little more confident in stating his own silly claim.]

[sullenstallion]

[His ears perk up immediately, and as they do life returns to his tail. Being separated from fishing is a far crueler fate than he could ever tolerate. Though now that the idea's in his head, maybe he ought to teach Konoe sometime? But.]

You mean it? I mean...I wasn't ever going to stop, so...I'll keep doing it.

[He still sounds happier anyways. It's a rare tone in his voice, and maybe he should try using it for conversations that don't involve fishing.]

Flowers, huh? You know, there's a flower shop in Selphia. There's a girl there who's like me. She used to be a monster. She's...kinda hard to deal with.

[Pot, meet kettle.]

[catasstrophy]

["Hard to deal with"... Konoe gives Dylas a Look, but forces himself not to comment. It is pretty nice seeing Dylas happy, even if Konoe thinks it's kinda weird to have it only ever be for fishing. Still, everyone has their hobbies, right? It wouldn't be so bad to join Dylas for fishing sometime.

Real talk though: is Konoe just going to jump into the water when he spots shiny flickering fishies?]

And she likes flowers? [That sounded way too eager somehow - at least: to Konoe's own ears.] I mean... I don't think anybody hates flowers...

[sullenstallion]

[If Konoe scares the fish away, Dylas is going to tie weights around his ankles to keep him from jumping in.]

Yeah. I think she does. She works at the flower shop run by that detective. [A detective who runs a flower shop, that's totally a legit thing, right?] She has butterfly wings instead of...

[He shakes his tail, because he's not going to call it a horse's tail. C:]

[catasstrophy]

[Kinky!

Oh, you mean that horse's tail? The tail that belongs on a horse? That tail?
Thankfully Konoe doesn't even see Dylas' problem with the term, which means he also won't tease him about it.]

I see...

[Hey, it's another world. Maybe all detectives run flower shops there. (Actually: what is a detective???)]

That must be really pretty.

[The nag tail isn't bad, really, but butterfly wings? That sounds absolutely beautiful.]

[sullenstallion]

[Konoe is problematic, and therefore should be blocked at Dylas' earliest opportunity.]

Pretty, huh? ...She has a way of staring at people and fixating them in a way that makes the room spin, and she's so full of energy she's liable to make two misunderstandings in the time it takes you to give a friendly greeting.

But yeah. She's cute, I guess. The other girl, Dolce, doesn't really look like a monster. Just Amber and me.

[catasstrophy]

[I mean, you're not wrong. If all else fails, try putting a collar on him.

Wow, Dylas, so rude when talking about your friends... but that's something Konoe can relate to. He would probably do worse with his own friends - at least some of them.]

You don't look like a monster, either.

[Well, that depends on what definition of "monster" one uses, but Konoe still has mixed feelings about the term. It doesn't help that people see him as a monster... It's an old discussion on definitions, and one he's sometimes content to consider closed, but it just doesn't feel right to have a friend call themselves a monster.]

This place really needs a better word to use. Just because people aren't human...

[Who wants to be human, anyway? Konoe takes a moment to sniff his flowers again, just because he can. "Monsters" here are definitely better than humans.]

[sullenstallion]

Even if they picked another name for it, it's not like their opinions would change. It's nothing worth getting worked up over.

[He reaches out and places a hand on Konoe's shoulder, trying to be comforting.]

But I meant what I said. Amber...from what I've been told, before she was defeated, she was a giant monster like me. A real monster. After we were all defeated, we didn't look like humans, dwarves, or elves.

[catasstrophy]

[Konoe isn't the one who should need comforting, here!! ... But he still really likes that friendly touch, the heavy weight of Dylas' hand on his shoulder indeed comforting, somehow. He forces himself not to continue that particular discussion again.]

... Your world sounds like it has almost as much variety as this one.

[sullenstallion]

Huh? Really? I dunno.

[He thinks about it for a moment. Truthfully, dwarves and elves don't look all that different. The dragons? Definitely different. While he's having this little mental powwow, he forgets to remove his hand from Konoe's shoulder.

It's there, ominously holding onto him.]

What about your world?