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

[divineth]

1 - welcome ball (cw alcohol)

[While Urianger tends to keep to keep to himself for much of his time at the manor, he's surprisingly social when he shows up to the ball in his fancy robes. He seems eager to interact with representatives from various countries, gathering as much intel as he can. This isn't usually his job, but he's learned a thing or two from a friend back home, so he seems to get by just fine. At the very least, he's good at holding himself well and proper.

When he's not mingling with the dignitaries, he'll gladly mingle with his fellow wizards with a flute of champagne in hand. It's a good opportunity to talk to those he hasn't really gotten to know yet, too.]

Art thou enjoying thyself thus far?

[When the dancing gets underway, Urianger isn't one to really ask for a dance, but he'll accept without reluctance if offered. Eventually, and with a drink or two, he loosens up enough to ask on his own.

So here comes one (1) Tall Elf Man dipping into a bow before a fellow wizard, whether they seem to be looking for a dance or not.]

May I have this dance?

[As the night wares on, Urianger migrates to the balcony. He has a very good reason for it, too.

...he's drunk.

It's incredibly embarrassing, but somewhere along the way he lost track of how many drinks he'd had and before he knew it, he was starting to stumble and slur his speech. Mercifully, he's had the wherewithal to get away from the esteemed guests, lest he make a fool of himself and his fellow wizards.

So here he is, slumped over the railing and looking far less than dignified. At least his glowing accents shine a brilliant blue in this shaded area?]

2 - wildcard/tasks/etc

[Feel free to hit me up here for plotting out tasks and other miscellaneous things!]

dancing

[annihilator]

[It's still sort of surreal to be so much shorter than someone... Anyway, hi, Urianger. Malice has been wallflowering over here for a good portion of the night, looking both out of place and annoyed. The expression fades when he's approached by one of their own, and he glances away for a moment in something that might be embarrassment.]

I'm really, really bad at it. You'd probably be better off findin' a different partner.

[divineth]

[That wasn't an outright rejection, so Urianger extends a hand anyway.]

'Twould be of no inconvenience to teach thee a simple dance. What sayest thou?

[annihilator]

...Well, if you wanna get stepped on.

[But that's also not a no, and he takes Urianger's hand. He's only got the one right now since he didn't bring his prosthetic, so he can't exactly take the proper position, but he's ready to go when you are!]

dancing

[leewards]

[Everyone is so short compared to Ithaqua that even if he were to remove his stilts and simply walk about in boots (why would he want to, though? these new stilts are fancy and he loves them.) they would still be much shorter. But when he spots a familiar face from the manor, someone he knows is much taller than the rest, he can't help but approach after knocking back a flute of champagne.

Sure, Ithaqua still towers over the man in stilts, but that's not important right now. He leans over the man and offers his hand, mimicking the way he's seen people approach others here.]

May I have a dance?

[divineth]

[Urianger does indeed tower over most others here, so he's completely taken by surprise to find himself craning his neck up for once. He eventually notes that this is due to Ithaqua's stilts, but it's still a surreal experience nevertheless.]

Thou wouldst dance while clad in stilts?

[That's incredibly impressive. He's so curious to see how that works, how can he say no?

He extends his hand out to take Ithaqua's.]

'Twould be my pleasure.

[leewards]

Why would I not. Hehehe!

[Ithaqua lightly squeezes the hand in his, taking care not to nick him with his claws. He was the one who offered, so of course he'll have to be considerate. He has manners, at least, even if he lacks experience.

Still, he tugs the man closer to him.]

I've never danced before, so you'll need to brace yourself. But I will endeavour not to step on your feet, heheh.

Balcony

[mirristry]

[Someone else may also have had a few too many... although in Phil's case that's really more like three glasses of champagne over the evening because this man is a total lightweight. Combined with the fact that he's never been good with social situations to begin with outside of the act he has to put on as the Biqe, the moment he spots an opening in the crowd, he's making a beeline for the balcony in the hope of both getting away from all of the ball guests as well as getting some fresh air to make the room stop spinning quite so much.

Of course, being drunk means that his already very poor coordination has taken a significant debuff, so he barely makes it halfway across the balcony before he manages to trip over some tiny uneven spot on the floor and, arms windmilling wildly, he pitches forward in an awkward stumble as he desperately attempts to keep himself from faceplanting.

... he only sort of succeeds in that, because while he doesn't faceplant onto the ground, he DOES in fact faceplant right into Urianger with a very loud and startled sound that can only be described as a squawk.

Phil's doing amazing.]

[divineth]

[Under most circumstances, Urianger would be able to see this occurring in front of him and actually catch Phil in his fall. But this is not most circumstances. Addled by alcohol, Urianger's reaction time is heavily reduced. He barely even registers that Phil is barrelling toward him until it's too late.

There Phil goes, faceplanting into the tall elf man's chest.]

Oof--!

[The force of the impact knocks him back against the railing. Fortunately they don't go sailing over it though, and he's able to stabilize the two of them by gripping Phil's shoulders.]

Art- Art thou all right?

dancing, as requested,,

[meanspirited]

[He is not someone who has much experience with dancing—or at least not this sort of dancing, more familiar with folk celebrations than elegant balls and gala. It's not that there was a lack of formal occasions with the Fatui, either, but more so not something he had to bother with. That's why he's hanging at the edges of the celebration, signature hat missing and replaced with something more fitting.

He cranes his neck up at Urianger (again), arching an eyebrow.]

Are you sure you want to?

[This man can't be sober, right. What kind of idiot would ask him to dance?]

[divineth]

[Listen...

He might be a little not sober, yeah.]

I would not have asked if I was unsure of myself.

[He offers a hand.]

Our height difference is not the most convenient for a dance, 'tis true, but not impossible.

[It's like dancing with a small child. It's fine.]

[meanspirited]

[Drunk elf attack...]

Sorry to inconvenience you.

[He says with a roll of his eyes. He didn't asked to be made super small, okay? It was just probably her trying to be lazy and conserve materials...

But he'll take Urianger's hand anyways.]

You're clearly not a normal human, so what race are you, anyways?

[i don't know if elves exist in genshin and the only character with pointy ears is a dragon so like, help]

SAVE ME A DANCE

[lustro]

Um - I'm not that great at it. Just a warning...

[ But he will accept this dance! Kya ]

[divineth]

[Yaaaay. With an understanding smile, Urianger offers up his hand for Ginger to take.]

'Tis of no concern. I shall guide thee, if thou wouldst like.

[lustro]

Yeah, let’s do that.

[ He takes Urianger’s hand, thinking - ]

I’m glad I’m on the taller side so you don’t have to break your neck.

Mingle

[dyingtohealyou]

[Ahito's mostly been helping himself to the food, nearish some of the representatives. Just in case.]

I've got no complaints about the cuisine, at least.

[divineth]

[Oooh, now that's an idea. Urianger will also survey the offerings while he's over here.]

Indeed, 'tis quite the array. [He motions toward the Japanese food.] I was pleasantly surprised to find Hingan cuisine on offer.

[Since it was notably absent before.]

[dyingtohealyou]

Hingan?

[What's that.]

...Some of it looks like what we have, but not all of it.

Balcony

[chronosynthesis]

[That sure is a fellow wizard hanging off the balcony.

Syrlya approaches tentatively with a bit of distance as he leans over the railing, just in case Urianger is in the middle of being sick or something.] Excuse me... are you well?

[divineth]

[Fortunately, Syrlya hasn't found himself as an audience for Urianger getting sick, but the Elezen definitely seems to be zoning out until he's spoken to.]

Mm...?

[He lifts his head and brushes his bangs out of his eyes. Oh, company!]

Aye. Ah, well...with less of my senses than I would prefer. But that is why I absconded to the balcony. Some fresh air ought to do some good, I figured.

[Before he can over-explain any further, he takes note of Syrlya's plantlike features and seems to have some sort of small epiphany.]

Oh! Thou must be Syrlya. The...Sylvari, aye?

[chronosynthesis]

I see my reputation precedes me. [Or at least his species. His lips quirk with a brief smile.] But we haven't properly exchanged names, have we? I fear I am still getting to know everyone.

balcony

[1145pm]

[ Oh no... There's that tall guy.

What better way to get acquainted with the last of his wizards than at the ball? And what better way than...this?

Tatara doesn't ask for permission, or greet Urianger. Instead, he grabs onto the sash of his robe and begins to pull, in his little twinky attempt at prying him from the railing and (in his mind) saving him from falling off the edge. ]

Did you really have...that much...to drink?!

[divineth]

[On Urianger's end, this is quite possibly the worst way to get to the know the sage. He didn't want to be seen in such a state. That's why he's out on the balcony in the first place! Maybe his biggest mistake was not simply going back to the manor once he realized how inebriated he'd become.

Granted, he wasn't actually in danger of falling off the edge when Tatara intervenes. Still, the sudden jerk against his robes and his lack of stability makes him wobble enough to lean into the sage for support.]

'T-Twas not mine intent, I- [Ough. He grabs onto Tatara's shoulders.] I deeply apologize, Master Sage.

balcony

[dadsandals]

You've had a little too much, haven't you?

[ From behind comes a familiar voice; Yamato is approaching, but he also has a glass of alcohol in his hand. His cheeks are lightly flushed. He's not doing much better, himself, but he seems a little more composed, at least? ]

You gonna be okay headin' back?

[divineth]

[It could be considered either a blessing or a curse that Urianger doesn't even bother trying to remain composed for this particular visitor. But like, it's Yamato! His little protege!!!

"Little." Yamato is in his early twenties. But whatever, still little.

Urianger turns so he can lean himself back against the railing and face Yamato properly.]

I have no idea what thou art referring to.

[Too much to drink? Nonsense.

Hic.]

Ah, I ought to return inside so I might fetch a drink to share with thee.