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

I could.

[ And they'd certainly give him some explanation--probably many--as to what makes their wares special and one of a kind. A good salesman has all kinds of reasons, although how much was true would really depend. But that wasn't his goal. He wasn't interested in being sold anything. ]

This is just more fun, don't you think?

[ Admit you like the word games, Zhou Zishu. ]

[ Well that he can't actually argue with. Unfortunately. Zhou Zishu's eyes narrow somewhat consideringly, but mostly just because he feels like he can't just agree without a fight. It feels like losing at something. ]

What would you trade for it?

[ Since he clearly has no interest in actually working with the merchants. Zhou Zishu doesn't either but it is something he can hold over Seimei's head. ]

[ Seimei stands still, waiting for Zhou Zishu's judgment almost like a show dog frozen in a pose, looking back at the critical eyes with a patient ease. And then Zhou Zishu asks his question and Seimei bows low, arms clasped together in front of him at his waist happily. ]

Ah, thank you! What are you offering? I'm sure we can come to an agreement.

[ ...probably should have expected that one. Zhou Zishu's expression flattens just slightly, but there's some grudging respect in it for being so deftly out-maneuvered. It's possible its been too long since Zhou Zishu has seen this kind of combat. ]

I'm sure. [ Such a dry echo. ] And if I have nothing to trade?

That's quite all right.

[ He's ready with his answer, not skipping a breath. ]

We've all come unexpectedly and money is certainly difficult right now. I'd be happy to settle for a promise. We can exchange favors, can't we? That is something everyone has.

[ Does that mean he'll have more excuses to pester Zhou Zishu to repay his debt? Sure it does. And Seimei seems unfazed at the possibility that Zhou Zishu himself might try to turn around and take advantage of him first. ]

I'm sure we could both think of something we want.

[ Somehow Zhou Zishu's eyes manage to narrow even further. Favors covers a lot of ground in his experience, and indebting himself to someone so silver-tongued seems like just asking for trouble. ]

How do you know there's something I want?

[ Not exactly a hard guess, though, given human nature. But digging for a little more information can't hurt, slippery as Seimei is. ]

And it doesn't help you get your trinket.

There isn't? Then you're quite an anomaly among men and surely don't exist.

[ He laughs lightly, unafraid to be open about that thought. ]

I am certain we can obtain one if we work together. I want to see them properly, but their conditions seem like too much. I'd rather compensate you than them.

[ That just earns an expressive eyeroll, even if he did see it coming. But Seimei is clearly not going to give up on this, and Zhou Zishu has learned something about dealing with the determined type and how much energy he's willing to spend arguing with brick walls. ]

Fine.

[ It's just a stupid trinket. If the favor owed becomes a problem down the line, he can deal with it then. ]

What's your plan then?

Oh, it's really simple, actually. You look like a man who has experience earning trust from others. All I need is a demonstration.

[ And with a quick nod Seimei is already hurrying up to a vendor's stall, hiding his face as he snatches several items right off the display and makes a run for it--conveniently back in the direction of Zhou Zishu's path, to the chorus of angry yelling. ]

[ He...probably should have seen that one coming. Zhou Zishu would be perfectly within his rights to let the idiot hang out to dry, but instead he lets out a long, annoyed sigh and steps up to catch the now-angry merchants' attention.

It's not particularly difficult to spin a nonsense story about being stranded in this new place -- and it's half true, which makes things easier. A couple of copper taels from his purse aid things along, for all that the actual currency doesn't mean much. The trade is good enough, maybe,

The look on his face is still distinctly unamused as he makes his way back in Seimei's direction. ]

That was your brilliant idea?

[ Seimei is standing a safe distance away, looking curiously at the display of tact before him. He tilts his head, still holding the stolen wares, and marvels at Zhou Zishu as he approaches. ]

Not at all. What a strange performance, though, you really bought these?

[ The man that would rather play tricks than run boring errands, and who uses his reputation like a game piece, looks at Zhou Zishu now like he's a weird anomaly. He holds up the items he took--honestly, not even very expensive ones. ]

I thought that people like this would be grateful for a noble gentleman willing to catch a thief. I had no idea I was bargaining with a hero who would take pity on both of us. You should have warned me that you were on another level!

[ Zhou Zishu just gives him an odd look in turn. Why make that big of a spectacle of yourself over nothing? Paying makes you just another customer, in slightly odd circumstances that can be forgotten about in minutes. Putting on a show would only make him the center of attention, and Zhou Zishu has neither the patience or the interest for it. ]

The next time you want me to act, warn me first.

[ A hero on another level. Zhou Zishu spends his time listening to a lot of dumb praise, but this is new. ]

You got what you wanted, why complain?

Warn you? But if I do that, the moment might already pass. And I'm afraid too much warning would only give you away.

[ He absolutely has no regret for what he did. Smiling like he managed to find some rare jewel himself, Seimei laughs and holds one of the items out to Zhou Zishu. ]

It's not a complaint at all. I'm honored to be in the presence of such a good conscience. I hope you'll rescue me again if I'm ever in danger. Here, take this as my sincere gratitude! You've certainly opened my eyes, good hero.

Don't call me that.

[ It sounds more longsuffering than genuinely annoyed, but Zhou Zishu has been around these kinds of dramatics long enough that he knows there's nothing he can do to stop it. He might be slightly offended by the insult to his skills, but Seimei has no way of knowing what they are. Maybe some day he'll get to find out. ]

Keep them. You're the one who wanted to know what they do.

Ah? Don't call you what?

[ He gives Zhou Zishu a wide eyed look, bowing low with his hands on his thighs. ]

My apologies. I didn't mean to offend you. I'd like you to accept this with my sincere feelings. You are the reason I was able to keep them, after all. It is fair payment that I owe you.

[ Seimei holds up the different items again, offering them with cupped palms toward his aggrieved accomplice. ]

Otherwise, I can try to grant you wish, but that would certainly be more complicated.

[ Another one offering to grant wishes? Zhou Zishu gives him a narrow-eyed look but doesn't go for that bait, once was more than enough and he sincerely doubts it would work out any better this time.

But it seems unlikely that Seimei us going to let this go and he can tell when he's being mocked, so Zhou Zishu just lets out a huff and plucks one of the charms out of his hands at random. Maybe he can pawn it off on someone else. ]

Is your need satisfied now?

[ Seimei takes in the sharp look with a pleasant smile, putting forth as much charm as he can muster while he's judged. Finally, when Zhou Zishu takes one of the charms from him, he lowers his hands. He was counting on the man not wanting to work with him any longer than he absolutely had to! His bet paid off! ]

Oh, well... could I ask you just a few questions?

[ One eyebrow lifts slightly, but he manages to resist the urge to sigh. Probably should have seen this coming-- Seimei seems like the type for questions. ]

Go on.

[ No guarantee he'll answer any of them, but call him curious about what Seimei wants to know. ]

[ He sees the look Zhou Zishu gives him and there is a small thrill at the response. Both because he got the man to agree, and because he can't help but feel a little satisfied at managing to exasperate him. A reaction is a reaction, right? ]

Wonderful! In that case, how are you feeling since coming here? Have you noticed anything particularly off with yourself? And do you think there is anything different about these charms? They are supposed to be magic.

[ He did say Seimei could ask him things. That's his own fault. ]

[ That pleased look at getting a reaction is a little too familiar, but it's too late now. Somehow Zhou Zishu seems to attract this. Probably he should look into why. ]

I have no idea what magic is supposed to feel like. [ Might as well get that covered right away. The rest of it is a lot more personal, even if it probably isn't aimed at his health, and makes Zhou Zishu narrow his eyes slightly. ]

Why, do you feel differently?

Oh, it can manifest in many ways. It might feel like a strange warmth or chill without source, a sense of something being out of place, or sometimes nothing at all. That's why I'm curious. They said these items might be magical, so if we don't test them, who knows what strange things might happen? Someone could have a bad encounter and we wouldn't be aware of it.

[ He shakes his head at the question. ]

I feel unchanged! But I suppose that isn't a foolproof test either. Maybe they're fake? But maybe... hm. The magic might be more subtle.

[ Oh yes, undoubtedly all of this is for the greater good. Zhou Zishu resists the urge to roll his eyes, but only barely. ]

You honestly think these are actual magic?

[ Heavy skepticism there. Not really at the idea of magic on it's own, Zhou Zishu can handle that (sort of). But cheap trinkets meant to ward off insects, or whatever it was they were announced as? Doubtful. ]

I don't know. Some might be.

[ His answer is cheerful, gentle, and easy. ]

That's why we need to check. Maybe there are counterfeits for fun, but wouldn't it be easier to hide a real spell among lies if they wanted it to succeed?

[ It's all just a theory, but he always has to know. That's how he became a great onmyouji in the first place. ]

They're pretty anyway.

I doubt they're going to let you take all of them to try.

[ How does one check for magic, anyway? He narrows his eyes at Seimei, but he can already tell that this is someone he's not going to get straight answers out of. ]

If you think they're fakes, why not talk to the merchants?

[ Rather than someone who was no idea what he's talking about. ]

Yes, that is a problem.

[ He says that absolutely seriously, like he would totally test each and every stupid charm and bead if he could. He is already looking at his haul piece by piece when Zhou Zishu asks his question, and Seimei looks up with quiet surprise. ]

But it's not up to the merchants. The ability and quality of an item depends on the users.

{Mini Event} Day of Devotion

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