[open/mingle] a light in the darkness

[orphne]

Who: any and everyone!
Where: astralin's farmhouse
What: mingle log for post-blackout!
Warnings: y'all tell me, please be good and don't break the house :(

If she hadn't been at the party, Kotone wouldn't have even known about the extent of the blackout. Sure, it's inconvenient, considering a lot of the lights are electric, and the fridge is, of course, powered by electricity as well, but the farmhouse she'd taken over from Astralin is an older and more traditional building. The main heat sources are the fireplaces strategically placed throughout the building -- a large one in the living space, a smaller one in the kitchen along with a wood-burning stove, and another large central one upstairs to help heat the bedrooms -- and the geothermal hot springs on the land. With the cold weather and snow on the ground, it's easy to take the food from the fridge and leave it outside in a locked box away from wild animals, but aside from the inconvenience of resorting to the candles and lanterns that were stockpiled in the basement, the farmhouse itself survives relatively unscathed!

Therefore, not long after the blast, Kotone sends a video message over the (charm) network inviting anyone who wants to take shelter from the cold, or even just cook some food, to come to Astralin's farmhouse on the edge of town for as long as they want or need.

She won't even make anyone help out on the farm. Probably!

1. Rural Snapshot
Power might go out, but life on the farm doesn't stop for something like that! The old wood stoves in the barn need to be cleaned up and made ready for use to keep the animals warm, and the animals still need to be taken care of. Goats, sheep, cows, chickens (a particularly big and brave one has the tiniest leather collar and a tag that says her name is "Scramble," and her friends Benedict and Sunny aren't far behind. They are Not For Eating (though their eggs are!))

Kotone won't make anyone help her with the farm chores of cleaning the barn, feeding the animals, or generally keeping things up and running, but she definitely won't turn down the help, either, giving pointers so the new folk don't completely muck it up (sometimes literally).

With the snow and general chill, there's not much to do with the crops themselves. Everyone is safe from the fields for now!

2. Potluck and BYOB (chef's recommendation: hot cocoa)
The farmhouse is not the inn -- Kotone has some food prepped and stored, with preserves from the fall harvest one of the key features, but it's not meant to feed the whole town. Thus, Kotone's going to request that anyone coming to stay at the farmhouse bring either raw ingredients or something they've made to share with any other hapless souls. Feel free to use the kitchen to cook, or get some help from someone else with cooking!

The wood-burning stove in the kitchen is perfect for heating up cocoa or wine, and there's room to get close with someone in front of any of the fireplaces. Like, it's encouraged to get close. It's a big farmhouse, but not that big. Make a friend! Share some warmth! The couches are cozy and comfortable, and if someone dozes off, well, Kotone won't be the one waking anyone up.

If someone would prefer to sleep in a bed, there are some bedrooms upstairs! One is, of course, sharing the room with plants. They're benign, normal plants, from potted flowers to hanging vines, but they are everywhere. Kotone herself doesn't have much of a green thumb other than keeping the plants watered and in view of sunlight, but the plants themselves seem to be flourishing throughout the farmhouse either way. It's almost as if someone (Astralin) had used magic to keep them growing strong and healthy, even indoors.

Oh, and speaking of sharing, again, the farmhouse isn't the inn. Expect to be sharing a space with someone else. Maybe a few people! Cozy up and make a new friend. It's better than freezing to death, right?

3. Hot Springs Episode
There are natural hot springs on the farmland that have been developed to mimic a Japanese onsen in places. The air might be cold and dark, but there are candles and lanterns around the springs to light it, and the water is nice and warm, perfect for those chill nights.

There are rules posted -- namely, clean yourself before going to soak -- and while there are separate bathing spaces for genders, Kotone doesn't really care too much about mixed bathing as long as everyone is respectful about it. Others may not be so casual about it, though, so one has to venture across at their own risk!

[ooc: This is a mingle! Feel free to use these prompts as inspiration or make your own. The only request I have is not to completely destroy the farmhouse or harm the animals -- anything else, go wild!]

Comments

minato arisato | persona 3 | ota

[memori3s]

i. guard duty

[ The barn's been freshly-emptied. Cows and sheep wander about, temporarily moved right outside the barn. After all, it's challenging to do a good deep-clean with all of them getting in the way.

There's definitely something supernatural keeping dangers at bay. Even Minato can sense it without the aid of a Persona. But because one can never be too careful, there's a blue, lion-like creature roaming nearby. It paces about with a watchful eye.

Maybe you've strayed a little too close to the herd. Whatever you've done, it displeases the creature and it leaps -- claws extended and fangs bared -- right at you.

Instead of stopping the Persona, Minato's a stone's throw away hand-feeding some chickens. You're not in any actual danger after all, because the Persona stops mere inches away from you and decides to give you a curious sniff. Nevertheless, the Persona will probably give the average person a scare. ]

ii. hot chocolate

[ In return for clearing his lawn during festival preparations, the local allowed Minato to keep all the wood he'd collected. It's a good thing too, given the Chosen's current predicament.

Minato adds a bit more of the wood to the stove. The fire within it crackles, reinvigorated by the additional materials. As it burns, Minato retrieves a pot to heat some milk. He sets it above the stove until it's warm enough before distributing it among some mugs. A bit of hot cocoa gets added to each one. He stirs them all, ensuring there aren't any clumps of powder left behind.

Each mug is set on a tray. He carries it out to the living room, and upon spotting someone lingering about, Minato approaches them with the mugs of hot cocoa. He holds it out to them, offering one to the person. ]

...here. I made plenty.

iii. and then there was only one bed

[ Even with all the heat sources going at full blast, it's still pretty chilly at the farmhouse. Or at least, it's pretty cold for Minato. Even with his hands shoved into his pockets, they still feel like blocks of ice.

While there's a fireplace that could easily warm him up, it's getting a little too lively downstairs. Minato retreats upstairs and heads for one of the bedrooms. He's careful to knock, to do his best to ensure the room he's entering is empty. Upon receiving no response, he pushes the door open and wanders over to one of the beds.

Minato lifts the blanket and slides underneath. Wow. It's super cozy, definitely beats having to be around several people "crowding" the fireplace. Except, it's only cozy because -- oh there's another person under the covers. Huh.

...it's so nice and warm though. Bed, warm and soft, even if it happens to be occupied by someone else. Not being in bed, cold and hard. ]

iv. wildcard

[ Minato can be found anywhere on the farm!! lmk if you'd like a more tailored starter and we can get something going o7 ]

i

[solitarysoul]

[It'd give an average person a scare, but while Levi freezes he doesn't get all that scared. He brings a hand up to--oh, wait, no, he'd left his rifle behind. Thankfully the beast doesn't seem to want to actually attack?]

...h-hi?

[memori3s]

[ The creature lowers its head, preoccupied with sniffing at the boy's hair. Eventually, it lets out a huff and takes a small step back, seeming to approve of Levi's presence.

"I approve of this boy," the creature rumbles and offers him a nod.

Minato throws the Persona a thumbs-up before glancing over his shoulder at Levi. His hand remains outstretched, continuing to offer the chickens some seeds. ]

...are you here to help?

[solitarysoul]

[Well, that was weird. But it seemed to have turned out fine? It hadn't decided to eat him, at least.]

Uh...y-yeah. What do you need help with?

[He doesn't know how to farm, he just figured he'd help out in return for some hot springs time later.]

ii

[threadmage]

[ Sandry is taking a break from helping out. She's really not used to this kind of weather so she's warming up inside. When someone approaches and hands her a drink she takes it. Maybe it's tea? She looks at the mug. ]

Is this... chocolate?

[memori3s]

[ Minato doesn't answer immediately. It takes him a moment to decide how to respond, because... kind of? There's definitely chocolate in it.

After all that contemplation, he ends up with the highly intelligent answer of: ]

It's a drink.

[ Which... was probably evident, given that there's clearly a liquid within each mug. ]

It tastes like chocolate though.

[threadmage]

[ Sandry blows on it before taking a sip and her face lights up. ]

It's delicious! Did you make it?

ii

[mapsio]

Oh, thank you.

[ This is admittedly the first time that Haru actually stuck around to hang out at the farmhouse. She also really didn’t know where to go once the blackout was in effect either, it’s a bit too cold to stay at her own place!

She takes the mug of cocoa and scoots so that if Minato wants to sit, then he can.]

Here, you can take a seat here. I don’t think we have met yet.

[memori3s]

[ Minato nods, acknowledging the girl's gratitude. Personally, he's thankful too. She's taken one of the mugs which means his tray of drinks is a little lighter.

He eyes the empty spot next to her. ]

Okay.

[ But instead of taking that spot, Minato walks away. And though his actions seem to contradict his response, it quickly becomes clear what he's up to. He sets the tray of hot cocoa down on the living room's coffee table. Now they'll be available for others without him offering the mugs personally.

He does take one of the mugs for himself before returning to the girl. Minato settles down next to her and takes a sip of his own drink. ]

...I'm new.

i

[thegtg]

[gojo is not here to help out, so much as he is here by accident after taking a wandering walk to scope out the area. this is the first time he's seen the farm, very rustic, much nice, he thinks. if you're into that kind of thing.

curious, he wanders close enough to catch the attention of the lion - and it catches gojo's attention, too. he doesn't flinch as it pounces, in fact he appears completely relaxed, hands in his pockets and a slight slouch to his posture.]

Aw, little guy! Who's a good little demon? You are a demon, aren't you?

[he sounds intrigued. he is intrigued. most chosen have residuals of cursed energy, sure, but this lion like creature is made of the stuff.]

[memori3s]

[ Barong stamps his paw, huffing white steam from his nostrils. He growls with fangs bared.

"I'm not a little guy."

Because everything else was, technically, correct. The line between "demon" and "guardian spirit" is easily blurred.

Minato tosses another handful of bird feed out for the chickens before glancing over at the stranger and Barong. Huh. The Persona seems pretty nonplussed by this man's casual demeanor. ]

...Persona.

[ Which likely doesn't mean anything to the man. But if he's not going to inquire any further, Minato sees no reason to elaborate. Instead, he tosses a second handful of bird feed to the chickens.

Gojo might, however, notice that the cursed energy composing Barong's body is practically identical to the sort that Minato gives off. ]

i!!

[orphne]

Oh!

[Rather than being alarmed, instead, Kotone looks pleasantly surprised at the leaping figure, taking just one quick step back and crouching down to offer both hands out like she might a particularly feral cat.] Hi, Barong! Do you know me?

[Like, there's weird shit in the Sea of Souls, so maybe somehow the Persona would recognize her...? She has no idea how any of that works; considering most of the Personas she has in her possession these days are huge, she doesn't really summon them unless they're in battle. It hadn't occurred to her to check to see if Akira's would recognize her, and Goro had gotten so touchy when he'd learned that she also had Loki that she hasn't asked a second time.]

[memori3s]

[ The Persona shoves its face into Kotone's hands, sniffing aggressively at her palms.

"No. But you smell familiar," rumbles Barong. It continues to sniff, puzzled, as though trying to discern why it might recognize Kotone.

In the background, Minato scoops up another handful of bird seed. A chicken with the nametag of "Scramble" waddles over to pluck some food from his hand. Though Minato's expression is impassive, he's actually quite pleased that the chickens have taken a liking to him. The food he's offering them probably helps. ]

Maybe it's because you're a wild card too.

[ He doesn't turn to face Kotone when he speaks. Instead, Minato is still observing the chicken eating from his hand. ]

Or... maybe it's simpler than that. All people are connected to one another, aren't they?

[ And if there's that invisible thread tying everyone together, then perhaps one person's manifestation of their soul would recognize another's. ]

i

[garbagecanned]

[well, Yosuke's no average joe, but he's still. a dumbass, so when the lion comes at him, he shrieks and falls on his ass trying to get away.]

Holy shit!! What the hell are you??

[... sorry Minato.]

[memori3s]

[ Barong looms over Yosuke. The Persona lowers its head in order to get at a better height for sniffing at Yosuke's hair. The sound of Barong's furious sniffing catches Minato's attention, and he glances over his shoulder at the scene.

"This one smells different from the others. Different, because he smells familiar," the Persona growls.

Minato tosses his handful of bird feed towards the chickens before grabbing the bucket off the floor. He straightens and heads over to the other boy, offering his free hand to him. ]

It's okay. Barong doesn't bite.

[ Barong shoots electricity. It's completely different from biting. ]

hot chocolate

[invinciblemikey]

(when he first arrived, kotone was very nice to him, offering and offering things he would like - he thought it was rather suspicious, but eventually, he learned to trust. helping others doesn't come easily for him, his empathy compass is completely misguided - which is why he is often weirded out when it comes like that.

but at least, manjiro learned to accept easier. big, lightless eyes watch the other approach. a shrug comes, because it can't hurt.)

Thanks, newbie.

[memori3s]

[ Minato nods, acknowledging the new nickname as his tray becomes one mug lighter.

He glances down at the remaining mugs with a pensive expression. ]

I've never made hot chocolate before.

[ Probably not a great thing to say to someone who's accepting hot chocolate from you... ]

i

[izanagis]

[The stray cats at the farm know him pretty well, and with the recent cold snap, Yu is extra concerned about making sure they're doing okay. They scatter abruptly, followed by the bounding Persona, but rather than startling, Yu just puts his hands out, almost like greeting an unfamiliar dog.

This is a surprise. Barong stirs within him, as well, probably a familiar feeling to the Persona.]

Hey. Look at you.

[Bounding around like a proper guard...lion. He says it with nothing but fondness, patting the top of Barong's head.]

[memori3s]

[ Barong snorts and wags its tail a bit, content as Yu pats the top of the Persona's head.

"This one, I like him," the Persona declares to the other wild card not too far away. It causes Minato to glance over his shoulder at Barong, handful of bird feed still outstretched to a huddle of chickens. ]

Oh. Hi, Yu.

[ Barong is typically suspicious of strangers, so the Persona's immediate acceptance of Yu is noteworthy. Is it because Yu shares the same ability as him? Or... something else?

Minato cants his head a bit with a curious expression. ]

Do you know Barong too?

[ Just how far did the similarities between the two of them go? ]

i volunteer as prompt 3 tribute

[drugsnotclubs]

[You know, he'd almost managed to get enough heat built up to think about the possibility of trying to sleep, when some asshole lifts the layers of covers behind him and fucking ruins it. While Shinjiro doesn't lift or move much from his huddled position, be does make a noise that's somewhere between cursing and the sound an angry bear might make.

He just hopes whoever the fuck is crawling in behind him is better at generating heat then his eternally-frigid ass.]

You could give a guy a warning, you know...

[Grouchy, but not chasing Minato away. He finally lifts his head to glare over his shoulder. Minato's not the worst guy to have to share a space with, at least. And it's been years, but it's not like Shinjiro's never had to share a bed. As long as Minato's less rambunctious than Akihiko always was, he'll allow it.]

You put your cold feet on me and I'm kicking you, by the way.

[Translation: You're allowed, get comfortable.]

THE BRAVEST OF THEM ALL......

[memori3s]

[ Oh. That voice -- ]

...sorry, senpai.

[ Except, Minato doesn't look apologetic at all when Shinjiro glares over his shoulder. He stifles a yawn instead and shifts to settle down properly. He hadn't gotten too comfortable too quickly, just in case the bed's current occupant decided to kick him out.

Minato lies on his side, curling up a bit to retain as much body heat as possible. He arches a brow at his senior. ]

How do you know my feet are cold...?

[ Because his knees are tucked a bit into his chest. His feet are nowhere near Shinjiro. ]

i; joins the ranks of persona kids reacting to the guard-persona

[chemex]

[Things that were not on Akira's To-Do List for today: wild guard Barong. He actually notices the Persona before he notices the farm animals and Minato, because it sticks out a little more than the rest, and slows to a stop in passing, not even flinching at the aborted lunge. He's actually just staring at it, head tilted.]

You couldn't have escaped my head, so... [He notices Minato a moment later, midway to crouching down to ruffle some of the Barong's chest fluff.] ...ah. [Whenever Minato opts to turn his way, he waves in a remarkably awkward fashion, just raising one hand and wiggling his fingers.]

another one!!!

[memori3s]

[ The Persona takes one last sniff before stretching its neck, ready to accept the chest fluff ruffles. Except, those promised scritches never arrive. Barong snorts, feeling a little tricked before nudging Akira's arm with its nose.

Hearing that, Minato does glance over his shoulder to see what's going on. He raises one hand too, wiggling his own fingers to return the other teen's wave. With his other hand, he tosses the chickens another handful of bird feed.

Seeing Barong nosing at Akira, Minato comments: ]

Oh. ...Barong likes you.

and so there was only one bed

[murderingjustice]

[Getting used to life without electricity had been harder for Akechi than what he'd care to admit. And the hardest part for him had definitely been adjusting to being cold all the time. So it's really no wonder that he sought refuge from the farm. It was probably the best place to be in this climate along with the inn.

After a long day he decided to stay for the night instead of braving through the cold darkness. He takes one of the spare bedrooms and settles down on the bed. Stripping down from his day clothes he buries himself underneath all the warm covers. The warmth slowly coaxes his curled body into the comfortable lull of the sleep as he waits for his partner to arrive.

Which is probably why he doesn't seem to react when Minato reaches the bed, sliding under the covers right next to him. He's already so used to having another body next to him that he doesn't do as much as stir in his sleep.]

there sure was

[memori3s]

[ Minato studies the other person's face. He doesn't recognize the other teen, and whoever he is, he sure looks like he's deep in sleep. It also means the other person's been lying in this bed for long enough to make it nice and toasty under the covers.

He shifts, curling up a bit on the other side of the bed. There's actually plenty of space and Minato doesn't take up much of it. So he lets out a yawn, rubbing an eye with the heel of his palm. He slides a little further underneath the covers until they're up to his chin. And then his eyes begin to close, allowing himself to start drifting off. ]