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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
[ As if he's never seen a mirror, but between the two of them someone definitely does more staring. ]
You're the one who likes to decorate himself, get whatever.
[ No he will not be helpful, thank you. In part because the he thinks the whole thing is stupid, but mostly he's curious to see what Wen Kexing will come up with on his own. ]
no subject
[ He pauses, tapping the end of his fan against his lips. ]
Well, maybe a fifth. But it will be enough to remind me, anyway. The imitation of true wonder is as close as we can get here.
[ But through all that nonsense, Wen Kexing is looking. He runs his hand over several hanging scarves, finally pausing on one woven with just the right shades of rich blues. ]
I suppose this could do. It's not as soft or as lovely as you, but it will keep me warm if it ever gets cold at night. What do you think? Try it on so I can see if it's a good match.
no subject
[ But despite his grumbling, Zhou Zishu does wander over to pull the scarf free and drape it over his shoulders. It ends with him arching an impatient eyebrow in Wen Kexing's direction, but an attempt was at least made. ]
Well? [ The material feels nice enough, he supposes, if not as fine as the silks Wen Kexing seems to prefer. Much as he'll never admit it out loud, Wen Kexing does have an admirable sense of style. If you like attention-grabbing. ]
no subject
[ And Zhou Zishu unsurprisingly looks elegant with the scarf draped over him. It doesn't seem too simple or out of place even on his stern figure. Wen Kexing gives a delighted smile, then moves to put his arm around Zhou Zishu and run his hand along the back of his shoulders. ]
Just as I thought. It's not nearly as perfect as you. No, we have to try another one! This fabric isn't woven cleanly. It'll wear through before we get down the street.
no subject
What exactly do you think I'm going to do with it?
[ Though honestly, it's a fair enough question considering the lives they lead. Trying not to get killed tends to wear hard on clothing, not that you'd even know it to look at Wen Kexing. ]
Just pick one and lets go.
no subject
[ Now that he has him, Wen Kexing makes a show of adjusting the scarf around Zhou Zishu's shoulders, pulling them tighter so he can playfully capture him in the cloth. ]
It's not pretty enough, but it is silk. If we find a good one, do you think it will be able to hold together? I like something beautiful and strong. I need your expert input on the matter, General Zhou.
no subject
[ This is just asking for innuendo and he knows it, but may as well let Wen Kexing have his fun. He'll say whatever nonsense he's been building up to one way or another. ]
If you want something useful, get a dark one then. [ Easier to hide stains. He did ask for an expert opinion, after all. ]
no subject
[ Wen Kexing happily picks up that suggestion, voice lowering to a soft, deep purr as he pulls himself closer to test the scarf's strength. The vendor selling the items makes a noise of protest, worried that the two of them will soil the cloth before it's even sold. But the chance that one of them might buy the item keeps them from any real complaint. ]
Axu, if you want to use it roughly, I have no complaints. We should get a bright one. That way anything you want to do will be displayed proudly. No need to be shy. There's no part of you that I dislike.
no subject
We could see how useful it would be as a gag, and then maybe I'd get some peace and quiet for once.
[ And with that, he reaches up and pats Wen Kexing mostly gently on the side of the face and then somehow manages to slip free of the silk like a magic trick. ]
Just pick something and let's go, I want a drink.
no subject
Let's go find another stall, then. I'm not getting you one glass until we find a good piece. How am I supposed to walk around in the same few robes every day? People will start to assume my lord doesn't take care of me.
[ Snatching up Zhou Zishu with an arm winding around him, Wen Kexing starts hauling him forward to the next batch of shiny things. ]
You don't want me to be embarrassed, do you?