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

[long_live_the_queen]

[For an unexpected moment, Kaede paused. The library was quiet enough to hear the little "er" noise she made, though very quietly.

She still didn't know how to handle people being nice to her.

Eventually, though, Kaede shook her head. Her voice was a bit less terse this time.]

...no, they're supposed to be in a certain order.

[And down she went, descending the rungs of the ladder. Once she got down to the more well-lit floor, her eyes stopped reflecting light so much. But her pink hair and horns were still visible—the horns a bit longer and less stubby than they had been at the gardening class. There were bandages wrapped around her left hand again, new ones unstained by green smudges.]

[topslug]

[ Now that Yako could see more of Kaede at eye-level, instead of squinting at her up on a ladder, recognition finally kicked in. ]

Oh! You go to the gardening classes too, don't you? [ ... Not that she could remember her name, but she decided to smooth over that bit of awkwardness by simply introducing herself with a shallow bow. ]

I'm Yako Katsuragi. Sorry for not recognizing you sooner.

[long_live_the_queen]

[The pink haired woman was a little bit taken aback by the enthusiasm, but...this person just seemed to be that way, from the two hours Kaede had seen her. She didn't bow back, but stood awkwardly stiff. It wasn't a restful pose, but more one stuck between two possible options. Should she bow back—no, it was probably too late for now.

The least she could do was give her name, though.]

Kaede.

[The horned woman unfroze enough to shrug.]

Don't really mind.

[This person didn't seem to be a threat, just...friendly.]

[topslug]

[ Friendly, she certainly is. ]

Well, it's nice to meet you anyway. [ Yako gives her a quick smile, then turns to the pile of books. ]

Well ... shall we get these back on the shelves first, then?

[ It seems despite Kaede turning down her offer earlier, she's still determined to help. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Yako will balance out Miss Grumpy Grump over here very nicely.]

I said I didn't need help.

[Sort of. Maybe. Not exactly.

Kaede's shoulders set into a slight but stubborn huddle, not unlike a mildly disgruntled turtle. Also something she was fond of doing, in addition to not talking.]

[topslug]

[ The grumpy response doesn't make Yako falter any, still giving Kaede that cheerful look. ]

I know, but it will go by faster with more than one pair of hands, won't it? [ She raises said hands in question, as though to ward off to protest or show they're empty. ] I'll do exactly only what you say.

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede still wasn't fully convinced, and grumbled a second time. Two sets of hands but only one ladder. made that more of a "maybe" in her mind.]

What if I told you to get off the ladder?

[Her resolve was wavering, though. Spending this time scolding the other woman was taking up as much time as actually. Putting the books away. Kaede glanced at stack, which was precisely as large as it had been before.

Grumble, grumble.]

[topslug]

Then I’d do exactly that.

[ She stands with her hands loosely at her side, looking between Kaede, the books, and the ladder. The easy route would be to scamper up, grab the book she was supposed to find, then go, but she finds herself curious about this grumpy library assistant despite herself. She’s certainly less helpful than the other librarians have been. She glances at the book stack, skimming the titles curiously to see if anything jumps out. ]

I had way too much fun with these fake book titles

[long_live_the_queen]

[Still, Kaede paused. So she could just tell this...guest to piss off. But that would take time and she'd really rather be doing something else.]

...whatever.

[The horned woman knelt, and grabbed the first book off the stack to pass up the ladder. Her left hand was wrapped in gauze, the nails more triangular than they should have been.

That particular book was titled How to Get a Witch Off Your Doorstep, and Other Stories for your Next Tea Party. The next one on the stack was titled Concerning the Curiosity that is the Cockatrice, the second down The Best Practical Guide for a Supernal Kitchen Garden, and the third Choosing the Most Fashionable Carriage for the Modern Era. There were others, probably with similarly pompous titles, but the lantern light wasn't quite strong enough to make them out just yet.]

lmfao, these are great. hope it's ok to assume kaede kept passing them up, but i can rewrite too!

[topslug]

[ Taking up the first book, Yako couldm't help but snort slightly once she got a better look at them, but it's the work of a moment to figure out where it best fits in on the shelf. They're all pretty disparate subjects, so it's hard to believe they'd all be shelved in exactly the same spot ... first book set into place, the next was shelved in much the same way, but it was the third book that gave her pause, lingering over the title. ]

Hmm ... having a garden, that's not a bad idea. [ She glances up at Kaede. ] This library really has all kinds of books, doesn't it?

That's fine!

[long_live_the_queen]

[That reaction to the book titles wasn't unexpected; Kaede had done the same, almost-but-not-quite laughing at them. She huffed impatiently when the woman seemed to be taking too long to shelve the third one, eager to get this over and done with.

Her expression did brighten marginally at the mention of gardening, though it chilled again when they looked at her.]

Have you seen how big it is?

[topslug]

I haven't seen all of it yet ... I just thought it was going to be all magic and histories and such. It's nice to know there's that kind of thing here, too. [ She set the book back with a gentle, firm pat, reached for the next book, and spent a moment or two looking over for the right spot to put it before sliding it into place. ]

It makes it all feel a little bit more real, in a way.

[long_live_the_queen]

[That was...hm. Kaede held onto the last book a bit longer, glancing at its cover. It was still just as frivolous and pretentious as before, like this world was taking a jab at her specifically--instead of fleshing out the real people here, not just the big historical events. Different perspectives, and all.

Kaede mumbled to herself, shaking her horned head briefly like she could toss unpleasant thoughts out with the motion.]

Is that the only thing that's clued you in?

[What, no, she's not bitter. Whatever gave you that impression.]

[topslug]

Well, there’s also just talking to people. But there’s a lot of things people take for granted you know just because they grew up with it. If you read enough, you can understand a little bit more about the person who wrote it... usually. [ Yako muses out loud, before glancing over to take in Kaede’s expression. She seems angry ... though Yako isn’t entirely sure why. ]

Do you like reading?

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede was almost always disgruntled about something; it was one of those universal constants, like water being wet and gravity existing.]

I guess.

[A brief pause, to consider her answer further. She hadn't gotten many chances to really sit down and linger over a book, but it was a decent way to pass the time if a, uh..."host family's" cable had been cut.]

Books aren't noisy.

[And if she didn't like what they were saying she could just shut the cover and put it on the bottom of the stack. Much harder to do that with a person.]

[topslug]

[ Ha ha ... Yako’s not sure if she should take that as an implied scolding or not. Still: ]

Plants aren’t, either. ... Is that why you decided to take the gardening class?

[long_live_the_queen]

Mn.

[Kaede answered honestly, though she...did probably mean some of the scolding. This library didn't have a quiet policy, but she sure did. It was mostly enforced by Kaede shutting up or walking away.

But she was doing neither right now.]

Flowers aren't so bad.

[They usually didn't have loud opinions, dreams aside.]

[topslug]

For the most part, no, they aren't. That's what I came here to find out more about, actually.

[ Yako's mind can't help but drift to the flowers from the strange dream in the forest. ]

This might sound strange, but ... you haven't come across anything about flowers that could talk, have you?

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede blinked, tilting her head quizzically. Her horns exaggerated the gesture.]

Talking ones? No.

[Flowers with meanings making a message in an arrangement, yes, but not talking directly.]

Where did you see those?

[topslug]

[ Embarrassing as it sounds, she wouldn't get anywhere if she wasn't willing to put herself out there. ]

... In a dream I had, before I came here. I think they might have been infected with the Cwyld, but I don't know if it would have given them the ability to talk or if that was something they could do before.

[long_live_the_queen]

[That word was one Kaede had only ever heard here--at least, spoken in that particular way. Did this woman come from a world with that word in it?

Or was she in that dream too?]

What did they say?

[topslug]

[ Yako clears her throat. ]

Um, they didn't say anything, exactly. ... They were mostly screaming.

[long_live_the_queen]

[Oh. That was fun. Kaede made a sound that wasn't...quite a hum, but not a growl either. Too harsh for the former, not aggressive enough for the latter.]

Not ominous, or anything.

[topslug]

Considering we were attacked right after, it was a pretty good sign of trouble.

[ Yako heaves a sigh. ]

... Anyway, that's the kind of thing that sticks in your memory. And the things that attacked us matched the descriptions of creatures infected by the Cwyld.