etrayalogs | November Mingle

November Mingle

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: November 22nd - Early December
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, and an unexpected guest!
NOTES\WARNINGS: N/A, please note any needed warnings in threads.

⏵ arrival ⏴
Welcome to Etraya!

Arrival goes as expected - or it would, except it is not just Aurora that greets the newcomers as they arrive. Certainly they receive their earpiece so they can communicate with one another as those before them have, however there is what seems to be a woman waiting for them that is of a more flesh and blood persuasion as they leave the hospital. She carries an air about her that isn't quite like the newcomers themselves, but she is decidedly not one of the companion bots, nor Aurora.

She has bone-straight blonde hair reaching past her shoulders, with a straight-cut fringe hanging above her eyes. The black dress that ends just before her mid-thighs also has a rather revealing neckline, though the sleeves which cover her arms almost feel like a mockery of modesty considering the rest. She is also wearing black stockings and black pumps, and the red of her lipstick is striking against the extreme contrast in shades she otherwise holds.

As each newcomer independently files out of the hospital, she makes certain to garner their individual attention, either with a wave of her hand, a wiggle of her fingers, or directly calling them over. She is persistent, and with being so new, it is wise to heed her. Not that anyone can force one to, if they choose to walk away, nor does she seem interested in trying to, but she has her means for those proving stubborn.

However, those who aren't...

“Hey! I know you’re not just walking past me. I’ve got- you know, plot relevant, written all over me. I picked this dress out just for you, you know?’

“C’mere, listen up. Mama’s got a little bit of homework for you, but it’s gonna help you, too, okay? I need you to go find the hot goss, the piping hot tea on the street for me. Find out what everyone’s saying about the people we’re stuck with, okay? People are a lot more relaxed and honest when they talk about others, right? This is about efficiency.

Efficiency, honey.

Don’t worry, I’ll be in the trenches, too. But make sure you come find me again. I’ll be around here, okay? I know you’re as confused as I am. Well no. I’m much less confused than you are. But if you can tell me about the people here, I’ll tell you more about where you are and what this is about.”

For those who ignored her, or those not newly arrived, they will receive a message through their earpiece:

“Girl. Hey. Listen. I’m kind of in a pinch, okay? I need like… a little favor. But its a fun favor! I need you to get your girl some info. I need the word on the street, honey. I need the tea piping hot- I need you to go talk to your friends, enemies, frenemies, butt buddies, cousins, and have them tell you about anyone they know. I need straight facts and good gossip on everyone here. And then get back to me. Kisses.

And this isn’t something for nothing. If you bring me some good goss, you’ll get some good info in turn about your whole situation. Cause that’s what you’re missing most besides home, right? Context.”

⏵ spill the tea ⏴

Tatianna having now tasked everyone (new and old) with finding out more about their fellow inhabitants—if not for their sake, for her curiosity—and in exchange she will give them valuable information that may aid them with acclimating here, or something far more valuable depending on how hot the goss is! However, she will not just hand out her secrets so easily, and so she will need one piece of gossip about each inhabitant. So she expects everyone to get mingling and talking, she isn't a charity here!

To assist in this, the companion bots have set up cozy little wicker daybeds around the main hub of the city. All of which are suspiciously cozy and warm once you have sat down on them, but especially so with the accompanying aroma of the tea wafting from the kettle which rests on the center table, accompanied by sweetmeats. The tea itself also stays warm despite the cool autumn air, and so long as you stay within the daybeds, the biting chill won't reach you either.

However, the tea is not only perpetually the right temperature, but it seems to have a way of loosening one's tongue. Especially the more one imbibes it. Did you mean to share that secret that might not have been yours to begin with? Or that personal detail about your best friend that wasn't meant to be known by anyone but who they themselves have told? Probably not, but the cat is out of the bag now, isn't it? Well, hopefully word won't get around...after all, it isn't likely who you are talking is going to tell everyone else, right? Right?

Adding to the oddity of it all, the tea one drinks might not be the same tea that their companion is drinking, despite it pouring from the same kettle. What might be one person's earl grey, is another's pumpkin spice chai. Whatever it may be that pours out, it certainly seems to be to one's liking, or its closest approximation. There's probably some deeper meaning in that, some sort of symbolism one might surmise from the nature of sharing gossip and it being tainted by personal bias, but who cares about navel gazing about such a thing?

After all, this is meant to be an enjoyable endeavor! Getting to know your fellow inhabitant should feel as comfortable as catching up with an old friend. What better way than to do it by sharing tea you both will enjoy? ☕

⏵ close knit ⏴

As the tail end of November draws nearer, people will have already begun to see the first flakes of snow. It grows colder, and while there isn't quite a blizzard or a snow storm happening, the snow does not seem to let up with its descent. It doesn't quite get so cold that it is untenable, of course, but it would be advisable to bundle up! In fact, the companion bots seem to be on the case with assisting in just that!

Around the city people will find groups of companion bots busily knitting sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats, and so forth. In fact, the moment they see someone they clock as not quite bundled enough, they will insist on supplying them with whatever they deem as being without. Are you already wearing a scarf? Well, clearly you need two of them! How about the gloves? Couldn't hurt to have several pairs!

However, that isn't all that's available to people, after all there are cafes out and about where one might get a hot beverage to help fight off the cold, but for those less inclined for such establishments, the companion bots are here to serve! There is at least one companion bot per knitting group that seems to have hot cocoa on hand. If they see someone who is looking particularly cold (almost everyone is, the companion bots aren't particularly keen on the signs of successful temperature regulation), they will have a paper cup of hot cocoa imposed upon them that has their name on the side.

Or, sort of. It is at least a close approximation of their name, or maybe it is an alternate spelling? Really, who can blame the bots for getting confused, there are so many of you!

⏵ snow more games ⏴

The snow is here to stay, but that doesn't mean that it has to be a bad thing! With everyone well supplied in their winter garb, the companion bots have set up spots for fun activities! Perhaps the inhabitants would enjoy a fun snowball fight, or some sledding? Some of the waters have frozen over, so ice skating is always a possibility too. Though one might want to be careful if they are to venture past what the companion bots have marked as safe.

Some of the companion bots are trying their best at making a snowman, but all their efforts seem to come out rather...square. They're trying their best, but maybe they can learn by following the inhabitant's examples. There are others that will offer gold star stickers to those who seem to dominate in the snowball fights, but unfortunately the stickers don't stick too well with all the snow. Well, they tried!

People will still find bots out and about with nice warm beverages available to fight off the cold, too. That service will continue to be available for the foreseeable future. Similarly, if someone comes out who is a little too under-dressed for the weather, the bots might have to pick up those knitting needles again, so be sure to put on your winter clothes..!

⏵ NOTES ⏴

To report information to Tatianna, do so here! She will only give each person their rewarded information once she has a bit of information on each character in the game. Each bit of gossip does not require a thread to count though it should be IC knowledge gained through IC means. Try to check what gossip has been given to her already, because doubling up will not yield results! Good luck!

For all questions relating to this log, please refer to the mod queries comment. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Do you think time is still marching on?

[ Vincent listens to her concerns from another table. He has his elbow propped up and his chin resting on top of his hand. ]

I do. [ Answering his own question, he offers his insight on what is going on back home is beyond their control. ] Time is far more cruel a mistress than universes ending. After all, say you do save your world, what if you go back to a place that doesn't recognize who you are? [ With his other hand, he makes a gesture for him to come join him at his table. ]

I think it's good to play along. I plan to ask these questions, but if I'm only able to ask one... well, I'd like to work with someone to get the other question answered.

[ A slight smile. ] Want to help?

Edited (html :() 2024-11-26 02:11 (UTC)

[Caitlyn hadn't even considered that time might not be passing at home. But once he asks the question, even though he gives his answer in the affirmative, there's a brief flicker of hope that, if she can get back, no time at all will have passed.

But she can't count on a flicker.]

If that woman knows something about our circumstances, why not tell us? Why hold information hostage over some... some petty gossip?

[But she unfolds herself from the daybed she was trying to sit in and drops down next to the man, her frown etching itself deeper into her brow. Of course she wants to have questions answered. Of course she wants to work with someone who wants the same.

She huffs softly.]

Yes, of course I want to help.

Same reason anyone would act in such a manner - to have control over people.

[ His shoulders bounce in a quick, little shrug. Sure, he's painting the situation worse than what it is, but what of it? At the very least, he's pleased that she's willing to work with him. ]

Great to hear it.

[ He holds his hand out to her. ] Vincent.

[Caitlyn mouths the word 'control' to herself, a look of confusion crossing her face. Could that really be what it is? Could someone really insist on this whole strange farce simply to exercise their sense of control? And if not that, then what?

It takes her a moment to realize he's holding his hand out. She takes it, offering a firm, sharp handshake.]

Caitlyn.

Pleasure.

[ He offers a small smile as he returns the handshake. ]

Now... I heard you mentioned that you have to get back home. [ Holding up his hands, he adds: ] I won't be using this for gossip.

[ Vincent drops his hands down; he rests them on the table, one over the other. ] It sounds like it's something serious. [ Which is how he was able to prey on that weakness, but nevermind that. ]

[Caitlyn makes an effort at returning the smile, but it's a strained, mostly-failed effort. She can't think of much to smile about, just now.

When he brings up home, she frowns, her shoulders tensing and then sagging as her hands fall into her lap, fingertips tapping against the back of her knuckles as she considers the implied question. She believes him when he says he won't use this for gossip.]

My... friend.

[The pause is painfully obvious, because 'friend' isn't quite the right word, but how else could she describe Vi? My stubborn, infuriating blockhead, the object of all my romantic fantasies, the person who changed my life, the only person who's ever truly seen me rather than just my family name, the person I'd die for, the person who turned her back on me no matter how I pleaded with her to stay. She's not sure she could say any of that to Vi, let alone a stranger.]

She's in danger. I need to get home to help her. And. [And what will her parents find, when they go looking for her? A bathroom in disarray and a bloodstain left by her wounded leg? What will they think?] And my parents will be worried. They need to know I'm alright.

Must be a very important friend.

[ He offers another brief, polite smile. His expression falls as he runs his tongue along his teeth. If someone else were sitting where he was, they might have had something comforting to say:

"Your ... friend may one day show up here." "I hope you return to them soon."

Those sort of heartfelt lines that Vincent knows that he wouldn't sound sincere in saying. Even if she does show up here, is that really a boon? Maybe. If she returns back, what then? They still don't know how much time has passed, so what to do?

Consoling statements aside, he decides to say: ]

For now, let's trust in those that are there. [ That he can say with conviction, at least. ] Your friend may be in danger, but you believe in her, yes? Then, let's believe she'll be okay until you're reunited.

More than important! She's-- I-- [Still unsure of how to complete any sentence she starts about Vi, she stutters to a halt, frowning heavily down at the teacup in front of her.] I've never met anyone like her.

[She glances up at Vincent before her gaze drifts down to the tea again, appreciating the comforting thought that Vi will be able to take care of herself until Caitlyn can make it home. She survived a long time in prison, after all, and who knows what before that. If anyone could survive whatever hopeless solo crusade Vi has set herself on, it's Vi.

The tea is piping hot, and it smells like the tea that's always served in her house. Caitlyn's not sure she has the stomach for it, but she reaches for it anyway.]

I suppose we'd better share some gossip, then, [she says, sullen at the prospect but willing to do whatever's needed.] If we want the information this woman has to offer.

[ Vincent offers a slight smile. He pauses before holding his hands out to Caitlyn - something to comfort her; offering to hold her hands in this trying time. ]

I suppose that's true. [ He agrees that they should share some gossip, but he does worry about her mental state. It certainly would be interesting to see what happens if she gets revved up to do something but he thinks that's too unpredictable.

Rather - he pauses to look at her face - he doesn't know what her limits are and so can't be certain she'll play within reasonable parameters. ] But I do think it's sad if you aren't able to talk about the person you're thinking about. You know... just to get some of those words and thoughts out.

[ He weakly shrugs. ] I don't know if that'll help you, but it's better than worrying and thinking about them when you're alone, right? [ A beat. ] We can worry about gossip at the end... I honestly feel this is more important.

[She takes one of his hands tentatively, hesitant to show such vulnerability, particularly in public, but thinking it awfully, even surprisingly, kind of him to offer the opportunity to talk.]

Thank you, I-- I'm not sure what to say about her. [She frowns intently down at the teacup.] Her name is Vi. She's kind, and strong, stronger than anybody I know, and. [For a brief moment, her shoulders stiffen, the furrow between her brows deepening.] And. I care for her a great deal, though I'm not sure she feels the same way.

[Vi had said as much. Oil and water. Even if Caitlyn doesn't quite believe she meant it.]

[ He gently holds her hand, resting one on top of hers.

His lips quirks into a half-smile when she thanks him. Vincent wonders if he could convince her to join the Order; he hasn't really thought about expanding his religion here, but he thinks it wouldn't be too bad. Give the lost something to feel found in, perhaps.

That sounds too altruistic, but he supposes, the end goal is to have more people in his camp than out of it - even if they do end up coming to odds later. ]

Even with that brief description, she sounds wonderful. [ A pause. ] Why wouldn't she? I feel you're a young lady who cares deeply and thinks of others before herself. [ Given how she is worried about Vi, her parents, and the universe before seemingly worrying about herself and her predicament. ]

I don't see why anyone wouldn't feel drawn to that, in some way.

I...

[Caitlyn smiles a tight little smile, her eyes catching Vincent's before drifting downwards. Her fingertips tap awkwardly against the teapcup.]

We come from very different places. She feels that makes us... [She can hear Vi's voice in her head. Oil and water. Wasn't meant to be.] Incompatible.

[With a dejected little huff, she takes a sip of the tea. It's mild, almost floral, with a hint of lemon. It's just like the tea she and her parents always drink, and, though she does her best to conceal it, for a moment she's nearly overcome by grief at the understanding that she can't simply cross a bridge to go home.]

Well, you know what they say, opposites attract.

[ He offers her a little joke and consolating words to something that seems to be weighing heavily on her mind. ]

Still, despite the incapability that Vi says, you want to save her. I hope that she'll change her mind after what you've done. [ A beat. He recalls that most people don't work in transactional relationships. ] Well, I hope that she's able to give the idea a second or third chance, at least.

Happiness is something that few people can experience these days. We should seek it out wherever we happen to get a whiff of it... even if it may seem dangerous to do so.

[Once again her shoulders stiffen, her discomfort at the thought of Vi changing her mind out of some sort of... of gratitude evident in her posture. But she responds to him with pure eagerness and sincerity.]

I'm not giving up. If I can just talk to her, I'm sure she'll understand that our differences don't really matter. [Perhaps it's easy for the topsider, the Councillor's daughter, someone who's never been concerned with what other people think, who's always been able to do whatever she wants, to tell a girl from the fissures that their differences don't matter. But she believes it, and she just needs Vi to see it, and then...] And then we can be together.

[There's a moment of surprise that the phrase 'be together' just came out of her mouth. It's an all but outright admission that she wants her relationship with Vi to be romantic, and it strays dangerously close to baring her heart in a way she's hardly comfortable with. So why has she said it?]

[ Again, he offers a brief smile; he squeezes her hand to show his support. Vincent wishes he could smile longer, but he really has a face where warm smiles and wide grins don't look good. If he could perfect that, he's certain he'd be better at manipulating people, but it's fine. ]

I'm glad to hear that - and I hope that you two can be together. [ An honest wish; an honest hope. He isn't completely heartless even as he's trying to find ways to use her. He isn't sure how yet, but an investment's an investment. ] I'd like to do what I can for you because I believe there will be something good to come in our relationship.

In turn, you can use me as you like, too. That's fair, right? [ A pause. ] I don't know what I could do, but I think it's more of a comfort to have people you know will do something for you than those you hope you can rely on. [ His eyebrows furrow as he realizes that's a little more honest than what he'd like, but whatever. Whatever. ]

[Her posture doesn't relax, the word 'use' as uncomfortable as the idea that Vi might accede to a relationship out of gratitude.]

We both want to learn everything we can about this place, why we're here, and how to leave. [At least, she presumes. He'd wanted his questions answered, after all.] We could help one another.

[She frowns at him insistently.]

I don't want to use you.

[ His questions aren't quite like that, but he does think there is some merit to knowing those things. He is more curious about time - if he can ask but one question, he's curious about how time works. ]

Yes, we agreed on that point. [ A small nod. ] I'll share everything that I know.

[ He gives her a lopsided smile before it fades. ]

Well, I'd like you to, Caitlyn. It lets me feel useful.

I...

[Her frown only deepens, extremely unsure how to feel about that.]

We'll help each other, [she insists.

And then she's pulling her hand out of his, becoming more animated as her mind begins to cycle through questions, information, connections, everything she can think of that might be of some use.]

We ought to start by writing down everything we know already and all of the questions we want answered. Have you got a notebook?

All right.

[ They can word it like that, sure. ]

I don't have a notebook.

[ It may be because he is part of a cult, but he's done his best to never write down any of his thoughts. If anyone found them, they could use it against him. His distrust in people is unreasonably high, and worse since most members in his congregation are lunatics that would stab any heretic to death. ]

Do you have anything like that? [ Hm. ] Perhaps the earpiece can do something?

[ She can keep her notes, but he won't. ]

No, my notebook didn't make the journey here with me, I'm afraid.

[Whatever it was that made her use the phrase 'be together' in conjunction with Vi prompts her to explain further.]

None of my things did. Vi's sister knocked me out in the shower, and the next thing I knew I was here, with nothing but damp hair and a headache.

[It's one thing to admit she ended up here fresh from the shower without clothing, even if it is rather a blow to her dignity. It's another to explain that her last memory is of being hit over the head by the sister of the girl she has feelings for.

She scowls, once again wondering why she's so freely admitting things that she wouldn't normally want to share.]

That's unfortunate.

[ Somehow, he doesn't sputter into his tea upon hearing how Caitlyn came to this world. He swallows what he is drinking carefully. ]

It seems her sister didn't care for you. [ A beat. ] It's all right, I was stabbed by someone twice and didn't even have the courtesy to bring the knife.

[ He takes another sip of tea to deal with the awkwardness. ]

[Momentarily, her mind is torn away from the conundrum of her oversharing out of concern for his well-being.]

Stabbed? What happened? Are you alright?

[The hospital had been able to patch up her leg wound, so surely, she hopes, they must have done the same for him.]

[ Vincent frowns in an exaggerated way to indicate he's not troubled by it; his shoulder lifts in an equally lackadaisical manner. This calm reaction would change if the person who stabbed him was present, but details. ]

Sorry. That was a bit scary to say out of nowhere, right?

[ He holds his hand up, appreciating her concern, and realizing he should be more understanding. It just he's being a little more honest than he should be. Hm. ]

I'm all right. I'm alive and here, anyway.

[ A beat. ] A lunatic wanted me dead. It's a bit more complicated than that, but ... that about sums it up.

I'm glad.

[Glad he's alive, at least.]

I can relate. I don't even-- [She catches herself this time as she's about to say more on Jinx, things she really oughtn't say. The girl is Vi's sister, and despite everything, she still feels as though it should be up to Vi how much is shared, and with whom.

Which once again begs the question:]

Have you noticed anything strange about what you're saying?

[ People are not allowed to perceive him; he dislikes it, but what doesn't he dislike? ]

It's all right -- [ He lightly pats the top of the table. Honestly, what's the reason to attack Caitlyn? Because she fancies her sister? Bit closed-minded and honestly dangerous mentality. ]

I have noticed some strange things... I suppose it's because I feel comfortable around you, or want you to feel more comfortable around me.

spill the tea;

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(and then i went ah that's kind of hard to respond to, actually)

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