etrayalogs | APRIL MINGLE

APRIL MINGLE

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⏴

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Clearly his fluffiness is why the chocobos hang around him. One of his ears twitch when Fio settles on a nickname for him.]

It's Shadow. [He's not having any of that, like the other with his face did for some reason. He pushes one of the birds that get too close. They flap their wings, startled as they're forced aside. He stands at the lake's edge, seeing a herd of blue chocobos on the opposite shoreline, among a patch of white flowers. Can he go somewhere without all these damn birds?

...Why was this girl even brought here? Thinking about it, she looks far too young. Younger than Maria even? Nothing so far indicates she could handle any potential dangers this place could present. How long have they been here...?

The two birds with Fio chirp curiously, heads tilting as the girl talks to them. The leader lowers their head for a closer look. This girl seems fine, Shadow didn't do anything. Did she also mention greens...? Their head remains lower, inviting the girl to pet if they so choose.]

[His ears twitch at the sound of movement from the other. Whatever they do that doesn't involve coming at him, he doesn't care. He doesn't like that they're here though. Puts him on edge, even when the other is seemingly leaving him alone. He doesn't trust that.

...They looked tired. Or was he imagining it?

Shaking his head. Who cares. He glances at the birds behind him, to the tree he saw the other perched himself in. He groans under his breath. What is he supposed to do now? As if one of them could sense his uneasiness, one of the chocobo comes over to check on him. He instinctively pushes their beak away without looking.

He starts to walk away from the area, the birds following after. Their chirps becoming distant. It seem like the older hedgehog finally had some peace.

That is, until the younger suddenly appears in the same tree as the other, gripping onto a branch above them. Pardon has he invites himself, because he doesn't like that you're here. Being this close, he visibly looks a little disheveled himself. Maybe it's from all the rolling around, but there are patches of dirt and uneven fur, some of his quills sticking out in places. Eyes were focused on them, but visibly tired. There was some redness and puffness around his eyes, signs of ongoing troubled rest.]

Is that what it looks like to you?

[ perceptive, but the hedgehog shouldn't be surprised given how the other was at the last world. that weird storm of energy that was around him when investigating why his body were experiencing changes.

...

shadow doesn't know what that was, but if they're exchanging information like this.

he won't leave the question hanging. ]

To secure your scarf, I used teleportation and my speed.

[ the easiest way to keep it out of reach of the bird, but it did mean taking a different route so they wouldn't notice a faint breeze brush past them, revealing that he had taken the direction. ]

I saw no other way to get it back unless attacking it.

[ peace, it's not something he's afforded often, but it still doesn't comfortably sit well with him. his body is still tense, he's unable to relax, his eyes close then open after moments because he's not able to rest. after his constant search which led him to finding no one, all energy that was once there has depleted instantly.

needing to do anything at all that isn't thinking isn't worth it.

...

and then they appear.

figures, territorial, is he? when he thought he knew how to keep his distance, he's managed to come here anyway. a poor attempt of telling him to fuck off or keeping his enemies closer to ensure he isn't the one struck if shadow changes his mind all of a sudden. ]

What do you want?

[ unlike the look in his eyes, his voice remains strong, very little change in cadence. it's questioning, wary, not sure what to make of the other, but acknowledgement all the same.

with how the other looks, his fur disheveled and a mess, he's been in this forest with these birds since they got here. perfect place to stay out of the way, shadow won't say it though, not with that burning look in the other's eyes. is it anger or wear? the pieces of dirt that trickle off the other when he moves do briefly hit at shadow, bouncing off him in time, but aside from that he can tell the other has been moving around. ]

I have nothing for you.

[there's a thirty-second standoff where Knife does nothing but stare at this pathetic beast, but then they shoot their sour look toward Shadow, who Knife assumes is the true ringleader of this little circus.]

What's the big idea?

[Give him strength, whatever deity is up there. Actually, no, scratch that, because all of this is probably a result of some asshole god.]

Fine, geez. Since I arrived in this hospital? Only saw a couple of girls with blonde hair. Both in their late teens? Early 20s?

[He thinks it was blonde at any rate. A different kind of red? It's just so hard, he's been color blind like this for not long. Adjusting to Earth with his new vision was difficult enough and now he's somewhere entirely new.] But I wasn't looking and memorizing who has blonde hair either-- and no I didn't memorize their eyes. So maybe she's already arrived or will arrive later.

[...] Are you going to tell me anything about her at all? Is she important to the other Shadow too?

[He sure just made a lot of assumptions right there.]

[Curiously, he looks down at the cabbages stored in the satchel and the answer's clear enough. Food that chocobos prefer but... this still isn't enough. This guy really is cautious about these giant ass birds, but it almost feels like they're running out of options. Too bad he doesn't have telekinesis or something to lift the giftbox, but he has a feeling that might also spook the birds too.

So, the teen leans his cheek against an open palm, one eyebrow arched at Dion]

Got any plan whatsoever? [...Is he really volunteering to help if he can? Maybe. Whatever. It can be his good deed of the day.] So we all go home happy?

You have very pretty hair.

[It was important to get it right. She really doesn't find her own hair all that interesting, but that's what the pink hair strip is for; Jinx helped her make it a little more special, you see.]

... I could draw more. On paper you can carry.

But... I don't think they'll let anyone take that home either.

[She frowns, looking a little sad about that fact.]

[ knife thinking shadow has anything to do with any of this is their first mistake.

of course, he doesn't say anything when the other speaks. he's only watching for the outcome.

the bird stands up, trotting over, and is definitely going to try and pick-pocket the other for those leafy greens. it'll gain some experience along the way. ]

[... It's always good to run into someone who is calm and collected, considering some people are generally pretty worked up about waking up to some AI telling them their world's survival rests on their shoulders.]

Were you not on solid ground before?

[It would be an unusual situation to be sure.

... But hardly impossible.]

[She nods.]

... I was there. I've been here a while. [In Etraya, that is. Though she'd technically had a break for a few months, but that's another thing altogether.] Missions are strange, but it keeps people busy. I think some people have a hard time sitting still for too long.

[She could go with or without them, really.]

Edited 2025-05-02 20:02 (UTC)

[Crane mulls everything inside his mind, maintaining his calm and collected demeanour. Deflection is a behavioural response and naturally a waste of time. He has observed such conduct in his work, controlling lowlifes with large egos.

He bows his head and closes his eyes; a thoughtful gesture.]

I see. He simply stopped... being around?

[Nobody did anything?]

[ The birds become alerted to the noise, much louder than the noise that Gorgug's making. The one closest to her takes a step back, and while being loud and intimidating is making them wary, but also: they must protect their weird green son they're trying to preen!

So while they turn themselves away from Gorgug to face Mayuko, they seem to be snapping their beaks in a warning motion themselves. Waark! ]

M-Mayuko? [ At least Gorgug is able to pay attention to his surroundings now, his head popping up from under his hands. ] H-how about I run! I bet I can outrun them!

[ Gorgug has never taken Chocobo 101... ]

[His book is switched between one arm and another.]

Not at all. It was a rather chaotic situation, wasn't it? Compared to this place.

[One of the positives of the world treating you as an outsider is indifference for its welfare. Home to many is friends and family, but he has long existed without either. It all begs a question: if people are everywhere he goes, and he can continue his work, does he even need to defend his home?

Perhaps the person he needs to fight for is himself.]

So I don't have to be afraid of all this shit constantly. [Jason looks up the stranger, realizing only belatedly that he shouldn't be spilling his guts like this.]

Nevermind, you wouldn't get it.

Edited 2025-05-02 20:31 (UTC)

Can't you be the one cool person who lets this shit slide?

[Looking deeply unimpressed.]

[ it's a slow process, it's not anything shadow does on his own when it comes to understanding this earpiece. hell, his name is still "[default], and that goes to show he hasn't tried this thing at all. rouge would probably break it down for him to make the recon mission better, but this has no uses for him aside from nuisances calling him.

but he's more focused on hearing what this human has to say more than anything, if any information relates to her. his movements are slow regarding the earpiece, but his reflexes everywhere else are fast. from 0 to 100, the hedgehog growls in annoyance from the other's question, and a green spear of energy instantly manifests in his gloved hand, and the tip of it is at the center of the other's neck. ]

Stay on topic.

[ sensitive question as it is, he knows where her feelings are, he's seen it. shadow is witness to how much his world maria cares for the shadow of another world. he doesn't need to hear it from anyone else as he's seen the way the other hedgehog has looked at her. she may not be their maria.

when he has to think about it, the chances of both of them gone, his own maria may be with the other. it's not jealousy, it's what went wrong, why are neither of them here? knowing maria, she wouldn't leave the other alone, she would make the choice to save him, prevent him from harm or make sure he doesn't have to go alone.

the energy around his spear grows erratic, popping faster and the other can almost feel the burn against his skin. ]

What does that have to do with anything I've asked you?

[ someone's cranky! ]

[Crane looks unmoved, indifferent to everything he's heard about the pathetic situation. What sort of psychiatrist would let this teenager weedle under his skin?]

Correct. [He softly presses his lips together, thoughtful.] I know your situation is your own. But perhaps it might strike you that I understand more than most.

[That he has endured circumstances equally severe.]

Are you saying that I smell like a bird? Thanks.

[He gives An Zhe a slight look at that comment. Although, he can't stop himself from bringing his hand up to sniff at it, as if double checking he doesn't smell like bird suddenly. What do birds smell like anyway? Probably something bad-- and he doesn't think he gives off any particular odor. ...Hopefully.

He's almost tempted to ask him if he smells bad, but no. Some dignity here.] But it's fine, I think. As long as it doesn't start eating my hair, then whatever.

[Although, the chocobo is now looking at An Zhe with some interest... it temporarily leaves Scott to trek closer to the other teen, large eyes focusing on him.]

[ wow, she almost expected it to fall—she had a plan in place in case it did, but perhaps she was worrying too much for it. a clever and talented bird. that's what she decides as she pats it on the neck for a job well done. ]

Very good. Now, you saw where he went, yes?

[ at least, she guesses that's what they're doing now. ]

Yeah? Like how? [Jason looks a little candidly surprised despite trying to school his expression.]

[ of course, the bird is going to start trotting along next to blaze as they take the same path that shadow did. they don't need to see, they only need to smell him, and once they find him in a certain alleyway, they'll find a crater in the center of the path, and shadow standing in the middle of it.

there's a few bolts here and there, but nothing too worrisome as though it's been cleaned up. ]

[ even if nobody's around, it's still a good habit to get into to be quiet in the library. for now, blaze looks somewhat amused with fio's enthusiastic compliance, gesturing for fio to come closer—sit at the table perhaps. it seems like they might have some catching up to do. ]

I have. They're smart, aren't they?

[ that was her first observation, at least. one that might have even be the cause for a certain birdie waiting just outside the library. but that's beside the point. for now, they're inside the library, and blaze has her attention focused on fio. ]

I see you've gotten some new clothes too—that's good.

[ she looks a little different from before, but most importantly—she seems relatively safe and happy. ]

[ Who wouldn't want to pet the giant, colorful chickens? It's a completely valid, reasonable desire in her mind. ]

Of course! The dojo I live in is actually open to the public, so- People are free to come over whenever. [ Not many people had taken her up on the offer yet, actually, but that was fine. She hoped that eventually there'd be more interest. ]

I'd be happy to answer any questions though! Can't promise I know all the answers, but I can try to help it seem less overwhelming if possible.

[ Dimitri has also struck out today with exercise on the mind. His forehead glistens with sweat as he’s been jogging around Etraya for a few hours now. He did this in his usual uniform and armor ensemble despite the Garreg Mach buildings having their exercise attire within and accessible . Dimitri didn’t run around the mountains in full platemail as a child just to slack off now, thank you very much.

His mind has been getting distracted and he’d been picking up speed when he hears the voice call out causing him to come to a skidding halt. Once his eyes alight on the fellow blonde, and the blue birds to which he speaks of, Dimitri smiles a little sheepishly and calls out an answer in response. ]

Apologies! I hadn’t known my path would take me so close to the water.

[ Picking his way closer Dimitri moves forward with more care than displayed previously. Quiet and slow with no exaggerated movements. He wants a closer look at the birds upon the water. ]

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APRIL MINGLE

That too cute ;; I feel bad if you took some time to think it, cause this fool is not having it ffff

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Birds are Warking