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

[Maria does worry that Vander might want to leave after this time is done until he had implied otherwise. until he made it obvious he wanted her more than once. even more than two or three times maybe. she didn't care what this was as long as they could have fun together and stay together.

his lips are on her again and she sighs from that alone. this by itself is enjoyable on its own. being connected to him like this and feeling him pulsing inside of her. feeling how hot and alive he is against her. how he says her name.

she puts her hands on his shoulders to help find leverage as she lifts her hips up and then down to grind against him.] So good...[it always takes a bit to find the pace, the right rhythm, but it's good. he's good and she's good. all she can keep saying is just that and his name as she continues to bounce in his lap.]

[This was an escapism they had together. How long it lasted, how much they engaged, how fun it would be remained to be seen. He was looking forward to searching out the layers of this mysterious woman and also having these carefree wanton times together.

His shoulders rolled under the warmth of her hands, and his hand trailed down between her breasts then her stomach until he could take gentle but firm hold of her hip. He shifted just enough to set his feet flat on the bedding so he could leverage his own hips to assist and accommodate with her motions.

He groaned as she rose and fell on him, and he replied with a roll of his hips upwards as she rose and fell again, letting them find a rhythm together. His hand on her hip was used to stabilize and he leaned in to find her lips in a deep hot kiss. Little moans and groans sounded from his throat with each thrust, her tight heat feeling great.]

[Vander's hands are so big on her and she feels it especially when he grabs her hip. still, he's been nothing but gentle with her. careful. it's sweet, she thinks. even as they begin to fuck each other in earnest. Maria can't see herself getting tired of this anytime soon. getting tired of Vander.

when they do find the right pace, the right rhythm, and they start to kiss; Maria parts her lips to find his tongue with hers. at this point, she doesn't care who control the kiss. how does that matter when his hips find hers when she presses down. when he makes those noises against her and how it feels when she clenches around him when she bears down on his cock.

what does the outside world matter? beyond this room, it seems so far away. just how she wants it, how they both want it.]

[They found that united rhythm that worked for the both of them quickly, and he couldn't be more pleased about it. His fingers massaged her hip as she rode his cock, kissing her as if he might steal her breath from her throat in the process. Her taste and the feel of her against and around him invaded all of his senses, narrowing his world to this room.

Yet, at a point, he broke the kiss and leaned himself back on one hand because she had promised him a show. And what a show it was as his gray eyes roamed over her from the point of connection between their legs up the ripples of her body and bounce of her breasts.

He rumbled a noise of approval from his throat, and his own pace began to increase while still balancing her. His heels dug into the mattress as he thrust harder and faster up to meet her, growling moans drawn from him at each one. That delicious molten heat of pleasure was already pooling in his guts.]

Hey beautiful, you having a good time?

[it does feel like it's just them at this moment. especially when he pulls from the kiss and watches her. what a surprise to her that she enjoys this so much and she had promised a show. Maria makes sure to move in such a way that her breasts bounce more and it certainly helps when he's fucking up into her harder. it makes her grind down on him harder, so her clit is rubbed against, and when she moans; it sounds more desperate and needy.

his question makes her laugh. she sounds breathless and she nods.] Mm, I am. A real good time. Definitely hoping for that encore...

[one particular thrust up into her, she cries out.] Fuck, Vander. You feel so good...

[She definitely had all the skills of a dancer, balancing and moving in a sultry way that captivated his gaze. He couldn't help himself as his hand finally left her hip so he could cup and roll her breast in his palm and he continued to admire the way that she moved.]

You're the one who offered an encore...

[He sat forward, changing the angle of his thrusting as he freed up an arm to slide around and up her back, splaying his hand between her shoulders and thrust vigorously. He took her noises and words as encouragement, of course, doubling his efforts to work more noises from her before they inevitably saw an end to their date.]

Mm but it's a two person show here...[she sounds distracted as her head rolls back, pleased sigh as he feels her up. it felt good to be touched like this, wanted like this. she wished this moment didn't have to end.

when he begins to thrust up into her so earnestly, Maria gives him the sounds he wants. it's a stream of moans, sighs, and whines. at this point, can they last any longer, she wonders. Vander has a better grip on her now so she can use a hand to play with her clit since her partner in this dance has his hands full. and besides, maybe he'd like to see her play with herself anyway. Maria didn't know all the things Vander liked but she hoped she could learn them.]

I'm so close. [a warning, almost a permission. he can let go if he can't keep on anymore.]

I'm committed to this show as long as it goes for... [And he meant it. It seemed obvious that this wouldn't be their only time engaging in these activities tonight, and he was all for losing himself in that.

As her head falls back, he was so tempted to lean in and kiss her neck, nip her throat even with the choker in place - or encouraged by it - however, he was enjoying this show. Each sound and feel of her against his body caused that heat to pool bigger and hotter than before, encouraged noises of reply from his throat that were distinctly animalistic, his thrusting starting to lose some of the smooth rhythm as he chased the climax rising between them.

He nodded head, finally giving in and lean in to kiss her neck, suck on the corner of her jaw and breathing his hot breath against her skin as his blunt nails dragged down the smooth expanse of her back and his other hand pinched and worked her nipple and breast in hand.

He was so close, teetering on the edge, feeling her hand bump and caress his belly where she was stroking herself. He thrust up as he felt her walls baring down on his cock, fingers clinging her to her back as he let out a loud groaning growl as he was pushed over the edge and came inside of her.]

[Maria wonders if they continue on, what their other times might be like. the sounds he makes are so arousing, how he growls, and she enjoys that. thinks it would be good if he really fucked her. but also it might be nice if they had something softer, sweeter. that was comforting.

her own movements lose all grace the quicker she comes to her climax and it's just a frenzied pace to chase that pleasure. his hands and mouth on her certainly help with that. when he is releasing inside of her, it is only a short moment she follows after him with a long cry. her eyes are closed and she stays frozen in the moment, trying to enjoy this while she can. there will be other times, surely, but one doesn't forget their first with another person. that was special in its own right.

when her body calms down, she lifts herself up to let his cock slip out so she can lie down on top of him comfortably. laughing and nuzzling his shoulder with her cheek, she can't remember the last time she ever felt this good.]

That was nice.

[The first time was always the most memorable, especially with a person that there was fondness with. He was not likely to forget this, how the date came to them both with seeming randomness of a piece of paper to the end point of sex in her apartment. This place had a funny way of throwing people together.

He ground his way through his orgasm, shuddering as she followed suit and that cry was like music to his ears. He slowly relaxed as the orgasm ebbed away, his hands slowly releasing their grip as he prepared to settled back on his elbows again and allow his breathing to calm back down. He watched Maria of course, perched on his hips like that even as he softened and she moved off of him gracefully.

He released his elbows and lay back on the bed completely as she came to join him, securing a loose arm around her waist and stroking random patterns against her skin. He turned his head to kissed her hairline, tasting beads of sweat as a result of their activities.]

Just nice? I was going to give it a twelve on the one-to-ten scale, but to each their own. [He was teasing and made a point of stretching out, his lower half of his legs hanging off the bed.] Thankfully I didn't have to fight off your suitors in the middle there.

Twelve, huh? Glad to know I beat my own expectations. But honestly, probably would have fought them off myself. I wouldn't have let anybody get in the way of that.

[right now there was no other place she wanted to be at this moment. being here with Vander was comfortable. the afterglow of orgasm making everything feel so distant and lovely.

even if it may not be for poor big Vander and this bed not being built for his size. but he isn't complaining and she can't see herself complaining any time soon. ever turning down a chance to repeat this experience.] No, that was really good. Thank you. [her tone is genuine and she turns his head so she can press a kiss to his lips. similarly chaste like the very first they had shared. she wanted him to know how much she had loved this moment between them and this seemed like the best way to do so.]

Aim high is what I say. Well, I still need to teach you how to punch first.

[He was comfortable lazing here in the post-coital afterglow, even if his legs were hanging off the bed. It was a fact of life he was quite used to, and it didn't detract how relaxed and pleasant he was feeling. No, he could stay like this with her for awhile.

And yeah, he was already mentally determining where the bathroom was so he could clean them both up eventually. That was also a future Vander problem.

He shifted his arm to curl underneath his head, corner of his lip tugging as she kissed him. He responded in kind, keeping it undemanding and warm. His fingers lightly stroked up and down the length of her back as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of her weight on his own.] Agreed. Would recommend doing this again with you. Are all our dates going to be this exciting, hmm?

[her mind is considering when they have to clean up, if there is room for the both of them in a shower and no. there isn't. what a shame. she will be disappointed over that later.

when the kiss ends, she moves to his neck to kiss him there. lips lazily tracing along the side.] I hope so. I hope we continue to find excuses to keep seeing each other.

[and then, softly,] I hope we can just say we want to see each other one day as well.

[He shivered at the feel of her lips on his neck, a sigh leaving him in reply to it. This was lazy and easy, less about flirting and more about just being with each other. It had been a long time since he had cuddled another person, and he was taking full advantage of that now.]

This place seems intent on nudging people together so far. [Yet, he considered her further statement and he moved his hand from her back to caress his fingers through her hair, tucking some of it back behind her ear again.] Are you okay with rugged guy showing up randomly at your door or in your inbox requesting to see you?

[He was that person or... he had been a long time ago. He was leaning more into it now to escape everything else he held behind the scenes of his life.]

[she had wondered if they would stop feeling like this once they had sex and yet she still wanted him near. it seemed like he felt the same. the way he touches her is so nice and the kisses she brings to his neck are softer now, more affectionate. ]

Why would I mind that? Unless it's some other rugged guy. But maybe I'll be messaging you first. Maybe I'll beat you to the punch every time.

[loneliness was always at the forefront of Maria's emotions. in her mind and soul. what she wouldn't do to never feel that deep loneliness again. Vander seemed lonely and it seemed like he would happily assist her with destroying that loneliness. it helped him as well.]

[The sweat on his skin from their previous activities was drying, but the warmth of her body was a reminder that this was all part of the good time. He snorted in amusement at her words, shaking his head a little.]

You sure know how to make a guy feel wanted, Maria. If you beat me to the punch every time, I'm going to have the impression you are rather fond of me.

[It was fun to feel desired. It reminded him that this place wasn't all bad, that the significant losses of his life prior to this shouldn't tank what he could do and who he could meet here. He did hope that he provided her even a small amount of desired sensation as she did him.]

You're not too sore?

Oh, we don't want you thinking I like you or anything.

[there's a playful nip at his neck and she immediately kisses him there in apology. not that she doesn't think he couldn't take a beating. it was obvious he knew his way around. had obviously seen a thing or two. experienced it.

at his question, she finally moves to rest her head on his shoulder and her hand goes to his chest.]

No. Not too sore. Despite our efforts. And we did put an effort in.

No, never. I'll end up hanging around more if I ever think that.

[His fingers stroked through her hair and down the back of her neck, repeating the gesture as he watched her as she came in for another kiss. He moaned softly, replying in kind and cupping the back of her head. It was nice to have a veteran in the sheets, made everything flow smoothly.

He shifted slightly under her to continue to be comfortable. He finally moved his arm out from behind his head to grope for the blankets to toss them haphazardly over their bodies.]

It was a team effort. As long as I don't hurt you, okay?

[Maria thinks how sometimes a little pain, a little hurt, cannot be avoided. and maybe it can make things better. but those words seem like they shouldn't be uttered at this time. or maybe ever.

the night passes, encores given. soft and sweet once, hard and fast another. Maria had hungered, Vander had, and they had fed well. well enough that when she wakes up the next day, curled into his side with his arm wrapped around her, she feels how sore she is. pleasantly sore, a soreness that makes her smile as she recalls the night. what a good night. one she wouldn't forget any time soon.

but morning always comes.

she searches for the time and sees it's well into the afternoon. unsurprising. they'd kept each other busy. she stretches out and wonders when he will wake up. it seems mean to wake him up and she doesn't want to. happy to stay like this until he moves and they have to leave this space behind them. Maria simply turns to face him, smiling.]

[Unfortunately - or fortunately depend on one's point of view - Vander was used to these kinds of engagements resulting in his partner walking a little funny afterwards. On the third go around when it was fast and hard, it had certainly been his intention to make her sore but not hurt. She had seemed teasing and gamely the whole time, so it was easy to enjoy her company.

Sleep came dreamless and blissful, too tired for his subconscious to torment him. He hadn't been sleeping consistently well, though it seemed having a little warm body to cuddle with definitely helped. So he did sleep well on his belly, arm curling around Maria loosely and cheek buried in the pillow. His feet still hung off the end of the bed.

He was drawn from his dreamless reverie when he felt the bed shifting; normally it would be the arguing of tweens and nearly three months later it was still strange to crack his eyes open to be somewhere else.

He found himself looking at her, blinking slowly before a warm smile pulled at his lips and his arm tightened around her as he stretched in the bed.]

Mmmm, what time is it? Kinda bright...

[Maria is smiling when Vander pulls her closer. maybe there had been some fear he might wake up with his feelings changed, that he regretted spending the night with her. but his own desperation matched hers and so he clearly did not. ]

Late. Afternoon-ish. Guess we wore each other out. You sleep well?

[she certainly had. part of her knows it was because she'd had Vander by her side. wonders how she will handle the nights she can't expect Vander to sleep with her. that is for later. don't worry so much about that. ]

[He slowly lifted his head and turned to look towards the window in the bedroom as if to confirm that yes it was daylight and yes they had both slept well passed what was probably normal. He flopped his head back down into the pillow again and momentarily closed his eyes.]

Yeah... I'm definitely not twenty anymore. [The corner of his lip tugged in a teasing smile.] Mmm, I did. It helps having someone to cuddle while sleeping. How long have you been awake?

[He was actually in no hurry to rise, gathering his clothing and slip out the door. Aside from exercising and maybe grabbing a bite to eat, he had exactly nothing on his docket today to do.]

Not long.

[she's happy to lay here with him, watching him. he seems like he's in no big rush, happy to stay here with her for the time being.

there had been days where she had wanted this, dreamed of this. that someone might want this for her, be with her just like this. some part of her, memories that don't belong to her at all, says how she had missed this very thing.

to distract herself, she kisses his cheek.]

I was demanding. I take blame.

[she had not stopped wanting him, pulling him to her always. even if his body could not, only his fingers or mouth could, she had wanted it.]

[He nodded his head, accepting the timeline. He was waking up, reluctant as he stretched and rolled onto his side and lifted a hand to rub his eyes with the back of his hand. He stifled a yawn but only just, yet his eyes opened and focused entirely on her at the kiss to his cheek.]

You were, yet only in the best way possible. One of the best dates I've ever had.

[Finally, he flopped onto his back and stretched his arms above his head, feeling the wall against his knuckles. He turned his head to watch her.]

So... you'd be alright with something like this again? We did plan another date already. No pressure from me to fall into bed again, but I also would have no qualms if we did.

[when he moves onto his back, moves closer to rest her head on his chest with a smile. it doesn't let them keep eye contact but her sincerity can be heard.]

Why wouldn't I? You had fun, I had fun. If we end up in bed again, I'd enjoy it. What we have? I'd like it to remain something we can always look forward to. Not that I think you only want sex. But it's a perk, right?

[she didn't want Vander to ever regret this thing going on between them.]

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