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

[fulgency]

[She looks back to the night sky, but Ozymandias' gaze lingers on her for a moment longer. It's obvious that she's thinking with a look that serious on her face, but which piece of information she's particularly mulling over he couldn't say. He turns his gaze back to the city instead of the sky this time and gives her the space to think a moment somewhat privately.]

[This district has its mazes and its light displays, but the heart of the festival lies within other districts of the city. He had been on his way back there before he was momentarily distracted by the fireworks. Looking to her again, he thinks, she could probably stand to experience more than just watching all the send-offs for the ships leaving the harbor.]

[(There is also likely more for them to discuss, but over the sound of fireworks is probably not the best place to do so.)]

[Abruptly, he hops down to the next level of crates.]

The display is nearly over. [Turning to face her, he offers his hand up to her.] I will allow you to accompany me and partake in some wine.

[showsnopiety]

[She's brought out of her mulling with the sound of his feet hitting the crates. He was right; the fireworks were coming less and less often, as if they were exhausting their supply. ]

Oh, yes.

[She made a soft noise, getting back her mental balance, before taking the offered hand. While his wording amused her, he was rewarded not with laughter, but with a quick quirk of the lips.]

Rather-thank you for your generosity. And my apologies for being distracted just now.

Shall I buy the first glass?

[fulgency]

Think nothing of it, [he says in response to both her gratitude and apologies. Though more towards her apologies than the gratitude as he continues,] How often is it that you find yourself in the presence of Ozymandias? I cannot fault you for it having an effect.

[As they make their descent, Ozymandias is the first to move down to the next crate before allowing her to use his hand as both a guide and means of steadying herself if she should need it. If he were in possession of all his abilities as a Servant, it would be a much faster process of getting back on the ground, but he doesn't prefer to think of that.]

If it pleases you to buy the first, I will allow it, but it is not necessary. [Once she's on the ground, Ozymandias lets go of her hand.] Though I suppose that's only fair considering you have me at a disadvantage. You know who I am, but I don't know who you are.

[showsnopiety]

[Her expression clears up. Not from the acceptance of the apology (though that was a good thing) but from having him confirm his name. The King of Kings was it? And on the heels of it, Shelley's poem rings to mind.

She's not going to bring that up though, unless she has good reason to.

Instead she quietly follows him down, taking his hand when offered. At least it's a normal descent, and not him simply grasping her and jumping. She knew of a few Servants who would have done so, with or without their usual abilities.]

Consider it an indulgence on my part, King of Kings. My name is Caren Ortensia-and it is a pleasure to meet you.

I'm afraid I'm not as interesting as you are but-perhaps we can still entertain each other for a time.

[fulgency]

[He smiles, equally pleased by the deference and the recognition of both his name and his superior status. That hasn't always been the case in this place. Though there are a fair number willing to show deference to someone of his station all the same, it's not quite the same as being known as he feels he ought to be.]

It's better not to compare yourself to me. No one could possibly match my radiance. [His tone isn't one of reprimand and instead is very matter-of-fact.] But I have hope that you will prove entertaining. If you were so immediately boring, I wouldn't have allowed you to accompany me.

Come, [he motions for her to follow as he resumes his progress in the direction he was headed before.] Where is it that you're from?

[showsnopiety]

[She's used to dealing with the King of Heroes, she knows how to butter up big egos-and sometimes deflate them as needed.]

Of course not.

[His statements are so matter-of-fact that she can feel herself smiling. It's a small smile, but it's there, and amused with the situation.

Still, that doesn't stop her from walking with him side by side, her hands clasped in front of her.]

I was assigned to Fuyuki, Japan before my arrival here. But while before that I had no fixed address, just location to location for various missions-

I grew up in Italy.

[fulgency]

[Her answer isn't quite what he expected as she doesn't exactly strike him as the sort who would stray so far. She doesn't seem quite that bold, in any case. Then again, such travel over such distances is far easier in the modern era.]

It sounds as though you've seen your fair share of the world. [Assigned or not, modern forms of travel or not, it is impressive.] How long had it been since your arrival in Japan?

[showsnopiety]

[She was a bit of a homebody. But then-she had things to do, outside of her home. People to help.]

I've seen bits and pieces. It's more impressive then it sounds. As for when...

A few weeks? Months? I think I lost track of time, between one thing and another. But it hasn't been long. I know that much.

[fulgency]

You barely had any time to get settled. What a shame!

[A few weeks and months differ quite significantly from one another. He's curious how she could have possibly managed to lose track of time so much that she could no longer tell the difference between weeks versus months, but this isn't an interrogation. All he does is make a silent note of it.]

Even though it was for only a short period of time, what did you think of it?

[The further away they get from the docks the more ambient noises like music and the din of small crowds start to drift their way. A pair of natives emerge from one of the nearby hedge mazes, giggling and giddy with relief for solving it, and Ozymandias smiles.]

[showsnopiety]

Such are the trials of the working life.

[Her voice is a little wry. She didn't really have time to sight see, or do much of the tourist-y things that were expected. Well, she did and she didn't. It's a story in and of itself.]

The town was beautiful in the daytime. There was this blend of modern and historical-they had these lovely old residents that seemed both contained and sprawling.

[She can see the pair, giggling and bouncing around. She's not sure if they just met or they were friends but it looked as if they had fun. Idly, she wondered if they went into the mazes during the Full Moon-or if they pretended none of that happened.]

I also had a garden I could look at through the window of my bedroom-when I wasn't attending it.

It made me a little sad every time I saw the sunset. Relieved too but...that's only because it was warm, and I burn easily under direct sunlight.

Forgive me. I was babbling, wasn't I?

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias shakes his head a little.]

Not at all.

[Although he doesn't say as much, it's implied in his tone that he had given her implicit leave to speak at whatever length she deemed appropriate by asking the question in the first place. Until she interrupted herself, he was content to continue listening to her speak.]

It sounds as though you were able to make a home even in such a short length of time. [There were enough traces of a routine and things she was fond of her in her answer.] I hope you are able to find similar ease if you are to be here for a time.

[showsnopiety]

[She had his permission but-usually she didn't gush over things. It felt a little odd to do it, but maybe...he enjoyed it? She's not sure.]

It was the little things that I liked there. Here...

[She wrinkled her nose.]

I think I'll need to depend on the people here to make a home, not the city. That's not something I'm used to doing.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias smiles. They're nearing the edges of the Harbor District at this point, the ambiance of the festivities beginning to shift.]

Then I hope you find me a decent start to that. I imagine neither one of us will be returning to our worlds any time soon.

[Not with the concerns with the world outside this city and the simple fact there doesn't appear to be any explanation as to how they ended up here in the first place.]

[showsnopiety]

[It's quieter here, and feels more...she's not sure what the atmosphere is exactly. Romantic? She can see more bursts of flowers and lit candles of purple, blues, and other colors.

Everything but red.]

I don't think we will be, no.

But...I think it will be easier to feel more at ease here, if I can eventually claim your friendship. I can only hope I can offer the same comfort or something more.

[He would be a useful ally. For social connections, if for nothing else.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias hums in light amusement. She assumes nothing. Or at the very least, she appears to. It's a wise choice. Equally wise to present herself as wanting to be of mutual benefit to him if at all possible.]

[It seems increasingly likely this is not her first time in the presence of royalty.]

Time will tell if you are able to prove yourself to be of use to me. [Just as she assumes nothing, he promises her the same in return.] But for now, I certainly do not mind your company.

[As they've progressed, they've arrived at a bar that has patrons seated outside the establishment at this point. This isn't unique, however. Many of the surrounding establishments are facing similar challenges, working at fast paces to make sure everyone receives what they order in a timely manner.]

This will do. [He looks at Caren.] Any objections?

[showsnopiety]

[She's learned a few things here and there. Gilgamesh, even as a child, taught her a few things, if only via observation.

Not Lancer, he was too down to earth to teach anyone how to conduct themselves around royalty. Still, she bows her head briefly, before raising her head.]

You honor me.

[There's more people milling about, finding bars, chatting with friends, with strangers...doing people things more or less. And with servers, when there were there, looking somewhat sweaty and panicked.]

I've no objections, though I do have a suggestion. That you could find a place you would prefer to stand or sit, if there's a place open-

And I can take the order directly to the bartender. It might be swifter that way.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias laughs a little.]

Merciful of you, [he says, noting the servers darting about. Ozymandias nods in assent to her suggestion.] Very well! Fetch us our drinks and I will have a place for us by the time you return.

[showsnopiety]

I'd hate for one of us to get worked up about the wait.

[For all she's being polite and deferral, there's a wry note in her voice. She's not sure how long Ozy would like to wait, and even Caren might get annoyed in waiting for the order of a single drink.]

I'll be as swift as possible.

[Promise made, she vanishes into the crowd. She will try to be quick. At least she won't be shy about getting the bartender's attention.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias watches her disappear into the crowd for a moment, wondering if that was a pointed comment in his direction or not. It's not entirely unfair. He can be rather impatient from time to time, but he's not a petulant child. Regardless, she's gone and there's little point in putting much thought into it.]

[He scans the area and finds the official outdoor seating has been taken up easily. In fact, some of the tables have a mix of people standing and sitting due to the lack of chairs. Others have found little spaces to stand or float about with their drinks. A few, it would also seem, have taken to sitting on the half-wall dividing the outdoor seating from the street. It seems as good a place as any.]

[Ozymandias moves a lantern out of the way, setting it on the ground, and has a seat. Shifting, he makes it clear that he's reserving the spot beside him that he's cleared for someone else although a few of the friendlier natives do stop and speak to him. While he waits, he's willing to entertain the conversation for a time.]

[showsnopiety]

[A little pointed, but not too much. She was pretty certain that the Servants she knew, not just kings, would get themselves into trouble without her keeping an eye on them.

(Diarmund didn't count as such because she didn't really know him that well, so was so far not on the needing her eye on him list)

It does take her a few minutes-maybe even closer to ten then five, thanks to how things were inside-but she managed to wade her way outside, glancing around. She didn't see him right off, but eventually spots him by the half-wall. And it looks as if Ozymandias had made a few friends while he was waiting.]

Ah. My apologies for the wait; I had to climb on one or two people in order to gain the bartenders attention.

[She may be joking? She might not be joking. She moved forward though, and made to offer him his choice of cups. It seems that because of the wait, they didn't have glasses, they had what...well, were basically beer steins.]

Enjoy.

[And no need to dismiss the locals either. They might have some information they could use for later, if they're lucky.]

[fulgency]

[An interesting choice of glassware for serving wine, but there's little point in complaining. Ozymandias takes one of the proffered steins and shifts to allow her space to sit or lean on the wall beside him if she so chooses. With his free hand, he waves off her apology.]

It's fortunate enough that you were able to be served. They were just telling me that some of the taverns and restaurants further in the district are turning patrons away.

[One of the locals adds they were about to take their chances at one of the brothels if this particular establishment was the same. As they're speaking, Ozymandias takes a sip from his glass and clearly approves without saying so much as a word.]

[showsnopiety]

[She would have understood if he had complained-steins were more for beer then wine. She put down her stein, before moving to hop up beside him on the wall.]

Truly? I suppose we were lucky to get these then.

[She took a sip of her wine-it was good-but hearing about the brothel solution, Caren makes a soft interested sound.]

I wasn't aware the brothels were serving. Do they have seating inside?

[She's pensive, glancing between Ozymandias and the far too busy bar. It was starting to look as if the second drink would be long in coming. But then they had time to decide.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias raises an eyebrow at the question. From her demeanor, it's not the sort of question he would anticipate as he would expect her to prefer to stay away from such places. But perhaps, he considers, he's not giving enough credit to her desire to keep his attention and that even if such a place were out of the question normally, she's willing to consider it now.]

[The local who just spoke nods before explaining the availability of private rooms, but the increased likelihood for particular drinks given their business.]

Does something like that catch your interest, Caren?

[showsnopiety]

[He's not completely wrong. She tends to prefer to do things well, and having what is basically mugs of wine while outside with strangers...it isn't her preference. And if a brothel has cushy seating, she'll take it.]

I had the thought that it would be comfortable, and while there would be certain risks, there would also be more refined drinks.

While I did fulfill my word to the letter, I feel as if I did not do so in spirit.

[fulgency]

[He considers her a moment silently. So, it would seem he misjudged her eagerness to please...]

[He smiles, seeing no fault in it. She is in his presence, after all, vying to prove her worth to remain in his company. Why shouldn't she be invested in doing all that she can to earn his favor?]

Very well, [he says with a nod.] I will allow you the chance to fulfill your word to me as you intended. But let us finish these drinks you already went through the trouble of procuring first. The wine is satisfactory enough that it would be a shame to waste it.

[The locals clearly have no idea what is happening right now, sticking to their own drinks rather than trying to participate any further in the conversation.]