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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.
bring protection
He has to catch his breath; he realizes he's staring perhaps a little too long, but damn that is one fine looking guy, it's a little hard not to stare.
He clears his throat and glances back at amulet in his hand, expression wistful.]
Myself. .. I need protection from myself. [He looks back at Cloud, brow furrowed with a hesitant smile.] Bet that sounds kinda crazy, huh..?
no subject
He's grateful to draw his gaze to the amulets, instead: the stranger has one in his hand, and though he doesn't, a part of him wants to reach for it and take it out of his palm. He isn't sure he trusts the vendors, trying so hard to sell all of these items; there could be some danger in touching them, something that none of them might know about given how recently they'd been put here. ]
...It doesn't sound crazy. [ There's a faint shake of his head--his gaze flickers up, once, to look at the profile of the stranger, before he looks back down again. ] I think a lot of people feel that way. What do you think you're going to do to yourself?
[ A soft breath. ] Or what did you already do? An amulet like this might not be the best thing for you.
no subject
... It's... complicated. But suffice it to say, I've had trouble with reality the past few years. As is.. [He squints, thinking.] As in, I make up stories that suit a narrative I'd prefer was the truth.. rather than accepting the actual truth.
-- Because I killed someone. [Gripping the amulet tightly.] And then, in order to cope with that, I tried to kill someone else. .. and then I ended up killing the person I love most in the world.
[A heavy sigh, shaking his head lightly.]
So, you know, I know I'm crazy. And before he died, my friend wanted me to live and get better, but honestly I often just want to die.. where I came from, I'm in jail, and I'm trying therapy there, but... [Biting his lip, looking down at the amulet.] Really, I can't cope with the guilt.
[Glancing back at Cloud with a soft, apologetic laugh.]
I'm sorry, I just dumped on you. No idea if this amulet would help with my crazy or my depression or what the fuck, but I just need something to be better.
no subject
He finds that rather than any kind of disgust or disagreement with the way the stranger speaks, there’s something in him that’s pulled towards him, that feels some sort of strange, unnerving camaraderie with the statement, though he doesn’t know why. There’s just a well of sorrow at the thought, his throat working to swallow, stiff with breath; it isn’t the sort of confession he’s expecting, but he’s not unused to mention of murder, and death.
He’s killed plenty of people, he thinks. He has no right to judge anyone there. ]
…We’ll take this. [ —-is what he says lowly, carefully, to the merchant; the stranger is gripping the amulet hard enough to maybe even cut himself on the corners of it, and firmly, Cloud reaches out with one gloved hand to lay it over the stranger’s, working his fingers apart to reveal the amulet within them. ] Thanks.
[ The merchant gingerly takes the amulet from the stranger’s palm and begins to wrap it up for them—-clearing his throat, Cloud withdraws his hand, arms folding loosely against his chest as they wait. ]
I don’t think you’re crazy, and I don’t think that charm is going to help with any of that. No one can help you forgive yourself but you, in the end, though…
[ A soft breath, through his nose. His memories prickle, thoughts that sting at his eyes, threaten with a headache—- ] Having a friend helps. You have a place to stay, here? Someone to keep an eye on you?
no subject
He's warm and nice; Tora is sorry when he takes his hand away.]
Thank you. [He smiles gratefully.] You're really fucking nice. [A little laugh.] I feel damn lucky I met you.
As for friends tho...? [He narrows his eyes and shakes his head.] There's one guy here who I owe a lot to-- I really fucked up his life. And he says he forgives me but.. I dunno. I'm not sure we could live together even if he asked.
I killed his brother.
[Kazutora would shake his head and grin wider.] My name is Kazutora, by the way! What can I call you? Aside from Handsome or Hero, heh.
no subject
With a soft nod to the merchant, a murmured appreciation and passing of coin, Cloud accepts the small packaged amulet back, and awkwardly, holds it out with one hand for Kazutora to take. ]
...Cloud. My name's Cloud. [ Is he actually turning a little pink? He might be. ] Don't call out for Handsome or Hero. You'll get at least ten guys who will come running.
[ With the amulet passed over to Kazutora, he resumes folding his arms across his chest, frowning slightly. ]
So where are you staying now, then? If you don't have a place... Well.
no subject
Cloud... [Smiling, eyes crinkling. It suited him, the name. It was both strong and soft at the same time, had both a sharpness and a roundness that was pleasing to Kazutora.] That's a really nice name, Cloud. Cloud, Cloud, Cloud, Cloud. [Testing it on his tongue, liking the way it felt, smile warming as he'd get more comfortable saying it.
He sighs when asked the question, glancing at Cloud as he'd hold the package close to his chest.
A farmer family on the outskirts of town is lending me their barn while I work for them. It's not where I wanna be, but it's a roof, you know?
[He points out at the other stalls.]
Wanna walk and talk? I wanna know where you're at, too..
no subject
Despite everything that he's learned about Kazutora, there's something about him that feels oddly innocent, almost as though he might get taken advantage of out here; it feels right, then, to agree with his suggestion. ]
Sure. I don't have anywhere to be for a bit.
[ With another firm nod to the merchant at the stall in gratitude, he falls into step at Kazutora's side, shifting slightly to adjust the weight of the buster sword at his back while they walk. ]
A barn's not bad, actually. I'm staying at the inn near the tavern with a friend. A little expensive, but they've given us a discount for our...extended stay.
[ A faint lift at the corner of his lips, almost like a smile, but he shakes his head a little. ]
What kind of work are you doing? Tending animals?
Sorry for the massive delay Dx !!
Yeah, I'm doing a bit of everything, really; plowing, tending the animals, cleaning the house. Shrugging. Just anything that the family needs, really.
But, okay, okay, that's boring. Tell me about this friend of yours~
no worries!
He looks like trouble like this. Cute, but trouble. ]
...She's just a friend from back home. Nothing special. [ His lips press together. ] Hired me once to be her bodyguard. We traveled together.
[ And for someone who resolutely doesn't talk about himself, that's a lot to offer. ]
She's the type to get into trouble, so I'm keeping an eye on her here too.
no subject
[Kazutora's eyes glaze a little at that thought, momentarily lost in the idea of having people here. He knows Mikey is around; he's fairly certain Baji is as well. He wonders if either would be happy to see him.
Likely not..
But then his focus sharpens again and he grins, nudging Cloud.]
Oh, but is it scandalous then for a handsome guy like you to be staying in the same room as a lady~? She must be enjoying herself, if she's the mischievous type. I know I would be~