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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ When the room is dark, she indeed does not turn on a light because she thinks she's alone. Once the door is closed behind her, she's turning to walk further into the room when there's a sudden light. She shouts and throws the large bouquet of flowers she'd been holding right at him, so now, he has a face full of petals. ]

What is wrong with you!

[ He scared the living shit out of her, as he'll hear her heart slamming in her chest like she's been shot with adrenaline. ]

Don't sit in the dark like that! You have—[ Here, she pauses to gesture at her own face in the general area of her eyes. ]—Time Lord vision! I have regular human eyes, remember?

[ With that, she finally flips on the overhead light and squints, blinking. There's a lengthy pause as she takes in the carnage of petals in front of her. Then, she bursts into laughter, covering her mouth with both hands at the sight of him standing in a pile of flowers. ]

Sorry. Those were supposed to make the room feel homier.

[ In all of the many scenarios he can cook up in his brain, he didn't think that Clara screaming would be one of them. His eyes widen as he stutters backwards at her shout and the suddenly influx of petals in his face. Thankfully, reflexes kick in and he manages to catch some of the bouquet before it drops to the ground. ]

What do you mean what is wrong with me? [ Here he brandished the flowers towards her
] I fell into a meditation waiting for you! I thought we'd agree to meet back at — what time is it?

[ The sudden influx of light makes him blink owlishly at her, and confusion soon turns into what is undeniably a quirk of his lips when the sound of her laughter fills the room. ]

Well, I suppose they still do the job. Are these from the field?

You started me, that's all. But it definitely hasn't been 48 hours, it's been about eight since you last saw me.

[ Secretly, she's pleased he missed her. ]

I'm perfectly on time, thank you very much. And yes, they are. Pretty, aren't they? What've you been up to since breakfast? No more harassing the animals I hope.

Has it been eight? Felt a bit like an eternity.

[ It’s hard to tell if he’s exaggerating or being serious with how lightly he says it. But in true Doctor fashion he doesn’t linger, moving on as if he hasn’t said anything at all.

His eyebrows furrow again at the implication that he had somehow been the source of the geese’s ire but he moves towards the little side table and the empty vase to put her flowers in them. They’ll have to get water later. ]

I got roped into delivering packages and did some gardening. [ If Clara glances towards his bed, the sun hat from earlier has been tossed onto the sheet. ] I’m bored Clara, there’s nothing here to do.

I was afraid of this. Not the gardening, the boredom.

[ Clara is honestly shocked he made it this long. She's been waiting for this, and yet has no good answers. ]

I'm sorry, I know it's a little...quaint. Does it make you feel any better if I say even I might go bonkers after a while?

[ As she's talking, she moves to sit on the edge of his bed, taking his hat and putting it on top of her own head. ]

Here, I got you something. This should keep you occupied for the next five seconds.

[ Clara grins, peeking up at him from under the brim of the hat—which is way too big for her—and handing him a bag with a scarf inside. ]

[ The Doctor is about three seconds away from a full on rant about how bored he is, about how quiet and normal this place is, and if this was meant to be hell for him, the gods or powers that be or whatever they were calling themselves were doing their job. But then Clara stops him short by handing him a bag and he doesn’t even have a chance to comment on the comically large sun hat on her small head. ]

For me? [ As a baffled as he looks, he can’t help but be a little flattered too. It takes him no time at all to open the nicely wrapped gift and to unearth the scarf inside. Carefully he turns it over in his hand before gazing up at her. ] Were you running errands too?

[ The thank you is in there somewhere, Clara, we promise. ]

[ She tries to brush it off a little, like it's no big deal. She knows his question is his thanks, and there's a small shrug of her shoulder. ]

Maybe a few. Do you like it? I've been looking for days, trying to make sure I picked something that was...you.

[ In the past, she'd happily gifted him bowties, he didn't seem very particular. But now he is, and his style has changed. She's yet to give him anything like this, but she feels like she knows him now. This him, who he is in front of her at this second. And there's a part of her that just wants to make him happy, she always has. Happy and proud of her, though for now, she's going for the former. ]

[ There’s something on the tip of his tongue, an impulsive bluntness that usually supersedes any social niceties he’s gathered up until this point — but he sees how much effort she’s put in. How tentative the emphasis is on the fact that this is for him. It’s enough to stop the impulsiveness. ]

I never considered the colour before but it might actually go with my new wardrobe.

[ Of which currently only consists of the clothes on his back. But details. He’s quick to throw it around his neck. It doesn’t quite look that good with a t-shirt but he still hams it up for her anyway. ]

What do you think? Does it work?

[ Clara's already bright smile grows even brighter. ]

Perfect. It looks good on you, it brings out your eyes.

[ She means that seriously, too. The dark color makes the coolness of his eyes seem sharper. ]

You don't have to find a reason to wear it or anything; I know it's not an everyday item.

[ She's just glad he likes it, and she seems pleased with herself under his hat. ]

[ The bright smile and the doe eyes are really in full force today and he can't help but pause a moment. Something in the back of his brain tingles, like there was something about the scarves that he heard as he ran all over Aldrip dropping off packages in exchange for nothing at all.

As his brain percolates on it he absently clutches the ends of the scarf. ]

I used to wear a scarf every day. Lot more colourful than this one really, but colour isn't really my thing anymore. [ And while the bit about the scarves hasn't quite hit him yet, he realizes belatedly that he had something for her too. ] This reminds me I had something for you where did I — [ Cue a familiar pat down of his pockets until he finds what he's looking for. A small box, neatly wrapped with a blue bow is presented to her. When she opens the box she'll find nestled in some dark blue velvet, a brooch. ]

Since I didn't get you a Christmas present.

[ Clara looks at him in surprise; his gift to her has always been the TARDIS, their traveling. It's never crossed her mind to expect gifts from him at any time, not even her birthday. She feels a pleasant warmth bloom in her chest, and she takes off the hat before racing out for the package almost reverently. For a few seconds she traces the edge of the ribbon, until she can't help stand it anymore and opens her gift.

It's beautiful, and Clara brings it out, holding it up to the light. She isn't wearing anything that will look right with this, but her lips are parted, those doe eyes wide. She's pleased and looks at him. ]

You picked this? It's perfect, I didn't think you paid attention to the things I wore.

[ Because it looks like it came right out of her jewelry box, if she had one of those. She clips it on, even though it isn't the outfit she would have chosen. ]

I like it. I like it very much. Thank you, Doctor.

[ There's something akin to a look of anticipation on his face as she opens it. It's not nervousness, because why would he be nervous about getting her a gift? It was Clara after all. But there was always the chance that his choice would be off. In the time it takes her to wrestle with the ribbon he's already decided in his mind that if she didn't like it, he'd tell her it was the vendor's fault.

But then that bright smile blooms again and he straightens up, more than a little pleased that she likes it. ]

Well I figured you wouldn't wear it with something like a nightgown or what you're wearing now, although that would be completely your choice if you did - [ He cuts himself off again before clearing his throat. ] I just thought it would look nice on you. With the - [ He waves his hand vaguely towards her face. ] Bambi look you have going on. And the merchant said something about it protecting you, whatever that means.

I—the Bambi look?

[ Clara arches an eyebrow to look at him, but she's only joking about being put out. Really, she's turned a shade of pink because he admitted he thought she'd look nice. ]

Protection, that sounds right. [ And more like a reason for him to get it for her. ]

You always look out for me. I was afraid for a minute I wouldn't have that, here.

[ With or without the amulet compelling her, it's not something she would keep from him. And it's as good a time as any to tell him her momentary fear upon arrival. Not that she was in a weird place, but that she was there without him. ]

Yes, the Bambi look. [ He's about to say, like the one she has on right now, but that isn't the case. Her cheeks have gone all pink and he can't imagine why, except in the dim light of their tiny inn room, a fleeting thought flies through his mind that it doesn't all that awful on her either. Much better than when she had painted all that awful stuff on her face. ]

You know the one where your eyes go all wide and glisten from time to time. It makes you look like you're surprised by something.

[ It's a compliment, we promise.

Confusion crosses his features as he steps up towards her to look down at her. ]

Why wouldn't I look out for you? Did I do something that made you think that?

Edited 2023-02-24 01:40 (UTC)

No! No, you didn't. I was just alone for approximately a half hour and got worried. But I should've known. You never leave me for very long.

[ Her smile is warm, and she really can't help her eyes, looking up at him when he's so close she has to. She isn't sure why she needs him to know these things when she'd happily kept them to herself, before. ]

You make me feel safe when I know you're close.

It wasn't half an hour it was a whole day.

[ He can't help but gently correct her, revealing that he does in fact, always know how long it's been since they've been apart even if it's subconsciously. The sudden warmth takes him aback again because for a minute he thought he had done something wrong, and the last thing he wants to do is ruin a second chance after he's just gotten it. ]

...You're doing it again. That doe-eyed Bambi thing. But it's not sad this time. [ There's another brief pause. ] But I won't wander too far.

[ That, too, makes her feel warm, that he kept track, that he knows. But of course he does. He likes to pretend he's more absent-minded than he is—if he is at all, really. ]

I think maybe I only do this 'Bambi' thing you're going on about when I look at you.

[ Which could be interpreted different ways, and she looks away because now she's self-conscious about it, and maybe turning a little pink. ]

I don't wanna be sad with you anymore. We've had enough of that.

[ Clara thinks about her crime that she still hasn't told him, and she fidgets with the ring on her finger before meeting his gaze again. ]

And we both know you will wander, so it's good you didn't put a promise at the end of that sentence.

[ The statement sends him into another mathematical spiral of trying to understand what it means. Feelings had always been elusive to him, in part because he purposefully distanced himself from them, and partly because feelings had never been a Time Lord's forte. It was perhaps a miracle (or the greatest disappointment if you were in the company of other Time Lords) that he had gotten as far as he had with feelings to begin with.

He worries for a moment that she means he's the cause of her ire and potential tears (he has not forgotten their adventure on the Orient Express and the confusing expression on her face, nor what he's been sentenced with). Being the cause of many people's sorrows and disappointments isn't new and he is under no impression that that will continue.

But then she dispels that worry with her next sentence and something warm flickers to his face. Warm fondness that is more of a promise than he could ever provide with his words alone. ]

We have, haven't we? Boredom though... [ He tilts his head slightly pulling a face. ] I've had enough of that and we've only been here a months. [ It has not been a couple of months. ] Wandering seems like the only cure for boredom right now.

Edited 2023-02-26 20:10 (UTC)

[ When he looks at her like that it makes warmth flood through her, coming straight from her heart. Sometimes she thinks she should and could tell him everything she meant to on Trenzelore, and right now, looking at her like this, she nearly does.

But then he moves on to boredom. Her eyes take in the scarf again, and she bites back the urge to stand, reach up, and smooth it out the way she used to straighten his bowties. ]

At least nothing awful is happening. Yet. I dunno, maybe it will, but I weirdly like this. It's time with you that isn't running, and it's different.

[ She does know it's hard for him though, so she adds: ]

I'll wander with you anywhere you want, promise.

[ Aching loneliness has always followed him ever since he was a child. It was the monster that slept under the bed, it was the root of the heaviness in his heart. No matter what he did to try and chase it, drown it, burn it away it always came back, surviving from one incarnation to the next. As much as curiosity and the taste for exploration and freedom had driven him to leave Gallifrey in the first place, loneliness, perhaps, had been the other half of that coin, gently biding its time until he was at his lowest to cover his eyes, surprising him, reminding him, that it was always there.

But loneliness is quiet tonight; in fact it feels eons away like it belongs in another world or universe. Tenderness reserved for her that had settled into his bones a long time ago stirs.

Clara. The Impossible Girl. Defender against loneliness.

His hand reaches out, brushing briefly against the chain holding the pendants together. ]

Good thing you're going in prepared then, hm? Although, we might have to look at getting you different shoes. The soles on those are going to go any day now.

[For a beat of her heart, Clara thought the Doctor was going to brush her cheek, and she'd been ready to turn her cheek into it. When he touches the chain of the pendant, though, the result is still the same. She feels something unspool in her that's directly connected to him.

And then he's on about her shoes and she lets out a huff of a laugh, trying to ignore the burning of her cheeks, the heat creeping up her neck. As a distraction, she reaches for his floppy hat again and puts it on top of her head, looking up at him, quite honestly, adorably. ]

Then let's go shoe shopping. Or out to find a cobbler. By the way, we haven't been here months. We haven't even been here one month.

[ The dim light only lends to his usual oblivious nature meaning that even if a blush had threatened to show somehow, he would have missed it in its entirety. Most things aren't as obvious as the Bambi eyes after all.

Although the floppy hat does seem to suit her just as well and his lips crookedly lift before he scoffs slightly. ]

I know. Time Lord, remember? And when was the last time you went to a cobbler anyway?

I dunno, they exist, though. And in a hamlet like this, there's gotta be at last one.

[ She stands and, still close to him, she reaches out to touch the silk of the scarf lightly. Then, she looks up at him, smiling. ]

I wanted it to be perfect. I'm glad you like it. I like trying to find the things that make you smile at me.

[ It's the first time something she didn't mean to say actually slips out, and she quickly drops her hand, turning to take off the hat and put it back on his bed. ]

Sorry, forget the mushy stuff. I know you don't like it. C'mon, we'll see if there's a calendar for you we can find while we're out.

There is. I delivered a package there earlier today. [ And the cobbler had been incredibly chatty. Rather young too - or at least that's the impression the Doctor had gotten. Their general energy had been ridiculously exuberant and he'd had tried to excuse himself from them as quickly as possible. He sighs slightly at the thought. ] They're a bit chatty. You two will probably get along.

[ Clara's smile distracts him from his thoughts, and he blinks down at her, forgetting how close they had been standing to one another. It takes him another minute to process what she's saying. And then quite inexplicably he offers up his own, very accidental thought — ]

You don't have to try that hard, Clara.

[ Out of all the things to come out of his mouth, that isn't what she expected. Now she's the one who looks owlish, looking at him, hand still against the scarf. ]

Oh.

[ But now, she wonders what that means. The gifts to one another, her crime, the fact that they're here together after only a few weeks of traveling together again. Maybe this is the place she can finally get feelings together. ]

Doctor, I—I try that hard because I'm not always brave when it comes to saying things. And if you don't like something, it's just the thing.

[ Not her. ]

{Mini Event} Day of Devotion

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