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

[iminthebook]

He started drying dishes as she washed them. Little things working together. This felt like a good thing. Yes.

He nodded as she asked that. "I think so, but it sounded more like a plague almost, when I heard about it. and no plague is unstoppable. Even if it is magical. We'll find a way to defeat it, to restore the balance to this world." Harry blew out a long breath, thinking about that.

"We can defeat it. I've faced worse."

[ishisstrength]

The corner of Justine's lips twitched into a light rueful smirk at Harry's over confident reply. "Somehow," She began as she passed him the last of the plates to dry. "That's exactly what I thought you would say." It was a very Harry Dresden response and as predictable as it was, Justine was glad to hear it.

Things might become disastrous somehow but Harry always saw those sorts of things to the end. If anyone was here protecting her, she was happy that it was him.

"So." Justine turned towards him. "What should we do first? Magic or find a place for the garden." They didn't have any of the materials they needed but they could find a good area of the yard to mark where the garden would eventually go.

[iminthebook]

"Oh really? Am I getting predictable in my old age?" He chuckled as he worked.

"You have a cute smile. Did you know that?" The words just kind of slipped out as he dried plates, and he cast a glance at her.

"Why don't we go out to the garden area, and when we find it, we can practice there. We can work on trying to move earth and air and water." He nodded. "Then we can go to the market tomorrow, maybe, and see if we can find seed and the like."

[ishisstrength]

Her cheeks warmed at the compliment. "Yes but it's always nice to hear." She watched as Harry put away the last of the plates before snapping out of the turmoil of her thoughts.

"I don't know if I can move anything but I'm willing to try." Justine was learning the basics about the types of magic but she hadn't exactly stuck to one discipline yet. She wasn't sure what she could do or what she should do. Magic was such a daunting volatile thing.

"I am in your hands Harry."

[iminthebook]

Harry smiled as he finished, then turned to her.

"I am sure you can, with practice." he wiggled his fingers at her. "I'm still learning, and very new to it too."

He extended a hand to her again.

"Shall we?"

[ishisstrength]

Justine gently lipped her hand in his, shivering when there skin touched and followed him to the yard outside. It was a lovely yard and not large by the Raith's standards. There was a place to sit in the far left corner and a spiral stair case to their right as they walked out onto a small patio.

There was plenty of room for a garden and a white picketed fence that managed to keep the yard contained. Justine's hand slipped out of his as she walked out to the center of the grass.

"Maybe in the corner next to the house? How much sun do herbs need?" Justine wasn't sure if they required direct sunlight.

[iminthebook]

Harry felt stronger, and more confident as he walked with her and smiled. This was fun. He looked around, and then looked at the spot she mentioned and he nodded.

He followed her and hmmmed. "That would be good. And we can do our own sunlight. " He knelt letting his knees his the ground, and closed his eyes, stretching a hand out over the ground, he started whispering words, loud enough for Justine to hear, the same ones over and over as he concentrated.

Sunlight, and proper arrangement, and the weather just so. He concentrated and pushed all of his will on it, thinking about it and his hand slowly glowed up a little, a dim area of sunlight shimmering from the bottom of his hand to the ground, brightening it. It flickered, fading, then growing back to the dim light it was at, and he breathed out as he let it go.

"I need to practice that one a lot more."

[ishisstrength]

She followed him to the far corner of the house. It was here that she could see where the exhaust from the kitchen exited the outside wall of the house. She smelled the rich scent of the bread she had been cooking that morning and then notice a small line of ferns that had been planted near the front side of the house. They were far enough away that they wouldn't give the herb garden any trouble but Justine had never noticed them before. They were cute.

"Do herbs need a lot of sunlight?" She asked as she stepped past him towards the small expanse of grass next to the house. Justine had found a few small twigs in the grass and used them to mark a square in the grass, the new edges of their garden.

"How is that for size?" Justine couldn't use magic like Harry could but she had a practical way of thinking. "We can try to turn over the earth but we might need to do this the old fashioned way Harry." She knelt at the edge of the area she marked and stared at the grass.

Justine tried to summon the stir of magic that had somehow gathered inside of her. Nothing happened. "Harry?" She looked up at him, a thoughtful frown tilting her lips. "How would you summon light if you were back in Chicago? Can you walk me through it?"

[iminthebook]

Harry nodded. "That is good." He smiled at her. "Different herbs need different amounts, and it is hard, but it can be done if you pay attention and really see what they react to best."

He gently patted the grass as he knelt next to her, his hands folding in something like a prayer formation unconsciously.

"Back home? Regular light, with applied use of will, by thinking of light, and of the flow of it, and of how it feels as it touches my skin. Sunlight? That is harder."

Harry swallowed as he closed his eyes and smiled. "Sunlight needs happy thoughts. Thinking of something that makes you smile, and gives you joy, real joy, in your life." Harry thought of Justine, and her warmth, her trust, the way she helped him, and the way she made him feel. And he stretched out his hand, thinking of the teachings the cove had given him, and how it felt to get something right. How magic felt, even here, and he blew out a breath as he grinned softly.

Soft and dim sunlight flowed over his outstretched hand, flickering there, and then gone, and then back in again, warm, and gently happy, it stretched out for the ground, and for Justine, seeking her like a blob with a mind of its own. It kept vanishing, or growing dim, but then coming back strongish.

[ishisstrength]

She listened and watched as the sunlight flickered above his palm. Her smile grew as a soft giggle escaped from her lips with the sudden appearance of the light circling around her head. Justine had never seen anything like it before and it was wonderful.

"This is amazing Harry." Thin fingers rose and lightly brushed against the light only to have it phase through her limbs.

Justine didn't know what he was thinking about but it was beautiful. "I hope I can do that one day." Happy memories were tricky things but she thought... just maybe... she could conjure one with each practice.

"We have light and dirt. Now we need water." She paused as she turned to look at him, her lips tugging into a light smirk. "And herbs."

[iminthebook]

"You are amazing, and I know you will do amazing magic." His light faded and he sighed, then smiled at her. She inspired him.

"We can irrigate, maybe? We'll have to get some books on how to do it here. When I did my own garden, I had help from someone who knew how." He nodded.

"Also, my last one was smaller and inside."

He chuckled.

"And herbs. We should see if any markets, either street or store, have any."

[ishisstrength]

Justine glanced up at Harry with a smile. "I have found some books from the Coven. I hoped that we can start today." If Harry didn't have anything else he wanted to do.

"I can check the market for herbs when I pick up more food for the house." She paused thoughtfully, her lips tilting into a light frown. "We'll run out of money soon. I haven't been able to get much. I don't have many of the talents that are valuable here."

She'd thought about learning more about potions and selling those but Justine wasn't sure how difficult that would be. She'd have to start learning and find out.

[iminthebook]

"I would be glad to start today with you." he nodded, one hand gently touching her shoulder.

"I've been doing the notice board work. Maybe we can do some more together, pool our efforts and earn more?"

he nudged her. "I am sure we can find you have far more talents than you know."

[ishisstrength]

A smile tugs at the edge of Justine's lips as Harry's shoulder lightly bumps against hers. He's always so confident and sure of himself. It's a little annoy but she'd missed it too.

"Okay." They can work together, even if it's only on the occasional job. Justine might try and find other ways to pick up more money as well.

"Do you mind if we start magic now? I can go out this afternoon to grab the things we need here." They have all day since they are both early morning risers. "I was thinking... there are many types of magic. Maybe I should try to learn an attack?" Even if it's only just one.

[iminthebook]

Harry nods, mind already sliding into study mode.

"I don't mind at all. Lets find some comfortable places to sit, where our bodies wont get uncomfortable if we don't move for awhile. In my experience, much of magic is concentration and repetition, practice until your mind wants to weep, and more practice."

He chuckles, but smiles at her.

"An attack is probably a good idea. Of air, earth, fire, watrt, and electricity, what feels most... natural to you?"

[ishisstrength]

Justine glanced down at her palm, curling her fingers inward before placing her hand over her chest. "Air. I think. I don't know. I haven't given it much thought before now." She hadn't had to learn magic before and she wasn't sure where to start.

What element felt more natural?

None of them really felt natural but that probably wasn't the answer he was looking for.

"Why don't we sit over there?" She pointed to the small house of throw pillows that was at the far corner of the yard. They could make it comfortable and it'd be easier to fix than the house."

[iminthebook]

"We can experiment, and find what feels right. Your body will tell you when we find the right thing." he nods.

Her suggestion makes him smile and he rises from where he was kneeling at the garden area, and holds out a hand to her.

"I like our little blanket fort."

[ishisstrength]

Justine's lips quirk into a smirk as she rose to her feet. "I think I can do that." The tip of her fingers trail across Harry's shoulders before heading towards the small shelter, her hips drawing his gaze to her ass.

"I am very skilled at listening to my body." Her words wrapped deliciously around her words.

She slipped into the small shelter, watching as the wind picked up the sheer curtains around it. It was filled with pillows and Justine couldn't help but think how wonderful of a place this would be for a small orgy.

"Blanket fort." She hummed softly. "Does that mean it needs a code name?" And a sign that reads: no boys allowed.

[iminthebook]

Harry shivers as he watches her go, and the way she moves, and her moving body,m and her very attractive moving ass, he groans softly. "Wow."

He follows her, shaking his head. He is so very doomed.

As his long legs lets him catch up, he doesn't try to pass her, but instead lets his hands settle to her hips, thumbs resting just on the upper curve of that entrancing ass.

"If you want it to have one, sure." He chuckles. "And we can permanently veil it, once we learn how, so no one else can see or hear it." He nods.

[ishisstrength]

Justine glanced over her shoulder, her dark eyes glittering while a knowing smile tugs at the corner of her lips. "Oh? What are you thinking is going to happen here?" She teased lightly as she took a seat amidst the plush pillows that had somehow been untouched by the weather. Justine supposed it was some sort of magic but she wasn't sensitive to its touch yet.

Warmth lingers where Harry had touched her but Justine tries to push the feelings away. It wasn't unpleasant but she needed to focus and... it was so hard to focus.

"Come one." She whispered as she gently pulled him into their fort of pillows and sheer curtains. "You're the teacher, aren't you?" Justine leaned forward and let her lips brush against the shell of his ear.

"Teach me."

Justine pulled away and sat like an angel in a cascade of clouds as she watched Harry. That was probably a little mean of her but she couldn't help herself. She resisted the temptation of his touch, only to offer another.

[iminthebook]

Harry snerked, shaking his head and slowing his pace, taking a long, long breath.

"Probably nothing,but friendship and smiles, which, to me, is the best thing that ever could."

He deliberately stepped back form that edge, then, letting himself accept that she was probably just teasing him, an meant nothing by it, and that he should not tease her in kind. He smiled a thing almost sad, but not too much so as he settled opposite her in the small room.

He shivered, but did nothing more at her almost kiss and teasing touch, and faced her. "I've been told I am a hard teacher. Are you sure you want me to teach you?"

[ishisstrength]

Justine wanted to ask Harry if he was interested in something more than friendship, maybe not love but plenty of affection. Except that wouldn't be fair to him and she knew it. Harry wasn't the kind of person who would be able to accept that and if Thomas ever arrived here...

Complications were bad, she knew that, but Harry was sweet and kind and Justine couldn't help but want that.

She pulled herself from her thoughts as Harry settled across from her. Her expression soft but understanding. "I think I can handle you, no matter how hard you are." Justine couldn't help the innuendo.

"How else will I learn?"

[iminthebook]

He wished he knew what was going on inside her mind. Having seen her later in her life, he knew she could and would get better, almost by sheer force of will, and that she would find her footing. But for now, he had no idea if he should even try anything more. And he hated that he was starting to care for her, far more than physically. Stupid brain.

Harry shook his head and nodded. "I will do my best then. I will do all I can for you, Justine. Maybe we can learn together."

Harry offered her his hand.

[ishisstrength]

"Ah." Her lips parted in surprise as she gently brushed her fingers against his palm and took his hand. "Yes. I'd like that."

She smiled, her head tilting to the side as dark hair spilled over her thin pale shoulders. "Where should we start?" She was ready and while Justine didn't have a lot of faith in herself, she was willing to try her best.

Sometimes, that's all she could do.

[iminthebook]

"With air, then, and breathing exercises." He smiles and squeezes her hand, then turns it gently so it is palm up, and begins a low humming, in tune, that vibrates from low in his chest as he does it.

"I wan you to hum, and close your eyes, and lets see what we can learn..." This could be an amazing adventure.