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

[actuallyadork]

[A finger snags a bit against a point. Cloud blinks and moves the hair aside.

That was not a bump from a concussion. Or anything that Cloud has seen since watching Vincent change into various creatures.]

.... are you growing horns?

[activatingcombatmode]

[The little touch of Cloud's finger against the new nub of his horn makes Zack wince and he quickly pulls his head away from Cloud.]

Damn it, are you serious?!

[What the fuck he's growing HORNS.]

... Horns. I'm growing horns.

[actuallyadork]

[Cloud almost checks his own hair just in case. It seemed silly. He's a witch, and doesn't have to worry about horns. Right? Right... Hopefully.]

You might want to sleep on your back...

[And not ruin pillows.]

[activatingcombatmode]

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm worried about.

[He's maybe being sarcastic.

The thudding in his head is getting so much worse and he shuts his eyes.]

[actuallyadork]

[Maybe he was trying to lighten the mood? Or cover up the fact that he has no idea what to do about this situation.]

Have you felt any relief today?

[Zack seemed happy for a little while earlier... but that could just be Cloud's imagination.]

[activatingcombatmode]

Not...

[Zack trails off. There was one thing that distracted him for a minute or two from the pain but it was stupid.]

Sort of. But don't worry about it, I probably just need to try to sleep. Or find some strong alcohol.

[Where can he get beer.]

[actuallyadork]

[.........

Cloud stands up straight, hands on his hips as he watches Zack.]

Tell me.

[He's trying to help! Even if he's coming off as a bit threatening right now.]

[activatingcombatmode]

[Serious Cloud is a sight to see. He stares at Cloud and then lets out a small huff.]

Touching you seemed to help a bit. Must be because you're a witch.

[Cloud asked.]

[actuallyadork]

[Zack.

Zack.



How can you say that with a straight face? To a guy who is still sometimes questioning life in general?

The witch thing. It has to be the witch thing. That's it. Zack must be soothed by whatever magic this place has given Cloud.


That's.

It.

Cloud still doesn't know how to 100% reply to this without sounding potentially weird, so he looks away.]

........ [Think think think] Hugging is fine. No clinging.

[activatingcombatmode]

[With so many mentions of magic and how strong it is in this world he's not that surprised that someone like a witch might be able to diffuse some of his pain. If his body is going to be changing in ways that he can't control maybe it's a good idea if he finds some witches to be cozy pals with.

He stands up from his stoop and sighs.]

You sure?

[actuallyadork]

I'm already here, aren't I? You don't have to go look for someone else.

[It's convenient for Zack. And Cloud can keep an eye on him. That's not going to be mentioned out loud.]

You need the help.

[activatingcombatmode]

[Zack can't help but smile a little. It's thin but there is appreciation in his eyes. It's strange for him to ask Cloud for help even after spending so long helping Cloud when he was sick.]

Yeah. Alright.

[So, without much more warning, Zack steps to Cloud and opens his arms and practically bear hugs him.

Cloud SAID.]

[actuallyadork]

[At least Zack is tall, so there really isn't a chance for Cloud to get jabbed with the nubs. Still, the bear hug is a bit much. The blond makes a startled noise and stands there for a moment.

Oh yeah. He's supposed to hug back. Even if it's not as enthusiastic as Zack did.]

Is it helping?

[activatingcombatmode]

[Cloud, don't turn into a plank.

It's hard to notice at first because the pain is so widespread in his skull right now. But slowly it starts to dull when Cloud returns the hug. He's not sure what it is that does this but it has to be the new magic that flows inside Cloud. He's heard people talking about this. That there's a strange correlation between witches and monsters.]

Yeah. It really is...

[He continues to hug Cloud with his cheek against the crown of his hair.]

Weird.

[actuallyadork]

[Hmmm... okay. Cloud did not expect the hug to feel this intimate. Why does it feel like Zack is one step away from cuddling him?

Cloud.... is just going to pat Zack's back. What else is he supposed to do.]

Should I be glad I'm a witch now?

[activatingcombatmode]

Weren't you glad before?

[Honestly it's better than growing god damn horns.

The pain continues to dull the more he holds Cloud. So much that he does, in fact, give his head a good snuggle. Whoops.]

Hmmmm...

[actuallyadork]

Not really. They took the magic I knew away.

[Though he is glad he's not going through monster changes. He wouldn't be able to help Zack then.

There's a blush growing on his cheeks as Zack does that.]

H-Hey!

[activatingcombatmode]

[Don't stab him with a weapon now, Cloud! Zack lets go when Cloud protests and he lets go to put his hands up in the air with a wolfish smirk on his lips.]

Sorry, sorry. Too much?

[He's grinning. Even if he knows he pushed it.]

[actuallyadork]

[Even if stabbing was an option, Cloud wouldn't take it. He merely looks away from Zack with a slight frown.]

Way too much. That wasn't hugging anymore.

[activatingcombatmode]

Noted.

[He gives a small snort of a laugh and turns away. What happened to the hopeful chipper Cloud he knew that would be happy to get a rough hug from him? Right, he grew up. alongside some other issues]

Thanks for the quick headache fix. Come on, let's check the rest of this place out and claim it as our man den.

[actuallyadork]

[Give the guy some time. Patience will pay off in the end, when Cloud feels more secure that Zack won't just vanish on him.]

Right. Did you check how many bedrooms there were yet?

[Zack can have the biggest. Who knows what these changes will do to the others size....]

[activatingcombatmode]

[Just wait until he's knocking so much shit over with his wings--]

Looks like three. This place should work.

[Which means they have room for one roommate if they ever need it.]

[actuallyadork]

[Maybe they should live a minimalist lifestyle. Less to break.]

You take the biggest room. I'll pick from whatever is left.