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

[holyswordwielder]

[ The abrupt 180-degree turn of Ozymandias' demeanor certainly gets the reaction the pharaoh was aiming for out of Arthur. It makes that self-flagellating, self-doubting part of the younger man sit down and be silent. Arthur says nothing more while the other man takes a deep breath, recognizing immediately that there is no sense at all in arguing his points further against Ozymandias in this moment. To do so would be a grave error on his part and frankly, when the older ruler continues to speak, Arthur accepts it would also be an insult to both of them and all they have been through— both together and separately.

Because he makes a good point. Here, more than ever, they are alike, and because of that at least — if not because now they fight on the same side in Chaldea — they should join forces. Not even Arthur can deny the sense in that.

Thankfully (for Arthur, most likely), appealing to the younger kind's rationality does work to Ozymandias' benefit. Arthur's brow is still furrowed, but he manages a soft smile of concession. And perhaps his admiration for the pharaoh grows just a bit more.

Finally, he reaches out to take the hand that's been proffered to him. ]

You are right. Please forgive my foolish hesitancy. I am honored to call you an ally, Ozymandias.

[fulgency]

Very good.

[The words themselves are simple and so too is his satisfaction. Ozymandias is capable of patience even with some forms of foolishness, but when he needn't expend such energy, he will always find himself in better spirits. More than that, he's pleased to see Arthur meeting his expectations and demonstrating both wisdom and common sense. His free hand comes to rest once more on Arthur's shoulder while the other squeezes rather than shakes Arthur's hand.]

Now then, I don't know what it is you're doing for lodgings since you've been here, but I will allow you to make use of what I have claimed for myself. [Ozymandias chuckles as if laughing at a private joke as he releases Arthur's hand.] It is easily a modest and quaint dwelling, but I imagine it would offer you luxury and comfort all the same. There is equally enough space for privacy, should you find yourself in need of it.

[One might assume that he pre-emptively laughed at the description "modest and quaint," but that part was actually 100% genuine. What's absurd to him is that he's had to settle for what he believes to be modest and quaint. But regardless, Ozymandias genuinely believes that it would suit Arthur better than anything else he would find or accept. (Gods only know how much better it exactly will be.) It would also provide him with the opportunity to keep a close eye on him, too.]

[It's not borne from a lack of trust that he wishes for such an opportunity, however. He would not have entered into any such alliance with Arthur if he felt there was reason for such mistrust. No, the fact of the matter is that he believes Arthur will need his guidance more than he, Arthur, likely realizes. Keeping him in close proximity will afford Ozymandias a more delicate and subtle approach, if one can believe him capable of such things.]

[Before Arthur can put much thought into it, Ozymandias continues,]

But there will be time to decide and speak further on such matters! [Ozymandias turns Arthur around with the hand on his shoulder before hooking an arm around his neck. Ozymandias keeps him drawn in close, almost conspiratorily with how wicked his grin is. If Arthur doesn't walk, he's getting dragged along. It's almost like that hand on his shoulder was strategically placed... Hm... Nah, Ozymandias would never.] As I was saying before your foolishness, there is still plenty to do. We should enjoy ourselves tonight!

[holyswordwielder]

[ Arthur still tenses a bit under the pharaoh's friendly touch, but this time he endures it. Admittedly, he is a little taken by surprise when Ozymandias squeezes his hand so tightly, but it starts to make more sense when the older king goes on to extend to him an offer to be roommates in addition to allies. The look Arthur gives him is one of clear bewilderment.

The other man certainly is putting forth a lot of effort to keep him close, the knight thinks, but he can't really understand why. Is he perhaps lonely? No... surely the Sun King has a boisterous enough personality to make friends anywhere he goes. Arthur can't really see him feeling he lacks pleasant company. He does for a moment consider that perhaps it is so that he can monitor him closely, but even that makes little sense after the pharaoh's speech about them being equals. Ozymandias doesn't strike Arthur as someone who would be deceptive or feel the need to lie under any circumstances.

It doesn't occur to Arthur that Ozymandias is wanting to mentor him, because frankly, the pharaoh is correct in those assumptions as well; Arthur's policy is to continue forging ahead, to keep moving, to never give up— and while his perseverance in life has won him many impossible battles, tenacious commitment to an ideal, a goal, to his duty as a just king, also has cost him a lot and it's fair to say that his focus doesn't allow him much time to stop and think of his own well-being.

So why then? The only other explanation for Ozymandias wanting to stay so near to him that seems to hold any real weight is...

Ozymandias actually does admire him a lot...?

Arthur is about to open his mouth to insist that Ozymandias doesn't need to open his home to him, that his (actually) modest lodgings would suffice, when the pharaoh changes the subject, cutting him off before he can get a word out like he knew protest was imminent. The Saber is really beginning to come to grips with the fact that, even outside of battle, he probably still needs another Servant's help to outwit the God-King Ozymandias. He doesn't fight the increasingly chummy mannerisms of the pharaoh, this time accepting his fate on the first go as the man tucked under the Rider's arm and unceremoniously pulled along to join the festivities. ]

All right, all right... What now then?

[fulgency]

[Now there is a much better response than anything else so far tonight!]

[Ozymandias can be exceptionally patient* when the need arises, but even he has his limits. At some point, contending with someone willfully being a stick in the mud ceases to be entertaining even slightly and leads to a more sour mood. So, he meets Arthur's assent with both satisfaction and approval, but also a small amount of relief.]

I will allow the choice to be yours.

[Whether it's clear or not, this is Arthur's reward for giving Ozymandias such an agreeable answer.]

At the docks, there are those displays of lights in the sky. What are they called again? [He holds up his free hand, signaling he doesn't actually want an answer. He can sort it out for himself... Just give him a second.] Ah! That's right, fireworks! But if you would prefer something a little quieter, there are plenty of drinks around. I believe some are making crowns from flowers.

Of course, if you desire additional company, there are a fair number of great beauties among the brothels. I've all the confidence in their ability to provide our entertainment for the night.

[Although there are plenty of kings among the Servants of Chaldea that would wish to indulge in such entertainment, Ozymandias is confident the King of Knights would never even consider it an option let alone choose it when offered. But Ozymandias' suggestion is only potentially betrayed as being merely in jest by an expectant look in his eyes, waiting and watching for a rise out of Saber, as his tone gives nothing but sincerity and somewhat matter-of-fact listing of potential things to spend the night doing.]



[* = so he believes. Whether or not this aligns with reality is debatable, but Nitocris should not have to make meaningful, desperate eye contact with someone to dissuade any attempts at debating this particular notion.]

[holyswordwielder]

[ No, Arthur definitely gets the feeling that being allowed to choose what they do next is meant to be his reward for making the pharaoh happy and, for a bit, he walks along with the other man quietly, taking in the streets around them. After the maze-running and the emotional turmoil that discovering someone from his world is here too, some activity that is more relaxed appeals to the knight-king . (Ozymandias already learning new words does get Arthur's lips to twitch a bit in amusement though.)

Fortunately for the Sun King, Arthur doesn't catch on that the pharaoh is teasing him, because he figures Ozymandias absolutely is the type to enjoy brothels, so when he mentions it, the younger man believes he's completely serious. As such, he inhales a breath a little too sharply at the suggestion and instantly begins choking, face turning beet red around his pale golden scales. While he struggles to get his coughing fit under control, the knight-king shakes his head, waving a hand in front of them to signal that he is definitely, definitely not interested in going to any brothels. ]

N-No— let's... see... the vendors...

[fulgency]

[As Arthur manages to choke on the air, Ozymandias is nearly doubled over with laughter. Naturally, he expected Arthur to be flustered, but Ozymandias hadn't anticipated Arthur turning so red before he'd even finished speaking. Ozymandias manages to straighten himself back out rather quickly, however, and thumps Arthur on the back around Excalibur a few times to assist in getting his coughing fit under control. In and around his own his laughter, he says,]

Very well, but if you should change your mind, don't hesitate to speak up!

[Judgment-free zone, Arthur. It's Okay.]

[holyswordwielder]

[ Through his mortification, Arthur manages to choke out a weak "I won't" around his coughing. Eventually, the fit calms itself and the Saber can take a deep breath and level a right affronted look at the pharaoh for all that laughing, beginning to suspect that the remark was intentional baiting. He doesn't waste his breath voicing his upset though, convinced that even if it was, Ozymandias would never admit to it.

He surely didn't exactly miss the Rider's haughty laughter.

This gets some questions forming in Arthur's mind though. It occurs to him that their time in this strange place will certainly lend to them discovering much about each other. No longer enemies, nor even fellow participants in an ongoing battle, they'll be seeing sides to each other's personalities that they would never have had an opportunity to see before. He has to admit, he knows very little about Ozymandias other than what the most famous of legends say about him. He wouldn't be surprised if it were the same way for the pharaoh regarding Arthur.

Straightening up himself, with this in mind, the younger Servant turns his attention back to the subject of how to spend their time. ]

I am... fond of flowers. And I suppose you must be hungry or at least thirsty. Perhaps it would be all right to take some flowers to a table outside one of the pubs.

[fulgency]

[It's definitely the wiser decision not to try and accuse Ozymandias of anything that he isn't actively bragging about having done. Ozymandias' laughter settles down as well as he nods, humming his approval at Arthur's suggestion. Though there's clearly one part that he takes issue with.]

And why wouldn't it be? Is this not a festival?

[More important than his belief that festivals are times for indulgence, however, Ozymandias also doesn't believe that he or Arthur should be denied anything. Although it's true that their titles bear little power here, it does not stop either one of them from being king. They should be treated as such regardless of whether they have any authority over the people.]

[Ozymandias lets go of Arthur at this point, now that he's confident that he will follow with minimal complaint or attempt at escaping.]

I know of a place that should suit our needs. You may collect your flowers along the way.

[holyswordwielder]

[ Arthur is a bit grateful to be released, as he feels more like he has a bit of a say in this matter of going out and socializing. He knows he doesn't of course, but sometimes illusions can be small mercies. ]

I suppose you're right.

[ If he'd known that Ozymandias still very much considered them both to be kings who should be treated as such, it's difficult to say how he would react. On the one hand, he's never one to deny his ties to his land and he carries his title as King of the Britons still with the pride and respect such a role merits, but on the other, he certainly isn't one to flaunt them at anybody. He'd prefer the people here simply not pay him much mind, which surely is in direct opposition to how Ozymandias would feel.

For now, though, thankfully, he is blissfully unaware of the Rider's sense of royal authority coming into play here, so he simply goes along with the older man's plans, giving a slight nod in agreement as they begin to walk again together. On the way to this place Ozymandias is thinking of, they do pass by several vendor booths and carts selling wares and flowers and Arthur stops at a few to more closely investigate.

The act of browsing the carts during a lively festival is a little nostalgic and it eventually does put him more at ease than he was before, even with Ozymandias there as a reminder of more painful times. It's soothing and having someone to talk to (who isn't surprised and confused by his existence) helps quite a bit. ]

Do you have a favorite flower, Rider?

[ Arthur asks the pharaoh, inspecting in his hands a rather large bouquet of cornflowers, honeysuckle, and white roses. ]

[fulgency]

[When Saber chooses to stop, Ozymandias doesn't try to rush him along. He waits patiently nearby for him to make his choices at each booth and cart that manages to catch his eye. He can see as they progress, something starts to shift and Arthur seems a little more relaxed than before. While he hoped to see Arthur gradually relax, he hadn't anticipated it would happen so soon or over something so simple as gathering flowers. Nevertheless, Ozymandias isn't about to complain as this will no doubt result in a much more pleasant companion to drinks.]

The Egyptian lotus, though I have seen no such flower among those on display here.

[His answer isn't a rushed response, but he doesn't need to spend any time thinking to produce his answer. Setting aside their meaning as a symbol of creation, they were the favorite of his beloved Nefertari. He brought her countless blooms to place in her hair, and she did so with a smile each and every time, always touched and grateful for his gift. Even now, long after their separation through her passing into the next world, he can only think of her when he sees them. That's why he will always treasure them.]

[He pulls back the gate separating the patio of the pub from the street, and though he steps through first, he is courteous enough to hold it open long enough for Arthur to pass through behind him.]

Are any of those you've gathered among your favorites?

[holyswordwielder]

A shame.

[ Arthur replies, certainly less tense now. He follows Ozymandias through the gate, nodding to him in thanks for holding it open behind him. Once through, he looks down at the flowers in his hands again. He’s collected quite a few more that he’s carrying in a sack now on his shoulder as well, but these ones he supposes are his favorites of the bunch. ]

An Egyptian lotus would have been a lovely feature piece for any crown.

[ But his most favorite flower? Hmm... Unlike, Ozymandias, Arthur does has to consider his options. He knows which he is most fond of, but unfortunately, the exact one wasn't found among the vendors' selections either. A pink, five-pointed flower like a star with a blue center. Honestly, if he saw a flower from Avalon, he would be extremely surprised. ]

I suppose the roses I am most fond of. Like your lotus, I admire that they can still grow under some truly surprising circumstances.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias allows the gate to swing closed behind Arthur. They need only walk a short distance across the patio before there's an open picnic-style table. Ozymandias walks around to the far side, gesturing for Arthur to sit as he sits on the opposite bench. For the moment, Ozymandias sits sideways on the bench.]

An interesting choice, [Ozymandias remarks as he catches an eye of a waitress. She motions that she will be with them in just a moment, so Ozymandias nods and turns his attention back to Arthur.] I would have anticipated you choosing a simpler flower than that.

[As most of Arthur's tastes appear to run towards something far simpler and common. At least relative to Ozymandias' in any case, which is not particularly difficult to do. There is perhaps only one king among the Heroic Spirits with a preference for even more extravagant things than Ozymandias.]

[He rests an arm on the table, before resting his head on a loose fist.]