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!

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[bloodweapon]

[You can't save him.

The voice echoes in Argenti's head as that spear pierces the shield, as the knight chokes out a gasp, as he's stabbed straight through. He falls before Argenti has time to react, and by the time Argenti's able to react...

Well, the knight on the ground no longer looks the same. Instead, he looks like one of Argenti's friends - either the ones he's made here, or one of the ones from back home.]

[beautifulknight]

[ No.

He refuses to believe it - what reason would he have to in the first place? Argenti isn't the type to give in so easily. He wishes to convey the voice this with his actions as well, but...but...

Argenti is far too slow to do anything. The shock is acute because it happens so quick that there's nothing to be done, and then his eyes look down on the knight's form.

...But, instead of someone so very entirely foreign, his eyes lay upon a familiar figure instead - once again that Knight he had seen last in a dream, the place reminding him of someone he couldn't save. Yet he had been convinced that he had somehow.

Now, this...

Those horrid words feel like they are repeated in Argenti's head, over and over again. Yet, the figure lies there, silent as death, and he remembers.

This is the feeling of helplessness he felt when he had to cut him down. ]

[bloodweapon]

[For a long moment, the knight remains. Then, slowly, he starts to fade out as the world around Argenti fades to black.

That voice speaks again, echoing in the space ominously.

Would you still fight to save the world knowing others will die for you?]

[beautifulknight]

[ Of course he does - it is a relief that he does fade out...fade away, as it were.

But, the voice that echoes back at him is not even anywhere near anything like that. It's startling and at first, he's quiet.

It surprises him, but the question that Argenti is asked does not shake him as much as he thought it might. Perhaps he has truly grown stronger. ]

...There is no other choice but to fight.

I shall endeavor to keep as many people as possible safe.

[ Argenti doesn't want people to die for him, that isn't what they're supposed to do - he is a Knight of Beauty. If worst comes to worst he is the one who should be protecting people and being in harm's way. ]

...And those people who would throw themselves in harm's path - I shall do what I can to protect them as well.

Even if it seems futile...

I can't let it stop me.

[ Argenti can't let anything keep him from protecting the beauty in the universe - in the world. Even sorrow, even grief.

If not for what he went through recently, he thinks he might stumble. The memory of his friend was a sore reminder. But his friend would not wish for him to weep for him any longer.

And this "friend" that does not belong to him originally, yet died in this memory...he thinks he had no regrets, even if it pains him so. Even if he could not champion anyone sacrificing themselves their lives for "him". ]

[bloodweapon]

[A worthy answer.

You get the feeling that the voice approves of your answer and the world around you begins to fade out, like the ending of a dream. Argenti will wake up momentarily, but before he goes...

Do not forget your answer. There will always be those willing to sacrifice themselves; you may experience more loss in the future.

...Ominous, or some sort of backwards attempt at encouraging? You decide!]

[beautifulknight]

[ ...Oh.

There is something like an undeniable thread of pride that goes straight through him when he hears the approval being conveyed to him in that voice. But, it isn't like he's the type of person to seek praise, okay?

Then, there is the rest that comes, which might sound both ominous and backwards-encouraging, but...

Argenti believes that it was spoken with good intentions in mind.

He won't. Not at all in the slightest.

Maybe he should find a certain someone to talk with this about...like Fray (even if he did not glimpse him in the memory.) Some of the terms did sound familiar, after all... ]

[bloodweapon]

[You'll find Fray has already left his room this morning and is hanging around in the kitchen like maybe he's planning on cooking something... except he seems more agitated than usual. This is all the more apparent because the ears and tail are on full display, and both are bristled in a way that implies irritation. He's clearly not mad at what he's cooking, because he hasn't even started on that and is instead glaring at the stove like it is somehow a great affront to him, personally, so you know today's off to a great start.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Hm! Well, considering dreams are being kind of...wonky, this week, Argenti more or less is going to be relatively attentive to certain differences - beyond just paying close attention, of course - so it's easily noticeable to catch Fray's agitation.

...But, the ears and tail signaling this is a very helpful and easy tell too, for obvious reasons. ]

Dear Fray? I would say good morning, but it seems that you have something on your mind.

...Did you sleep well?

[bloodweapon]

[Fray glances over when Argenti approaches, and that does get him to relax a little. His ears are no longer laid flat back, at least? So there's that.]

I didn't. I've been having... nightmares recently, about something that happened not all that long before I arrived here.

[A moment of hesitation, and then...]

But I believe you might have been there?

[Now that he's thinking about it, that's... very weird. Why was Argenti there??]

[beautifulknight]

[ There is that! Argenti will take solace in it, but his concerns do remain because it must have indeed troubled him so. ]

You are correct.

I was dreaming about a companion that I had never met - and we were supposed to be off, in order to defeat this Archbishop. He sounded like quite a dangerous man.

But, then...elements of the dream shifted, and I was - well, it was very disconcerting. There were already strange parts about it, though I can't say I anticipated seeing that man become replaced with a familiar sight...once he was finished off, that is.

It is unfortunate that it has caused you so much trouble, though.

[ He comes closer, and raises a hand towards one of Fray's, to cover it with his own. ]

[bloodweapon]

[Fray's eyes widen and his ears flick backwards. No, that was just a dream, that wasn't—]

Haurchefant.

[It's quiet, filled with all sorts of emotions that he's not even sure belong to him anymore. Grief, fury, frustration, sorrow - all of these and more at the loss of a dear friend, condensed solely into his name. Fray shakes his head once that's out there and suddenly he's gripping onto Argenti's hand like its a lifeline.]

You've my apologies. That... That dream was mine. I don't understand what happened, but you saw... something from my memories.

[Somewhat. Obviously Fray wasn't exactly present there, but that's a whole other set of issues that he can't really get into right now when the pain from Haurchefant's death is as vibrant as if the man just died.]

[beautifulknight]

[ The surprise is easily noted. ]

Haurchefant...

[ It's a name that sounds completely and utterly foreign on Argenti's lips - he notices the quiet as well, concern coming over him like a wave. But he feels the tight grip on his hand, and he grants it a supportive, yet gentle squeeze in return. To affirm he's right here with him. ]

...You must have cared about this man dearly, yes? It is by no fault of your own that I witnessed such painful memories.

[ He must have been carrying that pain in his heart for so long, he imagines. He'd know - with his own experience in mind about his lost comrades, after all. ]

[bloodweapon]

He was... V'rhas's dear friend.

[It takes him a moment to continue, and when he does it's halting and awkward because... Well, these feelings are just as much his as they are V'rhas's, after all.]

When all of Eorzea turned against him, Haurchefant was the one to reach out a hand for V'rhas. He helped find sanctuary in Ishgard, and kept V'rhas safe. He was a kind man, always doing everything he could for others.

[...Argenti reminds him a lot of Haurchefant, honestly.]

[beautifulknight]

So you didn't know him personally, but...V'rhas did.

[ Therein what makes up their existence lies the commonality, except he knows by now that for the other man, it somehow must feel so conflicting. Because he is himself, not necessarily "just" a part of V'rhas.

He wonders how much it has tangled up his heart, to have such nightmares upon him. ]

This Haurchefant sounds like he was quite the man - one who indeed would be worthy of praise, as he has done so much good. And, of course, was there in V'rhas' time of need. Though, if I am honest, the way he spoke also was indication of how good of a man he appeared to be. It almost made me think of some of the fellow Knights of Beauty I have met.

...Still, it must have been quite disorienting, to re-experience such memories in a nightmare. I hope that it does not continue to trouble you any longer.

[bloodweapon]

Yes, it was.

[It isn't as though Fray had forgotten. How could he, when such a pivotal moment was one of the causes of him coming into being? But it feels different experiencing it all over again in a dream verses the lingering feelings that came with V'rhas's experience. It's Complicated, in other words.]

Thank you, though. I feel better now that I've spoken about it with you, although...

[He squeezes Argenti's hand again with an apologetic smile.]

I am sorry to have troubled you with such things. I cannot imagine that was an easy dream for you to experience either.

[beautifulknight]

...Please, do not blame yourself, my dearest Fray.

While it troubled me, to see for a moment that familiar face - that man I considered to be a dear friend - in the state of that other knight, for but a moment, I know that was not the work of you at all. Merely, a product of the dream, if anything.

[ Argenti's words are gentle, but true, in his express opinion. In fact, right after that gentle hand squeeze, he will even move to bring him into a warm embrace. ]

Though, I am ever so glad to be able to help grant you relief from the pain that those dreams stirred within you.

[bloodweapon]

[He returns that embrace, settling against Argenti easily and gently nuzzling against his boyfriend's jaw for a moment.]

Thank you. Truly, I don't know what I would do without you, Argenti.

[He'd be irritable all day and probably have more nightmares, so this is definitely better!!]

I hope we can determine what's causing these dreams so that I do not inflict any more on anyone.

[beautifulknight]

[ And that feels nice...so soft. He can stand like this with his dear boyfriend all day... ]

Of course. Anything for you, my dearest Fray.

[ Yes, like this he gets to enjoy snuggles and mood improvement hugs and hand holding alongside all that good, mushy stuff! ]

...I hope the very same. I have suspicions it is the work of something nefarious. And once I have the opportunity to track it down, I shall give it no quarter.

[bloodweapon]

[Ah, Argenti certainly knows how to charm him...]

I'd like nothing more than to witness it. I'll keep an eye out and let you know, should I learn anything.

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti pulls back slightly, though still holds him tightly and securely in his arms, if only to grant him a little wink at that. ]

And I shall keep you appraised on the details, or perhaps you will know after seeing me in action. Whichever comes first!