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

Not trying to bring things into an awkward tone again but is it good for you? Seemed like it bothered you before. The religion of it all, I mean.

[he'd REALLY lost his cool.]

It's not religion. It's a lunatic part of it.

[ He sneers at nothing in particular. ]

You might not know how it is, but enough crazy people associated with what you love, it might end up with other people thinking you're crazy.

[people thinking he was crazy? shocking. she almost says it but she decides that's probably not smart. ]

Takes a few bad apples and so on and so forth? But that's why you have to be a good role model.

Try to, at least.

[ He pauses to adjust his glasses - noticing that they've slid down his nose. It may have been during one of his outbursts. Who's to say? ]

Walter Sullivan might have been a better apple than her.

[ Vincent pauses to chuckle briefly to himself; he pauses to make eye contact and flashes a quick smile. ]

It's impolite to suddenly name someone without the person knowing them, huh? But I think you can get the gest that Walter wasn't the most sane of apples. [ He rests his hand against his teacup and starts to push it around the surface of the table with his fingers. ] But I do think religion was a comfort to him.

[ Picking up his cup, he holds it leisurely between both hands. ] Oh well.

[Walter Sullivan? The killer? she knew of him, of course. not personally. but everybody in Silent Hill knew of him.

and this is what Vincent says. she keeps a neutral face because Vincent had gotten so mad when he was confronted about his religion and she didn't want to bother him anymore about that particular topic.]

Doesn't seem like someone to put up as an example then, don't you think?

[maybe???]

It's fine. It's --

[ There is that second as he's talking that his eyes grow wide. He lifts his hand to cover his mouth, mumbling to himself: ]

Right. I have to stop lying this way.

[ Because Maria has said she's spoken to Heather and Heather would know who Walter Sullivan is. His eyes drift to the side as he taps his fingers against his face before stroking his chin. ]

Anyway... [ He pulls his hand away from his face. His eyes drift to the side as he isn't sure what to say. ] Gossip. Ice breakers. We really didn't get into either one of those, did we?

[ His mood flips to something more conversational. ] Want something truthful or would you like a fun, little lie?

[okay so Vincent doesn't hide that he lies. sure, they had discussed lying before but that was due to the whole gossiping thing. that was different. part of her considers telling him he probably doesn't want to openly admit he was going to lie.

especially since it was about someone who was a killer. and it's obvious Vincent knows that. that's probably the most glaring red flag. more like a red neon sign more like. did Heather really trust this guy?

she readjusts herself, mostly because of her nervous energy. but she doesn't really show it. if one thing Silent Hill did for her, it made her learn how to act appropriately.]

I think you'd have more fun if it were a lie.

You aren't wrong.

[ Usually, he lies by omission but he's accepted long ago that a lie is a lie. He just can stand on semantics if someone accuses him of lying. However, he had meant to keep it to himself that he was being so untruthful.

Ah, well; it seems like she didn't hear him mumbling to himself. ]

Sadly, fun and happiness aren't the same thing.

[ He chuckles to himself. ]

I pulled a bit of a prank just now and ... well, I feel like I should show some remorse. So, let's be truthful with each other.

Edited (MY HTML WHY) 2024-12-05 01:09 (UTC)

Aren't you a gentleman? Telling a lady how sorry he is for making a joke of her. [she's being sarcastic though her tone isn't dry. it sounds sincere though she's sure he probably knows she isn't being sincere. Vincent is the type of person who is very rarely sincere, it feels like.

but who is she to judge?]

What was the prank, if you want to be so truthful?

I know. I know.

[ His tone remains playful and conversational. He does think she's being sarcastic with him, however; the corner of his lips curl down. His fingers curl slowly until he's clenching his fist but rolls his shoulders instead of doing anything else. ]

Sure, I'll tell you.

[ The corner of his lips curl back up. ] Walter Sullivan is ... well, when I say he isn't the sanest of apples, I mean that he was a murderer. [ A sigh follows. ] I can't say it's all his fault that he went that route. He was brainwashed by those -- [ His arm shoots out to point to the side before it drops. ] -- whatever.

Walter was a psychopath, but people only thought he was crazy. [ His face briefly twists into anger before smoothing over. ] Still, it was a bit mean to use him as an example of who is better than another lunatic. Even though I think she's done much worse.

Edited 2024-12-05 03:19 (UTC)

[so he did decide to tell her. she can't imagine why, though. her eyebrows raise to him.] Considering a murderer, though, to be a better potential than anybody is a little worrying. Surely you can see that? Especially if he did it in the name of the beliefs, like some do.

[calling them idiots had been on the tip of her tongue but she stops herself.]

The faith means a good deal to you. Shouldn't you want a better example? Especially to someone like me? Who isn't part of it. You know how minds jump to conclusions.

There is a level of sympathy I have for him that isn't something I can discuss with others, but that's neither here nor there. [ It's about the same that he has for Claudia, as well, despite his openly plotting her demise and ruin. ]

But see, that's why it's a joke, Maria. I told you the punchline to something you didn't even know... and now you're treating it like I shouldn't tell you anything.

[ He clicks his tongue, playfully. ] Bad form.

Naughty, naughty girl. [she agrees with a smile and takes a sip of her tea. which was truly the worst idea because of the next thing she says:] But see, that's just it, Vincent. I already knew who Walter Sullivan was.

[she realizes what she's said when she looks to him and it's evident she did not mean for that to happen.]

I'm from Ashfield. [it's the quickest excuse she can come up with. it doesn't work because she'd said she was from a small town. Ashfield was no New York City or LA but it wasn't a small town. but she's hoping Vincent has forgotten what she'd said.]

Edited 2024-12-06 02:55 (UTC)

What.

[ It isn't so much a question as an accusation. She knows who Walter Sullivan was. His hands draw back away from the cup; his head tilts as she says she's from Ashfield. ]

From Ashfiled, hm? [ Which is the lie? That she's from a small town or that she's from Ashfield? He isn't certain. ] I thought you said you were from a small town? You've been lying to me from the start, Maria?

I'm hurt. [ But unsurprised. ]

A girl has to have some surprises up her sleeves. [would have been nice if she could have planned this one out but oh well. damn tea and all that.]

And not let men they just met know where they live. It's nothing personal. Besides, I just live there. Didn't say I always did. [she shrugs and offers him a smile.]

It's good to have some air of mystery to you. Let someone know it all and then what will they keep coming for?

I do love semantics, but just give me a second to think through some things, hm?

[ Vincent holds his hand up as he pauses to think.

There are a few ways that he can take what is being said.

A reasonable person would accept that she just didn't feel comfortable sharing any information about where she's from. He certainly doesn't like sharing it save to make jokes at people without them knowing.

An irritated person might say something unkind. He has more than a few things he could say that would spoil the mood completely.

Vincent, however, recognizes that she has a connection to Heather. It seems to be a positive one. If their relationship sours, it'll get in the way of his goals and machinations.

An investment is an investment; his eyes open as he stares at her with distrust.

He blinks and the distrust fades to a warmer, conversational look. ]

You know, I had to think about things your way, Maria. I understand that it's very frightening to come here and have to deal with people you aren't sure of... I'm certain even what I talked about was probably frightening to an Ashfield girl.

So, you don't have to give me any truth. I'll take the loss.

[this might be the longest second she's had to endure. she is quiet, though, because much like Vincent is thinking? Vincent knows Heather and Maria likes Heather. and for what it was worth, Heather didn't seem to think too badly of Vincent. what if Vincent said something bad about Maria? she didn't want that.

but the way he looks at her, that open distrust...it does make her freeze. makes her worry how this may go. yet as quickly as it came, it was gone.]

How big of you to forgive me.

[these lies were gonna blow up in her face but she couldn't tell the truth.]

Is that part of your doctrine?

I know.

[ His shoulders do a little playful bounce. ]

It's not a big deal, anyway. As I said, I understand your feelings on the matter.

[ He feels his mouth twist into a little smile. ]

It's part of how I do things, anyway.

[he trusts her even less than he did before. but what did she expect? Maria assumed he didn't really trust anybody. he seemed like the type, he'd practically said so himself.

she'll have to keep a low profile.]

Forgive others not because they deserve it but because you deserve it. Or something like that? Or maybe forgive and never forget?

Because it doesn't matter if I forgive you or don't forgive you.

[ Vincent frowns, but it is the truth. It's why he distrusts people so adamantly. It's why he never wrote any of his plans or thoughts down.

Who keeps a journal!? Who does that?! Who thinks whatever they write down isn't going to be snatched up by someone?!

It's troublesome and tiring and he dislikes it, but memorizing everything is the best way to deal with anything. He memorized the state of his town and how to move through it effortlessly; he can memorize everything else. ]

You all still will act however you like, anyway.

That's the pesky thing about free will, huh?

[it seeks like Vincent had a thing about that. or anybody not acting in such a way he liked. like he wanted control.

and it wasn't like religions were known for their love of free thought and the like. not like Vincent had been a beacon of much good will either. still it seemed like they should get along. so she would try.]

But see if you didn't forgive me, and I wanted it, then you'd have something on me. If you were that kind of person anyway.

Free will? I guess that is one way of putting it.

[ He draws his legs back so he can cross them. ]

And that isn't how things work. If you want forgiveness, I would give it to you. If you don't, I still would give it freely. [ His head tilts back as he lets out a long sigh. ] Salvation is given to believer and non-believer alike, as is her will.

[ He scratches the corner of his eye, bumping his glasses and having to put them back. ]

To put it another way... it's an unfair transaction and not one that would yield any lasting results.

You're funny, Vincent. You're telling me you will forgive me easier than you will build any meaningful relationship with me if I wasn't worth the investment.

Isn't that lonely?

[and ain't that the question of the hour for Vincent. he talks about forgiving people because it was simply what one did in his religion. but then the way he talked of people in general...it didn't feel like he felt anything towards people. not like he had friends.]

Now, you're getting it, Maria.

[ Is what he says to buy time from answering the question of if he's lonely or not.

Is he lonely? Does he live a lonely existence?

He couldn't trust anyone wouldn't riffle through his things. Few people are allowed to know him; his present is his past as far as he's concerned. The only one who gets a pass is Heather, but that's for building an investment and lasting portfolio for later years, if there will indeed be later years. He doesn't trust anyone and dislikes everyone.

But he is also human; there is a part of him that does want to connect with someone. But as he rolls the phrase around in his head, it sounds wrong. Be friends with someone? It makes his stomach turn. He's once more running yet another rat race!!! And does it have to be a popularity contest, too?!?!

Faith and worship have filled the emptiness inside of him more than any person could. Be vulnerable with someone? With his personality? Please. Vincent likes and accepts that he has rotten insides, but he's better than the people who want to pretend they aren't; he's better than people who have better personalities and can't even bring themselves to like who they are! ]

At this point, it is what it is.

[she's starting to feel like he says that to appeal to the part of her that craves affirmation. if he even figured that out about her. or really, many people wanted that and Vincent knew that.

but his lack of an answer makes her wonder. did he want relationships with people and didn't want to tell her? be that vulnerable? or maybe he didn't want them. she couldn't understand that. how was that not lonely?

did Vincent ever feel lonely, she wondered.]

'At this point'. you say. As if you're a senior citizen and past the point of no return. I bet someone is out there looking for a friend with someone like you.

[people can be desperate. Maria knows she has been. if he'd found her in Silent Hill, maybe she would have been eager to be his friend.]

November Mingle

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