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

So, if everything is a separate timeline, it doesn't necessarily mean things will play out as they did.

[ He holds his chin. That would change things. If time is still progressing, he would want to find a way to lose so his dimension would fall. But if that's not the case, there's no reason to purposely lose. ]

Guess we won't know what to do until we figure out those answers.

[ Vincent tips his chin up, pleased at the praise. It is impressive! It's nice that the elders of the Order realized as much, but he only got criticized for it by Claudia. He turns his head and clicks his tongue. ]

I don't necessarily need my present repaired, not completely. I just want to get in the way of a lunatic getting her way. Of course, it might mean I'll die sooner, but if a certain person can live... it might be worth it. [ In his petty little heart, he thinks that it would be the best ending. ]

[ castiel makes a sound of acquiescence, folding his hands on the table. yes, that exactly. on both counts. either way, all they have are theories. ]

I think I can understand that, too.

[ a look passes-across his face. bitterness. not aimed toward vincent. there are certainly a few people who he'd rather they not get their way. ]

Nice to know you're a petty bastard like me.

[ Vincent clicks his tongue. He hadn't meant to be that honest. ]

[ vincent has said worse to him; castiel shrugs.

he doesn't seem to particularly mind. ]

[ He breathes a little easier. ]

Anyway, are you going to make anything for Dean's sibling? Bake them anything?

[ A beat. ]

Actually, are they even here?

Sam's not here.

[ his mouth twists gently. he didn't mean to say his name. ]

There were two more of me, though they seem to have disappeared.

That's good, right?

[ His tone is much more gentle and understanding. ]

I'll ask you what you mean by two more of you, but --

[ Waves his hand and adds: ]

-- you're willing to give up your life for these siblings, but they'd probably give up yours to save each other if I'm understanding. Granted, I know what I said before, but why not take this opportunity to "boost your ranking?"

So that Dean would sacrifice Sam for you? [ He takes a sip of his tea. ] I think that'd do wonders for your self-esteem, as well.

[ castiel shifts, looking like he isn't sure exactly how to respond in the scant moments before vincent lays that on him. his eyes widen and his face goes blank. it feels like he should be offended by the implication, but it's so preposterous he can't muster any anger.

it's a few long, unreadable moments before he finds himself asking, ]

How—?

[ and then, cutting himself off: ]

I don't even think that would be possible.

I think that it is.

[ He bobs his head along as he muses over how to make such an insane suggestion a reality. Mostly because he hates the idea of being seen as a madman. ]

There's a level of affection that Dean has for you as a friend. This is elevated further by the fact that you're someone from his world. He doesn't have to tell you too much because you already know, and that gives him a sense of security, I'm sure.

[ Vincent decides to explain it like this since it seems like Castiel sometimes is both very worldly and incredibly naive. Yet the angel says that none of this is an act. ]

In short, I'm certain that he relies on you quite a bit. There are certain things you can only vent to someone who knows where you come from, after all. [ He crosses his legs as he thinks further on this line of thinking. ] Since he's involved in matters far beyond what humans should be, I believe there's a certain level of mental strain and instability that he has, as well. Unless he's a devout believer in something?

[ He holds his hand out for Castiel to know the answer to that one before he continues. ]

[ thing is, vincent is right. they have a connection. vincent couldn't possibly fathom the depth of that connection without knowing the circumstances of their meeting. but castiel isn't entirely unaware of the sway that's given him over dean in the past. he rescued dean from perdition. it's something that carries a lot of weight no matter who you are, and his superiors assigned him to dean for that very reason.

there are things dean has only ever admitted to him.

any protest that he might have offered dies on his lips as he's redirected with a question. ]

He holds no deep spiritual beliefs.

Great.

[ He pauses to close his head and tilt his head in a way to indicate that he doesn't think it's that great, but details. ]

This means that he has no other emotional or mental support other than you, really. Sure, he can make friends here, but those friends can disappear. [ Vincent holds his hand out to indicate those Castiels that apparently are gone? ] Meaning you are a staple in his life in a place that is foreign and may never be safe.

You just need to continue to reinforce those beliefs. [ A beat. ] I'm sure you can with how you are. It's just a lot of being understanding and respectful... carefully reminding him of times of when you relied upon each other... subconsciously, it'll build enough of a reliance that you'll be very important to him.

How I... am.

[ it sounds like a statement, but is invariably a question. hm. vincent isn't saying anything especially salacious. is he? castiel would like to be relied upon — he would like to be useful, for what worth does he have without some utility? the actions vincent describes, to him, don't appear to be significantly different from the behaviors that underpin human friendship. at least, as far as he recognizes it from his outsiders point of view. ]

Yes, I've gathered that much about you, anyway.

[ Along with some of the things that Castiel is sensitive to and holding close to his heart. ]

It's a simple matter of emotionally isolating and capitalizing on that isolation.

But I want Dean to be happy.

[ it's a stupid thing to say, and he realizes it the moment it comes out of his mouth (he hasn't realized the tea is responsible for his sinking ships, yet.) knowing what he knows of dean, he'll probably never be happy. but, he finds he wishes for it anyway.

he turns his cup back, and forth. watching the steam rise from the surface. ]

So?

[ His head tilts slightly. ]

I've experienced every pleasure that my world has to offer, but happiness is not something that I've been able to experience fully yet.

[ He scratches underneath his chin. That's a bit too honest, but whatever; he only wanted peace of mind for himself. If he got that, he would be happy. However, things keep happening one after the other! He doubts he'll ever find happiness here, either, but whatever. ]

Dean's involved in things beyond his kind and has no spiritual basis to hold onto, Castiel. The best he can hope for, in my opinion, is to feel stable with someone.

I think that will feel like happiness to him and isn't that a good thing?

Do you think you ever will?

[ experience happiness.

the rest of what vincent says leaves him with an intense sense of longing making knots in his gut. stability was once something he did not have to concern himself with. an angel is immortal and unchanging. so, too, was god. everything as it is and always will be, or so he thought.

and now, nothing.

his gaze remains fixed on his cup. does dean desire stability? he considers his longing for home, and thinks: yes. he does. is that something castiel can give? ]

I don't know.

If there is one positive to being alive, it means I might.

[ Funny how he puts it like that, however. But it is true.

He lives in a city where he doesn't need to worry about money; he can create whatever persona that he wants; he can live without ever telling anyone what he witnessed; make friends; find love; however temporary that it all is, he could live a life of a simpering fool who only desires to get along with people around him.

Vincent lived that life and didn't find any happiness. He ran rat race after rat race without feeling a hint of happiness. People around him were happy; people around him might tell him they were happy knowing him, but he wasn't happy knowing them. They didn't know who he was; they didn't like who he actually was.

And he likes who he is! His rotten, terrible personality is something he likes about himself. He accepts that he is a selfish, self-centered person but what of it? Acceptance and liking oneself never brought him happiness, either, but at least he has that over everyone else who claims to want to change because of how unhappy they are.

So. There. ]

What's there to doubt?

[ he studies vincent. it seems a surprisingly optimistic point of view for a man like him, although it's grounded deep enough in reality to have merit regardless of one's perspective. he can't really conceptualize for himself what vincent's life would have been like before he gave all his money away and moved from the city. castiel has only ever been utterly honest, both in word and deed. he does only what he must and what he wants. he says what he thinks, often to his own detriment.

there's just no pretending with him. no shroud. no mask.

so there's no possible way he could put himself in vincent's shoes. to imagine a life where he's only ever pretending to be something he's not.

he can't even imagine what it's like to be happy. but he can imagine what it's like to be sure. and to feel confident about one's place in the world, even if that isn't how he feels anymore.

if he could give that to dean... castiel shakes his head. never mind. it's either try or don't try. ]

You're right.

Glad you see reason, Castiel.

[ As much as he dislikes him, Vincent appreciates being told that he is right.

He claps his hands together. ]

You may be new to the idea of -- [ Gesturing with his hands, he tries to find the right word. ] -- consoling and manipulating someone into putting you first, but I see in you the ability to do so. [ Because something has to fill the emptiness that is most likely apart of him. ]

And I wish you both all the happiness in the world.

You... do?

[ that doesn't seem good. but he trusts that vincent is being impartial, in part because they aren't friends, and he has no real reason, as far as castiel knows, to sugar coat the truth. ]

Oh. Thank you.

[ what an odd conversation this has been. ]

Sure. I feel like there is a benefit to be had in people's happiness.

[ His head cocks to the side as he feels that's a bit too honest, but eh, whatever. ]

Welcome.

[ He hums and stares at him: ] How did you choose your vessel by the way? Is there some sort of criteria that said this body would be the best body for you? Or -- is that not how it works for your universe?

[ he wonders what that benefit is. but he doesn't ask — he feels compelled to answer the question vincent has given him. he might even if it weren't for the tea. this feels like a comparatively safer topic. ]

Vessels are established through bloodline. Finding a host that could contain me wasn't easy.

[ castiel cups both hands around his tea. ]

Through bloodline.

[ Vincent mulls over that answer and immediately frowns. ]

It seems there's an item that I have to request from those companion bots. [ But since it's an item that is bought with points he earned; it doesn't feel like he's in debt for using them. Good. Good. ]

Thank you... I was hoping it was easier than that...

An item? [ what is it? ] Do you want to be a vessel?

[ castiel places a hand over his own chest. ]

Jimmy also prayed for this.

Absolutely not. My bloodline isn't that great and I'm a normal person.

[ He shakes his head at the idea someone would wish for it, but he supposes that isn't that deranged an idea. ]

This has nothing to do with you, I'll start there, Castiel. [ Since he feels like he needs to tell him what he's acquiring; it's like the desire to be right is overriding his desire to keep things to himself. (Which sadly isn't that different from how Vincent usually is when he gets going.) ] It's a means to force the divine out of a person's body and keep someone safe from all supernatural entities' powers.

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