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

[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.]

[showsnopiety]

[She can be, struck the right way. And...too, having a Servant ally she didn't know wouldn't be a terrible idea. (Diarmuid was also a possible ally but he was still leery of her considering...well, Diarmuid was Diarmuid and she hadn't tried to appeal to his pride).]

It would be. Thank you for the courtesy and generosity of both accepting these drinks and the offer to take you to a more comfortable location.

[Poor locals. She offered them a smile and a salute with her mug. It's difficult to explain outright without tipping their hands.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias doesn't dismiss her extension of gratitude, but neither does he dwell upon it. Instead, he turns his attention back over the locals.]

Do any of you have recommendations?

[The natives, of course, hesitate. Not out of prudishness, but the need to somewhat process that they have no idea what's happening right now with these two regardless of Caren's smile. Ozymandias doesn't exactly allow for much room for said processing with how quickly his attention is back on them. After that shaking off, however, they do provide a few suggestions.]

[showsnopiety]

[She's smiling at least and while she's sure they have no idea why she's so respectful...well, she's at least not acting too weird about it.

Only a little weird.]

All right...which would you say serve the best drinks, do you know?

[Because asking where is the most comfortable sounds...well it just doesn't sound very good.]

[fulgency]

[Caren's question actually results in a bit of debate. Not at first as they're all in almost immediate agreement about the bottom contenders, but the top are not so easily or unanimously agreed upon. As they go back and forth with their merits and criticisms of the other's choice, Ozymandias glances over at Caren. He says nothing to disrupt the friendly argument, drinking his wine rather than interjecting, but he gives Caren a smile that clearly teases now look at what you've done.]

[showsnopiety]

[Well, she didn't intend for this to happen, but she wasn't annoyed with it. Instead, she was smiling, and when she glanced back at Ozymadias, her smile briefly widened. Oh yes, she had an idea of what would happen.

She drinks a little more, watching the friendly argument take place and some of the other locals briefly join in.

There's no need to talk just yet. They're learning more by listening.]

[fulgency]

[After a while, Ozymandias is certain that Caren and he could have their own side conversation while the debate continues and no one would be any the wiser. The tone, of course, doesn't change any. There's laughter, friendly ribbing from natives who know each other a little better than others, and passionate to nearly foolish grandstanding from the more extroverted ones.]

[He nudges her gently with an elbow to catch her attention before leaning a little closer to speak normally without having to compete too much with the discussion.]

Have you heard enough to make your decision or should I allow this to continue on?

[showsnopiety]

I think I heard enough on the merits of each place.

[They could have had a side conversation easily enough but-this was fun to watch. Caren for one was gently amused, and she was pretty sure Ozymandias felt much of the same way. It was what a festival was supposed to be about, she thought-laughter, teasing, friendship. Much better then the forced careful send offs at the docks.

Lightly, she brushes her hand over his, before nodding to the crowd.]

Maybe we should allow their discussion to continue-it'll likely evolve into something else by the time we leave.

[fulgency]

If it pleases you, [Ozymandias agrees with a nod as while most things are about him, not everything is.]

[...But he also agrees with her silent assessment of what a festival is meant to be and that certainly doesn't hurt his allowance of the conversation to continue. During his lifetime, much of his participation at the beginning of celebrations were rituals that he needed to complete either alone, opposite, or alongside his wife to bring about the favor of the gods on him and the kingdom over which he ruled, of course. But after the ceremonies were over and the gods were satisfied, the revelries began even for the royal family. Wine and conversation flowed freely and without inhibition, and everyone found themselves in good spirits.]

[He doesn't straighten back out, leaving his weight resting somewhat on the hand he's placed between them and staying leaned in towards her. But while he remains there, he doesn't pay her any particular mind, watching and listening the conversation in front of them instead. Her prediction steadily starts to come true, the conversation deviating somewhat into anecdotes before returning back to the original point. Then gradually, the original point is lost as the stories build on themselves. Other similar events are recounted, speculations and hypotheticals are brought into the equation. More than one of them turn red when they're the focal point of the story, and it can't be blamed on the alcohol.]

[Although Ozymandias never joins in the conversation, he's clearly enthralled and tracking the thread of it. He smiles when he sees where the conclusion lies, muting his laughter to remain unintrusive, regardless of whether he's wrong or right in his prediction. His eyebrows rise anytime there's an unbelievable element introduced, turning his attention on any naysayer accusing the other of exaggerating.]

Shall we? [he asks, setting aside his empty cup on his opposite side, once he's had the last of it.]

[showsnopiety]

[It's a sign of a generous king to see past himself.

And it's not unpleasant to watch them get in the midst of friendly arguments, ribbing and teasing, and laughter. More then the flowers and the candles of a different color, it's about the people and the emotion they wish to capture-whether the conversation was meant for them or not.

While Caren doesn't take part, she still leans in a little Rider's way as things flourish and die in the midst of conversation. They're both outsiders here, no background for any of these stories but...

They're surrounded by happy people.

Gently she sets her cup of wine down on her other side, and moves to slide onto her feet.]

Let's.

[She won't move ahead of him, but wait, and walk with him side by side. There's a place a few blocks from here she thought would suit. But they would have to see if the place suited them, or even had space.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias follows suit in getting back to his feet. He chooses to say nothing, letting their withdrawal go unnoticed as there was no point in creating disruption at this point. As they walk, he notices her carefulness in measuring her gait to avoid getting ahead of him.]

If you know the way, you have my permission to lead.

[showsnopiety]

I do. But it seemed rather rude to pull ahead without saying anything.

[She drifted forward then, offering a glance back. Well, if he was all right with it...then she'd pull ahead. The brothel wasn't too far anyway, and if he was fine with it, so was she.]

I was at this location briefly before-when they had flirtation classes. Hopefully you'll like the place.

[fulgency]

[He chuckles.]

Flirtation classes? That was of interest to you?

[For someone who was being so careful in the way she carried herself in both her tone and even in the way she occupied space around him, he finds it difficult to believe that she would need any such classes. Even more interesting still, he had assumed she wouldn't likely set foot in a brothel under normal circumstances and yet here she was indicating quite the opposite.]

[showsnopiety]

It was. Not because I needed the classes but-

It was enjoyable to socialize after a long day at work. And too, more fun to tease the shy ones.

[She shrugged, offering him a slightly crooked smile.]

Though I preferred the gardening lessons more. Gardening is a hobby of mine.

[She knew she was being confusing. And that was fine-it just showed she was respectful towards him, at least for now.]