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⏴

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[There's a momentary look of surprise, hearing that from Shadow. Maybe not the most enthusiastic comment, but it's not like he had to say something like that either. Perhaps it talks of his own feelings about this place, how he's been feeling kind of lost and alone, because Scott finds himself smiling just a little in response.]

Thanks.

[But that somewhat warm feeling dissipates as Shadow chucks that box right into the lake and it's not like Scott can do anything about it. He watches as it hits the water with a splash, the mutant staring out at the lake with a small frown now. Well, hopefully Shadow won't come to regret that.]

You sure about that? Because look, regretting shit sucks.

You said it belonged to me, so I can do whatever I want with it. [That includes tossing it away. Seeing them only brings back memories that already haunt him in his sleep. This world, wanting to play with his emotions by presenting such a mockery "gift" to him. He watches as the box sinks beneath the surface, taking it's contents down with it.

Once it had disappeared beneath, he turns his back to the lake, walking back up from where he came.] There's no reason for you to stay here anymore.

Well, yeah...

[Though he doesn't argue too much otherwise. With that same uncomfortable feeling, he watches as the box starts to sink down into the water and putting an end to whatever significance it may hold to the hedgehog. It's not hard to put together that something happened to its owner; it would honestly explain a lot. Scott lingers a little longer by the lake before he hurries back to catch up with Shadow.

At least Shadow hasn't fully ran, he's well-aware of how fast he can move and thus disappear from all this.]

What if I just want to hang out around here? Just sit around and do nothing but eat chips? [Don't have to talk about depressing shit--] You should join me.

[The past is behind him now. He already gets constantly reminded enough in his dreams when he doesn't want it already. He stops, turning to give him a puzzling glance.]

With those birds? [They're behaving now, but who knows how long that will last. They especially like to follow around Shadow, so he rather get away from them.]

[He glances over at said birds for a moment. Big eyes meet sunglasses covered eyes... and he thinks they have agreed to some sort of treaty. Yeah.]

Yeah, sure. They seem fine, as long as they don't shit on me.

[Friendship over at that point. But they seem relatively calm right now and minding their own business, pecking at the greens below them. They really do seem fond of Shadow in particular though, maybe it's an animal thing? Even though space hedgehogs are different from birds.

But deciding to speak through action rather than just words, Scott opens his bag of sour cream and onion chips, snagging one before offering it to Shadow.]

If you're gonna run off again, at least try a chip. They're good.

[Careful. Shadow might know how to get these birds to shit on command, Scott. You never know. He stares at the bag of chips, the chip being offered. An unfamiliar, pungent scent coming from it.]

Where did you get them? [Yea, he's eating them and seems fine, but Shadow is still wary of putting anything foreign in his body.]

[Seeing that Shadow just chucked his own present into the lake... maybe admitting that he got this from a similar box might not be the best idea. Hm. A slight problem. He'll just shove more chips in his mouth in the mean time.]

Around. [Because that's definitely a better answer. Right.] I'm going to eat this whole bag if you don't make a decision soon.

[A small threat. He doesn't know if that will actually work.] Have you eaten anything since getting here?

[...Oh yea, that really makes him want to eat it more.]

Keep the chips. [He never had much of an appetite anyway. To be honest, he never really felt like he needed to eat. His body would continue to function without providing it additional nourishment somehow. Has it benefits, but he also knows it isn't considered natural to most.]

When necessary. [Sounds better than not at all.] You don't need to provide me with anything. [He just has a feeling that's where Scott's thoughts is going to go.]

[Well, he tried. Sort of. A good college try anyway--

More chips for him. Maybe he'll grab something for Shadow at some point-- he definitely will. He'll add that on his list of things to do in this world, which is slowly becoming bigger. It at least feels more achievable than 'finding a way back home' and 'finding a place to fit in.' He knows that he should probably live with the other mutants... but things are weird. Not bad (well half the time), just weird.

Somehow hanging out with a talking hedgehog feels less complicated.]

Yeah that's the thing. I really don't need to do anything, but I feel like it.

[Scott, Fio, Blaze. What's with all of them trying to do something? Confusing to him. He tilts his head.]

You can just talk. [That's still something you do when you hang out, right? Look, he'll humor him.] Did you actually find an arcade?

[There's a flicker of surprise at the suggestion. Shadow actually wants him to talk? Well, he's not going to question this at all, easily slipping into a more easygoing role and letting a smile form at the corner of his mouth. Well, when he's done chewing his current mouthful of chips.

Just don't mind him as he wipes his hand on his jeans. Shadow dealing with some teen behavior like this.]

Okay, so I didn't find an actual arcade, but I have found a few arcade cabinets in the apartment complex. Kind of a 'at home arcade room.' Not quite the same, but worth checking out still.

[Not the same experience! But they'll make do.]

[Talking doesn't require him to do anything else but just that. He still doesn't feel comfortable at them trying to do anything for him. It isn't needed or necessary.]

...I don't know the difference. [And the point? Why have a place if you can have this arcade thing at home?]

[Offhandedly, he's going to lower his bag of chips, offering the other once more about trying one.]

Then it's a good thing I'm here. [Does he want a full explanation? He's getting one anyway.] Okay, so arcades usually have dozens of games and there's other stuff there too, like air hockey or skeeball. It's hard to replicate all of that at home, not to mention that challenging random assholes at a game is part of the fun. All part of the atmosphere man.

[The general vibes if Scott knew what that meant--]

When something like that opens up here, we're definitely going. [Is he giving Shadow a choice? Not really. But also, the hedgehog can easily escape from Scott whenever he wants to. The mutant's fully aware of that. He just feels like trying still.] So you can see for yourself... and how I'm completely right.

...Is it still fun if the asshole wins? [That bag of chip, is still going to be ignored. He doesn't know what air hockey or skeeballs are, but he's going to assume they take up space and that's the issue.]

You say that as if I would accept your invite. [If it's a place where people gather, he wants none of that.] Those arcades at home sound better.

Depends, like how annoying the asshole is about winning in the first place. Although in that case, you just want to challenge them again, if to wipe that stupid grin off their face.

[And maybe that's just a little bit of fun? And he's not speaking from experience, what are you talking about. It doesn't help that he can be kind of competitive at times. It's worse when he knew them from school, because he usually didn't get along with them. ...God he hated his old school.

But he brings his bag of chips back up to eat a few more.]

Fine, we can start at the arcade at the apartment. I'll go easy on you, maybe.

[He tilts his head.]

I assuming you've been successful to be able to say that. [He suppose the mutant human needs something to be happy about. Can't say he wouldn't feel similar if he had lost. Look at how he deals with the other one with his face. He'll beat them someday.]

Don't. [He doesn't need to be coddled.] Just explain how it works.

Uh, yeah? I'm basically a pro at the arcade.

[He's definitely not. But no one is here to correct him, so there!! All the mutants that are in this world know a Scott Summers, but not really him. So, they don't know shit.

....

Scott pushes those thoughts away again, hiding the brief anger through more chips and focusing on Shadow. Guess of all the people here, maybe he'd understand that. Probably even more, it's not like he has to deal with another Scott in this world.]

Full ass whooping from the start, got it. [He respects it!!] But I'll explain it fully, promise. I do fight fair.

[Sometimes.]

[...Hm. Well he only has their word, for now. They certainly have the confidence to believe they could trounce him.

...

He turns and starts moving in the direction that would take him back into the city. He's expecting Scott to come along. Seeing as the boy can't bring himself to leave him alone.]

[Since he's heard no protest and Shadow isn't zooming away, Scott is definitely taking that as an invitation to follow him.]

Hm? Did you already want to go to the arcade? Or thinking about somewhere else?

Didn't you say you would show me? [So of course he means right now. He's been in the forest for a while anyway. Rather not have to deal with the birds if they remember they like to bother their favorite hedgehog again.]

[There's no hiding Scott's surprise, but it quickly shifts into something that seems so pleased. Well, he's not going to argue against this! Already, he feels his day getting better, though thoughts of the now sinking roller skates will always remain in the back of his mind. That's done for now though, better to just focus on arcade.

He doesn't need to be told twice.]

Yeah, of course. [And how he'll definitely beat Shadow in all of the games. Although, first...]

We should definitely grab some extra snacks and candy too along the way. Is there anything that you like at all?

[He stops now that Scott gets the message, letting him take the lead. Don't get too excited though, or Shadow is going to reconsider his decision.]

No. [He isn't sure to trust, wherever Scott has been getting these snacks. And he wouldn't know what to ask for anyway.]

Alright, we can start with some variety. Chips, chocolate, some harder candy...

[He trails off slightly while he still leads Shadow. He knows that there's some sort of convenience store in Etraya and after taking a quick look at his map, he's pretty sure on its location. His general direction shifts slightly so that he can start heading there, that small smile still ever present on him now.

Nothing too over the top, but he's actually feeling okay for once. Even if it's just a few hours. Sometimes it be like that.]

It'll just be a quick stop, then we'll go.

[He raises a brow as the boy lists off a few snacks to grab.]

Do you really need all those snacks? [How long was he expecting this little venture to be?]

Yeah? Obviously. [No he doesn't??

Scott really doesn't need any of that junk. Really, he should be grabbing something healthy or at least water, but he's dead set on the candies and snacks. Besides, it's just all part of the Experience. Trust him on this.]

It's what fuels me. [And will give him that extra energy to kick ass at the mini arcade.] Special energy to get me started on all this. It's basically essential.

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