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

[manifesthope]

Yeah!! Here I'll show you.

[A shimmering cyan aura appeared around the hedgehog's body as Silver used his psychokinesis to lift himself into the air and hover. He didn't rise into the trees just yet, not wanting to startle the (so far) friendly birds and possibly risk the fellow in the tree.] I'm a psychokinetic. I can use my mind to move stuff. Including us!

I'm Silver by the way, what's your name?

[welcome_summer]

It could be their camouflage, although that raises the question of what in their home is big enough to hunt them.

[Mayuko looks from Vander to the assorted chocobos. With the greens at hand, there should be some proverbial nibbles at the bait. Is it Vander's height that's intimidating them, she wonders. They would view it as protection once they trusted him; for the moment it could be making them wary.

She steps up to Vander's side, reaches into her bag to tear some gysahl leaves free, and tosses them ahead. One close to the two of them, one closer to the birds. Maybe they'll notice Vander has a handful waiting for them if they investigate this first??]

Oh, with these cabbages around, it's only a matter of time before we see tame birds trailing after people. Training them to rider or cart, especially doing it with care, will take more effort.

[manifesthope]

"Huh. That's strange." Not at all what he expected either. Eggs that hatched creatures that wouldn't normally be in eggs? A store that got people to wear clothing of a certain aesthetic? He looked over at the tall pale costumed human when they finished arranging the gifts and stood.

"What about these missions? What do you think of those? Has there been any patterns to them that has stuck out to you at all?" He had only been told very little by Aurora and so figured asking others who had been here longer might reveal more information.

[sabigoe]

[ She is enjoying her time, being able to make new friends and learning something new everyday. Part of it is mostly she's not sure what else she can do in their situation, even though she desperately wants to do something that would prevent the destruction of their worlds...

"Quite kind"... Fio is picturing the annoyed look across the hedgehog's face. But she would agree. He is also scary, unpleasant, and grumpy! She could say more about "Darkie", but Blaze draws her attention over to her tailcoat.

Funny that the gift box they found didn't land anywhere near Blaze. The cape would suit the purple cat far more, she thinks. Especially someone of royalty. The fabric feels like a large upgrade from anything she's ever worn. It seems... expensive? Nothing Fio or her family would have been able to afford in her lifetime. Now she has pricy hair clips and a possibly pricy cape... ]

Oh. You're right... the pink part is the same! [ She slides down from her seat. Her arms sway, giving the cape a little swish. ] Do you think it looks okay on me?

[sabigoe]

[ This time, she doesn't drift back to sleep. The pages didn't make for a good pillow, but she senses the shift underneath, when she feels her face lowered upon the fuzzy carpet floor. It does take a few minutes of lying perfectly still, before she finally decides to move her entire body.

Her hand remains lightly clinging to the warmth nearby. Is there someone next to her? She thinks about Levania, who she misses the most of all... but the monster doesn't have human hands. Her adoptive mother and father. They stopped holding her hand a long time ago. Lars? Blaze? Both had allowed her to hold their hands back on the alien planet. For such small gestures, that made her feel very happy...

Very slowly, Fio sits up. Blinking, she scrubs at her eye with a free hand. Her hair is unkempt and there's a bit of warm drool left dangling from the edge of her mouth. ]

Hm? You're...?

[ The person with her is an unfamiliar face.

Her brows lift slightly, too much in a daze to fully express surprise. Drowsy eyes drift over to the book that had been pulled away, then over to the numerous picture books sitting in a nearby stack. She remembers now. This is the library in a place called Etraya. ]

... ... ...

Mister Librarian?

[ That's the best guess she can make. ]

i just remembered some canon bs and that would actually make her cry LOL. so if u want to be evil...

[sabigoe]

...

[ Momentarily silent, only looking back at him with a sad frown. It's highly unlikely she'll ever give him the "okay" that she'll stop being concerned about him. No matter what he says. How can she not, especially with that exhausted stare. And with how... lonely he always seems to be, the type that just pushes others away. ]

...Well, let's take a look at what's inside this of box together, Darkie.

[ Fio speaks after a lengthy pause. Obviously, she has something to say about his change of plans. Like wanting to help him and all. For now, she switches the subject for his sake, hoping it is a welcome distraction. And honestly, she is curious about the gift. ] It could be something important to you.

[ Once they both identify what's inside, they can determine who the actual owner is. She carefully removes the ribbon and lifts the lid. ]

[welcome_summer]

Oh, no, they're cute... Mayuko thought, before the first issue came to mind. Where along the back of the Sleeper-bo to sit? As much as she trusted them to not hit her legs if she settled them beneath the wings, she got the feeling her legs would still be in the way somehow.

Sitting a little further up, with her legs in front of the wings, seemed like it would work better. She lays her hands on the back of the chocobo, smoothing the feathers as she tries to imagine how to mount up.

"I might need you to crouch a little... or go near a step, please. I can't boost myself up from the ground."

She needs to work on her noodle arms!

[welcome_summer]

They can't all be champagne and roses in there. And I'll have you know we had a fully stocked Arts and Crafts cabin, thank you very much! Bet there were plenty of bracelets made in there....

[She lifts the bracelet to examine it closer. The cat sniffs it, then scrabbles his hind paws up to get onto the table proper to, of course, check the box. With the cat off of her lap, Mayu can lean forward.]

The cloth feels nice, at least. Not scratchy. It just looks coarse. But we still have the bigger box and your own to open!

[welcome_summer]

Believe me, I'm no chocobo hunter. But I can only speak for myself.

What did it do when you found it?

[ambitiousblond]

They are very friendly, don't worry.

[As for biting, Rufus has a small scar between his thumb and index finger that answers that question from one biting when he was a child, but sometimes the best lessons are learned from experience.

Thankfully, Cloud Jr had decided they were friends and hadn't nipped at him. This stranger may not not be as lucky, Rufus doesn't know a lot about chocobos honestly so this will be interesting at least.]

Reach your hand out, slowly. They don't like sudden movements.

[sabigoe]

[ It was only supposed to be a quick offering of greens and after that, she would follow after Shadow... whether he likes it or not. There's two chocobos, so she should try to evenly split the food, she thinks. Sharing is caring.

Within seconds of pulling out the ball of greens, the pair of birds start making a commotion. ]

Oh! U-uh... birdies, calm down please!

[ She pleads, expecting a couple of wild birds to understand. The chocobos push at each other, all while getting dangerously close to the small girl. Even when she does try to step back, it's not quite far enough to avoid the two excited birds. So very easily, Fio just gets pushed over and drops the greens... ]

[welcome_summer]

[Whose mother hen energy will reign supreme?! Mayuko's trying to act as a dominant hen catching the flock messing around with a lower-ranked companion, if not a chick. There don't seem to be injuries on Gorgug? Which is good. But that was still some unwelcomed touching on the chocobos' part.

She stops, still swishing her branch. Her own body language does not invite approach at this juncture. First with Fio and then Gorgug... she hasn't this much trouble with the yellows. Just the greens.]

They run as fast as horses. The first step is to just get out of the circle--try moving at the one that backed up. Take some deep breaths. Stand big and tall, hold your hands up a little bit and start waving, or like patting the air. Don't hit it. If it doesn't move, start stretching bigger. We'll see if it walks further back. Understand?

[She also wants to see what the other birds do. The target seems the most biddable of the lot, to Mayuko.]

[pricklybloom]

That's... really weird.

[ She's really glad she wasn't here for something like that. ]

Oh wow, the Ice Age? All this must have been really shocking to you, huh?

oh my gosh, the research...!

[oblige]

[ Dion has decidedly not seen a beverage capped with pink foam before. He looks it over curiously before taking a furtive sip.

His brow furrows as he considers how best to describe the experience. ]

This brings to mind dessert rather than tea, and yet...

[ It clearly is tea, but Dion has never before had something quite this sweet in beverage form. A curiosity, to say the least. ]

[bigpoofymammoth]

Yeah, I'd never thought that I'd be caught up in all this. And yet here I am, talking with people who are not only from vastly different worlds, but also different points in time.

[batsymbol]

( He doesn't respond to that — keeps his eyes fixed on the road as they make a turn. After a moment, he does think to ask then: )

How long were you with him?

[limiterrings]

[ he is not surprised, he didn't know the other's circumstances. shadow faces what's before him like everything else, he remains suspicious and wary, but to meet someone with his face? how is he to trust that, he knew what he knew, but not what the other knew. how he saw things? that didn't matter to shadow, but he knows that he didn't give the other a chance to strike.

he didn't give the other a chance to even attempt.

shadow's good at that, cutting off advances, backing individuals into a corner, looking down on them. he knows actually what he did to the other. ]

I didn't trust you.

[ how could he? he's not asking for forgiveness, why would he do that when he knows what he did? ] I didn't know who "you" were, I knew what I thought of you.

[ he still doesn't know who they are, but one thing's for certain. ]

From her perspective, this isn't you either.

[ and how is he to know who "they" are? not his place at this point anymore, the amount of attempts to get rid of him has been met with realization or interruption.

they learn what they see, but they fail upon execution and try again. ]

Tch. Show me who you are. I'm not moving.

[ the unfortunate fate that he too has taken part in once before, but not like this. those replicas didn't feel pain, didn't bleed, nor could relate to him. this hedgehog won't be able to find himself out unless he can clear this fog before his eyes.

a hand comes to his own chest as he stands properly. ]

Again, I am your target.

[limiterrings]

[ don't worry, it was absolutely his doing. ]

To check how this city recovers. If the robots assist or if it fixes itself.

[ trying to learn his surroundings at best, but as he walks out of the crater with the chocobo following him.

he can hear the way it clicks it's beak, as if it wants to bite him again. ]

That's all.

[ when it comes to bite down, he doesn't push away at its face. ]

[shadowsincryo]

[He watches her for a moment. She seems as upset about the gift boxes as he is. Then he nods and guides her around the corner and up to the top of an apartment complex.

His apartment faces the sunrise. He fishes out his keys and gets the lock open. Inside the drapes are left hanging keeping the place in a comfortable gloom. But the moment the door shuts, he sets the box down and turns to her.] You don’t have to set yours down if you don’t want to.

But, I think you could do with some tea. Yes?

[His apartment tells a story he wouldn’t let just anyone see. It is furnished just as much as it needs to be and nothing more. It doesn’t look lived in, just a place to sleep. A journal rests on a table. A stack of blank journals sits on the shelf.

It’s more an outpost than a place someone is calling a temporary home.]

[copsormasks]

[Oh that immediately sets Jason off. The moment Jason sees a hand coming forward in a pacifying gesture, Jason swings at the other Jason. The incoming punch is no holds barred, full strength.]

[copsormasks]

One year. Then he pawned me off on the Titans. And when they didn't want me after a year, I was back with Bruce for six months before he fired me.

[Which brings the total of two and a half superheroing years, one and a half with Bruce. He started with Bruce when he was sixteen.]

[godsandbats]

“The last two missions transported us to dying worlds with oppressive and collapsing societies,” Kirk replies. “Though based on past network posts, not all missions are like that. I suppose the only real possible pattern is we’re suppose to bond with each other.”

And something Kirk wasn’t particularly comfortable with.

[thelightshines]

[He doesn't understand why would they trust him when he hasn't done anything. Especially when he punched their leader.]

I've tried that. [They eventually find him. Which is honestly impressive when one thinks about it. He tries to move away when he starts to feel crowded. A fist raised when they clearly didn't understand personal space. That seem to be enough for them to back off, caught now between him and Blaze.]

[rudelanguage]

[the moment that thing starts moving around the table, so too does Knife, skirting around and then weaving through other tables toward the hallway Shadow stands in.

with a scowl:] Why'd you throw it at me? [what'd I ever do to you!?]

[rudelanguage]

[an eyelid twitches.] Why would I reach for it? That just gives it a chance to snap my fingers off. [this guy crazy? a sadist?!]