you opened your eyes, spreading it wide

[promittere]

THIRD QUARTER ALLEGRO

While our newly-arrived wizards have been settling in, learning their magic, and getting to know one another, the sage and their mentor have been busy with a different kind of work behind the scenes—bureaucratic work. It hasn't been particularly exciting, but it has paid off.

Because now, the world is ready to receive them.

Put on your finest clothes, because Granvelle Castle invites you to a welcome ball in your honor.

Didn't bring any fine clothes with you? No need to worry—specially chosen tailors from Central Capital have been commissioned to take care of you, and they will be visiting the manor to get you gussied up in the fashion of your choice for the day (by this, we mean feel free to pick whatever fancy clothes you want for the ball).

As the sun sets on the designated day, all the residents of the manor make their way to the castle. Granvelle Castle stands proud in Central Capital, its lights a beacon in the darkening city, and its doors open to outsiders for the first time in weeks. Upon arrival they're greeted by brightly lit halls, welcoming staff, and a grand ballroom, windows flung open to let in the spring breeze and pale moonlight. Everyone and everything seems determined to make this a cheerful affair, despite the underlying sense of dread and tension.

Live music fills the air, played the greatest musicians in the world. There are some larger ensembles, solo acts; some pieces are of more traditional folk dances, while some are slower, and some are upbeat and avant-garde. Regardless, the floor is open for dancing—grab a buddy and dance the night away!

Lining one wall is a long banquet table, filled with plenty of food and drink, both alcoholic and non to sate the new arrivals. The hors d'oeuvres and small plates comprise an array of delicacies from around the world, with everything from savory lobster bites to the sweetest portions of tres leches you have ever tasted. It seems someone has also put in a specific request for Japanese food—a part of the banquet table has been set aside specifically for Japanese dishes, and this includes small portions of ramen. There also seems to be a plate on the far end of the table filled with lovingly stacked pieces of charcoal... Is that meant to be food?

You aren't the only ones in attendance tonight. Representatives and dignitaries from around the world are also present—they have quite a lot to say about the unusual situation, and they are most curious about these otherworldly individuals tasked with fending off the moon under their national banners. The most dignitaries are from Central, West, and East, while there do seem to be a few representatives from the less populated North and South. Those from Central, West, and South in general seem to be the most social, while the rest are more reserved. There are also a few of the castle staff that seem (begrudgingly) willing to speak with the new wizards. Most are here to chat and mingle—lend them an ear, you may learn something new...

For those tired of socializing, the ballroom opens out onto a breezy, spacious balcony. It looks out over the main thoroughfare leading to the main castle entrance, and the nighttime lights of the Central capital twinkle in the near distance. For those that would rather take a breather, there is a small patio table and a couple of chairs. Despite the waxing moon in the sky, it is a very nice evening.

If you would like to have a chat with an NPC, then please respond to this comment. NPCs will be assigned randomly if no preference is given. While everyone has something valuable to say, they're not giving potentially sensitive info out for free—let's hope your diplomatic skills are up to snuff. We're doing our best to give everyone meaningful conversations, so please bear with us!

JOB BOARD

Rejuvenation. Thanks to your Southern friends' hard work, the South has been saved from a potentially devastating crop failure, and these fledgling towns can continue to grow as they're meant to! Give them a pat on the back and a round of applause.

But the South is not without its scars. While the root cause has been taken care of, the damage has been done. A town's wheat field has been partially destroyed—help them tear out the blackened, dead wheat, till and fertilize the soil, and replant what can be replanted. The City of Clouds, the most prosperous of the Southern settlements, have also offered extra tools, hands, and seeds to help set the town back on the path to recovery. Transport these supplies to the town. Let's hope your broom skills are up to snuff too, because it's a long ride.

Shadows in the night. The residents of the Central capital have recently been reporting eerie sightings after sundown: shadowy figures lurking in corners, the constant feeling of being watched, and, in some extreme cases, these shadowy figures attacking when traveling alone at night. Many reports seem to indicate an odd concentration of these creepy figures lurking around the Granvelle Castle moat, as though trying to find a way into the castle. Residents are understandably frightened and unnerved and cannot go about their nightly business—beat back what shadows you find and make the streets safer for the Central capital residents.

While physical attacks don't seem to do much against them, they dissipate rather easily under magic. Try not to wear yourself to the bone, though—there are a lot of them.

Escorting nobility. The Eastern Blanchett noble family have called an important meeting, inviting nobles and others of import from across the Eastern Country. However, their castle lies beyond Sherwood Forest, a very large, dense, and deep wood—while a fine natural defense for the Blanchett family, it's a bit of trouble for those looking to visit. While the Blanchett's own forest guard is absent, it is your job to safely escort these nobles to the Blanchett abode, and back out. But be careful: lurking in the shadows amongst the trees are all sorts of territorial predators like bears and wolves, not to mention the magical beasts that sneak up on unsuspecting prey. You may come across a brigand or bandit or two, since the forest is a near perfect hiding place for illegal activity. And please—try not to get lost.

Typical of any Easterner, the nobles are reluctant to make much small talk and are a bit suspicious of the new wizards, but they are otherwise pleasant and will generally comply with most requests.

WANDERER TASKS

Can you go a week without ruining food or the pots and pans? Stop being so wasteful and learn how to cook or stop trying.

Learn how to use magic to repair things. Again, if you're going to keep ruining the kitchen at least learn how to put it back together.

TATARA ACTIVITIES

I need milk. I'm trying to perfect latte foam art, but I haven't really gotten the hang of it yet... I used up all the milk (oops, sorry!), so I need more. Actually, could you grab me other kinds of milk while you're at it? I want to experiment! I'm sure other markets in the farther reaches of the world will have weirder milk... Please!

We should start a veggie garden! Or an herb garden? Doesn't matter! I found a nice sunny patch of grass in the training forest—we could dig up that spot, right? Help me get it set up! I need people to dig, and till... Oh! We need seeds to plant, too! Please and thank you~

OOC NOTES

🌙 Welcome to your second event post! Get out your snazzy outfits. It's time to party.
🌙 As you grow into your magic, your character might start realizing they can differentiate between everyone's magic. Everyone has a unique signature, and you may be able to start sensing who cast what, where. Someone put a magical seal on the kitchen door? Smells like Shinjiro's magic. Akira had some of Solomon's sugar? You can sense that, too!
🌙 As you start getting past the basics, your character might realize they have a much easier time with certain kinds of magic over others. For North, this will be offensive and attack spells; for East, this will be intricate seals and curses; for West, this will be manipulative magic like illusions and transformation; for South, this will be healing, purification, and protection. Central? A little bit of everything. Read up on your country if you need a refresher!
🌙 It's been peaceful at home in the manor thus far, hasn't it? Do you think that will last?
🌙 Your OOC plotting post is here! Remember to keep all wider plotting contained to the OOC post, since not everyone checks plurk or discord frequently.
🌙 Our next group to go on their mission is Central. Be ready, heroes...

» NAVIGATION

Comments

[fellheart]

wizard prom
[ whoever said that northern wizards were dour and asocial creatures, content to chase away others with intimidating looks and concerning behaviors? grima, perhaps, is a bit late to the proceedings, only properly shows up once the proceedings are underway. but maybe surprising to those aware of his at times inimical disposition, he saunters into the celebrations wearing a neatly tailored, strikingly sharp suit in bold colors and an even sharper smile with a comfortable ease, though the expression's perhaps tamed somewhat by the gauzy and gossamer, if shadowy veil he wears in place of his usual hood. delicate filigree adornments nestle within the hair beneath the veil, their shape reminiscent of— a golden crown, a laurel, horns? who can say. and is that maroon eyeshadow?

(is it a trick of the veil or the makeup that the color of his eyes looks redder than usual? perhaps it's magic. it feels like at least a little would be necessary to keep the veil in place...)

anyway, despite the usual sharpness of his tongue, he is capable of behaving in a mannerly fashion. he laughs, polite and restrained, at the right jokes, demurs at the right times, feigns interest in the right places. smiles easily and freely, without necessarily any sardonic twist. if one were only meeting him for the first time tonight, and didn't know him to be northern, they might not ever know that this is the same being who speaks such cynical and disparaging words for those who make up society.

(after all, this is hardly the first time he's had to navigate a foreign court determined to distrust him.)

i. mingling
[ politics and high society nonsense. can any really be said to enjoy them? regardless of whatever the answer is, robin flits his way through the ball, socializing and dripping self-assurance (or arrogance) as well as any lord of a foreign land. it's in the way he carries himself, the words he chooses that this probably isn't something entirely unfamiliar to him.

maybe you're the one who strikes up conversation first, or maybe he's just passing you by in the crowd before actually recognizing you. either way: ]

Quite the event, isn't it? What do you think of it?

[ of... what, the food? the people? all the opulent fuss of throwing a party like this at all?

his expression is friendly and patient, but it does await a response. ]

ii. dance dance
[ is he just finishing up a dance, bowing to his partner and stepping his way off the dance floor? is he making his way over from the refreshments, ambling idly while keeping a subtly critical eye on the goings-on? is this a partner switch?

or has he just spotted a wallflower that just begs to be poked at hovering at the edges of the room?

his eyes glint with a restrained mirth as he approaches, outstretcheding a hand to his would-be prey with a predatory purr: ]

Care for a dance?

wildcard / other / jobs

hit me up in dms or in my plotting post and we can talk about custom tls! or just bring your own prompt you're all cool cats I'm sure it'll be fine—

FUCK prom, anarchy chess

[jokey]

[Where are you, Robin? Don't you remember that hot, steamy date you have planned with Akira? That's the reason why you're done up so nicely in that pretty little number, isn't it? To impress your date and wrangle his fierce, independent heart into submission?

Just kidding. It's anarchy chess time, bitches. It's Insert Time Of Day Or Night here when Akira hunts Robin down and corners him, chess board tucked under one arm and a bag of who knows what slung over his shoulder. And wouldn't you know it, he's brought along a thermos full of coffee too, because of course he did.

Akira points at his eyes, points at Robin.]

You know what time it is. Prepare to die, foul demon.

[fellheart]

[ he just arches a single brow at first; what nonsense deposits itself on his doorstep now (nevermind that he is actually in a common area minding his own business with an open journal? book of some sort?), but- ]

Oh...? [ there's a lazy curl around the word, dipping slowly into a lower register as he continues. ] Is that how we're playing it this time? Very well, little would-be hero; try and impress me, and perhaps you won't have to know despair tonight.

[ the coffee is, in fact, appreciated, but will it be finished before it gets employed in some gambit or other? hard to say. ]

Though I can't help but wonder at the excess you brought ... Are we resorting to more unconventional tactics, now that the more conventional ones have lost their shine?

[jokey]

[Now that's more like it. Outside of Robin, no one else is fit to the task of engaging him in pawn-to-pawn combat because they simply lack that dramatic flair. There are so many stiff, no-fun-allowed types in this manor, but Robin isn't one of them.

Akira drops the sack with a muted whump and sets the chessboard out before Robin. While he rifles through the contents of his sack, he'll leave the board setup to his trusty chess buddy.]

You catch on quick. What do you say we make our own rules? You know, spice things up a bit.

[Context would suggest that this is why Akira is pulling out even more chess pieces and setting them on the table. These hand-whittled pieces have been meticulously painted to look like... cops, robbers, and clowns. All the social classes are represented here. Go ahead, Robin. Take a moment to marvel at his genius.]

[fellheart]

[ he sure will start with setting up the chess board, white for Akira and black for himself as per usual, though he cants his head when Akira makes his suggestion. ]

You have my attention. [ finally, some good fucking food. at least someone here is capable of providing some form of entertainment. ] Tell me, then. What sort of rules is it that you would propose to add on?

Especially ones concerning these new pieces you seem to have so painstakingly carved and painted...?

[ exactly what would ... law enforcement, thieves, and fools contribute to the game? also does this clown piece come complete with red nose and rainbow colors, help. ]

[jokey]

[Akira prefers black himself, but as usual, he defers to Robin's choice. As for the unique pieces he's introduced to the board, Akira explains the new additions with eagerness and excitement.

He picks up a cop piece and balances it on the tip of a finger.]

The cop can arrest a robber in any of the eight spaces immediately surrounding it. The robber can steal an enemy pawn and recruit it to the opposing side, and the clown...

[Heh... Eheheh.............]

The clown lets you make a move on your enemy's behalf.

ii. dance dance;

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan is just watching the proceedings, lazy smile on his face, with no desire to truly immerse himself much in them.

He's already had much experience in doing so, after all. A sudden look of amusement has him looking at Robin as he dares to approach. What is he plotting? ]

A dance? I suppose I could partake for a little. As long as you understand I will be leading.

[ It's an agreement. Of sorts. ]

Is this your kind of scene?

[fellheart]

[ a quirk of the mouth, the corner tugging upwards slightly. 'what is he plotting?' what an assumption. does this look like the face of a plotting man? ]

Hardly. But we've a performance to give, our roles to play, don't we? Fate simply favors some of us enough that we've done this song and dance before.

Do you lead because that is your preference, or because you don't know how to follow?

[ it's an agreement. of sorts. ]

[foresightis2020]

[ It definitely does. His most devious plan is to continue to enjoy himself secretly in dancing with more people as much as he can.

Jing Yuan sees All. Jokes aside, though... ]

How fortunate for some of us. I wonder if you are the type who prefers a far more quiet atmosphere?

[ Since Robin has given his agreement so graciously, he will begin to lead them in this dance, many centuries of attending certain functions requiring such a skill under his belt. ]

We can say it's something like the former. It'll be best for one to make it clear which position they prefer from the start, no?

[fellheart]

[ wizard prom, featuring Jing Yuan as brown bear...

a careless shrug. ]

A quiet atmosphere, or a bustling castle...? Who can say. But my preferences in that regard are hardly relevant to our current circumstances, are they?

As for the ones that are ... Well, worry not. [ the smile twists slightly, growing lopsided. ] I am perfectly capable of adapting to match a partner, so you needn't fear for your toes.

ii

[troublereduction]

[ Day's over at the refreshments, having just taken a glass of wine when Robin approaches him.

...Why does this feel vaguely dangerous...?

Right, maybe it's because it's a fancy party, and as much as Day has been trying to make the best of this as an opportunity to have fun, he also knows what else happens at fancy parties attended by dignitaries. He supposes he should also be keeping certain principles sharp before he gets out of practice. So he smiles at Robin, setting his drink down on the tabletop. ]

Sure, why not?

[fellheart]

[ wdym, it's a perfectly normal invitation to dance at a perfectly normal ball. nothing dangerous at all.

as for why not...? ]

Oh, you never know. I might be a terrible dancer. Best not to tempt fate, hm?

[ his returning grin is slightly lopsided, less effusive cheer and more the inscrutable expression of someone who's waded through the vipers' nests of politics before. his gaze is sharp— either he hasn't been indulging in the drink, or he hasn't partook enough for it to yet affect his wits. still, there's no actual malice in his actions. ]

Will you be fine following?

[troublereduction]

Even if you were, I'd make it work somehow. [ Said plainly, as if it's fact that he'd at least try (which is true).

...But he can see Robin means business—it's the same face as some of his more politically-minded colleagues—so Day will try to match that, or at least not metaphorically trip him. Robin was the one who asked, but Day's the one offering his hand for Robin to take and lead. ]

And I can follow plenty fine, don't worry.

Dancing

[dyingtohealyou]

[Definitely been wallflowering, definitely doesn't appreciate the approach.]

Hah?

[fellheart]

[ the corner of his mouth twitches upwards a little, his eyes glittering just faintly. it's not malicious, just amused. ]

Do I need to repeat myself? Don't tell me you weren't expecting anything like this at least sometime tonight. You do realize what sort of event you're attending, right?

[dyingtohealyou]

I realize it's a ball - but that doesn't mean everyone's trained in dance. Especially as a mere commoner.

[fellheart]

[ a soft laugh. ]

Here's a secret I'm willing to indulge you with: I was raised a commoner too.

mingling

[impacter]

[They're definitely passing one another in the crowd, given that Solomon seems to be keeping similar (if not slightly quieter) airs about him and flitting back and forth between the more secluded wizards.

He's stopped in his socializing to take up a drink, attention piqued at the question from an unfamiliar voice.

Ah, this was one of the ones he still hadn't met. Better late than never.]

Mmm. They've turned out an impressive effort for just a handful of magic users. I can't say I was expecting such a showy response, given what the library's had to offer.

[It's light in tone, but his smile is as tired as it is practiced. Pleasant, and yet still not quite reaching his eyes at times, looking over the crowd with sharpened eyes.]

It seems a little too much, in a way.

[fellheart]

It does, doesn't it? Everything we've gathered, more or less, seems to suggest that the public opinion of mages in this world trends... well.

[ well. they both should be fairly aware, given that they're fellow library nerds. oh, there's surely variation between different individuals and countries, of course, and from what he can tell wizards are still regarded as useful enough in that there are services they can provide that can't be attained by other means, but... ]

And yet ... the regions that supposedly do have more reason for, hm, reverence, so to speak, seem to have a comparatively low turnout at this event. [ for population and demographic differences alone, or? ] Is this, then, appeasement? A show of opulence and grandeur to garner favor of those they don't yet know and might want to try their luck with?

Or might it be something else entirely?

[ just watching some of the dignitaries present, catching contextless scraps of conversation here and there paints a picture that's yet to come together entirely. there's intrigues and histories here he isn't yet aware of, tangled webs of political mess, and it itches at him like a sore. ]

II

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya has, largely, opted out of the dancing. This also isn't his first time navigating the upper echelons of human society, but he's always been out of place and never quite grasped the sheer nuance of the politeness of the nobility, when just basic decency is no longer enough.

So, in the interest of not drawing attention to himself, he tries to stay at the edges. Wanderer has helped him with an illusion to appear human, although those from the manor may still be able to see the similarity by the shape of his face.

He isn't completely paying attention until Robin outstretches his hand, and then he turns around, eyes widening briefly.] Huh-oh! [His attention flickers down to the hand.

Slowly, he places his over. He supposes one dance isn't any trouble, if he's being asked.] Well, alright. I'll caution you that I only know the most basic steps of a waltz.

[fellheart]

Ah, so don't do anything too adventurous like spins and dips then. [ his smile quirks as he pulls gently at the other wizard's hand. ] Noted. I can work with that.

[ if robin recognizes syrlya under his glamour from a shared occupancy of the same manor for the previous two weeks, it isn't immediately obvious. overall his demeanour is friendly and polite, but nothing too familiar. nothing that would suggest any knowledge that goes beyond meeting a stranger for the first time tonight.

it's only once he's swept the both of them away onto the floor that he drops his voice some, pitching it lowly enough not to carry (though he does keep one ear to the floor, so to speak, for any conversations and goings on around them). ]

... I take it from the face you're wearing that the people of this realm have reacted poorly previous?

[chronosynthesis]

Not unless you want to end up with someone on the floor.

[Syrlya follows, glancing to check his foot and hand position as Robin steps into the lead.]

You could say my appearance comes at quite a shock to the locals. [His mouth twists, wry.] I thought it better not to cause a commotion.

[fellheart]

[ a wry quirk of the mouth. ]

Perhaps not at this juncture. [ he agrees, leading them steadily into a turn. ] Another time may be better suited for wearing anything resembling one's true self in public.

[ this goes not just for syrlya, all things considered. after all, can anyone be expected to be entirely genuine at an event like this? everyone, from the well-off nobles and politicians flaunting their superiority to the less fortunate scraping for favor, is putting on the best face they have to offer.

and their own position is yet precarious. untested for the most part, unfamiliar, unestablished. the balance between not appearing an immediate threat and a weaker party to be taken advantage of ... well, that might take more knowledge of this world's political workings than they yet have. ]

ii. casually slides in under the wire

[shadowkin]

[Sure, let's go for a partner switch because sometimes you spend too much time schmoozing with the aristocracy or whatever that all kind of want a piece of the wizards and it's kind of creepy and also, half of them aren't nearly the dancers they think they are?? He may be repping West but the Northerner here has him beat on gregariousness, Cid almost skedaddles off to the food tables altogether. But alas, he is not quick enough -- so Grima will have to be his shield from more NPC encounters.

Anyway, here he is. A fancy turn deserves a fancier turn, is what I'd say but he's really just pared down elegance (sans mask); you get that feeling that it's the bare minimum he's trying to get away with, without standing out as gauche. He moves in it easily enough, anyway.]

... You're way more into this than most people....... [tone: reconsidering this because now he feels like he made some kind of mistake, but it is Too Late] What's with the whole...

[Flicks at the veil to sorta lighten the mood while he's contending with the life of his own dubious decisions--]

Makes you look like a widow who just stabbed her husband on the balcony.

[fellheart]

And how do you know that I didn't, hmm? Perhaps I was married. And perhaps my husband does lay dead, felled by my own hand.

[ is this black humor. it's hard to say when he says it with such blithe cheer, but he goes along with the joke easily.

though his tone does sober just slightly, turning slow and curling around the edges as he continues in a more even, sedate cadence: ]

Besides, if it seems that I am 'into this', as you say, then it only means I'm playing my part correctly. You, on the other hand, seemed to be tiring of yours.

[ with a low chuckle thrumming in the back of his throat as he leads them through the floor: ] Don't tell me you didn't need the rescue.