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

[foresightis2020]

I. Call of the Empty Ballad and its Dance (multiple prompts)

[ Jing Yuan stands out right from the start, dressed to the nines (sans top hat!), and of course, with a welcoming, half-lidded smile that seems friendly enough, he manages to catch the attention of others. He engages them in simple conversation and entertains a multitude of dances with easy, fancy flair, without a semblance of awkwardness.

Though, soon enough, he will end up approaching for a dance. ]

You seem lonely. How about you have some fun and indulge me in a dance?

[ Boldly, he extends a hand.

Following the being "social", at some point Jing Yuan can be witnessed wallflowering, his gaze focused on the people, but remaining quiet, unless approached. Then, he will smile. ]

Ah, tired of the festivities?

[ Lastly, he can be seen at the balcony, looking at the night sky. ]

Comforting isn't it? Despite our situation...or, perhaps, you find yourself still with some troubles? Come observe the night sky and what's left of the moon with me. You haven't anything better to do, correct?

II. Transportation

[ For some reason you are now helping transporting supplies via a very long broom ride with Jing Yuan. Enjoy. ]

Hmm...this is going to take awhile.

Oh, I know. How about we play a little game?

[ Surely this will be fine... ]

III. Chasing one's Shadow

[ Jing Yuan is already out and about, finding himself going head to head with these shadows.

He moves swiftly in a way that leaves room for little openings. Despite the seeming lackadaisical way he conducts himself, it appears that he does not fuck around in battle.

But, there are also a lot of them. Jump in? ]

IV. Escort for you and...(...)

[ It seems that a bandit crew has popped up while escorting is occurring...hm. They are acting all fierce and foolish, demanding the nobles be handed over. ]

Now, now, don't you think you're being far too rash? In fact, are you certain you have the right people?

[ The second question confuses them before something clicks in their heads as they shout at Jing Yuan to stop making fools of them. Then, they strike at him.

He watches as their weapons phase through the illusionary image of him and then, from where he's really standing, Jing Yuan kicks one of them into another. This causes a comical slapstick collapse of three or so bandits, but there's still more to deal with. ]

V. The General's Vacation (Wildcard)

[ I didn't put up a plotting post (yet), which, my bad. But I am up for random threads/plotting/whathaveyou. ]

balcony

[dadsandals]

[ Oh, he's a man of many words, isn't he? Yamato approaches nevertheless and situates himself next to Jing Yuan. ]

I guess not. These sorts of parties aren't really my favorite, so taking a breather doesn't sound like such a bad idea.

[foresightis2020]

[ Maybe Jing Yuan has had too much alcohol in his system. But he does like to hear the sound of his voice, 'tis true.

But hey, Yamato is very much welcome to place himself right beside him. ]

Ah, that's fair. Not everyone can be expected to simply...blend in with the crowd, as it were.

If you could have chosen a different group activity to involve yourself in, however, what would it have been?

[dadsandals]

Hmm... Honestly, I'm more used to doing negotiations this way, through fancy dinners and gatherings, but I suppose doing them in a more one-on-one setting would be easier. That way, you don't have to weave in so much small talk.

[ It's not that he can't do it. He just has stipulations around talking to people who love to toot their own horns way too much. ]

But if you're just asking in general? It doesn't matter too much, what we as a group do. It's just a little stifling to have all these eyes on us.

[foresightis2020]

[ Ah yes. Weaving through a multitude of waves of smalltalk...the true battle. He has tricks up his sleeve to keep himself from falling into the unfortunate vapid wastes of spaces of self-congratulatory talk for long. But that isn't the same for everyone. ]

I see. It can become quite tiresome with so many around indeed.

[ But as for the rest...Jing Yuan is used to having a myriad eyes on him. Though, everyone else's tolerance level is certainly different. ]

That seems to be because of our status, I suppose. That may fade a bit with some time and efforts. Ones that benefit the populace, of course. I do hope you managed to enjoy yourself a bit regardless.

[dadsandals]

It wasn't all bad. The food and drinks were great, at least.

[ And he sure helped himself to both of those. He grins at Jing Yuan, and looks at him expectantly. ]

Do you take to these kinds of events well, yourself? You seem pretty dignified.

[ Just a hunch. ]

[foresightis2020]

[ He smiles cordially at that. ]

Dignified? It sounds as if I'm already making a great first impression if you're already flattering me.

[ There is amusement and a sense of joviality in his tone, but he does answer properly at the least. ]

Personally, I'd prefer to be lying in bed or reading a book at some point myself, but generally I do take decently well to events like these. [ Heh. ] Though, when I first starting attending celebrations, it was difficult getting used to.

[dadsandals]

Haha, I suppose you are. I talked to someone who was pretty full of himself, even if his work was actually great, so you can imagine where the bar is right now.

[ He laughs a little sheepishly. Boy, is he tired from that convo... ]

You've gone to these a lot? What for?

[foresightis2020]

[ He'll chuckle at that. He can easily imagine; the bar must be right at the same level of roombas. ]

There were many occasions for events such as these. Victories, the usual celebratory holidays, anniversaries, political events, ostentatious get-togethers by certain figures, whathaveyou.

What about yourself? You seem to have your own fair share of experience.

transportation

[fallingsand]

[ That reason being, for Bruno, that he's been spending most of his time running around the South helping to clean up even after the mission that Tatara sent him and the other Southern wizards ended. It's normal to find himself hauling around supplies by now.

Although this guy isn't one he's spoken to before, prompting a somewhat uncertain look Jing Yuan proposes a game as they fly onward over the sprawling and mostly empty landscape of the South. ]

Uh, a game? Sure? What kinda game?

[foresightis2020]

[ Well, what better time to get to know one another than doing a task together and playing little simple games with each other? Jing Yuan returns the uncertain look towards Bruno with a little, welcoming smile. ]

20 Questions.

Have you heard of it?

[ This is the type of game that must exist in a myriad places. Though, of course, not guaranteed to everywhere else necessarily. ]

[fallingsand]

What? Like, the thing where we take turns just... asking each other questions? That?

[ He was expecting "I Spy", actually, but the South isn't exactly full of unique landmarks from this high up. ]

[foresightis2020]

[ I Spy unfortunately is truly out for that very reason. Alas... ]

That's the gist of it, yes.

Now, how about I start both of us off...? Somewhere simple, of course. And naturally, I will give you a hint...

[ A momentary pause on Jing Yuan's part. ]

...I'm thinking of an animal.

[fallingsand]

[ An animal... ]

Uhhh, does it live on the land?

[foresightis2020]

[ Always the best category to begin with!! ]

Oh, yes, it certainly does.

[fallingsand]

Is it a mammal?

[foresightis2020]

[ Immediately: ]

That is also correct.

Balcony

[dyingtohealyou]

[He pauses when he realizes someone's out here already, but decides to hang out anyway, moving to lean up against the balcony.]

Is it really a comfort, when the moon's supposed to be the root of our problems here?

[foresightis2020]

[ A considering hum escapes Jing Yuan at that as he considers the other person who has joined him properly. ]

Well, it still can be, if we look at fixing our problems as an eventuality. Then, we will look back on a day like this, perhaps when we're all about to return home, and think, 'It wasn't great being brought here, but it wasn't entirely terrible', no?

[dyingtohealyou]

Confident we've got this, huh?

[Can't relate.]

[foresightis2020]

[ At that, Jing Yuan will laugh a little. ]

Someone has to be.

Otherwise, we just might be in trouble. But, it isn't bad to have those who aren't all that confident either. As long as it isn't in excess.

[ A balance must always be struck, so that there aren't people who are far too confident enough to miss certain details. The ones less so might catch onto smaller matters the others might not due to such confidence. So on and so forth. ]

[dyingtohealyou]

Oh yeah? What do you expect to get out of people with no confidence?

[foresightis2020]

Even someone with no confidence can have time to grow into someone reliable in the right conditions.

[ Among other things. ]

And...everyone has their own talents or certain strengths, do they not?

[dyingtohealyou]

Sure, but who knows how much of that's actually useful for what we need to do here.

[foresightis2020]

There's still plenty of time for one to learn what can be eventually useful to the cause.

[ Glass half-full... ]