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

[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.]

[activatingcombatmode]

Really? Alright!

[Wow, he really didn't think that was going to work. She seems sweet. He's elated. Zack quickly smiles and runs a hand through his dark hair.]

My name's Zack. It's nice to meet you.

[ishisstrength]

[Her lips curve into a warm smile.]

Yeah. [It sounds like fun and honestly, Justine doesn't go on a lot of dates. Her life has never been that... normal.] I'm Justine. It's nice to meet you Zack.

And thank you, for helping me with this.

[She still has the necklace cupped against her abdomen.]

[activatingcombatmode]

Sure, don't worry about it. We could all use something nice to keep around here.

[Since they're all away from home and stuck in this foreign place. It's a nice place but still. Some luxury isn't a bad thing.]

[ishisstrength]

I think so too.

I hadn't arrived with anything. [Not even usable clothes.] It's taken some time to acquire clothes and everything else. It's selfish. I'm sure. But it's nice to have something that's not what I need but what I want.

[It's an odd thing and a silly trinket but it helps in its own way.]

Is there anything you like?

[activatingcombatmode]

I didn't arrive with much either. I didn't even have my weapons on me.

[And his materia is just a bunch of useless fancy marbles now.]

I heard some people talking that there is a lot of extra work around here so I hope to be making more gil for things soon. Don't worry about me.

[Quests, ahoy!]

[ishisstrength]

[At least his materia are pretty fancy marbles.]

I'm glad to hear it. I admit, I'm not sure what I can do around here. This isn't like the world I've done before.

[She's starting from scratch.]

I'm not much of a fighter. At least, not yet.

[activatingcombatmode]

You're a witch, right?

[Noted from what she was saying to the old lady just earlier.]

Once you've learned some magic I bet there will be plenty of work for a witch to do around here. If that's what you wanna do.

[They all need money eventually and working is a good way to make it. He suspects that witch powers are valuable around here.]

[ishisstrength]

So I've been told.

[She doesn't exactly believe it yet.]

I hope so. [Justine smiles.] I might have to see what's available. I'm sure there is a little bit of everything around here. Like any other city. I just need to find it.

[Her head tilts curiously to the side.] And what about you? Are you going to life heavy objects for a living?

[activatingcombatmode]

[He grins wolfishly.]

Why not? I'm good at it. Honestly I was a soldier back home so finding work like that is all I really know how to do.

[Lifting, fighting...]

I know there's work to do like dealing with the issues outside the Bright Wall. So I'll probably be checking that out too. See where I can help.

[ishisstrength]

I admit, I'm a little envious. I wish I had those types of skills.

[For a various number of reasons.]

You'll have to tell me about it. I don't know if I'll get out there myself. [She is going to try because she wants too but Justine needs to be safe about it, which means that she probably shouldn't go alone.]

[activatingcombatmode]

I'll make sure to report back.

[The only lady then gives a wave at him and he grins. He gives her a nod goodbye.]

Guess duty calls now. I'll see you around soon. Enjoy the necklace.

[ishisstrength]

I will.

I'll see you soon.

[She smiles and waves back at him before continuing on her way.]