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

[ Her gaze drifts back over to the hedgehog. ]

...Shadow, huh. [ A pause. That's a fitting name. Somehow that didn't cross her mind when looking at the other one's fur. He may have escaped being called "Dusky", but he hasn't entirely escaped from a nickname: ] Shady.

[ From the start, it may have been what the other Shadow could have had if he told her his name...

Her attention shifts back to the two chocobos. With how close the leader is, she should take it as a sign that it's perfectly fine for her to stick around on their land. She reaches out to the leader bird, gently stroking the feathers. Still, she would like to offer some kind of thanks. Let her pay the bird toll before she moves on ahead. ]

Um... hang on a second, birdies. [ She rummages through her supply bag, which is mostly full of picture books, both intended for reading and for storing flowers between the pages. Luckily, she does find a very small bulb of greens and a couple of loose leaves sitting at the bottom of her bag. It's hard to carry much more than that. She pulls the bulb out, holding it up. ] This isn't much, but is this okay?

[She just came up with a different nickname instead. A groan, because of course she did, and that's what she decides on?

The leader coos when she gave it pets, lifting their head slightly as Fio starts to rummage through her bag. They both inch closer in anticipation. Now, while they aren't going to hurt her, they are still big wild birds. And when their favorite snack is on the line, they forget about personal space and can easily overwhelm a little girl. And that's what happens. They wark excitedly when their familiar greens is being presented, pushing each other to get to the bulb.

Shadow can see what's going on from where he is, an irritated frown. Well that's her own doing if she ends up getting pushed around by those birds.

...

A sigh. He'll turn around and backtrack towards them.]

[ It was only supposed to be a quick offering of greens and after that, she would follow after Shadow... whether he likes it or not. There's two chocobos, so she should try to evenly split the food, she thinks. Sharing is caring.

Within seconds of pulling out the ball of greens, the pair of birds start making a commotion. ]

Oh! U-uh... birdies, calm down please!

[ She pleads, expecting a couple of wild birds to understand. The chocobos push at each other, all while getting dangerously close to the small girl. Even when she does try to step back, it's not quite far enough to avoid the two excited birds. So very easily, Fio just gets pushed over and drops the greens... ]

[The dropped greens will at least take their attention away from Fio. The ones that went with Shadow will notice the others getting excited over something and will start to approach. Shadow is already a step ahead of them, turning his head to glare back, hands balled up in fists. Stay or get hurt. The display from this small hedgehog was enough to keep them where they are.

There wasn't a lot of greens, so it won't be long till those birds are turning their attention back to Fio. Their advance are halted though when Shadow comes through and pushes them both aside. They nearly stumble as it wasn't exactly a gentle push, but being rough gets them to do what he wants. They're no longer trying to get to Fio as Shadow puts himself between them and her.]

[ Shakily, Fio scrambles back onto her feet, another arm clutching at her bag. In a panic, a few books slip out from the supply bag and scatter onto the grass.

She lifts her eyes, looking up at the massive birds. Even if she had attempted to flee, it would be impossible for her to try outrunning two adult chocobos with her small legs. Her gaze drops down, seeing the hedgehog that keeps the birds from getting any closer.

It's a surprise to see that he had come back. She was thinking she would have to catch up to him on her own. Although she's been trying to avoid comparing him to the other, she can't help thinking that both are actually... very kind. ]

...That was scary. [ She admits, yet covers up any sign of fear with a shy smile. ] Thanks, Shady.

[ Holding up her bag, she tries to show the nearby birds what remains inside. That was her last supply of greens. All that remains are books, along with a couple of pressed flowers stuck between the pages. Despite the danger they just posed, she does look apologetic for not having enough to fully satisfy them. ]

No more, okay? I'm sorry...

Don't call me that. [The nickname just makes him feel like he's suspicous, shady. And if she starts saying that to others...he just doesn't want to deal with more nosy people.]

My name or something else. [Or just his name. Why did he add "something else"?

The birds lower their heads, watching Fio show them an empty bag. A few sad warbles when they realize she really doesn't have any more treats. Their interest going elsewhere, leaving them both be. His attention can turn to Fio properly now. He looks at the books scattered about. Why is she carrying all these books? To read somewhere in the forest? But he sees something sticking out of one of them. Curious and not caring if she minds or not, he goes to pick it up. It's...a flower? Carefully, he opens to the page.]

[ There's no malice as she calls him "Shady", not exactly thinking what Shadow may be thinking... ]

Well, Dusky kind of means "shadowy" too!

[ And they're back to Dusky.

Fio bends down and gathers the fallen books into her bag. It's a mix of different children's stories, with simple vocabulary appropriate for a child in her age range. Unsurprisingly, some stories focus on flowers. Others focus on the sky and stars. And there's a few silly light-hearted tales of befriending monsters hiding in closets and under the bed. She likes all kinds of stories, but there's a limit to how much she can hold.

The flower that Shadow reaches for, is tucked within a page showing an illustration of a full moon and blocky stars hanging in a night sky. He might recognize it as the little yellow wildflower from earlier when she first startled the birds. It's like a little sun sitting on the page. ]

Do you like that flower? It needs a little more time to dry. I should've brought a bigger book, but this is all I have with me right now...

[ After tucking away one last book, Fio approaches, still wearing a small smile. She doesn't seem to mind that he pokes through the book. There's more flowers in the other pages should he decide to check. ]

[They are indeed back to Dusky. Rather insistent with these nicknames huh. He watches them gather up there books for a moment. Dusky is...fine. He suppose. He no longer wants to keep correcting them and just move on.

He stares at the page before him. Childlike illustration of the night sky. Recalling memories when he would look up at the stars with her...he moves his focus to the flower, not wanting to linger. He is indifferent towards the flower, just curious as to what she was doing with them.]

You're putting the flowers in books? [He does flip a page once he made sure the wildflower doesn't fall out. Another flower pressed to the page. To save them for something else?]

[ Her task to save her world and others hasn't been forgotten. It's on her mind, but she doesn't know what she can do until the next mission. Besides exploring her new, temporary home, rediscovering old hobbies feels like one of the few things she can do to help pass the time. The last time she picked flowers to press them for drying was when she gave a gift to her adoptive father. That was so long ago, during a time when her family still felt love for her.

On the next pages, it's more stars, the moon again, some images with the moon in different phases, Earth. And of course, the flowers tucked within. Other pages have a few loose pieces of paper, as extra support to sandwich the colorful plants and to prevent ink from sticking to the petals. ]

Uh-huh. If you wanna preserve flowers, you can press them underneath something heavy with some pieces of paper... it takes about a week or two to dry, I think.

[ There is likely a faster method, but this is what she's familiar with. It's not perfect and may be with some trial and error.

Stepping away for a moment, she plucks a fresh yellow flower from a nearby patch. When she returns, it's while Shadow's focused on another page, she can't resist trying to stick the flower into one of his quills on top of his head. Just being a little playful! It won't stay if he moves around enough. ]

...Hey, Dusky. When they're finished drying, I'll give one to you. Do you have a favorite color?

[...Like keeping photos? Or stickers? He never thought this was something you could do with flowers.

He blinks, looking up from the book when he felt something being placed in his quills. He jerks his head back instinctively before she had a chance to set it down. He looks to the flower in her hand, back to her. A disapproving look. Suspicion. He closes the book, presenting it back to her.]

There's no need for that. [Why would they want to do that anyway...?]

[ Her hand pulls back, a flicker of surprise when he jerks back suddenly. Darn, he moved away too fast. His fluffy quills look like the perfect place to stick tons of flowers...

Fio retrieves the book, tucking the flower between the pages to join the rest. A smile returns, rocking back and forth a little on her heels. If he doesn't decide on a color, she'll decide for him. ]

Well, I wanna give you one 'cause I can!

[...Because they can. Like that boy who insisted on hanging out with him. Asking for nothing in return. He does not know to trust this girl on their word either.]

...I don't want anything from you. [It doesn't come off as harsh. It's more like he doesn't want to trouble her. And it looks like she's going to have to decide on that color. Something more important than talking about giving flowers right now-] You shouldn't be wandering out here by yourself either. [Considering what happened with those two chocobos.]

[ He says he doesn't want anything, but she plans on giving him something anyway. By the time the flowers completely dry up, she'll hopefully have made a decision on what color to gift him with. ]

I've wandered around places by myself before.

[ In Aphaia too, she was alone for quite some time before finding others to tag along with...

She doesn't find it strange that she's out somewhere beyond the city buildings. Many times she's wandered her own town by herself, even as far as outside of it. Part of the reason though was mostly because her parents didn't care anymore. Those places weren't exactly safe either—especially when the townspeople jeered at the poor, including children. But she does prefer having the company of others rather than being alone.

Though she realizes it would be silly to claim that she's "fine" after what happened earlier with the chocobos. She wouldn't have been able to do what Shadow did. She doesn't have the strength to aggressively push the big birds aside. Yet even if she did, she doesn't have the heart to be rough on anyone either. ]

What happened with the birdies was pretty scary. I'm glad you were there. I'm sorry... I'll be more careful.

That doesn't mean you should. [...She has to have a means to defend herself if she can casually say that though. Nothing about her tells him how though.

She can apologize and say she'll be more careful, but things aren't just suddenly going to go easy on her just from saying that. He looks down at her bag. She isn't going to leave anytime soon, is she? He inhales as he quietly sighs.] This way.

[He starts to walk in a direction. Not towards the lake, but further into the forest. He isn't going to wait for her and expects her to follow. The birds look onward, feathers ruffled, undecided on whether they wanted to follow or stay down by the lake.]

...I'll ask for company next time.

[ She's been mostly reliant on fleeing and hiding. Mostly doing whatever a regular human can do. (And though there is... another option, a more unusual means of defense, she's been avoiding it.) She doesn't expect anything to get easier. In fact, she expects her life here and journey to have tough times ahead. Life has always been full of pain and sadness. She knows it very well...

Anyway, she did say her decision is that she wants to talk to him. For how long? Who knows. As much as she can. Not just him, she wants to spend as much time as she can with others, until the day she's able to return. Make more friends. More memories. To have stories to tell to the administrator and whoever might be left on her Earth.

She follows the hedgehog's lead, audible steps crunching through the grass, following from a short distance away. ]

So, what were you doing out here?

...To think. [To get away from the city. That's all she'll get out of him though, because it's not her business to know what he's doing out here. His pace slows a few times when they reach parts where the underbrush is thick. Checking to be sure she can get through them without issue.

Their destination, another small clearing in the forest. The trees are still dense here that just pockets of light come through the area. Growing here were patches of flowers. There were some variety here, white ones, purple ones, bushes that are growing tinier flowers on them. Flowers that can survive under minimal lighting.]

[ She won't press further. Having alone time is valuable and important. And though she loves company, Fio does have her own moments of silent time to just think. She can imagine there must be a lot on his mind. Or anyone really, who's been recently pulled away from their homes. Admittedly, she hasn't spoken much of herself either to anyone. Or what she thinks of everything now. Lars knows most about her... but only of their adventures in the Cage...

The rest of the way, Fio falls into silence, only making sound with her footsteps as she follows along. Pushing through the thicket, irritation crosses her face. The branches and leaves brush scrape against her legs, leaving behind some faint red scratches. She endures, doesn't complain. She doesn't want to slow Shadow down, even if it seems like she might be falling behind a little. As long as she can still see him, she's fine.

Up ahead, she can see the patches of different colored flowers in the distance and the shimmering effect from the dappled light. Her expression brightens, seeming to forget how annoying it was pushing through the underbrush. It's like looking at painting in a book. ]

Wow... this place is so pretty!

[ She starts to pick up the pace, eager to get a closer look at the flowers. ]

[...Perhaps he should have made a larger path through the thickets for her, but she already knows what she's getting herself into by wandering around in a forest. He continues into the clearing, moving onto the otherside of it before turning around. He watches Fio for a moment, then settles down in a patch of grass, amongst some white primrose. He figures this spot will keep her occupied for a bit. Maybe she'll grow tired and leave afterwards.]

[ There are bits of leaves, twigs, and some fresh dirt that stick to her dress from earlier ventures around the woods anyway. She can deal with a couple of scrapes too. But she's happy to finally be out of the thicket, excitedly scampering into the clearing and immediately drawn towards the flowers. If only she could identify them with a glance. ]

I've gotta find an encyclopedia when I get back to the library...

[ She meanders about for a little while to look at the different flowers. A glance across the clearing, looking at where the hedgehog sits among the white flowers. ]

...Dusky, don't you wanna try? Flower pressing. Or... do you wanna just sit and think?

[ Which is fine too... ]

Edited 2025-05-10 06:54 (UTC)

[To say he's not curious would be incorrect. What would be the point of him pressing flowers though? He has no reason to hold onto a few flowers.]

There's no need. [Sitting and thinking it is. At least there aren't any birds here to bother them.]

... [ Fio puts on a faint smile. A little discouraged that he doesn't want to join in with her activity, but she should have expected that answer. She's happy enough for his company, at least. ] Okay then.

[ Her eyes scan the area once more, taking in the variety of color. Despite the many other options, it's in the same patch of white primrose that she decides on her own little grassy area to sit, though not too close to him that the hedgehog would feel uncomfortable or wary. She remembers how his reaction when she tried putting the wildflower in his quill.

She sits, only several feet across from him. While he does his thinking, she'll quietly set off to work, unpacking the books in her bag. ]

[This is good enough. She can have his presence while leaving him be. He will observe her as she settles nearby, taking out her books once more. The other hedgehog seems to tolerate this one. She hasn't spoken cruelly of the other at least. Or maybe she's incabable of that.

His eyes fall to the flowers before him, in thought. The other hedgehog can show constraint towards others, he has seen it. This one isn't Maria though, and a complete stranger they're willing to tolerate...]

Did he give you a hard time? [Did he want to get an answer?]

[ Once she has a couple of books set out in the grass, she places her fingers on a stem, preparing to pick it. The growth is abundant enough in these parts that she can pick as much as she can, but she only really needs a few. A pause, a surprised gaze lifting when she hears Shadow speak. Surprisingly she's not the one to first interrupt the silence. Even more surprising when he mentions the other one, which had been a subject that she's been trying to avoid. ]

...I'm the one that gave him a hard time 'cause I didn't want to leave him alone. I wanted to get to know him better. [ She wanted to become friends. While she speaks, she resumes her work, plucking a single flower. They may have both given each other a hard time that day. ]

He's mean and scary. We helped each other get points, back in the other place. He'd call it... trans- trans-ac-tion-al. [ Transactional. A nod, smiling a little. Yes, that's the word the other Shadow taught her. ] But I think he can be kind... in his own way.

[He's a little surprised himself. After all the pain, he never wants to see the other with his face again. But a small part of him still wishes things had been different. And here's this girl. Getting stupidly involved when the other clearly didn't want it. And she comes out saying he can be kind....he knows the other can, but he was never given a chance.

He absently plucks a few flowers, looking at them with a distant expression.]

Do you force yourself onto everyone you meet? [Just making an observation, even if it came off harsh. That behavior can be a danger in itself.]

...Force myself?

[ She innocently repeats.

His observation doesn't strike her as harsh, though maybe she doesn't immediately comprehend his words. Maybe she is a little more determined towards certain kinds of people... she's especially drawn to those who seem alone in the world, eager to help because she doesn't want others to suffer the same pain that she did. Those kinds of individuals can also be a challenge to connect with. The Administrator did lash out at her with violence and hostility... despite everything, Fio kept trying to reach out to that girl.

A thoughtful hum as she continues, slipping the little flower in between two spare sheets of paper. ]

I don't think I'm forcing myself if I really wanna become friends. I hope we can become friends too. [ She routinely deposits the sandwiched flower within the book, then flips over to a different, empty page. ] When I asked Darkie if he had friends, he told me he had nothing. Is it the same for you?

APRIL MINGLE

rip dusky route!!

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We got back around to Dusky anyway... :')

we're so back!!!

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cw: child death references/just nier things

#nierthings

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