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

[promittere]

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.

» NAVIGATION

Comments

[foresightis2020]

[ Hrm, well. Jing Yuan sees that people are thankfully taking care of certain others who look most certainly a little worse off.

His main concern/interest is Grumpy Shinji. So he approaches him first; hopefully the guy has taken a towel or something despite his shirtless (mis)adventures. A pity he didn't have time to make tea and soup, but he can save that for later. ]

I'd ask if you'd had fun, but...it seems that isn't the case at all, hm? [ Ha ha. Except no one's laughing. ] You didn't sustain too many wounds, did you? How did everything pan out with everyone working together?

[ In between and/or after that, who knows with everything timing wise, he will also quickly check-in on Ginger/Mika, who are still imperative to check in on. ]

How are you two? I see Mika's state is unfortunate...so, what kind of threat was responsible for it?

[ If need-be he will not hesitate to offer blood as needed like before, but you know. Anyway, Phil appears to be handled by Day (though if he wishes to say something to Jing Yuan, he will answer), and then there is Yamato who he is more familiar with. So he turns towards him and ask: ]

How are you? No one touched anything they shouldn't, did they?

[shortleash]

( Jing Yuan is definitely free to offer blood - all offers will pitch into a pretty deep well of hunger right now. There's a sense of Wanderer's magic on him (the same magic that's been on him since his second frenzy), which, at least, prevents a frenzy. )

... Don't go near a raw moonstone unprotected...

( how tf did collodi do it hellow... )

[foresightis2020]

...You went near a moonstone unprotected? You are all fortunate to be standing [ mostly ] as you are now.

[ Anyway, he looks over him, the familiar magic signature certainly coming up to his senses. ]

Do you need more to help with your state? I'll be able to assist just fine.

[ He'll offer freely. The more the merrier? ]

[shortleash]

( Sigh... )

They didn't.

( Just Mika, lol,

As for the offer... )

... I— might not stop...

( u kno mika's in a bad state if he isn't totally turning down food, )

[foresightis2020]

[ Mika, why are you like this. ]

...I see. It almost feels moot to say that it was a terrible idea and should not be done again. However, I will say it nonetheless.

[ But as for the other matter, he simply shakes his head; this time he arrived in just his casual robes, so it's easier to pitch up one sleeve. ]

You seem more in control of yourself than before, and I am more prepared in the case that you are not. So, have at it.

[ He will step in and hold out one arm to the other. ]

[shortleash]

Wasn't trying... ( A weak protest. ) But... it wasn't bad...? It feels...

( A weird thing to say considering his brain is a fine purée right now, but perhaps that is why he's saying it.

He trails off, as Jing Yuan presents his arm, firmly stealing his attention. His lips part to protest, but words fail him, ultimately - there are his fangs visible, sharp and wet as he swallows, and there is his tongue that runs lightly along them.

With unfirm hand he... reaches, and takes Jing Yuan's own, drawing it closer. He shakes his head - maybe to himself, or maybe in apology - but still, he turns Jing Yuan's hand palm-up, exposing his forearm, his artery, his gentle, hypnotic pulse, as the focus in Mika's gaze seems to fade, as if a snake charmed.

This goes different than Mika in a frenzy. With the charm allowing him patience, indulgence, His lips ghost warm along the artery from the end of his arm up toward the palm, as if chasing that pulse - as if finding first where the blood rushes thick. His lips part slightly as he approaches the wrist, teeth running light, almost teasing, like a tender laceration.

But there is no injury. There's nothing, until he reaches the end of his wrist, and he tests and teeths at the skin - strange pricks at first, which don't feel terrible. Ticklish, and then - nice, easing into the sensation - before his fangs sink in smooth, and there returns that burst of rich pleasure, perhaps familiar to Jing Yuan. That addicting satisfaction - that hot flash that spreads from wrist to spine to stomach - that Mika almost seems to feel, too, as he begins to drink. The blood spills from the wound, and runs his tongue along the curve of Jing Yuan's arm, careful, even in his disoriented state, not to miss much - not to waste anything, if he can.

He seems calmer; at ease. His fingers curl into Jing Yuan's hand; he comes to hold it, almost affectionately, as he continues to drink, as if to ask him to stay put; as if to beg him to stay... )

[foresightis2020]

Hmm?

[ Last time, Jing Yuan had been more or less caught off by surprise; this time, he can at least steel himself properly for the exact kind of reaction he experienced previous. It does help that the movements are not so crazed; not so done in a way that gives into a sense of worry amongst that calm he is well-tuned and well used to.

This time, there is none of that, golden eyes watching Mika carefully as he moves to bite instead at his wrist, rather than his arm. The far too welcoming sensation is just as pervasive as before, though, settling almost disturbingly comfortably where it does, that seems to encourage a brief warmth over him in its entirety. Something that can easily blind his mind if he is so foolish. But if he endeavors to simply observe, he's in control, rather than any danger of surrendering to that addictive feeling which dares to try to encase him within its thrall.

Jing Yuan also raises his free hand to rest on Mika's shoulder, while Mika's fingers curl around his very occupied hand (now by teeth and by a hand itself?)

But, he also doesn't let it go on for too long either, blinking, when he realizes there is danger of becoming too disoriented. So, then he decides to act with a sudden harsh, yet powerful shove thanks to where he's gripped Mika, to push him off. Unlike Comet, he is not so small, and he certainly is far stronger. Though, he doesn't see the need to bring magic into this, unlike last time. ]

...That is enough. You have had your fill, Mika.

[shortleash]

—Ah...

( It certainly takes him by surprise, and disorients him more. He doesn't feel fully back yet, in the moments that follow; he licks his lips, his bloodied teeth, and swallows - gaze fixed on the injury; the trickling blood. There is a protest clear on his lips, rippling out onto his expression, before vaguely his sense of self seems to return to him.

He shakes his head. )

... Sorry, sorry... I...— Sorry...

[foresightis2020]

I already knew the consequences, and acted accordingly.

This is something that hardly warrants apologizing for. Therefore, consider that there is simply nothing to forgive.

[ Jing Yuan is still judging the moonstone touching (almost moonrock touching?) incident and has made his opinion known on the matter about what he thinks about regarding that, but this? There is no judgment here on the matter.

He'll touch his own bleeding wrist and though his healing capabilities are poor, it's a small enough wound for even him to manage. ]

If it has helped, that is what matters.

[shortleash]

( nnh...

... He nods... After all the help, he's definitely feeling - well, not better thanks to moon radiation sickness, but better than having moon radiation sickness and being extremely hungry due to what he had to heal. )

... Just find a healer. Don't... die...

[foresightis2020]

Haha, don't worry about it.

This is nothing. I don't want to trouble them when they should be taking care of others far more deserving.

[ See? Once he pulls away his hand, it is taken care of, since it truly was just where Mika bit into his wrist. Nothing like the gaping wound on his arm Mika had managed in that incident. ]

As for you, how are you feeling?

[shortleash]

( Mika still seems uneasy about the wound - as if those little pinpricks could really do him in, right now. It's an unfounded, feverish worry - one tangled with the vague thoughts and memories swirling in his head, marbling his presently-tenuous perception of reality. )

... Better— I think... I...

( He... rubs his face... )

... We were flying... really high above the city... then they shot me down...

( Think about all the stuff that breaks and ruptures in the human body when you fall from a ten story building (or whatever the actual height was)... though wizards are thankfully not as fragile as humans. Thank god for the anti-frenzy charm on him - which, admittedly, he has a little more faith in, after that. )

... This moon thing is filling my head already. It's better... not to have it so full of hunger, too.

[lustro]

[ Ginger reluctantly holds his tongue as Jing Yuan assists Mika, though his fingers possessively dig into skin. They flinch loose when he realizes what he's doing; this is no time to be acting like that - especially if Jing Yuan is not a threat. He's help. This is... help.

(He still hates it.)

Even then, he needs some time to settle his thoughts before responding. ]

A human. And when that human messed up and created moon-loving automatons, well... you can see how well that went for everyone.

[foresightis2020]

[ Well then, that sure is a reaction! Jing Yuan's expression is impassive, regardless of however long Ginger holds his own, before settling into something decisively business neutral at the information he gives.

Then, he just proceeds forward. ]

Hmm. There seems to be no question about the culprit, at the very least, but I would prefer to know more.

What do you all know about this human in question? Is he still alive? Do any of you have any further information on his background, including who he may have had contact with that could have helped in his endeavors?

[lustro]

Dead.

[ As an officer, Ginger really shouldn't say, 'good riddance,' but seriously. ]

Days before we even got there, it looks like. [ And just so we're not repeating a whole bunch of info since that conversation probably came first. ] I'd like to know who helped him do this. There must have been someone. Day told me on his mission that one of the humans he met had an injury that was withered beyond repair just from beyond in the same area as a moonstone - and yet this idiot human managed to get an entire meteor fragment? From who? What kept him safe as he broke it into shards?

[foresightis2020]

[ How can a dead man cause so much damned trouble? A-fucking-mazing.

But, also, Aeons help him, that sure is a comment he probably saw in front of his salad at that time about free will and a human.

He'll keep an eye on things (maybe reserve comment on that for a moment so we don't get a paradox), but man. ]

It did not seem he was kept safe for long, seeing as he ended up dead in the first place. Or if he was protected from it and the adverse effects, whoever managed that would have needed to know how to protect him from it in the first place. Rather than it being something he can do on his own, if he were incapable of casting magic.

Either way, I do find it also hard to believe something like this fell into his lap, even if it was entirely possible. Not to mention, the influence of those moon stones in general had to have done some damage, even with protection...given what happened on the previous mission.

[lustro]

... And aside from all that. We need stronger protection spells before the next mission starts - if there is one. Just a few seconds in that room with the meteor fragment was... hell.

[ And that was with layered protection on most of them. ]

We did collect the purified moonstones, and I think - [ He sighs. There are too many unknowns, and they need more of - everything. ] ... I think we should give them to the Western and Northern wizards. It's likely they'll be sent out if the pattern holds.

[foresightis2020]

[ ...Anyway, even with tensions flaring and everything, Ginger's comment about being in the room with the meteor fragment brings to the surface those worries again. But first: ]

You've a good point. We need to find a better way to enhance such spells, whether or not it's something easier for us. Perhaps with practice, though the amulets can help as well, as long as those are charged. If we draw on those and anything else we can use at our disposal, protection spells can be heightened effectively.

...But, speaking of your time near that fragment, are there any lingering effects that are bothering you from being in that room? Headaches, or any other unfortunate afflictions that you can think of?

[ But, his frown is even more pronounced. If a normal human could have been collaborating willingly and wretchedly with someone else more powerful...that is a huge problem. ]

As for the purified moonstones, you believe they can be of assistance? Well, I don't think you're wrong that the West or North will eventually be sent out. I am from the West, in case that helps.

[fallingsand]

[ Bruno, who's been hovering nervously and uselessly nearby, clears his throat and interjects, ]

Um, the moonstones aren't really useful, actually? Unless they're different from the one we brought back from the South? I've. I kinda. Tried experimenting with them already.

[foresightis2020]

[ Well. That brings his attention immediately on over Bruno to question the following: ]

Oh? How did they work when you attempted to use them?

[fallingsand]

Not. Not well? Like, poorly. I. I thought they could be used for plant fertilizer and... and enchanted them to make plants grow faster? The whole bunch did grow super fast, but then just. Died. B-but there wasn't any corruption or anything from it.

[ He did not release more terrible things into the world, honest. ]

[lustro]

I don't think we need them to last long. We just need them to... enhance important spells at the right moments. A couple of seconds of protection makes all the difference. Do you think... that's also no good?

[fallingsand]

I'm not sure I would trust those things to protect me, Ginger. When the plants went, they withered real badly. What if that happens to the person using the protection?

[ That said... ]

B-but, I mean. If you do experiment with them, just. Just don't do something that'll affect someone? To be safe?

[foresightis2020]

[ Hmmmm.... ]

It could be that the energy of the moon is still far too disharmonious to things not from it. As in, it would be spread less equally...less balanced.

[ And all things must have a balance.

...

Not that he knows for certain. He didn't check the way the magic/energy looked within the plants or anything like that. ]

[fallingsand]

Someone else did suggest it might be that our magic was, like, the moon's enemy, s-so it would reject it. I can't tell you for certain, though. I just know it killed the plants in the end.