and i'll stay yours, no matter sunrise, nightfall

[promittere]

WAXING CRESCENT PRESTO

Things haven't been easy the past two months for the new sage's wizards, but their hard work is paying off. All twenty-five, including sage and mentor, have been personally invited to the home of the newly-appointed Lady Diane Chenon of Borda Island, located in the Western Country.

Borda Island is a popular holiday desination located off the western coast of the mainland, and as the local ruler, Lady Diane's abode is nothing less than a beautiful castle—a gorgeous piece of architecture, even if it isn't as grand as Granvelle Castle.

She invites everyone to stay for an entire weekend. But when they all arrive to their destination, they'll find that she's...absent, due to sudden business she has to attend to. No matter, though. Her staff is ready to receive you anyway, and you're given free reign over both the castle and the island.

In the castle, the staff have set out an entire feast for the crew, with all sorts of food imaginable. From large savory dishes to delectable sweets, everything is exquisite, and it's set out in a buffet style so everyone can pick and choose what they want to eat. The castle also has stunning views of the town and the western expanse of sea beyond the mainland.

Outside of the castle, the world is your oyster. Borda Island's beaches are pristine, well-maintained, with silky sand and shining blue water. While there are several other beachgoers at this time of year, the sands and seas are mostly open for the sage's wizards to lounge in as they please. If you think your water breathing magic is up to snuff, then why not go diving? There are whispers of a sunken city far off the coast (if you think you can find it!), and you may be lucky enough to run across a mermaid...

The markets aren't far from the beach, and they hold a vast array of trinkets, activities, and foods catering to every taste imaginable. What's unique about these markets is that a large section of the markets are wizard-owned, which means there are plenty of magical trinkets for sale. And that also means the native wizards are quite curious about you, the alien wizards...

Alternatively, feel free to return to the mainland to visit the Nectar District, which is not that far, all things considered. This is the wizard-only pleasure district of the Western Country, for those who wish to indulge in a bit of depravity. And it is worth visiting at least once while you're here, if at least to connect with some native wizards and learn about wizard culture. But be careful, and do be home in time for dinner—it's hard to escape a Western wizard's charms once they decide they want to play with you.

As night falls, everyone is treated to a spectacular sight. Some may have heard whispers of its arrival, some may not. Either way, the Venator meteor shower darts across the sky as dusk falls.

The meteor shower has another name among wizards—the Lineal meteor shower. Wizards live for a very, very long time, yet their pasts and experiences live on in the teachings they hand down to their apprentices. The stars, too, live a very long time, and as the meteor shower comes by every year, they trace the slight differences in time and in these relationships.

In the past, shooting stars have been considered bad omens. And though the perception of them as simply natural phenomena has become more prevalent, the superstition remains. But some see them as travelers, foreign visitors who are here to usher in a new age of change. How do you see them?

Regardless, every wizard has a memory or two closely related to the meteor shower. Take a moment to look up to the shooting stars as they color the sky, and take in the life you have now—what sort of memory are you going to make on this night, and how will you pass it on?

JOB BOARD

Rekindling. Thanks to your Northern friends' hard work, the worst of the damages have been avoided for the City of Ice. But that doesn't mean they don't need your help still.

The earthquakes left by the chimera's rampage have rattled some buildings, and they need repair. The magical blizzards also seem to have injured some people and damaged some of the stained glass decorations the townsfolk value so highly. Collect crystals from the Forest of Ice to try and replicate them, and try to put in as much protective magic as you can—they need it.

They also request a barrier that blocks magical signatures, much like the one erected around Granvelle Castle. It seems their patrons are back and comatose, and they would like to avoid any attacks by other opportunistic Northern wizards...

Theatrical assistance and celebration. The West is a country of the arts, as well as science, which means there is always some sort of production going on that needs hands and talent. One of the largest theaters in the City of Affluence is in need of help with costuming, prop manufacturing, and is holding auditions for roles in their upcoming play. Maybe now's a good time to get some good publicity for wizards? Or the promise of remuneration and a share of the profits will be enough, as anyone who helps the theater or helps draw crowds to their new play will get quite the financial compensation. And free tickets!

Those more musically inclined or prone to stage fright can also help with the theater's upcoming parade through the city. Those with no marching band experiences can play the most important instrument of all, the cymbal. Or triangle, pick your poison.

If that's still too much, there's always passing out flyers to advertise the new production.

The advent of summer. The summer solstice nears, and the City of Clouds has asked for your assistance! Their yearly summer solstice celebration is coming up and they need help preparing for the festival. Their usual magical muscle is unfortunately still out of commission, so they've turned to the current sage's wizards for assistance. They need help building sets for their dances and music, setting up magical illusions and lights for the main event, and clearing the land where they'll have the food and activity stalls. This may not be as grand in caliber as your previous jobs, but at this point, it may be best to begin building regular goodwill among the natives of this world. Who knows if it may end up being your home...

G'RAHA TASKS

I've heard that some wizards have found that they're capable of a unique sort of spell with another wizard around them, and that those spells can be quite powerful. While I've yet to see any for myself, I've been doing some digging to see if I can understand where it comes from and how it might be replicable. To that end, I think it may be fun to host some sort of gathering where people can try out spells with their comrades and see what happens...?

(OOC Note: This is basically G'raha sanctioned speed-dating, so go wild with this!)

TATARA ACTIVITIES

You know what the best way to bond is? Food! We should have a huge potluck feast one day—everyone make one dish they consider to be their specialty, and we'll have them all out for dinner one day in the dining hall! Don't miss it! I expect all of you to be there!

I really want to fill out my sage tome. I haven't gotten everyone so far, so I'm relying on your trusty submissions! If you could please write down what you like, what you don't like, what you're good at, and what you're bad at and then leave your papers in a stack on a library table, I'd be ever grateful! Thank you~

OOC NOTES

🌙 Welcome to your fifth and final (?) event! Sick of sand yet? Have some more!
🌙 Everyone made AC and that's dope, actually. Thank you all so much for sticking with us!!! We're in the home stretch. Things may be low key right now, but do you think you're ready for what's to come?
🌙 A quick reminder of the deadline for submitting your pair guesses: Friday, June 14, 11:59 PM. There's still time to guess!
🌙 We'll also be closing the rewards page on Wednesday, June 19, 11:59 PM. That's your last chance to get your random items, and your last chance to get your mission rewards. Don't miss out!
🌙 Don't forget, your OOC plotting post is here! Please be sure to use this post, since not everyone checks plurk or discord frequently.
🌙 Our last group to go on their mission will be West. Don't fuck it up, Westies!

» NAVIGATION

Comments

[fullspbar]

≫ I.

[ For most people who've been around Shinjiro, they'd know parties and social gatherings don't tend to be his thing ( drunken teen drinking party notwithstanding ). Nor is he really a 'fun in the sun' kind of guy. Never has been.

Which is why it's probably surprising for whoever steps foot on the beach today, because that sure is one Shinjiro Aragaki. Swimsuit and everything. Definitely out of his element, all things considered.

...Or that's what you would say, but he sure isn't going anywhere near the water. He's got a towel and is sitting comfortably a bit aways from the push and pull of the tide, peering out over the blue waves with an unreadable twinge in his features. He looks...well, like he's not too sure if he wants to be here, even if he is. Anybody who passes him can also notice the fact magic is clinging to every piece of his clothes, despite the lack of proper threat.

Feel free to bother him. He probably deserves it. ]

≫ II.

[ The South is...agreeable, he finds. Ironically, considering how it has it's moments, but it's a far better experience so far than every single time he's stepped foot in the North.

Either way, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, Shinji is getting to work. Sure, he could make it a little easier using magic (and maybe he does, just a smidgen), but it's an almost comfortable sort of mundane to do some normal heavy lifting. If you're planning on helping clear the land a bit, doing some weeding or otherwise problematic removal of unneeded objects, Shinji will be right there with you. ]

...They're pretty friendly here, huh.

[ An astute observation, with his hands full of...something? Drinks, actually, when you take a closer look. He's handing one to you! With a perpetual grimace as always, of course. ]

Take it. I ain't drinkin' both, and they weren't taking 'no' for an answer.

≫ III.

[ Potlucks...not exactly his first choice, nor did the idea particularly thrill him at first. But cooking is what he does, and it's not much different from making a normal meal, anyway...

You can walk in on him contemplating his choices, or maybe you asked for or need some help. Either way, there's a journal open on the counter as he peers through the cupboards...

Let's get cooking! ]

≫ IV.

Wildcard! Just fuck me up

≫ III, walk in on him contemplating his choices;

[foresightis2020]

[ Potlucks may not be Shinjiro's first choice, but Jing Yuan is actually quite mildly excited about the entire shebang.

It's a fun time for all concerned, isn't it? ]

Ah, thinking about the big event? Do you need help in choosing or preparing something?

[ At least he can help in either one of those things; or both. ]

[fullspbar]

[ Ah, fuck, the old man he can't escape.

He pauses in the middle of pulling a small pan from the cupboard, giving Jing Yuan that usual pinched exasperated look he tends to get these days. ]

Well, it's all half of them are yapping about....

[ Part of him felt tempted to leave everyone else to cook for once, but it is a group effort...still, this isn't quite his usual wheelhouse. ]

Why, sitting on your own ideas or what? I'm just lookin' at what we have here before I actually decide on something.

[foresightis2020]

[ Certainly not; especially when he's in a common area like the kitchen!

Meanwhile, Jing Yuan's lips curl upwards automatically when he gets the Shinjiro 'bit a lemon' Aragaki face. ]

Hmm, unsurprising, perhaps, given it is rare that everyone has had the chance to participate in a grand event to display one's cooking to so many people at once.

[ Even just for funsies. As for the question directed his way, Jing Yuan actually looks vaguely contemplative, though. Because yes he might have been sitting on some ideas of his own. ]

I was caught between trying for some cupcakes or a suitably large fish dish, though I have never been one to have much of a sweet tooth, so I may be learning towards something of the latter.

Has that helped you in potentially deciding yourself? As you glance upon the ingredients, that is.

[fullspbar]

[ Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up, chucklenuts. ]

I don't really care about displaying it. It's not like I cook to get noticed; it's just a hobby.

[ Competitions or anything never really interested him; nor is he particularly scoping out compliments or anything. It's just a 'might as well' type thing...

Well, he's still doing it. That's what matters. ]

Pretty sure somebody else's making dessert, so not a big deal. [ Besides, his sweet tooth isn't really that big either. Although, hm. Seafood. ]

...I guess tempura could work. [ The journal is thumbed through, eyes narrowed as he grumbles. ] Can't make a full meal, so you want somethin' that's easy to eat by itself and with everything else that's gonna be there.

[foresightis2020]

[ Fufu ]

...If you had said as much, I would have wondered if your personality was switched by one of those silly items.

[ Jing Yuan says lightly, but also sincerely. Shinjiro never seemed like the type of guy to do something to get himself into a spotlight of any sort.

That aside, Jing Yuan brings a hand to his own chin, appearing in thought as he discusses an option from his journal. ]

Tempura, hm? I believe I've vaguely heard of something like that before. Though, I certainly have never made it myself. I do wonder if it might pair well with some soup...

Regardless, I am always eager to learn, and to help.

[ Should be fun! Especially since he will not cause problems in regards to helping out with Food. ]

[fullspbar]

[ Silly items...that earns a faint grimace. He's just...not gonna comment. There's been too much shenanigans going on in this manor, he knows better than to trust random mysterious objects showing up in your bedroom at this point.

He didn't really peg Jing Yuan as a big cooker in general, but anything he can make is probably better than the consequences of letting Solomon in the kitchen.

Hmmm. Soup... ]

...Miso's an alright side dish to go with it, and tempura udon is a thing. [ But, he notes with a frown, ] But that ain't stuff you'd wanna bring to a potluck.

[ After all, potlucks are more about loading up your plate, right....hard to do that with soup. ]

Rice is always the best bet, but it's fine on it's own. 'S not like I've got a 'specialty' or whatever they wanna call it, so I guess it'll do.

[ A side-eye. ]

...Well, doesn't matter to me if you want to help or make your own now. Either way, wash your hands first.

[foresightis2020]

[ Wouldn't you trust the appearance of a baby grand piano happening somewheres without rhyme or reason? Jokes aside...Jing Yuan has so much dubious stuff that causes incredibly (weird) effects, he can probably start a little black market for funsies.

Not that he will, but anyway. His expression goes considering again as Shinjiro talks once more, though. ]

Mm, probably not unless we made multiple versions of soup, but it doesn't sound fitting for a potluck either, appearance wise.

[ Still kind of unwieldy to grab soup with your other easy to nab foods. ]

Rice...or perhaps noodles could work as well — but, ah. I suppose you're right. It'd be a shame if I had my dirty little fingers stuck in all of the ingredients, no?

[ Jing Yuan playfully wiggles his fingers for fun, but then goes to wash his hands, but also nab himself an apron or something. He's not baking and he is probably going to get himself quite into whatever he manages to whip up. He returns soon enough, though, since cleaning his hands is a simple affair. ]

[fullspbar]

[ And he can keep that black market to himself!

This is not the kind of conversation he'd expect to be having with Jing Yuan, considering what their other ones had entailed, but man, they're already here. Shinjiro's already in an apron with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, Jing Yuan is already in this kitchen, and they might as well just cook'er up. ]

Appearance wise ain't even the problem. It's practicality.

[ Not to mention a waste. Soup would already be difficult to handle when juggling one plate already, but more than one soup?? Hell no. ]

Depends on the kind. Not a lot's the stuff you want to make in bulk.

[ Especially for something like this. A whole meal, sure. A potluck...no.

Shinjiro, naturally, opts to give Jing Yuan the most unimpressed stare he can muster at his fruity little finger wiggle, turning his back in the process. He can join Shinji when he's done, who's busy tugging a bowl closer as he flips to another page of the journal on the counter.

He does give the older man a side-eye, though. ]

...I don't have to teach you anything, right?

iii

[fallingsand]

What's this? Have you been writing up your own cookbook?

[ Bruno has... arrived? In the kitchen? At some point while Shinji was busy looking through a cupboard. The man had made no noise, so there's no telling how long he's been there, but he does have the sense not to page through someone else's journal even though he'll take a peek at the pages it happens to be opened to. ]

[fullspbar]

[ Sweet fucking jesus, Bruno. Shinji very nearly whacks his head on the cupboard door from the startled way he jumps. Not ridiculously, but...a bit embarrassing, especially when he turns around with a grumble after straightening himself out. ]

Shit— you make any damn noise when you move?

[ Evidently not.

He did leave it out, so he's not really salty at the guy taking a peek, but he rubs a hand on the back of his head a click of the tongue. ]

And that's too much work. [ Shinjiro sets the pan he was digging out down on the counter, just to point to the next page. ] There's a few, but 's just stuff from home I've made edits to for all the ingredients here...and notes of all the weird crap that some of them do.

[fallingsand]

Only when I want to.

[ Sometimes you live in the walls of a house for a decade and learn to be very, very quiet so no one (except Dolores cough cough) notices. ]

Huh. [ Bruno looks between Shinji and the journal, giving the page he pointed to a curious look over but... ] Man, I bet whatever you make for the potluck is going to be good, even with weird ingredients.

[fullspbar]

[ ...Yeah, that probably tracks, actually. He should stop questioning how people are able to do things around here, it just gives him a headache.

The compliment has him blinking for a hot seconds, before he averts his eyes with a dismissive shrug. Sure, he's gotten lots of compliments, but he doesn't think it's as everyone says it is... ]

Pretty much anyone can cook well enough if they get the basics down and practice.

[ He says 'pretty much' because...well, Solomon exists. He doesn't like to be quick to dub someone a hopeless case ever, but sweet baby jesus that's his one exception. ]

But I ain't used to stuff like this, so who knows. Normally, I just make regular meals. [ Potlucks aren't really a 'Japanese' thing....his gaze slips back to Bruno himself. ] And you? You makin' something?

[fallingsand]

I mean, I can feed myself but I wouldn't say my cooking is... uh, well.

[ He can successfully fry an egg, heat up some beans, things like that, but cook? Please. His sister ruled the kitchen with an iron fist, c'mon. ]

Though, I think... potlucks are just making a lot of something to feed a lot of people? But everyone does it so no one has to cook it all? That sounds simple enough. Maybe.

[ Kind of? A little? God, he doesn't know, but he does step away from the journal and turn to offer Shinji a somewhat uncertain look. ]

Me? No, no, I. I've helped in the kitchen before but only, like, chopping stuff or doing dishes, not cooking. If I knew how to make arepas, I'd go with that, but Julieta did all the cooking at home.

[fullspbar]

Then practice. [ Simple and sweet. ] Won't get any better if you don't put in the effort.

[ He DOES worry about Bruno...not that he'd ever admit it. The guy looks like he weighs 80 pounds soaking wet. That cannot be healthy. ]

I just don't participate in those kinda big gatherings. 'S just a hobby for me, anyway.

[ As he insists, being the guy who's probably cooked over 50% of the meals in this manor....

Shinjiro returns that look with a quirked brow of his own, small frown shifting as his features turn to contemplation. Not a word he's heard many times before, but it does ring a bell. ]

That's made with cornmeal, ain't it? [ Thinking... ] ...You remember the ingredients off the top of your head?

[fallingsand]

...kinda need a kitchen to practice. [ There's a pause, oh. ] Whiiich, uh, this place has? Right.

[ Anyway! Bruno has to think. Cornmeal, cornmeal, it isn't the exact word they would usually be used, but he decides it sounds right. ]

Corn flour, yeah. Let me think. There's... that... and... a little salt, a little sugar? Butter, I think? Oh, and you absolutely need milk and cheese and...

[ Bruno goes through a series of gestures, trying to mimic how one makes the arepa in real-time the best he can remember. ]

Well, cheese is only if you want arepas con queso but I would definitely make those if I could. You put cheese in the dough but also fill them with cheese before cooking them?

[fullspbar]

...How do you even forget there's a kitchen?

[ Bruno. Please. He knows you can be a bit scatterbrained, but this is a bit much.

Either way. Shinjiro is listening as the older man goes on, quiet and contemplative. Milk, butter, corn flour...yeah, that's about what he was thinking. Not exactly the usual sort of thing he makes, all things considered, but it doesn't sound impossible, either.

He is committing those gestures to memory, despite the pinch in his brow. He's Thinking....then he shuffles to reach up to dig in the cupboards, looking for something with a squint. ]

What kind of cheese?

[ The corn flour is probably a little different than usual, being magic-land stuff, but he's sure they have some here somewhere. They have all the other ingredients, too, since it's simple enough.... ]

II

[leewards]

[Perhaps Ithaqua should have worn a half-mask today, rather than his newly-repaired one, with the amount of people trying to give him things. And now this boy is, as well? Ithaqua has to sigh.]

Friendly is the entirely wrong word for the Northerners. [And he should know.

Even if he does take the drink.]

[fullspbar]

[ Sigh it up, buddy. He doesn't really want to be here, either; he hates the cold. Which is exactly why his clothes are radiating magic and warmth from heating enchantments, both his own and someone else's. ]

There's such a thing as bein' too friendly. [ So, yeah. Ithaqua's not wrong. ] Maybe 'overbearing as hell' works better.

[ But he takes it, and so Shinjiro steps back with his own, relishing the warmth on his fingers. The buildings are starting to look a lot better than when they started out, so that's something. ]

...Better than getting arrested for talking in the street, at least.

[leewards]

It's called bribery. Or, s they call it here, worship That is how the North works. [he tucks the drink into his cape for later. Perhaps Urianger will like it.]</small. The people will offer what they have, anything they believe you may want, and should that please you, then you feel obligated to perform what tasks they ask of you.

[fullspbar]

[ That earns a grimace, Shinjiro eyeballing his own drink with a light click of the tongue. Harsh way to put it, but it's not like he's wrong...unfortunately. ]

...Too much for me. [ That's what he's going to admit; he's never been the type to really clamor for praise to begin with, and the way these people seem to revere and fear all in the same vein leaves a bad taste in his mouth. ] But can't blame'em for wanting the security.

[ An idle sip. ]

It's all they really know, considering they're pretty much stuck between a rock and a hard place down here.

[leewards]

That's because a hostile nation creates desperation. [He waves a hand at the North as a whole.] That, or an equally hostile people.

[Which produced him, naturally.]

It would also produce a people capable of withstanding it... and taking advantage, one way or another. [Meaning, the actual Northern wizards, the ones who came before Ithaqua and the others.

He obviously dislikes their methods.]

[fullspbar]

Right. [ True enough. ] Not like it's my choice, but I'd personally pick the former over the latter, even if neither are very appealing.

[ He's not really pitying these people, but...ouch. He'd be pretty miserable too, living here. A side-eye towards the people scurrying about, who occasionally cast them worried glances. ]

The guys who were here before must be real freaks of nature. [ Is this derogatory? Maybe. ] Especially if just being without them is enough to send'em all into a panic.

[leewards]

Two of them peaked in magic as children, and thus are frozen in time as eternal children. [He read that in a book.] They certainly decided they would rather not mature internally as well.

[What of the other Northern wizards? Well, they're freaks.]

[fullspbar]

[ Well, that's certainly. Hmmm. ]

Not too sure I even wanna meet these guys after all the shit we've been hearin' about them.

[ Not, y'know, like a 'they scare the shit out of me' way but a 'this is gonna be more trouble than he's willing to pay for' one. ]

Immature and powerful is one hell of a combination that's just asking for disaster.