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.
|
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Killua Zoldyck | Hunter x Hunter | Witch
[ 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
ii
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. )
no subject
[ Killua mutters something under his breath, snaps his fingers, and a blue spark of electricity appears between his thumb and forefingers. It zaps upward in an arc toward the plant above, and bounces right off. ]
See?
[ Looking at his accidental companion again, Killua narrows his eyes, recalling now where he's seen the guy before. ]
You really have a way of bumping into people in the stupidest ways, don't you?
no subject
( probably situations and not so much people, though when he thinks about galo thymos... it's probably a 50/50 kind of deal. either way lio is more interested in trying to break out and also not look at the people around trying to encourage what looks like the 'easiest' way out. )
How long have you been stuck here?
( trying to dodge the fact he can't use his wings either, with the sudden feeling of anxiety coming from not being able to get into the sky. he needs his freedom! )
no subject
[ Killua grumbles, looking off to the side with what can only be described as a frustrated pout. ]
Not that long. I thought it might just let me go if no one came close enough, but then you showed up.
Better than crashing into me, though not by a lot.
no subject
Yeah? ( another huff. ) Both times have been accidental.
( next time might not be!!!
and then quieter, just between the two of them: )
The people around us. Are they saying we need to...
( does he have to finish his question )
no subject
[ Killua sputters, shivering at the fresh gust of freezing wind swirled around the Harpy's wings. ]
If you crash into me on purpose, you'll regret it. [ How exactly? Who knows.
And no, he doesn't need to finish the question. Killua grunts, crossing his arms tighter across his chest and looking away. This is so stupid... ]
Yeah. You know the drill.
Just don't try anything weird! It doesn't have to be that-- y'know. That much.
[ be gentle he's saving his first kiss for his bf (best friend). ]
...or we could stand here and wait for someone to get bored of watching us do nothing and dispel it.
no subject
( he's not the one that found himself under the magical plant trap first, okay! so if anything, he should just be known as 'second idiot'. 'co-idiot'. something to that effect.
and then lio rolls his eyes. it's his turn to fold his arms. )
How much is too much? If you know, then you should be the one that kisses me. And there's no way I'm going to wait here. What if they never let us go?!
no subject
Killua tries not to blush, as much anyone can "try" not to blush. Naturally, this is a feat easier said than done, as his face grows suddenly more pink when Lio just says it out loud. The k-word. ]
You- you know! Like on the mouth and stuff! That's gross.
[ Well. Unless it's someone specific, but--
It's not!! So it doesn't matter! ]
...it should be fine on the cheek, I guess. As long as you don't move. Or make it weird.
Don't make it weird.
no subject
he swallows. )
Okay, okay. I'll just...
( slowly, lio leans in. )
... just don't fidget, okay?
( because he might. closing his eyes, lio gets his face right up to killua's cheek and... gives it a quick peck with warm, soft lips. )
no subject
I won't!
[ Fidget, that is. He tries to hold very still, and closes his eyes too because somehow that's less embarrassing.
Lio's lips are warm, and softer than he expected. Killua's face is flushed, but his cheeks is cold from the windchill.
As soon as it's done, he takes a quick step back, testing the spell. ]
no subject
it doesn't mean he won't angrily blush.
as killua takes a step back, so does lio. finding that he can move his feet, he quickly gets away from the plant. )
Ugh.
no subject
As soon as Killua realizes he can move away from the plant, he takes another quick step back, practically jumping. No offense, Lio. ]
Ugh is right!!
[ Killua makes a show of 'wiping off' the kiss, pulling a rude face at the small gaggle of girls standing nearby and giggling at their tribulations. A few others clap and commend their good sportsmanship in following the tradition. ]
C-come on. Let's get out of here. These stupid plants are dangerous!
no subject
They are. ( he sniffs, casting a baleful glance over the people watching them both. ) You need a lift? Promise I'll get you anywhere you want safely.
( and it means a faster getaway from their small audience. )
no subject
He sighs, exaggerated, and nods. ]
Sure. Back to the Haven's fine. I'll tell you where.
no subject
flying no matter what--- as a burnish or as a harpy, is a liberating feeling. )
Just point me in the right direction. I live in a cottage in the same area.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Mind your tongue, boy. You are speaking to the King of Kings.
no subject
[ Oh, this one's way too easy to rile up. This is either going to be more fun than expected, or even more annoying, and Killua's not sure yet which way things will go. ]
Unless that's your name, in which case... ppft. That'd be stupid.
no subject
[Ozymandias steps on the bead, crushing it beneath his heel before taking a step back. The spell enchanted into the bead triggers with its destruction and releases the summoned sphinx from within. By Ozymandias, it's a much better choice than a horse out in the Wilde. It certainly spooks a lot less easily. The beast gives a small stretch before bending itself low enough for Ozymandias to climb on its back. It remains low enough for Killua to also hop on behind Ozymandias.]
no subject
[ He stops though, blinking curiously at the activated spell for just a moment before it turns into an enormous cat of some sort, and his eyes go round and wide. ]
Whoa! What the hell is that?!
[ Despite not knowing what it is, though, he has no trouble at all hopping up and hoisting himself into the space behind Ozymandias. One hand smacks the animal, very lightly so as not to actually spook it, seeing how it feels. Solid, not an illusion, but... ]
Where did it come from?
no subject
You are unfamiliar with sphinxes?
[Seems a bit odd to Ozymandias as even those from worlds where such beasts are a mere myth, there is still familiarity. Granted, it tends to be with the Greek notions of them as obsessed with riddles and other such tricks, but they understand the basic principle of their positions as guardians. It's a rare experience to find one entirely clueless.]
These creatures are divine guardians in my world. They guard our sacred places and our tombs. I command an army of them.
[You were scoffing about authority, Killua? Because he could order this beast to eat you right here and now.]
no subject
So you're the king of giant cats that guard dead people? Sounds pretty niche.
Did you make this one with magic, or is it real?
no subject
Do I look like a sphinx to you, boy? The king of these beasts is the most fearsome of their species. I am an ancient king of Egypt.
[His other question goes completely ignored. Ozymandias feels it should be obvious.]
no subject
[ Maybe it's more willful annoyance than ignorance. ]
You never told me where it came from. Can I summon one too, if I learned the spell?
[ Something about saying he's an ancient king gets Killua laughing again, though. ]
Yeah, you're ancient all right. You shouldn't be signing up to do dangerous missions, old man. You'll break a hip.
no subject
[Ozymandias brings the sphinx to a halt as a force spell slams into Killua, clearly with every intention of dismounting him from the beast. Regardless of whether the spell successfully sends him to the ground or not, the look Ozymandias gives him is cold and sharp enough to kill if looks were capable of such things. If the spell isn't enough to knock him off, Ozymandias has zero reservations about grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and begin dragging him off.]
I am the third king of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, the Great God-King of the Sun, the King of Kings and of Construction, the one whose legacy has made him worthy of having bestowed upon him such names as the Great Ancestor by those of the modern era of his land and Egypt Sunshine Ramesses by Mirrorbound of worlds far-removed from his own, Pharaoh Ozymandias.
And I shall not tolerate an insolent whelp like you questioning my capabilities any further. Do I make myself clear?