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

Oh, that's cute. He's cute. She wants to eat him alive, of course, but only in the most fun kind of ways. The blond knows that she needs to behave though... For now, anyway! She imagines he'll be far too fun to tease to help herself if nothing else.

"Hmm," she hums thoughtfully, picking at the beads she has in hand. So far, three red and it seemed at least one other person was seeking to complete a red bracelet. Yet, she's also been asked about violet more than any other. "I think violet, maybe. It's a pretty color!"

A beat, considering. She can't stop herself: "Not as nice as green though. Or maybe I'm just partial to it."

The face he must be wearing--the picture of unsure, and a dash of a deer stuck in headlights--must be perfect for her, as it's not going anywhere. S-she's partial to green?

... Gorgug looks down at his beads, and picks out the green from it, holding it out.

"I've got a green."

Here, you can have it for free, miss. He doesn't know what else to do.

It is perfect for her. Although she doesn't usually like to lean into the 'predator' nature of being a demon, well- Exceptions can be made! Over six feet tall tusked men who look the perfect picture of prey, for example.

"Aw, thanks!" she chirps cheerfully as she takes the green bead. If she makes sure their fingers brush in the process for a moment, don't worry about it. She gives the green bead an affirming nod before adding it to collection. But then, her brows furrow slightly and she looks a little unsure herself.

"Well, I can't leave you empty-handed. Here, lean down and see what color you need," she says, flattening out her hands to hold her beads cupped in her palms. There is clearly no ulterior motive here whatsoever.

Everything about Gorgug now is all about trying not to worry about it. Maybe he shouldn't be like this, so awkward, but trying to take the awkward out of himself has been a...work in progress. Even if he figures she's teasing him (definitely), how is he supposed to handle being teased by a pretty woman?

By listening to them when they say lean down, apparently, even though his hands would work fine to just pick one. Saying at the same time as he does, in a tone that's Definitely Cool and Normal, "I just need a yellow or indigo, if that's okay--"

A hand is coming over to point at the colours, but who knows if it will get there, or what will happen next.

(It's the one in control of this entire exchange.)

Saying 'good boy' when he leans down would probably be overkill, wouldn't it? And as tempting as it is, as easily as he's giving her that opportunity... She somehow, miraculously refrains. It is thought very loudly though. "More than okay," she answers easily, all soft composure in the face of his adorably awkward tension. Maybe she shouldn't be delighting in this as much as she is.

Oh, well.

"Indigo it is." She allows him to point at the colors without incident, actually, and picks up the colored bead to hand to him. "And I hope my way of saying thanks is okay," she offers once she moves in to finish the little exchange. It's a perhaps unexpectedly chaste, quick press of her lips to his green cheek as she steps up on her tiptoes still to reach even with him leaning down. It might leave a red kissmark thanks to her lipstick and wouldn't that be cute. A fun reminder of her for a bit.

She falls back on her heels with a small 'hee' since she's far too pleased with herself.

This is about as normal as can be, which--it isn't, for Gorgug, but it's normal enough that Gorgug isn't suspecting any foul play at hand. ...even if all that foul play is, with his open palm offered to take the bead, a "thank you" given alongside it, is the kiss that comes as easily as the woman can plant it--because Gorgug doesn't even hurry to raise up from his hunched state, regardless of how quickly she goes in to move.

He doesn't even move after the matter, not wanting to accidentally knock her, even with the surprise that's startled into his expression. Gorgug lifts his head just a touch after she moves away, at least knowing he shouldn't go in and do the same, but there's definitely more than just red lipstick on his face: there's a dark blush colouring against his cheeks now.

"It's-- yeah, it's fine. Thank you. Uh-- I appreciate it. And the bead. I hope you get all the beads you want."

Because that's the nice thing to say after someone kisses you, right? R-right.

Isn't that dark color to his cheeks just the best? She thinks so. It's exactly the reaction that she hoped for - dumbfounded, dazed, adorable - so she smiles faux innocently all the while.

"Aw, thanks," she answers, pocketing her newly acquired beads. "And I hope you complete your bracelet, too!" She adjusts her top and flips back her blond curls before realizing: "Oh! My name is Rosie, by the way. That way you have a name to put to my face." Or, you know, any other part of her he might want to imagine after that kiss. While she won't say so, she won't discourage a little fantasizing.

"Nice to meet you."

Hedidn'tglancedownwhensheadjustedhertop IT WAS ONLY FOR A SECOND.

That is to say, he's giving her her space back, because that's what you do, giving a little nod at her name and her logic behind it.

"I'm Gorgug. It's nice to meet you." He does sound sincere, at least, but then--he's never not sounded sincere in this exchange, simple and forthcoming. "I'm new here-- I was on the spaceship," he mentions. "But I'm new to Etraya, by a couple of days. I showed up--I was a mess."

No one needs to know about the goo, but apparently, it decides to be insinuated from Gorgug's mouth.

It's a second that Rosie doesn't miss, of course, but again doesn't comment on. These are all just fun mental notes she's taking for... reasons. Don't worry about it!

"Oh, hey!" she comments, "Me too, actually. Definitely didn't expect to end up in space, of all places, and then here?" It's been a whirlwind of events but she's taking it in stride as best as she can. He mentions the 'mess' though and she gives a small laugh at remembering.

"Ugh, yeah, I think most of us were. That gooey stuff got everywhere, didn't it? Took me forever to get off." Thank goodness for helper bots, towels, and a change of clothes. "And not that I usually mind being made a mess of, but warn a lady first at least!" Rosie huffs with faux indignation.

"Do you usually get made a mess of?" There's implications people could take from that without needing clarification, but Gorgug asks in earnest, curious, but in a fairly normal and curious way. Maybe there's something in particular she does, a kind of job--or there's nothing to it at all.

But it can be interesting to learn about people, at times.

He asks like there's no interest at all beyond clarification. It's... strange. Relieving, almost, maybe in a way the blonde can't pinpoint to have someone just actually curious about her rather than the 'details' of her line of work.

"Mm, it would mostly depend on the client," she offers, keeping things vague to start. "Some were gentler with me, but it was more common guys liked to see me cry or test how much I could withstand. So, you know, I usually ended up messy after all that!" She gives a dismissive wave of her hand and a laugh as though it's just an unfortunate downside of a regular job (and not a deeply concerning occurrence).

"Not that I minded! I mean, only if they surprised me with it but otherwise... I think getting messy is usually the sign of a great time for a lot of things!"

There is a conflicted angle to Gorgug's look, where he doesn't quite know what this job is still, but the actual job itself doesn't take his interest as closely as what she says: about guys testing her, what she can withstand. There's concern there, but then she says she doesn't mind, so some edge of it does soften--a little.

"Oh, well--I get a mess too, so I don't think, being messy isn't bad," he offers in agreement. "Except it's hard to get off your clothes, most messes. But, if you like it-- I hope people don't mistreat you often, you know. I'm sorry people are like that."

Even if it's totally irrelevant to anything going on now.

He reminds her in this moment of Misto, which- It's not a bad thing. But it also isn't necessarily a good thing. There's some guilt there still about getting him wrapped up in her more metaphorical mess and getting hurt; she doesn't want to see that happen again. Not to someone so... nice.

She thinks of making a quip about how her clothes were usually out of the equation but- No. That's too much. So, instead: "That's sweet of you, Gorgug," she says, genuinely. "It's more often than it isn't but, well, I guess being here I might not have to worry about it as much anymore?" Questioning, since she's still kind of coming to terms with being 'unemployed' now and what that will look like. Obviously, old habits die hard.

The idea of starting a different kind of life here though is nice. Maybe something simpler, something less complicated. Hm. "We'll see! And now I have you to help if things do get messy again, right?"

He gives a small smile in confirmation, lips pressing against his tusks in the motion.

"Yeah, I'll help out, you can call me. Or whatever we call using the earpieces. But my name's gorgug on there too. Everything about what we're doing here doesn't sound good, so. I think we need to stick together."

As much as that's possible, if it is. But for Gorgug, he'd like to try it, seeing as this whole bid for them to represent their universes is weird against next to what they're actually doing. Collecting beads. And being fucked with.

(In a not fun, always messy way.)

Cute... She can't help but think he looks so when he smiles. Obviously, she'll have to try her best to be a reason he does that more.

She wants to be, even if only temporarily. Nothing tends to last with Rosie.

"I think so too!" she chirps cheerfully. "So far, it's not too bad but... Who knows what'll happen next? Definitely best to have people to rely on!" Here, she twirls a blond curl around one finger though and looks up at him with a more sheepish smile: "I hope I can call you without needing a reason sometimes though, too." Now? Now, she's just teasing him a little again for fun.

"Oh, yeah, I mean-- sure, if you want to." How can Gorgug say no in the face of that? Is this lonely? She's probably lonely--he's got no idea how many actually show up here already knowing people, which, actually:

"Do you know anyone else here? A few of my friends were already here, and I was thinking that was normal."

But is it? This is the first time he's getting to figure that out.

"I'm sure I will," she says. He isn't wrong that she's lonely, but... Loneliness is a complicated thing for Rosie even now.

"Nope! Just me so far as I can tell." Honestly, she's not sure why it was only her when she can think of much better candidates to represent her world. It doesn't seem like she has much say in the matter though. "Probably for the best, in my case." Things didn't end well as far as she knows, so... Anyway!

"Must be nice to have your friends here though. I'm glad you guys also got each other."

Oh, so it's not normal. Though Gorgug's considering it, even though she says that it's for the best, a slight tug to one side of his mouth.

"It is," he agrees, "but-- we're meant to be making a case for our universes... maybe they bring people here a few at a time. Or there's someone here that you don't know--from the same place," he clarifies.

"If you wanted to find out, it might be easy to ask people if they have races other than humans. I got that a lot on the spaceship."

"Maybe," she offers, betraying nothing past her easygoing nature. If anyone did show up from her world too, well... It's probably for the best they didn't know her. The ones that did she can't imagine would have an easy time coming face-to-face with a woman that by all rights should be dead.

"Oh, yeah? I bet you did!" Gorgug does stand out. In good ways, to Rosie! But she knows better than most how cautious people can be about those that are out of the norm. "That's not a bad idea though. My world has stuff like werewolves, vampires... But mostly humans, I think, like me."

"Oh." Mostly humans--even that still has a note of surprise coming from Gorgug, initially. "We have werewolves and vampires too, but no one's more represented. There's a big mix-- everyone lives together for the most part."

Even if the fancy pants elves like to live on their own island, but most of them are weird, anyway.

But this does have Gorug's gaze narrowing only so slightly (it makes him look unsure--which, really, looking some type of confused is normal for him) as he inquires, slowly, "...do humans keep gnome statues in their gardens where you're from?"

No one's more represented... Huh. Such a thing wasn't possible in her world. Or, at least, most people believed it wasn't. That's why werewolves and vampires were still secret to most mortals and her kind were the thing of myths and legends only.

"That sounds nice," she says, sincere. It would be nice to be somewhere she didn't have to hide or be hunted. Oh, well.

"Though, uh- Yeah, actually! Some do. Usually older ladies, I think, but I've seen them here and there." A beat, realizing that question seemed a little out there. So: "Why?"

That unsure expression? Only becomes stronger, the creases by Gorgug's eyes becoming more so, and he even looks--disgusted? Or offended. Or both, though he's glancing away where it's very likely he's doing something.

Like visualising. The very thing he asked and that's been confirmed.

But Rosie's asked him why, and though he doesn't want to say it, he does reluctantly admit, "Someone told me that, and it's-- really weird? My parents are gnomes, and-- I don't know why people would do that. I can't imagine it."

"Oh," she says, at first, still processing... everything he just said. His parents are gnomes, which- Is he adopted, then? That would make the most sense (to her) but she doesn't want to jump to conclusions. She sees him looking around though as if he's worried he'll see the very garden gnomes they're talking about and the rest kind of clicks into place.

"Oh! Oh, jeez, yeah. That would be weird," she agrees. "Like, people write lots of stories about werewolves and vampires but think it's fiction so... I don't know, I guess the same goes for gnomes? I've never met any myself, actually, but they could exist. It's just likely most people think they don't and so they're just cute little guys to decorate their gardens with in their minds."

Also: "I haven't seen any here either, but... Hopefully that doesn't happen."

"That's good, I mean-- I don't know if humans do that." Just have statues of...humans? In their gardens? "Except if they're rich and-- people get statues of themselves, or famous people, I guess. I don't know. I think I'm going on about it too much."

Because it's a thought that occurred out of nowhere, and he's not sure if he should be so weirded out, but she agreed with him too. But he knows he's going on more than it matters, his head ducking for a second.

"Sorry."

"Some famous people have had statues made of them," she mentions, thinking of ones in museums. "But also... people pretty full of themselves have ones made too actually. Huh." It makes her wonder how much people in history have had an influence over who gets statues made or not. Probably lot, but- Now she's the one in danger of thinking too far off track.

"What? Hey, don't be sorry! We're all from, like, different worlds and that means different, unexpected stuff and... figuring it all out. Y'know? Nothing to be sorry for."

JUNE MINGLE.

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cw: mentions of sex work, sexual abuse

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&wrap!

wrappity wrap