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lunaecalamitas2024-04-18 11:41 pm
promittere) wrote in lunaecalamitas2024-04-18 11:41 pm
you opened your eyes, spreading it wide
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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[A gentle reminder, even though he has a gut feeling Mika will protest. Something something monster something something guilt.]
Is that your starry sky, do you think? Yuu?
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The question, though, purses his lips and tightens his grip on Solomon's hand and shoulder as his gaze falls away - briefly to their unpleasant audience, the other dancers - but he can't afford to be distracted for long when he's not an expert in this dance. His gaze trails back to Solomon eventually. )
... Always. Even though... he doesn't need me.
( But if he were to somehow meet Yuu again, miracle upon miracles, even knowing he's extraneous in Yuu's life, he'd still dedicate himself to Yuu again, would gladly die for him again.
He wants someone to need him, but it's okay if no one does. He can't ask for that much. He just wants Yuu-chan to be okay. )
no subject
Mmm.
Have you told him how important he is to you?
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( ... And then, in a strangely, helplessly fond way, he says... )
... But Yuu-chan is kind. He can't help that he loves a lot of people, and that so many people love him in return.
I clung to him like a spectre, but... life moves on after you die. ( And he died, to become a vampire. And he's died again since, insofar as vampires "die." ) Yuu-chan just moved on. That's all.
( 🚨🚨🚨unreliable narrator alert🚨🚨🚨 )
no subject
Is that what's separated you in your eyes? That you're no longer the same as what you were before?
[He does not repeat the word "dead". The human might be dying, wasting away into something else entirely, but there is still identity and clarity and want. This is not what he would ever call "death". Not yet.]
no subject
( He says it as if it were as natural as the way the sky is blue, the way fish swim. )
... Something like me could never make someone happy.
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[And he's seeing a lot of assumption here, so he has to wonder what exactly happened to Yuu, or if ANYTHING happened to him. But he's not about to push that in such a public space.]
You've made me happy this evening, lending your time and speaking your mind. I doubt I'm the only one.
Just because someone doesn't profess their need for your presence doesn't mean you aren't a source of happiness for them.
no subject
... Is that just lip service?
( who could be happy having to deal with him... especially since (in Mika's mind) (completely independent of actual factual evidence, like Solomon taking him out on a drive ("drive") to see the starry sky) Solomon has no reason to like him.
Yuu may deserve some slander for being unconscionably dumb, but Mika definitely vastly underestimates his worth to every single person; worse if he likes them. )
no subject
[If Mika were well more of a monster, or completely detached from what happened to humans, or especially if he'd gone further than he was now, that would be a different story. But Solomon has nothing to gain from pointless fluff otherwise.]
Do I not seem happy?
no subject
( Solomon asks if he doesn't seem happy, and Mika more or less indicates he's not interpreting what he sees, but what he expects. )
no subject
[But he won't argue against the feelings. That's not his place.]
Having hardships and being happy are not exclusive to one another, you know.
no subject
What Solomon says seems to perplex him some, but it's phrased generally enough that he can at least relate it to his own experience in a much more abstract way - thinking back on his life with the orphans, even if the recollection ... barely stirs feeling in him.
Still, what little feeling it does stir is positive. )
... Maybe not.
( There's a "but" implied at the end of it, unstated because he's still thinking of how to articulate it. Especially since this is tied up in the greater subject of - Yuu needing him. )
I just... I don't know. I didn't talk to anyone after I turned into a vampire. And then I finally found Yuu-chan again... and then - then I was here. And everything is so different here than where I'm from. But I... don't think I could've made him happy back home. And I barely know what I'm doing here.
( How can he be making anyone, never mind Solomon, happy ... ??? Ahhh )
no subject
It sounds like there's a lot that's uncertain.
Is it hard to find what to grasp as truth, with how your feelings are changing? Is assuming for the worst an easier way to feel at peace?
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This, at least, is easier to answer. )
... Whenever I'm stupid enough to hope for better, people close to me get hurt. I'm not doing that anymore.
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[It's gentle, very gentle. This self esteem is a fragile thing, falling apart under the touch.]
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His gaze falls. )
... And if that hurt means someone dies?
( okay mika relax come on now, )
no subject
[Even though it's very, very hard to do so.]
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How can I just let it slide just because it's "only" a risk? I don't want— I refuse to let anything bad happen to them again.
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You can focus on being better than you used to be. Growing strong to protect, or learning from mistakes. But no one can shield someone from the dark parts of life forever.
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He's quiet as they move through the dance. )
... There are some people that sort of thing could be true for. There are some people who can become better, and save people without sacrificing themselves.
I'm not... one of those people. I can only be a stepping stone for those who can. And I'm fine with that.
no subject
It's okay to know what is hard, or what you struggle with. But to watch you be downtrodden so heavily by yourself is not a way to make the people you know happy.
[The music starts to dwindle. Solomon slows their steps.]
Those people who you want to lift up... I wouldn't be surprised if they want you. Not your memory. Not a eulogy. Not something to move them ans be forgotten.
Just you.
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Mika's steps slow in concert with Solomon, his lips pursed slightly. )
... How can that be enough for someone else?
no subject
Yuu was enough for you without needing to question it, wasn't he? Someone may very well feel the same about you.
[A gentle press squeezes against Mika's hand as Solomon nods towards the balcony.]
Here. Let's get you outside.
no subject
He guesses they'd have to be someone overflowing with love.
If Solomon keeps hold of his hand as he leads them to the balcony, Mika will allow it; else, it'll slip free from Solomon's hand. It's not that Mika wants to hold hands, but he's... passive when taken along in the flow of things. )
... Satisfied with just that?
no subject
Maybe not. But I don't prefer to go back on my word. A dance for your freedom.
[His hand is held gently as Solomon leans to brush his lips to his knuckles. Polite and passing, nothing more.]
Thank you.
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