APRIL MINGLE

[etrayamods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: April 25th - Early May
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, spring activities, and feathered friends!
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. However, if they are arriving from Aphaia, it's a little different, though mostly through means and familiarity. They will still show up in the hospital of course, but how can vary. Either through Aurora offering a portal for escape, their own demise (however it might have happened), or even a simple blink of their eyes and they're in the hospital. They had been given the briefest explanation last time they were here, but at least Aurora can better answer their questions now. No time constraints nor rushing them off to a dying world, this time! 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, spring is sprung, it is warm and comfortable. Flowers have bloomed, and everything is in a sharp contrast to Aphaia—there is life within the bubble, and even the myriad wildlife seems to be basking in the glow of it all. Almost as if a celebration of that life itself. Bees are buzzing, birds are—warking? ⏵ Birds of a Feather ⏴ Etraya has always had its interesting assortment of critters, but there seems to be a particularly colorful array of birds wandering around. Those familiar would know they are named Chocobos, those less so familiar, well, these are some strange looking ostriches, or whatever large bipedal bird equivalent fits. While the birds all seem to be of the same species, there are certainly some variety in their features. Some with friendlier faces and others looking a bit more eagle-like. They are not particularly congregated in any one spot within Etraya, seeming to stick to groups, while others don't, yet even some are accompanied by newly hatched chicks. The observant might be quick to notice that their colors dictate some level of behavior, or even where their little groups mingle: Colors Behavior and habitat Yellow Can be found just about anywhere in Etraya, they don't necessarily stick to self-made groups, and typically are more likely to be friendly to people. However, if they are in the company of a newly hatched chick, they can become wary, though easily won over with some greens. Green These Chocobos are mostly found in grassy or woodsy areas, almost always in pairs, and sometimes found in the trees themselves. They are more wary than their yellow brethren, though if they see someone struggling or in danger, they are quick to offer assistance in what way they can. Doting like motherhens. Blue Most often found by bodies of water, these Chocobo seem content to keep to themselves. Three to a group, they are not so easy to approach without being noticed. Their skill and love of water is clear, however, and it's not unusual to find them flapping about or swimming. Though they may flee to the water if you spook them. Brown The most skiddish of the Chocobo, they can be found throughout Etraya, though further away from anything occupied by people. They stick to groups of four, though they have a clear leader who sports blue and green feathers, but seemingly is not of the other two types. Should they catch sight or sound of someone approaching they are like to run off, or they might attempt to defend themselves. Red There seems to be only one of these running around. Highly aggressive to anyone who dares to approach it. Best to avoid it. Very likely to hurl comet-like balls of fire your way. Untamable. The birds all favor these strange cabbage looking plants that can be found out and about in the wilds of Etraya. Some proving a little overeager in their voracity to eat the leafy greens. One should be careful, with those large beaks of theirs. ⏵ Gift Hunt ⏴ It isn't only the birds that have shown up out of nowhere. Small to medium sized boxes, wrapped as if they should be under a tree, and maybe not hidden in a tree, have also appeared. For whatever reason (possibly the same reason eggs were given out over winter) there seems to be gifts hidden all over Etraya! Some in more difficult to find locations (in trees, on top of a roof, on snake island), while others look as though whoever "hid" it gave up halfway through and simply dropped it on the ground and put a leaf over it. For those who need a little extra help, well, certainly your fellow Etrayans could lend a hand, however there are also perfectly capable birds about for those still left wanting. Certainly that blue chocobo could assist with crossing the river to obtain that perfectly balanced gift on a rock! Or what about that green chocobo roosting in a tree not too far from that gift stuck in the branches because it has entirely too many ribbons? With that said, there might also be some dangers in trying to take one of the myriad gifts from a chocobo's nest, especially if there's a chick presently sleeping next to it. Perhaps befriending them would be a good idea first, besides, isn't friendship with a big bird the truest gift of all? On the tag of each and every gift box says the same thing: To: You Love: 💋 Each gift has a random assortment within. Some contain candy, others contain alcohol, make-up...maybe even a pair of socks, very perfunctory gifts with very little thought or feeling put into them. However, there is at least one gift that is personally relevant to each character in Etraya. This item will be the equivalent of a 5 point AC reward, and does not have to be found by the person it is intended for. What better way to break the ice than to give someone their gift which you opened! ⏵ NOTES ⏴ Welcome to Etraya newcomers and happy spring to everyone! It appears that someone is trying to correct her previous mistake of handing out eggs during the winter holidays, and now there's a hunt for gifts accompanied by a bunch of lovely birds to help out! Some notes in regard to Chocobos: -Each color can be tamed except for the red one, he's a free spirit. Should someone wish to harm or attack this chocobo, let us mods know. There is only one of him, after all. -The others will just take various amounts of work to win over, however, but they are loving and cute companions for those who are willing to put in the effort! And who knows, maybe more colors could arise with time and patience... -Feel free to pull from all the designs of chocobos throughout the Final Fantasy series. If you fancy FFXII's, for example, there are some that look like that. Variety is the spice of life! Concerning the personal item, be sure to plot out and get permission when finding someone else's item. This is meant to encourage possible new CR and mingling, but the choice of the item should ultimately be within the hands of the player who is receiving it. If you are uncertain if your item is appropriate for the reward cost, feel free to ask here! 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⏴

Comments

[welcome_summer]

[Mayuko was going to bring the pair of green chocobos she's been working on some treats, but if they're part of the group being naughty, that's not happening!

She sets her satchel aside and... well, they are green chocobos. They like trees. So Mayuko will just cut a switch from the tree. She doesn't want to have to actually give a swat with it. Just punctuate her commands and gestures with something that swooshes.

With switch in hand, she advances noisily, implacably. Big gestures and a bigger voice.]

OIIIIIII, birds!! Get out of here, shoo!

[She's not angry; she wants to be sure the chocobos know she's coming and Not Happy with Them. She goes straight up to Gorgug if the birds get out of the way.]

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ The other man’s calm tone sets Dimitri at ease- he doesn’t sound like a threat, nor does he look like he could pose much of one. Dimitri doesn’t like thinking in those terms, but the last few months have been very pressing and he still isn’t sleeping well. ]

Oh? Is that so? [ he tilts his head- This is something else he hasn’t much thought of- years of being kept prisoner away from the public has damaged his social upbringing ] Then how do you relate to the other seasons?

[ Dimitri is dodging being the center of discussion- it is second nature at this point. Most people aren’t interested in such things from him.

He doesn’t mind talking to the man, Dimitri had set out to get the lay of the land; to keep himself busy. His mind doesn’t do well with nothing to do. ]

[godsandbats]

[An interesting answer and Kirk almost wants to say if it was "meant to be." But sentimentality has a way of mucking up facts]

Have you worked as a forensic psychiatrist for long then?

[thelightshines]

[He doesn't know what the other is thinking. He doesn't care if they're pissed off at him. This bird cannot keep raining destruction everywhere, and the other has to make it back. That's all that matters. He gives the other a wary glance, their attention remain on striking the chocobo with projectiles. Were they not fighting a bird from hell, he'd make further observation of the other's spinning attack. For now, long as the other doesn't come at him, he needs to strike while the opportunity presents itself.

The bird gets pelted by pieces of meteor, disorientated. It swings it's leg to try and deflect back what it could. It eventually turns to see with it's good eye in the process, and they'll see the younger hedgehog speeding towards it. Favoring it's left side, it comes at him without fear, head rises to try and slam it's beak down onto him. He swings around to their blind side as their head comes down. Claws come out to try and kick him back.

Dropping to his knees, laying himself as flat as possible as he slides right underneath the leg, feeling their claws scrapping his quills as he passes. He grabs hold of their other leg instead, effectively pulling it off it's feet. As the bird slips, the claws from the other foot catches his back. He'll bare it, especially if it keeps the bird off it's feet.]

[oblige]

[ Focused as he is on patching up the chocobo's injured wing, Dion does pause when something bumps into him. He pauses, glancing down at the greens, then toward the other chocobo. Perhaps something for its wounded friend? It's what Dion assumes, taking a moment to place the leafy vegetables in front of his impromptu patient.

The chocobo kwehs softly, eating just as slowly as before. At least it does have the will to eat. He'd be all the more concerned were it not the case. Simple shock could result in that behavior, though it could as easily be a failure to notice some other hurt on his part. From his assessment it is the wing alone.

Once he finishes bandaging the wing, Dion inspects his handiwork. He's no physicker, but it should hold. He gently pats the chocobo's head, staying well away from the injury now that it's been tended to. ]

It shall need redressing, but that should do for now.

[ This time he isn't entirely sure whether his explanation to more for the bird's sake or his own. He needn't try to soothe the chocobo now that its wound won't be tampered with for the time being, but he will need to check in on it and keep the wound clean for it to heal properly. ]

[godsandbats]

Kirk's enhanced sense of smell catches Silver's scent as the hedgehog approached him. It's nothing like Kirk has smelled before.

"Stray presents. All found in high places," Kirk replies in his usual monotone fashion. "I'm leaving them here so they can be found more easily."

Despite his tone and neutral expression underneath his goggles and helmet, Kirk is mildly curious about Silver. He doesn't recognize Silver's species and rarely does he meet anyone who can fly like him, whether it be in Etraya or back on his Earth.

gift hunt;

[laserguy]

[...Is that another hedgehog up there? Except obviously not Shadow and Scott can't help but stare up as she jumps down from branch to branch with complete ease, before landing on the ground with a flourish. Okay, impressive, he'll admit that. He didn't realize how common talking space animals are, especially the size of three feet or so, but he's on board with it. He's mostly had good interactions with them so far.]

Nice landing. [The teen compliments, smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The reason why she was up on that tree is made clear too; she wanted to grab that present and open it. Though... guess it was only another disappointment for her. He looks at the contents after her offer, shaking his head when he sees the comb in there.]

Nah, but I already got my present earlier. [There's a pair of sort of cheap headsets wrapped around his neck, which connects to an old school original Walkman that's attached at his hip.]

[thelightshines]

[He hasn't left the hospital yet for....reasons. So no, but he did get high enough to get a better view of this city.]

The city doesn't seem as populated the further south you go. [If they were looking for a place to "be forgot".]

[oblige]

[ Dion understood entirely, at least in his own way. Whether others would require it of him or not, he always repaid them. The sense of lingering debt remained with him until he was satisfied that he had managed some suitable form of repayment. For some things, he felt he could not do enough, but he always tried.

On the other hand, Dion never felt all that pressed about what others should do for him. Still, he thought he understood the sentiment. ]

I'd never refuse tea.

[ He gently urged the chocobo forward using his heels and the bird followed Inara's lead at an unhurried pace until it reached the water. Then it jumped in with all the grace of an overeager child, dousing the both of them. ]

Well. [ Dion began, wicking water from his face with an open palm. ] I suppose I was to be wet either way.

[oblige]

[ Dion's first response is to point out the box nestled in the grass, right in the midst of the chocobos. The birds themselves seem to pay it no mind, despite the brightly-colored ribbon the package is crowned with. ]

That box there. I've been looking for someone, but it seemed well enough to recover errant gifts at the same time.

[ If Dion's roaming hither and yon anyway, he might as well help get stray items to the right hands. So he reasons, watching the birds mill about the package as though it wasn't there at all. ]

The trouble is, these groups can easily be startled. Though they pose little threat, I'd be loath to harm them for defending themselves.

[rudelanguage]

Mn.

[they hesitate. they'll need to be outside to get a north-south bearing, and outside is full of giant birds of dubious intent.

...at least at this entrance. and exploring inside means more of those creepy servants.]

Guess...I'll figure it out. [Like I have any fucking choice! Guess I gotta fuckin' take my chances with the bird shit. they exhale heavily through their nose, squaring their shoulders, and lightly tapping the heel of their boot to the other. doing so seems to trigger...something; they vibrate oddly in place while opening the door.

then they schmoove. nyoom. but not like...sonic-nyoom. like clear-a-few-yards-in-a-step nyoom. casual walk nyoom.]

[lordfuckleroy]

I am none too fond of rooiboos myself, it appears that it is an 'acquired' taste-- my preference is Earl Grey, but I also have a fondness for Green Tea, it is an earthy tea as well, but it is also very tranquil, add a bit of mint and it is lovely.

[ He steps up to the counter and orders himself a cup of earl grey. ] Earl Grey has a bit of orange to it, the herb is called bermagot... I wish I could describe the taste but it is almost impossible; you have to taste it to truly understand.

[ And he found that he had made perhaps an impromptu friend in this place, of which he had a sad lack of them ] Perhaps you would like to have tea together? In my country, it is a time-honoured tradition.

gift hunt b;

[laserguy]

[Yeah, he's mostly just been sitting around and opening the gift boxes without any real thought. It's basically what they want them to do-- although who put all these presents around this city is definitely something that gives Scott some pause. It's strange, right? Almost like Santa Claus tripped in the air or something and spilled all of his presents here.

He knows that's not the case, but. Weird. Still doesn't stop him from opening the box in his hands, half stuck in his thoughts and half focused on opening it, that he doesn't notice Octavia until she speaks.]

Shit-- where did you come from? [He exclaims, obviously startled and maybe a little peeved, though he gets over it soon enough.] But I got...

[He stares down at his box.] Gummy worms.

[Well, okay.]

[limiterrings]

[ very briefly the hedgehog glances over at this stranger's "work". from what he used and how he cleaned the feathers, the hedgehog knows it'll be fine. within the ark, he was a cure, he understands medicines and the body, he can tell when something is failing. there are signs when you watch over a sick girl with an incurable diseases.

it'll be fine. the wound was meant to cripple, but someone managed to tend to it before it could get worse.

his eyes return to what's in front of him, that one chocobo that's turning around to disappear within the bushes. as skittish and strange as these creatures tend to be, why do they keep coming? it doesn't make any sense. is it because of what that person had said... that they sense pain, or something of that likeness.

if that is true, then maybe the hedgehog should go to give them space. if he is hurting, if he is... in pain, then no more will come through. it sounds like a plan to him as he finally removes himself from the tree, a thin limb cracks underneath his step as he closes the distance between him and the bush.

... ]

It'll survive.

[ it's as much as the hedgehog offers to the stranger and the bird, from what he's seen, medically it didn't need much. just a human or adjacent to one's touch. ]

[fireboost]

...

[ to be honest, this is a lot harder than sonic makes it look. no matter how she shouted for him to leave, slapped his hand away, and even attacked him, he never seemed to waver. for blaze, however, rejection by those she hopes to know is all too familiar a friend. is she in over her head?

she breathes a sigh, her gaze returning to the bird with a smile still on her lips. this time, her words are addressed to it. ]

You're brave, I see. Do not worry, I will not harm any of your flock.

[ and to demonstrate, she'll clasp her hands behind her back, slowly taking a step back—stepping down. ]

[limiterrings]

[ excellent precision with every hit against the pieces of meteor that's part of the ground, it gets thrown back in the direction of both the chocobo and the other shadow. one after the other, he wastes no time in trying to snipe the bird from a distance. even if some may hit the other hedgehog, that isn't the problem here, he may be aware to guide the bird as a meat shield to deflect some of the attacks.

as soon as each broken piece is used, the older hedgehog revs up on the ground, shooting off towards both of them to spindash right into the chest of the bird. ]

[limiterrings]

[ now when shadow thought the other would find something interesting like a USB or a way to tap into the bot so that it can give them information on aurora in general, he's given a tiny lens.

...

the hedgehog's ears twitch just a bit, eyes closing as he tries to keep his calm, don't tell him he's wasted his time. then again, is it a waste when it's someone else's excellent find, they seem to be interested in just this piece. ]

...

[ as quiet as he is, the hedgehog's spear flickers away, energy no longer used to make a weapon and instead looks at what's left on the ground then to the other. ]

You'll need it.

[ he expected that the other would be able to find data, but if their knowledge is dated, then it's something they'll have to learn. ]

Take one and try to understand the body inside and out. It'll work to your advantage.

[limiterrings]

[ "running around blind" what's blind about a city that's supposed to be their home world now, and why would they have a map.

his ear flicks, the device there. ]

Does it not show you?

[definecat]

"And I'm supposed to just open it the way I did all these other boxes? I didn't think anyone would really mind if their new rubber ducky underoos got a little dirty."

But this is their present. Which makes them both intensely curious and cautious.

"Why don't you use those handy thumbs and open it for me?"

[definecat]

"Around that. Maybe a little closer to crow level. They can assess dangers pretty well," Sleeper agrees. "And I was just getting acquainted with this nice lady. I don't plan on keeping her as a host, though. I much prefer the solo life."

So, no, they haven't run yet.

"Would you like to join us for a run?" It only seems polite to ask. Maybe Mayu can get over whatever is bugging her with a little proximity.

ChocoBirbs of a feather

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ That. Dagger. That. Dagger. That. Dagger. Those are the only words going through his mind, coming to him with each step he takes as he trudges out of the woods and onto the hill. If Dimitri didn’t keep it to those two words he knows his mind would shift it to repeat ‘kill her’ instead, then spiral out from there.

Once the halberd swings into his path however, Dimitri snaps to attention jumping back as his hand reaches behind him to grab hold of his lance. His expression makes it look like he is about to growl—

Only to realize the weapon outstretched before him wasn’t an attack. Dimitri’s face clears into one of pained confusion as his hand leaves his lance to instead grab his head, holding the ache there. With his mind swimming a little it processes the words the other- Dion- has said. ]

Oh, I… [ He glances from Dion to the large birds, then back. ] I see… You have my apologies for intruding.

[restingstitchface]

[Crane angles his head. There are times to keep quiet, but there are times to share. He knows few people - hardly any - have his career at his age. Have taught at a prestigious university from an even earlier age.]

A couple of years, at least. I've been Chief of Psychiatry at Arkham almost three, now.

[Say whatever you like about Arkham, he is proud of his accomplishments.]

[levelshift]

[Accelerator is feeling a little skeptical after hearing that answer. He frowns, watching him walk away.

He isn't really the type to follow after someone, but he decides he should hang around the hospital just in case. He'll check on Aurora in a bit, for now he heads into the supply room to see why the hell that guy was going in there.]

[imperatour]

Hold it out the window if you're worried then.

[ She thinks she'd hear more explosions around the city if that were the case. These things are everywhere. She curls her small package into her side and sits on the couch, box in her lap. There's an art to doing things one handed, including opening gifts. Her fingers pinch the end of a ribbon, untying the bow smoothly. ]

This is like—

[ She pauses, snapping her fingers searching for the word. Shit the History Man told her about it once. She scrapes her mind for it, eyes narrowed as she searches. ]

Xmas. Right?

[ Yes, that's it, the apparent actual name of the holiday lost to her. Dementus had been trying on a new role, a play at something adjacent to fatherly, telling her if she was nice and well behaved and not quite so damn naughty and always trying to run off all the time, a fat man in a suit would bring her gifts. Furiosa, as always, looked back silently with unrelenting eyes filled with hate.

Later in the evening the History Man had regaled her with some fantastical story she only half listened to about the exchange of gifts and a time of family togetherness.

Doesn't matter. She resumes opening her gift, hand grasping the lid of the box as she pulls it open.

Her expression pulls tightly. First into confusion, then a well of something deep and forlorn. She closes the box. ]

Not explosives.

[definecat]

"To be honest, cats don't normally talk where I'm from, either. I'm just unique like that. And I'm not even the weirdest thing to come out of New York City."

They love being a New Yorker. Even if they aren't the typical one.

"I'm a very good hunter. When I choose to be. Is that the kind of power you mean?" Sorry, Henry, they're probably not going to enlighten you too much.