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

inara serra — firefly

[strumpet]

— birds of a feather/gift hunt

( despite being brought to aphaia first, inara was quite relieved to realize that situation was only temporary and that there could be some level of peace and tranquility in the strangeness of etraya. while she was still a bit unnerved about being brought to this world without much warning and pulled from her own, in a way it left her wondering many things.

mostly—

did he even miss her? yet in quickness of everything there was very little time to truly think. all she could do was move forward and try to find her bearings here. what she wasn't expecting was to come across such strange birds and gifts scattered about but they were beautiful and delicate, easy to tame and approach. perhaps this distraction wasn't the worst.

so eventually she found herself seated by the river, eyeing a gift out in the middle of a lake. a blue bird had approached her, resting its head on her shoulder until the sounds of someone rustling nearby made it nervous and caused it to run off. )

Well that certainly lasted longer than I expected. It's a shame you had to scare it away....we were getting alone quite splendidly.

( she wasn't quite upset, but clearly she was working up to something here. if the gift in the middle of the river was any indication. )

— thrifting (all over etraya)

( the moment inara found out about the very strange and primitive bartering system used in this world, she almost felt a sigh of relief. she certainly had no qualms about the work she did given it granted her a large number of liberties and privileges but that left her with a whole new predicament.

she was brought here with nothing more than the clothes on her back and forced to start her life anew all over again. the first time had been quite difficult, banished from the companion house madrassa and forced to find a way to provide for herself with new clients and having to travel to them.

there would be no clients here, not for the foreseeable future at least but she needed things. she had grown used to the creature comforts that came with her lifestyle. the luxury tea set she used early in the mornings, the abundance of incense to tranquilize the mood in her shuttle, and the endless comfortable robes and jewelry she adorned for her work. while she could certainly live without the jewelry, she could not fair well without the clothes, tea, and endless books she had access to.

one thing at a time though and that's what brought inara all the way out to quiverfields after learning the layout of the land. she was thrifting and shopping in general, but clearly she needed help. so anyone who happened to be in the same vicinity whether at the roxx or any other of the many stores in etraya, she was immediately approaching them with a soft and friendly demeanor. )

Well I certainly wasn't expecting our gracious hosts to allow us the privilege to shop. I was nearly expecting them to have us run around in a uniform or at worst....naked like wild animals.

— wildcard

( opt-out/info | kept the prompts short this month as I'll be tagging out with inara and heather. feel free to hit me with a wildcard prompt or if you prefer a closed starter feel free to reach out to me. )

thrifting

[rudelanguage]

...

[the tall, green guy all but goes stone still, in the midst of dropping a sixth random piece of fabric atop the oblivious-yet-earnest little robot trying to offer assistance (the assistance is to just stand there and hold their stuff, OBVIOUSLY).

they gawk down in a quarter side-eye before slowly turning their head. yes, okay. this person is talking at them.

they squint. what the fuck is she talking about? back it up--wait--hang on--

with narrowing eyes:] "Hosts?" You seen 'em?

[strumpet]

( being from a future far more modern than this world where humanity has conquests several planets should have left her unfazed by such a person before her—

but for the first time since she was a child, she looked at the individual before her with a bit of a shocked expression before immediately offering them a soft smile.

she was far from rude no, always tempered and polite. )

Well I met Aurora briefly and she is accessible to us apparently via text. As for Echo, no I have yet to meet them. I’m assuming they’re hosts as I don’t want to outright call them ‘kidnappers’.

( she didn’t want to accost them in case they were….watching. )

Looking for clothes as well?

[rudelanguage]

["Aurora"..........................the...the projection-thing? ghost? spell? that Aurora?

that is not a host. that's a nuisance. but okay.

"Echo"?? whomst? did Aurora mention that name? Knife wasn't exactly a model student when they graciously allowed Aurora to keep yammering on, but maybe they heard a little bit? somehow?

in contrast to the orc-based ogling, Knife's expression remains a pinched stare of scrutiny, unblinking as they listen and survey this lady-person.

"hosts" as opposed to "kidnappers." ah. so she's just being...polite. fair. this is not intel Knife was missing, so that's a relief; their rigid stature relaxes just slightly with that assurance, and they follow the pivoting question to Mount Clothmore draped over that construct.]

I mean... [they shrug.] If it's just going to be free...

[...]

...

[they slowly look back at her.]

It...it is free, isn't it? [they genuinely looked for signage, regardless of their illiteracy; there's usually common symbols, you know!]

[strumpet]

( thankfully for people like knife, inara was a woman who hated being in the dark and unaware of her surroundings. upon her arrival she was quick to use her skills and knowledge to get information out from others like henry and jayce, who were eager to assure her she would be fine.

she wasn’t as quick to assure others as she had to look out for herself, but it gave her more of an advantage. the payment system here though?

that was something she was still trying to figure out herself. )

That’s actually a really good question. I suppose if we walk out of here with the items and no one stops us…

( she looked side to side to see if anyone else was around to hear that before she returned her attention back to knife. )

At the very least I know there isn’t really a money system here apparently. Points? But I’m not quite sure how that works either.

birds

[oblige]

[ Dion's line of sight trailed after the chocobo, lingering on it but briefly before returning to her. ]

My apologies, I was preoccupied.

[ His contrition was sincere, though that wouldn't bring the bird back. What would, however, was in ample supply. Dion spared a moment to reach into a satchel he'd picked up in one of the local shops, procuring what by all appearances was some odd head of cabbage. ]

Should you wish to lure it back, this will do.

[ To punctuate his statement, he offers the plant to her. ]

[strumpet]

( there was no animosity in her voice or expression when she turned to fully face dion— instead she was taking a more kinder approach to things. she was a woman all alone on a strange planet without any weapons or her crew to back her up. it was in her favor to make allies and while she didn’t enjoy being manipulative for the sake of it…

she reasoned it was in everyone’s benefit to be friendly with each other. so she stood up from where she was seated, taking the plant into her hands with a soft smile. )

No need for apology, this more than makes up for it. See that gift over there—

( she turned her head towards the river behind them. )

I wonder if that bird could be used to cross it to get it. Should we give it a try?

[oblige]

[ Dion followed her line of sight, spotting the object balanced just so on a rock. It would be too small a target were he to leap there, just as likely to knock it into the water or otherwise damage it were he to try, so that ruled out retrieving it for her.

Unfortunate, certainly, for that would otherwise be the simplest approach. ]

Chocobos are quite clever. They can be trained or convinced to lend their aid.

[ He punctuated his statement by pointing at the greens. ]

Especially for a favored treat.

[ Chocobos could be loyal and steadfast creatures besides, but as much took time, as with any other intelligent animal. For the purposes of plying one for a favor, the greens would surely do. ]

[strumpet]

So that’s what they’re called? Have you seen them before or did you bother to ask them?

( it’s a small joke to keep the air around them light and comfortable, easing them both into a sense of familiarity.

still there was something more important than the task at hand, at least temporarily. )

Well good to know, but before we go about taming these birds, an introduction is in order.

( she moved the green from her right hand to her left, gently outstretching it to offer a proper shake to the other. )

Inara Serra, a pleasure.

thrifting

[restingstitchface]

[There is a tremendous amount of choice in the world. Crane finds himself facing the freedom of indulging in a favourite cuisine for lunch. Perhaps he might indulge in black coffee and devour a book. Herman Hesse, James Joyce, Kay Redfield, Melanie Klein. Today he finds himself fancing the work of Sylvia Plath. However, before he arrives at a bistro and steals a seat, he indulges his curiosity elsewhere.

He is standing outside a tailor, doing nothing more suspicious than browsing, when he finds himself approached by a familiar figure.

She might notice his frame is too long for his sleeves. But before he can defend himself - or even say good morning - she interjects with humour.

Disarming. Friendly. He knows the signs. But he keeps himself calm and controlled.]

I was nearly expecting them to brand us like cattle. But I suppose your version works equally well.

[He speaks softly with an agreeable tone. He doesn't elaborate.]

[strumpet]

( it had been quite sometime since she had seen crane and she almost nearly forgot who he was— in between the chaos of having to hold her own on a delicate and dying planet, to being brought to etraya in a rush, it was hard for her to focus on every little thing. now she had to focus on what to do with herself here, how to spend the time in between missions [a bit of information given to her by dean] and how to make some kind of living without falling back on her old line of work.

it wasn't until he replied back to her and she fully observed him, that she remembered him. ah yes the liar, the man who claimed to be a famous writer and yet he was anything but. some kind of doctor but she wasn't quite sure which kind. )

Oh don't get too disappointed, they did have us 'under' for sometime at the hospital. You never know what they might have implanted.

( another joke but it was a bit morbid. so she decided to change the topic. )

Shopping for a new suit? Some casual wear Doctor Crane?

[restingstitchface]

Would you believe me were I to claim neither?

[His face remains impassive. The question about whether he is shopping for a new suit uproots the anger buried in the back of his mind. One more person who thinks him scrawny and weak, then. But whether she believes him weak, whether she thinks he can be controlled, or his opinion ignored, nothing about it matters. Her opinion is only an opinion, another piece of data to stitch into the figurative blanket this world seems to be.

He continues staring at the suit: a navy ensemble that provokes a critical eye when he judges it to be too colourful. That and the absurd image of wearing slacks.]

I just find myself feeling curious. Why does this place offer all the comforts of home?

[His home was never comfortable.]

[strumpet]

( all she could do to his comment was tilt her head to the side as her wide eyes observed him quietly. she had no true opinions or thoughts on him just yet, far beyond what she saw and took from the time they danced together. whatever he had lurking in his mind was his to keep—

but there was always a strange energy or vibe to him. she wasn't sure what to make of it. )

To keep us placated? This place has us proving our worlds are worthy of being saved and yet I have yet to see a prison or a detainment center for when the 'guests' step out of line. Makes you wonder....

( she wasn't fully aware of it yet, but good and bad were truly just loose terms here. )

thrifting + a bit of wildcard

[ornithologist]

[ Harold checks the thrift store himself from time to time, mostly to make himself get out of the house and away from his computer on a regular basis, but he does occasionally find something worthwhile. Today, he's over in Quiverfield mostly to get away from the bulk of the crowds cooing over the chocobos; he's gotten back into birdwatching lately and he prefers to observe them away from human interaction.

Even dressed for birdwatching, though, he's in a proper suit and a classy hat, just one on the more sedate side, and he's holding a discreet pair of binoculars. Dressed as he is, he's a sensible person for Inara to make the comment to. He's standing outside the store, having already made his rounds inside, and is now assessing the landscape for the best place to post up for watching chocobos.

It only takes a quick momentary glance to assess that Inara is used to a higher standard of clothing, just like him. Also just like him, the lack of his usual wardrobe was one of the things he'd found most annoying when he'd first arrived. ]

It's at least an approximation of civilization, [ he allows, giving her a tiny, sympathetic smile. ] Though I'm afraid there's usually nothing in there adequate to my preferences, and I imagine not to yours.

[ This is perfectly polite and deferential, not a come-on. ]

[strumpet]

( posh and refined, he immediately caught inara's attention. harold's manner of dress from down to his shoes all the way to his top hat truly set a proper mood, one that drew her right back to him. he was a friendly face in a sea of confusion and uncertainty and while they had failed in finding the flash drive, that was in the past. at least that was the vibe inara got when it came to this place—

one mission after the other. perhaps she was wrong but eventually she would learn the true inner workings. )

Observant as always Harold, good to see you again.

( and much like his own polite tone, she was equally respectable with no indications of anything more than wanting to be his friend. with a soft smile she looked up at his hat. )

Did you happen to find that here out of sheer good luck, or how did you manage to find something so posh?

[ornithologist]

Not hardly. Returning my wardrobe to me cost participation points. They're awarded for helping in missions and engaging with Etraya as a whole, I believe. You may have some already yourself.

[ It's never been explicitly explained anywhere how that works, but Harold can put clues together.

He also words this carefully so he doesn't have to indicate that it wasn't he himself who spent points on his clothes -- John did. John buying him his wardrobe was entirely frivolous and very personally meaningful. It's second nature to hide his close acquaintances, and even more so to hide John. Spending a few years at home since he last spoke to Inara makes it doubly true; he's still adjusting to being back in Etraya, and the relative freedom of information that entails.

Harold inclines his head politely at her greeting. ] It's good to see you well, Ms. Serra. I hope you find Etraya more hospitable than Aphaia, if no more fashionable.

[strumpet]

( sharp and well dressed, harold clearly was a good source of information [even if she had yet to learn he was also the one running the library]. that immediately made her more inclined to turn to him for any future inquiries she might have had—

but for now inara simply pocketed that tidbit of information he dropped as she made a mental note to come up with a list of important items she should ask for when the time was right. )

Thank you, I appreciate it and yes it's at the very least more peaceful than Aphaia. Although those birds....now that's something quite different than what I'm used to in my world. Are these common or are we just fortunate this time to share a space with them?

( now was the time to see what else he may have been willing to spill. )

gift hunt

[heavensnight]

[Maria had seen a gift in a bush, in a rather awkward placement, and had gone for it. unfortunately, she seemed to have made a mistake and scared off the blue bird this woman had been after.

she does look sorry.]

I didn't realize there was anybody else out here, you were so quiet. I'm sorry.

[she moves closer to the other woman.] Did you need them for the water? Someone told me the blue ones like the water. Shocking.

[strumpet]

( her look of apology is immediately met by a soft smile from inara and although she's disappointed by the bird leaving, all she could do was hope it lingered around.

immediately upon her question, she rose up from the rock she was seated on and began to walk over towards maria— a soft saunter in her step as her dress flowed from behind her. in this time she observed the other women, noticing all the little details about her immediately. )

It's quite alright, they seem rather flighty anyways. I did actually, I was curious to see what was in the gift. Have you had any luck getting any?

[heavensnight]

[as Maria takes Inara in, her dress and how she walks to her, it is easy to see this is a woman who knows herself, her body, and Maria will keep that in mind.]

I wouldn't call it luck but I did. [her tone stays light despite the fact she wasn't happy with the gift she got. no need to put it onto this other woman, though. so she smiles.] Maybe we'll have better luck if we get that one for you? My treat since I scared the bird off.

Don't know if either of us are dressed for the job? [she motions to her own outfit, a usual short dress.] Didn't plan on swimming today.

birds & gifts

[internationalrelations]

[Alex had the worst luck with birds. They didn't like him. He didn't know what he'd done to deserve it. ...well okay he'd managed to ruin a night in a luxury hotel for two turkeys, so perhaps this was feathered karma for denying Cornbread and Stuffing the suite life.]

...sorry. I have that effect on birds. I think it's personal at this point.

[A shrug of his shoulders and a smile that was half sheepish and all friendly.]

Seems like they've really taken to you though.

apologies for the delay, had to take a quick hiatus

[strumpet]

Oh is that right?

( her voice was just the slightest bit of amused— although he was being honest with his admission, that specific little phrase reminded her of someone in particular from home. however now wasn't the time to reminisce over the past or ponder such things.

she was a woman on a mission. so she met his smile with a soft one of her own as she rose up, dusting and patting her dress down a bit. )

I suppose you're right, but I haven't been able to tame one long enough to get that gift over the lake— ( she said, turning to point at the water behind her. ) I have never seen such creatures before in my world, have you?

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.

apologies for the delay, had to take a quick hiatus

[strumpet]

( for a moment as inara sat on the rock, she stared at the woman with a rather soft and observant look, taking in every little detail about her. from the way she spoke, the lack of apology in her tone, and the admission that she hadn't found much but junk.

she wasn't sure if she should just take her word for it and avoid trying to get the gift for herself, but for now she decided to pry a bit further. )

It's alright, but it sounds like you've been going around gathering up gifts? Did you use a special technique or did you just end up lucky?

( inara seemed to sense perhaps the birds needed a little encouragement but she wasn't too sure on that either. )

no worries!

[cactusy]

Uh-- I guess the latter. I wasn't trying to look for them, but they're all over the place; I found a couple sitting on the sidewalk.

[Half-heartedly hidden underneath a piece of cardboard, but still. She shrugs, raising an eyebrow at Inara.]

Do you really care about finding them, or are you just bored?