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

[ The other man’s calm tone sets Dimitri at ease- he doesn’t sound like a threat, nor does he look like he could pose much of one. Dimitri doesn’t like thinking in those terms, but the last few months have been very pressing and he still isn’t sleeping well. ]

Oh? Is that so? [ he tilts his head- This is something else he hasn’t much thought of- years of being kept ~~prisoner~~ away from the public has damaged his social upbringing ] Then how do you relate to the other seasons?

[ Dimitri is dodging being the center of discussion- it is second nature at this point. Most people aren’t interested in such things from him.

He doesn’t mind talking to the man, Dimitri had set out to get the lay of the land; to keep himself busy. His mind doesn’t do well with nothing to do. ]

Well, I imagine each path has a natural and inevitable progression, is individual in nature with a distinctive challenge. The seasons as a symbol represent not growth alone, but an opportunity to understand the depths of our own relationship to the natural world. The cyclical nature of our own lives, with periods of growth, decline and renewal...

[He angles his head in thought. Is that a bit much? There is no intention to censor himself for his audience, and he doesn't like speaking in common terms. So he comes at explaining it from a different angle.]

I suppose you might say I relate intellectually.

[That is certainly plenty for anyone's mind to sink into.]

[ The man’s explanation is not at all what he expects and Dimitri’s eyebrows knit in concentration as he goes on. He was expecting a mere note of how the other enjoyed this or that of each season, but how he ultimately found spring to be best. Although, Dimitri supposes, he did say ‘loveliest’ and not best. ]

I see. So, you subvert the usual way of thinking where life is young in the spring and by fall has grown old and withered.

[ He considers all the man said, crooking a finger under his chin as his eyes go a little distant. Was his life cyclical? True, twice now he has had his life ripped away from him by violence and fire, but that would mean what comes next is capture and solitude, not the continental warfare coming to him. Not Dimitri hunting her down and tearing her head from her shoulders.

Don’t think of that. Dimitri suppresses his anger ~~still~~ ~~again~~ and pushes thoughts of her away, but not before it showed on his face for a brief moment. A twitch of the nostril, the deepening glare of the eyebrows- quickly tucked away to make himself presentable.

Dimitri may be misunderstanding what the man means though. He’s probably going to be thinking about this for awhile yet. ]

… I cannot say I agree with your assessment of it all being inevitable, but I do see wisdom in your words. Have you thought long on this, or did you merely come up with it as an example of an intellectual way of thinking on it?

[ He’s genuinely curious and seeks to understand better. ]

[Suppressed anger. Smothered rage. Crane understands both emotions: he is accustomed to swallowing them down his throat and stomping them out of his patients. He is almost insulted at the attempt to hide them from his gaze. But they only recently met so this young man has been given no opportunity to learn.

His own emotional control is flawless. He hums to himself, offers a gentle raising of the brow and nothing more.]

It's been on my mind since I became aware of seasons as a concept.

[Human behaviour is equally repetative. But perhaps he is speaking too deeply about a subject not everybody is willing or able to understand.]

I've always been too willing to indulge my mind when it comes to thinking about such things.

[ The raise of the eyebrow makes Dimitri a little unsettled, but he supposes it would be hardly noteworthy of an intellectual being observant. He tries to not let it under his skin. ]

But that is a good thing, is it not?

[ Whenever he has heard the term ‘too willing’ it’s always come with a negative connotation.

Growth. Decline. Renewal. Dimitri supposes he’s going to be thinking about that for awhile. Better than dwelling on things he cannot do while entrapped here. ]

One would think so.

[His words weigh heavily on the air. He always indulges his curiosity, his need to understand and pick apart other people's emotions. But the consequences are something he has endured since he was a boy.

He refuses to dwell on what those consequences were and angles his head towards his shoulder, the slightest of gestures that hardly move at all, and instead ask what do you think?]

[ The tone of voice the other man uses is… a little ominous. There is a gravity there. Dimitri feels like it means one of two things; either the man was punished for indulging his mind, or he took something too far… His eyebrows knit as he considers which it could be.

At least until the man’s head tilts. Unconsciously Dimitri’s own head ticks to the side as well, but a little further than the other’s did. So, it is to be a question then. Vaguely, Dimitri is reminded of his precious professor, whom became lost to him last month. There was no sign of their survival among the ruins. Dead. Also his fault.

His posture straightens and he closes his eyes for a moment to banish the well of sadness, the well of rage, before it can engulf him. Those two so intertwined. Dimitri must keep moving, must keep busy, and must not bother this stranger with his issues- of which he knows he has plenty. He swallows then strives for an easy tone. ]

I think passions should be encouraged, particularly when it comes to intellectual pursuits. A great many things would not have been discovered were it not for curious minds. Plagues cannot be beaten by brute strength.

[ The constant headache lurking in the back of Dimitri’s mind, the one that has been there since he was 13, is starting to get worse again. The mind dwelling on tragedies that could have been stopped if only for more intelligence. If only he were better. ]

[Unconscious movements follow his own. Memories come to mind, deep enough to provoke a physical response, all to balance some emotional upheaval. There are no signs of emotion on his face as he studies how this man closes his eyes and enforces control. There are no suggestions as to what those memories are - but the boy actually opens his mouth and prevents it being a puzzle.

Disappointing? Only intellectually. He certainly appreciates not wasting his time.]

Intelligence is only one part of medicine. [Doctors. Plagues.] We can only guide and advise and offer treatment when necessary. We are responsible for proper practice. But responsibility also lies with the patient to take precautions. Especially during an epidemic.

[He speaks the last part so softly, with such understanding, that one might think him sympathetic.]

[ Little does Crane know the plague to which Dimitri has referenced isn’t tied to the previous anger and sadness he is repressing. Well, indirectly perhaps, but it’s merely something Dimitri has used to distract his mind. A different tragedy to toss over a recent one: the war beginning that is entwined with the traumatic inciting incident of his rage.

But the plague is safer for his mind to look at. That one holds no guilt for him; it was a red herring in the sentence. The brute strength, now that is the cutting remark Dimitri wounds himself with.

The man’s words answer an unasked question for Dimitri- he’s talking to a doctor. The clear sympathy in which the man speaks pulls at Dimitri’s own and he nods gravely. ]

That you are right… but the plague that ripped through my kingdom took more than medicine and precaution to defeat. My father sought out a brilliant mind from the south and with her we were able to establish clean water with proper aqueducts for our people.

For her contributions in ridding us of this plague he made her the royal adviser.

[ His smile is still tinted with melancholic sympathy, but Dimitri thinks he is encouraging the man standing before him. Intelligence should be rewarded. ]

[The problem about red herrings is, once someone finds all of them, there's nowhere left for you to turn. Plus what you choose to reveal can reveal things about you.

But Crane isn't that interested to analyse each and every clue he comes across. He simply denotes them and sets them aside.]

You come from a monarchy. [Not too hard to tell considering the words used.] You're a prince, then?

[Who else's father has the power to make those appointments?]

[ Blinking once more in surprise, Dimitri follows the man’s pivot in conversation. It seems this doctor is rather a rather good listener. ]

Indeed, I am. But please, you needn’t worry about any formalities here. We’re all on even ground.

[ Dimitri had tried to get his fellow classmates to disregard his title and status while they were at the garrison to mostly no avail. He’s hoping to have better luck here since they aren’t in, on, or around his kingdom. ]

Oh, formalities barely concern me.

[Crane clasps his hands across his stomach, putting distance between himself and this member of society. Coming from the world of academia, his attentions were given to those who controlled his department, his funding. Not that anyone ever received his affecctions.]

I imagine this world was a surprise at first.

[The expression on his face suggests he certainly agress with that statement.]

[ Perhaps if Dimitri’s world had therapists he might recognize the pitter patter of this conversation, but as is he just seems rather friendly and understanding. A kind doctor.

Still, he is grateful to not be treated any differently and this relief shows on his face. ]

Hmm… Well, Aphaia was… [ ~~awful~~ ~~horrible~~ ~~overwhelming~~ his brows pinch ] certainly worse than it is here, but I suppose our situation is rather strange, to say the least. I’ve never heard of anything like this, have you?

Edited 2025-05-30 00:03 (UTC)

[His face drains a little, a nervous affect replacing any warmth. It seeps into his voice and permeates every word.]

Not at all. We have technology where I am, of course...

[He turns his gaze towards, well, everything around them.]

This level of sophistication is new to me. But I suppose we have that in common.

[Some of it. But he is willing to lie to foster sympathy and similarity.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

APRIL MINGLE

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sorry tags are running late. new character = new journal = new tdm = new app. work work

No worries!

thank you :)

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