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

[...Alex was totally not running from chocobos. Nope. Totally not. It wasn't like he had a history of birds who hated him and wanted to murder him. Damn Cornbread and Stuffing. Anyway, point was, he accidentally startled a brown chocobo -- and himself -- and he'd found himself being chased by a feathery fiend likely just as startled and spooked as Alex himself.

He saw the water ahead, and was already skidding to a stop when Henry stood and he found himself staring at the prince -- shirtless and in swim trunks which was not at all a bad look on him and now he was thinking less about killer avian assailants and more about a kiss that tasted like champagne underneath a cold winter sky and fuck focus Alex.]

You're worried about me scaring them?!

[He was currently holding as still as a statue just in case though.]

[ The voice was familiar. He rather thought that Alex had probably noticed he was gone from the room, having taken a bit of a out of house day to himself. But it had been a special occasion and honestly it seemed like as good a time as any to get a bit of exercise. Also the sudden stop of movement.

Good, do not scare the Chocobos, he was trying to make friends with these water birds. ]

As a matter of fact, it was not direct solely at you because I did not think that you were the one who was barreling down the path however, considering we both know how your smart mouth can be.. I think it is fair to assume that maybe if the shoe fits?

[ It was not meant as derogatory as one may imagine. He shook his head of excess water and then he folded his arms across his chest. ] Now, just very carefully Alex, perhaps sing them a lullaby or something to soothe them.

I was barreling down the path because one of them was trying to eat me.

[This was not a dramatic statement at all, hissed out in a whisper so he didn't frighten off of any of Henry's water birds.]

Wait do you think that would work?

[The lullabying? Also he was still very distracted by Henry wet and in swim trunks who okayed this?]

...wait, no. Definitely not. Shut up. I'm not some Disney princess. That's you if it's either of us.

[ Oh, the birds were starting to flap their wings in a sure sort of warning that they were going to start making a run for it, or rather swim for it if the two did not pipe down. Unfortunately Henry was not going to take this laying down and so he managed to walk a few steps closer, the trunks clinging rather graciously to his hips. ]

Do you have a fear of birds, Alex?

[ He should know, except he did not. Because the Henry that had talked through the turkey pardoning, well Henry was not there yet. ] Also, I thought we had already the talk where I convinced you I was not a Disney Princess? If I was.. well things would be far different, that is for sure.

[ He cast his gaze to what Alex was wearing, which was not so bad and he had to make sure that he did not look too lustfully. ]

[No, don't bring the wet hot man closer to him. This was a test of his resolve, wasn't it?]

Right, yeah, you haven't been through Thanksgiving yet. [Their first actual phone call, not just texting.] And no. Not a fear just... a very reasonable and realistic amount of caution.

[He gestured back the way Henry came.] Yeah, well, that was before I saw you playing little mermaid and charming the wildlife. That's pretty much textbook Disney princess.

[ What? Afraid the hot man might bite you and cause you to disaster even further?

This was unbeknownst to Henry however, he would be shocked of course if he knew. Absolutely scandalized, but probably a little bit intrigued. ] Alright so now I demand to know this story about the extreme caution you exhibit around our fine feathered friends.

[ Please tell him, he was quite simply dying to know. ] I do not have fins, Alex.. also, they are not charmed-- they are just cautious and want reassurance.. and that is a very valid need, I would think.

[ Though me did crack a smile, a wry one. ] Besides that, I did leave my shell bra back at home.

[Afraid he might just snap and kiss the life out of him. That was an option, but probably not a great one, he supposed. And yet, it was certainly a thought he couldn't get out of his mind.]

...we do this thing, in the U.S., where every Thanksgiving the President pardons a pair of turkeys. Turns out they usually house the turkeys in a penthouse suite at an expensive hotel, and I thought that sounded like a waste of taxpayer money so I told Mom that was ridiculous and a waste and anyway, I wound up with two demon turkeys in cages in my bedroom. The noises they made... [He shuddered.] ANYWAY. I called you for moral support which, like, clearly a mistake since you thought it was hilarious.

[And then his brain short-circuited at the thought of Henry in a seashell bra.] ...See? That's way more fashion forward than your usual boring gray ties.

[ It was valid as it had been Henry who had kissed him. But there was probably a dissonance there that Henry hadn't kissed him in this time and therefore it was like standing on the edge of a precipice that one knew it was on it's way-- just a matter of when.

He waded forward, listening patiently and then he smiled only a bit wryly ] See, I do not have the fear of turkeys that you do however I am glad that I was able to lend you 'some' assistance, even if it was not being alone.

[ He motioned toward the blue chocobos ] These are not demon birds by any stretch.

[Henry who had kissed him and flipped his entire world on its axis. Henry who hadn't kissed him yet and had no idea that Alex was a complete and utter wreck off a man because of him.]

Yeah, some. In between telling [A slow raise of his eyebrows before his expression softened into a smile. Somewhere in between Henry telling him to buy a summer home in Majorca with the turkey and being a source of some moral support, it had been a nice memory.]

No? You sure they're not planning on drowning you when you let your guard down? [Very skeptical, but he stepped closer to Henry anyway, closer to the water.]

[ Ignorance was a bit of a calming bit for Henry, a mark of anxiety not happened yet; but for Alex ignorance would be pure and unadulterated torture. He allowed himself a few feet closer though he dipped back into the water since the chill was hitting him and invariably making his nipples hard.. he was very self-conscious of that. ]

They would not, look at how sweet they are.

[ Henry motioned backward where they made a cooing sort of wark-- perhaps a little smug too, but also relaxing. ] We are best friends now, the birds and I.

[Good. Sink beneath the water. It gave Alex less to look at while he was trying to navigate being attracted to Henry and vaguely terrified of the giant birds.]

Never beating the Disney princess rep at this rate.

[One catchy little song away from having his own movie, really.

Alex stopped right at the edge of the water. He was not dressed for swimming. But. He'd swam in his underwear before, and frankly part of him was aware that he had a fantastic ass and it deserved to be shown off at his...oh god did he have a crush on Henry? He totally had a crush on Henry. Fuck his life.]

How's the water? Is it cold?

[Judging by the nipple-meter, it was at least a little chilly.]

Due to how the body works, the water gets warmer as you keep yourself submerged though perhaps it is safer to say that your body gets colder. [ Henry said with a knowing smile though he did see that Alex was not dressed for any sort of swimming activites. ]

Dare I ask what brings you out here to the swimming lake?

[ Was there a purpose? It was as the americans like to call 'a free country' and he was not going to gatekeep it. ] Do you require help with anything? You seemed to be running.

I was being chased.

[A glance over his shoulder. But his pursuit seemed to have given up a while back, and he'd just kept going. Honestly the chocobo probably hadn't followed him for long at all, he just hadn't stopped to check.]

And I dunno. I was just out. I don't really know what to do with myself here yet.

[Alex Claremont-Diaz was not good at being still. He was a creature of movement and energy, sometimes restless, sometimes anxious, sometimes both at once.]

Would you mind company? I mean, like, of the not-feathered variety.

[ As of yet, it had not processed what a bad idea it would be for Alex to join him in the water because that would involve stripping down. But with the waters that seemed to be sapping his brain, he did not think too deeply about it and so without any real thought he said. ]

That would be pleasant, as long as you you do not splash around nor make sudden movements until they are comfortable.

[ Another beat as a suggestion came to him. ] And if you stick with me then I am sure I can give you some pointers on how to approach them gently.

[ Please Alex, strip in front of the Prince-- let him re-evaluate all of his life choices. ]

They don't make any sudden movements at me, I won't make any at them.

[It would be a tenuous truce, but Alex would do his best not to try to scare of Henry's new best feathered friends off since it did seem to be important to the prince.]

...if they bite me, I'm going to bite you.

[Just fair warning.

But okay, that was a plan. Alex reached back to pull his shirt over his head and off, toeing out of his shoes and then shimmying out of his pants, leaving him only in the black boxer briefs which -- especially as he bent down to gather his shoes and socks and set his clothes somewhere safe and dry -- did an excellent job of showcasing his ass.]

And that is how I get rabies.

[ There was a dry tone to his voice, though that was not the only thing dry once he saw what Alex meant to do; he cursed underneath his breath as he saw the way that Alex bent over and the tight material stretched across that ass, then he turned around as he started to become preoccupied with anything other than those sleek muscled abs and the pectorals that were far more defined than his own. ]

Just hurry up and get in here..

[ Did he sound breathless, well that was easily remedied as he started to move fluidly through the waters toward the nearest rock. ]

I've had my shots.

[Alex informed him before turning back to face the water.]

Wow, okay. The little impatient mermaid I guess.

[...was Henry looking? Henry was totally looking. Alex found that a little gratifying actually, but he wouldn't say anything about it, of course. What he would do was start wading into the water, watching the chocobos a bit warily, but eventually submerging enough that he could swim in Henry's direction.]

[ The one-up that Alex had on Henry was that he knew that the Prince was gay, whereas Henry did not know that Alex knew-- so it painted a very perplexing picture; of course Henry was not going to bring it up and he also knew that there were a few times where he found it hard to keep his heart decidedly off his sleeve.

This was one of those times.

Look too closely and there would be a big sign over his head that said "I am gay" in bright flashing lights, and likely 'god save the queen' playing. ]

I suppose you could say that I am a fish, Alex.

[ He was starting to creep a bit closer to the blue chocobos, enough that there was only a brief warning flutter but nothing more. ] Come here sweet babies, we are not going to hurt you-- promise. In fact, if you are nice enough-- this man over there may pardon you for Thanksgiving.

[ Bad joke.. very bad joke. ]

...asshole.

[Alex muttered under his breath, but he couldn't deny that he was amused by the joke. Point to Henry, he supposed. But he also was sort of tucking himself behind Henry, so that the other man was between him and the chocobos.

It was a very brave moment for Alex Claremont-Diaz.]

They're... sort of cute...

[Sort of.]

[ It was fine, he would act as the Paladin and he very carefully cheated himself as even more of a wall between Alex and the birds, though he did chuckle slightly-- he was also rising up from the waters so he wasn't so submerged anymore. ]

They are very cute, you should tell them that they are cute.. it may be beneficial to you.

[ Life tips from the Prince, even as he glanced over his shoulder at Alex. And the FSOTUS likely could see those eyes sparkling. ] You are correct, I am a jerk-- I think I explained that to you during our diplomatic stint.

[And Alex would creep in closer to Henry, using the prince as a royal human shield, peering over his shoulder at the chocobos. He set his hand against the other man's back, full on leaning on him for the time being as he warily watched the birds.]

Yeah you did. But you have your moments, you know, of being okay. Every now and then.

[Totally not crushing on you or anything nope. Not totally straight Alex Claremont-Diaz. But okay better not to focus on that. He'd turn his attention to the birds.]

...hey there... birds. Nice birds... cute birds...

[How's that? Bird whispering skills!]

[ And Henry would allow it, after all he had built up a tentative rapport and he thought that it would be easy to soothe their quite literal ruffled feathers. He heard Alex whisper pitched to his ears alone and he let out a little snort that came out not loud enough to startle the Chocobos.. thank goodness. ]

Alright, then? High praise indeed-- I hope that my future self bedeviled you outrageously for that type of nonsense.

[ Oh he did alright, just at this moment Henry could not comprehend it.

He made a further strangled sound at the other guy's bird-calling as the case may be, oh but there was points for trying. ] I absolutely cannot with you.. [ But he absolutely was. ]

[Since they were trying not to spook the chocobos, that must be the only reason that when Alex answered, he did so by whispering directly to Henry's ear, lips absurdly close but not quite touching.]

Don't worry. You drive me entirely crazy.

[By doing things like being likable and funny and beautiful and infuriating and confusing and then kissing him and ghosting him. Henry was Alex's own personal hell.]

What? I'm playing nice.

[To the birds. One of whom warked in what was somehow avian amusement, and Alex eeped and ducked further down behind Henry.]

[ Why did that fill him with an almost unreasonable shiver of anticipation? He could feel his entire body become aware of Alex's proximity and there was the slightest hitch of breath, though for a moment he worried about giving himself away-- though thankfully the hitch of breath came nearly on the heels of the the wark so that kept Alex for the most part distracted.

He laughed. ]

They are cute birds, Alex. There is no reason to be afraid-- are you sure that you do not have some sort of traumatic event involving birds in your lore that predates turkeys?

[Alex was indeed distracted in fear for his life. But he slowly stood up straight and stopped hiding quite so much behind Henry. ...still behind him though.]

No! And it's not all birds. I'm not afraid of pigeons. I'm just... wary of the unreasonably big ones who make demon noises.

[He muttered quietly before deciding that he was going to be very brave. A deep breath and he shifted to stand in the water beside Henry now instead of, well, cowering.]

APRIL MINGLE

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