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expiationlogs2023-02-17 07:53 am
{Mini Event} 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.
JOEL : D
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.]
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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.
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[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.]
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Yeah, it's fine, and no, you don't owe me.
[ It's a stupid scarf! Sheesh. Why would he ever need anything from her, anyway??? ]
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Even I know nothing in life is free, Mister.
[It's a special scarf during some sort of celebratory festival. That means it has value. She's not completely oblivious. Otherwise the vendor would have given it to her instead of agreeing on an exchange.]
I don't have any money, but I can at least start by giving you my name. It's Rinoa.
[And because she's not trying to advertise this too publicly she leans in slightly for the next part, voice dropping to something much less likely to be overheard. Rinoa's not trying to wear a big sign that says "Magical Sorceress Here" on it. Her magic is her business, thanks.]
And if you or anyone you know ever needs healing, I'll be happy to help.
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[ He shakes his head, stacking some more boxes of items and not bothering to look at her or meet her eyes. But still, eventually, he offers: ]
Joel.
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[But staying out of his way doesn't automatically mean leaving him alone. It means making sure he's got plenty of space to move and maneuver. Which Rinoa is actually pretty good at doing.]
It's nice to meet you, Joel.
[A pause.]
I wonder if I could help out too. I'm a lot stronger than I look, and I bet I'd make a great salesperson.
[Because honestly, the coin wouldn't hurt. Not being able to afford things whenever feels weird. Rich girl problems. Which is when she turns to the shop keeper, dark eyes glinting with determination]
Whatchya think, Mister? Need another hand? Maybe a model?
[What? She's young and cute, that's known to be a great combination for sales work.]
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Of course, the shopkeeper, being a friendly local who needs all the help he can get during this busy festival time, is more than happy to hire on an extra pair of hands (or sure, a model!), so yeah, she's probably hired. ]
Congratulations.
[ He says that in the most perfunctory deadpan imaginable. ]
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[Rinoa turns to Joel with a grin.]
Now instead of worrying I'm in your way, I can just help! So where do I start?
[She's used to deadpan. It's almost comforting in a way. A little something vaguely familiar in a strange land. She'll just ply him with coffee and her good nature until it's fine. No biggie.]
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[ A supervisor, he is not. Do what you want, girl! He is hauling boxes back and forth, or something. ]
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[So while he hauls the boxes, she'll get to work on emptying them. Seems like a good system to her. Look at that, already a great team.]
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Goddammit. ]
Have you ever had a job before?
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I've helped run a resistance group, helped organize a festival, and basically fought in a war. A job can't be that hard in comparison.
[Telling her she can't do something would just make her want to do it more, to prove that she could do it basically.]
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Be glad the boss here doesn't much care what you do. But the customers can be demanding.
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You leave the people to me. [Rinoa grins, giggling a little as she winks at her brand new co-worker.] You could say people are my specialty.
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[ Maybe she'll find someone else to pester! ]
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You sure you don't want help with anything?
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[ He's onto another box, not bothering to stop to address her. Why should he? He's got work to do, and he's not interested in standing around chit-chatting. ]