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

[cantilevers]

That sounds like fun. Do you have a favourite colour that you like to paint your nails? I know Heather, but I can't say I've met Mary. Is she Heather's age or more your age?

[He admitted to be curious of this young lady. Jinx had recommended her to him, and he was starting to see why. Laura was endearing and oddly innocent for a young woman of her age. He wondered about her.]

An orphanage is a place that takes care of kids that don't have parents for one reason or another. Kids can be adopted to families from there, but most find other opportunities whether they want it or not.

[oblige]

From what people have told me, it seems so.

[ For what reason, Dion could not say. His only guess is an attempt at making their evironment more welcoming, but so few seem familiar with chocobos.

The birds in their vicinity remain near at hand, relaxed now that they have been given their tithe of greens. One pauses to preen itself while the one nearest to Claudia leans into her touch. ]

I hadn't the chance to observe this place before finding myself in Aphaia.

[oblige]

[ Dion shrugs. The box remains right where it is. ]

It matters not who opens it, but there is a chance of it being something you recognize.

[ As for Dion, he had already come across an item of personal relevance, though it hadn't been his motivation for seeking out these boxes. If they belonged to someone, it was only right that he try to place them in the right hands.

From what he has observed, such objects are singular, besides. If that truly is the case, the contents of the box they retrieved could belong to someone else or Scott himself. ]

Is that not reason enough?

[oblige]

I have, yes, but...

[ Dion turns her way, brow furrowed. That was not a word he'd expected to hear in this place. Then again, he hadn't anticipated the presence of chocobos, either, and here they are in great numbers. ]

How would you describe a moogle?

[ He asks, almost cautiously. Moogles were held as the stuff of tales where he comes from, whether they exist in truth or not. ]

[oblige]

[ Not to worry, fellow prince. Dion turns his attention immediately to his satchel, pulling the flap aside to reveal a collection of what look like steepled, leafy vegetables. ]

Fortunately, they seem to have appeared with the chocobos.

[ As he speaks, he plucks one of the greens from the satchel and offers it to Dimitri. ]

Here.

[odinpusrex]

Forgotten Waloed's cavalry, have you?

[After all, they had the quickest birds, and their cavalry was the pride of their nation. Their flag emphasizing that fact, though it bore not the likeness of birds, of course. Would that Waloed could have naught but horses, but chocobos served all the same.

Only Odin had a horse. The only horse for the only Odin.

As for the other question, the one about hope, Barnabas does not answer. He doesn't need to. It should be obvious that one should hope their enemy would crawl into their domain and never return again, and while the prince is not known for his vindictiveness and cruelty, he is but a man.

All of them are vindictive and cruel eventually. An inevitability that will not be denied, so long as their corruption festers. So long as they hold onto that abhorrent will.

One of the brown chocobos noses (beaks?) at Barnabas' bag, clearly overtaken by greed. Yet, despite the unruly behavior, Barnabas gently (yet firmly) directs the bird away from the bag with a hand; his expression placid as always. He uses his other hand to retrieve some portion of what's left of his stores—these voracious eaters have nearly bled him dry!]

Take you grievance with me and the chocobos?

[Not that he cares, he's just trying to see what Dion's commentary is about.]

[oblige]

[ Matters of practicality and preference differ, but Dion lets the thought pass. Stonhyrr itself was a testament to the latter, what with statues of a certain horse. Even at a glance, Odin's bias was abundantly clear to an observer. So indeed he would think that Barnabas would have little personal interest in bonding with chocobos, aloof man that he is.

The second question, however, makes Dion regret forgoing answering the first. Dealing with his old foe outside of a battlefield is, in its way, more difficult than on one. That was familiar ground, for all its challenges. This is not. ]

It comes as a surprise, that is all.

[ As much had been overtly clear, he's certain, upon sighting the man. ]

But you are a man of purpose [ While Dion has historically not agreed with the man's methods, he acknowledges this. ] so this must also serve.

[ What cause Barnabas has to ingratiate himself with chocobos is unclear, but Dion could flip a coin and have equal odds of getting an answer as guessing which side it would land on. So instead he opens his own satchel and offers the nearest bird yet more greens, unsurprised when it descends upon them with the same ravenous enthusiasm any chocobo would. ]

[sabigoe]

[ A tense several seconds pass as the feathered creatures approach to take her offering. They're so much cuter up close. She cracks a small grin, both excited and slightly on edge. Within moments, the food is gone from her hands. Success! Clearly, one bulb of greens isn't enough to satisfy a couple of massive birds. ]

See that? I did it, I did it! [ She announces proudly, lightly bouncing on her heels. She casts a quick glance back at Dion to make sure he's paying attention, even if he can clearly see the event happen with his own two eyes. For such a small accomplishment, she's very pleased. The birds remain close and she feels their expectant gaze. ] Aw... still hungry, guys? Here's another.

[ Hopefully Dion won't mind as she picks out another green from his satchel. Asking if she could grab from his supply would be polite manners, but she's forgotten with her excitement. Again Fio repeats the process with more confidence, holding out the vegetable for the eager birds. ]

[sabigoe]

[ Though the growth of flowers is abundant, Fio only intends to pick a small quantity from each patch before moving onto another. With the flowers in hand and before she can go poking around at the other colors, she needs to put them away to dry.

She plops down in the grass, pulling a book from her supply bag. Dutifully, she begins sandwiching the plants between sheets of paper and sticking them inside of the book. Speaking, while setting about her work: ]

I... might've seen them back home before, but I don't know the names. When I get back to the library, I think I'll pick up an encyclopedia.

[ As the green chocobos linger nearby a moment longer, they begin to realize that the woman isn't a threat. They'll begin to move away closer to the trees, but they remain close enough that the human child is within their line of sight. ]

cw: child death references/just nier things

[sabigoe]

[ She has her own painful memories of being abandoned, betrayal from those who she thought loved her—how she was left to die alone. No one came for her. Even in the Cage, a world that allowed her to exist in some form after death, it took long for her soul to truly find peace. It was only until another intervened that she was able to find salvation. It wasn't without difficulty, however. Because she kept running away, lashed out, and fought the one who helped her.

With how she is now, probably no one would believe she'd let sadness overcome her once upon a time.

...No, she doesn't expect others to want the same as she does. Not so easily. ]

...That's sad. [ She reaches for another flower, the last she'll take from this patch. She doesn't need many. ] I think... maybe you just need time to understand how much better it is to have others.

[sabigoe]

[ If she knew that he once had someone, she would have more to say. She doesn't know. And she's left to believe that he just doesn't understand. Even if she knew, she's going to keep worrying about him. ]

I don't think so...

[ Then Fio's reminded of the gift, glancing back down at the box in her hands. She exhales a small sigh of her own. Maybe it would be best to backtrack to the city, before she gets too far away. They're bound to run into each other again, as long as he remains in Etraya. ]

...

What are you planning to do next?

[sabigoe]

[ No rocket ship? Hm. One last glance at the picture, thinking it would be nice to one day see a real one. She closes the book and returns it to the small pile on the table.

She adjusts her sitting position, folding her legs underneath her body and turns to look at him, leaning her side against the back of the chair. It takes her a moment to react, blinking curiously at him. Meeting a human that can grow wings is not what she expected. ...Is he human? ]

...Are you an angel?

[sabigoe]

[ Her smile widens for a moment. Yay, new friend!

She puts her chalk down on the pavement, adding a nice bright pink line to her drawing. ]

...Weren't allowed? How come?

[limiterrings]

Hm.

[ what a curious question coming from her, especially when they're looking for who the gift belong to. he says this with ease as though it's the most obvious thing in the world: ]

Checking here, then we go to your apartments to see if it belongs to anyone there. If not there, shopping centers, but there's only so many places the humans here frequent.

[ well, as much as he can say after this he's leaving to keep to himself, he's focused on the task at hand. well, in her hand, really. she's the only reason he's even doing this. ]

Did you change your mind?

[cantilevers]

And yet that seemed like the plan. Plenty of opportunity to off me; you didn't even need me alive to have the kids to march in, as you said.

[He had been playing it out in his head for days, weeks, months after all. Some conspiracy theories sounded better than others, so this was what he had settled on as the most logical part of Silco's plan. Guards everywhere to the lot in hiding and Silco making that grand little entrance. It didn't even matter, but he gnawed on the details like a dog with a bone.

Vander had enough height that headbutting was an interesting prospect, and it was one that he was also not afraid to use himself. His expression tightened as his gray eyes hardened at her barb.]

You know nothing of the aftermath. You're prattling details when you weren't even there. You know better than that, Sevika. [He barked a humorless laugh.] You think they weren't aware of it and loved me anyway?

[He expected her to escalate, and he braced as she set into him; he was not expecting to be lifted. That was a rarity aside from certain men. Yet, years of combat experience had him raising an arm and slamming his elbow down against the back of her head. He was thrown backwards and skidded to a stop just before he impacted with the wall.

His eyes narrowed and he snorted humorlessly.] Fine, let's get this over with. Show me how much of a big tough woman you are. [He dropped the satchel of gifts off of his shoulder to the ground and stepped up immediately. He might be considered weak by everyone from Runeterra, but he could still kick the shit out of some upstart.

He moved in to close the distance between them, walking almost casually as he studied her stance. They were both improved from the last time they had thrown down after all.]

I'm so sorry for the wait!!

[ornithologist]

[ It's certainly more curiosity than boredom in Harold's case. Normally he knows almost anything he'd want to know about someone prior to him even meeting them, or at least shortly thereafter; he's an inveterate hacker and a paranoid snoop. In Etraya, he has to do things the slow, painful way -- by actually socializing. He's still curious, still wants to know, but has to take it cautiously.

It's quite a pain, really. At least playing chess isn't a hardship for him. And he won't contest the chess set being valuable, though he suspects it's more for sentimental reasons than anything else. Crane's reaction is one thing, but Harold's experience getting annoyingly personal 'gifts' here is telling on its own. ]

I operate the local library; you're more than welcome to use it, [ he responds, chasing lightly after that evasion, trying to pin something down in his response. ] My name is Harold Finch.

[ It's an appropriate point to introduce himself, and Harold is all over courteous. ]

[laserguy]

I might be a little familiar with it, because I'm from Earth as well.

[There's a light teasing tone in his voice, more amused than anything else. So, they're from the same planet? Maybe a little surprising, since she didn't know what sunglasses were, but... maybe she just never ran into them! Or different time period. He's familiar with that now.

Different timelines. Parallel universes. And it's not just because Aurora gave that whole spiel. The other mutants in this place...

But he shakes his head of those thoughts. Right now he's just befriending Fio, maybe finding her better sunglasses. That feels more important right now. He can angst later in his room--]

I'm from America-- New York, specifically.

[He looks down with a curious glance when she suddenly comes to his side. And. Of course he's going to reach down to hold her hand. Not even at his worst would he refuse. His hand lightly grips hers before he starts leading the way.] Got a favorite color? We can probably find frames that has your favorite.

[Although, she'll have to find said color because it's a little hard for him.]

[ornithologist]

[ Harold scoffs a little, in good humor. ]

Rather the default state of affairs for him, isn't it? I can't say I'm fond of his name myself, but it doesn't feel quite right to make one up for him myself.

Perhaps we could get him to choose a new one.

[ Is Harold planting this idea with someone Accelerator will have a much harder time refusing on purpose? Yes. Of course he is. ]

[ornithologist]

[ Harold is a font of information so long as the topic isn't something personal, so he's the right person to ask. ]

As an amateur birder, I assure you the chocobos are new, [ he answers, sounding a little dry. They're completely absurd and Harold isn't shy about implying it. He's been watching them because it's something to do, not because he's particularly a fan. ]

I have no idea if they'll be sticking around. They're certainly... loud.

[ All the wark, wark, wark is egregious and not at all on the soothing end of the spectrum. Far from being birdsong. ]

[laserguy]

[A punishment for both--

Scott just rolls his eyes as well, for once not rising to the bait and just letting Shadow's comment brush off him. Is it sad to say that he's used to it now? Maybe it helps to think that the grumpy animal treats everyone in pretty much the same way, he's just the lucky focus right now.]

Well, I'm going to the diner because I didn't get the chance to eat my croissant. [Because an angry hedgehog decided to pull him into a hostage situation.] That's the only battle I care about right now.

[Filling his stomach.]

[crimsonsphere]

[Paine snorts softly. Yeah, she can see how the name sounds funny to someone who didn't grow up hearing it.]

You have to approach 'em slowly... or do something that they think is interesting. I think that's why you had a flock gathered around you. But they're pretty skittish. They might be big, but there are things out there that are bigger... and hungrier.

[She remembers the encounter with the Chocobo Eater on the Mi'hen Highroad.]

But if you give them the plants they like best, they'll trust you. You can even send them out and they'll come back with whatever they dug up.

[laserguy]

[There's a flicker of surprise at the suggestion. Shadow actually wants him to talk? Well, he's not going to question this at all, easily slipping into a more easygoing role and letting a smile form at the corner of his mouth. Well, when he's done chewing his current mouthful of chips.

Just don't mind him as he wipes his hand on his jeans. Shadow dealing with some teen behavior like this.]

Okay, so I didn't find an actual arcade, but I have found a few arcade cabinets in the apartment complex. Kind of a 'at home arcade room.' Not quite the same, but worth checking out still.

[Not the same experience! But they'll make do.]

[tinflower]

[ But maybe she does understand...!! Regardless, Gorgug lets the wiggling bot find perch back on his shoulder--in which it scrambles to curl around his neck again, as if that's a good hiding spot. He grimaces for a second, but- ]

No, they're-- somewhere else. No one gets to talk to them. We've been here... half a year? A year? No one's ever heard a thing from them. We don't even know what they are.

[batsymbol]

It seems the strays take me in here.

( Since they, you know, all know him while he doesn't have a clue who any of them are. Well, in the beginning anyways. )

[maximumlegend]

You must still be pretty confused by the situation, huh?

[ Fabian is willing to cut her some slack. After all, he remembers what it was like when he was just new to this place - it really was overwhelming, and confusing, and he didn't really know how to deal with it those first few days.

And even now he's so far from having all of the answers. Or even just having some. ]

Don't feel like you're really behind on the rest of us. They seem very intent on giving us as little information as possible to work with here. I doubt I know all that much more than you.