etrayalogs | FEBRUARY MINGLE

Entry tags:

FEBRUARY MINGLE

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: February 14th - March
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, a mini mission, and some new city features!
NOTES\WARNINGS:

⏵ arrival ⏴
Welcome to Etraya!

Arrival goes as expected - characters awaken on hospital beds and are offered an explanation of their situation: that they have arrived in the city of Etraya, and they are their world's only hope. They are welcome to wander the hospital if they would like to - the upper floors are mostly empty, full of pristine hallways and numerous rooms filled with supplies, cots, and things one would expect from a relatively average 21st-century hospital.

In the hospital's lobby are several party tables set out with miscellaneous baked goods: croissants, cookies, breads, cake slices, as well as tea and coffee to accompany them - or hot chocolate, for those who are opposed to the other offerings.

Outside the hospital, the last remnants of snow are melting in the sunlight as the weather begins to warm up. It's still chilly enough one might want to put on a coat, but not so cold a jacket is necessary for wandering around without freezing off one's fingers.

We hope you enjoy your stay.

⏵ heroes return ⏴

As the Quantum Rail train glides to a halt, returning passengers step out onto familiar ground - the train station, right where they had initially begun their mission. When exiting the station, their earpieces vibrate, indicating the automatic download of a detailed map which highlights key locations, transit paths, and notable landmarks. As Aurora promised, she had been working on a few renovations around Etraya! A sleek trolley system now winds through Etraya, following clearly marked pathways through the city bubble to make travel across the city smoother. However, the trolley only moves one way, eternally following the loop Aurora has set it on. And because of this, it takes six hours to complete it's loop all the way around. Don't miss your stop!

Pets and animals have been returned to their usual preferred areas, some awaiting the arrival of their owners, and others keeping to themselves in the forested areas throughout Etraya.

Beyond the small upgrades, things seem relatively unchanged - until one familiar sign catches the eye. One marked by four vertical lines, methodically crossed out one by one: the final slash has now been drawn through. The tally is complete. What it indicates has yet to be made clear, but it has to mean something, right? No one would go through the effort of making an ominous-sounding sign without following through.

⏵ love in the air ⏴

This Valentines Day, Aurora and the companion bots have opted to try something a little different: they have scattered mystery valentines across the city. Hidden within mailboxes, tucked into cafe menus, slipped under doors, on the outside of high windows for those wall-crawlers to spot. There are countless of these little slips of papers, strewn throughout the city. And within each valentine, is a challenge or gesture to complete. Please feel free to make these up yourselves as long as they fit in with the theme!

Some examples include:

Deliver a flower to a stranger.
Write a heartfelt poem for someone.
Share a box of chocolates!
Confess your feelings for another.
Play matchmaker for two people - this can be platonic, or romantic!
Gift a friend with a stuffed animal.
Give five different people a genuine compliment.

While not mandatory, completing five tasks will earn an individual an additional ten points to use towards anything they would like!

Each little Valentine is signed "Your Secret Admirer. ♡", and some of them may even be addressed to specific individuals. Don't be surprised, Eddie, if you see one or two that are specifically addressed to you lurking around your collection of chicken friends!

And while most of these are harmless, some of the valentines cards come with effects for those who come into contact with the paper. Perhaps they thought it was a piece of garbage, or were just kicking it out of the way rather than intending on taking part. It doesn't matter! They get to join in on the fun, too.

Heart Eyes - your pupils literally turn into hearts for a few hours, making it hard to focus on anything other than things (or people) you find attractive.
Love-Struck Stammer - You can only speak in poetic compliments or romantic declarations, regardless of whom you're speaking to.
Chocolate Bliss - Everything feels good. Simple. Easy. As if there's nothing in the world to concern yourself with. You feel happy, without any concerns or worry.
Rose-Tinted Vision - everything looks soft and romantic, as if you're in a romance novel. You know the ones.
Magnetic Attraction - regardless of what you had been doing, you suddenly find yourself unable to leave the side of the person closest to you. Had you been eating chocolates while walking down the street? Well, have fun getting stuck to the guy who'd been out for a jog!
Serenade Syndrome - you find it impossible to resist the urge to sing your words, turning all conversations into love ballads.
Heartstrings - A thread appears, connecting you to someone close by who you share many similarities too. Perhaps you had never met this person before, but the threads tied around your pinky fingers that refuse to let go until you allow yourself to open up to them clearly means you should be a little more familiar with them.

Love is in the air—or maybe just a bit of well-intended chaos! 💕

⏵ NOTES ⏴

Welcome back from the mission, and welcome to Etraya for our newcomers! We've tried to keep this log simple for an easy introduction, as well as some downtime for our mission-goers who worked hard to solve the Quantum Rail mystery.

There is something else going on, but. . . well, no one seems to know what! The computer that had been on the lower floor of the hospital is now missing, and Aurora may seem a little flustered as she flits around Etraya, in search of something.

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

Well, I had more successes than rejections, so I was clearly an excellent romancer. Or I knew the best romancees to find my way to. [All of this was about having fun, shaking off the dreary mission that had not gone as he had hoped. This was a welcome distraction.

He glanced down at her clothing. Ah well, maybe neither of them were at their best, but honestly, they'd both probably been in worse scenarios.] I mean, there aren't questionable stains on either of us, and it seems like we both bathed within the last week? Let's keep our standards base level so we don't disappoint each other, alright?

[He tapped her upper arm where his hand rested from where he held her against his side lightly. He opened his mouth, considered, closed it again and then scratched his cheek scruff for a few seconds.] I've liked you since the first moment we met. You remind me of someone who I was extremely attached to.

Then I am going to assume I'm in good hands. I'll be excited to see how you do. I'll be giving you a thorough report after our date is through. [light and teasing, flirty. Vander really did a good job at keeping her mind free from its usual static and she hoped she could do the same for him. it seemed like something he needed as much as she did.

she had been playing the part of tailor and her clothes were still too tame for her liking. she felt out of place but she'd had a role to play and so she swallowed that down. now that she was out of that, she unbuttons the top buttons of her top to show the butterfly tattoo on her chest.] Sounds fair to me. If I don't completely disappoint you then next time I'll dress up at least a little. How about that?

[she wonders what he's going to say. he seems to be thinking about it and that's promising. she didn't go into this hoping for something big and sweeping but something with at least a little thought was appreciated. though when he says that she reminds him of someone she could truly laugh. Maria had been born from a wish but it had been a specific one. yet she always did remind people of someone else.] A good friend of yours? [she assumes and still doesn't want to pry too much into anything that might bring the mood down. Maria never did remind people of anybody alive, after all.]

Oh well, in that case, I request only constructive criticism. Use the sandwich approach so you don't shatter my fragile ego, okay? Compliment, criticism then compliment. [He was using one hand in the air like a chopping motion as if he were laying out a sandwich. He could be an entertainer at heart.

Considering Vander had a two sets of clothing aside from the Neon uniform, he was not in the business of mocking anyone's attire. He made do with what he had, a minimalist through and through.] Oh will you? I see you're planning for a second date before we've even experienced the novelty of the first. You are an opportunist.

[He hadn't thought of her for some time now, and he found bringing Felicia up now was like scratching at a wound that still hadn't healed right. He tightened his arm around Maria's shoulders, forcing on a smile that didn't reach his eyes for the first time.] Yeah, she was like my sister. Life of the party, always willing to dance and laugh. She made me feel like I could accomplish anything. [He glanced down at Maria.] You have her vibe, and I expect she would have liked you. Of course, you're your own person, and I've enjoyed our time together.

I'm a nice girl, no worries. I know what it can do to a man after he's really gone all out to try to give a lady a nice time. You're in excellent hands, I promise. So far, one of the better dates I've had in a while. We're off to a great start. [though it was very hard to do any worse than the hell she'd come from. and not like the only company she'd had was a good date choice. but Vander didn't need to know that.]

Hey, when you know what you want you have to go for it. Take your chances!

[Maria can see it's a hard thing for him to talk about and she does feel sympathy. it's the only time her smile has faded around him so far. she wasn't going to dig any further into it. did she really have the right?] Then I'm honored. Thank you. [Vander doesn't know what a good feeling it is when he tells her she's her own person though and her smile is back, bright and happy.] Time for me to confess to you, then, huh? Ready?

Yes, let's never mind that today has been completely spontaneous for the both of us, and we're just living up the moment. It's sad your bar is so low that walking with a guy and his arm is around your shoulders is already a better date. [He smiled warmly at her. He was completely willing and capable of vetting out any future dates that weren't him. It was a service he provided free of charge.]

My thoughts exactly! Life is too short not to pursue a good time and good people. You miss every swing you never take.

[He nodded his head, and he composed himself again as he wasn't willing to let the mood dampen of a dead dear friend.] Maybe someday you can meet her. If not, I'm happy to tell you more about her. [Just, maybe not right now when they were both still trying to slide over the hump of the train mission.] Oh, my body is definitely ready. Lay it on me.

Sometimes the best times are just spur of the moment things. Means we have no plans and no expectations. [she does laugh, though. Vander truly has no idea how low the bar is.] Last guy I was on a date with could barely have a conversation with me. Sometimes that's all a girl really needs and you've been able to give me that.

[just maybe not right now is a sentiment she fully agrees with. Maria didn't want to think about anything that wasn't fun at this moment and Vander had been a good source for that. one day she would be happy to help him out, she was sure he would help her as well, but this date was not about that.

as for confessions, her smile turns a little less playful and more sentimental.] I've liked you since I first met you as well. You really impressed me on our first meeting and it was nice of you to take me out last month, too. I want to be able to get to know you better.

Some of the best times I've had in my life are unplanned spur of the moment events. [Ah well, he had been out of the game a few years, so honestly this was all a nice time no matter where it went.] I knew a lot of guys like that. Was he nervous, bored or just a massive introvert?

[He might not admit it - and likely neither would she - but this whole random date thing was the highlight after a bleak grind on the train. He thought it would be difficult to recover, but Maria had simply come along and brightened everything again. She reminded him that there were still people worth fighting for.

His smile grew to a big genuine thing that spread his lips, appreciating her candor. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head in a purely friend gesture so as not to make her uncomfortable.[ Well, we have every opportunity. We're both adults, so I expect there's a lot of baggage, which makes this even more fun. [Plenty of personal landmines to step on.] I also want you to know that you can call on me if you need something. Any time. I'll be there.

[how does one explain what had been the issue with her and James?] I'd say a mix of nervous and introvert. I was a little forward so it made him nervous. ["a little forward" sure is one way of putting it.] Some men just can't handle a woman that knows what she wants, I guess. Unless they're you. [as if showcasing how forward she can be.

Maria was always trying to keep herself playful. part of it was natural, certainly, and part of it was simply because it was all she knew how to do. she had not been certain that after the train, she would be able to get back into that. but Vander, who had been so friendly while he had just arrived, made it much easier. when this date was done, she was sure she would go home and that sadness would overtake her again but for right now? she was with Vander and that didn't feel like a threat at the moment.

the kiss makes her smile even though she isn't sure he can see it. it's been a while for Maria to be shown this kind of affection. there certainly was a lot of baggage and she knew neither of them wanted to carry it right now.] That's dangerous. What if I call you because I got lonely and it's the middle of the night? Or I saw a spider. Either can be an emergency.

[Vander made a sound of bemusement in his throat at her explanation, and he provided her a little sneaky side-eye.] And when you say 'little forward', what does that mean, hmmm? Curious minds need to know. [He was rather forward and used to very forward advances as well, so he wasn't bothered by it.] I prefer things forward. It means I know where I stand and what we both want.

[Life was too short to not go for what wanted, though he had spent some years cultivating a laid back life where he did not pursue things as he used to. He was rusty for certain, but he had nothing to lose and death had a way of rearranging his priorities. This was better than over-exercising, smoking and moping in his room anyway. A date was a nice change of pace.

He gestured at the diner that was coming up on their block, expecting that would be a nice enough place to eat, but letting her decide if it was worth her time. Everything being 'free' was still an idea he was not accustomed to.] If you called, I would come and deal with your emergency.

There might have been a suggestion made about sleeping together. A joke he could have taken seriously if he wanted. [she laughs to herself. if James had wanted, she would have let him. but of course that would have meant things would be in her favor and that couldn't work. oh well.] You might as well just shoot your shot, they say. So I did. [more than once.

when she had gotten this challenge, she had not been in the mood at all. she had figured the 'confession' would be an awkward and uncomfortable attempt at just trying to make this as easy as possible. she was lucky she had found Vander to do it because it was obvious they were both looking for the same thing. just some fun. something easy. it felt like they could both enjoy that.

she nods at the diner. she's not picky when it comes to this.] Aw, that's sweet. You're sweet. But I'd do the same for you, too. I'm not strong or anything. But I can try to help. Even if it's just to talk.

Ah, you obviously gave him cold feet with the implication. I assume he never took you up on the joke seriously, hmm? [Vander's tone remained amused. He had seen it all before over the years working at the bar and in his own friends group too.] Agree with you there. We only get one life, so may as well live it. Though... maybe sometimes easy to slide into being comfortable and safe now and again.

[He had been accused of a lot of things over the last years of his life. Weakness, playing lap dog, resting on his laurels, selfishness; he supposed it hadn't been a lie. Perhaps it twisted the old knife in to have similar accusations leveled at him in the train by the only one he had skin in the game with. Thank Janna for this distraction today with Maria. She seemed to find the situations where he needed the pick-me-up the most.

He stopped in front of the diner and examined it. He tended to make his own food these days, but this was a special occasion. He reached out and opened the door, not removing his other arm from around Maria's shoulders.] You know, that's more than anyone else has offered me. I might just take you up on it someday.

[After all, he was supposed to be the strong one.]

Do you have a preference for seating in this place?

I've learned you don't gain anything if you play it safe. [she's tried various methods and the ones where she didn't take chances never got her much farther. not that taking chances with James did much for her either.] And no, he didn't.

[it seemed like it was mutual. she came for Vander when he needed a distraction and he came through for her then, too. there was probably something to be said about avoidance but Maria didn't think it was quite that. it was just easier to be cheerful around Vander because they both needed it, she thought. she was drawn to that.

she walks in and jokes,] I'm not scared of spiders so I'll even get one for you if you are.

If we sit in a booth, we can look into each other's eyes.

Ha, I used to be of that state of mind in my youth too. [He had been so angry and willing to take personal risks. He had lived life huge and on the edge, but he had gradually settled down once he had the Last Drop and the Lanes, made worse after the Day of Ash and the stipulations of keeping the peace.] Ah, his loss then, I expect. So, you're a risk taker then, huh?

[Vander snorted a laugh at her joke about spiders. He had learned over the years there were far worse monsters out there to be afraid of. One of them even happened to be here, not that he would tell her that.]

Well if a particularly frightening spider drives me up to stand on my bed, you'll be the first that I call to shoo it out.

[He was able to see most of the place with his height and gestured to a booth that happened to be free by a window.] Such a romantic at heart. I suppose we will have to memorize one another's eye colour after today.

Admittedly, I'm kind of playing it safe here. Helps if you know the rules, huh? [and Maria had no idea what the rules were here. what really granted her points for her universe and what took them away. she had said so to Gorgug, worried about it.] So I'm a risk-taker when I understand how the game is played, I guess you can say. [she didn't know any other situation back in her world.

when she had arrived here, she had been told about some of the awful people already here. she knew more and more would come. it didn't seem like Etraya had moral standards.

she sits down in the booth.] What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic. [she was but best to make that sound like a joke. it scared men off usually.] I already remember yours. Us women are best at things like that, you know.

Yeah, I understand what you mean. Though, I'm definitely taking more risks here than I have lately back home. I just wished I knew if this world saving challenge was real or an excuse. [He shrugged his shoulders because he was too new to know. If Maria didn't know, he definitely wasn't both feet into the game yet either. However, he wouldn't deny they were taking risks in their own way.] Well, you're taking a risk on me, aren't you? That's a game we both know how to play.

[Vander let Maria settle herself into the booth first before he shoved the table more towards her so he could make the active and necessary effort to squeeze himself in across from her. He had to spread his legs apart so their knees didn't knock and it was probably a humorous sight as he squeezed in, all smiles about it too. Settled - and don't ask him to get up again - he pulled the table back to mostly rights and rested his elbows on the table to prop up his chin cutely.]

And who ever said that romance was dead, hmm? [He made a point of staring into her eyes and memorizing the colour of them. There would definitely be a quiz at the end, playful or otherwise.] And what other aspects of mine have you memorized, hmm?

You and me both. It's all one big guessing game and I do these challenges because what if it's this one that really makes the chase, you know? Going to make me go gray prematurely, I'm telling you. [not like it matters, she dyes her hair anyway.] You seem like a safe risk, though. Not one I'm worried about burning me. [no matter how things played out, she didn't think Vander would hurt her. at least not purposely.

Maria watches and hm, she hadn't really thought about how big Vander was. she does look amused as she watches and she doesn't think he'll feel too offended by it. he's smiling as well. to be nice, she moves it closer to her so he can have just a bit more room then she's mirroring him, chin propped up as she flutters her eyelashes at him jokingly.]

Well, hard not to notice how big you are. But that's the obvious. I've memorized your smile and how warm it is. Maybe even thought back to it.

I imagine some people around these parts have doomed their worlds with their antics. I hardly consider there much risk meeting and befriending people. [He smirked at being called a safe risk. That was a compliment if he heard one.] I'm not in a position of burning bridges just yet, and we're having a good time. I can't see that changing.

[So maybe normal booths and chairs were not always generous when it came to men who were as tall and wide as he was. It was all good fun though, and he was more amused that she pulled the table to provide a bit more room for him. He drew his knees together a bit so they brushed her own knees under the table, noting where her legs were so he didn't accidentally step on her feet.]

Ah yes well, they sometimes grow us big where I'm from. [His eyes were roaming over her face and shoulders, focusing a bit on her hands.] So many compliments. You're sweetening the deal here, Maria. I thought confession time was over. If you want a kiss at the end of this, you don't have to butter me up this much.

Still thinking they will make us battle to the death at some point and when it comes to that? Well, I'm screwed. [she says it lightly, like it's a joke. but it still seems like a possibility.] So until then, huh?

[there's an idle thought to see him with her foot against his leg but well, the date just stated. no need to play all her cards yet. best to start off easy for the time being.]

You asked me what I memorized about you and I told you. They just happened to be good things. [she didn't find many negatives about Vander just yet. everybody had them, nobody was perfect, but Vander's hadn't made themselves apparent.] But good to know about the kiss. So what if I do want one? I just ask?

Well, considering some of the people here with fantastical abilities, I think most of us are probably going to regret that battle royale. I'll still fight. [He had no choice in that case of course. He had to hope he had enough allies to make a difference.] You have allies who will protect you, yes?

[Perhaps it was a morbid turn on the conversation, but it seemed prudent to discuss as well. No one knew how long this place would soft ball them missions where the risk of a mortality event was relatively low. He liked to believe there were those that would protect her, himself included.]

Clearly I've made quite the impression on you from the get-go. Should we do a turnabout session here? [He was ignoring the menu in favour of continuing to watch her, corner of his lips upturned.] You can ask me for anything. The worst I can say is no right? [And that included a kiss or two.]

[what a question to be asked after someone had died for her sake. not that Vander can know that and not that she's saying a word.] Luckily, I do. I'll even put in a good word for you if you need it. My own way of protecting you. Not saying I don't think you can hold your own but the sentiment is nice, isn't it?

[it was a sentiment that still meant a lot to her. one that she never got tired of being reminded of. that there were people who cared. it was a real novelty and maybe not everybody needed to hear it as often as she liked to but she would tell it to people she felt it towards irregardless.]

I told you that you impressed me from the beginning. I'm not the kind of girl to give out fake confessions you know. [her foot playfully bumps Vander's under the table.] Then the same goes back to you. You can ask me for anything. I'm pretty generous to the right people.

I appreciate that, but it's unnecessary. Though, who am I to deny a good word from a pretty lady, hmm? [He felt secure knowing that she was protected. He had no doubt that she had plenty of friends and that was what she deserved as far as he could tell.

It felt like it had been awhile since anyone cared about his well-being. Perhaps that was the whole stable and invincible persona that he had been able to maintain for many years. After the train and before that the confusion of being here, he did appreciate her kindness.]

No, you don't seem the type to just provide lip service. [His foot nudged back playfully.] You were a welcome sight and person to talk with in all the confusion of arriving here. I always need a teasing light hearted flirt in my orbit. [He dropped one arm to the table while leaning his cheek on the other.] What's your favourite food then, hmm?

Even if it might be unnecessary, it's good to have some good people on your side, isn't it? [which is her own way of saying she's going to do it anyway. people had done it for her and so she would continue to pay it forward. someone like Vander deserved it, and Maria knew that just from their time together.

even if she knew Vander didn't expect much from her, she still wanted to do something nice for him.

she finally drops her gaze from him and opens her menu. realistically, she is not that hungry though she realizes she hasn't eaten in a while. she absolutely should. and her foot might be staying near his.] I'm really a breakfast for dinner type of girl. I always slept through breakfast so you know, you want what you can never have. What about you?

Who am I to deny surrounding myself with friends and allies in times of need? [Vander had done it a lot in the past, but then people died because of his actions. A few years later, people died because of his inaction. His path seemed muddied, and he hadn't sorted himself out since arriving her. He appreciated her efforts.] I suppose that means you have to introduce me to all of your friends.

[She was welcome company. It was easy and flirty and no particular stings attached. He was convinced they both simply enjoyed one another's company.

He flipped open the menu when she did, and it was no secret that he would out eat her and probably most of the people in this place. While he wasn't particularly hungry, he knew better than to deny the opportunity either. After this, he'd wander back to his sparse apartment and over-exercise to burn energy.] Well... I've never been picky about food. I couldn't afford to be for a long time, so I'm more of a one of everything kind of guy.

I've been able to pull together a good little ragtag team in my months here. Bunch of nerds, though. Honestly, good for them because I sure don't have the brains to do half the stuff they seem to be able to do. [Maria wasn't putting herself down for the sake of doing so. she just didn't think anything intellectual was ever going to be her strong point. some people were smart, like Harold and Gorgug. some were strong, obviously like Vander, and she? well, apparently she was good at the talking part. which still struck her as crazy.] I'll give you a glowing review.

[she did enjoy his company, she assumed he enjoyed hers, and that worked well for the both of them.]

You probably have to eat a lot to keep up with all that, huh? [she motions to him. he was a big guy.] It still feels weird we have all of this for free, huh? I don't think I'll get over it. Sometimes I wonder if this is supposed to be some dumb riddle, too.

Are you sure I won't be having to pull them out of trouble too? Unless they are inventors in which case, I suggest we both stand back. [He knew the kind of science and invention that occurred in his city, and it was completely unsanctioned and often off the rails. He had also noted there were a lot of science facilities in this place.] I'm glad I've only showed you all my good assets to pad out the review.

[He was running a finger over the menu; he didn't eat out often as a force of habit. He picked out a few items that seemed interesting to eat and at least once comfort type food. He'd narrow it down from there.]

Protein mostly, especially since I've started exercising hard again since I arrived here. [He had always been a large man, but now he was returning to form. No kids, no responsibility, dark internal thoughts.] Nothing is free. We will pay for it in another way down the line I expect. For now though, we may as well enjoy right?

[His foot shifted to brush against hers again. He was not above a little footsy.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject