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

[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.]

[oceanschild]

Mm. Me too. They... seem nice. I've never really lived with other people before. [He's excited about it, honestly.]

Oh. Um, ok. If you're sure. [Aeto wants to show Justine the FOUNTAIN but she guesses that can wait, so she just trills and nudges the woman's leg.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine laughs, kneeling down to give Aeto a little more attention.]

Do you want to show it to me? I have time and I don't mind seeing it again. [She can't let Aeto down!!!!]

[oceanschild]

[Aeto trills and marches off, leading the way. Paris flushes.]

I, um, guess she does... [You want to show her too Paris don't lie. He follows after.] ...Have you ever gardened at all?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's smile warms as Aeto takes the lead, bounding forward in a happy little strut. It really is too cute and Justine is absolutely helpless against the spirits charms.

She follows behind Aeto, walking at Paris's side.]

Gardening? Not really but I was going to try to here. [She doesn't think that it'll be to difficult.] Why do you ask?

[oceanschild]

Oh, um. I haven't either before, but I started a garden in our yard...

[...He's not sure why he brought it up now. Hoping she would have tips? Just hoping she would like it...?]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine smiles.]

I'd love to see what you've done. [She likes plants.] What are you growing?

[oceanschild]

Um... right now it's just some carrots and lettuce... those were the seeds I could find in the first trip. [He sort of panicked after that because there were a lot of things he'd never heard of...]

[ishisstrength]

You have a good start. I want to plant strawberries but the strawberries they have here are blue.

It's thrown me off a little bit.

[It's her favorite fruit and it's strange that they aren't red, even if they almost taste exactly the same.]

[oceanschild]

They are...? That does feel weird.

[How can strawberries be blue??]

[ishisstrength]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so.

[Justine's gaze shifts back to the path in front of them as they enter the homes of Haven. The smaller cottages, where she lives is in a different area of the larger houses and she doesn't know this area quite as well.]

I think we're getting close.

[oceanschild]

Mm. We are.

[Aeto leads the way still, and trills happily as they reach the house, darting into the background. There's a courtyard in there, with a fountain, that she immediately pulls herself up into and begins splashing around in. See Justine isn't it good??]

[ishisstrength]

Yes.

[Justine laughs softly as she follows Aeto around the side of the house towards the fountain in the back. It isn't hard to miss her as she goes splashing into the water.] This looks like a perfect spot for you Aeto.

[She takes a seat at the edge of the pond, headless of the water soaking through her pants.]

I don't suppose this is also Paris's room?

[Justine glances back at him, her voice light and teasing.]

[oceanschild]

[Paris flushes, and Aeto rattles again with laughter.]

I, um-- no. I-I have a room. [There's a brief pause before he admit--] ...I do sleep in the bathtub a lot now, though. It's, um, easier, since I feel like I dry out really easily. I think that's part of the changes.

[He never had that problem back home, at least. He doesn't really mind, it's just a little inconvenient. At least baths are easier to fill up here.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine smiles as Aeto hums with laughter. She hadn't meant to make him embarrassed but it's hard not to tease him.]

Maybe you can show me? The bathtub or your room.

[oceanschild]

Um... sure. If you want.

[If she does want, he'll lead the way back to the house. It's basically a manor, but with the amount of people living there there's actually not as much extra space as one might think. He'll lead the way up to the second floor and show her his room. It's painted a pretty, pale blue color, with large windows and a very nice, plush looking bed in the middle. The bathroom is very nice, and the bathtub is quite large, certainly enough for Paris to comfortably sleep in.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine gives Aeto a light pat on the head and whispers a soft goodbye before following Paris towards the house. It's large though it would have been dwarfed by the Raith's estate. It is one of the many houses she remembers seeing when she had first toured the neighborhood.

She only breaks away from Paris when they step into his room. The tips of her fingers trail across the covers of his bed as she looks around. It's a lovely room and of course she inspects the bathtub.]

It looks comfortable. I bet we could both fit in your bath.

[Justine steps over to the bed and takes a seat.]

I am a bit envious. I share a bathroom.

[oceanschild]

[Paris nods, either missing any implication there or just more used to Justine's teases. Spoilers it's the first one.] It's very big... I hadn't really seen anything like it before. I wonder if there are that big here because of the changes some people have. [He's grateful for it either way.

He'll move over to the bed and cautiously sit next to her on it; not too close, he doesn't want to invade her space.] I think some of the other rooms have to share, but I thought Aeto would sleep in the tub at first so I asked for this one... I hadn't really thought about for me.

[ishisstrength]

That's possible. [Justine is slender and slight in her build. She doesn't need a lot of space, though she had taken the master bedroom in the house she's staying at.] A happy accident then?

[She scoots a little closer to him, her smile light and comfortable.]

I think it's a nice room. It suits you. It's open and I like that the bed is in the center.

[oceanschild]

Mm. I like it... even though it's very different from what I'm used to. My room at home was much smaller. And my bed was much less soft.

[He's not used to this kind of finery, but... with other people around, it seems more comfortable.]

[ishisstrength]

I'm glad you like it.

[She smiles at him before glancing behind her at the sun as it slowly begins to dip from it's position at the top of the sky.] Oh. I should get going. [Justine leans forward and presses a light kiss against Paris's cheek.]

I'm sure I'll see you soon. Thank you for the tour.

[oceanschild]

[Paris flushes deeply, but he looks up at her with a smile.] You're, um. Welcome. I'll... see you later.