WEEKS 7 & 8

[linkupmods]

WEEKS 7 & 8

THE SEASONS TURN...

Time really passes, doesn't it? Before you know it, you're halfway through the time that the goddess Braphine has promised that you'll be here, your home away from home. You are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, maybe, even through all the challenges and eventful (!) twist and turns that have followed you through your stay here. Surely there can't be anything else lurking in the wings, right?

Through the efforts of all of Braphine's chosen, the city definitely is starting to feel a little bit cheerier, in contrast to the temperatures that are starting to cool as the seasons in Sunset City turn and the leaves change their colour. The Shopping District and the Entertainment District look and feel decidedly more warm, and a quick trip into the Nekyia also show that the haze has cleared from both districts, with the Shadows lurking much fewer in number.

Further exploration will find that the haze has thinned to explorable levels in the Nekyia Fashion District - there are Shadows to be cleared, after all. Maybe if you are lucky, they might drop you a little something in reward for your efforts.

DO YOUR PART FOR CHARITY!

On Saturday, there's a notice pinned in the lobby of the dormitory:

CHARITY EVENT FOR THE TEMPLE OF BRAPHINE
9/21
FLEA MARKET AM
FORMAL MASQUERADE BALL PM
Come and support the temple when we need it most!



Yes, you read that right: There will be a Charity Event for the Temple of Braphine, hosted by no one other than her devoted followers. They sent this over to the dorms to request the Chosens' assistance, it seems, and as the flyer says, this is an all-day event to take place on September 21st.

In the morning, there will be a Flea Market! There's a note from the hosts that they'd like the Chosens to either find a vendor to assist, provide entertainment, or participate as vendors in the Flea Market. At night, a ball will be held with live music, dinner, refreshments, and an open dance floor for all. They are not asking for your assistance with the ball, however; rather, you are automatically invited as esteemed guests and are encouraged to dress your finest for the occasion!

Given that this isn't for another week, however, it is highly encouraged that you shop around to find an outfit you'll look snazzy in for the ball. You can also start preparing merchandise to sell; or maybe, perhaps, you'd like to save that street performance for the Flea Market? Either way, you've got a long week ahead of you…

…but it won't be all rainbows and sunshine.

KEEP DREAMING.

Late into the night on Saturday, you will dream. What that dream consists of varies with each individual, but you will have one, even if you've never dreamed before. This dream could be a core memory, or perhaps about something you've always wanted, your worst fear...the list goes on.

The next day, anyone who enters the Nekyia will find that, aside from the strange "Palaces" that have popped up, things aren't right yet again…but for an entirely different reason. No matter where you are, you enter the Nekyia to a hallway full of dressing rooms. It's a fairly long hallway, because venturing down it will eventually lead you to a door that has your name on it.

Why don't you journey there and find out what awaits?

–

After seeing "Sayaka" and finding your door, you'll find something even more strange.

That dream you had last night? Well, it's here. Your dream may manifest as a small, contained landscape from your dream; a creature that you may have dreamt of might be scurrying around; another version of you, different from a Shadow; or you could be unlucky and have one of your memories on full display for everyone to see.

This phenomenon will last for the next two weeks, and dreamscapes will shift with the different dreams characters have. It won't be a one and done ordeal, unfortunately…but there is, perhaps, a way you can stop it.

(OOC: Sayaka's top level is NOT time sensitive, nor is it a mod-run event. This can be treated like a regular top level to be tagged at your own pace!

Please see the "A Dream Unraveled" commission for some details on what's causing the dreamscapes to appear! Welcome to your dreamwalking/memory share event!)

WEATHER FORECAST

Temperature: hot and humid, but gradually getting cooler! Surprise showers may occur during these two weeks when you least expect it, so stay sharp and don't get drenched!

Characters who journery into the Nekyia when it is raining may find HP-restoring items dropped during combat with Shadows.

COMMISSIONS

REAL WORLD COMMISSIONS

BATTLE OF THE BRANDS

Two boutiques on Amaranth Avenue have been at war with each other - figuratively, at least. The sweet lolita brand Cookies for Mice and the punk brand Panthera Punks started out merely vying for advertising space, but have now been taking rather pointed pot shots at each other in their marketing. As the shops are across from each other, it’s plain to see the owners are taking it personally as they can’t seem to stop glaring at each other from across the road. Won’t somebody help mediate before it escalates any further…?

AN ALTERNATIVE CANVAS

Up-and-coming makeup artists are looking to land a job with a new makeup brand in the area, and their final test: finding a model (or two) to model their work and prove their skill. Characters will find that these artists are on the prowl for willing (or not so willing) faces - but at least you’ll be compensated for your patience as they endeavor to make you look your best?

FISHY FUN FASHION

Saffron Street has been chosen to host a highly regarded fashion show! The theme: aquatic life. They need models of all sexes and sizes to walk the runway in ethereal clothing that brings to mind deep sea creatures like bioluminescent jellyfish, or even angler fish! For those who are not brave enough to walk the walk, volunteers are needed to help maintain the large, specially made tanks the city’s aquarium has generously lent out for the occasion. The tanks are full of friendly fish and plant life to create the perfect backdrop for the show! …You know how to use diving gear, don’t you?

NEKYIA COMMISSIONS

THE LION AND THE MOUSE

She thinks she’s so great… I’ll show her! We don’t need her prissy, holier-than-thou attitude around here! We’ll see how she behaves when her shop’s reduced to shreds…

It seems the owner of Panthera Punks having beef with the owner of Cookies for Mice isn’t just a real world problem - she has her very own Shadow in the form of a level 30 Narcissus. Take him on in battle and help to loosen its grip on her in reality before things get much, much worse.

HER HEART WON'T GO ON

How could he… After all I’ve done, after all the money I’ve spent… He leaves me behind for her?! I’ll make him pay… I’ll make them both pay!!

It seems one of the local models has had a rather nasty breakup, and the ex and other woman may end up suffering a rather harrowing fate if all these feelings of anger are left to fester… Characters who follow these angry rants will find themselves face to face with a Level 32 Leanan Sidhe, a jealous lover all too willing to enact a very real harm on those who wronged her. Fight back against the Shadow and teach her the value in moving on from a lover who was never worth her time to begin with.

A DREAM UNRAVELLED

Deep in the Nekyia, whispers and wails can be heard; a fashion designer bemoans their dearth of ideas, and hotly defends their choice to steal their designs instead. After all, this was their dream, and they can’t give it up now - no matter the cost.

Characters may find the Unfaithful Dream-King in a nest of collected dreams of the populace - including some of Braphine’s own chosen. He will be a powerful opponent for sure, but it seems solving this particular Shadow problem is the only way to ensure everyone can have a good night’s rest once more.

Once he is defeated, he will drop a rare item. Who knows, maybe this will help you in your journey ahead.

(OOC: Please turn in your threads for this commission on the rewards page to receive a stat boost item, valid for one time use during any battle.)

OOC

READ ME!!!!

Welcome to your log for Weeks 7 and 8! Feel free to use this log for any developments that happen during the next two weeks. There will be no log posted next week, but a top-level for the charity event will be posted instead on next Saturday!
For plotting, please feel free to head over to this post on the OOC comm to post your plotting top levels.
For Nekyia commissions, you can assume that the Shadows will respawn until they've been beaten enough times to go back to normal.
Don't forget that the deadline for applications and character swaps is on September 28!

ic comm | inboxes | ooc comm | full nav

code

Comments

[bloodweapon]

[It would be impossible to miss Argenti's entrance. He's always gorgeous (the picture of beauty, some may say) but tonight he looks absolutely divine. Fray's ears are already perked up even before Argenti approaches him and his breath catches as Argenti speaks. The man's always had a way with words - overly flowery, perhaps, but heartfelt sentiment nonetheless - and tonight Fray finds himself even more tongue-tied than usual.]

You say that, and yet here you are, shining brighter than the sun.

[He doesn't even think when Argenti offers a hand; Fray takes it like he's desperate to hold on. Of course, he understands the gesture - Argenti wants to dance, which is... well.]

I apologize in advance for how abysmal my performance will undoubtedly be. I've never had the opportunity to learn to dance.

[You'll probably have to take the lead here, Argenti...]

[beautifulknight]

[ Absolutely adorable, really.

But, there is something indeed truly beautiful about his most handsome lover. A resplendent image clothed in darks, the- okay, focus. Dear Idrila, he is going to get distracted, and he should not, as Fray is paying him praise that sends a warmth through his chest. ]

You shower me with such praise...and yet, I am happy to hear it. Still, if I am brighter than the sun, then you shine brighter than the moon. Far more radiant than anything else in the sky in the dead of night. We are like two sparkling lights of different kinds that compliment one another well, yes?

[ He sounds like a poet, perhaps, but as Fray does surmise easily, Argenti speaks these words with every earnest fiber of his being. That being said, on the other subject... ]

I shall happily lead you. With myself at the helm, so to speak, all you will need to do is follow. I will not dare to brag, but I have an incredible amount of experience where this is concerned. A Knight of Beauty must be able to dance beautifully, after all.

[ Argenti shifts and awaits for the other man to get into the proper following position before he even thinks of moving. For his own part, Argenti will carefully be ready to guide into an elegant glide across the dance floor. If Fray makes missteps, the red-haired male will be prepared to act on the spot. ]

[bloodweapon]

[His face burns as bright as his hair, but given his ears are still in ! position, it's obvious that it's overwhelming in a good way. No one has ever spoken to him like this before, it's going to be awhile until he's used to it. Being the center of someone else's world is such a foreign concept when he's used to orbiting around someone else. Falling in love with Argenti was easy, because it isn't all that different from how he views V'rhas. Though the feelings don't exactly match up, he loves V'rhas with all his heart and longs to protect him from trouble - with Argenti, that sentiment is the same, but there's so many more unfamiliar feelings that tug at him in ways he's never experienced before. His heart threatens to hammer out his chest even before Argenti guides him to the starting position, and Fray releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding.]

I don't have words for how much that means to me, [there's a brief pause here, as he considers whether or not he wants to use petnames in public, but...] my beloved.

[Not quite as flowery as Argenti's terms of endearment, but just as genuine.]

Lead the way, then. I believe I can manage to follow along well enough.

[He may step on Argenti's toes a few times until he gets used to it, but eventually Fray will manage to match the pace of the music and Argenti's steps easily enough!]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti will milk it for all its worth, then. To have the other man susceptible to his teasing and general terms of endearment for as long as possible is nothing short of a blessing to him. And even afterwards, knowing that the man will cherish such words, such sentiments...it makes him ever the more grateful.

Though he is quite observant of the way the other male lets out the breath, and smiles gently to him. Soon enough, his cheers flare a soft red when Fray uses the term that he does, though. It need not be over-the-top or as flowery as his...just himself, and it is perfect. ]

You are already doing so well. Even if you have had a few missteps.

[ He will chuckle lightly when the other man manages to catch his foot or barely miss it, but Argenti is enjoying himself. ]

Is this the first time you've been to a ball?

[bloodweapon]

[That gets a soft scoff from Fray.]

It is, yes. Events like these aren't very common in Eorzea.

[Maybe in Ishgard; he could see the Ishgardian nobility really enjoying events like this.]

The last time I went to a formal event, things went... poorly.

[Well, it was technically V'rhas who went... Eh, details. Regardless, Fray shakes his head.]

So you'll have to forgive me if I'm a bit on edge tonight. I doubt it will be a repeat, but I didn't bring my sword.

[So he's feeling even more antsy to begin with! But he figured it would look bad to bring a giant sword to an event that has other people here...]

[beautifulknight]

[ Is that so...? Well, he imagines it is because the people there are simply not inclined to indulge in these events. ]

Is it because someone attacked at the time or simply ruined the event in some other manner?

[ By the bit of tension, Argenti simply assumes it may be the former. But either way... ]

It is alright. I shall gladly be here to distract you from any residual worries and if I am unable to do so entirely, I will reassure you with the following:

Even if this is the real world, I know how to beat any threat weaponless with all the force of Beauty behind it.

[ He can even kill with his bare hands but he doubts it will come to it. Either way he states this all with fierce confidence and exuberance as they move lightly across the dance floor. ]

[bloodweapon]

...We were betrayed. I was accused of murdering the Sultana, leader of one of the city-states and restrained. The others freed me.

[There's a pause there, as if he needs to recall the events, as if they aren't a deeply ingrained part of his psyche. It's less that he needs to recall it and more that the events were V'rhas's memories. Not Fray's. These events happened to him.

Fray shakes his head as if to dismiss it. He tries to move on, eyes darting away.]

The important thing is that I do not want to be restrained or left weaponless again. I would rather be ready for an attack at any time.

[But he relaxes a bit as Argenti turns their topic of conversation back to more favorable waters. Fray can't help the smirk and comment of:]

I almost hope you get the chance. It would be quite attractive to see.

[listen, sometimes your bf(?) is hot when he's beating things up—]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti does note the pause, and he is not certain exactly what to make of it, but the way he shakes his head is a familiar tell, since he's done that himself. It is something he has done when he has scratched the surface of a bad memory - and he thinks that this rings exactly as that. He senses the attempt to move on, and he does wish to respect that, though he wishes to comfort him on that incident as well.

So, he thinks instead that perhaps...maybe the distraction will continue to serve as that? On one twirl, he brings the other man closer, smiling down on him. ]

I find it quite understandable for you to have voiced such a sentiment, considering the circumstances.

[ He says it gently, understanding, truly. He remembers more keenly the days when he could not defend himself. That is enough, he will hope. Though, something sparks in his eyes when the other man mentions that it would be, well...attractive, something warm settles in him. Like pride? It rises to his cheeks, and he is flushing slightly. ]

Perhaps we will get at least one rowdy person hanging around the charity event for me to show them why they should behave. Though, I would not quite hope for that myself. It would probably ruin things...alas. But perhaps for now we can just imagine?

[ But...he's smiling all the same. ]

[bloodweapon]

[O-Oh, we're even closer now, huh? This is comfortable and even though there may be eyes on us and Fray's turning pink, the low purr is probably enough to make it obvious that he approves.]

Thank you, then.

[But as they move on, that gets a soft laugh from Fray.]

I agree, it would be a poor end to the evening. For everyone else, rather, as I would enjoy the show.

[His beautiful knight getting to punch someone?? Sign him up.]

But I will be more than satisfied simply spending time with you, my beloved.

[And look, he even got Argenti to blush!! His ears are absolutely perked up at that.]

[beautifulknight]

[ That they are. Argenti's lips are curled upwards with the other man so close to him...look at him, absolutely turning a brilliant color. He loves that he is able to make him blush so.

They match, truly.

Though, he does laugh when the other man states that he would enjoy the show...honestly. ]

I am still glad that you would be able to take something pleasant out of this hypothetical scenario, my dearest Fray.

[ Maybe he should set up an opportunity so that Fray sees him punch a shadow or something. In the meanwhile, his cheeks seem to deepen in color with the way the other man uses again the affectionate nickname granted to his person. ]

I see that you have managed to find more words that make my heart go aflutter. Or perhaps from you it would not take all that much. A wonderfully aimed and genuine composed string of words shall always find their mark when directed my way. Though, I see your excitement does not only extend to just words, or is it because of something else?

[ Those cutely perked up ears... ]

[bloodweapon]

[Please punch a shadow, it'll be hot—

Anyway, caught. Fray's ears wiggle a bit and he can't help but grin.]

I suppose I can see why you enjoy teasing me. Earning a flush from you has only encouraged me to try harder.

[It's so cute! Look at Argenti, his beloved is so adorable...]

Though it is also simply that... I'm truly happy. I wasn't sure I could feel such a thing so clearly, but you certainly have taught me quite a bit about myself.

[Is it right for a being of negative emotions such as himself to feel things like this? Well, it doesn't really matter, does it? He's feeling them, and he's enjoying it, and that's good enough for now.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Not entirely impossible— ]

Has it? Perhaps you will be able to catch up to my own proficiency in teasing!

[ Argenti says cheerfully, and sort of cheekily. Not like his is done necessarily with great finesse compared to other people when his words are spoken genuinely and they are done gently, but he knows that it lands.

And speaking of which, he twirls them around, eyes brightening further at hearing those words. ]

Ah, and how beautiful does happiness become you! I had not known I too had welcomed you to such a vibrant and intensely positive feeling...at least, to an even greater extent that you were used to. If I could pass onto you the Beauty of such feelings so vividly, I believe that in turn makes me filled with an incredible but insurmountable happiness.

Though, I shall enlighten you that you too have opened my eyes to the kind of feelings deeply settled in my heart...

[ From that unknown sensation that he felt which pulled him even closer to the other man, that he at times wrestled with not knowing the name in its uncertainty, until when brought from the shadow into the light. ]

[bloodweapon]

[And land it does, given how red V'rhas is again... but at least he manages to follow the twirl without stepping on Argenti's toes!! Progress.]

Hah, it took me quite a bit to realize it for myself. I'm pleased my words resonated with you. This is all new to me, though I imagine that goes without saying.

[Positive emotions like happiness and love aren't really things he's had the opportunity to experience, both because he hasn't really been Fray for very long and because those are things that are V'rhas's emotions. But here and now, having the ability to feel them for himself... He can't imagine ever giving them up.]

I'm sure you'll want to dance with many others tonight... but if you'll allow me to be selfish, save the last dance for me.

[Another opportunity to be this close to his beloved?? Sign him up!!]

[beautifulknight]

It is as you say.

But, fear not. To hear you so willing to express such sentiments to me only kindles within me the notion of being able to relate to you even further.

[ As for the other male's words, he does nod, with a little smile. Argenti enjoys dancing, and anticipates he will continue to participate in such things, in a way that he is inclined to. That being said, he does embellish further, bringing them close again. ]

Of course! I cannot help but welcome with relish the final dance with you - yes, I already imagine it shall be even more splendid than the one we have now with one another. There is also the fact that it would be a most wonderful climax to an already wondrous and beautiful evening!

Perhaps you should prepare yourself for that time well, my dear. If you believe I already have been sweeping you off your feet now, it will be nothing compared to later!

[ Argenti voices this with nothing less than bright certainty and confidence; bragging isn't really his thing, but now he feels it is acceptable for him to do it at all. Oh, already he is imagining it, given how he thinks it so romantic. He hopes to all that is beautiful that the music change would be like in those fairytales, so sweet as the last dance is upon them...though that is indulgent and embarrassing. ]

[bloodweapon]

[H-Hey, don't make him swoon now, save that for later!!]

Such confidence is a beautiful look on you, my beloved.

[No, no, Argenti should brag. Fray may be bright red, but he's still grinning despite it, looking absolutely charmed by the words.]

I'll look forward to it. Though perhaps don't literally sweep me off my feet; I fear I may never recover.

[beautifulknight]

[ Might be a bit too late for that (no)

That being said, the warmth returns to his cheeks at those words in another flush. Yes, with Fray granting those sentiments so lovingly, he cannot help it. ]

...Ah, such words truly makes my heart go aflutter.

[ These are words spoken so softly, yet meaningfully to him. Something playful emerges with a swiftness, though. ]

You shall not? A pity, as I do not know if I will be able to control myself from doing so in the first place.

[bloodweapon]

[That blush burns even brighter (as though that's possible) and Fray scoffs, though the sound is more amused than anything.]

I suppose it is only fair, as I did get to sweep you off your feet earlier. Though I'd recommend waiting until we're alone, as the embarrassment may be too much for me otherwise.

[beautifulknight]

[ He's going to turn Fray into the most brilliant cherry at this rate- ]

Yes, you truly did.

[ The reminder makes him laugh lightly at the recollection, especially as it was not too long ago; it also keeps his own flush alive. ]

But...that would certainly be most unfortunate if it were too much for you.

[bloodweapon]

The others would tease me mercilessly.

[They already tease him too much!!! Amazing what happens when you take off your helmet.]

But perhaps I'll allow it in private, since you do sound fond of the idea.

[beautifulknight]

I suppose you would be right...they have loved teasing you so very much already.

[ Argenti's words are spoken with amusement, though, as his eyes crease a bit but with gentle mirth. Welcome to the world of being bullied, Fray. ]

...But, since you have given me free reign to show off when it is only us, I shall most certainly take my opportunity, sweeping you off of your feet with relish!

[ Maybe he'll twirl him around too, hehe. ]

[bloodweapon]

They certainly have.

[His ears flick a bit, but they settle easily enough. He's not truly all that bothered by the teasing, otherwise he'd try to put a stop to it. It's something that people do with their friends - he's seen as much among the Scions, after all - so it means that they've accepted him as one of their own. How could he dislike that? Even if it does mean being embarrassed...]

Perhaps I'll be looking forward to it, then. As long as you don't tease me for being flustered by it, anyway.

[Given the wry grin, he's already accepted that it's probably going to happen...]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti has had no worries; if anything, that indeed shows that Fray has been getting along with the others indeed, and he hopes it continues.

The teasing and getting along part. ✨ ]

...And if I say that I cannot grant you any guarantees?

[ The red hair asks, with a knowing smile, looking at him - he sees the way that wry grin looks... ]

[bloodweapon]

Then I suppose I'll have no choice but to let you get away with it.

[He can't even pretend to do otherwise... He loves his menace of a knight too much...]

[beautifulknight]

[ Hehe. ]

Excellent. Though you have granted me such power, I almost don't know what to do with it.

Fortunately, I have been trained well in restraint.

[ Except when it comes to teasing the other man, apparently. ]

[bloodweapon]

In most areas, I'd say.

[It's gentle teasing in return because listen. He is aware that his bf is a little much. Sometimes you just gotta yap, he gets it.]

Though you are a little too fond of teasing me... You're quite lucky I don't mind it coming from you.