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

[fireboost]

[ blaze's gaze is drawn towards fio as she hears the soft rustling of the little girl waking up, closing her book and setting it aside for the time being to pay attention to fio. she lifts her hand in a slight wave of acknowledgment as fio seems to become more aware of her surroundings, calling out blaze's name even—and she responds by pressing a finger to her lips. ]

Shh...

[ they're still in the library, after all, but blaze can't help the smile that spreads her face as she replies—a little bit more quietly, but approaching to ensure fio can hear her. ]

Fio, good morning. It's good to see you here as well.

[ truthfully, she'd been worried about fio, being so young and on her own in a place like that... it's an honest relief to see her here, in this place that seems much more safe and peaceful. ]

[sabigoe]

[ Fio's reminded of where she currently is, remembering there's more to her surroundings than just a purple cat. Seeing Blaze gesture for her to quiet down, she nods repeatedly. She checks around to see if there's any other patrons in the library that she may have disturbed. Only the two of them are present on the floor at least, but she makes sure to keep the volume low the next time she speaks. ]

Good morning. Hehe. [ A quieter voice. A smaller smile, tucking her arms behind her back. A little bashful over how loud she was moments earlier. She still hasn't thought too much about her own age... how worrying it is to others that she's taking up the responsibility to protect her world. ] I was really hoping we'd meet again. It's a whole lot nicer here... did you get to see the birdies?

[ Though she's still sad about the destruction of the previous planet. RIP Aphaia... ]

[fireboost]

[ even if nobody's around, it's still a good habit to get into to be quiet in the library. for now, blaze looks somewhat amused with fio's enthusiastic compliance, gesturing for fio to come closer—sit at the table perhaps. it seems like they might have some catching up to do. ]

I have. They're smart, aren't they?

[ that was her first observation, at least. one that might have even be the cause for a certain birdie waiting just outside the library. but that's beside the point. for now, they're inside the library, and blaze has her attention focused on fio. ]

I see you've gotten some new clothes too—that's good.

[ she looks a little different from before, but most importantly—she seems relatively safe and happy. ]

[sabigoe]

[ She walks over, reaching for an empty chair. Wait. Just as she's about to join her feline friend, she remembers the materials left behind on the floor. She backtracks, scampers over to scoop the books and her supply bag off the carpet, and returns to the table, piling everything on the surface. As she moves back and forth from her previous reading area to the table, she chatters away. Another good habit she needs to keep in mind is to tidy up her own space for future patrons. ]

Uh-huh. They're also so cute and soft. I like the sound they make... wark, wark.

[ Stifling a giggle. A poor squeaky imitation of their chirp, but she tried.

Finally, she scrambles up into the seat across from Blaze. The new dress is something she chose for herself, just something plain and simple with a ribbon on the back. Every other new piece she wears though, had been given from another—the red and black hair clips and cloak were both from a certain grumpy hedgehog. (And there's a pair of sunglasses from Scott tucked away in her bag as well...) ]

...Well, Darkie gave me this cape. [ Forgetting to explain who exactly "Darkie" is. ] It was in one of the gift boxes, but he really didn't want it for some reason. I like it 'cause it keeps me nice and warm. Oh, and look at these... he got me these hair clips too.

[ Tilting her head slightly, showing off the black and red clips. The colors stick out against the rest of her outfit. Fio may need to think better about how to coordinate her clothing. ]

[fireboost]

[ she's a very polite girl, isnt' she? once again, blaze is reminded of someone special to her—a girl who isn't too far from fio in age, but she pulls her mind back into the present as fio chatters on, listening attentively. she smiles at that imitation too. in part amused, but also, just pleased to see that fio's been enjoying herself in this strange place. it's more than blaze can say about herself.

her attention piques at the mention of her gifts though, blaze's ears perking up and her attention returning to the cape that fio wears. ]

Darkie...? I see, that was quite kind of him.

[ blaze has no idea who darkie is, but their intentions seem to be good enough, offering fio gifts like these to keep her warm and make her happy. to tell the truth, she does recognize that familiar fuchsia trim of the cape in particular, and the high quality of the fabrics too. ]

Those are wonderful gifts. I especially like the cape, and in fact, I think we even match.

[ which she isn't lying about, but blaze will stand herself, coming next to fio so that she can show off her tailcoat—specifically the matching pink trim for the other to see. is she partially doing this to confirm whether this is where her gift went? perhaps, but she has no intention of taking it from fio. ]

[sabigoe]

[ She is enjoying her time, being able to make new friends and learning something new everyday. Part of it is mostly she's not sure what else she can do in their situation, even though she desperately wants to do something that would prevent the destruction of their worlds...

"Quite kind"... Fio is picturing the annoyed look across the hedgehog's face. But she would agree. He is also scary, unpleasant, and grumpy! She could say more about "Darkie", but Blaze draws her attention over to her tailcoat.

Funny that the gift box they found didn't land anywhere near Blaze. The cape would suit the purple cat far more, she thinks. Especially someone of royalty. The fabric feels like a large upgrade from anything she's ever worn. It seems... expensive? Nothing Fio or her family would have been able to afford in her lifetime. Now she has pricy hair clips and a possibly pricy cape... ]

Oh. You're right... the pink part is the same! [ She slides down from her seat. Her arms sway, giving the cape a little swish. ] Do you think it looks okay on me?

[fireboost]

[ yep, it's the same trim alright. right down the the precise colour—blaze is satisfied with that, sitting up straight once more. ]

I think it looks wonderful.

[ or perhaps it's more like the bright smile fio wears with the cape on her shoulders is wonderful. the point is, it makes blaze smile too, and she nods approvingly when fio gets up to show it off. while the memories blaze has tied to this cape are hardly ones she's fond of, she's sure that this little girl will make much better ones with it. that's why all blaze can wish for her is: ]

Make sure to take good care of it, alright?

[sabigoe]

[ With the very limited wardrobe she had back home, she has never done much dressing up. She only daydreamed how she would look while reading about princesses. And literally dreamed of being in the shoes of one.

Without a mirror, she can't quite see her entire appearance, but she trusts her friend's words. A faint blush rises to her cheeks. Her smile grows a little wider. ]

I feel a little like a princess, I think...

[ From the moment she discovered the cape out in the woods, she's been determined to keep it safe for the original owner. So far, no one's tried to reclaim it. Nonetheless, she'll continue to take care of it. ]

I bet it was precious to whoever owned it before, so I'll make sure to take very good care of it.

[fireboost]

You look like one.

[ blaze assures her, and who else but her would know? ]

I'm sure they'll appreciate that very much.

[ and as much as she may not be revealing just who that person is, she means the words. what's more important to her is that fio seems much more happy, even cheerful compared to the frightened girl she had encountered in aphaia. ]

[sabigoe]

[ Of course, a princess like Blaze would know best. Taking a few steps away from the table, Fio adds some extra empty space around her, just to be safe with what she's about to do. Arms held out to the sides, she twirls once in a circle to let the cape flutter about in the breeze. Then a second time.

Giggling, she'll stop spinning before she gets too dizzy. She sways her arms lightly. ]

I like this color. If you're ever far away and if I feel sad or lonely, I can just look at this and think of you.