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]

[Ithaqua's enthusiasm proves to be infectious, as even Urianger can't hold back a chuckle of his own. Since this is apparently Ithaqua's first time, he'll at least help get the two of them properly positioned.]

Then this shall be a first for the both of us, for never have I danced with a man of thy height before.

[Be that height from the use of stilts or otherwise.]

Let us see how thou canst do. I shall be in thy care.

[leewards]

Oh, I shall definitely not disappoint. [A lot of confidence, from someone who has never danced with a partner before. But without confidence, where would Ithaqua be?

Against a wall, allowing the world to pass him by.]

Since you're unable to put your hands on my shoulders, I'll allow them on my hips or arms, heheh.

[divineth]

[Hips?! Urianger's gaze darts at the mere suggestion, an almost bashful expression playing on his features until he recovers. He might be a little tipsy, but...surely he's not that tipsy.]

'Twould be rather unbecoming of me to be so forward on our first dance. I shall take thine arms.

[leewards]

[Ithaqua can't help but laugh at the look on the elf's face. Is he so shy that holding onto a man's hips or waist during something as innocent as a dance would make him self-conscious?]

Very well then~! [He leans forward enough to offer the man his arms.. before thinking better of it.

He grabs the man's hands instead, and gives a smile, wide enough to show even fangs.]

[divineth]

[LISTEN...... He's just being polite to a new acquaintance!!

He's about to reach for Ithaqua's arms too, before he's suddenly taken by his hands.]

Ah--

[He lets out a startled laugh as he meets Ithaqua's toothy grin. There's a slight air of danger around now...but the exciting sort.

He curls his fingers to return his hold.]

Hah. Lead on.

[leewards]

[Ithaqua's stilts clicks and clacks as he starts on a more energetic dance than the rest of the room. All of them and their stodgy, dull swaying, staring vapidly at each other's faces... conforming has never interested Ithaqua, and even less so now because they really don't look like they're having fun. This is what conforming does to someone? No, no thank you.]

Hopefully you can keep up~ Heheh! [Because Ithaqua is definitely moving his feet while swinging their linked arms. But he will slow down if he finds his companion struggling.]

[divineth]

[Urianger only stumbles once, right at the very beginning as the pace is set. This was bound to be no ordinary dance, so he's hardly surprised.

But it isn't long before he's keeping pace with his dance partner, putting his all in matching those long, sweeping steps. This is almost nostalgic in a way. The woman who taught him how to dance was never one to conform, either.]

Well? [It's a bit difficult to talk while this active, so his words are a little breathy, but he just has to know...] What sayest thou? Am I keeping up?

[leewards]

You're not a man accustomed to rigourous exertion, I can tell. [He doesn't mean that as an insult--] But you're doing your best to keep up, and I like that~!

[His long, long limbs might help. But Ithaqua knows when to have mercy, and he slows down for his partner to catch his breath.]

Not many can even come close to handling me, you know.

[divineth]

[Thanks for the mercy, Ithaqua… It gives Urianger more of a chance to laugh along. He’s having a good time.]

I am not surprised to hear that. Thou art quite the formidable dance partner. And this is thy first foray into dance, is it not?

[How else are they typically handling him…?]

[leewards]

Indeed~ What is dancing for one who has no one to dance with? [Nothing, really. Sad to be all alone.]

Or, for someone to witness. You're here, you are both-- and I shall treat you accordingly.

[Then he gives himself a little twirl, momentarily loosening his grip on the elf's hands to do so. Usually the partner being led is the one being twirled, but who cares about conventions?]