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

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.]

Luckily, no. Just brains and keeping out of trouble. Don't worry, I won't be making you stretch yourself too thin. [she knew he seemed to rely on her for an easy time and she would keep doing that for him. Maria knew Vander had meant it when he told her she could ask him for help, she'd meant it when she returned the favor, but ultimately she thought she knew what Vander needed from her. it was easy to oblige for Vander.]

Geesh, men and their protein. Always the same with you guys. [she jokes and has picked her strawberry pancakes. simple, to the point, and she could probably finish them. besides she needed a treat after all that.] But you're right. Nothing is. Or simple. [it would be easy for her mind to go to thoughts she didn't want them to head towards and she thinks she should make another joke, try to liven things up.

but then she feels his foot and she smiles.] But some things can be. [her foot moves up to brush along his calf. it doesn't go much higher than that.] So we should just enjoy what we have while we have it? [she's put her menu down, meeting his face and smiling. she would enjoy not being alone right now.]

Are they holed up in one of those scientific buildings then? [He smirked.] Ah, I see, you're wanting to keep my priorities on you, is that it? [It was a tease; he'd protect her even if he wasn't currently on 'a date' with her. She'd been kind to him, and they found an easy camaraderie that he hadn't achieved with anyone else.

He then had to shrug his shoulders helplessly, showing off his broad musculature in the process.] Look, I'm bulking. I need protein for that, though at this rate, I might need another shirt. [He hadn't had the same time on his hands to exercise in many years.] So we take the snippets of joy that we can, right?

[He folded his menu up to indicate that he had finished deciding. His foot remained still for her playful 'assault', but his other foot moved to reply in kind to her other leg.] And how do you tend to enjoy your dates to end?

One of them, yeah. See, smart. They know what they're doing. [at his tease, she shrugs a shoulder, half smile on her lips.] Absolutely. I'd be sad if you got bored of me so quickly. Have to keep the competition away. [it was comforting to know she could joke like this. they could flirt and they didn't think twice. she didn't know it could be that easy.

her eyes go over the muscle and she hums in approval. doesn't even hide that she's checking him out.] Well, happy to be a cheerleader for you. Let you know you're doing great. I'll consider it another snippet of joy.

[Maria was about to answer when one of the companion bots came by to take the orders. this never got any less weird but she put it in and shook her head.] What I wouldn't pay for an actual waitress. [a small murmur before she focuses back on Vander. she'd kept her feet where they were and with a shrug, a carefree smile, finally answers.] At least a kiss is nice, don't you think? They say you shouldn't kiss on the first date but this isn't exactly our first date. And if you know what you want then you should go for it. What about you, charmer?

Yeah, that's way above my level. I serve drinks and talk to people. [He hadn't associated much with the chemists aside from medical treatments and information now and again. He snorted in amusement.] You're a woman of mystery. How could I ever find myself bored of you when I know there are secrets still to be unearthed?

[Despite himself, he sat up just a touch more at her scrutiny, playful or otherwise. It had been awhile since a woman checked him out so boldly. It was not unpleasant.] I've been shaping up, so thanks. Maybe I'll let you watch my workout routine someday.

[He did sit up when the bot arrived, still not used to seeing machines so functional. He too preferred associating with people. He provided his order, which was... four main dishes (and yeah, he asked for breakfast too). Then he returned to resting his cheek on his palm, flashing her a charming smile for the answer.] Ah well, my first ever date I lost my virginity, so... I can't say I've been all that conservative with my affections at times. [He shrugged.] I'll be more than satisfied with a kiss if you're comfortable with one. Gonna have to charm you more, aren't I?

Ah, see. That's why I have to keep up the mystery. Once you know it all, what else do I use to keep you coming around? [it is absolutely meant as a joke though it hits her that may come off a little too self-deprecating.] Other than my charming personality, that is. [there, that landed a little better.]

I'll be on the lookout for a cheerleading outfit, then. Honestly, I've begun to wonder if I should try shaping up a bit. You know, at least defend myself a little better. [after what happened on the train, it was weighing on her. people being hurt for her here was different.] We'll see.

[that is so much food and her eyebrows raise in showing that she is surprised by how much food that is. but hey, he's a big guy. he's bulking up. it makes sense. when they start talking again, she's back to all smiles.] Mm, so you're not a prude. Duly noted. But you want a kiss? I'm honored.

Oh if history has take me anything over the years, it's that there is always a mystery with women. I doubt I'll discover all your secrets soon. [He was also joking. He knew they were taking things easy and care-free, rarely discussing serious topics. At this point, it seemed like what they both needed.] Those charms though. I'll be enamored with those for years.

[He had no idea what a cheerleader outfit actually looked like. It sounded fascinating, though why anyone would need an outfit to cheer anyone was curious.] And just what does this uniform look like, hmmm? [He perked at the other portion though.] Has no one taught you how to punch or self defense? I can.

[When one exercised to the near unhealthy degree he was currently doing, he needed the calories unfortunately. Time spent in his apartment required activity or his thoughts would turn dark.] At least a kiss if I can charm one out of you. No pressure, of course, but you do look very kissable.

I do love your way with words. Bartending suits you well. [it did take a certain kind of charm which Vander had loads of. it was part of what made him so easy to be around.] You really could make a girl forget herself in all the best ways. [and it helped with right now.]

[does Etraya have cheerleading outfits? probably a weird request but she'd figure something out. even if it was just for a laugh.] Usually involves a short skirt that flares out. [she smiles at obvious it is he might like to help teach her to fight.] Nope, nobody. If you're interested then I'd take you up on it. You can help me on my form. [it was a serious offer but of course she had to flirt about it.]

I planned on kissing you at least. You make it hard not to want to kiss you.

Such compliments. Glad you approve of my career choice. Maybe I'll even consider re-entering the field if the establishment is right. [He appreciated that she was enjoying his social side. Their sociability matched up well from the three times that they had met.] That's the point of a date, yeah? Everyone forgets the world beyond this little moment between us.

[Oh well, Vander did not disagree that Maria would wear a short flare skirt well. Her current outfit suited her, but dolled up? He'd be curious to see what that would be.] Tempting. [He nodded his head.] I've taught a lot of self defense over the years. It's an important skill everyone should have. Looks like we have our next date planned already.

[He smirked. Compliments. She knew how to make a guy feel wanted that was for certain.] Geez, that walk home to dropping you off safely at your place is going to be a fun time. I know what I'm looking forward to.

I'm guessing none of the establishments are right here? [they were...choices. she could agree with that much. and none of them quite hit the right feel.] Then am I the only thing on your mind right now?

[if she'd known that she'd be running into Vander, she would have changed her clothes. it wasn't as if she imagined that Vander cared so much about things. but it was nice to look good and know someone appreciated how you looked.] Calling it another date already? I'm a lucky girl.

[if there was anything she was good at, it was this. making a man feel wanted. though in this case, it wasn't fake. she did want him and his company.] Will the walk there be fun or what comes at the end? [she nudges her foot back at his again, smirking back at him.]

They provide drinks, so I won't speak against that. I've been in better and more lively establishments. [The choices were small, and not particularly the types of places he would stay around unless he was desperate or just plain lonely.] Since you decided we were on a date, I haven't been thinking of anything but you.

[He shrugged his shoulders, and he had lived in a place where self defense was common practice. It was far more odd to him that people didn't have an understanding on defending themselves. It was never too late to learn in his opinion.] Well, two of us are opportunists. You want to call it a play date instead?

[He leaned forward across the table, dropping his other arm to rest with the other one already there.] You haven't lend me to believe that any of this wouldn't be fun. And so far, I have not be disappointed. Is there anything that I can do for you to make this a fun time beginning to end?

More lively as in the place is having bar fights, good music, or good company? So many different ways a bar can be lively. Have to admit I prefer the latter. More of a lover than a fighter. [considering she can't fight and all that.] I'm really taking control here when you put it like that. If you have any complaints you should let me know. [not that she thinks he'll have any.]

A play date? Sounds like we're kids off to go play than you coming to teach me self-defense and put your hands on me. [she's laughing as she says it.]

You're a man who knows his way around a good date. What tips could I give? Though you can tell me how you've been doing on the hobby search. I admit I've gotten nowhere.

From personal experience, a good bar can manage all three depending on the time of operating hours. I prefer to avoid fights, but when you mix alcohol in any situations, it's bound to happen. [She definitely was showing him her lover not a fighter side, and he appreciated that. Not everyone had to fight, nor should they have to if they didn't want to. Having to skills didn't mean one had to use them.] No complaints thus far. The night is young and our meals should be arriving any time now.

[He smirked.] Age is a construct, right? We can be as young as we feel. [The weight of their worlds might put years on them regardless.] I'll teach you how to punch first, so honestly, you'll just be hitting me a lot the first session. Depends how long and how much you want to practice.

[She was giving him a lot of credit here. It had been a long time since he was on a date before this.] It seems we're in the same boat. I haven't invested much time in searching, what with the train incident and all. I suppose I'm still in the market for a good hobby to invest my time in. Your opportunity to find one is shrinking.

Guessing your bar managed all three? [it seemed likely with an owner like Vander.] No complaints until the food sucks. But I'll take that as not my fault so still a win. [none of the food here has been bad but well, she never had a chance to experience different types of food back in Silent Hill. not that she'll be talking about that with Vander right now. or any time soon if she can help it.]

Details. [she waves a hand, laughing.] I put my hands on you, then. You lucky man, you. But I'll go with your expertise. How often should you practice a thing like that?

[he had her beat here. absolutely sooner than she'd been on a date.] Are you worried? Deal was you'd have to ask for one with me and we would do it together, if you remember.

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