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

[hyphanated]

[Oh wow it's taller than he thought...he's already short enough as it is, at around 5'2 or something...

Still, he nods at the advice and continues to stay very, very still. Luckily he's good at that.]

Most of the creatures I'm used to wouldn't eat me, but I've never met one of these before, so... [You never know!!]

[thelightshines]

[There's a feeling of uneasiness as the other starts to follow him. Force of habit. Probably for the best that his senses aren't numb, even while they're not coming at him right this instant.

He surveys the area for a moment, seeing no one else but what wildlife is here and themselves. The other has started to...pull at some plants? The gesture puzzles the younger one. There's always a reason behind their actions he's learning, even if it doesn't make immediate sense. Can't imagine it's just to pick the flowers. Something of worth with whatever plant he's looking for...?

...Well pulling at plants isn't anything to keep an eye on, so he starts to head down to the lake. He'll keep pondering about it anyway while he starts to take his gloves off, getting ready to enter the lake. Cleaniness has unfortunately been neglected with everything that's been going on. So there's more than just blood that needs to get washed off. There's a sound of a splash as the younger one enters the water, his shoes and gloves on the shore to get cleaned afterwards. Left with only his inhibitor rings still attached to him.

It's cold. But the cold never bothered him. No different from being in the tank at times. But here, there's freedom for him to move around. He could see the surface, there is a way out for him no matter where he swims. One would think he was drowning himself with how long he stays under the water. But he'll eventually surface, further away from the shore. Despite his behavior in the locked room, he seem at home in the water. Shaking his fur, claws reaching up to brush through his quills. As he works at removing the grim and blood off, he could feel a few out of place quills that need to be picked or put back in place.]

birds of a feather/gift hunt

[cactusy]

Oops.

[It's a genuine response - Shaw hadn't meant to scare away the bird - but nevertheless, she doesn't seem that sorry about it, if her flat delivery is any indication. She follows Inara's gaze out to the stranded gift, and from there, it's not hard to put two and two together. She's only interacted with the Chocobos in passing (she likes the brown variety the best), but she's seen the way others have used them for treasure-hunting.]

You could swim out to get it, but personally, I wouldn't bother. All the ones I've found have been filled with junk.

gift-hunting

[cactusy]

Shaw is not one of the people he asks, but she does happen to be walking by when he does, and she slows to give the whole scene a baffled look: taking in the scattered gifts, the eager searchers, and the genteel teenage boy offering to help.

"I don't get it," she says. "Are you guys all really that excited about mismatched socks?"

birds of a feather

[cactusy]

[This may or may not have the intended effect from the chocobos, but it does earn him a quiet laugh - from Shaw, who's perched about twenty feet up a fire escape, watching the proceedings.]

I bet I can make them follow me instead. Wanna see?

birds of a feather

[cactusy]

[Shaw isn't currently partaking in the chocobo-feeding, but she's lurking nearby - and Vander is cool, so she approaches. She's no country girl, but animals are an everyday thing even in cities; it's funny to see the big, burly guy so off his game.]

I dunno, I think you could take 'em. What could they do, peck you to death?

[keepitgoing]

Yeah, the feathers are a no-go. And I don't wanna accidentally pull him off his head.

[That is a grisly concept, and Spider-Man looks properly stressed about the idea as he scrubs his head with his hands. But after a moment, he takes a deep breath and nods.]

Right. Digging is the best next thing!

[He looks around, looking unsure.]

I'm gonna have to start carrying around shovels.

[shoplifter]

[With a slight smile, she moves to crouch down and examine the space.]

I've only ever known one group...

It's strange, to be outside of it now.

[limiterrings]

[ during that time, and a little more. it's quiet, only the movement of water and the rustle of trees will fill their ears. and then there's an interruption of the waters surface as a hedgehog begins to skate along it towards the other.

in hand, there's roots, stems and pink petals crushed together in what seems to be a bowl of wood carved... from a tree? the other had enough time to do this, but there's nothing suggesting what tools he used to do that. with the amount of attention he placed on the plant, he must have had some idea of how it worked. he hovers above the surface of the water to place the bowl down, it floating in the water as the other hedgehog has started to clean themselves.

the water in this area is getting dirty, there's some stray fur that manages to float too. shadow doesn't say anything.

turning around, he begins to leave, not in the same pace he came in, but a little slower because there's no rush in case the other went back under.

...

if the younger hedgehog doesn't use what's in the bowl, he'll see it drift left and right, and as the water carries the bowl, it tilts, a little water slipping inside...

...

...

a few bubbly suds are to be seen. a mock-orange scent comes from the bowl, not too strong, but enough to tell it... has a more soap-like scent. ]

[definecat]

"Between chocolate and the local wildlife, it's not bad. I'm not going to sicken and die. Nor am I planning a murder spree in search of brains. Just because people come back from death here doesn't mean there are no consequences," Sleeper explains.

Their opinion is reasoned. An attempt to live reasonably within a civilized society without crossing too many lines. They aren't completely without resources thanks to their chemokinesis being able to bridge the gaps a little. As long as they have the right building blocks to start from.

"I should probably ask how your dietary issues are treating you? There are some tasty deer around here."

[laserguy]

[What's happening.

He half-expected Shadow to just leave him now, especially after the whole 'don't talk about this person ever again' despite being the person that brought her up in the first place. But no, he's telling him to come with him and just why. He doesn't want this, he just wants to go about on his own and not deal with this angry hedgehog again.]

What? Why? [He asks, though there's some level of wariness in his voice, rather than petulance. He knows that even though the spear is temporarily gone right now, it can instantly return and be pointed at his neck-- something that he'd want to avoid thank you very much.]

You just said that I'm useless. In fact, this is like the third time you said that to me.

gift hunt, b

[cactusy]

Ugly socks.

[Shaw says with clear distaste, as she looks down at the open box in her hand. They're cotton knee socks, one pair green with yellow polka dots and the other pair yellow with green stripes. They're very funky! And they are very much not Shaw's style. She holds out the box to Octavia.]

You want 'em?

[limiterrings]

On your own, when you listen I can find use.

[ because scott doing anything on his own so far like thinking just never works out, is this why so many creatures wanted to kill him? besides, the hedgehog is giving him a chance as long as he doesn't speak things he knows nothing of. despite him being curious, it's a sensitive subject.

...

maria. ]

I'm surprised you remember what I say to you.

[ does shadow get under the other's skin so much? almost like the other hedgehog, but shadow has a way with words that seem to stick. ]

Start moving.

[thelightshines]

[He visibly tenses by the sudden arrival of the other. Instinctively glaring up at them until they placed something down beside him.

...What is that?

There's a fragrant scent coming out of the makeshift wooden bowl. As the other turns to leave without a proper explanation, he's picking up to bowl to examine the contents. Is this all those plants they were gathering before? He tilts his head, dipping a wet claw into the substance. It's grainy to the touch. It starts to foam slightly as he moves it between his fingers, the pleasant smell getting stronger. He blinks, realizing he seen this phenomena before. It's soap?

He stares in bewilderment at the substance in the bowl. As if it would tell all it's secrets. How did the other make this? He scoops up a little more in his hands, rubbing it around. He's put soap in his hands before, but the humans would normally handle his cleaning. So now...he lifts his hands and presses them against his quills? In a circlur motion, bigger movements once he understood the assignment. Like he seens humans do it on those shows. The pleasant smell and the foamy soap against his fur, it felt nice. It's definitely getting in deep and cleaning out the more stubborn grim beneath. He understands now why the other smelled of flowers.]

[hyphanated]

[It seems An Zhe's going to be wide-eyed for a while longer. Several tons? And here he'd probably struggle to lift 20 pounds...]

...I... [He almost says he doesn't need any handholding, but Silver seems so genuine about it, he can't help feeling like it's okay to give in just a bit.] I'd appreciate it, if you could hold onto me. I've never been suspended in space before.

we're so back!!!

[sabigoe]

[ Her task to save her world and others hasn't been forgotten. It's on her mind, but she doesn't know what she can do until the next mission. Besides exploring her new, temporary home, rediscovering old hobbies feels like one of the few things she can do to help pass the time. The last time she picked flowers to press them for drying was when she gave a gift to her adoptive father. That was so long ago, during a time when her family still felt love for her.

On the next pages, it's more stars, the moon again, some images with the moon in different phases, Earth. And of course, the flowers tucked within. Other pages have a few loose pieces of paper, as extra support to sandwich the colorful plants and to prevent ink from sticking to the petals. ]

Uh-huh. If you wanna preserve flowers, you can press them underneath something heavy with some pieces of paper... it takes about a week or two to dry, I think.

[ There is likely a faster method, but this is what she's familiar with. It's not perfect and may be with some trial and error.

Stepping away for a moment, she plucks a fresh yellow flower from a nearby patch. When she returns, it's while Shadow's focused on another page, she can't resist trying to stick the flower into one of his quills on top of his head. Just being a little playful! It won't stay if he moves around enough. ]

...Hey, Dusky. When they're finished drying, I'll give one to you. Do you have a favorite color?

[definecat]

"I'm not a fan of getting torched," they say, tail flicking with annoyance. "If it makes you feel better, I try not to eat anything or anyone to whom I have been introduced."

They consider the human for a moment, then shrug.

"My name is Sleeper."

dw she's already planning to give him a gift. grumpy old man cat can have gifts too...

[sabigoe]

Let's search around here then try going back towards the city. If no one around recognizes it, then I'll hold onto it.

[ Until she comes across the original owner, if that ever happens. The owner could be anywhere in Etraya.

She still has yet the chance to take the trolley, to explore what the rest of the planet has. She'll limit the search to the areas she's familiar with, mostly where the hospital and apartments are. Perhaps more people congregate in that area. ]

...Pleeaaase, Darkie? [ She could take on the task by herself, but... she does want Shadow's company. ] We'll look around, just for a little while.

[thelightshines]

[...Like keeping photos? Or stickers? He never thought this was something you could do with flowers.

He blinks, looking up from the book when he felt something being placed in his quills. He jerks his head back instinctively before she had a chance to set it down. He looks to the flower in her hand, back to her. A disapproving look. Suspicion. He closes the book, presenting it back to her.]

There's no need for that. [Why would they want to do that anyway...?]

[devota]

It doesn't matter. I accepted my death.

[She's not bothered in the least by how casual he is about it.]

I have heard about being able to start anew here.

[Vincent had told her, and the idea had been appealing, the way he'd explained it.]

[sabigoe]

[ Her hand pulls back, a flicker of surprise when he jerks back suddenly. Darn, he moved away too fast. His fluffy quills look like the perfect place to stick tons of flowers...

Fio retrieves the book, tucking the flower between the pages to join the rest. A smile returns, rocking back and forth a little on her heels. If he doesn't decide on a color, she'll decide for him. ]

Well, I wanna give you one 'cause I can!

[devota]

[By the wide-eyed look Claudia gives her, she understands. She understands completely. She clasps her hands together in a prayer.]

In all my years, I have never heard of such a thing happening before.

[ascarylady]

Traitor, mostly. Like I haven't heard that one before.

[ Traitor her ass. She's always been loyal to only one thing and that was Zaun. It wasn't as though she stopped hating the council, the enforcers, Piltover itself; the indignity after indignity they heaped upon the undercity was beyond recompense.

Sevika sighed as she went on, turning her attention down to the gift box in hand. Another grimace at all the little cutesy drawings on the name tag, but she worked on opening it. Whatever was in it felt light and didn't rattle like a weapon might. She couldn't hear any telltale rolling of a glass vial, either, so not Shimmer. What else could it even be? Cigars? More cards? ]

I did expect it... but I'd hoped for a lot more. We've worked together a long time, but even after all of that? He can't accept that all the leadership fell to me. Not sure what he expected me to do. Nothing? That seat offer was going to someone even if I turned it down.

[ A scoff. ]

Should have just let the Firelights take it. He'd be losing his shit over that in a whole other way if I had.

[limiterrings]

[ shadow doesn't stay, he returns to the shoreline to make his way back to the forest. it's not like they need someone to watch over them, but as long as they clean themselves it'll be for the better. it'll make integrating with others easier if he doesn't smell like that, especially around children, but there's only so many of those here.

the hedgehog exhales, jumping into one of the trees to hide himself from any chocobos that might come through. it's better this way, he doesn't like the attention anyway. shadow doesn't try to sleep, instead he leans against the bark, keeping himself distracted by the rustle of the leaves and trees, slowly...

after everything that was said to him, what is he to say? he's unable to tell them that their life won't get any easier, but it seems they hate using their power... laura is the same, she hates killing people, but it's easy. children. he's no good with saying not to kill, as that's been majority of his own life.

when it comes to chocobos, the ones who live by the water are interested in what the other hedgehog has. curious, they walk on over, but keep their distance unsure of the blood, but the scent is attracting enough. yummy too.

they want to eat what's in the bowl, but knowing that they're probably not allowed. one chocobo lays down on top of the water, head tilting left and right before leaning forward with a soft wark wondering if the hedgehog will share the meal. there's only three birds nearby, they make no effort to get into their personal space, but they don't know that what's in the bowl isn't free feed. ]

fio always thinking about others but never about herself

[limiterrings]

I don't care to help.

[ this is her mission, not theirs, he should have known when she added him with "we". that said, he'll cross his arms and look at her very annoyed at the prospect of doing this. ]

Surely you've made friends here to count on instead.

[ he's not a friend, he doesn't want to be so he's excluded out of the context of what he's saying. even if he's "darkie" and he's yet to refute the name, he does sound pretty serious that she has other options that aren't him, or should have other people to confide in.

with as much as she's unwilling to budge, he's pretty sure she's managed to get someone to bend to her desires. ]