expiationlogs | {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

[Wen Kexing watches the silk drape over his hand, feeling the light brush of the fabric spread out on his skin like a pool of water. For some reason, it does feel finer, more comfortable than the other scarves he was casually rifling through, and Wen Kexing raises his eyes to Kazutora's, looking for some catch even though his body is already relaxing.]

I want to pick one for my senior. He is very particular about clothing, so it has to be nice enough for him.

[He sighs a little, maybe out of exasperation or fondness, adding a pleased laugh at the end.]

My stature? Do I look that grand?

[He's actually impressed that he's apparently pulling it off. Do these vendors think he's a real noble? And he's even getting compliments! Wen Kexing can't help but stand a bit taller at that, showing off in front of this new audience.]

You do, sir, you really do.

[Kazutora smiles slowly, tilting his head and letting the earring on his left ear jingle pleasantly. The cloth slowly melts off of Wen Kexing, and Kazutora catches it smoothly and wraps it around Wen's neck in one fluid movement-- pausing for a moment as he'd tie it, suddenly filled with a dark, irrational thought-- but he swallows and resumes, keeping close to Wen as he'd tie the scarf in a handsome knot.

He tilts back and plucks up a hand mirror to reflect back his customer's visage.]

Can I say, you look amazing, and if your senior is half as hot as you, he will love this piece.

[Tilting his head again with a mischievous smile.] What do you think?

[For just a minute, Wen Kexing thinks their encounter is going to end in bloodshed. There's a short pause, a fraction of hesitation, and he's encountered so many assassins and killers sent from the Beggar Gangs that his instinct in that pause is to kill. Kill, before he's killed. He even tenses his hand, fingers arching like talons to claw out his enemy's eyes--but then the moment passes and he is merely standing there as Kazutora adjusts the scarf around his neck.

He does find himself staring back at his own confused expression, dressed admittedly quite nicely in that scarf and not tearing everyone apart. It gets a startled laugh from him, turning to a soft hum of amusement as he leans forward.]

You certainly know your flattery. Did they promise you something in exchange for selling these? You're very good.

[Kazutora could feel it; the tension, the moment of hesitation, the flare of adrenaline. He's spent most of his short life surrounded by violence, so the signs are difficult not to notice-- but he ignores them. It's such a short spark, and he understands where it's coming from - he is being awfully forward. And why not continue to do so...

He smiles coyly and leans in as well, drawn to the hum of Wen Kexing's rich voice.]

Well, it's hardly difficult with a model as handsome as yourself~ [His own voice would quiet, tone musical.]

But yes.. [Nodding, lashes fluttering as he'd glance down for a moment.] They offered me a set of scarves on my own, since I don't have any money to speak of... and I'm eager to try them.

[He can't help but be charmed by those words. Heavy handed as they are, they appeal to Wen Kexing's own forward and persistent approach. He relaxes, realizing this young man really is just selling him scarves with considerable charm, and reassesses his appearance as Kazutora glances down.]

Would you like one? It's nice to earn them with your hard work, but if you want a gift, I don't mind matching your beautiful voice with a silk accent. I'm sure any of these would suit you.

[He can humor this. It's exciting, actually, and the brief hint of danger didn't really do anything but make him more intriguing to Wen Kexing. Most people would avoid someone as strange as he is, but Kazutora seemed to come right to him. How can he let that chance slip by?]

[Kazutora's cheeks flush pink and he smiles at the ground before looking back up at Wen from under thick lashes.]

Well, if there's one that suits a tiger tattoo-- [He tugs down his collar to reveal a long graphic of a tiger from the top of his neck down his chest, on his right side.]-- then I'd love if you picked one..

Hm...

[He makes a show of looking Kazutora up and down, waving his fan lightly in front of his mouth to add some mystery to the expression he has. Suddenly snapping his fan closed he taps the end to his mouth and smiles decisively.]

Since you asked me, I have to offer my help. It would be a crime to turn someone's honest request away.

[Wen Kexing plucks a scarf from the group--one colored in burnished golds and thin black accents. He drapes it around Kazutora's neck like a bandana, tying the corners on one side and brushing his fingertips lightly against his jaw as he pulls his hand back.]

That one looks good on you. Strong and beautiful, just like a little tiger.

[Kazutora flushes and smiles, pleased by the offer and the genuine thought behind the pick. He lifts the tip of the scarf up, glancing to the side at it.]

It really is beautiful.. you've got such a good sense of design, you know.

[He glances back up at Wen Kexing and tilts his head to the side, his bell earring jingling in response. There was something incredible about this man, something that made Kazutora want to gravitate towards him. He was handsome, fashionable, elegant, but there was an underlying layer of darkness that Kazutora had gotten a whiff of and which he found terribly intriguing.]

My name is Kazutora Hanemiya, by the way.

Kazutora? Well, you certainly have good manners. Who taught you? Perhaps they can teach me how to wield such sweet compliments. If I were more wary, I might assume you were trying to rob me.

[He can't help feeling satisfied by both the easy flattery and his own work, taking the opportunity to brush his fingertips just slightly at the edge of Kazutora's hair, admiring how the whole look comes together. He can tell the young man isn't a fragile noble's son, but he is still handsome and carries himself with decent confidence that he recognizes as fighting potential.]

Wen. Wen Kexing. Now that you have your prize, are you still going to sell scarves?

[He smiles, eyes crinkling as Wen touches his hair. He likes the attention, likes the spark of excitement and potential from the touch. Wen is handsome and elegant and so removed from anything he's known. Kazutora's world is seeped in youth gangs and meaningless violence and comradery that he's long since lost. Wen feels so.. very above that all.

He shrugs lightly and shakes his head.]

No, I don't think so. I don't think I'm really suited for it. [His shoulders shake with laughter.] I'm not sure what I'm suited for, but so long as I'm here, I guess I'll have the chance to find out.

[He glances up at Wen, tilting his head as he often did.]

What about you? Will you give that scarf to your ... superior, was it?

What if I keep it?

[Wen Kexing likes his smile. The way Kazutora gives him his complete attention. Maybe this is what it is like being part of a sect, with people who actually want to look to him and depend on him? That might be a little too far off from reality for Wen Kexing, but he still likes the potential of it, and he decides he likes Kazutora for his bold attitude.]

You picked it for me, didn't you? I'll buy it, and yours. I expect you to wear it for me, mm?

[He's apparently getting free gifts from the merchants anyway as commission, but Wen Kexing has to butt in. Always.]

And if you want to train some time, I wouldn't mind. I don't know what you're suited for, but I'm sure you look handsome when training.

{Mini Event} Day of Devotion

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