{ event 7 } A▒ E█SI▓Y ░▒▓25░9.▒░█

[expiationmods]

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY

March 11. The sun is shining, streaming in perfect sunbeams through uncovered windows. Birds and animals twitter outside, basking in trees that are verdant green and full of life. Outside, the town begins to wake, stirring to life with the sounds of ordinary everyday happenings. Footsteps, carts rolling down the road, the distant sound of friendly neighbors greeting each other.

And you–you have lived here your whole life. Or maybe you’re a visitor to this fine town. Either way, you’re a neighbor here, too.

Aldrip is having another beautiful day.

i. OUR TOWN

The town square is a bustling place to be for locals, and this week is no exception. Aldrip is a vibrant swell of activity: stores, stalls, and stands all open their doors precisely on time, welcoming the new day. Things are quiet, theoretically, while the local school is in session, but anyone playing hooky won’t get a second glance. Everything is fine! It’s too nice a day to be inside, anyway.

(Just like all the other days before, all too nice to waste.)

That being said, Aldrip is not without its own brand of nuisance. Fairies are rarely seen in town, these days, but this week, they seem to be in fine form. They can be found playing harmless tricks on people: taking things from them and moving them somewhere else, rolling carts when no one is holding onto them, mostly-unscrewing screws that hold together mechanical parts… They avoid magical pranks, for now, but these mundane tricks are such a nuisance! They even pull all of the wares out of a local vendor’s stall: dozens and dozens of colorful, patterned scarves. They had been on “deep discount,” leftovers from some “Day of Devotion” event, but the discount is about to get even deeper, on account of how dirty they are.

ii. TEMPTING FATE

A recent expedition to the Lorentia Caves uncovered a hidden gem–literally. Enterprising rock enthusiasts have brought back wheelbarrows full of round geodes, and have made a game out of cracking them open. Geodes that are green inside will get a lavish prize: a stay at a local spa or a gift card to a fancy restaurant. Purple or red inside will get a free drink at the local coffee shop, or a small gift card to use at a local shop. Brown or clear gems get nothing special–but you get to keep the rocks! They hold no special properties, but can be nice to look at and make great paper weights, and some of them almost seem to

g̵l̶o̶w̷

i̵̗̐n̷̯̉ ̶̞̒t̷̝̃h̵͙̆e̸̩̍ ̸̢̌d̷͕̀a̷̬̕ŗ̵̐k̷̼͝n̴̨̍ȅ̶͎ş̵̈s̷̟̽

…

ERROR: MULTIPLE REDUNDANCIES DETECTED
RECALIBRATING
LOADING UPDATES...
PLEASE WAIT

Occasionally, very occasionally, breaking open one of these rocks causes it to crumble, becoming little more than gray ash. Static pops across the surface before it disintegrates.

ERROR: DATA CORRUPTED
PURGING CONTENT

Those who have found these ashen geodes will find that memories of them disappear just as soon as they turn away from what they’ve just seen.

.̸.̷.̵.̴.̷.̸.̸.̶.̴.̴.̸.̷.̵.̵.̷

…

Anyway.

No one quite knows where the pop-up casino came from, but it’s doing a bustling business at night. Now, this establishment is small, nowhere near the size of the one in the past, and is not nearly as expansive. Nonetheless, it helps create a thriving nightlife in town: there’s games, drinking, dancing, and all sorts of fun. Locals are encouraged to participate either by attending or working, or even performing in some way!

It’s a beautiful day in Aldrip. Just like yesterday. Just like tomorrow. Just like every day s̴h̵o̸u̶l̵d̸ ̶b̸e̵.

iii. LOST AND FOUND

You wake in a maze surrounded by fog. You have no memory of entering the maze. You have no idea which direction you might have come from. You are simply here, and there seems to be no exit above. So. The only way is forward.

You may be alone, or have company. Either way, aside from you and any other characters you may find, the maze seems empty. Without end. Without purpose.

Whatever twists and turns you take, all will eventually find themselves in the center, in their own time. There is nothing here, either, except for an overwhelming sense of aloneness. There is nothing here. There is nothing there.

There is nothing–

ERROR: REDUNDANT PROCESS FOUND
PURGING CONTENT

...

You wake up.

It’s another beautiful day in Aldrip.

Like all the days before and all the days after, your morning proceeds apace. You start your morning, you say hello to friends and neighbors. You…

… you find something unusual in an area you frequent. An item. It’s small, and somehow, it’s something you think you should know. Some will feel compelled to pick these items up. Some will feel a deep sense of unease when looking at them, and refuse to interact. Turning your back on these items will cause them to disappear. You won’t have to worry about that anymore. Not on this beautiful day.

Picking up the items causes a rush of information to flood your mind. Something like a memory plays in your head: the person in this memory looks and sounds like you. But…you don’t remember living that life, or doing those things. So how does it feel so real?

Throughout the rest of the event, these items will continue appearing. Characters are free to interact with them or ignore them as you see fit. Regaining more memories means they may regain their powers, as well, though whether they remember how to control them is another story.

These memories will feature prominently in the event poll that goes up after this, and your choice of how many memories they regain (or don’t) may have a lasting effect on your character. Not filling it out will also have an impact on them. So please make sure to fill out the poll!

iv. MISSING LINKS

As this strange memory phenomenon takes over Aldrip, other odd things begin to happen. It’s small, at first, and barely notable except that it renders Aldrip slightly less idyllic than usual. There are a few clouds in the sky. You may get caught in a passing rain shower, or maybe sleep through your alarm…

It gets worse.

The end of the month crawls ever closer, slow and steady. As it does, things begin to go missing. Small things, at first: personal possessions, the lunch left in the break room, flyers that look like maybe they were torn down in the town square. Is someone thieving? Here? In Aldrip?? You’ve never known Aldrip to have a problem with crime. Everything is so…

…

Pleasant.

Everyone becomes a suspect. It could have been your neighbor who took your wallet, or a coworker. Maybe your friend took that bracelet from the counter while you weren’t looking. But close to the end of the month, this starts getting bigger. What happened to that tree along the path you walk every day? Wasn’t there a butcher shop on the corner there? Where have all the birds gone?

ERROR: DATA LOST

Things go missing.

They keep going missing.

Why have they disappeared?

And…where have they gone?

v. THE COUNTDOWN

Sunday, March 31.

It’s raining.

It never rains like this in Aldrip.

Characters wake in the morning to anxiety twisting in the pit of their stomach, inexplicable and impossible to trace. As the day wears on, this sense of foreboding ramps up. Characters may even see significant numbers throughout the day that seem to count…down.

Twelve. Morning. How funny, to see these recurrences. Odd.

Eight. Seven. Around noon. This must be a coincidence, and yet, you cannot help but wonder if it is meaningful.

Four. Late afternoon. Wonder and curiosity are replaced by dread. Whatever is at the end of this countdown–it feels like a finality. Terrifying and unknown.

Two. Night. Those going to bed will find their sleep restless and filled with bad dreams.

UPDATES INSTALLED
RESTARTING…

One. Midnight. The clock strikes twelve, and whatever your character is doing–sleeping, waking, etc–the whole of existence seems to blink out.

(Info about what happens after this will be forthcoming in the event poll results and April’s SOTG.)

vi. WILDCARD

Go wild! We know that you all have plotted extensively for this event, so go ahead and do what you'd like with it!

♡

Comments

astralin turnont | original character

[scythedance]

[OKAY FINALLY REDOING THIS. His AU is as followed: He isn't originally from Aldrip, but he came here with his husband and wife to start a new farm. His wife and husband are out adventuring somewhere, but he's stayed back to deal with the affairs at home. He gave the farm to Kotone as he got older, and now he runs a flower shop that Yu works at. Kotone is his adoptive daughter, Marianne is his adoptive sister, Cloud is his delivery boy, Vi is his best friend, Haru is his flower niece/father figure. Please PM me if you want assumed CR with him!]

flower shop (OPEN)
[It's a good day in Aldrip. The sun is shining, and nothing is wrong at all! Astralin doing his normal routine upon awakening to such a normal morning. A bit sleepier than usual, but that's alright -- he had a shop to run ever since giving his adoptive daughter the farm. QUickly getting up from his bed, and preparing himself for the opening of the flower shop.

Once he arrives at the flower shop, he goes into the backroom where there are plenty of flowers to trim. Astralin remaining in the back rooms for quite some time, since it's still early in the morning, and he's a busy man, after all! The back door left open for anyone to come and see him during this time, but other than that, he preps the flowers for most of the morning.

After the early morning passes, people will find that his shop is open. Astralin, in his apron, absently arranging the flowers in the flower pot. His head turning toward the new guest that enters; a smile forming upon his lips.]

Welcome.

CLOSED TO MARIANNE

[scythedance]

[Marianne was his adopted sister, but... There were certainly things that he didn't approve of. Needless to say, he was worried about her involvement with this religious group that was clearly a cult. Still, he was never one to judge, and he certainly wasn't disappointed in her. He was glad that she found something to be a part of, but none the less, he was worried.

Worried enough that he's sitting in one of these bushes, and crouched down at one of the windows that's cracked slightly. Enough for him to hear what they preach, which makes him even more worried. Astralin listening in silence, and remaining completely still as he keeps his back pressed against the wall. Only moving when it seems like the congregation is ending, making his escape to the entrance as he waits for her by one of the pillars.]

[snowslip]

[ Unaware of her adoptive brother's presence, Marianne sits at the very front of the congregation, head bowed and listening intently to the address. After prayers are said in the worship of Those Who Were There, the ceremony concludes and the observers begin to shuffle out. Marianne lingers a while longer and appears to be conversing with the head priestess, and something about their exchange brings a smile to her face. She is still visibly flushed with excitement when she makes her way to the entrance. Spotting Astralin, her face brightens further. ]

Oh, Astralin! Were you here for the ceremony?

[ She sounds hopeful. Marianne had, for months, invited him to attend the gatherings with her. She had always been faithful as a child but her passion has only grown over time. After all, she believes it was the Gods who had protected her after losing her parents, who brought Astralin to her and allowed her to blossom from the shrinking violet she used to be. ]

[scythedance]

[Thank goodness he came toward the end of the ceremony, rather than the whole one. It was tiring to duck behind some bushes, that he probably peeked under regardless. The things he did for his younger sister, really... He can't help but worry though. Everything just seems far too suspicious and it doesn't sit well in his stomach. Even though it seems as if she has a renewed strength in her that he's never seen before now.]

Ah, no... I am here for you, actually. To see you home.

[He didn't feel comfortable that her congregation was staring at him. He knew he had a unique appearance from some people in Aldrip, but it made him feel a bit awkward. Despite that, though, he will hang his head high, and with a smile. The corner of his lips curved softly as he offers his hand to her own.]

Come then.

[snowslip]

[ Marianne brings her hand up to cover her mouth. She's touched, but also a little embarrassed by his protectiveness. It seems she's always making him worry. ]

Hehe. Thank you, but you needn't worry about me so much anymore.

[ She knows how hapless she used to be. The loss of her parents had been hard on her and cast a veil over her life where nothing seemed it would be right ever again. That veil has since lifted, and she's started smiling again, due in no small part to Astralin. Which is why she's working hard to come into her own, so he can rest assured she'll be okay. Marianne steps forward on her own instead of taking his hand. ]

The head priestess has accepted me as her pupil. There's still a lot I have to learn, but I want to become someone others can rely on.

[ She's practically glowing as she shares the news. See? She's doing great! Going places! ]

CLOSED TO AERITH

[scythedance]

[His friendship with Aerith was a pleasant one. In more ways than one, the young lady reminded him of Hrist, which made it easy to get along with her. She also had spirit, which is greatly appreciate due to his own introverted personality. He was grateful to her as a friend, and today, he decides to show his thanks with a bouquet of flowers that he had been working on.

This morning should Aerith come -- and she normally does, given how she helped run his business from time to time -- there is a vase with a bouquet of flowers waiting for her at the counter. Because nothing is wrong, and everything is in place, right? Everything is just fine, and Astralin waits patiently for her arrival. The man shuffling back and forth through the store and straightening everything out as he normally did.]

[everblooms]

[ Pleasantries are truly the norm within Aldrip, heaven-sent as it seems. Quaint, small, agreeable as a town can get— everything is perfect. Hiccups may visit them from time to time, little moments of dark clouds peppering their sunny skies, but you would never be able to tell. Not when Aerith wanders into the shop, beaming, ribbon in her hair bouncing as she nearly skips in through the doors, bell going off to announce her arrival.

Hm.

The vase grabs her attention immediately, the smile slipping away to be replaced fluidly with a clear sense of confusion. Approaching it, she puts her hands on either side of it, very seriously asking: ]

Astralin...? Is someone late for picking up an order? [ A beat, as she admires it, then: ] It's so beautiful. I hope they'll come by soon. Or, should I go look for them?

[scythedance]

[Aerith had that energy about her that never failed to make him smile. His gaze shifting to the younger woman, and greeting her with a softer smile that he can't quite hide. His smile dropping a bit, if only in place of a laugh when as she speaks. Immediately shaking his head, and crossing over the counter and over to Aerith to actually give her a headpat.]

No, no. Not at all. Those flowers are for you, in fact -- they are in full bloom, and I thought that you would appreciate them in your home.

[Because everything is fine in Aldrip! It's such a beautiful day, and his flowers are in bloom on this beautiful day. Why wouldn't he give this beautiful bouquet to the woman who helped bloom his business. ... Right? Nothing is wrong, everything is fine. As it always is.]

You will accept them, will you not?

[everblooms]

[ Her voice is painted over immediately in warm gratitude, thankfulness reflected in her gaze as she raises her head to look at him with a grin. She should have known; even so, she'd been so eager to help him that his intentions had completely missed her. She pictures them on her windowsill as Aerith looks at Astralin, and thinks to herself that it's terribly fitting of him to brighten up a room he isn't even in. ]

Of course I will. I can really have them?

[ She already said she'll take them, but... ]

You're the best. You know that, right?

CLOSED TO VI

[scythedance]

[There was an age gap between the two, so it's a bit of a surprise that the two got along so well. He honestly considered Vi to be his best friend, and it seems as if the feeling was mutual. Though, through their friendship, he's learned not to pry about a few things in her past. He knew that her sister was a bit of a sore spot for her, but that didn't mean that he wouldn't try and help them reconcile.

He'll bring it up eventually, but today, she's helping him move a new shipment of flower seeds, soil, and other goodies into the shop. Astralin fairly quite this morning as he contemplates on how to go about this, but he tries his best to keep a fair mind, and also a sensitive one, all things considered. He had to remember why they had a rocky past, and why they are estranged.]

Thank you for helping me this morning, Vi.

[grappler]

[she never minds helping Astralin out. especially in cases like these, where.... the heaviness of the items can also double as a workout.

she nods when he thanks her, and she smirks a bit at him.]

As if I'll turn down the chance to keep my hands busy.

[she hates sitting still for too long.]

[scythedance]

Do you not keep your hands busy with something else?

[Oh. There's a lot that can be said with that, but it's said fairly joking of course. Astralin sticking out his tongue for a moment, before moving the next box into the back of the store. His old joints certainly cracking here and there, but he pays no mind to it.]

Are you and her doing well at least?

[grappler]

Hmmm.. she needs a break from me sometimes.

[she winks, and keeps working.]

Yep. We just... haven't figured out when the wedding date's gonna be, yet.

[is that????? problems with commitment on Vi's end???]

CLOSED TO YU

[scythedance]

[Yu had been a great worker for Astralin, never having expected anyone to work for him when he opened the flower shop. He's grateful for the young man that helped him out so much, but he didn't feel as if he did much for the boy. Sure, he paid him wages, but that still didn't feel like it was enough. He felt a particular fatherly presence told the young man, but he didn't want to be too pushy about it.

So, this morning, Yu will find him in the back rooms of the flower shop. A soft hum leaving him as he finds himself wondering what to do for Yu. Perhaps setting up a surprise for him? Or giving him the day off? He will happily contemplate how to reward his loyal worker as he trims newly grown flowers straight from his garden.

Wow. It's just a wonderful day in Aldrip!]

HERE I AM AT LAST I'M SORRY FOR THE LATENESS

[izanagis]

[He's always on time and always happy to work late. That's just how Yu is -- a diligent people-pleaser to his very core. He's happy if other people are happy. That's how he forms bonds, after all.

("Bonds." Something about the word--)

He comes in on this particular day ready to work, already shrugging off his jacket as he heads for the back room and finds--]

Astralin? [He looks thoughtful. Concerned? Confused? ... hmm. Yu's expression tugs into an easy smile as he slips right past the moment into a familiar greeting.] Good morning. How are you?

ITS OK I WILL ALWAYS PATIENTLY WAIT FOR YOU!!

[scythedance]

[Astralin had been expecting him, and the older man flashes a wide smile at the younger one. A friendly hum leaving him as he waves with one hand, while dealing with a flower on another one. The man far too happy for no reason what's so ever in this perfect world. It was almost unnerving to him, and he doesn't know why.]

Good morning, Yu. I am doing just fine... Are you alright?

[Because everything was fine in this world. Right? There was nothing wrong as he places the flower into the vase. His hand gently touching it, as he moves it to the counter to get some light.

Did he always deal with flowers so often...?]

CLOSED TO HARU

[scythedance]

[His fatherly attitude toward Haru was a subtle one. He knew that her father wasn't a great person, but he was also a powerful man (not that Astralin wasn't either) so he didn't want to overstep any boundaries that may cross him. Still, he would keep the shop open late at night in anticipation for Haru sneaking out. He wasn't about to let her wander around the city at night time without a safe space to retreat to.

It's late this particular night, and he's already out in the front of the store to do his usual deep cleaning of the shelves. His eyes peeled for the younger woman, just in case she needed to get away from her father, or. Well. Do teenager things, like sneak out at night for fun or something.]

[mapsio]

[This time wasn’t so much for her teenage fun. She’s sneaking out tonight so she can go talk to Astralin. He was always so willing to listen to her. It’s was a relief to have someone who would be willing to support her.

When she slips into the shop, she notices him doing his usual deep clean. She takes a look at the fresh bouquets and the like around the shop. ]

I feel like you can always predict when I might come.

[scythedance]

[It's true, he was expecting her to some extent. Although, he's a bit surprised that it's so late in the night for her arrival, but still, it's welcomed one. He turns to her to smile at her rather affectionately, Haru one of the rare ones where he could easily express himself.]

I suppose I have become rather good with that these days. It is good to see you, Haru, but it is rather late. Is everything alright...?

[He had always worried with how her father is, and he couldn't help but show his concern. Concerned that he may hurt her emotionally, or even physically, but... He didn't want to think about that. She seemed okay, for the most part.]

Did you want dinner?

flower shop;

[laserguy]

Good morning, Mr. Turnout.

[It's not an uncommon sight for one Scott Summers to visit the flower shop, usually to buy his girlfriend a bouquet or at least a rose because he's enamored with her. He's never felt this way with any of the other people he's dated, so there's definitely so pep to his step as he waves to Astralin. He's also glad that her adoptive father has accepted him pretty quickly too, because he doesn't want to be a source of drama between the two.

Nope, everything is fine in Aldrip.]

Just wanted to stop by before picking up ingredients from around town.

[scythedance]

[Everything is just fine in Aldrip. Scott was here visiting him again, and he figures that it's to pick up Kotone some flowers or something. Not at all minding that the young man was dating his daughter -- in fact, he was happy that Kotone had someone that she could love and rely on.

So, when he turns his head at the familiar voice, he can't help but smile all too happily. His hand tucking one of the flowers away, and placing it in his apron to place into the vase later.]

Good morning, Scott. I hope you are doing well this morning... It is a rather nice day, is it not? Well -- it is always a fine day here.

[Huh? That's odd. Why does he seem so happy all the time? Either way, he shifts his attention toward the boy completely now.]

Is there something you need? A flower to take with you, perhaps?

[laserguy]

It really is.

[He beams back, without any trouble whatsoever in this world. A warm welcome from his maybe father in the law-- whoa, maybe that's jumping a bit far, even for him!]

And you know me all too well, sir.

[...Everything is always idyllic in this world, what's there to complain about? To worry about? Nothing about that is wrong, right? He doesn't feel restless or anything like that, except maybe to see his lovely girlfriend and give her a beautiful rose to start off her day. If he's having a great day, then he wants to make sure that she does too.]

A red rose. [He can see colors just fine--] Or do you have any recommendation for today?

flower shop

[identitycrisiscore]

[ Of course, Cloud usually comes in through the back, being the one who handles the bulk of Astralin's deliveries — both to the man and to others from the shop. He's a busy guy! So it only takes a couple rapt knocks on the doorframe, hopefully, to get his attention. ]

Hey, Astralin. How're the flowers holding up today? None of them are being too moody, are they?

[ He folds his arms over his torso, mostly just leaning in the doorframe and ejoying the fresh air as it rushes in and out of the back room. ]

[scythedance]

[Astralin isn't too distracted with his work, and when he hears the back door open up from behind him, he immediately knows who it is. There's only a few people who go through the back, and his eyes shift toward Cloud with a comforting smile. The man setting down a few flowers he had been working on, and giving Cloud his full attention with a laugh that escapes from him.]

They are fine for right now. I do have a few deliveries that I must ask of you, so your timing is quite impeccable. But, of course, before we talk business, perhaps you'd like a cup of tea, or something?

[The man was always hard at work, so the least he could do is offer up something to drink or eat. That, and he felt very indebted to Cloud throughout the years.]

[identitycrisiscore]

Well, since you twisted my arm about it...

[ He shrugs, lightly, a soft smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth. One hand breaks the folded posture to half-shrug at the flower peddler. ]

Joking, of course. Zachariah's still posted up, so I can't exactly take any long distance work anyway. I've not got much of anything but time to kill.

[ He'll at least stop loitering in the back door and make his way inside, letting himself take in the smell and the look of flowers. There was something... weirdly comforting about the back of Astralin's shop. Not like it's somewhere where he belonged, but it did evoke a sense of nostalgia he couldn't quite place. Maybe that's just how Astralin wanted it. ]

What's the flavor of the day?