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

Ah! I somehow lost this! I am sorry.

[ishisstrength]

[Spirits count.]

Yes, really.

[Justine is glad that he's calming down a little.]

[oceanschild]

[Then he's got a bit more experience than she probably things he does in that particular realm. ...Not that he's likely to bring it up.]

Oh, um... thanks. I, um... yeah. [He has no idea how to friend?? How????]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine has very little practicing being friends with anyone but she supposes they can figure it out.]

Good. [She can't move with him on top of her but she gently probes the spell to see if its fading. It's a shame that her magic isn't very strong; she's still learning.] I do enjoy running into you.

[Even if 2/3 were awkward encounters.]

[oceanschild]

I, um. Me too.

[Even though, yes, it's usually awkward. Not helped by Paris's.... everything. He tries to move and he can at least roll over next to her, even though they can't fully separate yet.]

Have you, um... been doing ok? [This is a good time for small talk right???]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine slides easily so that she's lying next to him. She gently probes the magic keeping them tethered together and begins to feel it weaken. She can't do anything to help it but she feels it as it loosens its grip.]

I've been okay.

[As okay as she can be.]

It's a lot to get used too. [She smiles and glances down at their current position as an example.]

[oceanschild]

[At least she can feel it. Paris is totally in the dark and will be until they test it and they can move freely again. As for her point, he sighs.]

Mm... it is a lot. [He feels so confused all the time by everything, it's kind of exhausting.] ...Is your home anything like this?

[ishisstrength]

Not exactly no.

[Her home is filled with strange things but never... this strange.]

I was born in Chicago. [Maybe he's heard of it.] It was 2004 from what I remember last. So not like this but I did know a wizard. He was a little destructive. [She gently tugs at the magic but Justine doesn't have the skill to really help it fade faster.]

I think the spell is fading. It should be gone soon. [Then they can get up off the ground.]

[oceanschild]

[He has not heard of it.]

2004... so many people are from the future, compared to me. T-though I guess it still might be different, um, worlds.

[Paris nods, trying to move to sit up- they're not totally attached anymore, but it'll still be easier if they move together.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine moves with him, trying her best not to fall into him again in the process.]

Oh? Will you tell me more about your world? [She doesn't think her home is all that exciting and she's starting to pick up on the fact that Paris is from a place that's vastly different from what Justine knows.]

[oceanschild]

Um... sure. I can try. [And sitting up, even if they are still kind of in the middle of everything, helps the situation.] My village was on the coast, by the ocean. Most people lived a little further inland but maman and Aeto and I stayed right on the beach. And, um. I told you Aeto was a spirit, right...? There are a lot more spirits, but they're for different things so they all look very different.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's expression softens.]

Sounds like a lovely place to live. [She tests the magic between them and finds it easier to pull away from Paris now.] We're free. [She pushes herself up to her feet and then holds out a hand to him.]

I don't think you mentioned that Aeto was a spirit but I guess that makes sense. Were you close to many spirits?

[oceanschild]

Sort of. They liked me. ...And my father was a spirit, but I couldn't really talk to him.

[Well he could, but considering his dad is the literal ocean he didn't get much in the way of responses....]

[ishisstrength]

Oh?

[Justine's eyebrows arch curiously.]

So spirits can have children? I wouldn't have thought that. I think- [Her fingers lightly brush across her lips as she spoke.] That spirits are something different where I am from but I don't know much about them.

[She'll have to ask harry. He probably knows.]

[oceanschild]

Not with each other, I don't think, but if they take the right form with a human... [Yeah. Then it works.] It's... sort of common. A lot of people have some kind of spirit heritage somewhere down the line. [His is just unusually recent.

He nods.] Mm, a lot of people have thought I meant ghosts when I mentioned them. So... maybe it's like that.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine would be lying if she said that she wasn't interested in a night with a spirit. It sounds like it'd be a pleasant experience.]

It's possible. Ghosts are merely imprints of humans left after death. It's like a memory, not truly the spirit of the person who's died. Spirits can mean many things. The fairies are sometimes known as spirits but not all can change forms.

I think it depends. Maybe I can spend more time with Aeto and learn from him. [Now that they weren't attached and the land/sea animal isn't laughing at them, Justine kneels down and runs a hand over Aeto's smooth head.] Would you like that? For us to become better friends?

[oceanschild]

[It depends on the spirit- most of them are nice and accommodating and caring, but some of them are much nastier and may or may not understand human concepts of 'consent'.]

That sounds... closer to what it is back home. But spirits represent... places, or animals, or things like that. Aeto's a spirit for a certain time of ray, I think.

[Speaking of the spirit, she trills happily as Justine pets her, nodding. Yes, she would like to be better friends! Also please look after her idiot boy, she loves him but spirits he needs to calm down and Justine seems helpful when it comes to that........]

[ishisstrength]

[For personal reasons, Justine is really big on consent.]

I think I'm beginning to understand. [What he's describing makes sense though it's something she'd expect in a Tolkien novel.

Her smile widens when Aeto thrills beneath her touch. The cute little spirit doesn't have to worry. Justine plans to look after Paris and Aeto both. It isn't something she's come to terms with yet or fully realizes herself, but she cares about them. As unusual and dangerous as caring can be and she wants to help them in return.]

I was hoping to run into you today. [Before they got physically stuck together.] Have you found a place to live? Or are you planning to live in the ocean? [Justine would not put it past both Paris and Aeto to live in the water.]

[oceanschild]

[Yeah that's a good thing to be big on.

Paris smiles, a tag bit sheepish.] I, um. Thought about it. [He feels like he would do just fine living in the ocean, for the most part, but he does like to cook and bake too much to really make that an option.] But I did find some people to live with... and the house has a fountain, so Aeto's happy.

Did you find someplace...?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine laughs softly as she rises to stand.]

Oh? I'd love to see it. [She doesn't want to live in a big house herself, it reminds her too much of the Raith estates but she likes knowing where people are visiting so she can visit.]

I found a small cottage. It's just me and Mr. Dresden right now but there is a third room. Harry Dresden is someone else from my world. I knew him though not well. I know his brother better and I think because of that, he's decided that he's going to make sure I stay safe.

[Harry Dresden is a little chauvinistic and foolish despite his age but he's also charming and earnest. He's the closest thing Justine has to family, even if they aren't related by blood.]

[oceanschild]

Oh...! That's good. I'm glad there's someone you know here. [He knows he's been doing much better with Aeto around than he would have alone.

He stands up with her, giving her another shy smile.] I can... show you where I am sometime. If you want.

[ishisstrength]

I'd like that.

[She pauses thoughtfully and glances up at the sky, it's just a little after midday.] I have some time now, before I'm expected elsewhere. How about you show me and I can come visit the next time I have more time?

[Justine has too much she wants to get done to visit today and she's spent the last ten minutes physically stuck to Paris.]

[oceanschild]

[Paris didn't fully expect it to be now, but... he doesn't mind, so he nods.] Alright.

[He'll lead the way towards the bigger houses, Aeto waddling along next to him.] There's, um, a lot of us in there. Four people, and Aeto, and a lot of... hamsters? And a, um... I think Prompto called her a chocobo. She's a big, fluffy bird.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's smile widens.]

You live with Prim? I think you might fine me visiting a lot. [She has a weak spot for both Prompto and his Chocobo.] Why do you have so many hamsters?

[oceanschild]

Oh, do you know Prompto too? [Paris doesn’t know him terribly well yet, but he seems nice.] Um, they’re Gundam’s. I don’t know why he has so many...

[ishisstrength]

I do.

[She laughs softly.]

I don't know Gundam but it sounds like a fun group. I hope you enjoy yourself. I also think I know where it is. So you don't have to show me. [Justine knows where Prompto lives, mostly so she can visit his chocobo Prim.]