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

[scaling]

I've seen fruits and vegetables for sale. Could be a start. [ Some of them were ones he recognized. Others... not so much. But it makes sense that there would be some new things around here.

Akira's expression shifts to something more thoughtful at the question. ]

Curry, burgers, ramen. [ Is Paris even familiar with those things? ] I'm not that picky.

[oceanschild]

Me too. I've recognized some of them... I should be able to come up with some things I know how to cook with. But I want to try other things too.

[His world has always been very small, and he knows it... here, at least, this seems like a safer way to make it a bit bigger.]

Oh--! I, um, sort of know what ramen is. One of my new roommates likes it and told me about it. [The other two not so much.]

[scaling]

[ Interest mildly piqued, he cocks his head sightly. Someone else from Japan, maybe? ] I wonder if they know how to make it. [ Akira himself sure doesn't.

But there is something he knows: ] If you need any help with your garden, I know the basics. [ There are surely people around here who know more, but Akira kind of misses helping out with the gardens on the school rooftop. ]

[oceanschild]

They knew what was in it... it might take a couple of tries, but I think I can figure it out. [Akechi didn't make it sound difficult.

He smiles at the offering, nodding perhaps a bit too eagerly.] That would be great... I don't really know what I'm doing at all.

[scaling]

If you figure it out, let me know. [ Ramen is yet another thing from home that he misses. He wouldn't mind taste testing some tries at recreating it.

Paris's barely concealed excitement draws out a smile on Akira's end as well. ] I only know what my friend back home taught me, but she mostly grew things like vegetables. [ So it's relevant knowledge, at least. ]

[oceanschild]

[Paris nods.] Mm. You'll have to tell me if it's right when I do...

Oh-- that's probably what I would start with, anyway. ...And getting started in general is what I don't know... [He knows you have to keep them a little bit separate, but.]

[scaling]

I've never started one off either, but we can figure it out. [ He's pretty sure that they can fill in the gaps in their knowledge between the two of them. ]

You would need seeds for sure... or some sprouts. [ He's seen Haru use both, but if one is better than the other in some cases, Akira has no idea. ]

[oceanschild]

[Paris smiles, a touch of excitement to it- he's actually incredibly excited by the idea, but he tries not to let his emotions show much or they... get out of hand, sometimes.]

Yes. Do you think they sell them separately, or should I talk to a farmer and see if they'll let me have some?

[scaling]

I'm not sure... [ Akira's been around the markets a fair bit, but he's never really paid attention to things like seeds or gardening supplies. ]

Why don't we go check it out sometime?

[ Truthfully, he misses outings with friendly faces. The idea of going on a shopping mission is an appealing one. ]

[oceanschild]

[Paris is very, genuinely happy that Akira seems to actually want to... well, maybe be friends is a little bit of a stretch, seeing as Paris has so little experience with friendship that he doesn't know what it looks like. But Akira keeps talking to him, at least, which is a good sign he's pretty sure.

He smiles, nodding again and this time being unable to completely hide the enthusiasm.] Yes. I'd like that. If that's ok.

[scaling]

[ Then it's settled. He brushes off the hesitant end to Paris's reply with a nod of his head. ]

Yeah, it would be fun. [ His hand, which has been absently petting Aeto throughout the exchange, gives her a pat. ] Aeto is welcome to come, too.

[oceanschild]

I'm not sure you could stop her if she wanted to go.

[Aeto trills in agreement, her expression what might pass for something mischievous. It looks pretty odd on a ray.] ...Did you find roommates too?

[scaling]

Doesn't look like it.

[ He's clearly finding humor in it; it does look odd, but he's used to seeing an unnatural range of expressions on Morgana's face as well. ]

She at least found a new fountain to hang out in. [ An amused noise. ] She can come visit whenever, I don't think Lux or Souji would mind. It's a big house for just three people.

[ His gaze slides over to Paris's house, similarly sized and designed. ] How many people are you rooming with?

[oceanschild]

Oh, is that where she went...? [Paris isn't really surprised.]

A lot. There's me and Aeto, and then Gundam with his... I think he called them hamsters? And Prompto has Perm. ...Akechi just has himself, I think.

[scaling]

[ Well, that sounds like a much fuller house than theirs. As far as he knows, no one in their house has a pet.

There is one thing Paris said that's giving him pause, though. ]

... You're living with Akechi? [ It's got to be the same one, right? ]

[oceanschild]

[Paris nods.] Mmhm. Do you know him?

[scaling]

We're from the same world. [ Since to call them friends wouldn't really be accurate.

Akira tucks his hands into his pockets. ] At least your house sounds lively.

[oceanschild]

Oh, really? [If them not being 'friends' is weird, Paris doesn't pick up on it; it's not like he has any friends back home, other than Aeto.]

Mm. It seems... nice, so far. I'm not used to it. [But for all that he's nervous around people, he does like them being there.]

[scaling]

[ A sentiment he's not surprised to hear. Paris doesn't seem too used to dealing with people. ]

I'm sure you'll get used to it. It's nice, having other people around. [ Something he feels even more strongly about now, for some reason. ]

[oceanschild]

Probably. ...I never really lived with other people before. It seems... fun?

[He hopes it'll be fun.]

[scaling]

No one at all?

[ Aside from Aeto, obviously. Well, that could explain some of his shyness. ]

[oceanschild]

Well, I lived with Maman. But it was just us otherwise.

[he is a mama's boy to his core ok.]

[scaling]

[ Akira is sort of getting that sense, and it makes him smile a little—but then his watch chimes a little, drawing his attention down towards his pocket. ]

Ah... sorry, I've got to get going for now. I'll drop by sometime to see about shopping.

[ He doesn't bother phrasing it like a question. Paris seemed pretty excited about the idea, after all.

But before Akira heads off, he gives Aeto one more pet and a little "nice meeting you," before offering a parting smile to Paris. ]

I'm glad we ended up neighbors. I'll see you around, Paris.

[oceanschild]

[Paris nods. He's never been good at making friends, but Akira seems like something... close to that, at least. And it makes him happy.]

I'm, um. I'm glad too. I'll see you later.