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

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.

Depends on the night. I preferred to avoid bar fights and prioritized the other two. You'd have liked it, I expect. [Vander had spent a long time trying to build up the community with The Last Drop being part of the central hub. Some would call it his stronghold of power, but he hadn't seen it that way.] Ah well, food quality is never something I can complain about. Something better than nothing.

[He too was disinclined to share details of growing up hard and growing up fast on the streets. Food was food, and he had learned to value it as he grew. He had been fortunate being a kid that grew up tall and could wade in to compete for the meals. Others weren't so fortunate. That of course was a topic that would squander the mood of their little date, and he couldn't have that. The whole point was a few hours of escapism with each other.]

It's like any skill, Maria. The more you practice, the more you become proficient. I'd recommend once or twice a week at minimum, but you can also practice on your own or with your friends too. [He could teach the skill, but it was up to her to dedicate the time for it. Or maybe she would use the excuse for more practice to see him. That would be nice.] And I never doubted I was a lucky man where you're involved.

[He shrugged his shoulders, reaching out so she could see his movements and pull back if she wanted to. If she didn't, he'd absolutely caress some hair back to tuck behind her ear.] Do I look worried? I recall the deal. There's still time for us to find something for ourselves. This place is spoiling with opportunities after all.

[He'd fail. Vander intended to on purpose. He suspected Maria might as well.]

I'm sure I would have enjoyed it. Heard the bartender was a good guy to know. [she smiles, making sure they stay away from any topic considering fights because it just feels like that would dive into a topic that might not be fun.

it was comical how they were both trying to stay away from any topic that would ruin the mood. the mood they both so craftfully created together. Maria was supposed to be playful and fun, something she did well in, and it had been something of a role she found comfort in. she didn't want to be negative either. it was easier to try to have fun and much easier with Vander. Maria knew Vander probably appreciated this as well.]

Once or twice a week as a minimum? Feels like I should do more, like you said. [she knew it would be good for her to focus on that as well. Maria didn't want someone to be hurt for her sake again.

between the comment of 'lucky man' and him tucking her hair out of her face, Maria finds herself struggling to find some flirty comment. she was quick to those and while Vander was always nice, never seemed to run out of good things to say, those two things were sweet. she'd kiss him for those things alone, she thinks. her eyes soften and she hums.]

What a lucky woman I am.

[but before anything else can be said from her, the bots are out with their food. well, Maria's plate and Vander's plates. it's a lot of food. impressive, really.]

Oh he was. He had the right combination of pouring drinks, socializing, providing a good time and defending those under his roof. [It was easy to talk about himself in the third person, like that man was someone else. Perhaps it wasn't so far from the truth these days.

He shrugged his shoulders, letting her decide on her own schedule. She might commit to multiple days and then after day one of soreness, reconsider it all.] How about we try it out once or twice and see if I'm the right kind of teacher for you? Everyone learns differently after all.

[His fingers caressed the curve of her earlobe as he tucked the hair and then withdrew afterwards. He offered a wink at her as he sat back in the booth seat, his movements slow and careful to not shove the table too much at her as the food arrived, and he surveyed their bounty. Huh, portions were bigger than expected. Oh well, nothing would go to waste.]

Remember the deal also requires us to be subjected to the whims of the community. I expect a lot of wise-ass comments should we fail and need to appeal to them for suggestion.

Sounds like a great guy. What's he up to now?

[she nods.] Not a bad idea. Who knows, I could be really bad and you get tired of it. [it's mostly a joke. she doesn't really know how she'll be, though. she recalls her short time fighting monsters, using a gun. she hadn't been bad, able to defend herself. but she also was giving Vander an out, even if he didn't seem to want it.

ah, he really is a charmer. she will have to keep on her toes and give it just as good back.]

Oh, I imagine we will be thrown into some laughable situations. Really throwing ourselves out there for ridicule. But there ought to be some good ones in the mix. [she cuts into her strawberry pancakes and honestly, not bad. good, actually. there's a groan of approval.] Mm, god, I needed this treat. I really needed this.

Last I heard, he had to retire to sort some personal stuff out. I could introduce you to him if you're interested.

[Now this was all tongue and cheek, but there were kernels of truth in the explanation. He preferred to keep things light hearted between them, the escapism being a point of grounding for them both it seemed. Maybe this was the crux of their relationship, and he didn't mind it in the least. Of course, their secrets would no doubt emerge now and again.]

Nah, teaching people how to defend themselves is something I've been doing since I was a boy. I never find it boring. [He steadfastly would refuse to take the out. It both meant helping her and they would spend more time together. Win-win in his books.

He picked up his fork and began to dig into the eggs and potatoes and sausage breakfast. He ate quickly and efficiently, like someone who had gone without and knew better than to wait for a meal to be stolen or ruined.] I see a trend of you liking pink and red. Does that span across every aspect of your life, hmmm? [He shrugged.] I've been ridiculed for worse. That part could be fun. Just have to go into it with the right attitude.

Oh, I'm definitely interested. Seems like the kind of guy I might go on a date with. If you think he'd be up for it?

[Maria's assumption this was what Vander would like from their relationship. which suited her just fine. she was good for it. in Maria's mind, she didn't ever see Vander expecting anything serious. even if he had said he would always be there to help her, Maria didn't plan on asking for it from him. not unless it was something simple like teaching her how to defend herself.

though she's happy he wants to help her and as long as he wanted her around, she would stay around.

she laughs.] Guess I do have a theme for myself going on, yeah. But you could say that. Color of passion, right? Fits. [it hadn't been a theme she'd picked for herself but one she was keeping up. she did like it.] I like the upbeat attitude. You're right. We can make a game of that, too.

I think he could be convinced with the right prompting. I'll introduce you two and maybe you'll hit it off. I hope you invite me to the wedding if it works out.

[All tongue and cheek for that last part. If she was going to play the game then so would he. They had always managed good banter, and this date wasn't disproving him of that ideation either.

He knew from interactions that they were both complicated people. He had perceived how they side-stepped and danced around certain subjects, teasing about secrets or not picking up on threads of potential conversation from hinted breadcrumbs of seriousness. He did wonder about her secrets, but this was all in due time. Trust needed to be earned.]

I like it. The colour choice suits you. [He quirked his lip at her words.] And just how passionate of a person are you, hmmm? I can see the upbeat attitude.

Oh, you think he'd like me enough for that? Now I really got to meet him.

[much like everything else, Maria doesn't take the last part all too seriously. Maria assumed much of what Vander would be telling her would usually be a joke, a flirt at most.

when it came to Vander, she didn't think she would ever mind hearing his problems. though telling him her own seemed impossible at the moment. not something she should weigh him down with. who needed to hear about a woman's existential identity and self-actualization issues? at least not after the train.

easier to flirt and tease and play.] I can say I've never been told I'm lacking in passion. Probably too much, if we're being honest. How about you?

Who knows. We won't know until you two meet and hit it off, right? I'll tell him to clean up nice to provide the right first impression.

[He was still working his way through his food, picking from one plate to the next as he tried different styles of food than he was used to. There was no way that he was finishing it all, especially with Maria distracting him with her playful banter.

Of course, he expected any actual serious talk wouldn't be a public occurrence. Perhaps once he dropped her off at home, earned himself that kiss, they might have a serious conversation of their actual expectations for whatever this was.

He chuckled as he wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and gestured at her with his fork.] That I will believe. You probably know how to stir those close to you. [His smile and tone of voice turned mysterious.] I've been told once my blood is stirred, I'm a very passionate person.

Make sure to put in a good word for me, too. I want to really impress this guy.

[Maria was able to finish her pancakes easily. it was a good portion but she hadn't realized how hungry she was until the food had touched her lips. seeing how much food Vander had left, she assumed even he couldn't finish all of it. but well, food never seemed in short supply here.

she sits back in the booth, smiling.] Stir them? Yes, that's one word for it. But I wonder if I can stir your blood at all? I'll have to try and see.

Of course. I'm the best wingman there is around these parts, I guarantee it.

[He was still working through some of his food - now combining some on plates - when she had finished her meal. He was satisfied with his meal, though he nearly choked on his current mouthful at Maria's blood stirring tease.

He coughed and had to take a sip of water, shaking his head. Okay, he deserved that whole-heartedly.]

Is that where you're hoping to put some efforts in? Keep that up and the night might not just end with a kiss.

[it felt like it take a lot to make Vander lose his composure. even if he was just smiling, being friendly. he kept it up. she felt a little proud of herself that she made him react and she laughs. freely and light. no weight behind it or anything.

it feels good to simply laugh.]

Is that a promise or a threat?

[she wasn't bothered by the idea that they might do more than kiss. it didn't seem like a bad idea with someone like Vander.]

[Normally he was on his game, but she had caught him at the right moment with the right kind of comment. That was definitely a point for her. He considered them even after he had managed to tuck her hair behind her ear all smoothly.]

That depends on you. We only wagered a kiss, but the line in the dirt can be moved if you want it to.

[He was not discounting them learning more of one another beyond teasing and especially not physically. He was not a prude, but he did wish to respect her comfort level too. After all, he had learned quickly that their worlds could be rather different from person to person.]

[he had definitely made her stumble and so she had repaid the favor. not that she had planned on that. that had simply been luck on her side.]

You'll have to stir me up, then. [if it sounded like a challenge then maybe it was one.

Maria wasn't a prude. she'd been an exotic dancer and she'd told him how she tried to sleep with a man the first time she met him. there had been far more to that story, many more details, but that still had been what she intended to do with James. Maria didn't mind if it got to that with Vander. as long as it didn't complicate anything...and that probably did require a conversation, didn't it? in a place like this.

they would get to that.]

Will I? [He regarded her for a long quiet moment, eyes roaming over her facial features, down the column of her neck, the set of her shoulders and even further south until the table top obscured. Yes, he was checking her out.]

Alright, sounds like it could be fun. What's the worst that could happen?

[Oh there were so many 'worst' that could happen, but he didn't care right now. He finished up a few more bites, piled what was left on a single plate and waited to be able to take it all back to his apartment. Or hers. Apparently.]

I do hope that stirring you doesn't involve waxing poetry. I'm real shit at that.

[the attention is nice, she thinks. Vander clearly checking her out. by now, he must like what he sees, she thinks. would he keep coming if he didn't? would things have gone this way if he didn't?

she simply meets his eyes.]

If we put our heads together we could probably think of a worst but who wants to do that? [certainly not them. that much was clear by now.

a companion bot comes by with a box, boxing up the rest of his food and then quickly goes off again. this part is still so strange. walking off without paying.]

Lucky for you, I'm easy to please. Won't deny a compliment might be nice. I'm only human. [she wasn't exactly human but close enough. it still applied to her. people wanted to hear nice things and she was included in that.

she motions with her head, silently asking if they wanted to head out.]

It's been a nice date so far, so let's not spin it down with a worse case scenario. I want to keep enjoying my time with you.

[He had recovered from his unfortunate nearly choking incident and now he was settling back into being a smooth talker. He waved down a bot to bring a box for them to dump the rest of his mixed food in, not at all picky about it all together.

He lingered at the table, uncertain because he too was so unused to not needing to pay. It took him a moment to realize they could just walk out, and he watched Maria for the cue that she was ready to head out now that they had eaten.]

You're just a lady, and I'm just a gentleman so compliments will flow.

[Vander endured the comedy of shifting and shimmying out of the booth, managing to make it look like an act he had done many times in the past. He made a point of flashing a smirk as he rose to his feet and picked up his boxed food.]

You live at the apartments?

That's how I feel. Let's not go down a doom spiral and ruin the fun. What a turn-off. [and there was always time for that later. not if she could help it, though. she would hold onto this easiness for as long as she could.

at least getting out was easier for him! she had gotten out before he could so he could have a wider berth to do so. when she knows he's gotten free of the booth, she waits until he's next to her to start walking towards the apartments.]

I do. They're serviceable so I've been making do with them.

Right? After the train, we need some fun and enjoyment. The dark clouds can move in on us tomorrow if necessary. [And maybe if tonight ended well and they had a good time, then the repercussions from the train would leave them alone for longer than the morning.

Once they were both upright and seemingly ready to go, Vander made a point of throwing his arm across her shoulders similar to how they had walked into the place. Soon enough they were back on the streets, and he at least had the benefit of knowing where the apartments were so he could direct them along the streets to aim for that destination.]

Yeah that's where I'm staying as well. We can potentially part ways at the lobby then? [Depended on the kiss, of course. Maybe one would find their way to the room of the other.]

I'm willing to make them hold off for even longer. [she was game to make it wait as long as she could. things would be hell no matter what.

it isn't surprising when he puts his arm around her but it still makes her happy he did so. it had a comforting weight to it and as she walks with him, listening, she laughs.]

We're kissing in the lobby? Didn't take you as an exhibitionist. [just a small joke and she continues on.] We can go to my room at least.

Agreed. I'll think about it in the peace of my own apartment. [That was the truth. He had plenty to think about when he was alone in that space. He'd prefer to leave that venture as long as possible.

He shrugged his shoulders.] I wasn't going to assume that you'd want me to know where you lived, that's all. Though, I have no issue kissing you in the lobby, but your room is just as welcome.

[He held her lightly against his side for a moment, affectionate as he tucked his boxed meal under the other arm as they walked.]

Okay, I do have a question though: is your apartment interior pink?

[Maria was in the same boat. she knew once she was alone, she would start to think and think. she'd go down a spiral and it wouldn't be good. maybe it was one of the reasons she was clinging to this date with Vander. Maria did enjoy his company, that was partly why she was here, but she couldn't deny he was a good distraction. certainly Vander had the same idea in mind with her as well.]

I trust you not to break in and kill me. But if you do, well, I come back. And then we all know who you are so justice will be served. If you want to rob me? Seems like a waste of time since everything is free. I think I'm safe with you. [that would be as dark as her joke went and when he asked her that, she laughed.]

I admit, there is some pink. And some red. But way more black, if you would believe it. I haven't done a lot to my place. [though she guessed it would have been a great way to distract herself and maybe that would be a new way to do so.]

[Well, that answered his unspoken question about her trusting him with this kind of information. He had no intention of bringing her harm, quite the opposite. He valued her company and would protect her if they found themselves in a rough situation. Unlikely with the big romantic mood of the place but to each their own.]

The only thing I'm going to kill on occasion is a dad joke. [Which he had done on the network once or twice. That was the benefit of being a father and more aged.] And maybe all I want to steal is your heart. [See? See, he had some moves. Not his best attempt, but hey, corny was still heartfelt now and again.

He smirked, though in no way could he throw stones at her choice of decoration. His place was flat plain white walls.] You know, I hear that home decor is a hobby that someone may wish to take up should they be looking for an activity to fill the time...

[it seemed like they were trying very hard to keep up the romantic mood they had and unless their luck got insanely bad, it wasn't going to be changing any time soon. Maria certainly wasn't going to let it.

the joke does get a laugh and it's not even a pity laugh. she did like jokes, she joked so often herself.] Keep going like that and you may just do it. [at least he was someone who could joke. Maria knew one thing about herself: she couldn't stand it if someone couldn't take a joke.]

Oh, would you look at that? Is that a possible hobby...? Won't lie, I've considered it. But what do you do after you're done with your own place? Beg others to let you do it for them?

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