event pt 1 | full moon & litha

[moustre]

Event Log: June, A Midsummer Night's Dream

I. IUNERIL 17TH - THE FULL MOONS The days leading up to the full moons are the same as last month: Monsters are a little itchier and a little easier to agitate, whether they mean to be or not, which becomes increasingly noticeable the day before the full moons. But of particular note is that this may be the second full moons that some arrivals have experienced, and with that comes greater risks, greater agitation, and further reminders to take care of themselves. Weather fair, despite the worries of the city, Monsters will find that the Sisters aren't blocked away by clouds this night. The moons cast their light down on the city, and the pull is strong for even the veteran natives that call the city home. The Coven is offering potions and charms, in an attempt to encourage those without a Bond to ensure that they will be able to keep their wits about them throughout the entire stretch of the Sisters' time in the sky at their fullest. They're always allowed to reject the offer, but it's with a warning: if they let their newfound instincts overtake them, then they might find themselves back in the Coven under worse conditions. But the Sisters rise framed in stark red skies, even as evening falls across Aefenglom, much to the discontent of the city. Streets that are rarely dim are lit up even moreso, now, in the face of this omen, lanterns and candles leading all the way to the Harbor District. Their colors flicker with shades of blue, green, violet - anything to offset the red. Boats that come and go along the river also carry a lantern or two with the same intent, and ships in the harbor are decorated with magical faerylights, strung across hulls, masts, the works. There's no place in the Harbor District untouched by light, with nary a sign of red in the midst of their goods. Tensions are already high, between the humans and Monsters of Aefenglom. It's especially noticeable on this night: full moons already cause everyone to be a little jumpy, but with the red tidings for Litha, they're more on edge than ever. Some blame the new arrivals, though never directly to their face, especially when they don't know who, or what, someone might be. It's always a there-and-gone whisper, it seems like. Gossip. Distrust. Unease. It doesn't lend well to the full moons, but there are still those that want to help. Many will notice that there's already activities and decorations up for Litha, some of them still under construction despite the fast approaching festival. The most notable of all are the hedge mazes that have been constructed, both by hand and with magic to encourage their growth. Behind the festival organizers' backs, a group of people - both man and beast - are offering Monsters a chance to burn off some of their energy by embracing their instincts in a more... constructive manner, with native Witches and Monsters alike prepared to intervene if things get a little too violent. In a sort of mockery of Litha's traditions, they're partnering Monsters up with a willing participant to run the mazes, with a variety of options that they will list. The partner - or partners, if there is a party looking to go in together - can be either Witch or Monster, and the people organizing this won't judge as they inform the interested individuals of their options: a. A-HUNTING WE WILL GO, allowing the Monster to either hunt a small livestock or game animal (a piglet, fowls, rabbits, the like) or to hunt down their partner through the maze they've chosen. This need not end violently, and can become more of a game of hide and seek meets tag. b. EVERYBODY WAS FIGHTING, where one maze in particular has been devoted to a makeshift fight ring at the very heart of it. The organizers hope, somewhat, that by making the Monster(s) in question run the maze first they'll be a little tired out already when reaching the ring. c. UNDER THE PALE MOONLIGHT, because instincts don't always call for violence, the organizers offer a more intimate experience here, whether it's sexual or nonsexual. Maybe you just want a good cuddle..? The organizers emphasize the idea of consent, and will not force anyone against their will into the hedge mazes, no matter which one it is. They also want to make sure that they will step in to help if called upon, in case someone gets a little too overeager. Witches looking to use magic this night will, peculiarly, find that their magic is a little less... cooperative. Many of the Coven Witches speak of how they specifically wait to cast powerful spells on the night of the full moons, to ensure that they have the greatest chances of success with the help of the Sisters. However, Witches of the new arrival persuasion are much weaker on full moons. Their magic is still there, and they can still draw upon it for spells, but they'll have to put greater effort if they want to cast a spell with any significant amount of power. Overexerting oneself while doing this is entirely possible, so it's best to try and find some sort of balance, lest you find yourself exhausted and without a means to defend yourself. We ask that any and all NSFW threads be marked accordingly, or otherwise moved to a locked post on the log community or an entry/inbox on a character journal. Remember to please be excellent to each other, and respect all limits that your threadmates might have, if you explore the more sexual or violent aspects of the offered prompts. If things get OOCly out of hand, please let us know; if things get ICly out of hand, please let Nessie and Mhairi know.

II. LITHA - IUNERIL 21ST TO 23RD Despite what chaos there might have been on the night of the full moons, and the subsequent day after as things began to calm, Litha still arrives as scheduled on Iuneril 21st, as the sun begins to set. The summer solstice reaches its peak the following night, and the festivities wind down the third dusk. While certainly still lively, it isn't as completely festive as Boaltinn, most certainly because of the red skies, and the natives are obviously trying to make the best they can of what they perceive as a poor situation. To say that the natives are on edge would certainly be an understatement. Whatever happened in those hedge mazes is untraceable, now, and everything looks pristine. Faerylights decorate every awning, overhang, and eave, magical and twinkling with colors to offset the red skies. There are no bonfires, this go around, but much like the fires it seems that the lights all lead to the primary area of celebration: in contrast to Boaltinn, Litha is celebrated in the Entertainment, Shopping, and Harbor Districts. Doors to businesses are wide open (with many even having large signs indicating VAMPIRES WELCOME HERE - those that don't make a clear statement), and stalls offering wares and foods and activities alike are set up at nearly every corner alongside preestablished businesses in the market. The harbor is especially lively, with many sailors coming and going as they prepare for setting sail. While ships themselves are always coming and going in the port, Litha is an important time for the more longterm voyages and those meant to carry some significance, and each ship departing is bid farewell with equal fanfare. Fireworks and celebration that is, at least in some part, genuine, but does carry a certain level of enthusiasm that borders on force of will. a. ASKING FOR A LITTLE COMPANY Though all businesses in the Entertainment District open their doors for the festivals of Aefenglom, the brothels of the city in particular are offering a warm welcome this Litha to anyone who might be interested in spending some time with someone - or, multiple someones. They have open rooms for mingling, lounges with floor pillows and low tables where customers can partake in spiced and unspiced drinks alike, where the unspiced are lacking in the potions and near-aphrodisiacs of the spiced drinks. Private rooms are also available for those seeking a more... intimate experience, however one may take that to mean. The brothel workers are more than happy to attend to any interested parties, but also aren't against randomly pairing individuals up, based on their specifications. And, after a little misunderstanding regarding their classes, the Head Madame of the guild has decided that they will be offering chances for individuals to perform at their establishments. She was rather charmed by the mishap, bless your souls, as were the rest of the guild, so the new arrivals have endeared themselves to the brothel workers. Dances, conversation, assorted busking - whatever skills that their quest-takers learned, whether it be of the more sexual nature or not, they'll provide whatever they might need to put on a show and attract or entertain clientele. b. I'M WISHING FOR THE ONE I LOVE Anyone interested in making their way into the Shopping District will find just as many open doors, as well as numerous stalls interspersed where they weren't before. Vendors hawking their wares and goods like always call out with Litha specials, and businesses set up temporary stalls to draw attention to themselves, with promise of greater bargains and products to be found at their main establishment. There are many that sell spiced foods and drinks, with varying degrees of strength depending on how one wants to feel. Others are selling candles and lanterns, offering a magitech version of a lighter at a steal, depending on how much you purchase otherwise. The largest stalls, and the biggest displays at storefronts, are the flowers though. Every single flower shop in Aefenglom has come out full force, practically painting the district in a myriad of non-red colors as they put their stock on full display. They offer deals for those who wish to buy bouquets for a sweetheart or someone they admire, as well as anyone wanting to make flower crowns for those they care for. Each of the seven largest shops are also handing out a single flower for those partaking in festivities to place under their pillow to dream of future partners, the flower they're typically most well known for; this varies from shop to shop, but the up and coming Rose Bush certainly isn't going to let superstition stop them, and are handing out red roses. It's a bold move, but one that causes the tizzy that they were intending it to. And if one is feeling particularly whimsical, they can go to any well at night, looking into the depths in a bid to see their future spouse and true love within. Perhaps making an offering of a flower would bring good luck..? Just don't linger for too long, as there's a rumor that someone is pushing unfamiliar faces into the well, likely targeting those they think are new arrivals. c. GET LOST WITH ME Though the Harbor District has some bleedover from the Shopping District in terms of festivities, their streets and warehouses are where the most room is available for the hedge mazes. Some are sprawling as they fill the streets and alleys, spilling into the towering buildings that have been empty to load the contents onto waiting ships. They create their own environments, with flowers from the flower shops blooming in the rows and creating archways at entrances and exits. Some are enchanted to seem neverending, although there always is an exit, if one can only figure out the puzzle. Each maze has a different method to its madness, and arrangements that those running them have decided on. (Some faces may seem familiar, to those that encountered them on the full moons; they'll feign otherwise, focused only on the now and refusing to draw attention to any recognition.) Some mazes send in the partners together, randomly selected and tasked with figuring out how to reach the end of the maze together. Others will send the partners in from different ends, with the instructions to find one another, whether in the center of the maze or in its winding path. Another variety offers something reminiscent of the hide and seek meets tag game, tasking one as the hunter and the other as the hunted, a game of pursuit meant to replicate the "playing hard to get" variety of courtship. There's no restrictions on how many times one can enter the maze, as it allows one to forge many bonds - and possibly Bonds - and replicates the process of finding your true love. Or, loves; no one here is going to judge anyone. They certainly won't judge, either, if participants opt to take a swig of something for luck in love before they go in. However, some mazes have been tampered with: rather than opening out into somewhere safe on the street or in a building, they empty out unaware participants into the port itself. Hopefully you know how to swim. Once again, we ask that if any threads take on a NSFW nature that they be marked as such, or otherwise moved to a locked post in the log community or an entry/inbox in a character journal.

Welcome to the event log, part I! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. As ever, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know, and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

[fulgency]

[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.]

[fulgency]

[Gardening? He could understand that as a hobby for her. It seemed the sort of quiet activity someone like her would naturally gravitate towards. Taking part in a class and teasing others? Well, he was starting to see more and more why that might be appealing to her, but it wouldn't have honestly crossed his mind on its own.]

It seems you're full of surprises... [He huffs a laugh.] I will have to keep my eye on you.

[showsnopiety]

[She does love it. That's not a lie for sure. But...well, the rest...it wasn't a lie if she merely concealed it, was it?]

Good. I'd be disappointed if this was our one and only meeting.

[Well. In some ways. In others she'd confirm she was demure and quiet enough to fool a King of need be.]

[fulgency]

[He may not be certain what her ultimate motivation is, but it can be said easily that there's more than meets the eye with her. He hums thoughtfully.]

I admit that I still do not know of what use you will be to me, but you're certainly interesting enough that I would feel the same.

[showsnopiety]

[She laughed quietly, glancing back at his face.]

You'll have to see for yourself. Maybe it'll take a bit of experimentation to know for sure.

[Caren is gently amused, and after a beat, she motions to a sign-that of floating hearts coming out of a champagne flute.]

Here we are. One of the finer establishments in the city for relaxation and other various services.

[fulgency]

[With a sign like that, there's no mistaking this establishment for anything other than what Caren's described. He's equal parts amused and appreciative of such plainness. Ozymandias pulls the door open, gesturing for her to enter.]

After you.

[showsnopiety]

[Some people might think it was cute or over the top. But still, good wine was not to be underestimated. Her smile widened briefly.]

Thank you.

[She went in first, glancing back to see that Ozymadias follows. There's someone who's behind the counter, and while they perk up, they seem a little confused at two people coming in at once.


"What will it be dears?" The answer seems obvious, and yet...]

[fulgency]

[She glances back at him a lot when he is behind her, he's noticed. While he could understand it somewhat as they were moving through various pockets of festival-goers, it seems a little more out of place in quieter areas or in the doorway like this. What reasons she might have for looking is anyone's guess, but Ozymandias doesn't believe it to be coincidence.]

We are looking for a private room and your finest wine.

[showsnopiety]

[She has her reasons to be doing so-not paranoia, thankfully. Just-more that she's expecting him to vanish, like water on the wind. Though why she would think that-that's something he'd need to explore.

At least the man working here is straight forward, and only wants to know if they want the room by the hour or the full night. Caren considers, even as she pulls out a small bag of coinage.]

I think a few hours-two-may be enough for quiet conversation. There's too much excitement to make it the whole night.

[fulgency]

[When the man glances in his direction to be sure there's agreement between the two of them, Ozymandias wordlessly nods. He leaves the matter of paying to her as agreed upon earlier, distracting himself with watching other patrons in the open areas with the staff. The mood around them is obvious: playful and in high spirits. Staff are pulling out all the stops to keep tabs open and incentivizing longer and more private visits.]

[showsnopiety]

[There's a flicker of seeming disappointment, but it vanishes quickly, even as Caren comes up to pay the flat fee. At least she has the money-even if it is more coin then paper-for what they ask for.

The man counts, nods, and goes from behind the counter, producing a key.

"This way dears! This will get you into the finest suite in the house."]

Excellent.

[Though she bets it's just the finest one that's available. She chances a small glance back, even bringing up a hand-as if to take it-before her hand drops and she turns away, following the clerk down the hall, to muffled giggles, murmurs, and moans.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias misses the flicker of disappointment, his attention elsewhere and only returning after it's gone. He doesn't miss the extension of a hand, however, before it's withdrawn and she's following the clerk. Ozymandias trails behind them, watching her curiously as the clerk brings them to their room.]

[showsnopiety]

[It's better that way. Caren doesn't reach back again, or slow down for him as they're lead along, down the hall-and the door is opened with a flourish.

It's a beautiful suite. There are candles and flowers everywhere, a large bed, and just off the main area, there's a bathroom, and a large tub inside. There's not much in the way of chairs, but the room smells great.

The clerk promises to bring the wine, and leaves the two of them alone in the room. Well then.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias glances over his shoulder as the clerk steps out of the room and closes door gently behind himself. Ozymandias steps further into the room, coming to sit on the foot of the bed, and for a moment, he surveys the room. He posture as always is incredibly relaxed while he sits, some of his weight resting back on the heel of a hand instead of sitting upright. He comes to the conclusion that the niceness of this suite is likely part of their genuine efforts beyond just the festival, but there are certainly little touches here and there that he believes would be otherwise absent.]

[His gaze settles back on Caren as he tips his head. It's likely that by his expression it's obvious that he's dedicated something has changed, but he doesn't leave his observation a mystery for very long.]

You've grown quiet.

[The shift in her demeanor is not exactly one that he can ignore and allow to be without comment. Especially not now in this private space with just the two of them. Has she pushed herself beyond her limits? He can't help but wonder even if he won't accuse her of it outright for now.]

[showsnopiety]

Have I?

[She made a soft noise, watching him as he just about draped himself on the edge of the bed. And while she was sure that he was just making himself comfortable, there was...something about it that made her gaze travel over his body.

Well then. She knew he was attractive, but that was certainly a way to highlight it.

She moved forward, and made to lower herself, until she was kneeling at his feet.]

You'll have to forgive me. It's not anything you've done.

[fulgency]

[He watches her approach, eyes following her as she settles at his feet. He is otherwise still.]

I wouldn't have assumed it was. But if something has put you at unease...

[showsnopiety]

[She shook her head.]

Not at all. I might have felt a little dizzy from drinking too much too quickly but-

I'm fine now. Truly.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias sits up, hooking a finger under her chin and studying her face for a moment.]

Then I would advise pacing yourself with this next drink, [he says, accepting her answer with a grin.] I would prefer that you enjoy yourself.

[showsnopiety]

[She hadn't expected the touch. She blinked, making a soft sound at the touch-but she somehow managed not to blush. Somehow.]

That won't be difficult. So long as the glasses are not overly large and you're enjoying yourself-

Then so will I.

[She sounds like a sap. At least the view is good.]

[fulgency]

[He releases her, leaning back once more with a laugh.]

Then let us hope I do not grow bored so easily tonight.

[showsnopiety]

[She huffs a small laugh, and shifts herself. Instead of just kneeling in front of him, she moved to lean against the bed and one of his legs.]

Clearly we'll have to come up with ways to entertain each other. That'll be quite difficult, don't you think?

[fulgency]

[He watches her as she moves closer, nestling herself against the bed and his leg.]

Perhaps. Perhaps not. That will depend entirely on just how creative you are.

[showsnopiety]

[She offered a breathy little laugh. Should she...? She should.

A hand came up, and started stroking his leg.]

Just me? What pressure. I might grow flustered. I may even swoon.

[fulgency]

[Will wonders never cease... Truly, Ozymandias does not know what to make of Caren. At times she seems sheepish and uncertain, and other times completely within her element. He is beginning to think increasingly that the latter is far more true than the former.]

[He runs his fingers through her hair.]

That seems unlikely.