Event Log: May

[moustre]

Event Log: May, Moving Day

I. GATHERING The morning of the 15th is heralded by the sing-song voice of The Coven's coimeadai sidhe Nerissa Bell ringing through the hallways, seemingly unimpeded by the heavy doors or any silencing spells that have been placed in rooms. She asks that all those who arrived at the beginning of the month - not the new inductees, the ones from The Looking-Glass House - gather in The Coven's main room; she has some exciting and important news to deliver. Once everyone is gathered, Nessie (very much a morning person, and sorry to the anyone who isn't) grins and lays a hand on her chest. "Thanks to a good bit of your lot, we've managed to get things ready in record time - aye, I should start out with what I'm talking about, aren't I? Well, well - with the Parliament's permission, thank goodness for my Mhairi's sharp wit, we've managed to get a space for all you to live in outside of The Coven. You can still come and attend classes or talk to all of us, 'course, but everyone's been getting a bit itchy with such suddenly crowded quarters, aye?" Aye aye, calls some poor, tired student from the second floor as they pass through, and Nessie pauses with a slow blink before she laughs, shaking her head. "Anyway, gather your things if you have any and follow me. Or us," she corrects herself, as a few other Witches seem to materialize from nowhere. "Can't be out without a couple of friends, I suppose." As soon as everyone's ready, Nessie and her entourage lead them out of the courtyard, aglow with fresh flowers and the soft light of dawn peeking between the clouds. The spot they've managed to get isn't too far from The Coven proper, and it doesn't look much different than the rest of the Aristocratic District that it resides in - the only thing that sets it apart is the sign Nessie takes a moment to conjure up and hang with balls of light between two streetlamps. The Haven. "Named so as a respite for all you refugees," she explains as she turns around; she sets her hands on her hips, gazing out at the crowd, and gives them a small smile. "I can't stay and chat right now - Mhairi's still with Parliament even with the hours, and I've got things to get in order at the Coven still - but if you have need of either of us, we'll be in contact. We've a little mailbox set up in front of the Coven just for you lot, so just drop us a letter or some such with one of our names or both, and we'll be right quick about answering, we will. Within reason," Nessie adds, laughing a little, "'course, within reason. Anyway, find some familiar faces and have a lovely time, will you?" With that, and a few more little goodbyes, Miss Nerissa Bell takes her leave; half of her Witches disappear with her, but the other half remain to help keep an eye on things as the day progresses and to help with directing people to either houses or the barracks set against the Wall. While there will be no NPC threads this time - sorry! - we have opened up an NPC Inbox! You can find it here. While they definitely prefer letters, they do both have watches now like cool moms and can be contacted through that as well, provided they aren't busy at the time.

II. THE HAVEN Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in an program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Some may be familiar with this portion of Aefenglom already, as they took on the task of helping to clean the area up. Surprise, one could say; they were preparing their own future homes, for their stay in the city. However, another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. Not everyone is so happy, however. A very vocal group of younger rich people are set on harassing and bullying those moving into The Haven, and they aren't afraid to use a little magic to do it. Levitation, fake fire, real fire, sudden weather shifts, and threats to do more if they don't find somewhere else to live are all present - these aristocrats don't care for the new people butting into their lives, especially anyone who looks distinctly non-human or already have signs of their Monster traits coming in. There are others, though, who are quite pleased to have new neighbors - many of them weren't so happy with their other ones - and have set up little stalls to peruse and tables to sit at to help foster them in. These have everything from food to flowers, to expensive-looking trinkets and jewelry on them - the people running them are quite amiable, especially closer to the Residential District proper, and don't mind handing these out for free... or mostly free. The only thing they'll ask of any characters wishing to procure something from their gifts is to perform a trick - sort of like a one-man talent show. They aren't picky, and as long as a character does their best, they'll give them a gift. (Or someone with quick fingers could just swipe them off, given how unprotected they are, but that person will find their hands turning red and leaving similarly-colored marks on everything they touch, as if dipped in paint.)

III. AND THEN THEY WERE ROOMMATES To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches left over from Nessie's group have come together to set up a little roommate finding service that will run for the week. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a similar kind of amplification magic that Miss Nessie used earlier in the morning for her own voice. It seems these Witches - or at least one of them - has a prankster nature... and unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. a. A LITTLE MISCHIEF While by and large the board will work as it should - a listing is filled out, put up, and read aloud for all to hear - for characters who aren't interested in doing some writing, or who can't for one reason or another, the board will take it upon itself to make one for them. It isn't going to be the most accurate at all, being either completely fictitious or based on a first impression from the board itself. This can range from "They have blue eyes, so you know they're a kind person!" to "How stand-offish, they must be a crook! A thief! A villain!" and anything in-between, including but not limited to: outrageous feats they may or may not have accomplished, poor hygiene habits, false accounts of incredibly embarrassing moments, and so on. b. A LITTLE HANDS-ON Not entirely content with just allowing people to write their preferences and call it a day, a few of the younger Witches have begun magicking small chocolates, hard candies, and bubble gum, and handing them out to new arrivals as a welcome treat. These aren't any ordinary treats though - they have one of three of effects: • Sticky fingers, meaning characters will stick to anyone or anything they touch. • Truthfulness, meaning characters will say whatever they're really thinking or feeling at the moment. • Desire for company, meaning characters will gravitate immediately to the first person they see, regardless of their feelings on them otherwise. Thankfully, none of these last long - only about ten minutes, and they can't be combined with each other; eating one candy with one effect will simply replace any other effects... Which might be for the better. The subthread for this can be found HERE, while any ones that are made up by the board itself can be simply written into your top levels or replies to other people. Have fun with it, and good luck finding some housemates!

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

Comments

Justine 💗 Open [Witch]

[ishisstrength]

II. THE HAVEN

a. HOUSES

[Justine trails along the line of houses looking for one that will suit her needs. She hopes to find a small reasonable family home with a minimum of two bedrooms for her and one Harry Dresden. She doesn't know Dresden as well as his his brother but he's someone she can trust to keep her safe and it's a better option than attempting to live with a stranger.

Maybe they'll find people that they can trust to join them but Justine is uncertain. She's calm now but her moods have a way of getting away from her if she isn't careful and she doesn't want to accidentally hurt someone.

Her heels click along the stone pavements as she continues to make her way down the lovely set of homes. She has a small bag of clothes she'd purchase slung over one shoulder and is wearing the outfit that Ira had been kind enough to procure for her shortly upon her arrival.

She hesitates when she reaches a large screaming group of aristocrats and while she has no monster features, she does become an accidental by-standard of a magical down pour. Her hair plasters to her pale cheeks while her arms circle her torso. The group doesn't seem to notice or care that she'd been caught in the crossfire and there doesn't seen to be an easy way to dry off.]

b. SHOPPING

[The pad of her finger lightly trails over an ornate necklace she'd found at one of the stands.] This is beautiful. [Her lips shape into a warm smile as she lifts the glimmering stones, holding it in the palm of her hand. It likely isn't made out of an expensive material but it does look lovely against her pale complexion.]

How much is it? [She asks, looking up at the middle-aged woman manning the stand.

The proprietor looks thoughtful and then decides with a decisive nod of her head.] Show me a trick? I want to see some magic. You are a witch aren't you?

[The request causes Justine to hesitate. She is a witch, according the to Coven, but she isn't confident in her skills to be attempting something now. At the same time, she doesn't wish to relinquish the lovely piece in her palm.]

There isn't another way?

[Nope. The woman is adamant about seeing something spectacular.]

c. RESTING

[Justine finds a small patch of green around an empty bench to finally rest her feet. In her lap sits a half dozen young rose buds that she'd been given by a kind flower merchant. Her thumb and forefinger gently pinch the stem of a rose, rotating the bud as she inspects the young plant.

After a moment she lightly places the pad of her finger on the tip of a thorn. It only takes a little bit of pressure before a bright scarlet pinprick of blood swells at the pad of her finger.] You can do this. [Justine whispers to herself as she places the rose back in her lap with the others.

She doesn't have a lot of experience with magic but she has to try.

Her finger doesn't heal but all six of the rose buds in her lap brighten and begin to rapidly bloom. Justine doesn't seem to notice, as her focus is directed solely at the pad of her finger.]

III. AND THEN THEY WERE ROOMMATES

a. A LITTLE MISCHIEF

[Justine hasn't put her name into the roommate finding service. She has no interest in being pulled into a house with a handful of strangers and yet as she passes the board she hears her name called out along with a string of unfortunate and incorrect claims.]

"Looking for someone who likes sweets!" [She pauses in front of her board but she can't seem to get it to stop.] "Raven hair and pale skin; she'll wake up in the morning with a kiss!"

[She sighs. There doesn't seem to be an off button...]

That doesn't even make sense.

b. A LITTLE HANDS-ON

[A small chocolate rests in Justine's palm while the man who had handed it to her vanished into the crowds. She looks around and notices that they're handing out an assortment of candies. It must be safe to eat... She pops the chocolate into her mouth and enjoys the rich taste of the lightly sweetened treat. Justine doesn't even consider that there might be something wrong with it.

She begins to go on her way when the next person she brushes against gets thoroughly attached to her. Being as small as she is, Justine finds herself suddenly being pulled in a new direction and falling rather ungracefully to the ground in a tangled heap with the unfortunate soul attached to her.]

Oh no.

I'm sorry.

IV. WILDCARD

[ooc: you know what to do. hit me up on plurk if you want though mizuyoko]

c Resting

[iminthebook]

"Justine? Nice to see a friendly face" Harry has been wandering, looking at houses and at the sales, too, and frankly, is done in a little. Seeing her there, he comes over and flops next to her, hoping she doesn't mind.

"Mind if I steal this piece of ground?" He peers at her from his spot and sees her finger, and blinks. "What happened?"

Harry was never a master of the obvious, even. And sometimes, he was even slower.

c Resting

[ishisstrength]

"Dresden?" Her chin rose to watch his approach, her voice sweet and open. She'd seen him frequently in the last few days but it was always pleasant to see him out in the world and away from their shared bed. "Are you looking for a house? I was hoping to find us something..."

Her voice trailed off and her gaze dropped back down to her finger. "It's nothing." She rubbed the pad of her finger against the leather of her pants and hope that the little prick might clot itself.

"I was trying to use magic."

Justine has yet to notice what she'd accomplished with the roses in her lap.

c Resting

[iminthebook]

"Hi." He nods, and shakes his head, soon after. "I am terrible at this world's magic." He groans.

Reasonably, he knows it takes time to learn and unlearn, but he hates that and wants to do it right, right now. Still, he nods to the flowers. "Those are beautiful flowers."

Her sits up more and thinks. "What were you trying to do? Maybe I can help?"

c Resting

[ishisstrength]

"I never thought I'd hear you admit it." Her tone was sweet, light and teasing as her gaze followed Harry's movements. She was always careful not to meet his gaze, knowing what would happen if she found herself locked in his sights.

A soul gaze. It was a daunting thought. Not because she didn't know Harry, she did, she'd watch him start a war and destroy for what he believed in. But her own soul was fragmented, devoured over and over again by his brother. She'd never felt ashamed but even so, she didn't want Harry of all people to truly see her. Then he'd see how broken she was and he'd likely leave.

She opened up her palm and showed him the small red pinprick. "I was trying to heal my finger. I used the-" Her voice cut as she looked down at the roses in her lap. "The flowers. They bloomed."

Re: c Resting

[iminthebook]

Harry stuck out his tongue at her as she spoke, but he was smiling, too. "I know I have limitations. And I do my best to not ram my head against them." He was reminded of his recent run-in with negatives nearby and glanced around, then relaxed.

He gently touched her back. "Maybe you did magic, after all."

c Resting

[ishisstrength]

Justine's cheeks flush a light rosy pink. "Is that so? I don't think anyone concerned with limitations would have been able to save me from Bianca." Harry hadn't been there to save her but Justine was grateful for his aid anyway. Even after finding her there, he could have left her, but he hadn't. She wouldn't be alive without him. She owed her life to him.

She lifted the rose and rotated it in front of her face. "I think I did." There was a note of awe in her voice as she smiled back at Harry. "I don't know how."

It hadn't been her intention but she was excited. "Maybe... I can do this." Doubt seeped into her tone as she lowered the rose into her lap with the others. Justine always felt the threads of madness unraveling at the edge of her mind, she doubted herself and her abilities, but she had hope. A very thin thread of hope.

IIIb

[oceanschild]

[Paris hadn't really been paying much attention to things himself, just wandering through the crowds trying to get his bearings and not panic with the press of people everywhere. If they're going to live here... he's really going to need to get used to that.

Unfortunately, that means he doesn't notice when Justine brushes past him, until their shoulders stick together and suddenly the two of them topple over, rolled over on the ground in a whirlwind of motion. He blinks wildly, trying to figure out what's going on, when his eyes land on her.]

I-- what-- what happened? [He doesn't even know enough about what just happened to blush over their position yet.]

IIIb

[ishisstrength]

[A blur of motion drops them to the hard stone path that cuts through the collection of offered homes. Justine finds herself on top of Paris, facing him with one leg slid between his. One arm feels as if it's pinned against him but the other attempts to push herself up to her hands and knees.

It doesn't work.

She tilts as her shoulder is firmly attached to his and falls back against him, knocking the air from her lungs. It takes her a moment to catch her breath and when she does, she speaks, her voice ringing near the shell of his ear.]

I'm so sorry.

I don't know what's happening.

[Her balance must be off... or something.]

Re: IIIb

[oceanschild]

[Oooooh well now Paris has the time to notice their position. He's almost frozen underneath her, wanting to not do anything untoward even though this position alone makes that very, very difficult. His face is almost on fire.

Aeto, meanwhile, thankfully didn't get caught up in this but she did see the whole thing, and now is flopped over on her side chirruping in a way that seems like she's laughing her stinger off at this.]

It's, uh-- [His voice almost squeaks its way out.] It's ok. Are-- are you ok?

IIIb

[ishisstrength]

[Justine glances up at Aeto, her dark hair falling over her shoulder as she eyes the giggling sea creature. She can't help but smile and then feel a little guilty when she looks down to see that Paris is not only turning bright red but pinned beneath her slender frame.]

I'm okay.

[Her voice is steady and calm but she isn't completely unaffected by their current position. Her cheeks are flushed from their tumble and a soft bud of heat blossoms where her body met his.

She tries, a final attempt, to roll off him but the connection tugs and this time she pulls Paris until he's on top of her. Her breath is uneven as she looks up at him, her expression apologetic. There connected somewhere along their sides but Justine isn't able to figure out how to get up now that they've found themselves on the ground.]

[oceanschild]

[This is not better. This might be worse?? He is more comfortable being pinned than pinning, apparently. At least it becomes clear that they're stuck, somehow, even though how to detached themselves is less clear. It's some kind of magic, is all Paris can figure, which...]

I guess... we just wait for it to... not...?

[Which means they're going to be laying like this until it wears off.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine realizes that she's a bit smaller than Paris now that she's lying beneath him. Her head spins and her body flushes with warmth at the close contact. There is no avoiding it but she pushes down the sensations and focuses on the practicality of their situation. Her hips shift, pushing at his to allieve the pressure on her lungs and allow her to inhale a deep breath.]

Yeah. [She swallows, tasting his breath on her tongue as they lay on the sidewalk. A few people pass but no one seems to bother asking what they are doing or offer to help.]

Are you alright? [Justine's lips twitch into a soft smile.] Your pulse is racing.

IIIa

[wylderrant]

You will wake up with a kiss, though.

[ Iramaat seems more amused than bothered. Magic is magic and it's not her getting embarrassed and awkward. She hasn't quite moved in on Justine yet, but she's getting there. She likes a bit of a slow build-up, honestly. ]

Or I think you will. Maybe I'll have to spend the night to test the theory.

[ She nudges Justine with an elbow. ]

The sweets are just a bonus, hmm?

IIIa

[ishisstrength]

I suppose so.

[She doesn't mind the words spoken by the board but something still bothers her. The implication that she's looking for a roommate is incorrect. Justine isn't sure what she's going to do but she can't bring herself to trust a stranger enough to live with them. It's easier in large housing of the Coven hall, where they have little space, but a home is something more than that.

It's a start of a life that doesn't feel right.

Justine gently shakes her head, ignoring the soft pink hue that's begun to spread across the bridge of her nose.] It got that right. I do like sweets.

I don't care for Snow White jokes.

[It isn't very creative.]

[wylderrant]

I don't know who Snow White is, unfortunately, so I've no idea which jokes might or might not be appropriate...

[ Iramaat shrugs. She's very casual about the whole thing, apparently. She doesn't mind living with others, at least if she feels like she can take advantage of them or find a way to put herself in charge. So why not see what pops up? ]

Well, regardless, I will happily feed you sweets if I can. You deserve it.

[ She gives Justine a little pat on the arm that might come a touch patronizing. ]

Glad to see you doing better than you were the other night, of course.

[ishisstrength]

[She gently shakes her head from side to side.]

It is a silly children's story of my world.

[Justine turns towards Iramaat, her lips shaped into a warm smile. She doesn't mind the patronizing touch, in fact, she takes a step closer to Iramaat and places a light kiss on the other woman's cheek. Her voice lowers and she whispers in the other woman's ear.] Thanks to you.

[She gently pulls away, her expression open and kind. She is doing a lot better now though there is always a subtle shadow of darkness reflected in her eyes. She is a time bomb and one day the threads of tension will snap.]

Are you doing well?

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat practically glows when Justine kisses her on the cheek and she returns the favor a moment later, leaning over to give her one on her cheek as well. Her arm casually snakes around her, hand resting against her hip. ]

Oh, you flatter me. I was only doing what any decent person would do in the situation, hmm?

[ Well, they probably wouldn't make her promise to come running when she's called, but Iramaat is... not great like that. ]

And I'm doing well enough. Still adjusting, honestly, but it's all exciting and new and different! I'm looking forward to really getting a handle on how to solve this place's problems.

[ishisstrength]

[The kiss is warm and pleasant against Justine's skin, inspiring a light smile to shape her lovely lips. It'd only been a few days since she'd first met Iramaat but she'd missed the woman's bright forcefulness.]

If you say so.

[Justine doubts that a decent soul exists. The Wizard Harry Dresden is the closest she's seen to a noble soul but his brand of chivalry is more of a weakness than it is a kindness. He has an easily manipulative point of view that often gets him in trouble and it's always because of a beautiful woman or what he calls 'doing the right thing'.]

It's problems? [Justine asks, ignoring the board as it begins to speak another's name.] Such as?

B

[activatingcombatmode]

[Zack is only slightly lost while he's trying to find his way around this side of the city. The shopping district winds and expands bigger than wall street and it's a bit of a headache.

Actually, everything is a headache. Maybe he needs to find someone selling some sort of painkillers.

While passing by he does notice a woman speaking with a merchant and the look on her face. He's not a witch but is there some way he can help?]

Need a hand with something?

B

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's fingers curl around the necklace as she turns towards Zack. She looks uncertain but a moment later she manages to find her voice.]

You could say that. [Her lovely dark eyes flick over Zack's frame before nodding her head back at the woman who is standing behind the counter of gleaming trinkets.] You don't happen to have any hidden talents or tricks that might entertain this woman.

I'm afraid that I'm not accustom to this form of trade.

[Justine has skills but they are nothing that she can use in this particular situation.]

[activatingcombatmode]

[Zack glances at the item she's holding and at the selection before them. Can't blame someone for wanting to get something new in this place. Everything is unique and trinkets seem to hold magic in them. Who wouldn't be curious to own something since this stuff isn't like anything he's seen before.

He gives her a smile and a small shrug of his shoulders. He then addresses the merchant,]

I don't have any tricks or magic if that's what you need. But I could offer some honest work if you need some heavy lifting done.

[What's a monster to do? Use his strengths of course. Literally.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine is confident that the necklace isn't exactly valuable but it's a simple tear drop shaped pendant and she'd been hoping to find a way to afford it. She now wishes that she had skills that deviated from cooking, cleaning and other domestic tasks.

She looks hopefully at the woman, her dark eyes pleading.]

If that's not enough, I have a rose. I had made it bloom but I don't know if I can do it again. [It had been an accident.

The woman looks as if she's considering them both before nodding her head in agreement to their bargaining. Justine turns towards Zack with a bright smile.] That you so much. I wish... I would like to repay you somehow... for your help. [She really doesn't have much...]

[activatingcombatmode]

[Easy as that. Zack doesn't mind doing some extra work and the old woman looks like she could use a hand anyway.

He smiles at her and while he doesn't really need anything in return he can't help but joke,]

How about one date sometime?

[Oh, Zack... He can't help it when he sees a pretty face.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine hesitates, her lips parting as his request echoes through her thoughts. It isn't that its an unpleasant thought but she's surprised.]

Just one date? [She asks, her voice sweet and light. She pretends to weigh her options before inclining her head in a graceful nod.] You have yourself a deal.

[It's unorthodox but Justine feels a lot more comfortable trading than asking Zack to help her for nothing. It's just how she is.]