JUNE MINGLE.

[etrayamods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: Late June into Early July
WHERE: On Etraya
WHAT: A mingle log!
NOTES\WARNINGS: N/A, please note any needed warnings in threads.

⏵ arrival ⏴ Maybe your arrival goes as anticipated. Characters awaken in the pristine, new hospital, greeted by Aurora and potentially getting a rundown of what's happening depending on their approach to being dropped somewhere new. The door to their room opens, and new arrivals are left free to explore their new environment. Or perhaps you started in space. Perhaps you were stuck on a space station, trying to escape a black hole for who knows how long. Time isn't consistent there, not like it's meant to be. And then you're here. Maybe you stepped foot into an odd hallway, which broke off into an escape pod which promptly disappeared entirely and ended up docking on the Southeast part of the city. Perhaps you had been walking through the hallways when suddenly you felt a pull. A tugging sensation in your gut, moments before the floor dropped away and the air was stolen from your lungs. It almost, almost feels like dying - like drowning but without the water. Stars flash before your eyes, and a warm sensation begins spreading from that tug. Right when it feels like it's beginning to get too hot, you're suddenly too cold. And standing in front of Corrine's Cafe, drenched in fluid that's a little too gooey (don't put it in your mouth, Connor) to be considered water. Maybe don't think about that too hard. A few companion bots swarm the area before long, bringing towels and apologies for newcomers. This isn't how you're meant to arrive, but at least they got you off that ship! They'll hand over an earpiece, but rather than earpieces that are not yet programmed with names, the companion bots have taken it upon themselves to give names out to the newcomers. Some may be closer to an average name, like "Jimmy Smith", or "Arthur Pendragon" (that's normal, right?), or they may be something a little more nonsensical, like "CHEESE IS DELICIOUS". If they make their way to the hospital, Aurora will give something closer to her normal spiel. Those who don't may want to ask some of their newfound friends because there's no explanation given by the bots working the cafe or those who have come to help. Maybe the others who have been here longer will have a better explanation. ⏵ friendship bracelets ⏴ On July 1st, Aurora sends out a message to everyone through their ear pieces: Hello, Citizens of Etraya. I am glad that you enjoyed your coffee break. Given the success of this previous endeavor, I have opted to try another experiment. This mission is optional, you are not required to complete it. However, the successful completion of this mission may aid in assisting me in assigning similar missions in the future. I would recommend, if you enjoy the task, to make an attempt. My companion bots will be handing out ten beads to each participant along with a piece of string. You will each receive one red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, pink, silver, and black bead. The goal of this mission will be to assemble a bracelet that is one color, by exchanging beads between participants. You may choose what finished color you would like to aim for. Given the limited quantity of beads, you will want to ensure you are choosing a color that has not already been widely chosen. I would like to see twenty completed bracelets. Once completed, you may return them to any companion bot. I have set up the Diner to accommodate this, but you may participate from anywhere on Etraya. If I receive at least twenty bracelets, I will provide two of those who complete theirs the opportunity to assist me in choosing not the next mission, but the one after that. Thank you, Aurora As stated in Aurora's announcement, the Diner has been set up with numerous "friendship" themed party banners. There are cookies and cakes out on the tables, although they may not be to everyone's tastes: some of the flavors are a little outrageous, while others are more generic. Just don't expect that cookie that looks like it has pickles in it instead of chocolate chips to be anything but a pickle cookie. Because it is one. ⏵ nova city ⏴ The Southeast of Etraya had been relatively empty; Wolf Cove has overtaken the southernmost bit of land with its own little environmental set up: instead of the green grass featured in the rest of Etraya, it's covered in snow. But Wolf Cove isn't the only new addition: Nova City has overtaken a large portion of two massive islands. Numerous skyscrapers stand tall enough that their rooftops almost hit the atmospheric bubble Etraya has surrounded itself in. The buildings themselves, however, are empty. There is no furniture, no signs of life, no dust, even. These facilities were not put here to use the insides of the buildings, but for the sake of having buildings. But like with all new additions to Etraya, new buildings also mean an array of new creatures. Birds of all shapes and sizes flock to the empty city, enjoying standing on top of street lamps, stray cats wander through alleyways, rodents of all shapes have begun appearing and making themselves comfortable. But those aren't the issue. It's the massive snakes that take up almost entire alleyways as they make their way between buildings, attempting to devour any creature small enough to fit into their mouths that happen to come across them. The green dragon that has built a nest on one of the taller buildings, and has a habit of swatting at anyone who comes near her - or worse yet, when she's particularly in a foul mood, breathes fire on them. Aurora has asked for those capable, to try and handle at least the snakes. They're fine while they're in the city, but there is no guarantee they will stay there. The dragon at least seems content staying right where she is. ⏵ NOTES ⏴ To report a completed bracelet, please reply to the bracelet turn-in comment. Given the fifth mission is scheduled in September, we will continue to accept submissions for this through the beginning of August, at which point we will randomly select two characters. For any questions relating to the contents of this log, please reply to our mod queries comment. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ. ⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Comments

[hypnagothic]

No. I am not. We are both captives, once again, in this place.

[ he still looks a little put out about the accusation, but he seems to finally recognize Hob's state, his eyes looking over him now. he still looks confused, but it's a gentler look, less offended. ]

You arrived like this?

[100more]

[ Hob looks down at himself and nods. ]

I did. I was just on my way home from the pub when I woke up in that hospital. And before standing here like this, I was in space. There was no air. I might have died if it were possible.

[ A wince follows, since he should try to calm down. A hand is placed against his chest. ]

My lungs still burn.

[ But then he backtracks. ]

Again? What do you mean?

[hypnagothic]

You are safe for the moment, at least. There has been changes recently, and I suspect our unwanted host is unaccustomed to managing such radical widespread changes at once.

[ still the confused look, now with a slight headtilt at the questions. ]

I am uncertain what you wish me to clarify. But come. There is a residence where you might refresh and calm yourself after the ordeal of your arrival.

[100more]

[ If Dream says he is safe, Hob believes him, which helps him to relax a little despite the ordeal he's just been through.

Hearing Dream speak so casually about their 'host' and this place is concerning, though. Dream is supposed to deny everything that holographic woman said, but he isn't. ]

Oh. Alright. Thank you.

[ Maybe he just misunderstood, so Hob doesn't ask his question again for now. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ he leads to a house that looks familiar enough to look out of place in this weird world, something Hob might actually recognize from 1890's London ... Grandage Place, wasn't it? but Dream walks thru the front door as if he owns the place, gesturing him free use of the facilities to clean-up and dry off. ]

Lady Vanessa has claimed this residence, but I doubt she would have any objections to your presence.

[100more]

[ The house is an unusual sight, and it's quite grand, in Hob's opinion. When Dream enters, Hob hesitates to follow, since he doesn't want to get the floors wet. ]

Lady Vanessa? A friend of yours?

[ It's the first Hob has heard of the name, but perhaps Dream met her here. They must be friendly if Dream can simply walk into her home. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ he seems confident enough to enter such a grand place, but then when is he not? confident enough for both of them.

only now he pauses, turning to look at Hob with a much more intense focus now. ]

What?

[100more]

[ The intense look makes Hob nervous, but he manages it with a half-smile, still hovering just shy of the mansion door. Is it because he used the word 'friend'? He thought Dream was fine with that now, having used it himself not long ago. ]

I mean, you must be close if you have free use of her home, right?

[hypnagothic]

[ the intense gaze does not ease at all. ]

You are not aware of this?

[100more]

[ Hob shivers under his gaze but not just because of the stare. ]

Why would I be aware of it?

[hypnagothic]

[ his eyes narrow. ]

You said you were returning home from the pub. Was this after you returned from the City?

[100more]

[ Hob knits his brow. ]

What, London? I suppose. I mean, I live there. Maybe I didn't mention where my flat is these days, but it's not too far from the old inn.

[hypnagothic]

No. Not London.

[ said in that slow drawl, each word elongated to hold the meaning behind them. ]

You have forgotten, the memory taken. Or perhaps you were not there at all.

[100more]

[ It's a lot for Hob to absorb. He shakes his head. ]

Maybe we can talk about this after I've cleaned up a bit? Do you happen to have any spare clothes I can wear?

[ Dream seems to have focused on some matter, but Hob is still in a shabby state and could use some time to wash up and rest. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ there's a noticeable pause as Dream regards him, but eventually he nods. ]

There should be clothing in any of the upstairs bedrooms to the left of the stairs that you can choose from. I will await your return down here.

[ he indicates one of the open rooms by the front door, already walking towards it to wait for Hob. upstairs, there's some bedrooms near the bathroom that clearly have masculine decor, and the clothing is all Victorian-esque styles which Hob is at least familiar with. a simple shirt and pants are easy to find. ]

[100more]

Thank you.

[ Hob still feels bad about walking through the house in his current state. He goes carefully, as if he could will the ooze not to drip onto the floor.

Once upstairs, he takes some time in the shower. That stuff isn't easy to clean off. Then he dresses in a white shirt and tan trousers he finds in one of the rooms and comes back downstairs to meet Dream, looking much more refreshed and his hair still slightly damp. ]

That feels a lot better, but I keep expecting to suddenly wake up at home. It's all sort of unreal, you know?

[hypnagothic]

[ Dream is standing by the small table near the fireplace, a couch and other sitting chairs around it for talking. there's tea set out as well, but if Dream actually made it himself from scratch is anyone's guess. he gestures to one of the chairs if Hob wants to take it. ]

I'm afraid that I do not, but I believe that I understand your meaning.

[100more]

[ Hob smiles and takes one of the chairs, then pours each of them a cup of tea, even if Dream will not drink his. It's just customary. Hob lifts his own drink to sip from it, finding it to be quite good. ]

Now, you said something about my memory?

[hypnagothic]

[ he doesn't take his yet, but that's to be expected really. he does take the other chair so they can face each other though. ]

Indeed. Before arriving here, you were in London?

[100more]

[ Hob doesn't expect Dream to take the tea at all. He'll actually be quite shocked if the man drinks from it. ]

Of course I was. We spoke at the New Inn not long ago.

[hypnagothic]

[ there's no response at first, only a tightening of his expression, maybe a hint of sadness in the way his eyebrows pull together. ]

... I see. That was some small while ago for me.

[100more]

[ Dream does look a little bothered, Hob thinks, and Hob just looks confused again. ]

How.. small ago?

[ It's not like Hob saw him yesterday. Maybe they just have a different understanding of time. Dream has been immortal a lot longer, after all. ]

[hypnagothic]

Several months, nearing a year.

[100more]

Strange. It's only been a few weeks for me.

[ He's not sure how to puzzle it out. ]

What does it mean?

[hypnagothic]

You and I had been drawn to another plane for those months to participate in some experiment of some unknown goal. This plane allowed beings to come and go, sometimes with the memory of their time spent there and sometimes the memory taken away.