{Mini Event} Day of Devotion

[expiationmods]

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.

Comments

[overtid]

[ Whatever the circumstances, generally, Nanami's face is about as animated as a stone. When Cloud puts his own glass down in front of him, the one he'd just taken a sip from, Nanami's features don't only shift — his eyebrows raise a solid half-inch and hold. At least he manages himself well enough that it's only once Cloud's turned to get himself a fresh glass that his mouth twitches.

First perplexed, then indignation (not for himself so much as basic etiquette and the integrity of the drink) vies with plain, unmistakable amusement. Nanami's too particular with his own speech not to take responsibility. He'd said another drink not another new drink. Though they both knew what he meant, Cloud had done the job in a manner Nanami knows well — more form, less substance.

When Cloud finally sits, it's next to him, leaving Nanami to shake his head rather than give him a look, one that might've cracked enough stoicism to expose a sentiment along the lines of, you shit. Recognition, not ire. Because he's not about to turn just for that, he settles for taking an indifferent sip of the secondhand beer, also looking straightahead. ]

Too bad. Since I won't be needing you to cut down monsters on my behalf, your strength wouldn't be too appealing.

[ Then, it's too quick for Nanami to feel it, that glance. There's just enough inflection in that reminder for Nanami to take another drink, brim over upper lip. ]

Isn't it you who forgot? A mercenary should agree on payment before doing the job. I've already got the drink. Used, too. How about a discount for that?

[mercedis]

[ It’s a little interesting, that response. He hadn’t really thought that Nanami would need that kind of protection; then again, it’s not like even people like Aerith, who ask for it, need that kind of protection. He might be the person that has to come in and take down the egregiously strong things, in the end, but even he couldn’t full rid them all of Sephiroth—-

A slight pinch of his brow, like a prickle of pain, threatens his vision, but the view in front of them stays the same. A slow breath through his lips. He can smell the beer from his new glass. Slowly, he brings it up for a swallow. ]

That’s true. I guess a discount is in order. Should’ve confirmed the price beforehand.

[ At least he still sounds amused. ]

I’m guessing if I asked what you’d be needing of me instead, you’d say nothing, right?

[ He’s not offended by it, if it helps. Just mildly disappointed. ]

[overtid]

[ The timing happens to overlap — that Nanami does glance at Cloud when his expression changes, barely, the subtle dip in his brow. Had they not spend the entirety of this break gauging the relative stoicism of one another's faces, even Nanami might have missed it. The long breath that follows seems to have helped.

It doesn't seem to have been irritation over the discount, since when Cloud agrees, his tone remains light.

Unsurprisingly, Nanami doesn't comment. Instead, he's reaching into a trouser pocket to wriggle out his wallet, unzip a small compartment, and pull out one coin, which he slides on the table between them. ]

There.

[ A single coin seems fair, since all Cloud did was hand him the glass he'd gotten for himself and already drank from.

But — does he sound disappointed? Nothing for it. ]

That's right. I'll let you know if that changes.