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

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He drinks his own with the same eagerness. It's been awhile since he's drank at all, so he's already tipsy (more so than he'd like to admit). Berserker sets the empty cup down, his cheeks tinged with a hint of red. ]

I know that. [ Snappy and a little defensive. ] I just don't have anywhere to do that.

[ He doesn't really want to admit that he's been living in Archer's garden. It hasn't been a real problem until now, but the reality of his situation is changing. There's always the want to isolate himself and the idea of living with anyone doesn't really sit well with him. ]

So I just left it. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.

[holyswordwielder]

[ This time, Arthur doesn't have to prompt their server for refills. It seems to be plain as day the pair of them are in a desperate need of drowning their troubles. Although Arthur accepts the refill, he does so almost absentmindedly, his attention still focused on Berserker. ]

You don't have anywhere to do that?

[ He inclines his head to the side, confused. ]

What do you mean? The Coven supplied us all with free housing within The Haven upon our arrival.

[ It occurs to him suddenly what this means and he stands up immediately, swaying slightly. ]

You didn't take their offer.

[ He shakes his head, swaying a bit more dangerously now. ]

How incredibly stubborn... So you've, what, been sleeping outdoors all this time?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Ah, this is exactly what he'd been hoping to avoid: a lecture. Berserker practically chugs his refill and sits back in his seat. Defiant as ever, he crosses his arms over his chest. ]

I didn't. It shouldn't be any of your concern where I'm sleeping, though.

[ He keeps his gaze leveled on Arthur. He's much drunker than his behavior lets on, but if he were to stand up, it would be a different story. ]

But if you have to know, yes, I've been sleeping outdoors.

[holyswordwielder]

[ Since he’s already standing up, Arthur doesn’t have the same luxury of hiding his own intoxication. He’s putting all his effort into not slurring his words that he can’t really afford to lend much else to keeping himself straight up.

He thinks he’s doing a great job of it anyway— at least until he tries to take a step over to the side of their table and instead just ends up pitching forward. He has to put out his hands and grasp Berserker by the shoulders to stop himself from flat-out falling on top of him. It’s extremely undignified but he does his best to play it off as though he meant to do this, green eyes flashing passionately and blunt fingertips digging into the other man's shoulders insistently. ]

You don’t have a say in what I choose to be concerned about. My apologies for the inconvenience it causes to have someone look out for you, but since you don’t seem to mind so much that you outright refuse to answer me, I’ll just continue to insist on caring for your well-being, shall I?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ As Arthur tips forward, he raises his hands to brace against him. Something feels a little odd about this -- that feeling is ignored for now in favor of trying to get the Saber to leave him be. ]

And just what do you intend to do about it? I can just refuse your help, you know. [ He could, but he won't -- he's much more passive than he lets on. It's easier to let him do as he wishes, but sometimes posturing will get people to leave him alone. He knows that's not going to be the case here, though you can't blame him for trying. ] And you're drunk.

[ As if he weren't. ]

[holyswordwielder]

[ Arthur is quick to catch on to that fact. Since Berserker is doing his part to hold him up, he decides he can spare a single hand to poke the other man’s flushed face. ]

As are you.

[ Sparing that hand though means he ends up tipping a little more forward and this time, his forehead bumps into Berserker’s. He makes him wince briefly at the sudden meeting of their skulls, but he doesn’t pull back just yet. Honestly, he’s fairly certain now that he grossly miscalculated his ability to balance on his own, so when he does finally move to pull away, he doesn’t let go of Berserker, trying to tug him onto his feet. ]

So I don’t think you’re in much shape to refuse right now. Get up. You are coming with me.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ His irritation grows as Arthur pokes his face, lip curling into a snarl. How close they are bothers him, but he does nothing against it. It's too much effort to fight him. He's too drunk to really care about it, either. ]

Tread carefully, Saber.

[ It's an empty threat: he lets Arthur pull him to his feet. Unsteady, he adjusts his footing to keep from pitching forward further. He grabs the other man's arm to steady himself. ]

Fine. I'm coming with you. Do you really think you can lead me anywhere in your state?

[holyswordwielder]

Or you'll what?

[ While Berserker grabs his arm as he gets his bearings being on his feet again, Arthur carefully — so carefully, because otherwise he thinks he'll get dizzy and they'll both go down — rearranges his arms so that they're around the bigger man's middle. This gives him a chance to lean against Berserker for his own support, while also shouldering his weight. ]

Hit me? I'd like to see you try right now.

[ But since no one is actually doing any sort of hitting, seeing how they both can barely wobble their way out of the pub, Arthur simply tuts at Berserker in response to his taunting. As they pass the table, he quickly grabs his sack of flowers, not wanting to leave it behind for some inane reason. He's not really putting too much thought towards it. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ What. What is happening? Berserker can't even say anything as he's lifted off his feet, just grunts. There's too much alcohol in his system to struggle, which is also the cause of the dizziness he's feeling right now. ]

Put me down.

[ It's not really insistent. This is undignified, but that's not what bothers him. There's a loss of control that frustrates him. Being carried is slightly less embarrassing than stumbling around drunk, though. ]

Where are you taking me? ...And why are you taking the flowers?

[ Adding a layer of strangeness to the situation. ]

[holyswordwielder]

Taking you home. So you can bathe and clean those wounds like a person.

[ Arthur says very bluntly as he stops and tries to figure out which way he's supposed to take back to the Residential District, completely ignoring Berserker's would-be demand. Eventually, he figures it out with a soft "ah!" and heads off that way. ]

I'm taking the flowers because I paid for them.

[ Obviously. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ If he were less drunk, he'd be angry about being treated like a child. He resigns himself to being carried, the resistance draining from him just as quickly as anything else. ]

And if I refuse?

[ Yes, because he's that petty. The pettiness of Cú Chulainn cannot be erased. ]

... If you say so.

[holyswordwielder]

[ That question actually makes Arthur laugh. Refuse? If he was going to refuse, Arthur highly doubts he'd be letting himself be slung over his shoulders like this as he staggers back to the house he shares with Ozymandias.

But the knight-king politely decides not to point this out. It's probably pretty obvious. Instead, he just reaches into the sack of flowers he has, rummages around in it for a bit, then sets a flower crown woven together with twigs and thorn-less red roses and baby's breath over Berserker's horns. ]

Hush, now. I need to focus.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Why do people keep putting flower crowns on him?! Ursula did it, too. It sits a little bit awkwardly on his large horns, amazing that it stays in place at all. He doesn't struggle, just reaches up to touch it with a confused look. Fine. He accepts it just like everything else. ]

Why -- are you too drunk to find your way back home, King of Knights?

[ If he's going to get laughed at, he's going to snipe back in any way he can. ]

[holyswordwielder]

[ Okay, but it's hard to take seriously from a dragon wearing a flower crown who needs to be carried. ]

Well... I didn't exactly choose the house myself. I was content to stay where I was before.

[ BUT IT'S FIIIIINE. They've actually made it to the Residential District in one piece. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He's a very serious dragon and that is his very serious flower crown, thank you. At least it's covering up the dried blood surrounding his horns. ]

I'd be fine staying where I was before.

[ Yes, he's going to keep complaining until he's on level ground. ]

But you didn't give me a choice.

[holyswordwielder]

[ That is true enough. Arthur worked very hard on making it. He's pretty good at it. ]

No, I didn't. Because I wasn't allowed one either. So I am going to tell you the same thing someone else told me: there is little difference between us in this place now and it seems there is nothing we can do about leaving here, so it is best we form alliances.

[ He's thinking this is their street. It's super fancy and the houses are veritable mansions here, so it looks like their street. He also reaches up again and pats Berserker on the head gently, over his new flower crown. ]

And he was right. Servants understand each other more than regular people understand them. Servants of Chaldea especially. You don't know what you'll be facing here and it is more likely that you will be able to survive if you throw in your lot with other Servants.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ If Berserker cared about such aesthetics, he might be impressed, But no, he's just tired of being carried around. The houses around here are much more than he's seen before. This is where Arthur lives...? It doesn't seem quite right for someone like him. ]

Do you normally carry off your allies like this? Put me down already.

[ He has a feeling the Saber won't put him down until it's actually in a tub. Sigh. ]

... You're right, though. [ A grudging admission. ] If you want to help me, so be it.

[ Like he hadn't already resigned himself to that. ]

[holyswordwielder]

[ Oh. That makes Arthur pause. Does he normally carry off his allies like this? ]

Er... actually, I used to.

[ He’s a knight in shining armor, what do you want from him! ]

I think you need someone to help you.

[ And, well, his own code of ethics dictates he do this. But that isn’t the only reason. A part of him feels he owes Cú Chulainn for his help and he sees helping Berserker as a part of him repaying that debt. He can’t really help himself. It’s the same reason he couldn’t turn down Ozymandias either. He feels a little bit of loyalty to these Heroic Spirits.

It’s another short while before they get to right house because Arthur (drunkenly) mistakes the house across the street as the right one and almost breaks into it before he realizes, oops, that’s not it. When he finally does get them inside the proper house, he’s not too surprised to find Ozymandias isn’t home. The pharaoh does like his revelries.

As predicted, Arthur carries Berserker all the way upstairs to one of the bathrooms and it’s only then that he puts him down. ]

You aren’t as heavy as I thought you would be.

[curruid_coinchenn]

I don't need help.

[ Defiant to the end.

When he's finally on solid ground again, he wobbles for a moment, but remains standing. First order of business is to strip, Arthur's presence be damned. For as drunk as he is he's quick to remove his clothing. Vest and shirt are quickly tossed aside, his pants prove to be a bit more troublesome. Halfway down, his legs have had enough of standing and he ends up on the floor.

Hm. ]

I need help.

[holyswordwielder]

[ Arthur waves off Berserker’s stubborn insistence and turns to undressing a little bit himself, stepping just outside the bathroom once the other man starts undressing, to get off the outermost layers of his clothing. He didn’t have his armor on, but he certainly had everything else so he was glad to be rid of the garments.

Down to just his breeches and loose undershirt, he happens to turn back around just in time to witness Berserker eat it, a loud thud shaking the room a little.

For a moment, they just kind of stare at each other blankly, until Berserker’s admission and Arthur laughs again before rushing back into the bathroom to help.

Or at least, that’s what he was aiming to do, but he tilted forward again too fast and he ends up falling right on top of Berserker, the two of them now a jumbled heap of scales, horns, flower crown, and tangled clothing. ]

I... think I do too.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Ah...He's too close. Way, way too close for his liking. And yet, something about it is enticing. There was something off about the wine they had, but he'd ignored it until now. Berserker doesn't move out from beneath him and, instead, starts to pull off Arthur's undershirt. ]

You're helpless. [ Like Berserker's not right now. ] Let me do this.

[ Once the shirt is dealt with, his hands go to his breeches. Or they would have if he were less drunk. In his attempt to grasp the waistband, he aims a bit too low, grabbing something else entirely.

Oops.

He realizes his mistake after a moment, but tries his best to just ignore what happened. He fumbles with the closures for a moment before finally getting them open. ]

You can handle the rest, can't you?

[holyswordwielder]

[ Arthur’s not sure when this turned into Berserker fully undressing to them both fully undressing, but he doesn’t get a chance to question it or stop the other man because before he knows it, he’s having his shirt pulled up over his head. He lifts his arms reflexively to let the shirt be tugged off and then— ]

Ah...!

[ —And then. That is definitely not his pants waistband, no. A sharp, hot jolt of excitement hits him and Arthur shivers, gasping softly. His heart leaps into his throat and color floods his face immediately. He stays absolutely still, but Berserker kept his hand there for a little too long. Warmth pools into his groin and in spite of himself, by the time the other man undoes his breeches, they’re already tenting from Arthur’s reaction to being touched.

He clears his throat and nods, also doing his best to ignore what just happened. Instead, he reaches down to remove Berserker’s shoes, then begins to push the other man’s pants the rest of the way down his legs, taking them off for him. ]

...I’ll draw the bath.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Well, this got a little awkward, didn't it? The effect that brief, yet agonizingly long touch had is very visible. Normally, this wouldn't interest him -- Berserker has a strange relationship with sex and it takes a very particular set of circumstances to get him to indulge in such a thing. He's not really sure what's different about it, but he has an urge to touch Arthur like that again.

It's impossible to deny the effect his curiosity has on him, either, his own arousal slowly twitching to life. It, like the rest of his body, has been changed by this place, less than human in its shape and texture.

Right. What he'd been dragged here to do. Slowly he stands up to move out of the way, leaning on whatever fixture is closest to him to remain upright. ]

... Go ahead.

nswf from here on out; also cw: brief mention of incest

[holyswordwielder]

[ Indeed, and Arthur is now very hyper-aware of Berserker's nudity. While the other man gets to his feet and leans against the sink counter, Arthur slowly clambers over to the huge claw-footed tub against the wall. Leaning over it, he turns on the faucet for the hot water, letting the temperature warm up and steam rise from the surface of the bath.

He continues to lean over the tub, his face still flushed, staring down at the running water and trying hard to focus on anything but this pressing need he hasn't felt in such a long time. To say he has no interest in physical intimacy isn't entirely true — he is human — but it's a natural need he just doesn't pay much attention to. His view of human sexual appetite has been complicated ever since Morgan took advantage of his and manipulated that of others in his life. As such, it's usually not that difficult for him to ignore his lust.

Tonight, though, somehow it's different. He consciously, actively has to struggle to keep his breathing even and not to think about Berserker's hand pressed against his groin, or the warmth of his naked body while he was on top of him. Arthur closes his eyes and lets the steam from the water hit his face. They definitely drank too much and now he's beginning to think about the descriptor that had been attached to those drinks:

Spiced.

Damn. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ In a need to survive, he gave up everything in the name of strength. Desires, wants, joy, pleasure -- they were all meaningless to him. Sex and physical pleasure were firmly in those categories. They were generally a way to get someone to leave him alone, something he did because he had to. An inconvenient nuisance. To actually want this again is strange.

Berserker comes up quietly behind Arthur, wrestling with his own desires. He'd come here for just a bath, right? There's no denying his arousal. Thoughts drifted back to how the other man's cock felt beneath his hand. He wanted more, but taking more was beyond him. ]

Are you alright?

[ Claw tips ghost across his back -- he couldn't help himself. A small concession to his wants is all he'd allowed himself. ]