expiationlogs | {Mini Event} Day of Devotion

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{Mini Event} Day of Devotion

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.

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Yes, that's what I think too. [It bothers her a little to give money over to someone who's liable to be a grifter, but at least the artistic value is clear to see.

And she can also see clearly that the man speaking to her knows a lot about the aesthetic value of jewelry. Just how much is he wearing? And that question occurs in both senses--the number of pieces, and how much in coin.] I suppose I have enough money still for a little indulgence.

[She hasn't spent all that she was carrying with her, and since it didn't take her long to find employment at a clinic, she has a source of new income as well.]

What about you? Has anything here spoken to you?

[So much. Enough, perhaps, to feed an entire city for a year, or more. Depends on where you're from, perhaps.]

If not money, I have heard some of the vendors here announcing themselves to be open to bartering. There are options— though I confess, I know little about the art of bartering itself.

[He's never needed it, after all, at least not until recently. There was always coin enough for what he needed, and then some. A privilege he is hardly going to complain about.]

As for me... I have not decided yet. Many pieces here are certainly attractive, but none have stirred me. I am not necessarily looking for myself, however. These would all make excellent gifts, of course.

Oh, bartering can be tricky--especially somewhere new, where you don't know what's valuable and what isn't. If you're not careful, you could really get taken for a ride.

[Still, Ethlyn is a healer--and that's a skillset that is in demand anywhere. Not that she is mercenary in any way, but she knows she can attain gainful employment without too much trouble, even if her pay would only be a hot meal in thanks. So she doesn't mind being just a little extravagant, just now.]

It looks like you're already well kitted-out anyway. Do you have anyone special here you might gift something to--a friend from home, perhaps?

Is that so...

[Taken for a ride, hmm. Perhaps especially dangerous for someone like him, who has found time and time again that he simply does not know what things are worth, usually to the detriment of his party's collective funds.

He'll have to take care, here.]

Ah! [His gaze had begun to grow distant, but he quickly snaps back to attention.] Yes, in fact, you're exactly right— I have been fortunate to have found myself here with several people I consider to be close friends. I wish to show them my appreciation, and hope that in doing so, it might aid in raising morale.

Really? [Ethlyn's smile broadens to something warm and genuine.] That's wonderful. It must be such a comfort to have familiar people around you--you can help each other through all the strangenesses of this place.

...Not that anything is especially strange yet, but a different land with different gods that you weren't expecting to go to is bound to have something more surprising for us than seasonal festivals.

[His own expression warms in turn, though his smile is reserved.]

I am very grateful to have them near, yes. Aside from our initial arrival, this place has been pleasant in its own right— or might be, if one could forget why they were here.

[None of them will be forgetting what was written on those scrolls of parchment when they arrived any time soon, he wagers, nor the fact that all of this is involuntary.]

That said, I do not expect it to last. As you say, it is bound to have something more surprising, and our initial welcome here was far from warm.

[Ethlyn nods, her expression growing more serious. What disturbs her most about the parchment isn't just that she's being accused of a crime by people who don't, frankly, have the right or reason to pass judgment on actions done in a land they can't possibly claim authority over. It's that they've accused her of something she hasn't done.]

No. It could be easy to become complacent here, I think. [It's something she feels herself having to guard against--she can never be truly easy until she knews what became of Quan and Altena in the battle against the dracoknights, but the fact that she herself did not survive feels like a closed door behind her, and she knows that it isn't.] And that is a danger--possibly as dangerous as any treacherous duke or bandit.

I cannot help but wonder if that is by design.

[He assumes that it is, because given the nature of their arrivals, he must assume that those responsible mean them ill. There is no other angle that makes sense to him— and thus, if they become complacent, they will be easier for their captors to 'manage,' perhaps, less likely to resist.

They clearly hadn't looked into his companions thoroughly enough if they were hoping for complacency, however.]

I agree, complacency is quite dangerous— something I know all too well.

[It had been his own downfall, had it not? He frowns slightly.]

None of us can afford it.

[By design... Ethlyn considers that, thinking back to her arrival. Or rather, the moments before her arrival, in that blank white space with its mysterious voices. They didn't sound particularly interested in her, and yet the information on the parchment bespeaks a definite interest.]

...It's a question to consider very seriously. [She twists a bit of hair around her finger, still pondering it.] Have you been in this kind of situation before? Not taken from your home, but... friendly surroundings where you could keep putting off the moment of danger?

[Because that's what Ethlyn is thinking of--this sentencing that the parchment speaks of. They could while away all their days here in ease and never prepare the defense they're meant to.]

In a sense, yes.

[The situation in Elde Menancia hadn't been so different, had it? Idyllic surroundings, the illusion of peace, but beneath it all, there had been something sinister at work.

He hadn't known it then, but he is determined not to be fooled a second time.]

At the time, I did not realize what danger I was in, what danger others were in, but on the surface, it was not unlike this place. Seemingly at peace, inviting... a pleasant and easy lie to be convinced by, if one allows.

[Ethlyn nods... indeed, it could be a description of here as well.]

Yes... inviting. [She considers the warm reception of the locals, how quickly they've accepted the presence of mysterious newcomers, all clearly from wildly divergent places, attributing all so easily to the ineffable decisions of Those Who Were There.] It's hard for me to be suspicious of Aldrip's townsfolk. I don't think all of them could be playing a part, unless this place is populated entirely by uncommonly skilled actors. But... they may be in danger themselves. As common people so often are when the powerful clash.

[That Dohalim mentions the perils of others makes her consider that more forcefully.]

That they are.

[His expression darkens, if only slightly. The common folk do always suffer in such instances— that was the way of things on Dahna, no matter what realm you traveled to. Conflict wasn't even necessary. The common folk simply suffered.]

It would seem we are of the same mind. I am glad to hear it. I am certain we are not the only ones thinking this way, of course. Many must have drawn similar conclusions.

[He pauses, looking her over for a moment as though appraising.]

You speak as someone in a position of leadership might.

[Ethlyn smiles. They can always recognize each other, can't they? Even if she arrived in her travel gear and has kept to simple clothing when she's bought new things, there's something about nobility that always seems to tell.]

Yes... at home, I was princess of a country named Leonster. [She's a little hesitant about her tenses. But she isn't a princess of anything here, so it would be a natural thing to say, wouldn't it? Or does it sound like she's severing herself from her past life?

Or is she overthinking it?] And so do you. Morale isn't a common topic of chat for someone who isn't responsible for other people's.

[Keeping spirits up, yes, staying cheerful, but that particular word refers to a resource as important as provisions.

...Not to mention all the jewelry.]

[Indeed, they can always recognize one another. He gives a nod to confirm her own observation, though his position requires some clarification, as well.]

Until recently, I was Lord of the realm of Elde Menancia. I resigned from my post not long before coming here— I did not consider myself fit to hold it for a number of reasons, and would prefer to see the realm in the hands of its people.

[Eventually, when his work outside the realm is done, he considers that he might return to find some other way to lend his aid to the people of Menancia— but there is no telling when that will be, or if he is even suited to doing so. He does not know that he can help anyone as he is now.]

A princess... no wonder you see things as you do. Your concern for the common people speaks well of you.

[Ethlyn's eyes widen. There have been rare instances where an aging lord or a ruler-consort stepping aside once their heir came of age, but Dohalim is a young man, and surely he doesn't have a child old enough to take his place--unless perhaps he's passed the responsibility to a sibling?

To say nothing of placing the realm in the hands of its people. Wouldn't that be rather... chaotic? Yes, Aldrip seems to get by fine under its elders, but there's a big difference between a village and--well, anything bigger than that.]

That sounds--well--not like something that you could do in Jugdral.

[She was about to say something like 'outlandish' or 'unorthodox' but she has to remind herself that different worlds have different ways. And she doesn't want to offend Dohalim in the middle of a friendly conversation.]

If you don't mind my asking, how do you see that working? Would it be like a village council writ large, or...?

[She does have concern for the common people, and prides herself on it, because she's met too many people who don't. But she still takes it as read that her family's bloodline--both hers and her husband's--justifies their position.]

A council would be ideal. To leave the power in the hands of a single person... there has been too much of that where I come from already.

[The system of Lords ruling over entire realms full of slaves, of the Crown Contest... it is a cycle that is doomed to repeat itself without intervention, and while Alphen and the others have made great strides in dismantling it, they are not finished. Together, he and his companions must bring an end to it once and for all— then, rebuilding can begin.]

The realm is currently in the hands of those who seek to collaborate to bring it into the future. Our situation is one that, from what I have gathered while speaking to others who have been brought here, is unlikely to be something many others have experienced.

[His gaze darkens slightly, and he shakes his head.]

Before coming here, I had been away from Elde Menancia in order to take care of some important business that would impact the people there— my intent was to return and assist in the establishment of a new system, but I fear there are many who would be eager to see me as Lord, still.

[Ethlyn finds that she can't totally refute that opinion, not in light of what happened in Agustria. It had taken so little time for Chagall to destroy everything his father--and his grandfather, and all of his family before that--had spent their lives building.

Still, a little ordinary council for an entire realm seems very risky. The strength of a council of elders is their their ability to come to an accord after discussion. With a country, with armies, sometimes a decision has to be made at once and without argument.]

I've unfortunately had some recent experience with a terrible king, so I can understand the desire to take the realm out of the hands of one person--at least, to have some way to remove a lord who uses his people badly--that is, a way that doesn't involve bloodshed.

But if your people believe in you still, why not try and live up to that? If you care for your people and work for them, not yourself, and they have confidence in your decisions, it sounds to me like you would be the right man for the job.

Because their confidence is misplaced.

[The answer he gives is direct, spoken so firmly that it is clear he believes this to be the case, his gaze darkening.

The Lord Dohalim the people of Elde Menancia believed in was an ideal he could never live up to, a man who had never truly existed, though the painful story behind all of that is one that requires a great deal of background that he's not necessarily willing to share, even among his friends.]

I am not the man they believe me to be. Though I would like to be, I simply cannot— there is blood on my hands that cannot be washed clean.

[Ethlyn actually draws back slightly, Dohalim's statement is that shocking. She has never heard a member of the ruling class say something like that--no. No, that's not quite true, she recalls. Lewyn, prince of Silesse, had gone to great lengths to hide himself... even so, he wasn't able to escape from his eventual homecoming and reckoning. Ethlyn had left her brother's army before that burst into open conflict, but she had heard the outcome from Leonster: Lewyn had defeated his traitorous uncles and claimed his birthright.

She's about to start in on this story when some part of her catches up. Lewyn was afraid of failing. Dohalim is talking about a failure he has already committed. And by the sound of it, a grave one.]

...Blood that would not be there had you made a different choice as Lord?

Edited (crucial letter) 2023-04-05 23:01 (UTC)

Yes.

[That, he tells her without hesitation. His failings have been shown to him quite clearly, and he will not be yet another Renan noble who shirks responsibility, who does not think that how their deeds effect those beneath them should be taken into consideration. There are enough of those already, and he had been one himself, in the past.]

Perhaps not directly, but I was negligent. I did not see what was happening in my own realm under my rule— and so whether or not these atrocities were committed by my hand directly, it matters not.

[This is a lot to be sharing with a stranger here in the marketplace, perhaps, but even that gives him no pause.]

[Gods be good. He really is serious--what happened must have been terrible. Ethlyn has known rulers who have made terrible decisions that their people had to pay for. But for such a ruler to be aware of their failings, to admit them...

...She's never seen it. And it only pushes her to believe that Dohalim really is more worthy than he thinks he is. But this is probably not the conversation in which to try and tell him so. She doesn't know enough about what happened.]

...I see. [She touches the back of her fingers to her lips, still thoughtful.] I have to say, you are the first man I've met who was as willing to admit his own flaws as a leader. Most of them blame everyone except for themselves, especially the people who are trying to help them the most to be good.

Is that so?

[Even though he asks, he cannot say he is surprised. He shakes his head slightly, his brow furrowed.]

I could easily blame where I came from, and the system of government that my people have put into place— but it was my own negligence and complacency that were responsible in the end. Accepting that things were as they appeared to be. It is a mistake I'll aim not to make again.

[He frowns, folding his arms across his chest.]

It would be a disservice to those who suffered if I did not accept responsibility.

I can appreciate those feelings. [She knows how much Sigurd suffered when he was unable to save his dear friend--how people like Ayra and Jamke felt, having been princes in their homeland and unable to preserve them from falling. It feels strange that it was Ethlyn's own birthplace they fell to... circumstances that should never have arisen.] It isn't an easy thing when your homeland isn't what you thought it was.

Still, I believe that someone who is determined to understand his mistakes--to learn from them--would make a better leader than many I've known, no matter what those mistakes are.

You are very kind to say so.

[Some of his companions have said as much, as well, but he is certain that he is in no fit state to lead at the moment— it is a right he will have to earn back, if he ever does. He does not wish to return to Elde Menancia as Lord, but there are undoubtedly people there who would be unable to see him any differently, even if he were to insist on acting as support to a newly established council or some other form of government.]

I will not soon forget what has been wrought by my hands, even if there are others who are quick to forgive. You speak as though your homeland has disappointed you, as well.

Yes... I'm afraid it has. [The more Ethlyn thinks on the past few years, the more she asks herself how it happened--how the scions of the land's greatest heroes could have dove so deeply into wicked, selfish behavior.] The great families of Grannvale are descended from forebears who saved our continent from centuries of oppression. Now it seems their descendants want nothing more but to return to it, only with themselves at the top of it.

My father and brother did their best to oppose them, and I helped as much as I could, though I married into another nation's royal family. But it's--well, it's three against one. [She gives Dohalim a rueful look.] It's very long odds.

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{Mini Event} Day of Devotion

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