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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
[His expression darkens, if only slightly. The common folk do always suffer in such instances— that was the way of things on Dahna, no matter what realm you traveled to. Conflict wasn't even necessary. The common folk simply suffered.]
It would seem we are of the same mind. I am glad to hear it. I am certain we are not the only ones thinking this way, of course. Many must have drawn similar conclusions.
[He pauses, looking her over for a moment as though appraising.]
You speak as someone in a position of leadership might.
no subject
Yes... at home, I was princess of a country named Leonster. [She's a little hesitant about her tenses. But she isn't a princess of anything here, so it would be a natural thing to say, wouldn't it? Or does it sound like she's severing herself from her past life?
Or is she overthinking it?] And so do you. Morale isn't a common topic of chat for someone who isn't responsible for other people's.
[Keeping spirits up, yes, staying cheerful, but that particular word refers to a resource as important as provisions.
...Not to mention all the jewelry.]
no subject
Until recently, I was Lord of the realm of Elde Menancia. I resigned from my post not long before coming here— I did not consider myself fit to hold it for a number of reasons, and would prefer to see the realm in the hands of its people.
[Eventually, when his work outside the realm is done, he considers that he might return to find some other way to lend his aid to the people of Menancia— but there is no telling when that will be, or if he is even suited to doing so. He does not know that he can help anyone as he is now.]
A princess... no wonder you see things as you do. Your concern for the common people speaks well of you.
no subject
To say nothing of placing the realm in the hands of its people. Wouldn't that be rather... chaotic? Yes, Aldrip seems to get by fine under its elders, but there's a big difference between a village and--well, anything bigger than that.]
That sounds--well--not like something that you could do in Jugdral.
[She was about to say something like 'outlandish' or 'unorthodox' but she has to remind herself that different worlds have different ways. And she doesn't want to offend Dohalim in the middle of a friendly conversation.]
If you don't mind my asking, how do you see that working? Would it be like a village council writ large, or...?
[She does have concern for the common people, and prides herself on it, because she's met too many people who don't. But she still takes it as read that her family's bloodline--both hers and her husband's--justifies their position.]
no subject
[The system of Lords ruling over entire realms full of slaves, of the Crown Contest... it is a cycle that is doomed to repeat itself without intervention, and while Alphen and the others have made great strides in dismantling it, they are not finished. Together, he and his companions must bring an end to it once and for all— then, rebuilding can begin.]
The realm is currently in the hands of those who seek to collaborate to bring it into the future. Our situation is one that, from what I have gathered while speaking to others who have been brought here, is unlikely to be something many others have experienced.
[His gaze darkens slightly, and he shakes his head.]
Before coming here, I had been away from Elde Menancia in order to take care of some important business that would impact the people there— my intent was to return and assist in the establishment of a new system, but I fear there are many who would be eager to see me as Lord, still.
no subject
Still, a little ordinary council for an entire realm seems very risky. The strength of a council of elders is their their ability to come to an accord after discussion. With a country, with armies, sometimes a decision has to be made at once and without argument.]
I've unfortunately had some recent experience with a terrible king, so I can understand the desire to take the realm out of the hands of one person--at least, to have some way to remove a lord who uses his people badly--that is, a way that doesn't involve bloodshed.
But if your people believe in you still, why not try and live up to that? If you care for your people and work for them, not yourself, and they have confidence in your decisions, it sounds to me like you would be the right man for the job.
no subject
[The answer he gives is direct, spoken so firmly that it is clear he believes this to be the case, his gaze darkening.
The Lord Dohalim the people of Elde Menancia believed in was an ideal he could never live up to, a man who had never truly existed, though the painful story behind all of that is one that requires a great deal of background that he's not necessarily willing to share, even among his friends.]
I am not the man they believe me to be. Though I would like to be, I simply cannot— there is blood on my hands that cannot be washed clean.
no subject
She's about to start in on this story when some part of her catches up. Lewyn was afraid of failing. Dohalim is talking about a failure he has already committed. And by the sound of it, a grave one.]
...Blood that would not be there had you made a different choice as Lord?
no subject
[That, he tells her without hesitation. His failings have been shown to him quite clearly, and he will not be yet another Renan noble who shirks responsibility, who does not think that how their deeds effect those beneath them should be taken into consideration. There are enough of those already, and he had been one himself, in the past.]
Perhaps not directly, but I was negligent. I did not see what was happening in my own realm under my rule— and so whether or not these atrocities were committed by my hand directly, it matters not.
[This is a lot to be sharing with a stranger here in the marketplace, perhaps, but even that gives him no pause.]
no subject
...She's never seen it. And it only pushes her to believe that Dohalim really is more worthy than he thinks he is. But this is probably not the conversation in which to try and tell him so. She doesn't know enough about what happened.]
...I see. [She touches the back of her fingers to her lips, still thoughtful.] I have to say, you are the first man I've met who was as willing to admit his own flaws as a leader. Most of them blame everyone except for themselves, especially the people who are trying to help them the most to be good.
no subject
[Even though he asks, he cannot say he is surprised. He shakes his head slightly, his brow furrowed.]
I could easily blame where I came from, and the system of government that my people have put into place— but it was my own negligence and complacency that were responsible in the end. Accepting that things were as they appeared to be. It is a mistake I'll aim not to make again.
[He frowns, folding his arms across his chest.]
It would be a disservice to those who suffered if I did not accept responsibility.
no subject
Still, I believe that someone who is determined to understand his mistakes--to learn from them--would make a better leader than many I've known, no matter what those mistakes are.
no subject
[Some of his companions have said as much, as well, but he is certain that he is in no fit state to lead at the moment— it is a right he will have to earn back, if he ever does. He does not wish to return to Elde Menancia as Lord, but there are undoubtedly people there who would be unable to see him any differently, even if he were to insist on acting as support to a newly established council or some other form of government.]
I will not soon forget what has been wrought by my hands, even if there are others who are quick to forgive. You speak as though your homeland has disappointed you, as well.
no subject
My father and brother did their best to oppose them, and I helped as much as I could, though I married into another nation's royal family. But it's--well, it's three against one. [She gives Dohalim a rueful look.] It's very long odds.