Event Log: December, A Friendly Competition & Modranicht

[faileas]

Event Log: December, A Friendly Competition & Modranicht

I. A Friendly Competition (14th - 16th) To those who spend their time with Aefenglom's Wilders, they'll notice them quite excited as the day of the Not-So-Annual Grand Scavenger Hunt approaches. It's set to be Wilders vs Mirrorbound, and even those who aren't participating are discussing it like a spectator sport and placing bets on one side or the other, based on whose wilderness skills they think will win out. At noon on the 14th, participants meet at a small outpost just outside the city to check in, where those without partners are paired up, and each duo or trio is given a bundle of items: a list -- on a paper enchanted against moisture and tearing -- of the challenges to be completed, in no particular order; a map of this area of the Wilde marked with general locations for where each challenge can be found - not small area by any means!; three emergency flares, should they find trouble; a small med-kit with basic first aid supplies; and a bag to hold their retrieved items in, which can be turned in at the same outpost at any point during the 48 hours of the competition. You are responsible for your own camping gear if you stay out overnight. At least it's summer out there! Once everyone has been given their kits, the event begins, setting participants scattering off into the woods to track down and complete any of the listed challenges. The Wilders are highly competitive, wanting to bring a win to their side in the first Scavenger Hunt in a few years, and some of them will do anything (short of murder or grievous injury - they don't mean anyone true harm) to nab more points or sabotage the other side. Watch out for your opponents trying to thieve your item bags, trick you into getting lost, or setting off natural obstacles that will slow you down! All's fair in love and scavenger hunts though - it's not against the rules for you to sabotage them back! Mirrorbound Witches need to watch out as well - the competition takes place during the new moon, and this month, it's going to be difficult for even experienced Witches to control their super-charged magic. Backfires, fizzling out of spells, etc. are all expected - from you, but not from the native Witches on the other team, whose magic is only weaker on the new moons. a. Challenge 1: Pearl of Wisdom A broad lake can be found some miles to the east, the water glittering and inviting, if dark enough that you can't see the bottom of it even on a clear day. The brief outlines a species of clam found at the bottom of this lake, numerous, big as dinner plates, and bearing massive, iridescent black pearls, prized for beauty and their properties in illusion spells when ground into dust. One of these pearls is your target. The clams are uninfected and generally safe to handle, protected by their hard shells. The brief does not warn, however, about the troupe of white-eyed Merrow Shades that live in the lake and jealously guard this treasure. They use their shrill singing voices to muddle minds and urge trespassers to drown themselves, and they're viciously adept at fighting both on land and in the water. b. Challenge 2: Willow Bark The bark of a willow tree, infused with magic, has some fair pain relief properties. The maps are marked with the location of a willow grove, largely untouched by Cwyld, where participants in this challenge are required to collect at least a hand's length worth of bark. The main problem, not mentioned in the brief, is that the real willow trees are interspersed through a grove of numerous toxic Impostor Willows, which look exactly alike, but whose bark has opposing properties - it causes horrible pain when prepared and consumed, and causes ugly rashes when you peel it from the tree. Find the bark of the real willows using observations of the area - insects and small creatures tend to avoid the impostors - or, less recommended, by... testing them yourself... c. Challenge 3: Track & Observe You have been given an enchanted tracking collar in your item bag for this one. Without harming the creature, place the collar on a Neeklur; these will be used for tracking purposes to study their movements and behaviors. The Neeklur is a breed of small, nocturnal marsupial. They have developed a unique relationship with a type of bush that grows into tall hedges, which spread across sparse, open areas where there are few trees and plenty of sunlight for these aggressively spreading plants. Neeklurs make their nests in the heart of such natural hedge mazes, where they can sleep safely during the day, when the hedges quite literally move around on their own, rearranging the paths between them in, it seems, no discernible pattern, making it quite difficult to find your way around if you aren't careful to mark your path. Without direct sunlight, the hedges are dormant, but be warned that the timid, sleepy Neeklurs transform into long-clawed, screeching little beasts at night. They are extremely territorial, and defend their home as a horde. d. Challenge 4: Tree Elk Antlers Tree Elk, found in the lush woods, are sporting flourishing green-leaved antlers during the Wilde summer. Retrieve a branch from a Tree Elk's antlers with the leaves still lush and intact to win this challenge. Hurting the beast in any way, even emotionally (they're easily traumatized by a small fright) will cause the leaves to shrivel up, turn brown and/or fall right off. You'll have to figure out how to gain its trust and get close enough to it to take a small branch as a willing gift. Don't worry, breaking off a small branch of antler won't hurt it, and these intelligent, if timid, creatures are happy to bestow them as gifts upon those who have earned them. e. Challenge 5: Singing Shrooms At the base of an old, sprawling oak, deep in the forest, is a symphony of mushrooms. Literally. These fungi come in all shapes, sizes, colors... and keys. They sing. In fact, they never shut up. You may find them easily enough by their eerie, discordant song, but finding the right one in that cacophony is a difficult task. Many different types of singing mushrooms cluster together, and may or may not be infected. Cwyld doesn't affect their outward appearance, but it does change their tune - we're only looking for the uninfected ones that sing a particular song in a particular key. Pick the right type of mushroom off the tree and bring it back. Though, watch out for the ones with teeth. And the ones that emit poison spores. Or hallucinogens. There are so many mushrooms on that tree. All retrieved items must be stashed in the given bags and turned in to the small outpost where the event started by Deceuer 16th at noon. From there, Rilla Sparks and her organizers will count each team's contributions and tally up points. There will be back-slaps and congratulations for a job well done, and drinks to celebrate! Prizes will be mailed out to the winners within a couple of weeks. The prize list will go up on January 1st and each participant who submits an in-progress or completed thread tackling at least one challenge will get to pick what they want for their character!

II. Modranicht (21st - 23rd) Modranicht proper begins on the 21st, and the days leading up to it are a frenzy of festivity. Homes are often decorated with sprigs of greenery and, less traditional, ribbons, and many shops begin holding sales on their giftable wares. This holiday is celebrated as a time spent with family and other loved ones; traditionally, all meals should be taken with others, and those who eat alone are said to find bad luck in the coming months. Those who can are delighted to pull strangers in to have lunch or dinner with them, should they seem like they're a little lonely around this time of year. Especially in the neighborhood adjacent to the Haven, those people who came over from Dorchacht over a year ago, who are doing fairly well for themselves these days, are thrilled to have their Mirrorbound neighbors over for a hot drink or a meal and a spot of catching up. They heard what happened with Morgana a couple months back, nasty business, horrible woman, that, and for the most part, they seem quite comfortable with the idea that she's dead now. "I wouldn't move back," most say, "but it's good to know they're really free of her." The ones most in need this season are those orphans in the Harbor District, though efforts by the Mirrorbound Council and others to better care for many of the parentless kids there have improved spirits, making kids playing and laughing a more common sight. Still, many of those rascals haven't lost their mischievous streaks: some little ones are quite likely to try and pickpocket you as you pass through, or pelt you with snowballs, but gifts or candy can perhaps soften their demeanor. They're just kids, after all. a. Kiss-tletoe Redux While many of the decorations adorning shopfronts and houses are simple wreaths and garlands of pine, holly, and ivy, enchanted mistletoe is absolutely littered around the city, dangling in doorways, hung up on walls, hanging from the eaves of rooftops. Strings of it zigzag over the streets, hung from lampposts. This is a festive tradition that will be familiar to some. When two people pass under a sprig of mistletoe together, they're supposed to kiss, and the enchantments on many of those sprigs encourage it. Some will stick the pair's feet to the ground until they do so, some will just very lightly compel a smooch, whether it's on the mouth, the hand, the cheek, the forehead, or anywhere else. It's all in good fun, though - none of the enchantments are difficult to break, should one really not want to lock lips: you just have to destroy the mistletoe sprig you're under. Careful about getting stuck in public, unless you enjoy being the center of attention in a crowd! Other passers-by will loudly cheer or jeer you and your mistletoe-mate on until a kiss is had! Be wary too, of pranksters who will actively push two people under a sprig, laughing all the while. b. Craft Fair Gift-giving is an important tradition during Modranicht. It's considered only proper to present something to each of your loved ones, as a token of your care and affection for them. Handmade gifts are still widely regarded as the best, because it shows your effort in creating something just for them, so while shops may be having sales for purchased gifts, they're also trying to drum up more business again in the form of crafting lessons. Most businesses will set up tables in their shops, and for a small fee at the door (to cover materials), an instructor will show a group of people how to make something related to whatever the shop offers for sale. All materials are provided, and attendees get to take home what they make to give to friends or loved ones. Some of these even include small enchantments, such as carved wooden birds that actually fly, or timepieces that announce the time in funny voices. Witches are encouraged to learn the spell and help their Monster friends by enchanting their creation for them, but the instructors will do it as well if needed. If you have a crafty talent of your own, it's easy to make some good money this season by setting up your own lessons on how to make whatever you're good at. Space is available, though it's up to you to source your materials and decide your fee. All the rage in the Western Residential District, where Mirrorbound are generally regarded as friends and neighbors, is objects and styles that come from other worlds. They absolutely want to learn from you and be able to give their loved ones something new and exciting. c. Eat, Drink & Be Merry All meals during Modranicht should be eaten with another person, according to tradition. Many families and groups of friends have their own feasts during the holiday, but all are invited to a city-wide feast as well, on the 23rd. Located in a park enchanted to be more spacious than normal, long tables piled with food rest beneath festively-decorated, open tents, and every resident of Aefenglom is welcome to come and have a plate, from the richest to the poorest - all except those often-infected residents of the Outer City. It begins at noon and goes well into the evening, and people come and go as they please, enjoying the food and the holiday cheer. It isn't required, but many citizens bring a dish to add to the tables, meant to be shared - usually a special family recipe. Mirrorbound are encouraged to share traditional food from their own homes (or close approximations of it), if they want to - many are highly interested in customs from other worlds, and some challenge each other (or you!) to try every single dish on the massive tables. The festivities don't extend past the Bright Wall, unfortunately, but the people of the Outer City, who don't have much to begin with, can be found having their own feast on hunted game and pilfered vegetables, trying to scrape up some cheer for themselves. Most groups won't turn Mirrorbound away as long as you've brought a big enough dish to share, welcoming you into the fold to bad-mouth those hoity-toity inner city folks, but some rare clusters of residents can be hateful at this time of year, made somewhat bitter by your privilege and their lack.

Welcome to December's events, A Friendly Competition and Modranicht! As always, feel free to make your own logs, wildcard different prompts on this one, etc. It isn't too late to join in the scavenger hunt still, for those who didn't get the chance to sign up! That prize list will go up on January 1st and will only require an in-progress or completed thread to prove participation. As always, if you have any questions, please direct them here, and happy holidays, Aefenglom!

Comments

QUESTIONS

[moustre]

lan wangji // the untamed

[taciturnly]

𝟙. 𝔸 𝔽ℝ𝕀𝔼ℕ𝔻𝕃𝕐 ℂ𝕆𝕄ℙ𝔼𝕋𝕀𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ

( if you’re looking for a partner, look elsewhere. lan wangji stands very much alone and appears absolutely intent on remaining so. resting bitch face on, one arm secured behind his back, he soon departs on his not-so-merry-way, as graceful as ever. honestly, it almost looks like a chore--why is he even participating at all. because!! appearances are sometimes deceptive, and underneath his cold-ish demeanor, there’s a little flame that dances and crackles and burns desperate to rise higher.

he won’t turn down any help, if anyone crosses his path. just don’t expect lengthy conversations. )

𝟚. ℂℍ𝔸𝕃𝕃𝔼ℕ𝔾𝔼: 𝕊𝕀ℕ𝔾𝕀ℕ𝔾 𝕊ℍℝ𝕆𝕆𝕄𝕊

( the cutest little things that have ever sung, to be sure. only topped by singing bunnies, but he’s yet to witness any. if you do find any, you’ll be his best friend forever. sorry wei ying

lan wangji’s currently sitting poised and cross-legged on the ground, guqin on his thighs. and he plays. with them. for them. it’s hard to tell from a distance, but he’s actually listening, mimicking the notes, trying to catch and pinpoint the various dissonances. he’s a bit of a virtuoso when it comes to music, and he plucks the strings in hopes that his knowledge might ultimately serve. )

𝟛. 𝕂𝕀𝕊𝕊-𝕋𝕃𝔼𝕋𝕆𝔼 ℝ𝔼𝔻𝕌𝕏 [closed to wei wuxian]

( they sure don’t serve their tea like they do back home around here. or was it really tea. it burned his throat on its way down, and an hour later, lan wangji struggles to walk in a straight line, shushing people as he staggers through the crowd. they’re all so noisy. everything is noisy--his heartbeat, mostly, when he ultimately spots wei wuxian. surrounded, as usual. he shushes louder as he slowly makes his way there, wearing a hard but completely inoffensive frown. what’s that in his hand? food. and it smells awfully good, too, tastes even better in his mouth after he snatches a piece without warning.

until it doesn’t, and burns wilder than the strange tea he’s had earlier. )

𝟜. 𝔼𝔸𝕋, 𝔻ℝ𝕀ℕ𝕂 & 𝔹𝔼 𝕄𝔼ℝℝ𝕐

( if you stumble upon lan wangji, you might find him walking around the park, gazing in subtle wonderment (a rare sight) at his surroundings, the decorations and overall festivities.

you might also find him at a table, drinking tea, and standing out a little maybe, because he doesn’t quite take part in the joyous cacophony.

or you might find him somewhere drunk out of his mind, pitifully singing this version of “all i want for christmas is you”. he’s a musician, not a singer, yet he hums and warbles every note, and every word, no matter how foreign. where has he heard it? who the hell is santa? doesn't matter. he sings from the heart, a little moisture at the corners of his eyes, lips cast downward. )


(ooc: lan wangji went through a canon regression a lil over a month ago, so his memories are a bit fragmented. forgive him if he doesn't quite remember you! he's also ~16 years younger, and a bit more constipated, emotionally wise. if you'd like to plot anything more, PM me or poke me @ guqinstring ♥)

3, ofc

[weiward]

[it's that time of year when a lot of beverages get a little extra warmth added to them, tea included. wei wuxian still holds a cup of it in his hand - more warmth than tea. and he deliberately takes a sip of it when he sees lan wangji delicately teetering his way, so that the warmth that spreads through his body and through their renewed bond can be blamed on said alcohol and nothing else.]

Finished? Did you find something for your brother?

[that is why they went out, right? so lan wangji could drink some tea and wei wuxian could sample some wine. ...so why is it that lan wangji is the one who seems drunk? the puca blinks at the taller man swaying in front of him, mouth dropping open as he impulsively samples his bonded's super spicy treat.]

Ahhh, Lan Zhan, did you decide to risk it all tonight?

[funny he should ask that, with a sprig of red and green hanging right above them. wei wuxian sighs before smiling up at him, while also trying to hold him steady by the wrists.]

What'll I do if you're sick tomorrow? And hungover? People are going to say that I've been a bad influence on you again. I can almost hear your uncle now. 'Lan Zhan - didn't I warn you about befriending the evil that is Wei Wuxian? Do you want but a single hair left in my beard!'

[using his puca mimicky, his voice sounds eerily like lan qiren's. but wei wuxian only laughs when he's finished, and tries to dab some spicy sauce from the corner of the witch's mouth.]

4.

[gynvael]

[ The words and tune are equally foreign to Geralt. It's entirely possible that's part of the reason he's wandered over to the source of singing.

The other reason is that he recognizes the man: Wangji, the stoic companion he'd met briefly two seasons ago, who spoke about as much as Geralt did. As in, not the person he'd expect to see breaking out into a forlorn song. Is he...?

Well. The smell of liquor isn't subtle. Geralt makes his way over, curiosity in his gaze. He's not certain the man will even remember him. They haven't spoken since that short encounter. ] Been some time.

4ish

[zewu_jun]

[Eventually, Lan Xichen has to find his brother. He tries at first to give him space, knowing the adjustment must be difficult. Then he tries to practice patience, meditating and telling himself that Wangji will come around when he's ready.

But finally Lan Xichen can't wait any longer. It just so happens to be during the festivities, but he goes in search not for celebration, but for the younger Lan. Much younger, if he's heard correctly. When he finally finds Wangji at the table, comforted by his tea, he pauses for a few moments in surprise. Then he cautiously approaches.]

Are you busy at the moment?

[He question is soft so that he doesn't disturb him.]

viren / the dragon prince / ota

[bloodwit]

i. mistletoe;

[ it turns out that trying one's luck at navigating for the craft fair is a dangerous affair -- viren's just dipping beneath an eave of a rooftop, the bustling noise of others enjoying their shopping near, when his feet stick. his eyes widen as he hears the ringing laugh of a spectator coupled with unwelcome encouragement. his gaze drifts upward to catch sight of the mistletoe -- ah, this again -- and then back down to whoever he's been temporarily trapped alongside. ]

While these plants aren't my doing... [ viren's mouth deeps into a frown, intent on ignoring any spectators. this is embarrassing. ] ... I do feel compelled to apologize for our onlookers' behavior.

ii. craft fair;

[ the craft fair, even if viren had kept his standards horrendously low, isn't yet a disappointment. there is something gratifying in the idea that he can either purchase or create something both magical and wholly unique for someone -- he hasn't been particularly mindful of traditions here, at times wholly due to forgetfulness. ]

[ but this year could be different. he's among many, eyeing the various wares for crafting oneself or for purchase -- and he noticeably spends an agonizingly long time perusing. he needs, must find the absolute perfect gifts. he displays an eerie level of attention as he picks up various items, studies them, replaces them -- so much so that he does end up bumping into the occasional passerby, or generally seems to have a complete disregard his surroundings. ]

iii. snowfight;

[ viren's had a day as he ends up feeling everyday when he has to suffer the season that is, unfortunately, winter. it's on his way back from the fair, having been jeered at by those that seem to enjoy the spectacle of unwilling mistletoe participants a little too much, that he'd ambled into contested snowball territory. a child smacks him in the back of his head with a snowball, and oh my god. he's had it. ]

[ he wheels about on the spot, wings flaring, a fire in his eyes. ]

[ and then there's several seconds in which viren scoops up a load of fresh powder, struggles to pack it into a proper snowball, and instead has it fall apart between his fingers. he ignores being pelted by more snowballs in the meanwhile, snow getting in his hair and coating his furs. his second try is more yielding: it's mostly a clump of icy old snow.

weakly, aimlessly, he chucks it into the air. ]

Hahh-!

[ poor enough is his focus in this weather that it's ultimately lobbed in an unintentional direction, missing his prey. apologies to anyone that may inadvertently a target instead. ]

iv. wildcard!

( hit me with whatever! )

Craft Fair

[fuelingfire]

[Lahabrea needs no lessons on how to make things. He could once upon a time, actually create things, not simply shape matter this way or that. Which means he has some level of disdain for mortal craftsmanship - but that hasn't kept him from reluctantly leaving home at the behest of his neighbors to see what this craft fair is about.

And by now he's picked up several small and very specific items he intended to repurpose. The crimson mask is ever in place, but now simple black hooded robes did just fine, of a rough but sturdy fabric that hid most but not all of his changes. The long reptilian but exceedingly feathery tail saw to that, a vivid and ever-moving splash of crimson and brass.

As Viren examines an item and puts it back, apparently having decided it isn't good enough, Lahabrea plucks it up - there's a small chip of amethyst at the heart of it, and that he's interested in. Just interested ... there's no signs of the keen hoarding hunger of a dragon that's found something they WANT.]

Have you seen more of these?

[His voice isn't exactly pleasant to the ear, a little gravelly and a touch hoarse. Viren's a dragon, no mistaking that. Lahabrea would be, in time, but if there's any instinctive hostility to another of his 'kind' it's very well hidden. The small item is held in a gloved hand, the tiny amethyst flashing.]

The little stone.

mistletoe

[stopfen]

[Mikasa just wanted to shop. Why this? She doesn't even realise who was caught in the 'trap' with her at first. Mouth opening to show clenched teeth as she hissed. She'd just wanted to pick up some food, it was all in the paper bag she was clutching to her chest like a lifeline. Fortunately, there was nothing fragile other than a now squished loaf.

Though the voice finally makes her look up and... up. The dragon being this close really showed off how tall he was huh?

Then as soon as she meets his eyes, she frowned turning her head to scowl at the wall. She'd been caught a few times by this dumb kissing thing, she knew how it worked. Kiss and move on but... they hadn't and she could pull her foot from the ground. Even if her wings fluttered, she was glued to the spot.

After that attempt of flying away to freedom.]

...I wonder if they'll get bored.

mistletoe-ish, now on the right TL, HAHA

[faithlikeaseed]

[Oh for the Maker's sake, is Myr's first thought on noticing his hooves are stuck to the ground.

Noticing his hooves are stuck to the ground in the worst possible way, namely, by trying to lift one and nearly plowing face-first into his Bonded when all his momentum goes one way and the hoof just...doesn't. He weebles, he wobbles, he--corrects before he can dump the packages he's carrying, but the set of his ears says his pride's been almost as injured if he'd been dumped on his tail.

Hmph.

He can't see the mistletoe hanging over them, of course, but between the jeering and having been through this before, he knows exactly what's going on.]

There can be neither excuse or apology for them, [he pronounces, with wry good humor. Mostly good humor.] Or their awful taste in decorations, so no need to waste the words.

Be a dear and kiss me so I can get up there, [he waves in one of the many directions the mistletoe is not, oops,] and eat the stupid thing.

mistletoe... lmfao

[marmoron]

[ Since completing his vampire transformation, Keith has started carrying around an enchanted umbrella for extra shade from the sun and covers himself up from head to toe. It doesn't exactly feel right to be out and about during the day, thanks to being naturally nocturnal, but it's not like the stores in the city selling gifts share his preferences here.

Keith is just a pinch stressed trying to figure out gifts for people, and while he's definitely noticed the mistletoe hung up everywhere, he's too preoccupied to consider the possibility of them being enchanted.

That is, until, be finds he can't move. Seeing Viren in a similar predicament is instantly less reassuring when he spots the mistletoe above them. Groaning audibly and already looking like he wants to punch a cheering onlooker, he proceeds to not even remotely go along with the program. ]

Can't you breathe fire on that thing?

i

[heartmunculus]

[Sieg has a few small bags with him as he looks up at the plant and then back at Viren. Holiday shopping? Or maybe it's just his normal food run.]

... Are you embarrassed?

[It's his first winter, he doesn't know what's in store. And the gentle tug to kiss doesn't feel that awful to him.]

Vanitas | Kingdom Hearts

[darkcharge]

( Competition: Tree Elk Antlers )

[ If there is really one thing that Vanitas doesn't have issues with, it is attracting animals. Though his attempts to become proficient at the healing arts - something he had severely lacked back "home" - it has given him a rather calm aura despite his nature. By now he's gotten used to the fact that all he has to really do is be patient and animals usually find his way towards him and doesn't bother to question it anymore.

Thus what he does is simply find the tracks of these elk and wait. Vanitas is far milder than he once was, his bonds making the necessary repairs to his heart has calmed him down drastically. He's not as volatile. Thus one of the elk does take notice and seems to be approaching...

Please don't interrupt. Or do and make his like difficult. Your choice! ]


( Kisstletoe )

[ For the most part, Vanitas had avoided all contact with the festivities of the holidays last year. That's why he has no idea what is happening with all of the little plants being strung up all over the place. Honestly, he's just trying to inspect them when someone happens to come across him. ]

What are these stupid little plants?

[ One of the natives also happens to be there. They gasp and chide Vanitas and whoever happens to be with them about not adhering to a much beloved tradition. Then they shove both poor souls - Vanitas and you - right under the sprig! ]

Wha -

[ Now kiss is what they say and Vanitas? Well he doesn't really look too pleased depending upon who has been suckered into this with him ]

( ooc: all smooches will be either on the cheek or forehead! )


( Craft Fair )

[ Van is never one to pass up the opportunity to learn to do something. This time it doesn't seem like it's really something that would be useful in the future, but fun. He's working on learning how to cut loose and allow himself to have a bit of fun. Thus he can be found making little wooden birds that, at first, don't resemble birds very well. It takes practice!

Or perhaps one can find Vanitas meandering about the shops. Perhaps he is trying to find those last couple of gifts. ]


( Snowballs )

[ No one should be surprised that Vanitas does not take well to children. He's never really been a child himself. So when the orphaned kids think to start throwing snowballs at him, he turns around and does it right back! Of course the kids don't seem to mind, since they think that Vanitas is playing with them in return. Anyone who knows Van must realize that he's just trying to get them back at starting this mess!

At least... Until one stray snowball sees fit to hit a passerby in the back of the head. The kids seems to want to scatter, but Vanitas? He stands there with a snowball in hand. Caught red-handed.

Oops? ]


( Wildcard )

[ Hit me up with anything! You know what to do! ]

kisstletoe

[oathkeeper]

[Don't worry Sora is also gasping just as loudly with the passerby that hears Vanitas' blasphemous comment about a beloved holiday tradition...! Gasp!!]

Geeze, Vanitas!!

[But when he's shoved right into Vanitas he grabs onto him with a huff.]

It's not stupid, you know. It's a really important tradition.

Soundwave | Transformers IDW

[peacewithouttyranny]

i - Tree Elk Antlers

[Soundwave has learned a new spell from class, a spell that allows him to befriend animals easily, and this challenge provides the perfect opportunity to try it out. Though he may have the form that could easily frighten most living beings, animals especially, by exuding a calm demeanor, applying the spell, and with some patience, one of the elk may approach him. There was no need to use the avatar for this session.

So, after he tracks down these creatures, he waits for one to approach him. And when it does, he's mindful to not make any sudden movement that could scare it off and will test out his magic when it's near enough. Will you get in the way between the 7' tall robot and the elk or will you just watch?]

ii - Kiss-tletoe Redux

[Soundwave is silently meandering the bustling street in his holoavatar, mostly ignoring the joy and cheers from the people enjoying the holiday, when his feet suddenly sticks. Surprised, he blinks down to his feet, tries to lift them off the ground with no result, before sighing and looking around his surrounding for whoever's pranking him. At least he thought it was a prankster. But then there's laughter and encouragements from the onlookers, eyes blinking rapidly, staring at them with a confused look on the avatar's face, failing to notice the sprig right above the avatar.]

What are they going on about? [Maybe you, whoever's trapped with this "young woman" could help?]

iii - Snowball Fight

[Soundwave normally isn't the kind of bot to join in the fun (unless a friend probed him enough) nor is he very competitive. But he has only so much patience for a bunch of orphaned kids pelting the avatar's face with snowballs that even he starts to return fire, quickly scooping up a snowball and hits one of the kids. Of course they just think that the avatar is finally in on the fun and playing with them, but really he's just getting back at these unruly tiny fleshlings for the annoyance. Promise

Hurling one snowball after another while dodging any that comes his way, Soundwave's gotten lost in the fun until one misaimed throw inadvertently hits right into a passerby's face. Ah. The orphaned kids saw it and immediately make a run for it, leaving Soundwave to take the blame on his own.]

Wildcard

[Hit me with your own prompt.]

yan bingyun | joy of life

[bingyun]

track & observe.

[yan bingyun is coming dangerously close to enjoying these challenges, but he feels well-suited for this one in particular. it requires patience and a watchful eye, much like being a spy.

this should be easy.

he finds a clump of the hedges around dusk, which is perfect timing according to what he's been told. bingyun crouches, and there he watches and waits until the first little neeklur makes its appearance. he grips the collar tightly, but reminds himself that this requires a gentle approach.]

Not another step.

[he whispers at the sound of another's approach. maybe it's someone else looking to mark this challenge off their list. or maybe it's the neeklur's parents, siblings, neighbors and cousins, with their beady little eyes set on yan bingyun. either way he might need some help.]

kiss-tletoe redux.

[he's ignoring the encouraging cheers around him. these observers obviously knew about this enchanted sprig and didn't bother to cut it down, or even warn people who innocently stepped underneath it. bingyun will certainly pick up their slack once he's free, but first -

he has to get free. by now he understands what must be done to break the enchantment. he looks at the person that he's trapped with, the corners of his mouth tugging down uncertainly.]

I won't force anything on you. If you choose to stand here until you die, I'll do the same.

snowball fight.

[no one, but no one, needs a snowball upside the head more than yan bingyun. fan xian would happily do the honors if he was here, but since he's not, someone else must take up the challenge.

he stops in his tracks when it hits, eyes widening before he looks down at the snow on his shoulder. yan bingyun spins on his heels and just narrowly avoids taking the next one to the face.]

This...you've declared war!

[he drops to one knee, scooping some of the cold powdery stuff up in his fist. he might be confident in his aim, but snowball fights aren't like archery. some of his throws are sure to go astray...]

wildcard.

[you lead, i'll follow!]

kiss-tletoe

[prettyrocks]

[ Tsutha had gone to see Mr. Yan, to pass along everything she'd heard at the Café that week. But when he'd said he wanted to meet up, she doubts this is what he had in mind. ]

Uh. I mean... I have things I kind of would rather do than just stand here for the rest of forever.

[ Tsutha either didn't hear what the key was to break the enchantment, or she just forgot. So she looks down at Bingyun with an eyebrow raised. ]

So what do we do?

shiro | voltron

[galrarm]

kiss-tletoe.
[ Ah, but this is a little awkward, right? Shiro had been careful to avoid the mistletoe--while he isn't aware of the enchantment, this is Aefenglom, and by now he knows better than to lower his guard around any kind of mysterious plant. As careful as he is, though, Shiro manages to get taken by surprise, and pushed by one of those pranksters right under the mistletoe.

With... another person. Ah. Shiro sighs, then gives his companion an almost sheepish smile. ]

Sorry about that. I was pretty sure I was being careful, but... they're pretty tricky.

snowball fight.
[ Now this is more his speed. It reminds him of a time back home, when he and the other paladins had started an impromptu space spore fight. It's familiar in a way that puts him in good spirits, and besides.... it's been a little while since he's seen snow. He's definitely in the mood to strike up a little fight, then.

At least he warns-- ]

Heads up!

[ --before he lobs a snowball right at someone. At least it isn't at their head; he's aiming more for their chest or legs. ]

eat, drink, and be merry.
[ Shiro is... okay, let's face it, he shouldn't be allowed near any sort of food. (Paladin lunch isn't exactly feasible to make here, and he's sure that no one would want that.) But what he can do is make sandwiches, which thankfully don't require any kind of cooking. After all, it feels wrong to not bring something when plenty of others have.

By the time evening falls, Shiro's about ready to grab some food and settle in... but if he sees someone all alone, well, he's not going to let that slide. He approaches, and gestures to the spot next to them. ]

Mind if I join you? This kind of atmosphere is best enjoyed with other people, anyway.

snowball fight

[weiward]

[did he always love the cold this much? sure, he has some fond memories of falling snow, but he wasn't actually raised in gusu. so it feels like his newfound appreciation for the season might be one more of his monster changes.

wei wuxian turns around at the warning, managing to leap up and over the snowball in the nick of time. and then he laughs, already delighted by challenge and challenger alike.]

Next time aim for the ears!

[and it looks like shiro will get that second chance pretty soon, because wei wuxian is already forming a snowball of his own.]

Momo | IDOLiSH7 | Witch

[yesdoubt]

[a: a friendly competition]

(i. pearl of wisdom [closed to lady maria])

[Momo is the kind of person who, in a competition like this, is going to pick a partner that he's confident in. So Lady Maria is something of an obvious option considering how much chaos they end up getting thrown into together, and it can't hurt to have another chance to do something more relaxed with her before the next time something comes at them.

This first challenge is not exactly a reassuring start, though, as they get nearer to the lake and a very distant, haunting sound begins to become audible from the lake. Momo recognises what it is, considering his boyfriend is a merrow, but he still pulls a bit of a face at it as he slows his pace a bit.]

Hold on, I might be able to protect us from their voice stuff, if nothing else.

(ii. tree elk antlers)

[While Momo is partnered with Lady Maria for this expedition, he feels pretty confident that they can both get by on their own at times to speed things up. So here and there he breaks off to see if they can swipe a few things on their own and speed the whole process up.

He figures he's probably used to dealing with gentle creatures enough to take on the elk antler challenge, and it's not too hard to come by him just outside of the woods that mark their territory, looking like he's trying to observe for a little bit to see how best to approach them. If anyone else comes this way, he'll put a finger to his lips and wink, then speak quietly to make sure it doesn't carry through the trees to the elk.]

Are you looking for the antlers as well? Maybe we can help each other out.

(iii. singing shrooms)

[The other challenge Momo decides he's got the right skills for is the mushroom one, because having to identify a specific song in a specific key among a crowd gets a whole lot easier when you're a professional singer and you're used to hearing that kind of cacophonous music in your normal line of work. Still, they're crowded together enough that he needs to get a bit close to really hear the song enough to single anything out, and that presents the problem of coming into range of the poisonous ones.

So he might need a bit more of a tactical approach to get close enough for that, and he's likely to be musing on that when the next person comes by and distracts him from that.]

Hey, how are you with identifying bad mushrooms? Or countering poison. Either way.

--

[b: modranicht]

(i. kisstletoe*)

[Even by Momo's usual busy schedule standards, the man is run off his feet in the lead-up to Modranicht. The holiday being more akin to how Christmas is celebrated in other countries, with the presents for friends aspect and everything, means he's running around picking up those or supplies to make them, and then Yuki's birthday being immediately afterwards on what would be Christmas Eve in his own world means he has to meticulously prepare for that as well. He refuses to let that day be anything less than perfect, and he also wants to get the Modranicht presents right, and it's really just a whole lot of being in and out and around half the shops in the city picking up everything he might need.

It also means he's not as prone to notice when he's about to run under a sprig of mistletoe, which happens more than once as he tries to sneak past someone or run along through a shopping street entrance and almost trips over when the enchantment sticks his feet to the ground.]

Not again... [He just sounds Tired and faux dramatic at this point, rearranging his bags on his arms and turning to his unlucky(?) companion.]

Do you prefer the hand or the cheek? I can't let my darling think I'm cheating for real. [He winks cheerily.]

[[*Momo's 27, so I'd prefer no characters more than 10 years younger even if he's not kissing anyone on the lips anyway.]]

(ii. eat, drink and be merry, inner and outer city options)

[Even if Momo needs to prepare for the 24th, he can't pass up the big celebrations on the 23rd, because he's just the kind of person who's drawn to that sort of thing. However, he can't be found within the walls in the earlier half of the day, because he takes that opportunity to sneak over to the Outer City and catch up with some of the people he's healed or entertained in his months helping out with things beyond the walls.

He seems to have a decent rapport with the people he's joined up with, offering easy jokes and gossiping about recent developments, and the large pot of a basic but hearty meat and potatoes type dish that he's brought along doesn't go astray. But if he sees anyone else checking out the festivities out here, he'll offer them a wink and beckon them over.]

Are you looking for someone in particular, or do you want to join up with us?

[It's later in the day and into the evening that he moves back into the inner city celebrations, gossiping and socialising with Mirrorbound and locals alike, regardless of background. He mostly just seems invested in making sure everyone enjoys themselves and has an evening to remember, so it's not uncommon for him to come around with plates full of some of the more bizarre or less-loved dishes on the table, out to encourage people to step outside their comfort zones a bit with what they try. And he will readily do so by basically shoving them under the noses of whoever he sees, especially Mirrorbound.]

Come on, have a taste of this! We have to make sure nobody's generous efforts go to waste tonight!

[It might be something inoffensive, or it might be something that's actually kind of bad or really weird. But Momo will eat just about anything, so he can't really bring himself to care.]

--

[c: wildcard]

[[If you want to plot anything else, feel free to hit me up at reviseleviathan! Momo's going to be a busy little bee around Modranicht between trying to figure out presents for that + Yuki's birthday on the 24th, so he'll be extremely around.]]

[whomthebelltolls]

[There's always risk going out into the Wildes. Even for something as silly as a scavenger hunt, Maria is fully armed and armored and ready to take on an army of Shades, if need be... though she's not really expecting it to be that bad.

The first is something about a pearl of learning. Given the area it's in, Maria's first glance told her it probably was literally a pearl. There's a lake in the area that's marked out with it notes for the first part, so... seems simple enough.

She can handle lakes, that's not a big deal. It's not the ocean. She can even handle clams.

What she has a hard time with is the song, as it floats up, curls around her ears. But there's something wrong with it - she's been close to a merrow herself before, so she can hear a difference. While Alex's song had always felt like a gentle, lover's caress, enticing her into whatever the merrow wanted her to do, this one has a weird, off-key tune. It gives a sort of dreadful, unsettling feeling.

Not the least of which part is because there are clearly merrow in the area to begin with. She can handle clams. She can handle lakes.

... The merrow are going to be. Tricky. For her.

She turns toward Momo, eyeing him a little.] I could probably enchant something against them, as well, but if you have a more general spell, that would be useful.

... I'll handle the lightning spells, if it comes down to that. There's something odd about the song.

Lan Xichen | Witch | OTA

[zewu_jun]

I. Scavenger Hunt
a. A Late Night Meeting

[ The scavenger hunt feels a lot like the competitions he participated in as a youth alongside Wangji, collecting things and facing the elements and wild animals to prove his skill. It's more relaxed than the grand competitions between the sects, with an energy far more pleasant, but gearing up with his friends and heading out into the Wilde still gives Lan Xichen a nostalgic feeling.

He wants to spend the night. Not to win the hunt, but to enjoy the experience of camping outside again. During the night, he wanders away from camp, exploring the area around their chosen spot on his own to do some more traditional tracking and scouting. Of course there will be some others awake even at the late hour. When he hears footsteps or shifting around him, he freezes. ]

Who's there? [ And, slightly more sternly: ] Show yourself, please.

[ In the dark, he can't really see. It's easier to sneak up on him. ]

b. Just a friendly competition, as they say... (Pearl of Wisdom)

[ I know exactly where to find it! the helpful Wilder tells Lan Xichen as he asks about the challenge. There's a trick to it. Most people are going to search around the shallows where the obvious shells are, but the prize is actually deeper in. People don't usually go looking there.

Lan Xichen takes the advice as a friendly tip, and of course once he gets to the lake the Merrow there are not happy to have the intrusion. The deeper side of the lake bring the Merrow toward him even faster, and Lan Xichen has barely waded in to stand on a high rock before they come to chase him. That Wilder got the distraction she wanted and Xichen got a bunch of trouble. Someone help bail him out and maybe find that pearl? ]

c. No one can blame you for walking away (Track & Observe)

[ He's in the middle of the hedges, somehow separated from his team. It might or might not be a surprise that Lan Xichen has managed to find himself alone and turned around in the maze of leaves, standing in front of one wall with a disappointed expression when anyone should come up on him. ]

I need to get beyond here.

[ He offers that as his explanation whether you ask or not. ]

The correct path leads beyond this hedge, but there does not seem to be an open route to it. I have come back here several times and it still isn't clear.

[ It doesn't appear to be helping any time soon, and eventually the light is going to fade. ]

II. Modranicht
a. Harbor games

[ Lan Xichen is walking very slowly and deliberately down the long walk beside the lines of wharf docks, looking up at the sky or occasionally out at the water. Those who observe can catch movement behind and to the side of him in the dark corners against the factory buildings and among various cargo stacked alongside his path. Young children are gathering and creeping up around him, staying low and out of sight, snowballs loaded in their hands or shoved in small open satchels at their sides. As he approaches a more open spot and seems to slow his pace, the group readies their aim. At that point Xichen catches the crunch of an errant foot on crisper snow and looks around. ]

Ah, hello?

[ Snowballs fly. And if you happen to be too close, you may just get hit in the crossfire. ]

b. Kiss-and-tell (OTA)

[ Lan Xichen is out in public with an armful of small cold-friendly plants tied together with decorative ribbons. In the spirit of celebration, he's handing them out to strangers. He also shares candies and little trinkets with children that pass by, many who recognize him from lessons he offers. They tease and joke with him, and a few, knowing his more susceptible nature, try to egg him into sharing his gifts with people conveniently standing under enchanted mistletoe. Whether passing by accidentally or by being actively shoved there by eager children, another person suddenly ends up standing under a sprig with one surprised witch who somehow reminds pale even in the cold. Just fitting in with the scene, apparently. ]

Oh... hello. [ Once he realizes what has happened, he puts one of his bouquets in the other's hand. ] I heard we should give gifts to those around us. Please accept this.

c. Outside of the Bright Wall

[ Lan Xichen doesn't limit his gift-giving to the space within the inner city. He brings his homemade decorations, trinkets, and candy to the outer city, along with food and things like cloth and furs when he can obtain them. They are small, but he's giving them out freely in an attempt to share some warmth. Most of the time things go smoothly, but on one trip he happens to come across a few residents that take his gifts and appearance as proof of the witch's arrogance. He's clearly flaunting, and bringing useless ribbons?

Those passing through are greeted by the sound of a break in the mood as the angry group turns hostile. It's not a celebration without at least one brawl, right? Currently, Lan Xichen is on the defensive, mostly avoiding blows, but that is getting more difficult as the chaos builds. And naturally it's starting to draw spectators as well. ]

[ooc: Xichen will be giving out random silly gifts as well. If you want something probably dumb, you can reply to any of the Modranicht prompts and I'll have him bestow something on your character. Mistletoe is totally open if you want random kisses and shenanigans! Also feel free to plot with me at teaandreveries if you want to do something more specific. I'm game.]

I.a.

[prettyrocks]

[ Thanks to her orcish blood, Tsutha has exceptional vision in the dark. It doesn't seem to work as well here as it did back on Shartis, but she's still able to walk around the woods at night and not trip over anything, or get lost. She honestly doesn't intend to sneak up on anyone, but she's doing some scouting and tracking of her own at this late hour.

When he calls out, she gladly complies, lighting a small fire in her palm that illuminates her face. ]

Sorry! It's just little old me. [ No one has ever described Tsutha as "little." ]

Alphys | Faun | OTA

[textsfromhotland]

Kissletoes

[Oh no, she remembers this stuff, and how awkward it got last time she got stuck in it. Somehow she has to get back home without getting near a single sprig of mistletoe. Easy.... right?

Well, it might have been, had it not been for her antlers, which immediately get tangled in a large bunch hanging from a lamp post.]

O-oh no! Nononono!

[Of course Alphys panics, and tries to jerk her head free, but that only leads to her stumbling into the nearest person, who could very well be YOU!... And now you're under the mistletoe, too.]

Craft fair

[The shops and streets are bustling, and there's plenty of crafting tables to pick from, but there's one booth that's tucked a little out of the way, because the owner wasn't entirely sure if she wanted to do this to begin with...

Alphys' table is littered with mechanical bits and bobs, as well as small tools. She's tinkering with what looks to be a small robotic arm. She's completely absorbed in it, stopping to test its function via a little crank she installed on the base every now and then before going back at the various tiny gears adorning it. It's been a while since she's been able to really tinker with something, and it shows.

She might finally notice you if you stand there long enough. Her eyes flick up momentarily before she gasps and sits up straight.]

Gah! H-hi? A-are you here for r-robotics lessons?

Craft Fair

[twilightskey]

[Roxas is enjoying all of the little booths full of crafts and baubles for sale. He's not exactly crafty himself, but he does have an appreciation for people who can do this sort of thing. He's just browsing through the booths when he comes across the little robotics booth. It's... definitely different from everything else, and he's perusing the wares curiously.]

[Although, the sudden reply has him jolting up in surprise, his ears perking up.]

Ah! Ah... robotics lessons? [Wait... this lizard-person looks familiar. Had they crossed paths once before?]

Reno and Rude | FFVIIR | Harpy and Dragon | OTA

[grandspark]

A Friendly Competition

I. Challenge 2: Willow Bark [Sabotage!]

[Supposed to be friendly competition they say. But the Widers are not playing fair, and it gets evident reaaally quick. Not really against the rules, surprisingly (or not). And the catch is that—

—Reno is highly competitive. It might be, ultimately, a pointless game. But lord knows, once they fall victim to a Wilder trick and lose a chance at progress, all hell breaks loose. Hell knows no fury than harpy scorned, or something like that— They have to come on top of it, no questions asked.

The Willow Bark challenge seems like the most perfect one to— yeah, sabotage back. A plan is quickly cooked, roles set, Rude hopefully enjoying the little thrill as much as he, aaaaand— game's set.

Anyone who leaves the willow grove, seemingly carrying something that could look like a handful of bark gets suddenly ambushed by a very distressed, redheaded harpy, gliding down from a nearby tree. Look, Reno's gonna ham it up to the extreme, full-on dramatic bullshit switch is on.]

Hey, you there! [Not the most pleasant way to interrupt someone, but he's not the polite one, and lie is sold better when it's presented in authentic way, no?] I mean— shit, I need help. My Bonded is still in this grove, he's a dragon— not taking these toxic plants well. I can't get him out of there on my own.

[He's got noodle arms, or rather noodle-wings at this point, hollow bones and all. Dragons are big, right? Help the poor bird and his partner out.]

II. Challenge 3: Track & Observe

[The hedges were a bit annoying while trying to hunt on the ground. Therefore, it was a great time to practice their flying skills. Reno had come up with the brilliant plan and Rude had agreed without a word. As usual, one followed the other's lead.

From the air it was easy to see how the hedges moved about on their own. They both agreed it was a weird and strange sight to see, but it wasn't the first moving plants they'd come across.

In the end, they tried a number of methods to capture one of the Neeklurs. From dive bombing the slumbering creatures without alerting the guard on duty, to coordinated tracking with one in the air telling the other where to go. It was harder than it seemed considering the density of the tall hedges and...the need for more practice flight!

Catch up to them on the ground or in the air. While on the hunt or after a clean capture. Anywhere in between.]

II. Challenge 4: Tree Elk Antlers

[Reno was up a tree. The harpy was comfortable up there and it was a good place to watch as his partner worked his "magic" below.

Rude was holding out a tempting hand to the nearby pair of elk with an appetizing treat in his palm. For all the size and muscle that the dragon held, there was no menace or tension to be found in him and the elk seemed aware of this fact. They approached him cautiously but looked unafraid of the big scary dragon.

Scare away the elk on purpose or by accident? Find the harpy up the tree and comment on his lack of participation? Congratulate them both after they get some of the branches wilt-free from the elk? You decide!]

IV. Challenge 5: Singing Shrooms

[This time it was Rude who was hanging back a bit. He was keeping an eye out on the surrounding area as Reno attempted to figure out which mushroom was singing the proper song for the hunt. Rude glanced back once in a while whenever Reno made some noise or other that drew his attention but for the most part somehow managed to keep a straight demeanor and keep to look-out duty even as the redhead had his fair share of trouble behind him.

Reno kept an almost steady stream of exclamations, curses, and desperate pleading with the mushrooms as he tried to find which one was making the right sound. He tried shushing them and asking them to sing one at a time but of course that was met with no noticeable response. Then he started to pluck them one at a time. Which resulted in one biting his finger and prompting Reno to comically flail his hand about until he got the little sucker to let go and then flung it far away for best effect.

That got a brief look from Rude, who shook his head before turning back around after confirming his partner was just fine.

After that Reno kept to poking them with his baton to see which song was interrupted but that led one of them puffing out a cloud of gas towards him that caused him to cough and sputter until it cleared from his lungs. Another spit seeds into his face until he got the brilliant idea to pull down his goggles until he'd dealt with that one. Yet another started to reach out for him with creepy vine/root-like tentacles; he noped out of that very quickly. And then there was--well, you got the picture. There were a lot of (comical) mushroom antics to observe while the redhead attempted to pick out the right one to bring back for the hunt.]

V. Wildcard!!

[[Yo! Anything else goes here! Also, let us know which Turk you would like to engage with: Reno, Rude, or both. Beware: one may interrupt later if only one is engaged at first. We might both be a bit slow with tags at the moment but we're ready to backtag into oblivion if you are! If you have any questions or ideas for other prompts, you can always let one or both of us know: AisuYoukai or aetarna. Or just hit us up here, it's all good!]]

II. Challenge 3: Track & Observe

[electrod]

[ You bet Reno had to complain at some point how hard life is for a harpy - weird wide sleeves if you wanna keep warm, braving the cold breeze if you want to keep the ability to fly. Pure, unfiltered suffering. So the weird weather, Wildes not lining up with what's in the city? That has its pros. Rude also benefits from this little dumb fun, because... poor guy is taking the cold much, much worse than Reno could.

Reno is just the one to complain loudly about it. That's it.

The hedge maze sounds like something perfect to practice this whole... flying deal on. He wonders if he will ever stop being a little weirded out after looking at his arms.

He spreads them wide, allowing the feathers to set properly, not even attempting to resist the urge to preen the ones that stick out. Reddish-brown, with both black and white elements. Nothing fancy, but the sharp shape of the wing shows he's going to have nice maneuverability and speed once he masters their use. ]

Ya know, when I told the boss that I need that promotion because I want wings— that's really not what I meant.

[ Reno quips recounting how desperate he was to get out of the rookie-zone, so he could sign up for helicopter training. Been fucking years ago.

He turns around to check on Rude, excited to see him spread his wings ]

Come on, show me, what you got.

yuri hyuga | mostly open!

[soulfusion]

Craft Fair - Open

[While this isn't what he can call Christmas, this holiday gives off a very Christmas vibe -- to him, at least. He's usually one to not really pay attention to things like holidays, and giving gifts. His life has been lived on the go, traveling around, bouncing from one town to the next. Never growing roots.

Now, however, he finds himself...rooting. It wasn't his choice to be here, but here he is, with people to actually give gifts to. And this is where he runs into trouble.

What does he give someone?

This very question has him out and about, hands shoved in his pockets as he stalks through the streets, his expression pissed off but that's just the result of him having to ponder. God, he hates pondering.

Karin and Alice are truly the only people there he thinks would want something from him, and there is a small part that's nervous -- okay, that's actually quite a large part. He can throw himself into any fight he comes across, but when he's faced with decisions like this...well, let's just say he's annoyed and also self conscious.

He stops on occasion to glower at shop windows, sometimes even venturing inside before he's right back out again, shaking his head.

Can't he just buy something? His pride demands that he makes an effort, at least, since Karin and Alice have the patience to put up with him as much as they do. They both deserve the effort.

Yuri just can't promise it'll be a well done effort.]


Craft Fair - Basket Weaving - Closed to Aerith

[Soon, he finds himself in some kind of basket weaving class. Yuri didn't have much of a choice in the matter -- when he went inside the store, he was basically swooped further inside by a very cheerful older lady and plopped down at a table despite his efforts to protest.

He received a pat on the head, and an outstretched hand for the money needed. He gave it up -- unwillingly -- and he finds himself with materials set out in front of him, all nice and organized.

Yuri leans down, squinting at the items on the table. As if this will help him identify what everything is -- wood? Sticks? Wheat? He glances around, zeroing in on a woman sitting at the table next to him. She has a confident air about her, and he leans in her direction, voice lowered.]

Hey...uh. Do you know how to do all this? [He gestures wide -- does he mean the basket thing? Who knows. He doesn't even know.] Can I hire you to teach me?

[Or just do it for him so he isn't left with a hot mess of a basket.]


Eat, Drink & Be Merry! Open

[ At first, he finds himself the victim. Yes, the little scamps running through the crowd, giggling, have managed to lift some of his money. With a yell, he charges after them, barreling through groups of people and throwing the errant apology over his shoulder as he races to get ahold of the little thieves and show them he isn't someone to mess with.

Except, once he reaches them, they manage to charm him a little, and he leaves the interaction with a little bit less than he started the day with. In a sour mood, as well, since his frown is mighty as he stomps back through the crowd.

It doesn't help that, once he puts his money in his pocket, his fingers come back with two stud cards. The images of the men have him looking horrified before he shoves them back in his pockets, determined to toss them somewhere.

So now, instead of looking pissed, he looks embarrassed and suspicious -- ducking into corners, looking for a trash to toss them in, finally just tossing them into some random bushes. He coughs, looks around, and strolls away a little too casually.

Later on, he's helping himself to food, piling his plate a little too high. It's not possible for someone to eat this much, but he's still a Growing Boy (he likes to tell himself) and he needs nutrients. Now, to find a place to settle in and chow down.]

Wildcard!

[Hit me with anything else, make up whatever! You can contact me on violentwords. I would like for one person to find the stud cards (PLEASE SOMEONE FIND THEM) so Yuri can now begin the process of having evidence against him -- or just being made fun of, your choice. Hit me with what you got!]

Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

[al_bhed]

[Hi Yuri, hope you don't mind a teenage girl that you haven't met yet leaning in close to check out what's on your plate.]

Oooooh, lucky! You managed to snag some of the roast beef. They only had goose on the side I started on.

[Not that Rikku is suffering in any way--her own plate is piled as ridiculously as his, large leg of goose and all. She's a Growing Girl, after all!]

Holidays that are about food are the best, huh?

Yennefer | The Witcher

[chaoticbeauty]

challenge 3 → track & observe (jaskier & geralt).

[ Yennefer wasn’t interested in discussing what occurred during the night when Jaskier threw that fucking log on the fire. Apparently, a literal interpretation of that word. Possibly. She’s not sure. And she doesn’t want to be sure. So, while she wouldn’t normally be interested in something so trivial as a scavenger hunt, it was the perfect distraction to create an opportunity to not talk. And while not talking was often a speciality of two of the three of them, someone else struggled with silence.

Tracking the creatures seemed easy enough given Geralt’s skills before beginning his transformation. With the benefit of daylight as they arrive in the area indicated by the map, narrowing down the location going relatively smoothly, Yennefer is optimistic they can get this taken care of before the sun sets.

That is until she spots a maze and one of the hedges moves on its own. ]

Everyone else saw that, right?

[ Or was there another log hidden somewhere distorting reality again. ]

challenge 5 → singing shrooms (jaskier & geralt).

[ This challenge was a chance for Jaskier to shine, honestly. And Yennefer is more than happy to take a step back and let him figure this out. She had a keen eye, but this required a skill she hadn’t mastered -- one perfect for a bard. Even if she’ll likely have a headache by the time they’re done as they grow closer to the caterwauling. She’d be a fool to think Jaskier might’ve pushed himself to the point of sickness to prove a point or prove his worth. It’s an unfair comparison when stacked up against her or Geralt. They just had years of experience on him that carried some transferable skills to their new situation. She also had decades of experience with magic to know her own personal limits and when to push them versus when to back off.

He needed to learn, though she might do more to offer a safer way to do it.

Hands resting on her hips, she stays a bit back in an attempt to not be affected by any poison or hallucinogenic spores, but near enough should Jaskier find himself in any true trouble.

It doesn’t help the sounds, though. ]

Gods, that’s horrific.

kiss-tletoe redux (open).

[ The garland and wreaths are pleasant to look at, Yennefer not really paying much attention to the enchanted mistletoe. A bag in hand containing a gift she’d purchased after quite a bit of uncharacteristic indecisiveness, she’s not paying attention as she roams.

At least, until her feet decide to stop their journey forward. She feels herself collide softly with someone else, the sound of a few giggles echoing around them and a clap or two as strangers call for a kiss.

Her eyes look down at her feet, then up at the mistletoe dangling above, and finally fall on the face of her apparent fated mistletoe-mate. A sigh of exasperation escapes her lips as she tries to decide if it’s worth destroying the mistletoe or just getting this over with. ]

Fuck.

[ It’s not you, it’s absolutely her. Apparently this month just had some strange plans for her. ]

wildcard.

[ Feel free to find her around town or at the feast or shopping for gifts. Hit me up on plurk @ [Bad username or site: ”hoopskirts” @ ”plurk.com”] if you’d like a starter for something else. ]

3.

[gynvael]

[ Between Yennefer and Jaskier, Geralt is unsurprised he's wound up here. Doing this...mystery hunt. His memories of that particular night are still fuzzy. In truth, he can't decide if that's for the best or not.

Either way, he's avoided talking about it. It's worked out for them so far. He sees no reason to change what's effective. Hunting is a fine activity for avoiding conversation. It comes with the job.

In the interests of not sending Jaskier back to bed with yet another injury, Geralt's opted for the safety of daylight. The hedges are enough of a maze; he doesn't need anyone getting lost in the middle of the night. He's studying a track on the ground when Yennefer speaks up. It takes a second. Then he sees it, too: the hedges, shuffling.

Naturally. Is nothing simple around here? He peers over to where Jaskier is. On occasion, the bard has a tendency to wander. ] Just stay with me.

Killua Zoldyck | Hunter x Hunter | Witch

[killuwatt]

i. a friendly competition - closed to ozymandias.

[ If Killua could have had his way, he'd have entered the scavenger hunt on his own. He's restless, in need of a distraction, and he can feel the surge of uneasy magic inside him that pushes to be harnessed, used, on more than simple spells around the house or in classes or training.

He's been cured by now of the Cwyld infection he'd suffered a couple weeks back after his last excursion into the Wilde, but if there was any lesson to be had, he either hasn't learned it or has ignored the warning. The idea of being paired up with a stranger fills him with annoyance; he plans to ditch the loser, whoever they are, at the first possible chance.

So when he's finally shown to his partner and cheerfully told to go make a new friend, Killua looks sulky and bored, hands in his pockets. He purses his lips, looking the man up and down with a thoroughly unimpressed brow-raise. ]

Just don't get in my way, and we'll be fine.


ii. kiss-tletoe redux - open

[ This is so... embarrassing. and annoying!!

A couple of natives linger nearby, cheerfully encouraging a smooch on the cheek or forehead in good fun. Killua's just a teenager, and depending on who he's stuck with, this could either be awkward as heck or just slightly demeaning (in his view, because he's definitely going to protest being treated like a child!)

He sighs, crossing his arms and looking away. ]

If we both just concentrate on leaving at the same time, we can probably break through it...


(( ooc: wildcard is always available! if you have another idea for a starter, just toss it at me or lmk over at gunsandchocolate or via PM. ))

ii

[piromare]

( right now, the ground is much more appetizing for lio. it's not that he doesn't want to look at killua. it's more that he doesn't want to catch the eyes of some of the natives. )

Can't you dispel it? Or burn it? Or... something?

( lio would be more than happy to destroy the plant, but he can't even flap his wings to get up there. it's just beyond his reach. damn that height deficiency of his. )

this isn't late at all shhhhh

[stopfen]

Craft Fair - open
[Most of the stalls got a look from fae, though she didn't spend much, buying a few of the wooden toys that appeared. No metal, she doubted iron or silver would be used in childrens' toys but it wasn't a risk that she was taken. She ended up with a few good boys. They were mostly normal, the only enchantment on them was one that made the frogs move to pick up the stick so it couldn't be lost.

But most of the fae's attention was caught in a crafts lesson. She didn't need to learn knitting, not really, she already knew the basics she was just here to pick up a few new stitches.

There was also crochet. Which wasn't something Mikasa had seen before so that was getting an attempt. Though she'd only gotten as far as making one long chain before an owl harpy stretched their wings, sending the fae's ball of yarn flying off her lap and into someone's head. Well, that was one project attempt unraveled. Because the fae's attempt to catch it had ended with her pulling the strand of yarn.]

A Friendly Competition - Closed to Levi
[As far as collections went, this one seemed pretty simple. They had to get information. That was it, how many Neeklur lived in the maze. Most of them would be napping and hiding somewhere in the grove. The duo would only have to follow their one using the magical tracker.

Except there was one problem. Getting the creature in the harness. For the time being Mikasa was cradling it, using one arm to brace the small shivering creature against her chest, her other hand petting it. As it clung to her shirt, turning it's wide eyes between her and Levi. Then giving another wiggle for freedom lashing it's long tail out. Only getting more coos from the fae.

...You might be on your own with setting up the tracker Levi.]

this also isn't late at all

[dirtdevil]

[ that thing sure is... uh. cute? is 'cute' the right word? he probably wouldn't admit it even if it was, so maybe it doesn't matter.

Mikasa seems to think it's cute, the way she's... aggressively snuggling with it. it's an odd sight to see. or maybe it's just an odd sight for him to see? he really only ever sees her crack a smile at his own expense. it's not something that bothers him, but surely there's something that makes her happy other than his pain, right?

maybe it's cute animals.

he glances back and forth between Mikasa and the weird rat thing a couple of times and raises his eyebrows. he almost looks amused. (almost.) ]

You planning on taking that thing home with you or something?

[ it kinda looks like she's already adopted it. ]

Styx | Witch | it's not late, it's ~seasonal~

[tothemetal]

one;

[it's the holiday season, but Styx has actually been pretty hard at work! with so many people out and about at the craft fair, he'd figured this was the perfect opportunity to try and do one last heavy round of soliciting for some gift donations to the harbor orphanage. he'd received a surprisingly high number of presents already (compared to his low expectations for an idea of his own creation, anyway) but...those kids had experienced a rough life, after all. a few more nice things for them couldn't hurt.

what this means in a practical sense is that the big guy's spent a fairly long amount of time in a single place, unmoving and focused on the people passing by rather than his surroundings. he's got no idea that he's parked himself beneath a sprig of mistletoe up until he decides that he's done enough for the day and can go enjoy the fair himself now - and promptly does a fair impression of Michael Jackson's impossible lean when he attempts to vacate the spot.

unprepared to meet resistance from his own body, he stutters and stumbles backwards, brushing up against the other person who's unknowingly triggered this problem as he fights to keep his balance.]

Whoa, shit, sorry-!


two;

[speaking of those adorable little scamps...that's definitely a familiar pair of hands that Styx feels brushing up against him right now. normally this is the kind of misfortune that he remains oblivious to until he's home and the damage has been done, but maybe he notices in the moment because he's pretty close with the perpetrator - or maybe it's because this kid has already filched stuff from the person perusing the craft table next to them and the pilfered purse is jingling a little.

either way - woop! he's grabbing the little naga in an instant, strong hands gripped firmly around the girl even while she tries her damnedest to squirm free. there's clearly been a lot of practice put into maintaining such a hold on unruly children.]

Hey! What're you playing so mean for, huh?


three;

[the massive feast Aefenglom had extended to the citizenry had truly been a sight to behold. even Styx's prodigious stomach had been tested with the number of dishes available, although with time rapidly stretching out between his departure and now he could probably fit a few more courses in again. it had been warm and jovial, everything he loved about a big gathering, and he'd loved every second spent there.

all the same, he'd left a little early. there was somewhere else he wanted to visit before the night had ended...or somewheres, he supposed; the homes were all in the Outer City, but not particularly connected to one another. some of the people he'd helped clear out garbage for...he wanted to say hi to them and visit for the holidays as much as he had for the more affluent natives he'd grown friendly with.

it was a shame that they hadn't been allowed to the massive party, he thinks, and a little strange at that. but he'd been careful to box up some of the best goodies to bring with him into the slums, as well as to portion out some of the kebabs he'd made himself so that everyone could have a taste. this was going to be just as nice of a party, he's sure! just as soon as he gets his bearings and remembers where exactly those people lived.

it's as he's standing at a crossroads, packages in hand and eyes squinting up at the street signs, that some of the angrier residents fall upon him. hulking and cheerful, Styx's massive form makes for the perfect target, and it isn't long before a big rock thinly disguised as a snowball hits him square in the back.

the big guy starts, jumps a little, and turns to find the source of the sudden blow. the embittered assailants are unrepentant for their actions, jeering at Styx and his arrogant gifts - as if the people here couldn't have provided for themselves.]

Oh, uh...sorry, dudes.

[they're pretty valid complains, the drummer believes. he is sticking himself somewhere that he doesn't belong, as per usual. rather than try to defend himself he simply takes the abuse, shoulders only hiking up slightly when the men return to pelting him with icy stones in earnest. this is something that he deserves, so it would be rude to try and hide from that. even when some of the blows collide with his head he makes no attempt to so much as shield his face.

...it really is making it difficult to figure out where he's going, though.]


wildcard;

[this is stupid late so I doubt anyone's gonna want to wildcard it up, lmao, but if the fancy strikes you come at me! I'm open to pretty much anything.]

one!

[velvetshot]

( Styx represents a lot of firsts for Yazoo. He's the first person who's ever spoken to him openly, without wariness or loathing, and the first person who's ever tried to introduce him to a new genre of a music, and now he's become the first person who's ever given him a gift. To say that Yazoo was surprised to receive it would be an understatement — he'd spent a moment blankly staring at the package, as though there were some kind of mistake — but when he'd opened it ...

Well. The colour of the scarf easily invoked that first meeting of theirs, and Yazoo found himself experiencing an emotion he'd never quite felt before. He wouldn't be able to describe it if asked — it's somewhere between warm, pleased, and perhaps a little embarrassed — but it was further intensified when he moved the scarf away to find the carefully pressed record of Styx's music.

Perhaps this is what Cloud, and Sephiroth, and even Kadaj have been trying find for themselves. Perhaps the strange sensation swirling around his chest is simply what friendship feels like.

It isn't until he happens across Styx by quite chance that he thinks to thank him for the gift. Yazoo would recognise him anyway: a man that size is quite difficult to mistake for someone else, after all, and he's just about to tap him on the shoulder when Styx stumbles back and knocks right into him. )

... It's alright.

( An amused little smirk touches his lips; no apology needed, Styx. Unaware that he's now rooted to the spot too, Yazoo presses on: )

I'm glad I found you. I wanted to thank you for the gift you sent me.

( He touches his throat, because look! There's the scarf, wrapped loose around Yazoo's neck where the shimmery material all but glistens in the light. )

The record, too. I'm looking forward to listening to your music again.

Closed to Akko, Fang

[long_live_the_queen]

Hey. Slow down. I see them.

[A shadow in the branches said, echoey voice quiet but not a whisper. Woodlands were a better place for Kaede to fly without embarrassing herself, but her wings were hardly quiet. Or at all stealthy. But nothing paid much mind to shadows, and with the Wilde summer canopy there was plenty of shade to hide in. She'd have to come back down eventually, but there was still time to skulk about.

In the clearing ahead, though, there'd be no hiding. The sun was far too bright--perfect for the trio of elk that occupied it. Two younger ones were grazing, the more grizzled third sitting lazily in the sunlight with its eyes half closed and its foliage-covered antlers turned towards the light. Despite the picture of ease, though, its ears pivoted about constantly, turning after rustling leaves and the motion of birds. A woodpecker's drumming made the two smaller beasts glance up, but they returned to the important business of eating flowers soon after.]

[recklessbelief]

[While Kaede has been stealthily moving about the canopy, stealth has been a little harder on the ground. It's not so much clumsiness (though there have been a few roots that Akko swears up and down that they tried to grab her feet) as it is just the occasional chatter. Nothing important. Nothing constant. Just every now and again, Akko has something to say and she just says it whether Fang's really listening or willing to engage. As much as she knows she's probably supposed to be quiet right now, she can't help it.]

[But when Kaede finally pipes up, Akko stops mid-word.]

Really?!

[It's more of a stage whisper than anything. She grabs onto Fang's arm out of needing somewhere to put her excitement, lest she end up spooking the fauna even from this far away.]

How many? Do you see them yet, too, Fang?