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

[justbeingknife]

[ He nodded. ]

It is... I think tryin' it with you helped. I'll deal with the extra on my own, though -- no offense, but I ain't sure I even know your monster acquaintance.

[ And just because he trusted Justine didn't mean he trusted the others, even friends of friends. ]

Take some time to think it over, if ya like? I'll be around.

[ He smiled wryly. ]

And ya know where I live.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine exhales a slow soft breath.]

I do know.

[She falls silent for a moment or two and then inclines her head in a gentle nod.] I'd like to make a promise this time. That we won't misuse it.

Then... yes. [She looks up and meets his gaze.] I would like to Bond with you.

[justbeingknife]

[ He dipped his head in answer. ]

All right.

Tell ya the truth, I'm not sure exactly what we have to do, but I'm pretty sure you have to prepare some kinda oath.

[ And maybe he wouldn't think too hard about what had happened the last time he'd done so. Not when those dark eyes were looking up at him. ]

So how are ya at writin', Justine?

[ishisstrength]

[Her lips tug into a warm smile.]

I think it's just saying how we feel and what we promise. [Not unlike marriage vows.] But I could write something if you'd like. I haven't written anything before but I think I'd be good at it.

[She pauses and gently takes his hand, trailing the tip of her finger over his palm as she spoke.]

We make our vows and drink the silver liquid. That's it but we can add whatever you'd like. I think it should only be us but the flower crowns are very beautiful. Flowers seem to be there every step of our friendship. Maybe they should be there for this too.

[justbeingknife]

[ He pulled a face as he tipped his hand, letting her draw as she wished along his palm. ]

Those goofy flower wreaths, ya mean? I mean, they'd look good on ya and all, but I don't think I could actually pull it off.

[ Majima could just... pin some flowers to his pocket, or something. Yeah. ]

[ishisstrength]

Really?

[She glances up at him.]

I think they'd suit you. Maybe something with lots of green leaves and red flowers? Roses? I'd offer cherry blossoms but I don't think I can find those here.

[Justine continues to lightly draw little shapes on his palm as if it's an automatic affectionate gesture.] It'd look nice.

[justbeingknife]

That sounds like a recipe for gettin' poked by thorns. You're really into this idea, huh?

[ As for Majima, well... he sounded a little less than enthused. Flower crowns for fun were one thing, but this sounded like it was approaching more of a formal ritual... ]

Okay, tell ya what -- I can see if I can scare up a branch for the both of us. I oughta be able to find something like cherry blossoms.

But I'm pretty sure we gotta have another witch there, so I'd rather not go full flower crowns on this one.

[ishisstrength]

I'm sorry. No. That is, I don't have my heart set on it. [But it's nice to think about; a distracting from everything else.

It's easier to focus on flowers and crowns than it is to think about Bonds and promises. She's certain but unsure and nervous. Justine doesn't have much luck with getting close to anyone in any form and while this will be promises of a possible short term reunion, it's still being close to someone and opening herself up to them.

She doesn't want to hurt anyone else and the Bond might not be the cure all she hopes for.]

It's fine if you'd rather not do that. Whatever you want Majima. Honestly, I'm not sure what's involved. I've never done this before. [Or thought about doing it and she isn't sure how it's all done.]

[justbeingknife]

Hey, no.

[ The lady doth protest to much, or at least that was the vibe Majima was getting. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel bad for suggesting it, it was just that

flower crowns were so

ugh..... ]

I mean, it ain't just about what I...

[ This was the face of a man about to cave. ]

Look, as long as it's just for the ceremony, okay? And nothin' pointy; it's a real bear to get blood out of a white dress shirt.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's fingers slow to a stop so that her hand is resting lightly in his palm. Her chin lifts to meet his gaze, her eyes determined and lovely, but she looks caught off guard; surprised.]

I- [Her lips part and for a few minutes she looks to be at a genuine loss for words.] I would never put anything pointy on your head. [Her expression softens as her mouth curves into a sweet smile.] I would be sad if I hurt you.

That isn't... what I want.

[There are fun kinds of hurt but Justine isn't talking about that.]

[justbeingknife]

Oh, uh... glad to hear it.

[ Somehow, the way she was smiling at him made even stronger the urge to look away, but he kept his gaze steady. What was wrong with him, anyway? Wasn't like him to get this caught up in a girl. ]

I'll talk to one of those witches and let 'em know, I guess. I'm sure they'll be happy to hear about it; they're always goin' on about how great it is.

[ishisstrength]

[Her teeth worry nervously at her lower lip while the smooth notes of his voice weaves together their sweet and fantastical plans. Justine feels a new weight and a new lightness battle for control over her heart as she places her faith and her trust in a man she barely knows.]

Okay. [She smiles.] Send me a message with the time and place, and I will meet you there with what flowers I can find.

[She tells herself that this is a good idea and prays that she is right. More than anything else, Justine wants to be able to trust him.]

Timeskip

[justbeingknife]

[ In the waiting room, Majima was seated on what looked like an antique chair, frowning down at a sprig of cherry blossom propped on an open book. There was a sketch carefully inked onto one of the pages, a couple of runes written down one side. ]

So, uh... doesn't seem like it'll take too long. Maybe after this we can go get lunch, huh?

[ He was trying not to think about how eerily similar this was to various other joining ceremonies? If he'd realized, maybe he would have backed out because there was a thin, red-headed man with a major case of cold feet up next ahead of them.

He looked like he was going to shake himself apart; just looking at him made Majima nervous. ]

\o/

[ishisstrength]

[Tiny white bell like flowers have been woven into Justine raven hair for the purpose of the ceremony they were about to undertake. It isn't a crown in the strictest sense but they are lovely blossoms and a perfect accompaniment to her stunning features. The flowers are ones that both Justine and Majima had learned about in their classes together; representing strength, hope and joy in the Bond that they were preparing to make.

Her dark eyes glance up at him and she smiles as she places her palm delicately against his forearm.]

We can.

[Justine isn't oblivious to the tension in the room but for her own sanity she's ignoring the cold block of ice that slides into the depths of her stomach.] Don't be nervous. [She puts on a brave face and lowers her voice.] If neither of us wants this arrangement anymore. It can always be revisited.

[Her hand slides into his as she turns to look at the red haired man ahead of them.] We'll figure it out together.

Re: \o/

[justbeingknife]

Yeah. You're right.

[ He smiled at her, then passed a hand over the ruins. The branch wriggled, curled, and reformed, creating a more or less smooth arc of wood from which small pink flowers protruded from small stems.

Majima lifted it with the fingers of one hand, and offered it to her. ]

Here. This is... it's for you.

[ishisstrength]

[It's difficult to feel confident in the face of the unknown but Justine puts on a brave face. Her decision has been made and she isn't the kind of person to back out or hesitate after her mind has been made up. Not only that but Majima deserves more than that.

Her eyes drop to the branch in his hands, watching as it forms into a crown of beautiful pink flowers. She'd known that they talked about it but Justine is surprised by the gift.]

Thank you.

[A light pink blush dusts over her cheeks as she takes the crown and places it on her head. It accompanies the white flowers perfectly.]

I have something for you to. No magic but I hope you like it. [She slides her fingers into her purse and pulls out a thin crown. It's made of small bright green oak leaves, white bell flowers that match the ones in Justine's hair and small red flower buds that have yet to open]

I made it for you but you don't have to wear it. I'd just, like you to have it.

[justbeingknife]

[ The man in front of them and his partner were called in; Majima reached out his hands to accept the oak leaves and flowers. ]

This must've taken a while, huh?

[ Carefully, he placed the crown on his head. The small flowers were a nice touch, and he sort of liked the understated nature of the craft. Had Justine taken that into account, too? ]

Thank you. Hope ya didn't get too many leaves in your bag. Yours really suits ya, you know.

[ishisstrength]

[Her eyes follow the pair waiting in front of them until the nervous red-haired man disappears beyond the doors. From what she remembers of the ceremony it doesn't have to take long, hopefully they won't have to wait much longer.

Justine turns back towards Majima just as he places the crown on his head and smiles.] Yes but I enjoyed myself. I thought about you and what we were doing. I had time to sort through it on my own. [The silent focus had helped her.] And it looks good on you.

[It's totally worth the time and the care she'd taken into picking out the manliest designs and pieces she could find.]

I like pink. [Her fingers rise to the crown but she doesn't actually touch it.] I hope to keep this. If that's alright. [Justine intends to cast a spell on it to keep it young and lovely forever.]

[justbeingknife]

Y-yeah?

[ Honestly he still wasn't used to the concept, but if it made her happy... ]

Sure. I mean, it is yours, and all. But aren't ya gonna run out of room if ya start keepin' all these flowers?

[ A giraffe-patterned turnskin and a silver-haired witch came in and sat down, and it wasn't long before the door opened again, and Majima heard his name being called. He stood, feeling strangely nervous now that they were right on the cusp. ]

Looks like we're up. Ready?

[ishisstrength]

[Her lips part and along with the accompanying smile her features appear younger and lighter than anything he's seen before.]

Ah- you're right. But I've only been keeping your flowers. [She glances up at him with a warm puppy dog like stare.] You won't keep bringing me flowers will you? [Her playful teasing vanishes when the door opens again and they're called inside.]

Oh.

[Justine places her hand in his and follows him into the room. It's one of many rooms within the Coven building and very similar to them in many ways. It's smaller than she'd expected but formally attired with a goblet of that tasteless odder-less sliver liquid they'd both drank once before.

She doesn't say anything but steps forward with Majima, her fingers gently tightening against his.]

[justbeingknife]

[ He smiled. ] Can't make any promises. Who knows when the urge'll hit me next?

[ It was flattering, though; he had a feeling Justine was the recipient of quite a few flowers. And if not... well, why not?

He bowed his head slightly to the witch inside the room. "Hello there. Please step inside the circle, and recite whatever vows you like. There are no strict requirements, but we encourage you to speak openly."

So he turned to Justine, feeling a little self-conscious with someone else in the room. ]

Justine, I haven't known ya all that long. I don't know how long we'll be here, or what'll happen in the future. But I will promise ya that for as long as I can, I'll be here for ya.

And if you want to get back to that home ya told me about, well... I'll do my best to help ya get there, too.

So don't hesitate to lean on me.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine turns towards Majima and pointedly ignores the other witch in the room. Her fingers remain intertwined with his and she squeezes his hand softly before speaking.]

Majima. I'm not good at making promises but I want to do my best, to live up to my end of our arrangement, to support you and to understand. For as long as I can.

I want to be here for you and that also means to help you return home.

[She feels a soft tug in her chest despite the fact that they hadn't finished the ritual for the Bonding ceremony yet. Justine has nothing but death waiting for her when she returns home and she isn't entirely sure she wants to go back anymore.]

Don't hesitate to lean on me.

[She repeats his worse while a warm smile curves her lips.

The witch inside the room with them steps forward with the goblet of silver liquid.]

[justbeingknife]

[ With one hand holding hers, he accepted the goblet and gave Justine a low bow. It was an elegant gesture, different from the one he'd given the witch and performed without spilling a drop of the silver liquid inside; within it, one could see a glimpse of the polished, courteous host he once played at.

But the smile he had for her was something else -- not one of politeness or professionalism, but affection.

He took a sip... and then held out the goblet to her. ]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine tries not to smile as Majima lowers himself in a gracious bows but she can't help herself. All the apprehension she'd felt in the waiting room melts away, leaving her feeling lighter and more excited about what they were about to undertake.

She gently bites her lower lip, her cheeks pinked with embarrassment and affection as she takes the goblet from his hand. The cool edge of the cup touches her lips before the tasteless liquid follows. Justine takes her share and then inclines her head to the witch in a polite but tame bow of respect as she hands the goblet back to the overseeing witch.

Justine can feel the bond between them as it weaves around them and snaps into place. It makes her heart flutter in her chest but it's not a bad thing. It's exciting and new. Something unexpected that will undoubtedly lead to more unexpected things.]

[justbeingknife]

[ Like before... but different, somehow. Again he felt the hum of Justine nearby, the whorl of magic circulating between not around one body, but two.

But now it felt familiar, like the presence of an old companion at the back of his mind. A strange sensation, considering how briefly they'd known each other. ]

All right?

[ The question was almost as much for him as it was for her; he had his arm out to steady her if needed... but if anything, it was like standing in a room no longer empty. ]