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

[cult]

It doesn't mean because you're violent there should be a consequence for everything, that's not how life works, you know!

( wei wuxian continues the same pattern with his fingers, every stroke through the male's hair is done gently. making sure that his pace doesn't shift from what he's trying to make have become the norm and keep the male satisfied; anything different might cause him to stir. every little reaction catches wuxian's attention, making a mental note of the claws that dig into his skin and then shift back, the way the other cradles even more into the warmth of his lap. it's endearing, like stated before.

he searches but only subtly for a spot that the other may like scritched better than anywhere else, it might be wrong to treat him like a literal pet but it's also sort of hard. it's quite funny how not too long ago, they were just playing cat and mouse and during their cooldown, he's actually gotten the chance to bathe him in curious affection. wei wuxian has never been one to deny physical actions given to another person so he dispenses as much as he can considering who knows when the other will tire of him.

his patience seems thin or that's what wei wuxian gets from the little things that irritate him but he hasn't seen enough yet. as soon as the male turns his head, wei wuxian immediately stops as he cants his head to the side to gaze upon the other. he's a little saddened that he's probably about to be snapped at but the words that leave from his lips have an entirely different meaning; bringing him to raise his brow. )

Huh!? Huh! Why wouldn't I? ( what has berserker done for wei wuxian to think any differently from him, even what he says next holds no justification towards not wanting him to. he only keeps up a wide smile as he listens to his reason and if that was the case — wei wuxian wouldn't have friends either. he isn't sure if the other is looking for someone to understand or just someone to be there or wei wuxian is just an idiot who's looking too deep into this but his words are hesitant, he doesn't seem to be in a rush to answer. he could say the same for himself that violence and death followed him but it would be a lie to say that he didn't start majority of it himself in his second life. )

Don't worry about such a thing — ( he rests his hand within berserker's hair, humming at the thought. he could be honest, explain that at one point; he was no good and the masses wanted him dead because of the people he's killed in his time. though, he's picked up the name of the body that's been given to him so it's not like he's lying but he's not honest. ) My family was slaughtered so maybe it follows around me too.. ahaha, I really can't talk. What I can talk about is that I'm your friend no matter what happens, you can push me away but I'm really annoying so I doubt you can get rid of me! ( he raises his other arm, flinching only slightly as he proceeds to ruffle berserker's hair to lighten the conversation. ) I'm here..! Until you kill me, I suppose. ( even as he says that, he chuckles right after. )

[curruid_coinchenn]

It's how it works for me.

[ Berserker's not fond of feeling like someone's pet, but he can't deny he's enjoying this. He's touch starved after so long of pushing people away -- the more he's given, the more he wants. Under normal circumstances, he'd never seek out physical affection like this, but it's not really a normal circumstance. Nothing about this is normal. This is how he rationalizes it and excuses his behavior -- an abnormal reaction for an abnormal situation.

It's hard for him to keep focused on the conversation because of this. All he wants is more affection, but he won't ask for it. He just squirms a little bit, gripping at his leg and settling deeper into his lap. ]

You do keep coming back to me despite the way I treat you...If you accept the consequences of considering me a friend, I have no reason to deny that.

[ As Wei Wuxian pets a spot near the base of his horns, he presses his head into that touch. Much to his displeasure, a quiet sound escapes him. He grimaces briefly, embarrassed by that reaction. Here's hoping that goes ignored... ]

[cult]

( there's no use arguing, laughing softly to himself at the thought that maybe with time the other will change his way; or he won't. whatever he chooses won't go ignored by wei wuxian, he's accepted him now so why won't he accept him even more later if these are his beliefs? berserker isn't different from anyone else, everyone has their own way of living and if by that standard has gotten him this far — who's to say he's wrong? it concerns wuxian a bit, fingers keeping their place upon his head to give scratches in a repetitive pace. he believe it's working out well, the way the other reacts to every single touch in his own way becomes aggressive but it doesn't hurt; it's a simple reminder of why he shouldn't stop.

the stupid grin that pulls on his features is evident from the sound, catching it and gods, there's a part of him that what's to point it out. he's worried that if he does, berserker will find some way to avoid doing it again so he keeps his mouth shut — lips shape into a "~" from it. it's adorable, really, he knows he shouldn't find someone scary this endearing but those who can speak harsh, distant words normally have a warm side to them. this is what wei wuxian has learned because the deceased are the same; though cold, they're just as warm as anyone else. )

Consequences..? Come on, don't talk so sadly. I accept the future of what will happen, as Mo Xuanyu or whoever else this place makes me become.. like how this place changes a person! ( he brushes an index finger by the male's horns, smirking because he knows that's a favored spot. ) I'll always be by your side so we'll be good friends, okay? ( wei wuxian will remember each and every instance of their time together, keeping the other pleased with every curl of his fingers, giving attention to the same spot over and over again. ) So if you ever need anything.... or my great scratches ( since he can tell berserker enjoys them so much ), just let me know!

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It's like a switch is flipped. Berserker sits up suddenly, as if he realized what he's been doing this entire time. While he doesn't push Wei Wuxian away from him, he does move himself away, going to stand. As much as he enjoyed that comfort and contact, allowing someone to see that side of him was unacceptable. It's a weakness revealed to an outsider. Though the other man isn't a danger to him by any means, he's not an allied Servant nor is he his Master. He would prefer to never show weakness in front of them, either, but it's different if he does. ]

... As I said before, don't tell anyone about this. [ He sighs.] But I appreciated the company. If I need something from you again, I will seek you out. [ A pause as he considers this next thought. ] If you need anything from me, I will help you out if I can.

[ He might regret that offer, but an ally is an ally. He will help them and protect them until they become too much of a liability. It's the least he can do for them, in his mind. ]

[cult]

Ahahaha, shy, huh? ( with berserker completely off of him, he's a little saddened over the warmth disappearing but he'll try again soon. stretching with an arm raised towards the ceiling and a few soft cracks sounding out that the action has done its job. he keeps himself glued to the floor, watching the other now limit himself and wei wuxian now glances down at the fabric around his legs to make sure no claws ripped anything. they'd be the talk of the town if someone saw! )

Promise it, keep it as a promise so I know that you're safe. ( there's only so much he can do but what matters is that if it's something actually troubling and if berserker does think he needs help; he has to ask someone but who's to know if he won't go off and do things alone. it could go either way, he's strict towards his beliefs so maybe he would come to someone. )

I might have messed up tonight but know I'm normally not like that, I can do better. Those moons are pretty weird, huh? ( he shifts his hands back down to rest in his lap, patting again to offer it up to the other but he doubts it'll work but it never hurts to try. ) I want to keep you safe and I know you can say it: we've only known each other for a short time, I don't know the things you've done but why does that have to matter? Why should I watch you suffer if there's some way I can save you, ahaha!

( it sounds normal but considering the way wei wuxian has always lived, that self sacrificial attitude has always got others into hell because he just didn't know when to stop helping. he's isn't sure how long berserker requested this room for but wei wuxian is digging into the sleeve of his robe, pulling out his flute from before. he's making sure that it's still perfect as it was before, handmade from bamboo and forcibly fixed by someone back home so that the instrument could at least be usable. bringing it to his lips, he plays a soft melody from memory that doesn't do anything for his magic; only to pass time as he waits for the other to speak. )

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker has spent most of his life building up emotional walls. The cold apathy that surrounds him is a way to keep people out. A one man war, not by choice but by force -- he was forced to give up everything in the name of strength. The emotional walls became physical, the aura that surrounds him keeping others at bay. The changes forced upon him here are causing cracks in those walls he's deeply uncomfortable with.

There's more he wants from Wei Wuxian, but more he won't ask. He can't let himself be that weak, or what he sees as weak, anyway. He just wants to leave and isolate himself once again. ]

I don't need to be kept safe, I can handle myself...But if a promise is what you want, I'll give you that. [ It's the least he can do. ] You'll prove your worth to me in time, I'm sure. Take care of your wounds.

[ That last part sounded almost like an order. Berserker hesitates for a moment, looking at the other man, studying him. Against his better judgement, he moves back towards him and lays down in his lap again. It's a concession he didn't want to make, but the gentle affection eased the feral thoughts in his head. Anything to settle those would be welcome. ]

... I'll stay for a little longer.

[cult]

Yeah, yeah. You can take care of yourself, but because I have eyes I can watch over you too! ( he says this ever so matter-of-factly as he glances towards the other with a small grin, he doesn't have to tell wei wuxian once or twice — he gets the idea! no matter how odd the situation is between them, he makes sure to keep everything that happens between them even the conversation held is just as important. there's pride here, he can feel it with the way the other speaks and it reminds him of someone back home which makes this feel slightly comfortable in such a setting. he doesn't speak on it but, it's actually a breeze. )

They'll be taken care of.. back home, my company hates when I drag blood all over the floor! ( for some reason, it's always that one person's job to tend to wei wuxian's wounds hence why he's in no rush to remedy them and instead, rubs his fingers through berserker's locks that are presented back to him again. his movements slow, starting from the start like before as if this is his first time and wanting to touch him correctly. )

I'll make sure no one knows you shared a room with a pretty cute man like me, it'll be our little secret. After your victory, you deserve something nice right? Think of it like that. ( think of it as a reward besides, when they admit the game's ending — berserker did win even if wei wuxian was crippled by the sister moons. he doesn't see any reason to complain about it anyone, that's one strike on his die and die counter but for a moment, he brushes a few locks from against the male's forehead as he looks down at him. ) You can even fall asleep too, I'll be here when you wake up.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker settles back him, nuzzling against his leg for just a moment. Fall asleep...There's no threat from Wei Wuxian, so he feels secure enough that he could do that. He's not used to having physical limitations nor suffering from exhaustion -- sleep wasn't necessary when you could just stop having a physical form for awhile. ]

I deserve nothing, but I accept it.

[ A quiet murmur, barely audible. His breathing steadies, his eyes close, and he snuggles in just a little bit more. Uncharacteristic vulnerability for such a physically intimidating person. It isn't long before he gives into his exhaustion and falls asleep.

He might regret this later, but for now, it's fine. ]