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

[oblige]

I should hope so.

[ It's more than he was expecting to hear from Shadow, having thought the fellow was quite finished speaking with him. He doesn't assume him to be opening up a conversation, of course, but while he is here it only seems proper to ask. ]

The picture is yours, is it not?

[ Dion would return it, but he doesn't know whether Shadow will accept the object or not. There are two Shadows here, of course, so it could belong to the one he'd already met... But he suspects there is a reason one of the chocobos brought it here.

Whatever the answer may be, Dion rocks back onto his heels and stands. His search is not yet concluded. Rather, he has not yet given up. He fears what it would mean for him to do so. ]

[limiterrings]

[ maybe he should have stayed to himself rather than say anything in general, especially when the other mentions the photograph. the hedgehog turns, one hand held out as if waiting for the other to return it.

it's nothing important, it doesn't classify deserving the same gentle care like the flower. it's only the past when he didn't know who or what he was, just a reminder of those days that are long gone, and what he is now. as unwilling as he is in the photo, it's not something he would do again.

that's why he'll take it.

shadow should probably burn it because of how often this picture has been making unfortunate rounds.

his attention is on the other before glancing to the chocobo. at least it's finally off his tail, he figures that it'll stay there waiting for when the other returns. ]

[oblige]

[ Dion takes the prompt for what it is, wasting no time in pulling the picture from his satchel and placing it on that waiting palm. What Shadow might do with it from this point forth, Dion could hardly guess. It isn't his place to ask and he's certain he wouldn't get an answer besides.

With that, he shoulders the satchel once more. ]

I shall take my leave then.

[ He only hopes there won't be any further injuries to chocobos here. It was fortunate he knew enough to help this one, but he sorely feels his lack of ability in the healing arts. Others could have mended such a wound in moments, but Bahamut's power was always intended for force of arms, and he was to conserve his strength for that. Perhaps it does not need to remain that way in this place. Perhaps.

For now he turns on his heel, giving the chocobo's feathered head a pat before he makes to return to his search. ]

[limiterrings]

[ what did the other say about these colored chocobos that they find those pained and hurting? it's something filed away in the back of shadow's head as the photograph is given to him, and as his eyes look down at it, he doesn't feel any pain... or sadness at this. no, his feelings are directed else where. ]

You.

[ the hedgehog looks to the back faced to him, the taller gentleman who placed his hand against the chocobo, the one who takes his leave without much conversation. they didn't need to say much to each other, just being in the same location with no resistance is what led to this.

minimum conversation, but there's something that needs to be asked. ]

[oblige]

[ Dion's strides halt, for that lone word could only be directed to him. No one else is in the area, save for the chocobos, and he doubts that Shadow would bother speaking to them. He could be proven wrong, of course, but he doubts the fellow would prompt the attention of the birds.

So he turns, remaining where he is. ]

Yes?

[ A word for a word. If Shadow has something to say, then he'll hear it, not that Dion can imagine what it would be. Between the two Shadows, it's clear to him neither is much for chit-chat. ]

[limiterrings]

[ his eyes shift to where he saw the other put the flower, and his gaze settles there for a few moments indicating that there's something there. ]

Yours?

[ nothing more than a question on the connection between him and that flower, he thinks by taking this photograph wordlessly was enough of an answer.

besides, he seemed sure, and there's only other black and red hedgehog who could fit the bill, but between the two, there's still light in one's eyes and the other only has years of pain and anger in his own. the hedgehog in the photograph is confident, the other one doesn't have that sort of strong foundation for himself unlike the hedgehog who stands across from a wounded chocobo and its caregiver.

it's easy to confirm the picture belongs to shadow, but what of that flower.

is it his? ]

[oblige]

[ Dion lifts a hand to where the flower peeks out of his armor, fingertips delicately brushing against petals as though to assure himself of its existence. Surely, a wild wyvern tail wouldn't hold particular significance to anyone else here.

Though Dion is not yet certain whether he sees himself as worthy of the gift he'd once declined, feeling he had not yet earned it, he cannot simply discard it. That would be worse. ]

Yes.

[ He replies quietly, for the flower and the sentiments behind it had a certain weight of their own. It is not simply a flower to him. ]

[limiterrings]

[ a confirmation.

it belongs to him and no one else, and shadow only kept it safe because of someone else. what if it's a sign, maybe he should ask much like he's asked others. the chocobo is also a sign, maybe something that knows the future of shadow's feelings. he would feel better if she existed, but maybe he can only remember her in memory.

he could add that the other should be mindful of it, that the chocobos will eat it if he's not careful. however, if it is his, he should be able to take care of it without the hedgehog's advice. ]

...

[ as long as he knows he will not have to be left with the issue that he allowed someone another person's treasure.

even the chocobo that's resting seems to be watching the two, interested in conversation despite not knowing what they're saying. ]

[oblige]

[ The silence that follows feels leaden in a way that Dion couldn't put a name to. Not knowing Shadow well — not knowing him at all, really — he has no way of knowing what meaning to assign to it. Perhaps there is none, seeing as neither Shadow seems all that interested in talking. ]

If that will be all, then.

[ It was surprise enough that Shadow had asked about the flower. Did it remind him of something, or did he care that someone didn't end up with an item that wasn't theirs? He surely wouldn't get an answer if he was to ask. ]

My name is Dion. [ Not that Shadow asked, and not that he expects him to care. Rather, he says as much for another reason. ] Since I already knew yours.

[ He only intends that they should be even. ]

[limiterrings]

You are familiar with the other one.

[ dion is certainly aware that this shadow is nothing like the other, but even know the hedgehog sees it fitting that the other hedgehog is capable of connecting with people. it's because dion spoke so certain initially without being afraid of him that the younger shadow probably shares some relationship with him ... be it friend or acquaintance, but it doesn't seem like they're enemies at all.

this is shadow's understanding from their initial meeting.

and if he knows he exist, he's sure the other must have mentioned him. whether it was out of anger or pain, it feels almost obvious that he would be vocal... now whether he learned here or at the last world they walked. ]

Learn our differences to avoid making future mistakes.

[oblige]

[ Dion doesn't know if familiar is the word he would use, but he sees no point in making corrections. He should be mindful of whatever distinctions he can make note of, so as to avoid future confusion or conflict. ]

Yes, of course.

[ It's a simple acquiescence. It makes good sense, and Dion would sooner be considerate of others rather than thoughtless. All of them are allies of a kind now, by virtue of being brought here to save their worlds.

Whether Shadow agrees or not, whether that premise is wholly true or not, Dion intends to afford him the courtesy he thinks a peer is due. ]

Good day to you.

[ He offers this with a polite nod before turning to resume his search once more. ]