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

[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?

[The corner of his lip twitched when she laughed, and he appreciated that they could humor each other. After that little bump in the road about thinking their dark thoughts when alone, this levity was circling them back to the best portions of the date thus far. He was pleased they could even maintain it this long.

Somehow he never felt awkwardness with Maria. She was still very much a new person to him and while he was a good judge of character, he couldn't say that he knew much about her.] Oh, don't raise my hopes. You might never be rid of me then.

[He wrinkled his nose; home decor was never much in the cards for him. He'd decorated a bar, which was such a low standard.] I have no idea. I expect you badger your friends or random strangers to let you do their places. How you account for individual tastes is not an undertaking I'd want.

[it didn't seem like a bump in the road would be much of one. they would move past it easily. mostly because it was evident what they both wanted, how they wouldn't let negativity dampen their moods.

similarly, Maria didn't feel awkward with Vander. it was why she had gravitated towards him. they had quickly caught on to each other, even at that first meeting. not that she had thought much about much more than a budding friendship at most. hard to consider more when the poor man had been vomiting like he had. perhaps it was why they didn't feel so awkward. she'd truly seen him at a low point and hadn't been phased.] Again, don't threaten me with a good time, Vander.

[she considers it.] If it's one I do take on then I'm badgering you next.

[He made a show of a big sigh, and he tipped his head back on his neck as if he needed to stare at the sky above. His arm briefly tightened around her shoulders, nudging her up against his side once before relenting so they could walk with limited hazard of tripping over each other.] Janna, you're demanding! I'll threaten you will all the good times if I have to, if only to tug another laugh out of you.

[He shook his head as he returned it to staring ahead as the apartment building came into sight between buildings.] Not my apartment. There's nothing in there but a punching bag, a couch, and a bed. You might just be embarrassed to be seen in there.

[she does laugh from how he behaves and tugging her closer like that, them trying not to trip, is truly so lighthearted it makes her happy. this entire time has made her happy.] That's the only payment you want, huh? Easy to please. I'll have to remember. But hey, a woman has to argue for what she wants. I have to be demanding. How else do I get what I want? [half a joke there.]

That's just how you men are and about what I'd expect. [she is mostly kidding him.] Sounds like it needs a make-over especially then. [though she wasn't too serious about the home decorating bit. it was something to consider.

when they got to the lobby, she teases,] Want to fulfill your dreams of making out in the lobby or go to my place?

[Well, he was as easy to please as she claimed to be then. Honestly, with everything being free, no crime (so weird), and people generally getting along, what was there to demand? Perhaps the knowledge that he knew that people from his world were going to cuck this whole world-saving endeavor up.] It's true. You have the right to demand all you like. I'm curious what other demands you're cooking up.

[He took no offense. He would claim that he hadn't been here long enough to decorate the place, but in reality, he didn't want reminders from home yet. It was painful enough as it was being here away from it, though the alternative was death.] Nah, I'll find an old picture of a landscape and put it up on a wall no one looks at.

[He opened the door and stepped in after her, not withdrawing his arm from across her shoulders yet.] Tough choice, but I'm going to have to go with your room on this particular outing.

My other demands? You'll have to wait and see. Can't be showing my hand here. You know how I play. [Maria had reasons to be mysterious, pretty good reasons, but she used the whole mysterious aura to her benefit. it made her interesting at least, she thought. better than the truth and that wasn't nearly as fun as she was now.]

Okay, you got me there. Better than I'd expect. You have to at least let me pick out the painting. [another excuse to spend time with him. though at this point, it would be just as easy to tell him she wanted to spend time with him.

she smiles in response and leads him to her floor, her room. though she stops at the door and smirks.] You can come in but last chance to back out. [not that she thought he would.]

Oh, the woman of mystery strikes back to keep me in suspense again. [He shook his head playfully, following her as she took them from the lobby up to her floor of the apartment. While the odds were extremely low, he was mentally prepping himself if they encountered someone from his world.]

Fine, you probably have better taste in landscapes than I do. [He would allow her this excuse and wouldn't fight her on it. They seemed to be angling for future meetings without specifically requesting it. He found that endearing.

As they stop in front of her door, he took a moment to look around the hallway. Was he going to be performing the walk of shame tonight? Who knew. He prepared either way.] You know I'm not backing out. We made a mutual deal for a kiss, so we do that out here or in your rooms. Your choice.

[even Maria worries about just walking into someone she knows. there's no shame in being seen with Vander but she knows they will ask her if she's okay, if she's heard from Vincent, and Maria doesn't want to deal with that. it is a blessing they make it to her room without running into anybody they know.

there were no plans to back out on her end and she let's him into her room with a knowing look. Maria wasn't sure how far they were going but she wasn't too worried. they didn't seem to create expectation with each other and that was nice.

her place was decorated, like she'd mentioned. some pink pillows on the couch, black blanket thrown over the couch, and lamps with scarves over them for some mood lighting. that had been her thing even before planning on bringing Vander over.

once the door is closed, she turns around to put her arms around him and smiles up at him.] I'd lean up and kiss you but I can't quite reach so you'll have to meet me halfway, big guy.

[Vander slipped into her apartment and looked around, noting that the place was as she had described it. There was something homely about it, which he lacked in his own apartment currently. He shifted to drop his food box on the floor next to the door, not expecting to need it for however long he was staying.

As he rose back to his full height, she caught him in her arms. If he knew her comfort levels better, he'd probably pick her up as he did with many people he knew. Instead, he leaned down with her request, letting her take a more of a leading foot in this dance that they were performing together.

He did, of course, curl an arm around the middle of her back as he bent to indeed meet her half way. He was smiling, a touch nervous as he did like her.] I hope you're ready to be dazzled. [No, nothing like that. He leaned in to press his lips on hers though, keeping it simple at first to gauge her reaction.]

[she wouldn't have minded if he did pick her up. he's so big and she's on her toes, he's leaning down, it isn't the most comfortable. they could have gone to the couch but she had been impatient.

there's a small huff of a laugh before he kisses her and she is smiling for a brief second before she leans in, kissing him back. chaste and quick. as simple as it was, she liked it, and she wraps her arms around his shoulders to lean up into him a little more firmly. they should keep kissing. she wants to keep kissing him. it's nice, easy, and makes her feel warm.

it had felt like even during the first "date" they had been dancing around this. later she had wondered if she should have kissed him. but maybe it was best now, after everything awful had happened to have something as sweet as this kiss and whatever happened next.]

[It was awkward with their height difference, but Vander had actually kissed both shorter and taller people in his lifetime. It was all about a willingness to make it work, and it seemed to him that he and Maria definitely were investing in that as their lips came together.

He didn't pull away regardless of the simplicity, lingering in the embrace. That she responded and didn't pull away either was his cue to lift his other hand to cup the side of her face, thumb stroking her smooth cheek as he deepened the kiss by turning his head a little so their noses could brush. For a moment, his lips threaten to part to deepen it further, but he was patient and experienced as he gauged her reaction.

It seemed to him that they had been walking in this direction since they had first met, coy and flirty. It felt good. Her lips were warm and sweet, tasting faintly of strawberries which were a rarity indeed where he happened to live.]

[seemed ridiculous to let something as small as height get in the way of enjoying a kiss and that was especially true when he deepened it. a noise of satisfaction escapes and she waits to see if he'll do anymore. really, if it stayed like this then she would still be content. but she's happy to go farther, wants to, and so her lips part for her tongue to move past them, telling him what she wants. if he didn't want to go further then they didn't have to.

but from how he'd been flirting, how she had been, it seemed like they were on the same page. if the mood was right then she was happy to follow it. not like they had any responsibility to worry about and it didn't seem like either of them had anybody to answer to. why not have fun? and she liked him. what was better than that?]

[Vander noted the obvious hint with the feel of her lips parting, and his returned the favour. Finally, his arm tighten around her back so that he could stand up and lift her right along with him. He traced his tongue over her upper lip then teasingly nudged his tongue against hers. A shiver ran across his shoulders as a sighing little moan escaped him.

From flirting to this, huh? He could and probably should walk them to the couch or press her against the wall or door, but he just stood for the moment savouring this connection. It was so easy, no particular expectations and it was so, so refreshing.]

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