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

[interlucere]

[ It's not just him, she's been having problems too. Mostly just the brooms, since it seems like whoever enchanted them gave them more than enough tenacity to make their lives difficult in the most annoying ways. But no wonder the board decided to heckle him. He painted a target on his back by being so passive.

Lux was going to work up to this point, but when he asks, a smile quietly spreads across her lips. She couldn't have planned this better. ]

As a matter of fact, I am. [ She holds one finger up for demonstration. ] We were thinking about finding another person to move in. Someone who's easy to get along with, and who doesn't mind sharing the space.

[ Is it weird to call that part out specifically? She's not used to sharing space with anyone other than immediate family and their servants. ]

[scaling]

[ The offer is immediately more compelling than any of the papers stuck up on the board. He may not really know Lux, but she's proven to be a friendly enough person. Not to mention, she seems like the type to be a considerate roommate.

Well, whether he's easy to get along with is entirely subjective (he'd like to think he is, though), but... ]

I wouldn't mind sharing. [ He'd prefer it, actually, but given how uncertain Akira is of where that feeling even came from, he's not going to voice it.

But also, the matter of "we." ] Who else would be there?

[interlucere]

[ In theory, yes, she would probably be a fantastic roommate, despite this being only the second time in her life sharing space with anyone who isn't family (or directly exployed to work on the estate. Even if she does keep odd hours. And forgets to eat when she gets caught up in something... But she's considerate, at least! A considerate disaster.

The smile on her face brightens considerably, and she directs that light at him. ]

Souji Seta. He and I were put in a room together at the Coven. It seemed easier for us to look for a space together.

[ Please don't read too much into that. ]

[scaling]

[ Hey, that explanation seems perfectly reasonable to him.

But more notable is the fact that the name sparks recognition in his mind. ]

Ah— [ It's been a good couple of weeks, but Akira recalls a silver-haired guy going by the same name at the bonfires. ] I've met him before.

[ And, thankfully, he seems about as easy to get along with as Lux does. Isn't this a lucky coincidence? Akira is feeling more positive about this potential roommate situation by the second. ]

[interlucere]

[ Oh! What a pleasant surprise. Not that it should be surprising, all told—Souji seems the type that would know just about everyone. But it's almost as if this was meant to be. ]

Then I'm sure he won't mind living with someone he already knows!

[ She sounds so pleased with herself, throwing her hands behind her back once more before offering Akira a cheerful grin. ]

Did you want to see the house first before you decide? We just finished moving in ourselves.

[scaling]

[ Lux seems delighted to learn that they're already acquainted. The way her face lights up is entirely different from the worn but warm smile she wore back at the infirmary, but it seems no less sincere. Akira offers one of his own. ]

I think I've already made my decision. [ He's pretty sure that the lack of a breakfast nook or one less bathroom than expected isn't going to be a deal-breaker at this point. The fact that the Coven is even setting them up in these houses is staggering enough to begin with. He's not about to complain about the accommodations.

Akira hikes his bag up his shoulder with his free hand. ]

But I wouldn't mind seeing it now anyway.

[interlucere]

[ After their initial meeting, it feels nice to see Akira smile like that. It makes the decision of taking him on as a housemate seem right, driving away any doubt she might have had. This was going to be a good experience, she can feel it in her bones.

They all might be far away from everything and everyone they know back home, but this could be a small ray of sunlight they need to chase those clouds of doubt away. She would make sure of it! ]

Shall we, then? It isn't too far from here.

[ Leading him away from the housing board, Lux keeps a slow pace until they make it away from the crowds; glancing back at Akira to make sure he's still behind her. ]

I'm surprised that Miss Nerissa and the Coven were able to put something like this together so quickly. It feels like everyone here came together to help out.

[ Well, most everyone. She doesn't feel the need to bring up the protesters. ]

[scaling]

[ With a nod, Akira follows, and once they've emerged from the thicker group of people near the board, a few longer strides puts him into step beside her. ]

Yeah. It's unbelievable.

[ That may just sound like a casual remark, but there really is part of him that's somewhat wary—understandably, given his experiences. People in power typically wouldn't so much without expecting something in return, something more than just them becoming contributing members of society. He's not about to turn down the kindness, given their position, but let's just say that Akira's eyes are open. ]

[interlucere]

[ That grabs Lux's attention, looking over at Akira as he walks beside her. Demacians have always been the type to help others in need, but there has always been a decent amount of lip service paid when it comes to how much the people (especially the upper class) are willing to give. This goes above and beyond what she's used to.

But from what he's implying here... ]

Are people not like that where you're from?

[ She should probably be less up-front about this question. Ah well, too late now. ]

[scaling]

[ Akira's reply is momentarily delayed as he glances in Lux's direction. ]

Some are.

[ Most of his relationships back in Tokyo were founded on an exchange of some sort, but not all. Sojiro, for one, didn't have anything to gain from taking him in and providing for him. So he's well aware that there are people out there who are simply that kind. ]

But there's also corruption. People who take advantage of others when they're in a bad place. [ Like being stranded in an unfamiliar world. Akira wants to believe that it's genuine, but he also narrowly survived an elaborate murder plot just a couple of weeks ago. Best to stay alert, really. ]

[1/2]

[interlucere]

[ Oh. That's not the answer she expects from him, and hearing it takes her aback. Lux pauses, resisting the urge to look over at him, to gauge his expression in order to figure out the best way to respond. Was he trying to be pragmatic, or is there something else there? It seems a bit too focused to be the latter.

Not to mention that there's something there that strikes close to home.

Looking up, she speaks carefully, giving each word its own space. ]

I think that's true no matter where you go. Even the most idyllic places can produce the darkest shadows.

[ She would know. ]

[2/2]

[interlucere]

[ Lux doesn't let those words settle, however, quickly turning her head toward Akira and offering him a somewhat sheepish, self-depreciating smile. ]

Although, this is the first time I've been out of my own country, so I'm hardly one to talk.

[scaling]

[ And that earns Lux another glance. It sounds like she's speaking from a place of first-hand knowledge, but—given what she mentioned last time, being from a land experiencing war, that understandable.

Akira's mouth quirks, just barely, at her amendment. ]

This is my first time being in another world, but I think you have a good point.

[ Of the bits and pieces he's heard about other people's worlds, wildly different in many ways, the nature of the people living in them seems to be a constant. ]

[interlucere]

[ There's much more to it than that, more to the constant fighting than to preserve their hollow definition of perfection. But Lux is just as happy when he smirks, taking the other thread of this conversation and following it.

No use dwelling on things they can't change.

Her countenance shifts into something more congenial, and Lux leads them toward a more affluent section of the residential district, she shifts her focus on the houses in front of them. ]

What is your world like, if you don't mind me asking? Is it anything like this place?

[scaling]

[ The progression of the houses from smaller, more standard forms to more opulent ones isn't lost on Akira. She did say it's just the three of them, right...? ]

It city I came from—Tokyo—is sort of like this.

[ It's easier to limit his description to what he's familiar with than try to sum up the entire world. ]

Big, but more populated. Our technology is more advanced, but we don't have magic. [ Generally, anyway. Access to the Metaverse isn't exactly common, from what he can tell. ] No Monsters. People are all regular humans like me.

[interlucere]

[ Just three—and look at that, the houses keep getting more impressive. Hmm.

Another city that sounds like Piltover. That seems to be more common than those that remind her of Demacia City or High Silvermere. Lux stores that knowledge away for later. ]

This must be a big adjustment for you, then. [ Understatement of the century. ] We have both monsters and magic in my world, but we don't encounter them in the larger cities.

[scaling]

[ Hmm, indeed, Lux. ]

It is. [ A little softer, a little amused. It's less so than one would think, due to his experiences, but being apart from the support network that's built around him makes him feel especially out-of-place in this world

Her following comment is interesting, though. If neither of those things appear where the most people congregate, then... ]

Are they not as accepted in your world as they are here?

[interlucere]

[ Now it's Lux's turn to hesitate.

She knows there is no danger in talking about it, that logically she's safe to talk about what she is and openly embrace it here like she always wanted to back home. But there's still that fear that her confession would follow her, and that "sin" would not be ignored in Demacia. The Mageseekers would see to that, and the Illuminators would hardly draw attention to themselves to save one of their own.

Eyes forward, Lux quickens her pace slightly, placing herself a few steps ahead. Her hands still clasped comfortably behind her back, she looks up, a distant smile painted on her lips. She speaks quietly, her voice carrying only enough so that he can hear. ]

The use of magic within Demacia's walls is considered a crime, and those able to wield it are seen as less than human. There are those who would go to great lengths to "cure" themselves or their loved ones of what is considered by some to be an affliction.

[ That is the world she lives in. An idyllic place where the darkest shadows dwell. ]

[scaling]

[ Her rapid steps give him the sense that Lux wants the space as she contemplates the topic. He hangs back with his slower pace, gaze respectfully removed from her expression as he idly observes the way her hair falls lower along her back with the tilt of her head.

Akira sips his drink thoughtfully. Lux doesn't seem opposed to talking about it, despite the distance behind her words. ]

Are people afraid of it? [ He can't imagine why else they would react that way. ]

[interlucere]

[ That's a complicated question. That was what their nation was founded on, after all. Creating a safe haven for those fleeing from the subjugation brought about by mages. But for as difficult of a question this is, Lux hardly needs to consider the answer; ]

They are, but not for the same reasons they once were.

[ The threat of dark magic still holds, but that isn't the reason that these draconian laws stay in place. They aren't meant to protect the people, but to protect the status quo.

She briefly glances back at him, before letting her gaze divert elsewhere. ]

They're afraid... because they're told that they should be. It's what they— [ ... ] What we're taught.

[scaling]

[ There's a clear divide in her speech—they—that Akira doesn't think is just because of the way he phrased his own question. While he can't put his finger as easily on the exact reason, he gets a solid feeling that she doesn't prescribe to the same blind beliefs as her countrymen.

Nor does he: ]

Condemning a person because of something they can't help being born with... [ At least he assumes that to be the case, going by her description. ] I guess that's something else that happens no matter what world you're in.

[ There was plenty of that back in his home world, and just as much here, in the nasty looks shot between humans and Monsters.

Akira allows himself a couple of longer strides now, putting him closer to her side again. ]

Sounds like you don't think about it that way.

[interlucere]

[ Maintaining the space she has created between them is the only thing that keeps Lux from whirling around to stare at him in disbelief. He hasn't said anything revolutionary or wrong per se, but it's something that she's never heard in that context. Maybe she's reading too much into this. There's so much there that he doesn't understand, that he can't feasibly understand, and for a moment she wonders if she should just laugh it off. Make a joke about how heavy this conversation has become and quickly move the subject to something else entirely.

But as he closes the gap between them, questioning her stance on the matter, she throws that consideration goes out the window. Because it's funny, there was a time when she wished things could have been different, when she wondered what it would be like if she were born somewhere else, somewhere that embraced her gift... ]

I can't think about it that way.

[ Her hands fall to her sides as she slows to a stop, forcing herself to look at him. Standing this close, their words won't carry; now, if only she could tell her racing heart that. ]

I would be condemning myself if I did.

[ Time to find out if she's placed her trust in the right sort of person. ]

[scaling]

[ His steps trail off a moment behind hers. Ah. That explains it, doesn't it? Akira's first guess would've been a friend or a family member, but Lux herself...

Brushing the hair away from his eyes turns into thoughtfully smoothing a lock between his fingertips. ]

... That must've been tough. [ He doesn't know the details, whether she was caught and tried or running from the law or hiding it somewhere deep within her, but no matter the case, being unable to openly accept part of oneself is rough.

However, Akira soon offers her a smile, turning his gaze towards the street, where a couple of the Witches overseeing the progress of the moving day are in view. ]

Looks like you landed in a good place, though.

[interlucere]

[ Even if she doesn't know Akira well yet, she can tell that he's fidgeting. He isn't sure what to say. Is it because he's having second thoughts? Or did she catch him off guard? Maybe she should have kept this to herself; the last thing she wanted to do was make things awkward between them.

Lux opens her mouth to speak, intending to try to diffuse the heavy air with something a lighthearted jab at herself. But Akira beats her to the punch, doing so with a smile that completely floors her. She doesn't follow his gaze at first, too dumbfounded because no one's ever reacted that way before. Even admitting what she is over the network, she was met with an (understandable) terse response. Lux has no idea what to do with this. It's unexpected. ]

...You may be right.

[ The words tumble out quietly, as she pulls her attention away from him to watch the scene play out in front of them. She can't be certain yet, and she knows that this is all just temporary, but... ]

It almost feels like being given a second chance at life. [ A small, quietly grateful smile catches in her eyes. ] It would be terrible to waste it while we have it, wouldn't it?

[scaling]

[ Having similar words to what he told Akechi earlier echoed back at him gets an amused exhale from Akira. ]

It would be.

[ He would think maybe that's their reason for being drawn here, but what about him? It may be an opportunity for Lux to embrace what she is, or a chance at a fresh start for Akechi, but what is this supposed to be for Akira? Before being drawn through the mirror, his life was the best its even been. He'd finally found his place. He didn't really need a second chance.

The next exhale sounds a little bit more like a soft sigh, but his smile remains as he turns his head towards Lux. ]

Can you still practice magic? It seems like people lost their powers coming here. [ It's a good thing Akira is the type to be deliberate with his words. He almost says we instead of people. ]