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⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ blaze halts what she's doing the moment she catches a glimpse of that black and red blur moving in the forest, kicking off the ground like a bullet to chase after him.

it's almost infuriating, but the only thing to prevent her frustration from reaching its boiling point is the memory of her own behaviour. she has no room for judge him for whatever he feels he must do, but she has her own duty to fulfil, following in his footsteps. ]

[And not surprising, she gives chases. Annoying. If she gave that much of a damn about him, she'd respect his desire to be left alone. Whatever. She can keep chasing him then. Just as the trees start to thin though, he suddenly disappears, teleporting away. To where though?

Upon arrive at the clearing, there is a lake with a herd of blue qnd brown chocobos, looking about as if they had heard a commotion. The herd of browns turn their heads when Blaze arrives to the scene, squawking up a storm to sound the alarm of the intruder. The blues start to swim away, leaving Blaze to contend with the brown chocobos. Shadow's presence seemingly absent.]

Tsk.

[ blaze is hardly impressed by the disappearing act, and even less so by what seems to have been an attempt to lure her into a trap. still, her attention seems elsewhere—he should know that creatures like this pose no threat to her, though they may just slow her down if they attack her, being unwilling to harm them back.

but rather than pay them any attention, blaze's gaze rests on the trees surrounding the clearing, looking for a glimpse of that not-so-familiar black and red. ]

[They're just there to be a distraction. Slow her down while he continues to get further away. Or so he like for her to believe. He hasn't moved from this area, hidden somewhere among the denser parts of the trees, out of her line of sight. He still stands at the ready should this plan fail.

The brown chocobos are puffing themselves up, flapping their wings in an intimidating stance, but they are otherwise not going to attack until they feel threaten. They are huddling around a particular section of trees though, like guarding something there that's out of her sight.]

[ blaze observes the clearing, and the birds as well, stanced up cautiously in case one of them decides that she is a threat. still, she'll hold her hand out to them. ]

I don't want to fight you.

[ they're smart birds. she's learned that much, so maybe they will understand her words. for now, understanding that they aren't intending to make the first move, her gaze lands on the place where more of them have gathered, taking steady steps closer and calling out towards the trees as she approaches: ]

We don't have to be enemies, Shadow.

[The birds all eye her hand warily, heads tilting side to side, wings ruffling. One of them steps forward, their feathers had a greenish blue tint to them in the light. Their leader perhaps. They do not strike, but they are looking between Blaze and the hand suspiciously.

Shadow doesn't say anything to her claim. It doesn't have anything to do with being enemies or not. He simply doesn't want to associate with anyone related to the world the other with his face is from. He's tired of seeing or hearing the constant reminders of who he's not.]

[ blaze keeps her hand extended, outstretched, but doesn't try to approach any closer. that's all she wants to do—extend her hand to him, just like sonic had once done for her.

she lifts her gaze, looking past the bird and into the darkness of the brush behind it. ]

I understand that I have not left the best impression with you, and for that, I apologize. I know that you want me to leave, but even if I did I would not give up.

[ it would just be the same thing all over again, so she might as well push it to this point here and now. ]

I want to get to know you, Shadow. P-Perhaps I was being too presumptuous to think that we could be friends, but...

[ this is where she begins to struggling to find what she wants to say. this is a lot more difficult than she'd anticipated. ]

...Are you hoping for a different answer everytime you do this? [The bird moves into her line of sight, a wark to her face.]

Quit trying to force something the other doesn't want. [His presence is confirmed. Should she get into his view, he will not hesitate to lash out again and take that opportunity to escape her annoying presence.]

...

[ to be honest, this is a lot harder than sonic makes it look. no matter how she shouted for him to leave, slapped his hand away, and even attacked him, he never seemed to waver. for blaze, however, rejection by those she hopes to know is all too familiar a friend. is she in over her head?

she breathes a sigh, her gaze returning to the bird with a smile still on her lips. this time, her words are addressed to it. ]

You're brave, I see. Do not worry, I will not harm any of your flock.

[ and to demonstrate, she'll clasp her hands behind her back, slowly taking a step back—stepping down. ]

[The leader chirps, tilting it's head as Blaze assures them they aren't a threat. The other from it's flock start to come forward, seeing their leader start to relax. Curious birds once they see they aren't in any danger. One of them lowering their head to see her better. But does she have any treats on her....like some greens perhaps?]

[ they're a little charming, she must admit. intelligent, but also loyal and protective of their own. they make a fine role model for any knight.

and they're also in luck—she happens to be prepared, after a certain bird had taken a liking to the lavender scent spread on her hand. she's hoping that it's worn off by now, but she still has some greens tucked away, pulling them out to offer to the bird who seems so curious. ]

Could this be what you're looking for?

[The tuffs of feathers on the chocobo's head lifts up as they wark excitedly. The others join in, flapping their wings. Brace yourself, Blaze. They are going to crowd around you to get to those greens.

Shadow remains where he's hidden, ears twitching at all the fuss going on. Guess the birds are excited being around Blaze. Good. They've been useful distractions, but maybe they'll finally stop following him.]

Ah, w-wait, I don't know if I have enough for all of you...

[ blaze stammers out as the chocobos begin to swarm her, leaning in curiously and even eagerly butting their heads against her. she's holding out the greens she does have in open palms, both to make sure that those beaks don't snap down on her fingers, and so that it's first come, first served. ]

Perhaps I'll have to bring back more, later.

[They do not care, they will devour all that she has! And give her beak nuzzles! She is friend to them now. Just like their grumpy dark hedgehog. Who is trying to sneak away at the moment while they're all occupied. He won't get very far when one of the birds catches them out of the corner of their eye. Believing it was time to move on, they start to walk over and follow.

The others will eventually notice their own moving away and start to do the same, one after the other. Ears fall back, hearing their chirps, looking unimpressed with these stupid birds that refuse to leave him alone. She had food, why are you all still with him??]

[ so cute... and a little overwhelming! blaze finds herself a little flustered as the birds crowd around her, and those greens are gone in the blink of an eye, replaced by feathers and beaks nuzzling against her. at least, until their attention is pulled away by something else.

blaze watches as they, one by one, move to follow shadow. she stays where she is, doubtful that he wants her to come any closer. ]

I've never seen such loyal, friendly birds of this size before. Have you?

[He glares in her direction, a beak coming down to nudge his head.] They're a nusiance. [He reaches to push the beak away. Really, what has he done for them to keep following him? He hasn't given them any greens like Blaze has. A few of them coo as they hover around him. He sighs.]

I don't have anything for any of you.

[ the glare's effect is much depreciated by the nuzzling of the birds surrounding him, though she's sure that they only contribute to his irritation. ]

They seem to trust you. Perhaps if you lead them to another place where they can graze, you can slip away while they're distracted.

[ she knows he's quick enough, if he sets his mind to it. if he's really so irritated by these birds, it shouldn't be difficult to find somewhere else to lead them to. ]

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

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

[ well blaze doesn't know about all that. what she knows is only what she can observe from here, so if he's tried to offer them food and leave only for them to continue to move with him, she can only assume that he must have done something for them. or perhaps it was the grazing itself that made them so fond? ]

I would offer you an enclosure to keep them in, but I fear they may fare better in the wild.

[ but now he at least knows it exists, should he desire to go that route. otherwise, she has little else she can offer him in the way of solutions. ]

...No, I don't want that. [Annoying as they are, he doesn't want to put them in some cage. He knows how that's like. The birds are looking between them. Doesn't look like Shadow is moving anywhere that they've started to wander the area to start grazing. Birds leaving them be, his attention is on the cat. That same old frown returning to his face.]

You should leave. I have no business with you.

[ as she expected—it isn't her preferred option either, only used as a last resort to contain the red bird. these ones though, are perfectly tame, and she sees no need to push the matter. ]

Very well. Goodbye for now, Shadow.

[ blaze nods, allowing a moment before she turns to leave. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

APRIL MINGLE

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