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

[lustro]

i.

[ The other wizards may or may not have noticed a small, but growing flower garden somewhere on the manor grounds. Okay, it's more of a flower bed with the potential to bloom into a full garden. All sorts of flowers have been planted there (including broccoli and cauliflower, ty Itha), some out of season, clearly grown with magical encouragement and the clumsy hand of the tall celestial being currently leaning over them. ]

... I would've made you bigger if I had known we were going to stay.

[ It's a well-known gardening tip that talking to plants helps them grow! So Ginger’s here murmuring to the flowers, giving them plenty of compliments, and just plain oversharing to the plants and dirt and spirits.

And those who notice the little details may note that the center flowers are all in various shades of reds and pinks: red roses, pink roses, pink-white bicolor roses, red camellias, red dahlias. All the flowers are healthy, but these seem to sparkle. ]

ii.

[ It's not Ginger’s first time at the beach; it's his second! Buuuut, uh, last time he got distracted so he'd only walked up and down the shoreline. This time he realizes - he... doesn't know how to swim actually. Which is fine because it's not like the moon can swim either and he doesn’t foresee any battles underwater.

However.

Just in case, the answer is to practice underwater breathing magic and dunk himself into the waves until he gets the hang of it. His magic works 50% of the time, so it's not dangerous at all.

And when he isn't practicing or searching for his narcoleptic love (the narcolepsy is new to him, too), he's at the markets in the hopes of finding something delicious for said love. He doesn't need to eat - so he's really just nibbling on stuff and things. If anyone has recommendations, he'd be glad to hear them - probably.

Occasionally if he spots a friend or enemy (joke?) from a distance, he'll come up to them and (attempt to) plop a daisy flower crown on their head. He made them with Comet who may be nearby. Just little things, charmed to evoke the smell of the wearer's favorite season.  ]

iii.

[ He's at the Nectar District to ask about more information on wizard culture, honest!! But he feels awkward going multiple times as himself, so sometimes he's the silly Ginger everyone's used to seeing around and sometimes there's a tall, pretty girl with long blonde hair wandering around. ]

iv.

[ Wildcard! Up for any tasks/activities/jobs! ]

iii

[troublereduction]

[ Day's been to the Nectar District too, and unlike Ginger, he seems perfectly at home here. Or at least not at all out of place, at any rate. Is he accompanying Ginger this time out of mild concern? Maybe. ]

Kinda surprised the locals haven't chewed you up yet, gonna be honest.

[lustro]

What’s with that?

[ He doesn’t see why they would?? ]

Don’t tell me that’s why you wanted to come with me…

[troublereduction]

I mean, not literally, but you seem like the type the Westerners would want to mess with.

[ Playtime, he means.

Also, don't ask Day why he seems so sure of this. ]

[lustro]

I just assume they’ll back off once they learn that I’m only interested in information.

[ Mostly information. ]

iii after graduating from honkmimimi university

[shortleash]

( Mika, in a fresh form no longer unfamiliar - dressed in the usual tight pants and thigh highs he wears regardless of his shape, his turtleneck and makeup done okay enough (no Kurapika to do it for him this time) - walks in step beside Ginger, a black earring split between them each, like those necklaces that comprise half a heart, meant to slot in with each other.

This place is - a lot. It sure is a lot! And while he finds himself less indifferent than before about all these things, what drives his step is more curiosity, than anything. He'd always thought a red light district would be slummy and miserable; Westerners, though, have put together this lurid place with showmanship. Still weird, but in a different way. He thinks they just passed a restaurant advertising an experience where you feed your partner like a baby bird... )

... You actually want to go into any of these places?

( He's curious, but it's still a bit intimidating, so he sticks close to Ginger, hand in lovable hand. )

[lustro]

[ Ginger’s in his usual form today, though not in his usual clothes; he’s traded the uniform out for something a little more date casual - a dark turtleneck that hides a fresh bite mark or two (love bite or actual bite, up in the air), dark slacks and a red suit jacket. He’d figured this form because they haven’t gone out like this before - and because he doesn’t think anyone who hits on Mika deserves a punch from soft hands.

The entire time they’re walking, he keeps glancing down at Mika with bright eyes, charmed by the very presence of him, of them holding hands. His boyfriend - girlfriend? - is so cute. ]

Not that one -

[ That restaurant wouldn’t do anything for him - or them, he thinks. God, he hopes. He’s a little scared of going in and finding out that’s another thing he’s into because - Mika. If Mika’s involved in the equation, Ginger’s just doomed to be… interested. ]

Some of this stuff is definitely too weird for me, but - the other things could be fun?

[ Like the lingerie shop ahead of them, which does make him stare - a little. There was also a jewelry shop, which earns a speculative eye - and what looks like an exotics apothecary. ]

It’s a little embarrassing… but I’m also kinda excited to explore together.

[shortleash]

( That earns a little smile from Mika, since he feels the exact same way. It's all A Lot, but he wouldn't be here if he weren't curious - or, rather, curious about figuring what all of this is all about— with Ginger, specifically. Alone, he wouldn't think much of it at all.

He grins, a little. )

... Yeah. Me, too. Better than being embarrassed alone, right?

( The shops ahead seem reasonable enough compared to some others, which seem a decent tutorial level for greenhorns like them. As they come up along the glass of the lingerie shop, the mannequins posed in provocative (and yet rather tasteful) ways, Mika slows with a bit of a flush - but he seems pretty perplexed, too. )

... That seems pretty flimsy, for... understuff.

( Given where they are, he guesses it's like that for aesthetic (intimate?) appeal, and he guesses it doesn't look terrible, but - does it not get torn when you wear it...? )

[lustro]

[ Does… Mika want to check it out? Honestly, going in alone would have made Ginger feel self-conscious and a little embarrassed, but he doesn’t think it would really do anything for him until -

Very slowly he goes red, cheeks first, then ears.

… Until he imagines Mika in these flimsy, revealing pieces. Which Mika? Both, all forms of Mika. ]

I think… [ His eyes trail back to Mika, real and beloved and lovelier standing here fully clothed, than what his imagination can manage. What… was he about to say again? He thinks - ah. ] … you’d only wear them on special occasions.

I mean - I say you, b-but I mean in general…

i

[leewards]

[Now, that's an interesting comment to make-- an interesting comment for Ithaqua to hear when he's checking on the vegetable patch for the day. So... why not take a little detour before accomplishing his errand?]

You believe that we're staying here for longer than anticipated?

[Did he hear that right, understand that right? Or perhaps he's just hoping to hear something he wants to hear, and he's just... mentally putting words into others' mouths.]

[lustro]

Ithaqua!

[ Like a puppy recognizing a friendly and familiar person-creature, Ginger perks up. ]

… Ah. No, not exactly. I’m planning on staying here with Mika.

[leewards]

You are?

[He's about to ask if they're taking advantage of most of the manor's residents being out West... before realizing there may be a different meaning to Ginger's words. (1) Perception! And perhaps a little bit of wishful thinking on his part.]

You two are to be here permanently?

[lustro]

If possible - and if not, I suppose I’ll have to find a way to make it possible.

[ Clearly, he’s anxious about that last bit, but determined all the same. ]

I don’t think either of our worlds would work - since I live - lived in Heaven and Mika… Well…

[ He doesn’t have to finish that, he thinks. ]

ii

[impacter]

[He's hanging out on the beach, working on something held carefully in his hands while under the shade of a tree. So as distracted as he is, he doesn't realize that anyone's come up to drop something on top of his head, nor does he react once it's there, until a petal drifts to his hands.

Huh.

...

Oh. When did...

The scent of cooler weather fills the space, of autumn leaves and moistened ground, of the world preparing its labors before the long sleep of winter.

He glances around him, the pendant in his hands slowly being lowered to his lap.]

... Ginger? What is this?

[lustro]

[ He kind of smiles down at Solomon, his mouth an uncertain shape.

It’s complicated to care, he thinks, for this man. Good thing he doesn’t. ]

… Made them with Comet. What do you smell?

[impacter]

Hahah... A climate I would much rather be in than this place, honestly. I never was one for the heat.

[He carefully takes the new accessory off, just long enough to look it over under careful fingers, before placing it right back to the crown of his head with practiced precision.]

Thank you, to both of you. It's lovely.

Would you pass along my thanks to them, if you see them before I do?

[lustro]

I will - but you should tell them in person, too. Unless you're planning on disappearing again.

[ It's not said with any heat - maybe it's even a gentle rib, but Ginger does give Solomon a proper once-over now. He seems... fine? Compared to before, though it's hard to tell if weariness still falls over Solomon like morning dew - difficult to notice until it touches everything else, too. ]

What are you working on?

i-ish!

[jorunna]

They're so pretty...

[ Comet's in awe of how dazzling the flowers look. Even the broccoli and cauliflower! They'll be so tasty, thanks Ithaqua. ]

You want to prune some? Is that why you asked for some scissors?

[ They have a pair in their hands! They did not run with them, prom-- They were good. ]

yay

[lustro]

Aren't they? I'm glad the weather doesn't change much here, or else I'd have to worry about them in the winter.

[ Maybe he still does? Who knows how the weather works here. He'll learn. ]

Yeah, I figured it's about time - and you seem to like plants, so I thought I'd get your help with it. We can even take some of the flowers and make things out of them. Bouquets or...

[jorunna]

Sure, I'd love to help.

[ It isn't a bad thing if they stand around and look pretty, the sight of them thriving probably cheers up everyone. But if they can be used for something else, that's not bad either. ]

Do you plan to make a bouquet for someone?

[lustro]

[ He smiles. ]

No, um, not yet. But this garden is kind of like my bouquet to Mika.

i

[dadsandals]

[ This is somewhat of a familiar sight, and when he sees who's growing the garden, Yamato is incredibly unsurprised. He makes his way over to Ginger and makes note of the flowers in the center. ]

Looks like these got special treatment, huh?

[ He chuckles. ]

It looks great, Ginger.

[lustro]

Thanks!

[ The exclamation point uplift in his voice is partial gratitude and partial excitement at seeing Yamato. A friend! (!!) ]

It’s been a while. Feel free to take some - for Malice.

[ Mika gossips, so oop. Speaking of: ]

I pro- ah… I said I would grow a garden for someone when I first got here, so… some of these flowers mean a little more than others. Hehe…

[dadsandals]

Ah...are you sure? I don't want to mess it up.

[ MIKA...but also, he surprisingly doesn't seem super embarrassed that Ginger knows. He's kind of just accepted that most people are probably aware by now. ]

Who are you growing it for? Mika?

[lustro]

Flowers have pretty short lives and - I’m extending theirs with magic, but beauty should be enjoyed and their fragility appreciated. So - take some.

[ His expression warms; he can never help it when it comes to Mika. ]

Yeah. And I guess… our future.