lunaecalamitas | you opened your eyes, spreading it wide

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.

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A panther, then. Next time make sure it looks less like a house cat. [ just decrees that apparently their will be a next time. if he's accepting that he's a panther (please tell me they exist in tower of god SIU), then he expects the visuals to align.

in the meantime, he'll continue to sip at his cup with a small smile. ]

Sure! Next time, you'll get the most realistic panther you've ever seen. [ ... ] I just need to remember what they look like.

[ He thinks about lions a lot. Panthers, not so much. Maybe he's lucky and this world has similar animals and he can find an illustrated encyclopedia somewhere...

Anyway. Something else tickles his curiosity. He turns around to reach for the coffee to pour for himself, and he talks with his back to Khun. ]

Why so many alligators? Do you like them?

I'll find you a book.

[ this world probably has them? if not, he'll commission a drawing of one from someone here. ]

Don't even imply that, I can hear his boasting about it from here. No, one of my teammates is a giant alligator, so they're just familiar to me.

[ Oh yay, a book... ]

What? [ Tatara turns, full cup of coffee in his hands, and on his face is a wide, but confused smile. ] You have an alligator as a teammate? [ ... ] Like, a real one?

He's bipedal and three meters tall, but yeah. Uses a spear, just like you saw in the bath.

[ just normal things? khun's grinning, a shadow of a genuine smile underneath. raak's a pain in the ass but he's more than just any ol' person (alligator) to khun. ]

No way! That was based on a real person?!

[ Tatara comes from, ostensibly, "normal Earth," but he takes in bipedal, spear-wielding alligators with stride. He leans forward in his excitement, eyes sparkling. ]

What's he like? Are you best friends? Intense rivals?

No. [ tatara, the fact that this boy managed to even accept a friend is a miracle alone. ]

Not rivals either. Like I said, we're teammates. I'm the leader, obviously, but we're really only together because of the other person on our team. As for what he's like...he's loud and can eat his weight in chocolate daily. He's one of the types who doesn't really care what's going on as long as he can get a good fight.

Edited 2024-05-01 21:04 (UTC)

Oooh, I see... Bound together by circumstance. [ He has no idea if it's actually like that in real life, but that's the phrase that comes to mind and he thinks it's cool.

He chuckles. ] I know people like that. So I shouldn't make you a mocha, then.

[ Is mocha art a thing? With an alligator on it? That would probably make Khun angry, so he won't do it. ]

I didn't know you were a team leader... That's kinda cool. [ So his big cat diagnosis wasn't too far off. Are all leaders like big cats? Is that why he's not cut out for this? ] Who was the other person on your team?

[ they literally were considering it was "find two teammates within X minutes or die." tower of god is a fun canon rated Teen. ]

Hm? I don't really like sweet drinks unless they're energy drinks, yeah. [ ...how was that deduced from what he said (?)

he might have pressed that if not for the very obvious follow-up question that he answers smoothly, but perhaps too smoothly. ]

Oh, the other person on our team was a Shinsu user. That's the "magic" I normally use in the Tower, but that class specializes in it. So a wizard, in our terms.

[ sounds reasonable and safe,

Tatara realizes they aren't exactly on the same page wrt: drinks, but he makes the mental note anyway. He doesn't know where to find energy drinks, but now he knows Khun likes them. ]

Ohhh, I see. [ It makes sense in his head, like video game logic. ] So that must have balanced you out between the three of you, right?

[ He sips, staring up (!!) at Khun. ]

What did you do, then?

[ nod. ]

You can run an all offensive team, or one built to outlast the others, but if you want a really balanced spread a Wave Master, Spear Bearer and Lightbringer is basically ideal. Mine's the Lightbringer. On paper we're a support class, but we're also responsible for directing our team and issuing orders via our lighthouse. [ he puts the cup down to reach into his pocket to pull out a small blue cube that's the same color as his eyes. ]

You can probably guess why I chose it~.

[ Khun pulls out the cube and all of Tatara's attention zooms in on it. He leans forward to get a better look at it; he tilts his head, takes it in. He's never really seen anything like it before, and the genuine wonder sits prominent on his face.

For a moment after Khun's done talking, Tatara's eyes roll upwards to meet his. Huh. They are the same color. Tatara's never been much of a blue person, but maybe he can come to appreciate it. ]

Wow... That's so cool. [ He rights himself again, smiles over his cup of coffee. ] So that's why you're the leader. I can see it now. [ He can picture Khun commanding an army in his head, which is probably a bit much for just a team of three.

His smile widens further, punctuated by a quiet laugh. ]

You're cool, Khun.

If you think that's cool, wait until you see the inside of my lighthouse.

[ a small sigh, the blue cube in his palm rotating slowly on it's own. ]

Not that I can show you yet, but soon enough. [ the sanctity of his lighthouse is probably the thing khun misses the most about the tower (well maybe energy drinks are tied for first). it's kind of funny because it's something he's only acquired recently, but it is a place distinctly his own that no one else can trespass into without his express position. safer than any room or hidden bunker.

as for the compliment, he absorbs it like a bright, tall, stalk asorbs the rays of the sun. which isn't to say he preens because truly he does so on his own, but he does accept it here which isn't too common. ]

I'm more than that, but it's not a bad thing to hear from you.

[ The little spin is pretty mesmerising, so as he nurses his coffee, his eyes will remain fixed on the cube for a bit.

But his eyes do eventually flit back up to Khun's face, his eyes forming half-moons as his cheeks lift in his smile. ]

No way. [ There's a playful twinkle in his eye. ] What can be better than being cool? [ take his compliment it is the HIGHEST compliment his vocabulary can muster— ] ...Handsome, or something? Dashing?

[ This is not flirting, ]

[ there are certain traits that run through the khun line, male or female: otherworldly speed, light blue hair and cobalt blue eyes, a natural disposition towards lightning shinsu, and the absolute confidence that they're one hell of a catch.

khun aguero agnis is no exception and in many ways, he might be one of the worst (as he tends to be with many things, but he is who he is). he let's go of the cube, tossing it in the air where it levitates right above his shoulder. then he leans in and down, to really take advantage of the distance (or lack thereof) between them. his smile is sly and particularly curved. ]

Do you think I'm handsome and dashing, Tatara?

[ Oh, okay, but the way he tosses the cube and just lets it hover there does steal Tatara's attention for a hot second. That's pretty cool.

But the thought doesn't dwell because Khun makes a very obvious intrusion on his space; instinctively, he leans back for a moment, since this is unexpected to him, but he quickly fixes his posture.

Ah. Hm. Well. He feels his heart beat once, twice, painfully in his chest, and for a second he doesn't really know how to respond. Whatever Khun's dong, he's pretty good at it. ]

Why? [ Eventually, a cheeky smile cracks over his face, and he chuckles. This is just round two of their splashing competition at the bath. yeah. His tone is playful, teasing, like this is a fun little game of secrets. ] Do you want to know?

Edited 2024-05-03 16:49 (UTC)

[ his eyes track the movement, the smile and the chuckle, the playful tone. in a way this really is like their round at the bath, even though he's actually more unsure of what he's feeling now than he was then. you'd think that would make him waver, and for a second he does consider something even if the pause isn't noticeable outwardly, decided in a single flutter of his eyelashes.

(he perhaps should have warned tatara what it's like to really have him on his side. he had offered baam as much when he promised that he would see him at the top of Tower, even if it sounded more like a throwaway remark than anything else. "Prepare yourself, I don't make any stops." khun's ruthless, and nothing and no one can dull that. but he hasn't said that here, because if he says that, it's admitting that he's committed to protecting these eyes too. and he's both not sure and not going to let that stop him.) ]

Is it a bad thing if I do? [ there's a particular note of amusement there, as his voice drops lower. ] I want to know, so tell me.

[ His eyelashes are so delicate, aren't they? Tatara feels the smile widen over his face, and he feels the longer they hold this position, the more nervous he gets. ...Is it nerves, though? He isn't sure, he's never really felt this before, and he doesn't really have the time to analyze it. Instead his coral eyes roam Khun's face, as though reconsidering his stance on the matter, before settling back on the cool blue of his eyes.

Eventually, the nerves (?) flutter from his lips in a laugh, and he tilts his head just so. ]

I guess you are. [ The words, with these feelings, feel foreign as they leave his tongue. ] You're really good looking, Khun.

[ ... ]

I accept your compliment, and I'll give you one in return. You have really beautiful eyes, Tatara.

[ he reaches out gently, slowly, the opposite of how he was just moment's ago. if tatara resists he won't chase, but if he doesn't, he'll gently cup his cheek with one hand. ]

[ Ah...

A furious flush colors Tatara's cheeks, the sort of red he himself is fond of. It doubtlessly burns beneath Khun's touch, and his eyes flutter in his fluster, darting back and forth between one eye and the other.

His chest hurts. No one has ever said this to him before? Or touched him this way, or, or—

He doesn't realize how he tilts his head into Khun's touch, or how he sways forward, just ever so slightly. Is there much room between them now? Khun can doubtlessly smell the coffee on Tatara's breath—he's been making latte art all day. Tatara's gaze flits to his lips, he blinks, then looks at him again.

I shouldn't. I shouldn't do this. I can't.

There's a moment of tension where it seems like he might move forward, to totally close the gap between them, but he doesn't. ]

—Khun.

[ Except they're close enough, that when Tatara moves his lips to speak, he can feel the ghost of the other's on his as he does. His voice comes out strained, and quiet, but there's still a softness to it. He doesn't know what to do in a situation like this, and that's pretty clear in his tone. He won't move away, but isn't sure if he should move closer, but— ]

Edited ("listen u are a mod feel free to table dimension accordingly" thanks lb) 2024-05-03 23:52 (UTC)

[ life isn't fair. khun himself, isn't fair. the very act of putting them in this space wasn't fair, a play, a push, like he's always making. he would have stopped (or so he tells himself), if tatara had pulled back, was dismissive or none the wiser. honestly, he was expecting one of those three. but he can't quite think as well as he usually does in his presence, so maybe he miscalculated. or maybe this is just the natural sequence between them, where they keep surprising each other with touches and looks. warmth and unbidden smiles.

warmth he feels beneath his hand, sees splashed in red hues before him. this is his fault. and even if he was unsure moments ago, (of his thoughts, of risk, of what the shape of this is), he's sure enough of the now. and what he's not? there's only way to know.

the blue in his eyes softens but doesn't dim, the flutter of his name that he feels before he hears, pulling his lips upward in bare satisfaction. brushing a finger against tatara's cheek, a gesture of assurance, khun leans in fully and presses their lips together. the space between them was but a shadow, but the conviction of the movement is as sure as the sun at dawn. firm, but gentle. light and warm. ]

[ Tatara's eyelids naturally fall shut as Khun closes the distance between them, his breath catches when when he feels the soft of his lips press against his. His mind begins a chaotic whorl, and his heart beats painfully in his chest, loudly in his ears.

Ah... All the playing, the teasing, the touching, all those passing thoughts, there was substance to them, wasn't there? The little spark he felt when he first met Khun, was that something? And not just friendship?

Forgive him, because this isn't something he's really experienced often, for he's only had eyes for only one other person his entire life.

He kisses back, tentatively, as a hand slips from his coffee cup to press fingers to Khun's chest. There's pressure in the contact, like he's going to ask him to stop, but doesn't quite have the heart to, yet.

Because he doesn't know. The kiss is catching him off guard and the shock of it keeps him in place, but maybe there's a little part of him that...

...

Even if he knows their positions, that it might not be a good idea—

Ah, he feels dizzy. ]

[ there's the slightest hitch of breath when the kiss is returned, as his mind goes blank momentarily. he's too focused on the contact, the wiggle of something in his chest that isn't his heart—though he knows it's beating fast too. it's a beat later that he registers the hand, the pressure on his chest.

and then he registers something else, more like remembers it, because he had been using magic this entire time to levitate his lighthouse. it dips dangerously close to just clunking down on the table but he saves it at the last second. he can't see it now with eyes closed, but the fact that he's gotten this distracted to almost fumble one of the first and most basic spells he's learned makes him think of the bath again.

how unaware he was in the reflection of bubbles, sprays of water, and the lightness of their laughter. the curve of his mouth warms from a sharp pleasure, to a gentle smile with a hint of mirth. the next kiss he places is a reflection of all of that, gentler, slower, and with a touch that's not demanding. it'll be easy to disengage like this if tatara chooses to, and that's truly what he wants to give in this moment. an appreciation for showing him this, even if all he's done is just brush it with his fingertips. ]

[ With a positively abysmal attempt at breaking the kiss (2), Tatara remains in place. The flutter in his chest buzzes more painfully; he scarcely has time to breathe in between the kisses, and the next one makes him feel like he's going to melt. It's so—gentle, warm, and he isn't sure if that's the sun through the window or not.

His fingers dig faintly into Khun's shirt—not a plea to stay, or as a tug, or a way to tell him that's enough, but an affirmation. Maybe—maybe he wasn't really sure at first, but...but he likes this.

He sighs into his lips, and though he can't bring himself to pull back first, he murmurs his name again: ]

...Khun.

...Tatara. [ this time he opens his eyes when he hears his name, pulls back just enough to get breath, even if he can still feel the faint edges of tatara's lips. the tips of his ears are dusted pink in no part due to the rays of the sun and his thoughts are all over the place, floating around them like sunspots. fuzzy and hard to grasp even if he was particularly inclined to (which he's not).

he needs to say something or he's just going to want to press their lips together again, so he says the very first thing that comes to mind. ]

This makes up for the first coffee. [ a joke? no thoughts? entirely meant? yes.

the hand still on tatara's cheek playfully flicks the fringe of his bangs. ]

you opened your eyes, spreading it wide

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