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

[topslug]

[ Even as they speak (and the flirting seems to slide right off her like water from a duck’s back) Yako looks them over for any sign of injury — seeing as there isn’t any, the wreck made of their hair aside, she offers them both a relieved smile. ]

I think this is all just a big misunderstanding. I’ll try talking to them ... [ She looks up at the house and blinks. Hold on, she recognizes this place — she was here just a few days ago, helping to clean up. She turns back to the kids, who look much more stymied that someone who can use magic is on the scene, interrupting them before they can gather the courage to try again. ]

I know this used to be your house, but you’ve been moved to a new one now, haven’t you? [ Oh, their parents being angry about it could explain some of it, but they’re defending a single building, not roaming around looking for random people to harass. So the key to getting them to step off, whatever it is, must be to do with the house itself. Yako blinks and straightens, connecting the dots. ]

Could it be ... are you looking for something you left behind, but you couldn’t figure out how to get inside the house? [ Judging from the instant way that the boy reddens and sputters, it seems like Yako’s scored a hit. She brushes some hair behind her ear. ] If that’s how it is ... we’ll help you look, but you have to promise to stop hexing these nice men, all right?

[ That’s about when she’ll look over to Kaoru and Rei, smiling sunnily. ] How about it? If we work together, it shouldn’t take long, right?

[kaowont]

[ Nice men, huh. He's making little shooing motions at the children, but it all comes to a halt the moment she glances their way again. Wouldn't want to cast a cloud over that cheerful smile, after all. ]

Like Sakuma-san here said, I'm more than willing to lend a hand if you're the one asking for it. Hmm, so... hold tight while I turn the place upside-down for these little brats. I'll find whatever they're looking for in no less than... five minutes, I'm sure -- and that's a promise, naturally. ♪ So if I make it within that time-frame, be sure to tell me all about yourself, okay? I want to know everything about our lovely little geranium that soars over the weeds.

[ His advances might soar over her head again, but it's fine. Really. Flirting is like breathing for Kaoru, and a complete swerve like that has never deterred him. Ever. So, despite all the harassment and his now regretfully damp attire, Kaoru makes his way over to the stuttering kids and asks them calmly enough about their situation and what this something they're missing happens to look like. A simple search through the immediate living and an adjacent room eventually turns up the item in question, a dusty locket with an intricate design, and it's almost funny how quickly their disgruntled behavior gives way to honest smiles and even some half-hearted apologies. Well, not that he's going to forgive them that easily for all the trouble, but it's nice to see that they're not complete little terrors...

So. All's well that ends well, right?

And now the place is completely theirs, probably. ]

There we go. And... well, that totally went over the time limit I gave, but you can hang out with us for a little while longer, right? Tell me... us your name, maybe? So I know who I'm thanking, at least.

[youkoso]

( while kaoru's gone he tries to make nice with the kids—he does love children—and wave at them a little with the intent to chat, but the boy does a quick chop in the air with his hand as if he's going to cast another zappy spell on rei, and rei, not wanting trouble, retreats in manner. if this were a serious situation and there weren't magic involved he might think it beneficial to assert himself, but there's really nothing to be gained here against children, he thinks, even if it's embarrassing considering they really are just children...

with the kids (possibly) occupied by yako and rei trying to fix the mess made of his hair, he's thankful when kaoru finally returns. all's well that ends well indeed. kaoru, as always, is a person who can do things if he tries, and he's glad the young lady here was enough of a catalyst to help guide him along. )

Well done, well done. ( channeling toriumi for a second there— ) And well done to the young lady, as well. Allow me to offer my thanks, as well. It weighs on me to have dragged innocents into this ordeal, so I'd like to make it up in some way.

( "innocents" referring both to yako, and kaoru. though kaoru doesn't seem to have a knack for magic, he doesn't seem to exhibit any monstrous traits, either . . . whereas rei, in a faint way, does. it doesn't seem fair to either of them at all. )

[topslug]

[ ... Is he really calling her a flower? Yako blinks, nonplussed, but Kaoru's off before she can think to clarify. It's a pleasant surprise, seeing how well he actually does at talking to them despite his obvious irritation, and she's glad he helped.

Unfortunately, the kids are not having it with their other previous victim. Sorry Rei, they're stuck-up little brats who don't know any better and you're a huge weirdo monster they don't know! That softens a bit when Kaoru helps them find what they're looking for, but there isn't much time for more pleasantries before they run off. Yako looks after them a moment more, then turns to smile at Rei and Kaoru and address their questions. ]

Oh, I'm just happy I was able to help, even if it was just a little. You did all the rest on your own! [ She bows, briefly, blonde hair spilling forward to frame the sides of her face. ]

I'm Yako Katsuragi. Pleasure to meet you. [ A pause, and then she looks them both over as she straightens. ] Ah ... maybe you should get changed?

[ It's her tactful way of saying they look exactly like two men who've been pelted with static and water.' ]

[kaowont]

Yako-chan, then. The pleasure's all mine. ♪

[ Hm, yeah. The disheveled, wet look isn't doing anything for them right now, but it seems rude to just excuse himself from the conversation to go wash up right away. Besides, it's not that huge of a deal for Kaoru — being soaked from head to toe is reminiscent of his days at school ( it's a long story ). ]

I'll be totally fine, really. [ The one they really need to worry about is Rei he thinks, most likely, since around this time of the day he's usually tucked away in the darkness somewhere, right? That combined with the annoying experience of children hassling them in broad daylight... it's been a tough afternoon. Well, there's no reason they can't just invite her in while they settle, and so he leans over to gingerly pick up his own luggage that he'd previously set aside for the search. ]

I get the feeling wrangling brats isn't your actual day job, is it, Yako-chan? Come inside and take a load off while we feel out the place and change, and if you need anything... -- ah. I remember there's a leftover canister of tea in the kitchen. So... let us treat you in exchange for the help, okay?

[ He's barely waiting for an answer as he makes to enter and get decent in one of the nearby bedrooms on his own time, because why? would? she just say no? ]