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⏴

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[He doesn't fight him hard on that; the moment he feels that resistance, Scott will release the box, although he doesn't let the topic drop so easily. He continues to frown at the other, though there's something a little more to that in the teen's expression. Just a touch of concern as well.]

It won't blow up. I was joking. [But okay, maybe that really isn't the point?? A small breath leaves Scott, the boy glancing at the box Shadow is still holding.] But... these roller skates, it belongs to someone important to you, right?

[Please don't point an energy spear at him--]

[ "Well-known" he says and she wonders exactly what his title is. She must be talking to an extremely important figure! Animal tamer? Dragon tamer? Those would be some straightforward guesses.

Again, she's beginning to eye the halberd that's been set aside. It makes sense that he wields such a weapon, if he had a dangerous job back home. ]

Is that why you carry that weapon around? ...Are you a knight?

It's a possibility.

[It's a remote possibility. He's the only one from his universe who has ever shown up here. Unlike other Etrayans, he's always been alone. So while there's a nonzero chance of Kamijou Touma showing up.... it isn't likely.

Accelerator doesn't say that. He just frowns faintly.]

Whatever. It's not a big deal.

[Was it too much to hope he could get himself cleaned undisturbed? He blinks, glancing over toward the noise of water being disturbed, seeing the approaching birds. He frowns. Not more chocobos. They're eyeing the bowl...he sees now what happened when it came to these birds and the older hedgehog.

He sighs, taking his bowl and tries to swim to another part of the lake. A head still full of soap suds. The chocobos linger for a moment, but then start to follow after. Ugh.]

Back off. [He fires a spear, hitting the water in front of them and giving the birds a spook as they all dive underwater. He thought that was the end of it, until he felt himself get suddenly being pushed upwards. He's launched above the water by on of the chocobos. He doesn't panic, some quick thinking and he'll teleport himself back onto the shore. Landing on his feet, he glares at where he had left.

The bowl of soap, unfortunately did not make it with him. Those stupid birds are circling around it now, pecking out whatever they thought was food. A groan, reaching up to bring down a handful of soap still in his fur. What he got cleaned will have to do for now. It's already more than what he did before. He walks back to the water's edge to finish what he could clean, washing off the soap.

A shake of his fur once he was finished, trying to get as much water off him. His head of fur poofing out way more than usual. Probably because he finally gave it a good clean. This will...require time to individually tame the poof of each quill. As he starts work, he stares over at the blue chocobos. They visibly looked disappointed that there really wasn't a snack for them. Just a lot of bubbles. Unless...their eyes turn to Shadow. Oh boy. He's not going to keep standing there, starting to walk back towards the forest, searching for something. All the while trying to de-poof his fur.

Where did the older one go, now that he thinks about it?] How did you make that? [He calls out, wondering if they were till even in the area.]

[...Because they can. Like that boy who insisted on hanging out with him. Asking for nothing in return. He does not know to trust this girl on their word either.]

...I don't want anything from you. [It doesn't come off as harsh. It's more like he doesn't want to trouble her. And it looks like she's going to have to decide on that color. Something more important than talking about giving flowers right now-] You shouldn't be wandering out here by yourself either. [Considering what happened with those two chocobos.]

[When Paine arrive, Cloud is sitting on the front pew closest to the flowers, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees. Did he really see Aerith there on Aphaia, or did he just imagine that? Moreover, he knows that she was here at some point, too - otherwise, the church wouldn't be here - but he only remembers bits and pieces. She took him to the beach for his birthday, he remembers that. He remembers their time 'married' in weirdo suburbia. He thinks he remembers some less positive things, too, but they're fuzzy. Why can't he remember? When did she leave?

Footsteps make his gaze snap up to see an unfamiliar woman walking in, then stopping. He shakes his head, as much to tell her 'no' as it is to shake himself out of his reverie, and stands up.]

Nah, it's fine. This place is always open to everybody. She wanted it that way.

[He retrieves Buster from where it's propped up against a pillar and replaces it on his back where it belongs.]

[that's a concerning reaction. but no worse than Vincent's.]

I have no plans on pushing any of your agenda. Here, I can be my own person. Not anything that town expects me to be.

[ A different way that Jason did not specify. And considering it took a while to reconcile, that they were still fighting before that reconciliation happened, whatever Bruce chose had been dire.

He could think of a couple of things. All of them distasteful, but maybe completely necessary. ]

Clearly he cares about you very much.

You should hope it treats you a little better.

[ He wouldn't call forcing him to relive the most traumatic events of his life, and then giving him items from it, disguising them as gifts treating him well at all. ]

What were you gifted?

[ He looks at the box and then at Crane. Better not be fear toxin. Or chemicals of any kind. Not even Baby's First Chemistry set. ]

Kirk appreciates the nuanced answer Sleeper provides. It's a well-reasoned approach given Etraya's limitations and potential consequences here. It's similar to how he has been enduring.

"I've been making do here," Kirk replies evenly. "Surprisingly, I've been able to find in the stores ingredients for my artificial plasma. I have an arrangement with someone who practices blood magic. And Aurora and Echo can provide me blood at the hospital if I wanted to. It's apparently sourced from outside of Etraya."

Kirk gives a short nod to Silver when the hedgehog introduces himself. He's still not the most comfortable in most social situations. It's only become more difficult after the last mission.

"Kirk," he replies simply. "And I suppose friendships would count as bonds. You landed in Aphaia and then came here?"

We all do. We're family by choice. Most of us were bought together by him. We all love each other.

[Jason fidgets a little with the batarang]

We also all have our traumas and aren't the greatest at dealing with them at times. We either go into ourselves or lash out. You get a manor full of people like that and there are bound to be fights.

But... in the end, we all still love each other and still try to make things work.

[ what he expects to be warks and warbles is instead not that at all, instead he hears a familiar voice speak out into the forest. initially, he thinks of remaining quiet because what's the need to reveal his whereabouts? however, it's an innocent question. ]

Do you want to learn?

[ yes, he's still around.

he never left.

his voice comes from the trees somewhere, not too loud to give away his location, but it's enough that he knows the other will hear him. all the other probably needed was a sound of his voice to decide where to go. shadow wouldn't be surprised if the other appeared out of nowhere in the same tree that he's laying in now.

to offer this tutelage is not out of kindness, it's only if the other is interested in knowing. it may be of some help to him since it seems like his bath didn't go as long as he thought, the older hedgehog does wonder what happened. he inhales, able to smell what scent does waft off the other, it doesn't smell strong enough that it was given time to sit, but the smell is there. ]

...

[ how does he keep getting into these situations. kids always acquire assistance for something, and somehow he's never able to keep distance from them. perhaps it's that childlike innocence they have which is much like the girl that was with him not too long ago. ]

[ There'd been a time when Bruce's home had been filled with that kind of warmth. He missed it. Missed it terribly. He doesn't say anything for a moment then he glances at Jason. ]

Good.

[ That's it. That's all he has to say. ]

[ shadow can hear the frown in his voice, familiar, it's his time with maria that's trained him. body postures, tone of voice, he's able to respond to them efficiently because the girl was sick, and if he didn't there'd be consequences. ]

...

[ though, shadow doesn't know why he frowns. he only knows that it is there. ]

Th—

[ in the background there's the sound of a "wark".

... ]

[Jason nods]

We can't take our chances so we're all gonna be monitoring.

[There are probably at least a dozen bugs planted in the Scarecrow's apartment by now]

And yeah. Provoking terror would be the right way to describe it. No agenda behind it other than he enjoys it.

[Jason is aware of how different his world is compared to the other worlds the BatFamily members of Etraya come from. That sense of being an abnormality was further reinforced after talking with Barbara. Jason also finds it a bit depressing]

There's always a chance somehow, even if it's not obvious.

[ It's optimism Bruce doesn't share. He'd have to actually talk to his family for a chance to change things can happen. As it is, nothing will change. ]

Your family seems much larger than mine. Who else is in it?

[His ears twitch when the other speaks.

...He's actually relieved they didn't leave?] Yes. [Finding the other isn't his actual objective. So there's no surprise wet hedgehog to greet him in the tree this time. He's grabbing something he finds in the brush instead, just as there came the familiar warbles from the blues lingering around the area. They become even more excited as the younger one returns with a handful of greens in tow.

He drops one just to keep their attention on it and then keeps walking down to the lake. Time is short, so he starts to throw the remaining greens to the far side of the lake. As far as he can throw them, scattering them everywhere. And just like that, the blues are rushing back into the water, like a bunch of ducks scurrying away. That should keep them distracted for a while. And he's messy again. But at least he's not covered in blood anymore.

With a sigh, picking up his gloves while he's at it, he walks back into the water for a quick cleanse.]

[...Well it wasn't a very funny joke. With reluctance, he's going to have to hold onto this damn box a while longer it seems. Unable to ditch it while this kid is still here, pressing him with questions. He doesn't give them an immediate response. Pensive.]

...I don't want to talk about it. [That's....not a spear to the face, at least? But the last thing he wants to do is dredge up memories of days long gone in front of someone. He turns around, starting to walk back down towards the lake. The brown chocobos seem to have calm down at this point. Shadow doesn't see Scott as a threat, so they are putting it together that they don't need to worry about him. They may just let him pass, if not to get a curious sniff of him. Did he have snacks at least?]

[ nothing else comes from the trees, as though shadow has moved on from the topic to something else. whatever the other does is on them, because as he forages for leafy greens to give the chocobos, it takes awhile before shadow comes out from the forest. he closes his eyes, arms crossed as he listens to the warbles of the chocobos that run over to pick up the free food given.

without telling the other to come along, he returns back to that one patch of weeds that he was looking at before. sitting down, he pushes aside some flora to get a better look. whether the other makes it in time to see the process or not... depends on him. it's not like shadow to hurry the process, and the thing is that he's not rushing.

it's just what comes nature to him to search, to find, a process taught to him upon awakening. he may not have came to earth to learn, but there were chances upon the ark, the biology of plants and living creatures.

whatever could be used to keep maria alive and well. ]

[ It's true that she's met many kind individuals that she would like to consider friends, despite the short amount of time she's known them. Hopefully, they think the same of her as well. There is also one other like her from the Cage, Lars, that she knows that she can reach out to. The earpiece can be useful for her to quickly reach anyone, but she's made little use of it. It's still a strange piece of technology that she's not fully accustomed to. ]

You're the one that's here right now. I want you to search with me. It's just gonna be for a little while, like I said.

[ She already knows not to mention the "friend" word around him, not to include him in that group. Because she knows what he'll say. He doesn't want to be friends, but of course, Fio still wants to be... ]

I'm not tired today, not like that other time. I won't be a li- lie ability.

[ She remembers the funny word from last time. Kind of. ]

[ Even as the woman seemingly shifts her gaze elsewhere, the pair of green chocobos don't peel their intense, watchful eyes away from her. They start to calm down, at least, their alarmed squawks falling silent.

Fio holds up her hand, showing off the four wildflowers she had just plucked. It hasn't crossed her mind how strange it must be for others to find someone her age wandering out in the wilds on their own. She's been able to navigate her own town by herself before, though it still wasn't exactly safe with the disparity between social classes. ]

Um... I'm just picking flowers. There's so many pretty colors out here!

[He just needs five minutes man. There's still blood on his shoes to deal with once he comes back out of the water. Setting his gloves down to dry, just as he was about to move onto his shoes, he sees the other had reappeared from wherever they had been hiding. They are sitting on the ground, picking at the plants again.

Ah.

There's a sound of grass and dirt being disturbed as the younger hedgehog approaches them. He's still dripping wet, so there's some space put between him and the other. So that he doesn't end up ruining whatever they're trying to gather.]

[Jason recognizes the topic change and he'll let it go for now. That's a lot of talking about emotions for any Bruce Wayne. At Bruce's question, Jason huffs]

At last count and besides me and my Bruce? Officially in the family are Alfred, Dick, Tim, Cass, Damian, Duke, and Kate. Then you also got Babs, Stephanie, Harper, Helena, Luke and Jean-Paul. And I guess Selina counts most of the time. And there's also Lucius since he's Luke's dad, knows about all of us, and is one of the people who helps out with the gear.

Don't even get me started on all the pets.

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APRIL MINGLE

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