November Mingle

[etrayamods]

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⏴

Comments

[levindicated]

Me turning on you? That’s what you think and you’re still coming back with me?

[Either her humor somehow is drier than his, or she’s an even sadder sack than he is.]

…Listen, I’m just trying to be helpful. Maybe that sounds like a lie you’ve heard before but I mean it.

[And anyway, it all clicks into place with the bar dancing bit. At least where he’s from, they don’t just dance. But for a courtesan to pay to the house rather than a madame is sad. The barkeeps don’t always care about her the way a matron might.]

… And I left home to live in a cave. And that’s the truth. It’s hardly glamorous either. [He brightens. ] I did at least get to see the world a hundred times over.

It makes this archipelago seem small in comparison, if I’m honest.

[He holds to door for her into the apartment lobby and nods towards the stairs.] I’m just up a floor.

[heavensnight]

Maybe I like some danger.

[it can be both, Cid. she is joking but also, from the sounds of it, it does sound like at some point it might get ugly. she can at least have some fun before then.] But I do believe you, for what it's worth. [she didn't get the feeling he wanted to hurt her. if that meant anything at all.

at least in Maria's case, it isn't quite that dismal. but well, tips in a small town didn't do much.]

A cave? Tougher than me. I need a good shower. Couldn't live without that luxury.

[she starts to go upstairs and then waits for him to show her the room he's at.]

You must have stories to you can tell, though. [but are they really here to tell stories?]

[levindicated]

We had cold murky water, and it did the job. [His laugh sounds like the shucking of yellowed husks off late autumn corn. ]

I’ve plenty of stories. [About other people.]

[Cid leads the way up the stairs, offering his hand to steady her arm out of habit. Once at his door, he unlocks it with his gear and he sees them inside.]

Welcome. Make yourself at home. Do you like wine or rum? [He kicks the dirt and snow off his shoes before moving immediately to his kitchenette. It’s a bit cluttered with papers and little pieces of machinery, but otherwise is in good condition. He has a variety of bottles about as well as candles stuck directly on surfaces, adhered with layers of melted wax.]

[heavensnight]

[she walks inside and looks around. not the worst apartment she'd expect of a man. clean. that's a good sign, she thinks.

she walks to a place to sit and removes the coat he'd offered her as well as her usual fake leather jacket, her bodycon dress that she has now being what's left. make herself at home, he'd said so she did.]

Rum. Today feels like a rum day. Don't you think?

[if she wanted to be more ladylike, she should probably say wine. but she didn't think Cid cared much about that.]

[levindicated]

[He watches her shed coats, his eyes lingering over the curves of the dress. But he’s classy about it, subtle enough, or so he thinks. ]

Aye. Excellent choice. [Cid chuckles as he comes round and pours each of them a glass of rum. ]

Would you like bubbles in yours? Lime?

[He holds a bottle of tonic water aloft, ready to pour. The man has a little basket of limes on his kitchen counter.]

[heavensnight]

[she can tell he's looking at her and it's a nice change of pace. the last man she had been stuck with had barely been able to look at her at times. so this is welcomed.

her eyes go to the limes and she smiles up at him.]

You're a man with fine taste. Go crazy and do both. Also one of those days.

[levindicated]

[He makes her a proper little lime tonic, finishing it with a heartily squeezed lime. He hands her a glass before offering his own in a little cheers. He allows his gazes to fall on her features- over her eyes, her mouth. ]

To… new friends, eh, Maria?

[Cid thinks about the state he’s left everything. It was good enough, right? ]

This should warn us up a bit, but I’ve a suggestion.

…How about a nice bath?

[heavensnight]

[she offers up her own toast.] To new friends. [all the ones she's been able to make.

she's satisfied with the drink she takes, offering him a sound of approval. he's not hiding how he looks at her and she meets his eyes. the suggestion he offers her takes her by surprise, evident by how her face changes.]

Is this because I teased you about baths? Maybe I should tease you about more if this is the reaction.

But I'll take you up on it.

Some degree of nsfw from here down

[levindicated]

[He chuckles and shakes his head. ]

I just think there’s few greater comforts than warming up in a bath, drink in hand… and then slipping under the covers to watch the snow fall.

[downright romantic, isn’t it? ]

Here, I’ll get it filled. There’s a robe in the linen closet. [He says this with thinly contained glee. But why exactly? He struts a bit down the hall and hooks into the room to draw the bath, humming to himself in the meantime. ]

[heavensnight]

[part of her wonders if this is some kink of his by how happy he seems by the prospect but she figures there's worse. so she'll take a bath. and it would be nice. being warm after being so cold and not have to worry. just for once.

with him offering the robe like that, she ponders already stripping out of her clothes. him having her naked under that robe but then she's also got no idea what he's actually after so some doubt begins to knock around in her head as she gets the robe. silly to be thinking so hard when she had gone to Cid's apartment without much thought.

she walks closer to the bathroom with the robe, not quite going there yet.]

Are you joining this bath?

[levindicated]

[He smirks at her, not unkindly, with one hand checking the water as it pours, the sound of it filling the small room.]

Would you like me to?

[Steam starts piling up, warming the surrounding air.]

It is truly up to you. Once you get in, I’m happy to sit on the other side of this curtain and just chat with you.

[heavensnight]

[she moves away so he can't see her and she decides to start stripping nearby. close enough that he can see that she is doing it but not enough to actually get a look at anything important.]

Feels like you just like being teased. Is that a turn-on for you? Not judging.

[she puts on the bathrobe and leans in the doorway. her clothes in her arms.]

Guess we're just talking. Until you've had your fill. Or I have. Whoever has the most patience, I guess.

[levindicated]

[He chuckles, turning and sitting on the edge of the tub as it fills. He breezes by her line of questioning on his fetishes. There was plenty of time for that.]

I just like there to be no sense of obligation, is all. It’s nice to take it as slow as you can stand, when you barely know a lady. And you ain’t paying her. Let me know when I start boring you, perhaps.

[He stands after a moment, looking down at her. Pretty, young thing with those big sad eyes. Reminded him of someone special. Made him want to be careful about her. He reaches forward and tucks her robe closer to her neck before turning and gesturing for her to enter the bathroom. He stalwartly keeps his back turned for her to do whatever she likes as he sips his drink. ]

[The room is small, but there’s space to sit against the wall of the bath. The toilet tank has candles perched and merged atop it in a melded mess, offering moody lighting in the otherwise dim room.]

Go on, at your leisure. I won’t turn around until you tell me to.

[heavensnight]

[there's probably some joke there about how they could go to a bar and she could strip if she really wanted him to hurry it up but she doesn't say it. for once, it seems like maybe she just shouldn't make that joke at her own expense. even at his.]

Like an easy walk that you just decide to take? You get there when you get there. [she does understand it and while she certainly hadn't been nervous (she wouldn't have come with him if she really had been) or forced, she realized it had felt almost expected of her. to come home with him and just jump straight into bed. pure instinct telling her to jump on any chance she got because that had been how it was. back in Silent Hill. her survival had depended on it.

this wasn't about survival at all. so she smiles up at him, almost laughs when he arranges the robe. not like it's staying on for long but it felt like he'd wanted to make some point. it's sweet in its own way.

Maria walks in, removes the robe, and gets into the bath without much deliberation. not like there's someone to give a show to. he's being a gentleman after all. the water is perfectly warm and she sinks in, sighing loudly. this stress that she had never known was there seems to leave her and it feels good. that alone was worth coming home with him.] Oh, wow. I needed this. [she sinks into the water and closes her eyes.] Mmm...after freezing my ass off and all this stuff? Didn't think about how nice it would be to relax. [but she doesn't tell him to turn around. that she'll tease him with.]

You're too nice. Giving up your bath for me.

[levindicated]

I do like a nice walk.

[He can’t help but grin, even faced away like this. He fidgets a lot, though fluidly- and the candle light illuminates his form through the shower curtain of him swaying, lifting his drink, and taking a sip.]

[He chuckles in a self-satisfied way.]

Well… Poor thing, you were freezing half to death, weren’t you? I hope you came from somewhere warm, at least.

[heavensnight]

[her eyes stay on his figure through the curtain, smiling to herself. it's evident in her voice.]

No, dreary and cold, unfortunately. [yet she had still been dressed like that.] They say women have a thicker skin so they can always dress cutely. But I guess my thicker skin never came in.

[in more ways than one.]

[levindicated]

They say, hm? I’ve never heard such a thing. Every woman I’ve ever met made me throw an extra log on before she’d come out from under the covers.

[People love to lie to a pretty girl, though. He finally turns and saunters back, drink in hand. He turns again to settle on the bathroom floor upon a folded towel, facing the hallway. His voice is deep enough to reverberate through the porcelain, with his rib cage against it.]

Sun must have been shining, last I remember it. Weather was always fairly decent ‘round old Sanbreque. …Not that so spent much time there. Just a.. couple holidays.

And you? What’s this dreary place you’re from?

[heavensnight]

Well, that's around men. Need an excuse for you to warm us up. [she can't make out everything that is going on but she knows when he's sitting down. when he's nearby. she moves so she's leaning on her head closer to his, so her voice doesn't have to be quite as loud. more intimate even though they hardly need that. they're alone, she's in his bath, and it's just them. there may be a curtain between them but it feels like not much at all.

she listens to him talk and likes how deep his voice is. in the bathroom, it echoes nicely. she closes her eyes and just listens. until he asks her a question and she hums softly, so close to him, and answers,] It's in a place called Maine. Near a lake and small. But I couldn't really leave it even if I tried. [literally.

she doesn't want anybody to know the name Silent Hill. there are others here and well, being from a place like that, being what she is...people can't know.]

Holidays, though? [she brings it back to him, back to him talking about himself.] Why does that sound like a couple of holidays are a couple of stories?