etrayalogs | JUNE MINGLE.

JUNE MINGLE.

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⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Hob might be too trusting by some's standards, since he's letting the person who killed a serpent in seconds lead him away, but he's also the sort that's easily swayed, especially by a pretty face. ]

Deadly and intelligent? That snake never stood a chance.

[ At least his humor is a sign that he's feeling more at ease. ]

I could never do what you just did. It's all the more incomprehensible what I'm even doing here in the first place.

[ Why was he brought to this crossroads? Sure, he might be immortal, but aside from that, he's a really regular guy. No outstanding combat prowess or magic powers. What the hell do they want Hob Gadling here for? ]

[At times Natasha doesn't even consider putting herself into the roles that she does, it's merely a part of who she is by now. Her heart is in the right place when it comes to moments like this and she truly is interested in learning more about Hob. Nat's been cautious about meeting people, but the few she's allowed herself to speak with have seemed well enough.

Laughing softly at his comment, she feels a little lighter for it. He's kind if nothing else.]

Flattery will get you everywhere, sir. At least out of here and back to the pub to buy you a beer if you drink them.

[Tapping his arm lightly, she runs her fingers along it delicately.]

I know. I was even more surprised. I guess you could say that I had given my life, and was supposed to be dead and woke up in this lovely purgatory with no idea about how in the hell I got here. At least killing snakes gives me something else to think about.

[ He's happy she doesn't mind the compliments, since they are said earnestly. Her skill and talent are extraordinary, which just makes Hob continue to wonder why he was brought to this place. How is someone like him supposed to help save his whole universe? ]

A beer sounds lovely.

[ What follows is quite a shock to hear, though. ]

You were...? Truely?

[ Not that he thinks she'd lie about such a thing. ]

I am so sorry.

[A trail of kittens suddenly appears and runs almost across their toes. It's like nothing Nat has seen before, but they appear to be chasing a lizard that had gone wiggling on before them. Prancing and jumping, they make Nat stop in her tracks for a moment.

Laughing, she brings her free arm to her mouth to cover her wide grin. Normally not taken by such things. It's just so ... oddly cute, how can she not laugh.]

Sorry, but look at that little black one. He keeps rolling over every time he jumps, but yes, a beer. At least one or two.

[Standing, she watches the little furballs for a moment and shakes her head.]

This universe is certainly strange. I have no idea what they are trying to accomplish, do you? I mean, yes, I was dead, but it's okay. It was my choice to help save my universe. There had been a battle where a... man, an alien?...I don't know what to call him, had destroyed half the population and my sacrifice helped bring them back. Someone from my universe here told me it worked, we won. It's good to know.

[She says softly, admitting that to someone for the first time. It's easier to say to a stranger than anyone else as she begins to walk again.]

[ Hob does smile at the sight, but mostly because he appreciates that she can still find joy in things despite what happened to her. What a remarkable person.

As for this place, he shakes his head a little. ]

I understood what they said but I don't see how all of this accomplishes that.

[ And if the snakes were a test to determine if his universe should survive, Hob thinks he must have failed miserably.

As for what happened in her world, Hob can only listen and try to empathize. He has no idea what it must have felt like to be in a situation like that. ]

It must have been satisfying to hear.

[ Knowing that her sacrifice made a difference. ]

I don't understand how any of this accomplishes what they want. I am naturally suspicious of most things, and so much of what they say really raises doubt. It's all so random, and what they've used to test us so far has made no sense.

[Those plush toys were wicked, and cruel and no one should be judged based on anything they did in response. It was random and Natasha still has a very visceral reaction whenever she thinks about how it effected everyone around her. She wrinkles her nose as they continue.

Finding that they are near the edge of the city now, Nat looks carefully about for any snakes. There were quite a few near the entrance last time.]

It did feel good. I was relieved to see the person, because they'd disappeared with half the population, so it was good. I also have my sister here, so that is good as well. I mean, I hate that she's here, but seeing her again....

[She looks at Hob with a small smile, and a wide eye. It's obvious that her sister means the world to her. She really should be keeping her mouth shut, but she finds him easy to talk to. ]

Alright, I don't see any more snakes, we're almost clear.

[ Hob appreciates that she's sharing so much with him. Natasha may be beautiful, but she'd appear intimidating or scary if she weren't so open, especially after seeing how easily she killed that snake. ]

You have family here? You must worry about her, but I'm sure it's nice to have that kind of connection.

[ Looking around, Hob breathes easier now that they are reaching the city boundaries. ]

Let's get that drink and sit down. My knees feel a bit like jelly.

[It's a good thing that he doesn't find her overly intimidating. That's probably the last thing she wants to be at this point. Maybe there are times when she likes the fact that she can appear that way, but right now is not one of them.

She knows the cat suit and weapons are a lot, but she was out hunting and taking care of reconnaissance and business. ]

We're not true sisters, but we very much feel as close as sisters would. We were raised together for a few years of our childhood. It is a very ... different situation.

[How to explain being widows and spies for most their lives, separate and yet bonded through an experience that no other could understand.

It's with a soft smile that Nat regards Hob when he mentions that his knees are like jelly. She pats his hand with her free one.]

You did fine back there. You'll make it through here. Besides, now that you know me, you can call for me on my device whenever you need and I'll happily help.

Family doesn't have to involve blood.

[ In the conventional sense, sure, but found family is just as important, he thinks.

Hob gives her an appreciative look at the reassurance and the offer. ]

Thank you. That's very kind of you. In the past, I've always taken care of myself, but a giant snake is a touch different than getting into a row with some wankers in a pub.

[ Plus, it can't be such a bad thing to have a beautiful woman in a leather suit willing to show up when he calls. ]

You are completely right about that. My family is a group of people I never would have found on my own, but they are the best family out there.

[They may all be heroes, but they are the only family she considers hers. Some are closer than others, but they all own a place in her heart and she'd kill or die to protect any single member, without hesitation.

She almost has, on several occasions in fact. Her death, was a by-product of her sacrificing herself over another member of the team. She forced him to stay behind, tricking him into using his own gear so that he would live and she could throw herself from the cliff.

It was a lot, but she loved him as deeply as anyone.]

Giant snakes would rattle most people. If I hadn't battled a giant robot alien thing that was the size of the New York skyline, I might have been frightened myself. I guess it was what we call preparation.

[She laughed, and stepped over an already dead snake as she lead them from the exit and over to where the little pub was. It was more a strange little bar than anything, but it would work. Settling into a booth, she waved a little robot over to come take their order.]

I feel like a beer and a good shot of vodka. How about you, my treat. [She teased, since nothing here costs either of them a single dime.]

[ Hob avoids looking at the dead snake as they avoid it. He's glad to be inside the bar, even if it's a touch odd to have robot waiters. At least it feels a bit more normal than what he just experienced in the city. ]

It sounds like you lead a very exciting life.

[ He takes a seat across from Natasha and smiles at the teasing. ]

I think a beer will do for now.

[ Once the bot is off to get their drinks, he turns his attention back to her. ]

So, how long have you been here?

[His smile is warm and friendly and very welcome after all she's been through here. It's hard even with people she knows, nothing seems the same. The relationships all feel a touch different and she doesn't know how to connect. Then there are the people with the names of people she knows who are from entirely different universes where nothing is the same. It feels completely different.

Perching her head on her hand she nods.]

My life can be quite a challenge at times, but I think every one gets their own challenges in life and we face them one day at a time. That's all we can do, here and anywhere else.

[It's a little funny to watch the bot scurry off to get their drinks. It makes her think of sci-fi movies, things like star wars and other similar space age movies. ]

I've been here around a month, I think. Maybe I'm coming up on two? Time seems to pass quicker when you're busy doing things like killing snakes and trying to save yourself from a stupid doll. It's a strange place to be sure.

[ Connecting with people can be hard. Hob knows about that, too, even if he seems like the type who takes to people easily. He does, in a sense, because he genuinely likes people, but there's always secrets he has to keep, at least at first. Sometimes he goes a very long time without truly connecting with anyone and the longer he lives, the shorter his time with others starts to feel when their lives end and his goes on.

But Hob does give the impression of a good listener, at least, watching her with a kind and gentle gaze. ]

That's a good way to look at it. We have to keep going, right?

[ Two months is not a lot. He's sure there's still so much she wants to know about their situation, just like he does. ]

Well, I'm sure you passed the 'snake test'. But what's that about a doll?

[While Natasha might not understand his dilemma in particular, she's lived around quite a few people who are far older than her and have been around for over a hundred years and a couple over a thousand. She does well enough in connecting with them, although she only keeps a treasured few people as true friends.

This is her way of working through that, knowing that she'll need to do her best here to bend her normal routines in order to survive whatever might be thrown at them. ]

I may not have always held the same relentless hope my close friend has always held, but I know that we do what we must. Yes.

[She pauses and takes a deep swell of her drink when it is delivered. The talk of the doll is a deeply personal one and it brings back many standing nightmares still. ]

They created these ...things. I called it a doll because on the surface, it started that way. A stuffed animal, really. It even helped you sleep in the beginning, but it turned. It turned into a waking nightmare of all your worst fears, guilt, anger, anything you ever feared, hated, loathed about yourself, and yet you still clung to it until someone ripped it from you and destroyed it. Then the backlash...

[She stopped, because those were the last words she'd speak on that. It was way too much for one like her to deal with any longer. She'd lived through far too much to allow that weight anywhere near her.]

[ Hob listens silently as she explains, not wanting to interrupt until Natasha stops because the memory is clearly too painful. He wishes he hadn't pried if it hurt her so much. ]

I'm sorry.

[ He reaches across the table to place his hand over hers in a simple gesture meant to offer comfort. Maybe it's too forward after just meeting, but he couldn't help it and hopes she understands his intention. ]

It's cruel of this place to do something like that to you. To everyone. Our fears and guilt, those are things we have to come to terms with ourselves. We don't need anything reminding us of what we already grapple with.

It's alright. I imagine that this place isn't done with us yet.

[Is it strange that she finds Hob's presence rather comforting. He's been easy to talk to even though she's only just met him. Maybe it's that stranger thing once more, or maybe it's the fact that since her death there are certain parts of her that crave more from other people.

Life is a fragile thing, and the way she lived before stressed making up for the harm that she did. Perhaps this is a chance for her to not only help, but to make connections as well. It's all something for her to think about once she's got a little time to herself.

As it is, she flips her hand over and locks her fingers with Hob's. It feels nice and she's not going to stray from his gentle gesture.]

It put me back in the throes of my death as well. It was miserable. Thank you for being so kind and understanding. I've done all the talking here. Tell me more about your world. You taught history, what else. Certainly your life had something more. Did you have anyone special back home? Wife, children?

[ Hob didn't expect her to take his hand, but it is nice and he doesn't mind at all. Only passing a brief glance to their hands before offering another calm smile. ]

I don't mind listening.

[ He'd prefer it over talking about himself. Maybe he doesn't need to hide things here so much, since almost everyone he's met has some power or special circumstance, but old habits die hard. ]

No, no one like that for some time. [ He's a little embarrassed to speak of it. She must find him dull compared to the things she's already shared. ] I'm quite happy with my work these days.

[ He hates to remind her of it, but...] I don't suppose the one in charge here said anything about what will happen to you when this is over?

[Little simple gestures like this aren't things that Natasha does often, but she can't help herself today. Perhaps it's still the remenants of those memories, the ones left behind by the dolls. They were more than enough to strike up all sorts of emotions that she wasn't quite ready to face and now that she has, she's still trying to figure out exactly how to react on the other side of it.

It's not a normal thing for someone so used to strict control over every aspect of her life. In fact, this entire situation doesn't allow her much control. Even in the middle of her most challenging mission, there are familiar things-- things that she knows to expect, but there are loops unlike things she's ever come across and it shows in how Natasha responds more naturally and openly than ever before. ]

You're good, but really I can only be half of a friend if I allow you to do all the listening.

[When he says not for a time now, she has a feeling that there's more behind it-- but she's not one to pry when someone won't open up either. Nat understands the need to hold things close to the vest.]

What's your favorite thing about where you live then?

[Her smile falters a little, and she lifts a shoulder. The pain the doll reminded her of when she fell to the ground, the brilliant reminders of how she clung to the first person she saw when she got here comes back to her. Blowing out a long breath, she shakes her head.]

No one has to tell me. I know what happens when they're done with me. I go from here to wherever I was going. I was supposed to be there anyways... This was merely a quick reprieve.

[ The long exhale is met with another squeeze of Hob's hand. If Natasha is doing so much here to help save her universe, shouldn't she get something out of it? Some sort of reward like another chance at life? Saying something like that doesn't help the situation or make it happen. Perhaps, if he ever has the chance to speak with who is in charge, he can ask on her behalf. ]

Oh, well, London is great. Have you ever been? It's got culture, history, and really good pubs. That's probably my favorite part. But overall, it's home, so that's the best thing, I suppose. No other place ever feels the same.

[Listening to Hob speak of his home makes Natasha a little wistful. One of the things she never truly had was a home per se. Sure, she had the avenger's tower, and then the compound, but it wasn't really a home. It was a place she parked her stuff while she moved from mission to mission.

Before that she was a vessel of the Red Room, and that certainly wasn't her home. It might have been the place she was raised and trained to be a widow, but it would never be anything close to a home. She was programed and reprogramed, tortured and abused. No, that was hell. Natasha sighed as she thought about the type of home that Hob described.

She squeezed his hand, and ran her thumb along the back of his hand.]

I love London. It's a beautiful place. It's got rich culture and a great history. The British Museum is lovely. The entire city is. The pubs are second to none. The beer is wonderful. I do love a great pint. It's really great you have a home like that. You deserve it, I can tell.

[She smiles softly at him, green eyes rich with warmth as she looks across the table.]

[ The subtle brushing of his hand is noticed with a glance, his smile a touch sheepish for a moment. He didn't imagine he'd go from being chased by a snake to spending the evening with a beautiful woman in a bar. This world feels too unreal, at times. ]

Everyone deserves to have a home to return to.

[ It's not about deserving it, in his opinion. It's just natural and helps ground a person. ]

[After coming back from the dead, everything feels a bit surreal the majority of the time. Natasha figures that Hob might be right but she's never truly had a home. She doesn't even know what she'd do if she did have one. It would be strange to find a place to settle into, or people to settle with.

It's nice to sit and talk about. ]

I've thought about it a few times. I never really had a real home. I've moved from a place that no one should have to live through to a tower that I worked from to a compound where I worked from after the tower was destroyed. That was all I knew. I thought it might be nice to have my own place one day.

[Looking at their hands, she goes a little quiet. Lips press together and she picks up the beer she ordered and takes a sip.]

Maybe a small place, with a nice bedroom, a fireplace and.. [she laughs softly] a large garden tub with room for two, not that I need two people, but so I can put up candles and read a stupid book, spend half the night drinking wine and forgetting all my troubles.

[ Hob smiles warmly as she paints that picture. ]

It sounds nice, a home like that.

[ But it's also sad that she's never had a proper home. Hob has had several at different points of his life and London has usually been a piece of it. ]

Maybe you can have something like that here. It's not our home, but we're here for the time being. Might as well make the most of it. You can claim a spot and make it your own. Do with it whatever you've always wanted to.

Just an apartment, don't think I'll ever have need of a real home or a place like that. Wouldn't know what to do with one.

[She laughed, and shook her head. She's always been set up around people, the red room she was raised with a load of girls, all taught to be masterful spies. In the military, it was either communist living in large dorms, or single little rooms with sparse furnishings. In the US, she had a small little apartment, but she was surrounded by the military 24/7. She had no need of anything more. ]

I've got an apartment here that I'm sharing with my... adoptive-like sister. It's not too bad. It's nice seeing her again. I only spent three years with her when we were young, and so it's good to spend time with her. We share an understanding of growing up a certain way though. I love her a lot.

[A creeping fondness grows over her eyes as she speaks of Yelena. They were not a true family, put together by the Russian government to spy on the US, but for those three years they were sisters, and it meant something]

[ Hob admires the feelings Natasha clearly has for her family. Her sister obviously means the world to her, judging by that look in her eyes. His hand withdraws, since it's been there for quite some time, so he can attend to the drinks they were served. He waves the waitress over and asks for a second beer after finishing his first. ]

Then I'd say you are making the most of this.

[ Using this time to reconnect with someone is a great idea. Hob thinks he should do the same. ]

There are apartments here? I was going to look for one, myself. I'm staying with a friend right now, but I think I should find my own space soon.

JUNE MINGLE.

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