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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.
no subject
It feels slightly--dated, in a way that he can't explain. Perhaps something that only the wealthy would wear. The way the stranger talks seems to back up that assumption for him. ]
I'm not. Just doing a job.
[ The fact that he was able to assert it so easily, comfortably, makes him wonder if he should be doing a better job of blending in--then again, if he wants to make money here, then he needs to at least have a reasonable reputation. With a nod of his chin to the scarves, he then tilts his head back to the side, as though gesturing the stranger closer. ]
They've got some others in the back here. ...That probably sounds like I'm going to rob you.
[ There's a faint twitch of his lips, almost like he's attempting to hold back a smile--he's frustrated with himself for not sounding quite as cool and calm as he wants to. ]
What's your style? This?
no subject
[They certainly don't seem to mind, having taken to the new arrivals as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world, which of course Balthier himself finds to be highly suspicious. Still, not a terrible idea to ingratiate themselves to the locals while they can; if they want to learn more about their current situation and surroundings, a little good will can go a long way. The gentleman who's put himself to work likely has the right of it.
As for sounding like he's about to be robbed, the pirate only cracks another crooked smile, shaking his head.]
Anyone who thinks to try and rob me would be in for quite a surprise, so perhaps it's best that's not on the table, then. As for style— yes, more or less.
[He has noticed he stands out in his way here, but that's no matter. He's always liked standing out, actually.]
My interest is largely in the local customs, in fact.
no subject
[ Something about the way the man talks sounds like he's keen of observation--and judging by the fact that he didn't seem to hold out any worry about being robbed, it could be that Cloud himself is either terrible at being intimidating, or that he's more talented with fighting, at least enough to get out of a sticky situation. It means that there's a new, curious appreciation in his gaze as he looks him over. ]
Well, I think the custom here is you gift one to someone you have positive feelings for, or whatever.
[ Truthfully, he hadn't really been paying too much attention: to him, it had seemed more like some kind of marketing ploy than anything else, but he at least knew better than to say that out loud.
Straightening up, he takes one step closer to the stranger, his boot scuffing against the ground as he gives a wry gesture up to the more gaudy scarves, hanging from the top of the merchant's stall. ]
Maybe a show of friendship. Though I don't think these pinks and purples here really say friendship, to me...Would you wear one if you got one?
no subject
[There's an unspoken 'but' as he trails off, along with a knowing glint in his eye as he follows Cloud's gesture.
The colors really aren't him, if he's being honest, though he has nothing against them generally.]
I'd say it would depend on who was giving it, but most of us are in a position to be making new friends here, are we not? I won't go so far as to say one can't afford to be picky, but near enough. The sentiment behind them is nice, however— not to be scoffed at if someone were to receive one as a gift, I think.
[Even if the item didn't particularly suit, it would be in poor taste to turn away an offering of friendship, would it not?]
I'm certain other uses could be found for them, in such a case. What of yourself? You don't seem terribly enamored with them, either.
no subject
[ It cuts straight to the point, though at least there's a thread of humor in his voice, delicate as it is. His gloves are clean, at least, which means that he doesn't leave anything behind when he fingers the edge of one of the hanging scarves, rubbing it carefully between thumb and forefinger.
At least they're made well. He can tell that someone put effort into crafting it, and that they're likely not mass produced the way that something might be, back home. Someone's hands made this, rather than a machine at a factory. ]
...But if we're going for a show of friendship, and everyone's in need of a few more friends, well.
[ Straightening up, he levels a gaze with the stranger, one brow cocked in interest. ]
Then I think we should pick out the most hideous ones and give them to each other. It's only fair.
[ ...fair how, exactly? ]
no subject
Fair, is it? And how is that?
[Though it does capitalize on the sentiment of the whole thing, he supposes.]
Perhaps we would be sparing other potential recipients by doing so.
[He probably shouldn't speak so plainly where the vendor responsible can likely overhear them, but alas.]
They'll be offered with the usual cliches, of course. 'Wear it close to your heart,' or some such nonsense.
[It definitely rolls off his tongue like that's the sort of 'nonsense' he says all the time.]
no subject
The cliche, of course, makes his nose wrinkle; he drops his hand away, reaching instead for a scarf that's drenched in intricate gold and glittery accent, feeling the fringed edge of it with gloved fingertips. ]
Something small, then? To wear under your shirt. Tucked into a pointless pocket or something.
[ He's finding it amusing, at least: the thought of buying some stranger an ugly handkerchief-sized scarf to tuck amongst his person; he isn't even sure if the two of them will ever see each other again. ]
...You've got sixty seconds. Pick something out for me, I've got my eye on what I want for you.
[ --which is to say, his hand is idling, running down along the display that's on the table in front of them, rifling neatly through options like he's picking out a greeting card, as though he knows exactly what he's looking for. He doesn't. ]
I hope they become best friends, honestly.
[The response of a man who absolutely has more pockets than anyone needs, and uses them to keep all sorts of things tucked away for various occasions. They come in quite handy, from time to time. His smile quirks to one side as he, too, begins to browse the offerings with intent, clearly enjoying this little challenge that Cloud has set forth for the two of them.]
Sixty seconds— more than reasonable. I'll simply have to go on instinct and choose what speaks to me.
[Now, which of these would be the most mortifying for a gentleman like Cloud to wear...? He does cast a glance in the mercenary's direction every now and then, as though trying to envision his potential choice on his person, running his own ringed fingers over a silk scarf with an intensely busy floral pattern.]
Hmmm...
they 100% will
There's a brief, sharp shake of his head--almost pleading. ]
No.
[ --which means it's surely going to get picked, and he realizes his folly too late. Frowning, he immediately starts down into the box of handkerchief-style scarves, folded neatly, to seek out the most alarmingly bright one possible, lined with orange flames and brown fringe. Quickly, he pulls it out of the box: and then pulls out another, one that's a horrible shade of green with purple polka dots, narrowing his eyes as he holds them up in the air.
His arms lift, one hand higher than the other, then the opposite, measuring them against Balthier's face: until he finally seems to decide on the garish yellow one, neatly tucking the other back in its place. ]
...Okay. This one speaks to me. About you.
no subject
That is truly dreadful.
[Even with yellow being a reasonably good color for him. He looks momentarily horrified, then shakes his head as he turns his attention back to the stall and its goods.]
Clearly, if you've found something that offensive, I can do far better than heavy-handed florals.
[He lets out a thoughtful hum as he begins to sift through a few of the scarves that have been laid out, finally lifting one in a shimmering chartreuse with a glaring fuschia pattern on it.]
Ah, this one.
no subject
The look that he gives to that chartreuse monstrosity says it all: no, it's most definitely not fine. ]
...Sounds good.
[ It takes everything in him not to immediately snatch that horrible thing out of Balthier's hands, and instead, he turns, stiff, towards the stall keeper. ]
We'll take these two. Thanks.
[ Of course, he'll be the one paying. ]