lunaecalamitas | look at me, i'm the wound you tried to hide

look at me, i'm the wound you tried to hide

ANDANTE ALLA WANING CRESCENT

Another day dawns for the Sage's wizards. It's been a month, now, since arriving in this world and being given a task nobody seems to fully understand—though after the jobs the Southern and Central wizards have taken on, it seems like it might just be possible after all.

And it seems like there's another task for the wizards, from the Eastern nation. However, unlike the other requests the Sage has been fielding, this task is far too big for five wizards alone. This is a task everyone will need to help tackle, whether they like it or not. Those that aren't particularly altruistic will still be whisked together by Tatara and Lazuli both, and they may still find the journey...illuminating. Answers to what happened to the original wizards may be just within reach.

Traveling via the elevator at the manor is familiar to some of you, at least, Lazuli setting a mana stone into the control not a surprise in a the slightest. The fact all of you can, somehow, fit in the elevator comfortably may be a surprise, but it's best not to dwell on it too much. You'll be staying at the City of Rain, Lazuli tells you with the air of someone reading you a court sentence, but you've been tasked with clearing up the site of some sort of disaster. He doesn't have much information beyond that—a fact that seems to greatly annoy him—and he warns you not to break any of the City of Rain's laws well before you're out of the elevator.

Which that shouldn't be too difficult, right? Right...?

Perhaps not, as the rules of the city are extreme. There are certain areas which forbid socialization and talking entirely, some areas where only talking to strangers is forbidden, only a handful of businesses allow chatter of any sort, and the list goes on. The most pressing law of all, though, is very simple: no use of any sort of magic within city limits. Do your best to follow the rules because breaking them will result in an arrest, and do you really want Lazuli and Tatara bailing you out? With the rules laid out and lodging sorted, Lazuli ushers you to the site you're tasked with dealing with. You will have downtime to explore the city, though, as it's expected to take several days to clear things up.

The site is a terrible, terrible mess. In what must have once been a peaceful patch of wilderness, there now sits a terrible gouge in the earth, several meters deep and twice as wide across, hollowed by what must have been a powerful force. The dirt is gray and sandy, dead in the manner the Southern wizards will recognize. Plants on the edges of the crater are dry and withered and splintered and broken. Permeating the air is a lingering dread, one both Southern and Central wizards will immediately recognize...

But it is clear now, now that your magic is considerably stronger, that the spirits are agitated by the disturbance in the fabric of magic. Dark clouds hang low over the site, and low thunder rumbles in the constant threat of a storm that will never come. The spirits' agitation, coupled with the dread hanging in the air, will feel uncomfortable, and perhaps leave the more sensitive of the bunch feeling on edge. This is not something that can will resolve on its own, so your most important task is to calm the spirits. That means doing the things they like: playing music, dancing, praying, telling stories, wearing fanciful and whimsical clothes to soothe their temperaments.

Your second most important task is to clear out monsters. The unusual energy in the air is attractive to beasts magical in nature—they slink out of their hiding places in the deep wilderness to the area, and their presence is threatening the humans who regularly use the nearby routes for trade and to commute. Kill them, take their mana stones for yourself. Win-win.

The third task is general clean-up. Remove the dead plants from the earth, remove the broken trees and any natural debris that might prove to be a hindrance. Characters are more than welcome to search inside the crater for any hint or clue as to what might have caused this strange explosion, but they'll find the site picked clean, earth having fallen into cavities where there might have been larger objects present at one point...like someone was here to clear out any evidence.

JOB BOARD

Reinforcement. Peace in Granvelle Castle has been restored. A liveliness and energy has returned to the castle and the surrounding parts of the city that hasn't been seen in nearly a month. Thank your Central friends for their hard work!

Their issues aren't quite resolved, however. The castle is asking for help in creating and then reinforcing a magical barrier around the castle. The barrier is a bit bigger than what one wizard alone is capable of at this point, so band together to create and reinforce what parts you can. Perhaps it's not a bad idea to use your own hair or blood as a conduit.

The type of barrier is specific, however—they want one that masks magical signatures. If you step inside, you'll feel a faint, but powerful presence within... What are they guarding?

Recycling. The Eastern country is known for its expertise in all things mechanical, particularly when it comes to clockwork. While not as bombastic or flashy as Western technology, the use of magic and mana stones being deeply frowned upon and rejected, Eastern artisans can create truly fantastical things just with gears and cogs and a bit of know-how... But, of course, sometimes it's better to scrap something and create something new than let the old items waste away, so some Eastern craftsman have asked for help gathering clockwork automatons and other creations in order to melt it all back down. Some of them seem a bit nervous and harried, but it's an easy enough job to scrap automatons and cart junk around.

Monster hunting. The few settlements in the North have been sending in frantic request after frantic request. There has been a disturbing increase in monster activity in the North, and the native Northern wizards are as unreliable as ever. They need your help in thinning the numbers, and that's all they really ask for—you can keep all the mana stones you earn.

For those of you who haven't been to the North yet, the weather is harsh, no matter the season. Protection on oneself to survive the negative degrees is crucial; make sure your magic is up to snuff enough to keep yourself at least room temperature. And using your magic to battle on top of that? This isn't going to be an easy job, not at your level. Be cautious, and good luck.

Mana areas & amulets. You've been here for a month now, and living in an unfamiliar place, alongside unfamiliar people, using unfamiliar magic must be wearing you down. Isn't it? In that case, it's time for the last piece of your wizardhood puzzle: your mana area.

Mana areas are spots where wizards feel most at peace with themselves, most whole, and a place where they can refill on the emotional load they've been chipping away at for their magic. It can be a specific location, or a conditional circumstance. Find more detail on the magic page. Your task—given to you by your sage and your mentor—is to traverse the continent, find your mana area, and recharge your batteries, so to speak. While there, make an amulet to take back with you, like a portable battery.

WANDERER TASKS

Listen to the spirits.

You've been here long enough that it's time to see if you can actually communicate with the spirits who've laid claim on you and have been empowering your spells. Try your listen and see if you can hear what they have to say to you.

OOC Note: For those attempting this task, ping one of the mods and roll a dice! Based on the dice roll, your character will get a little tidbit from the spirits... Or they might not hear anything yet, but they can always dedicate themselves to their studies and try again after leveling up!

TATARA ACTIVITIES

Don't make promises.

If you've made a promise, don't break it.

If you break a promise, you'll lose your magic. And I don't know if I can help you anymore or send you home if that happens. I'm sorry this is so late. But please...be careful.

OOC NOTES

🌙 Welcome to your third event! Everyone's lasted a month, congratulations! Keep working on your magic, keep forging those bonds.
🌙 As your characters settle into the world, they might find themselves irresistibly drawn to crowds, to music, to dancing. It's hard to resist the allure of a gathering, and it's hard to keep yourself from swaying to music when it fills your ears, no matter what sort of person you used to be. You're changing...
🌙 As we enter the second month, we are announcing a deadline for finding your pairs. This will be Friday, June 14 at 11:59 PM EDT. Remember, you may submit a guess at any time, and there is no penalty for getting a guess wrong, so long as you have a thread to back up your guess and consent from your partner. The pair page is here.
🌙 Your OOC plotting post is here! Remember to keep all wider plotting on this post, as not everyone checks plurk or discord frequently.
🌙 Next up for missions is East. Let's hope they don't have to talk to anyone for this one.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hmm, something red maybe? Blue and red. [ the color purple exists, but he's not thinking that way somehow. ]

A blue tiger isn't a panther, but— [ he points to a blue and red necklace labeled blue tigers eye with ruby. ]

Whoa...

[ More big cats? Just for Tatara?

He peers and looks at the necklace through the glass; it still really isn't his style, but maybe it can be, because Khun pointed it out.

After admiring it for a moment or two, he looks up at Khun, smile and pink cheeks and all. ]

I like it.

[ well he was going to say that tatara didn't have to settle for the first thing since that's part of the fun of shopping, but then he sees that color pink and loses that thought. ]

Then it's yours. [ he tells the store associate as much and looks out at the rest of the store. ]

A bracelet and earrings...since I picked out your necklace, why don't you pick out a few bracelets and I'll tell you which one I like the most? And for the earrings it can be a true joint effort.

[ Now he's going to need an outfit to go with the necklace. Would it just be for a special occasion? Or an all-the-time necklace outfit? He decides he'll think more on it later as he watches the store associate take care of it. ]

Right. [ Attention back to Khun, he grins. ] Sounds perfect.

[ He wanders to the nearby bracelet case, and contemplates his option with his chin pinched between thumb and forefinger. ]

Mm...

[ He points to a pink one, a blue one, and one with both. As he does, he stares up at Khun, curious and wide-eyed. ]

[ khun looks at all three bracelets, back at tatara, and then back at the bracelets again. excuse him for a moment while he walks in a circle around tatara, humming as he does. ]

The blue one. Not because it's blue, but because I think the style suits you the most. And you can wear it with the ones you have on without it really clashing if you want.

You think so?

[ That Khun has been paying attention to him really—really tickles him, in a way. It feels like he's pulled back a curtain in his heart and is taking a look. It's a weird feeling. But it isn't bad? ]

You're gonna make me blush. [ He's already blushing! ] Then I'll go with that one. I'll think of the little blue dots as pieces of you I'm carrying around with me.

[ And he waves the attendant down again! ]

Keeping me to yourself? [ with a particularly curved grin, he reaches down to lightly add a brushstroke to the pink. how bold khun thinks, but he doesn't hate it. ]

I'm okay with it if I get to do the same.

[ Look at them, doing this while the attendant takes the bracelet from the display with a sidelong stare.

He can't help his grin growing wider, his flush deepening. He gives a dramatic little roll of his eyes and a sigh, mostly to try and cool the heat on his face. ]

Terms I have no choice but to accept, I suppose.

[ Of course he wants it. Just in case, when the attendant isn't looking, he'll sneak a kiss. Teehee. ]

Now, earrings, right? [ He'll grab a finger and tug. ] Lead the way.

Edited 2024-05-16 22:21 (UTC)

[ khun has no sympathies, this is what they're paid for, which is why he returns the kiss with a quick one of his own. he'd just said as much except in jewelry, so he's blameless.

to the earrings though, which he leads them over to with a satisfied smile. ]

If you're open to more than hoops there's studs of course, dangle and [ he tilts his head. ] double piercing chains, but you'd need another jab for that style.

[ Khun tilts his head and Tatara leans in close to get a better look. He doesn't need to, but he's going to anyway because he's like that. ]

Huh...

[ He taps a finger to his chin, then looks at his options. ]

I was thinking of getting another piercing if I got another earring, anyway. Yours are cool, and I like them.

[ They're not distracting, but they still make a statement. ]

You continue to have good taste~. [ don't mind him preening he has literally fought people over having his ears pierced before and it's one area where he's actually always receptive (weak) to compliments. ]

But in that case any of these would work. Pick a style and we'll work from there.

[ Hehe. Tatara grins! He thinks they have pretty similar styles anyway. Yet another complementary part of their relationship.

This time, he leans to observe the case more closely, but it doesn't take long for him to spot a particular chain set. There are both gold and silver options, too—they could get one each and match, but still have the metal that suits them.

Tatara points at them and peers up curiously at his boyfriend dearest. What does he think? ]

Amethyst? [ purple isn't a color he wears too often, but he's not opposed (and of the opinion that he truly can't look terrible in anything smh). a light hum as he looks at it more closely, including the little information stand next to it. ]

And gold and silver...but I think I'll take it in platinum. [ since that is an option too, just an upcharge which he does not even consider for a second. he's not really a gold person and silver is just Beneath him because he's like this. ]

I like the loop. [ belated approval with a smile. ]

[ Tatara didn't even know that was platinum. He beams up at Khun, just happy that he's happy. And they get to match. ]

Me too. [ Hehe!

He looks back at the display, and says with finality, ] And I'll take gold, then.

[ A little memory for him to carry with him.

He'll wave over the attendant again, and as their earrings are being collected, Tatara looks at Khun again. ]

Can you pierce ears?

[ Khun's been in his element today since shopping is one of his only hobbies and something he's used to sharing when doting on people he likes. but as in all things (and especially between them) the balance isn't meant to last because that question definitely takes him by surprise. ]

I did my own because it was my only option back then. [ earrings were definitely seen as a battle liability during his training and after he left, he wanted them as an expression of rebellion in more than a few ways. ]

You want me to do yours? [ his expression is textbook :O ]

[ Ooh. That's impressive, and the little glimmer in his eyes gives that away. But also, Tatara realizes he probably has all the choice in the world, but he only wants Khun to pierce his ears. ]

Of course I do. You'd do a good job. [ And his face is textbook :D. He says this with full confidence. What reason does he have to think otherwise? ]

Well, you're not wrong. [ now he has a stupid smile on his face. things he didn't realize he could share tickle him in unexpected ways. ]

I'll pay for this and then we can grab a bite to eat before we head back to my room. I'll do it for you tonight. [ the food is important because he wants to make sure tatara has had some kind of real food today, nevermind that he hasn't. ]

[ And Tatara sees that stupid smile and he chuckles. Because of course he was right? He knows his boyfriend (arrogantly), and he wouldn't have asked if he weren't confident. ]

Tonight! Wow, I get priority service... [ He teases, and gently pokes Khun in the cheek. ]

That sounds good. You have no idea how excited I am.

A perk of being my boyfriend. [ proclaimed in that very khun way of his, and what does he get for it? a poke! he snatches that finger and brings it to his lips for a kiss, and then lets go. ]

I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks on you. [ and himself naturally, though he's sure he can make it work. ] Why did you pick a purple gemstone?

[ Will he stop grinning and blushing every time Khun kisses him, in any way? Even when his hand is free, he brings his fingers up to his own lips with a coy little smile, as though claiming the indirect kiss for himself.

They will behave in the jewelry store. ]

Isn't it obvious? [ He'll take a step towards the register, which so happens to be behind Khun. ] If I'm red, and you're blue, then it only makes sense that together, we're purple.

[ they will but khun is finding it somewhat difficult right now. he'll have to claim that kiss he wants later with interest.

for now, he needs to pay. the sales person is probably (sadly) used to being regarded as air, and it's easy for khun to continue talking to tatara while paying for the jewelry. he turns to the side in order to do so.

though it's a good thing he can auto pilot the sales transaction because he's blinking just a bit dumbly at the very obvious color mixing. he hadn't considered that actually, but the smile that forms after he realizes it is pleased. ]

We are. Should I dress in purple for you on our next date?

I think you should surprise me.

[ He says this with a tease. He finds he quite likes it when Khun does what he wants. Who is he to hold him back?

The clerk hands them the bag of jewelry and Tatara takes it with a quiet thank you, and he turns to leave the store. Though his eyes remain fixed on Khun. ]

Who knows? Maybe I'll wear purple on our next date, too.

Hmm... in that case, you'll just have to wait and see. [ maybe he will wear purple! maybe he won't or maybe he'll go for a two color block look and his brain is instantly occupied with sorting through his current wardrobe.

he takes tatara's hand in his own now that their business is settled, making to leave. ]

You can surprise me with anything, just not grapes. The fruit, not the color.

Huh?

[ There's a little laugh, colored by curiosity. As they step back out into the city, he looks at Khun partially in surprise, and partially because he really wants to know why now he's not allowed to surprise him with grapes.

He lowers his voice when he asks, ]

Why no grapes?

[ hmm...if they walk a bit they'll probably find a cafe where they can grab a quick bite before heading back. khun picks a direction and begins walking, an amused smile at what he presumes is tatara trying to approach the subject delicately.

it's not that serious! mostly, or at least like this. ]

For one they're too sweet. But the main reason is because they remind me of my father.

look at me, i'm the wound you tried to hide

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