{Mini Event} Day of Devotion

[expiationmods]

DAY OF DEVOTION

This is an entirely opt-in very casual event that has nothing to do with overarching storyline and is just an additional introductory log, and a means for characters to meet. We hope you've all had a very happy Valentine's Day week however you've chosen to spend it!

SCARVES OF LOVE

     

The season of affection and love of all kinds falls upon Aldrip in the wake of their festivities for Those Who Were There. As part of the celebration, what's referred to as the 'Day of Devotion,' local merchants carry a variety of wares, but none so coveted as their multicoloured scarves available in a variety of prints, designs, and fabrics. Perhaps consider picking one up and giving it to someone who's important to you. No money? No problem! Whilst Aldrip doesn't exactly work on a layaway system or akin to, you'll find the mercantile business owners are quite open to trades and other means of bartering. Maybe they'll give out a scarf or two in agreement for running some errands...

Lucky recipients of these very fashionable scarves will find themselves suspiciously open to sharing positive, warm and fuzzy, or perhaps downright amorous feelings toward the person who gifted them the scarf to begin with, regardless of whether you've known them for years or even just a couple of weeks. But don't worry—the feelings are temporary! Once the Day of Devotion comes to a natural conclusion, your feelings will return to something like normalcy and you'll still wind up with a new fashion accessory. Of course, if you've always been amorous with that special someone, you likely won't notice any sort of change.

Take the opportunity to embrace the celebration, maybe embrace one another a little bit, too, and begin forming some potentially everlasting bonds with others.

BRING PROTECTION

     

Not everyone is choosing to celebrate the Day of Devotion in the same way. Due to the heightened popularity of the pretty scarves, some of Aldrip's jewellers have been bitten by the green bug of jealousy. In an attempt to compete with the sales of scarves, jewellers are advertising pendants, brooches, and other assorted charms that are meant to serve as warding and protective trinkets. What are they protecting one from? It's difficult to say and the merchants aren't inclined to give a straight answer. But whether you need protection from love, personal feelings, or perhaps something more physical, they've got you covered!

If you choose to give these amulets to others, recipients of them and their related will be compelled to share their true feelings with those around them in addition to the person who gave them the protective charms. This sounds like it could be a good thing, however, that means it covers the array of positive, negative, and every shade in between, without a filter in place. Consider these accessories a potential test of friendships, familial relationships, and more.

Like the scarves, this need and desire to be truthful with your feelings will be temporary, lasting until the Day of Devotion celebration is over. But at least you'll be protected. From something. Maybe. Probably. Or not!

FLOWERS FOR ALDRIP

     

By now, you may be well familiar with Aldrip's variety of fields that are filled with vegetables and fruits that grace the dinner tables of the town and local cuisine. During the Day of Devotion and weeks leading up to it, you'll find that they're clearing another field and preparing the soil. What for, you won't find out until the actual day of the celebration. Once it arrives, there's a collection of simple carts filled with flowering plants. Locals and newly-arrived alike are welcome to lend a hand in planting them along the neatly tilled rows.

You may find plants that resemble or are identical to plants from your home world. You may find plants that you've never seen in your life. They come in a variety of colours and are accompanied by a lightly pleasing scent that shouldn't be too overpowering, though may still disturb those with allergies.

All who help out with the planting, watering, and other tending, will be rewarded with a bouquet of flowers that can be passed onto others to show your appreciation and other forms of affection. You may even find yourself making a good and lasting impression on the locals by offering some assistance.

Comments

Rinoa Heartilly | Open

[wishupona]

I - It's curtains scarves for you! Lacy, gently wafting curtains scarves

[It doesn't take long for Rinoa to get curious about the festive atmosphere, getting drawn into a merchant's booth quite easily. There it's so easy for her to get lost looking at the sheer variety of scarves on display. They're beautiful! One scarf in particular has caught her attention and no matter how often she strays away from it. She always returns. Giving it fleeting, longing looks even when trying to focus on other things. But you're not supposed to get a scarf for yourself, you give them to others! So resist she must.]

or

[Alternatively, she's happy to approach others looking at scarves. Already having reached an agreement with the vendor for her to have two scarves for giving away. What's a little beast hunting in exchange for a present? She can handle basic beasties. It's not a worry. So, upon spotting another person who's clearly a fellow outsider, Rinoa can't help but approach them.]

I think it suits you. [A warm smile.] Don't worry, I don't work here.

II - It's a charming occasion

[If Rinoa's got to be stuck in a strange world where things could go very wrong at any time? It's nice to have such cute traditions. Upon arriving, she'd given her black ribbon armlet up at the altar, only for the universe to give her a new armlet not that long after. Even if it's not actually a protective amulet... it's pretty and that's honestly more than enough for Rinoa.

A few extra trinkets are carefully selected and then Rinoa's out of the store and actively looking for people. In her hurry, she almost bumps into someone, but catches herself at the last second. The protective amulet at work already? Who can say?]

Ooops. Sorry! [A sheepish smile, an offer of help if it's needed.] I'll pay more attention from now on.

[A pause. Maybe this is Fate?]

Hey, do you have an amulet yet? The vendor said they're helpful for this time of year and a local tradition!

[She holds out her hands palm up, holding out a few different options of varying designs.]

Do you want one? I think you should have one.

[If they hesitate she'll pick one out and hold it out to them. Which is completely normal behavior for her actually. No event needed to be this forward.]

How about.... this one?

III - Recreating a Promised Place

[It's a surprise, one that stops Rinoa short when she sees them. Those flowers. They look like.. they look like. The poor thing almost shorts out for a moment. A look of longing crossing over her face for a few moments before she shakes it off.

Now's not the time to fall apart Rinoa. Keep it together. Make them proud. Taking a deep breath, Rinoa is quick to promise assistance to some of the workers and is soon kneeling in the dirt and planting a bunch of flowers very carefully. Maybe this isn't the sort of work she did normally, but she's quick to catch on.

She's not a fan of the dirt, but maybe... maybe if she can make a field like that one... maybe one day it'll work again. So she puts in the work. Nothing obtained without something given in return after all and if this means she's going to want a nice, long bath later well... it'll be worth it. Feel free to run into her while she's working!]


or

[Afterwards, having obtained a bouquet for her help as well as a bag containing a few plants for her own use, Rinoa heads back into town with a smile on her lips. It's nice to feel productive sometimes. Even if her knees are still dirty despite her best efforts. But is she ashamed? No, it's from honest effort. So she doesn't think to hide, instead she's still quick to walk up to people she meets.]

Hey. You look like you could use a flower. [Reaching into her bouquet she'll pick out a single stem before holding it out to them with a playful wink.] Much better!

II

[baldrshand]

[Ethlyn jumps and braces for the collision, but it seems they've both noticed in time not to have an embarrassing crash.]

Oh! It's quite all right. There's so much to look at here.

[She's a little taken aback by this young lady immediately offering her an amulet.]

Ah--are you sure? [She smiles, a little nervously. It is a pretty little bauble, to be sure, but Ethlyn wasn't expecting to be offered jewelry by a stranger.] It's lovely, but mightn't you want to keep it for yourself?

Leaving the design vague so you can pick it yourself :) Rinoa's keeping hers forever

[wishupona]

I'll still be more careful next time. But you're right, there really is.

[So much to see, so much to do, and all sorts of interesting new people to meet. Rinoa's never one to back away from a challenge of the social kind. Might as well start here.]

The vendor says it's for protection, I feel like we could all use some of that right now, don't you think? Even if it's not true, it's still a nice thought.

[Carefully, she places the other items back into a bag. Freeing up a hand to tap the new armlet she's wearing fondly.]

I've already got one, see?

[baldrshand]

[Protection... yes. Ethlyn isn't too sure how true these vendors' claims are herself, but it's true, it is a nice thought.]

So far I'm not sure what we're supposed to be protected from here, but that first letter was ominous enough that I think we should take what we can get. Even if it's not actually magical, there's nothing wrong with having a good-luck charm. [She takes a closer look at Rinoa's armlet.] That's a good choice--it really suits you, I think.

I'm Ethlyn, by the way. Thank you for the lovely gift.

[Might as well accept it, why not? It isn't as though she's got a surplus of friends here, and it's nice to have someone take a big first step.]

[wishupona]

[Rinoa has no idea either. It could or couldn't be true. But a cute accessory is a cute accessory and they seemed to love it when they followed local tradition. So why wouldn't she?]

That's kind of what I thought too. That letter was spooky! So better safe than sorry, you know?

[At the compliment Rinoa's smile broadens, eyes crinkling at the corners.]

Aw, thanks! I had an armlet before, but I gave it up when we first got here. My arm was feeling really naked without one.

Oh no! You're right. Introductions! [A laugh, because she's going about this backwards, but that's okay.] My name's Rinoa, and it's no trouble. The merchant seemed pretty keen on me giving them to people.

[Woohoo quest complete! Well, part of it anyway, she's still got more to hand out later. But it's at least part of the way there.]

I

[aintyourdad]

[ Joel is not gawking at scarves, no matter how pretty or soft they are. He has no use for stuff like that. Most of them don't even look warm. What he is doing, is working. He's started offering himself up as a day laborer for a few local businesses, because a guy's gotta eat, and in order to do that, guy's gotta work. No one's ever given him a handout, and he's not about to think he deserves one.

So yeah, he's been moving a lot of merchandise around in this particular shop. The scarves are popular, so he's hauling a lot of boxes full of them back and forth. By now, he's seen the girl staring at That One Scarf about three times.

The owner of the shop keeps telling him he can have any scarf he wants, to give to a friend. He doesn't have any friends, nor does he want any, so he just keeps refusing. But really, the girl is getting annoying, standing there all the time making moon eyes at the damn thing. ]

Do you want it that bad?

[ He drops the box on the counter as requested and puts his hands on his hips in a matter-of-fact kind of way. ]

JOEL : D

[wishupona]

[Look. Apparently she's not supposed to get herself a scarf. Even if she wants it and it's one of the prettiest things she's ever seen. Breaking such an important tradition in a new place where they've been so nice to her? She can't do it. It just wouldn't feel right.

Still she thought she hadn't been that obvious. As Rinoa snaps out of the oblivious way she'd been totally daydreaming off into space when she's addressed.]

What? Oh... [Rinoa at least has the decency to look sheepish about it.] It's just really nice.

[She's been in the store long enough to know he's clearly doing work. Oh. Awkward. Her cheeks flush slightly, guilty.]

I'm in your way, aren't I? I'm sorry. I'll be more careful.

[See, this is why she was always getting in trouble with the SeeD members. Silly girl.]

[aintyourdad]

[ Joel just stares at her for a few long moments. The thing is, she'll leave now, and then this time tomorrow she'll be back, in the same spot, mooning over the same scarf, and just as much in the way.

He sighs heavily, grabs the thing and waves it at the owner, a quick exchange confirming that yes, he's taking this one as his freebie, no, he doesn't need it to be packaged or gift-wrapped or otherwise presented. Then he thrusts it at the young woman. ]

Go on.

[wishupona]

Being stared at in silence isn't a new thing. It had been once, but not anymore. Which means she's more than happy to wait. Because when Squall does that it's usually some sort of 'Hang on I'm thinking' kind of moment.

[What she doesn't expect, is that it's because he's decided to give her the scarf.]

Really? [At first she's overjoyed, but only for a second before realizing. Wait, he's like her so it's not like he's got a lot of equity. How novel, she's not used to being broke] Are you sure?

[Even as she says it, Rinoa's going to reach out and take it, because he seems like the sort of person who'd get annoyed and take it back if she delayed too long. She's careful as she holds it, cradling it like it's precious. Because it is.]

Thank you so much. I owe you one.

[He's very lucky that she's not hugging him right now. It's tempting, but he doesn't look like the sort who'd appreciate it. Rinoa knows her limits.

Unfortunately for Joel, he'd been trying to get rid of her? This is going to have the opposite effect. She's probably going to be in the store even more now. Probably with coffee. Because He looks like a coffee drinker. Truthfully, what he looks like is an alcohol drinker, but it's not like he can drink while working. Besides, it's very unlikely anyone would give her any.]

IB

[touchofcashmere]

What? You think so? [he fingers the scarf again, running it between his fingers] I suppose it reminds me of someone...

[who it would look really good on, but- well] Probably not cool enough.

[and then a smile on the young woman] Stede Bonnet, by the way, nice to meet you.

[wishupona]

I do.

[She watches him, eyes noticing a certain wistfulness. It's pretty common amongst them. That look of "I miss someone". Even she's sported it quite a few times now.]

If it reminds you of someone, even better. It's good to have things to remind of us home.

[Plus, while maybe it's not what they're hoping for necessarily?]

And if it's a special someone if you keep it and they ever arrive... then you can give it to them so they know you were thinking of them!

[Squall wouldn't appreciate a scarf, so she won't be taking her own advice. Quistis or Selphie might appreciate one, but easier to wait until they're here. They have such specific tastes sometimes.]

Rinoa Heartilly, it's a pleasure.

[After all, she is a girl with class and manners. It's easy to spot a gentleman when she sees one.]

[touchofcashmere]

Ms. Heartily. [a smile] I'm not sure it's his kind of thing, really. It's not, you know, wild or effortlessly cool or...anything like a drunken lout in buckskin. [but that's neither here nor there]

Have you been here long?

[wishupona]

You never know. Sometimes people can surprise you. Besides, it's like they say. The thought really does count. A gift doesn't have to be perfect if it means something.

[She's clearly a natural sales person. Maybe this is her new way of making sure she always has spending money.]

About as long as everyone seems to be, more or less. Yourself, Mr Bonnet?

iii.

[snowslip]

[ Here's someone walking with her head bowed looking pretty despondent. Perhaps that's why the flower gets handed to her. Marianne glances up to see a smiling face and the single stem before her, beautiful and fragrant. ]

Huh? Um, I... are you sure?

[ She hadn't done anything to deserve such a gift. In fact, she had just been thinking clouded thoughts about how her friends back home were still fighting a war while she's stuck here, unable to do much of anything. It's been difficult to enjoy the festivities. ]

I love Marianne <3 but I'm just kinda Deer biased in general so

[wishupona]

[The flower will be pushed forward, Rinoa's a pretty confident sort. No second guessing here.]

Yup! I'm actually very sure.

[She won't say that it looks like the stranger could use the pick me up. Honestly, it's pretty obvious. Probably someone else here and alone. Which isn't really a nice feeling. Rinoa knows all too well. On the positive side, it's not very often Rinoa sees someone who looks close to her age. Which means they're going to be Friends. Because that's how this works. The stranger just doesn't know it yet.]

I'm Rinoa. It's nice to meet you.

the deers are good kids <3

[snowslip]

Thank you... It's beautiful. I've not seen a flower like it.

[ How kind of the stranger. Marianne turns the flower gently between her fingers. She likes plants, and this one is a variety she hasn't seen before in Fodlan. Perhaps she'll find a cup to put it in and set it by the windowsill of the room she's staying in while in Aldrip. ]

I'm Marianne. It's nice to meet you.

They absolutely are!

[wishupona]

I haven't either. I couldn't say no when they gave me the bouquet, but I don't need this many flowers.

[And brightening other people's days even in this little way is really fun.]

Marianne? That's pretty. It suits you.

II

[finisaeternam]

[Vholran is stalking through the town, brooding with no particular destination in mind when a young woman scoots out of a nearby store and nearly crashes into him.]

Watch where you're going.

[He snarls, then his gaze drifts to the offered trinket.]

What is this? What nonsense are they pedaling now?

[wishupona]

I already said I was sorry!

[Tall and brooding isn't anywhere near enough to intimidate her. Going to have to do a lot more than that. As it is she's just exasperated, but also feels like he's not entirely wrong. After all, she's the one who almost crashed into him. But overall? She's completely ignoring his snarling. Sorry not sorry.]

They're supposed to be like a sort of protective charm?

[Which might sound absurd, but she's seen stones and things hold magic before. So it's honestly pretty plausible as far as Rinoa is concerned.]

Even if they don't work, I thought the idea was nice. And they're pretty.

[Plus, she's got a really cute new accessory out of the deal. Power or not. She's not about to argue on of it's magic with the locals. Because honestly she doesn't care if it does either way.]

[finisaeternam]

[Vholran watches as she keeps talking, not cowering away like he'd been expecting. Still, something about her open demeanor manages to make him deflate slightly.]

...Protection? Against what?

[wishupona]

[So far all he's done is be grumpy she almost ran into him. Going to take a lot more than that to scare her. Sorry.]

It's probably just folk lore. But if it's anything like the ones at home, it depends on the piece.

This one? [A tap to the armlet she's wearing.] Is supposed to be for general protection, but specifically against misfortune and I guess bad luck?

[Her smile is sunny, unbothered.]

And I didn't actually run into you, so maybe it's already working! But usually they're only good for minor protection against bad things. I doubt you could get any serious sort of protection just anywhere.

[Come to think of it, maybe she should look into some sort of anti-possession charm. Just in case.]

III - HERE I AM.

[inemeraldfaith]

[She can't quite put proper words to the feeling, but there's something incredibly welcoming about the notion of townspeople who seem to value flowers. It won't be in the same way that Aerith does, and she knows that, but many people in Midgar don't seem to understand the significance of them. Or even realise that they're very much alive. The sight of a field where young flowers are planted and will blossom over time is incredibly heart-warming.

It hasn't taken Aerith very long to decide she's very ready to jump right in and busy herself.

It also hasn't taken her very long to drop right in next to Rinoa who looks like she's kept herself quite busy.]

Hi! Is it okay if I join you?

And later they'll go make their own. MWAHAHA

[wishupona]

Aerith, heychiwa! Of course you can!

[Rinoa's not the most skilled gardener, but what she lacks in skill she has in enthusiasm. Girlie's trying her best. Luckily, the locals had already taught her the basics so while it's.... a little rough she's actually doing things more or less right. Hopefully.]

It's like they say, many hands make light work, right?

[Also, the odds of her having random dirt smudges in random places? Fairly high. Aerith is absolutely doing her a favor by helping.]

[inemeraldfaith]

Many hands make light work.

[Is that the saying? Aerith finds herself smiling at the thought. It's nice. There are probably plenty back in Midgar and here that would scoff at it. Sometimes, people just need a gentle little push. She imagines she and Rinoa both will probably be offering precisely that where it's needed to some of the tougher members of the crowd in this strange happenstance.]

I like how that sounds.

[It doesn't take her long to get her hands into the earth, reverent touch and careful movement. On her opposite side is a variety of flowers, most of which she can't identify immediately. Not quite in their prime, she thinks.]

You look like you're really getting into it.

[And that's a compliment.]

[wishupona]

I have a friend back home who really likes that saying.

[In that Selphie's constantly roping them into doing things anyway. Not that Rinoa minds. Usually her ideas were pretty fun. Or at least interesting. And when they weren't, they were important things.]

They're trusting me with something they think is important. If I do a bad job, what does that say about me?

[Which is why, while she's not exactly reverent, Rinoa is trying her best to be careful with them.]