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

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Comments

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Izou had already made it very clear Eli wasn't going to show up to the ball in his usual clothes, and so, lo and behold, the young man now owns one (1) suit. He's even wearing it. Amazing. As for the mask part, well. Strangely, he's chosen a wolf mask to go along with his suit. He fiddles with it often, more nervous about that choice than the suit, to be entirely honest.

Naturally, he isn't about to miss dinner, and he ends up with a very big steak, a baked potato with all the fixings, and some crispy roast veggies wrapped in bacon. These aren't necessarily his favorite foods, but when one considers most foods his "favorite," this is what was settled on. Eli isn't about to complain!

The rest of the time, he'll be around the refreshment table because he is a bottomless pit, and even that big dinner he had won't stop him from snacking.

As for the threads, when they pop into existence when someone passes nearby, he immediately gives them a funny look and begins trying to wave them away. Every. Damn. Time. Yes, he realizes they aren't tangible. This does not stop him. Sorry, whoever that thread is attached to, you may get weird, tingly thread vibes as he waves his hand through them. ]

( ooc: if you want to discuss any thread stuff first, i dropped a plotting comment down for that purpose. o7 ]

Refreshments

[vogelfrei]

[ The masked stranger easily recognizable as your favorite dorito man, McGillis Fareed, watches Eli nearly finish off the refreshment table by himself with a faint smile. It's not judgemental or teasing, he just genuinely seems to support Eli's gluttonous endeavors...?

The thing that is actually amusing is the mask. ]

So you've fully embraced the wolf aesthetic now?

[ Is this before or after Izougate? Your pick! ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ after Izougate but Eli ain't saying shiiiit ]

The wolf what?

[ Eli tips his head up, mask and all, to give McGillis an immediately suspicious look. What's that word?! Is he making fun of him?! Why'd he put that weird-ass mask and wig back on?! There are a few seconds that pass by where he's simply trying to figure out if "aesthetic" is an insult or not, but, in the end— ]

I... yeah? I guess?

[ He's managed to figure out that, no, it isn't. As far as he can figure, McGillis doesn't have much reason to insult him. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ It takes McGillis a good moment to figure out what Eli is even taking offense to... He keeps overestimating everyone's vocabulary, oops.

He's not actually in the mood to offend anybody - as far as poor oblivious McGillis is concerned, he is having a pleasant and fairly quiet evening. ]

Aesthetic - visuals, vibe, theme. It looks good on you. You picked nicely.

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Oh. That's all. Phew, that has Eli immediately lowering his metaphorical hackles. ]

Thanks? I've... just been trying something new.

[ He looks down again, though it's to make it easier to reach up and put a hand on his wolf mask. There's still a hint of conflict in his voice, as though he's uncertain he should even accept a compliment regarding anything wolf-like. ]

No one here is bothered by the whole werewolf thing. I figured maybe I'd try to stop being bothered by it, too.

[vogelfrei]

Mhm...

[ McGillis can relate to that - he doesn't have a problem like lycantrophy, but he certainly has a whole lot of lying and hiding that he's doing almost on reflex. Getting out of their old context gives them the space to try and experiment with being open - for better or for worse. ]

Is the attempt working?

[fullmoonmutt]

Maybe? It's been less stressful. Sure helps that I don't have to worry about the full moon here, but that's going to be a problem again when I have to go home.

[ So will the people. They won't look at him and see a friend, an ally, someone to look up to or care about. It'll be back to just him and mom. No one else. He can feel the stress already threatening to return jus thinking about it.

Stop, stop it, Eli. Chill. He takes a breath and pulls his mask off for a minute, just holding it out and looking at it. ]

So who knows how that'll go.

[vogelfrei]

Knowing and wholly accepting yourself will put you at an advantage regardless.

[ Understanding is the greatest weapon and if you understand yourself, you can be the one to wield it.

Seeing that Eli is clearly distressed by this line of conversation, McGillis opts to step in closer - the intention here is just being able to lower their voices more, but it is then fully sidetracked by... ah. Threads again.

McGillis sighs deeply - both at Braphine's meddling and because that is the only way he can process how the bizarre combination of 'you are my packmate', 'I would protect you' and 'I would kill you' makes him feel. ]

... can't this goddess calm down for a minute?

[fullmoonmutt]

I guess. Shit just makes the accepting part complicated sometimes.

[ This would be a great conversation to carry on, too, if it weren't for the sudden appearance of the threads. Eli gives them a shocked look. Those again! He waves a hand through them, still forever trying to shoo them away! Of course, it does nothing but make him look silly.

Although once he gives up and actually focuses on them, well. ]

Wait, what? You actually like to spend time with me?!

[ Admittedly, he should probably be asking about the "doesn't understand his priorities" and "finding out would be interesting" ones, but, no. He's immediately centered on McGillis actually considering him... a friend? Like, for real? ]

[vogelfrei]

[ There's a lot going on here, and that's the part that Eli somehow chooses to focus on. McGillis raises both eyebrows. ]

... is it that terribly surprising?

[ Sadly he would not actually use the word 'friend' (neither for Eli nor for anybody else here), but that doesn't mean his time in Sunset City has left him without the muchdreaded bonds. The comfort of Dennihop Night still lingers in his mind. ]

[fullmoonmutt]

Yes? [ It is?! ] I mean, okay, maybe I shouldn't be all surprised and shit, but I keep expecting everyone here to decide they don't like me, alright?

[ He has issues. He's working on it! ]

[vogelfrei]

The chances of that happening seem very slim.

[ Most people here are all in on the bonding thing and would never abandon Eli! McGillis does not... actually count himself among those people, but that is more thanks to his own issues than anything. ]

Though maybe I should be changing my mind - just what is this supposed to be?

[ He runs a finger through the black and pink threads - kill and protect.

He's not touching the packmate one. That's... yeah no, he'll leave it alone for now. ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ dark blue u mean lmao ]

What? Why would you...? [ Eli grimaces again when McGillis runs his fingers through those two threads. He looks down at them, brow furrowing, a frown crossing his face. ] You mean the black one, don't you?

[ That's a problem, for sure. Eli has to consider how best to explain that one. ]

I mean, it isn't something I would want to do, but I know Izou will stop attacking if I stand between you two. I don't know if you would, though... or... didn't know. I guess I'm a little more sure it'll be fine now.

[ Wow, Eli, whatever could that mean? ]

pick the most inconvenient moment for eli

[speedingticket]

[ Wizards, if anything, keep their word!

Not long after the fun conversation on the phone, Eli will find himself approached by a twink ass looking androgynous motherfucker, clad in a slim but plain white suit with an orange flower tucked in the pocket, and matching dangly orange earrings.

Bright green eyes, the color of early spring foliage, fixes on him, and he approaches with the confidence of ten thousand suns. There may be a wine bottle in each hand, but that's nothing to worry about. ]

Wolf mask... You must be Eli!

time for the worst

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Eli won't notice the twink-ass-looking motherfucker until he says something. He's busy trying to pick the threads off of his suit, only to find they are, somehow, spirit threads and cannot be destroyed. It's causing him some distress.

Of course, some distress will erupt into a lot of distress when he jerks his head, mask and all, up from his ultimately pointless task. To look directly at Rutile in all his twink glory.

White thread? No, no, no, now it's a pink thread, though only from Eli to Rutile. Fuck, ooohhh nooo, whyyy the fuck did the new guy have to be this motherfucker, another good-looking son of a...?! ]

Wh... ah... [ HE TRIES TO HIDE THE THREAD BEHIND HIS BACK. IT DOES NOTHING. SHIT. ] Yeah? Yeah, that's. I'm me. I mean Eli.

yay

[speedingticket]

[ Rutile beams! He doesn't notice the pink thread at all at first—his eyes close as his cheeks lift, and he holds out one of the bottles of wine, like a peace offering. ]

I've been looking for you! I'm Rutile, we just spoke through text!

[ He doesn't remember the technical term at the moment, which is fine. ]

It's so nice to meet you. Are you ready to dance?

[fullmoonmutt]

[ How will Eli survive this until the ball's end...? How? Confused, he takes the offered bottle. Maybe the guy won't notice the thread. Maybe he can't notice? How do these work?! Why does he have so much wine?! ]

Yeah, Rutile. I remember. Er, you really sure you want to dance with me? I got no idea how.

[speedingticket]

It's okay! I'll tell you a little secret.

[ He cups his now-free hand to his mouth and leans in slightly to whisper to Eli— ]

I don't either.

[ Teehe!

With a little giggle, he steps back and grabs Eli's hand. His bottle of wine is still in his hand, but he doesn't seem to notice. He doesn't seem to notice a lot? He's just happy to have found someone he knows the name of.

With a tug, he starts dragging him to the dance floor. ]

Just let the music carry you! Listen to your heart and your body! Nothing's easier than dancing!

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Eli at least manages to set the bottle he has down on the refreshments table before inevitably being pulled to his doom— i mean the dance floor by Rutile. This is a quick action after being frazzled by how he leans in to whisper. Hello?! ]

Whoa, whoa, hey, how are we dancing when one of your hands is all full?

[ With bottle?! Why bottle?! Is this guy already drunk?! ]

[speedingticket]

Goodness, I almost forgot!

[ For how excited Rutile is, he doesn't seem drunk...? There's no flush on his cheeks, his steps and hands are steady. For all we know, he's just like this normally.

Anyway, despite the tint to the bottle, there's still clearly about half of the wine left. And despite how much wine's left, Rutile...chugs it in one go, like it's grape juice and not booze.

With a satisfied ahh, he sets the bottle down nearby (on the floor?), and resumes his business of tugging on Eli's hand. ]

Let's go!

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Eli is so shocked by how Rutile downed that bottle that there's zero resistance to being dragged out onto the dance floor. ]

The fuck? What the hell, do you got no gag reflex or something?!

[speedingticket]

[ This question actually causes Rutile to come to a full stop for an extended moment to give it genuine thought. ]

Oh. [ Hand to his cheek... Thinking... ] I don't know!

[ He'll test it later!

He shrugs and glances over his shoulder at Eli. He opens his mouth to say something when something else catches his eye. ]

Hey... What's this? [ Why is there a pink thread coming from Eli? With his one hand now free of wine bottle, he reaches to twang it, only for it to pass right through... Without his magic, he has no idea what it is, but it doesn't seem harmful. ]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Rutile already confuses Eli so much and he's only known him in-person for ten minutes. Amazing. ]

You don't...? [ But then he's fiddling with the thread. Oh fuck. Oh shit. ] Hey! Don't do that! Leave it be!

[ He reaches to grab at Rutile's hand, but it's too little, too late. Passing his fingers through it only gives him direct access to that strong feeling of attraction and that one immediate thought Eli had upon seeing Rutile: 'Oh shit, he's hot. Why is everyone here so hot?! How is that fair?! I don't think I can take this anymore...' ]

/2

[speedingticket]

[ #justwizardthings

Eli's disembodied voice echoes loud in his head, and this is the first time Rutile actually stops in his tracks. His bright green eyes go wide, and he seems to be thinking, unsure of what to make of what he's just heard... ]

[speedingticket]

Oh, goodness, you think I'm hot?! Eli!

[ Rutile positively beams, and now he understands the pink thread, and it matches the faint brush over his cheeks. ]

I'm not half as hot as my mother was, but I'm still so flattered! Thank you!!

[ He takes Eli's hand in both of his and holds it up near his face. He's all smiles! Yay! He can't wait to go home and tell Mithra! ...Actually, he won't do that, because Eli would probably die. Because Mithra would kill him, somehow.

Anyway— ]

This means dancing with you is going to be so much fun! You're pretty cute yourself! [ Totally platonic! He tugs at his hand and takes a step backwards. ] Let's go!