♥ November (Malom) Event Log

[hugtopiamods]

November (Malom) Event Log

With most of Havenwell left in varying degrees of shambles from the prior month's catastrophe, the city seems just a little bit more quiet and stony in ways not just owed to the chill of oncoming winter. However, the gray mood doesn't need to last; the offworlders and locals alike might just be able to band together to pick up the scattered pieces before long.

Unlike previous years, winter is approaching at a slower pace than usual. Whether this is believed as coincidence or the gods opting to give the city more pleasant weather while the reconstruction is ongoing is entirely up to each individual. Nevertheless, the sun is out and there is work to be done.

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❥ PROMPT I: Fetch Quest Frenzy

With the widespread damage of the previous month still a large issue, offworlders may find the marking-based powers of that incident manifesting again in different, passive forms. Regardless of the color one's ability takes, a little bit of trial and error will lead the markings' bearers to understand the powers are now geared towards helping rebuild or rehabilitate the city in various ways; examples being manifesting as telekinesis to move heavy objects around, or a magical compass to help locate something lost in the chaos. Some may find themselves inexplicably filled with knowledge previously unknown, Matrix-style: characters who have never picked up a hammer before will suddenly possess the skills needed to rebuild furniture or repair structural damage, weld parts together, or get really good at organizing search parties. Feel free to get creative with it, but these abilities are meant to build, not destroy like last month, so destructive powers are not likely to manifest unless for good reason.

There's no shortage of work to be done either; from dismantling petrified worms to running errands for the surviving locals, offworlders may find themselves lucky to have the supernatural assistance of the markings and their powers. With time and effort, taking up such tasks to aid the locals and fellow offworlders alike might just go a long way towards healing Havenwell on both physical and emotional fronts.

❥ PROMPT II: Fruits Basket

In places where the worms were slain before their fellows were petrified, their massive corpses have been reclaimed by the ground--specifically, they've turned to surprisingly fertile soil. So fertile that it would appear trees are already sprouting where they fell, bearing an arrangement of oddly-shaped fruits. With how delicious they look, one would surely be forgiven for daring to try them, but the result might be just a bit surprising...

-Eating a round fruit will make one have a sudden desire to cuddle up to someone else; the more of the fruit they've consumed, the more insistent the desire. Just take a bite? Maybe you could do with a light shoulder touch, but eat the whole thing and you'll realize you might be suddenly looking for some big hugs with anyone receptive to the idea.
-The square shaped fruits have a somewhat more subtle effect. The more one eats of a square fruit, they gain a steadily more obvious gentle glow and warmth to their bodies. With enough of one, someone could easily turn into a combination nightlight and comfortably warm space heater.
-Being curious enough to eat a spiky fruit will end up with one having some trouble keeping their footing; this fruit leads one to find no traction underfoot, sending them slip n' sliding around. Be careful, you might just skate right into someone's arms!
-Eating a star-shaped fruit may cause a gradual drowsiness, where residents will feel the urge to lay down and have a nap. Seems the aftermath of the worm attack left some lingering magic. (A small percentage may alternatively find themselves transformed into sheep. Weird.) Being held or gently cuddled, whether on the spot or while being carried home, will reverse the effects.

❥ PROMPT III: Corporate Concessions

You might recall that the research towers were awfully unhelpful during the attacks, preferring instead to seal themselves up in protective shielding and leave the rest of the city to fend for themselves. Now that the danger has passed, there have been some understandably divisive responses to this decision from their fellows. Many of the tower workers have pleaded ignorance for this choice, openly (or quietly, to avoid disciplinary action) blaming the higher-ups for creating company-wide lockdowns and not allowing anyone in- or out. Many were helpless to assist in relocating friends or family, and some have quit their positions over this stance. Those in charge of the decision-making are unapologetic for the most part, stating that due to previous security breaches, their priority was to protect their research and their employees, for the greater good of the world.

They are aware that doing this was not by any means a good look, so as an olive branch, they have released the research materials confirmed as stolen in the previous security breach to the public network, as they have been unable to track down those materials and would rather control its distribution themselves. Damage done, after all; those who know could pass it on as they please. Additionally, they are reallocating some tower resources to helping with restoration and rebuilding the surrounding areas and public buildings, and have donated a substantial amount of dora to the city budget for whatever purpose the council deems appropriate. Whether you think the released data is true or if their efforts are sufficient is up to you, really.

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This event will run from November 15-30. Click on each prompt's title to see the text. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread. You can also use the Havenwell Status page or the General Plotting Comment to give you other ideas for original prompts!

Comments

[daikonrose]

Kyoko wasn't going to forbid any movement of course, she wasn't expecting the kid to just stay frozen until she got there. She just wanted to make sure no one was about to try walking on a broken foot, or something silly like that.

The concern along those lines increases when she gets near enough to spot the cane. Oh. Oh no. This could be pretty bad actually?!

Quickly bending to scoop it up, Kyoko offered it handle-outwards as she stepped towards--

E...ra...?

"This is... yours, right?" A surprise, but it's not like there's anyone else nearby in need of a walking aid?

[astralera]

Era takes it with a quiet 'thanks' and immediately sets about getting to her feet, using her cane to balance herself as she does.

[daikonrose]

Ah... jeez.

Though Kyoko won't make a move to actually help further if it's not asked for or clearly needed--she can't imagine any physical aid would be welcomed--her hands awkwardly hover there as Era gets up, ready to--what, catch her if she falls? Something like that.

"You, um... did you get hurt at all just now?"

[astralera]

"I'm fine." Nothing life-threatening or otherwise serious, so far as she can tell. A dislocated shoulder at worst, though more than likely just heavy bruising.

She makes a quick gesture toward the sinkhole. "I just happened to lose my footing for a moment."

[daikonrose]

Kyoko casts a gaze back towards the sinkhole, letting out a tight little sigh. That sure is gonna be something to deal with. "I personally wouldn't consider this an instance of 'just happening to,' but..."

But before she tries to find out if her new abilities extend to dealing with sinkholes--what do you do for those anyway, just fill them up again??--or even just goes back to her roof, she needs to make sure Miss How Dare You Overextend Yourself is following her own rules.

"You're not hurt at all? No twists or sprains? Do you--do you need your bird, maybe?"

[astralera]

"I am not hurt in any significant way. What would I need Peki for?" Era debates pocketing her cane again, but decides against it for now. "If I need healing and can't do it myself, I would just summon Lily."

[daikonrose]

"It just seemed like a very capable bird," Kyoko says weakly. Surely that bird would be more of an asset in this situation than she could be. "It's not like I know all of your spells and familiars and so on... I wasn't particularly trying to give you advice or anything."

A beat. "But... 'not hurt in any significant way' still means 'hurt,' doesn't it...?" There is still time to tell her she's wrong, Era. You can still get rid of her.

[astralera]

"He is a very capable bird. We have been through many battles together."

Aside from Carbuncle, Peki is her oldest friend and most steadfast companion. Even if he hasn't the best manners, Era can't imagine a better chocobo than him. She doesn't know what she would do without him.

"It does. So?"

[daikonrose]

See, like she thought. Peki would almost certainly be of more use than Kyoko right now, it was reasonable to bring him up!

But more importantly: "'So?' So then, when does that healing you mentioned come into play?"

[astralera]

"If I need healing it will be once I'm at my dad's shop." And with Valeo only another block away that shouldn't take very long at all, assuming no more sinkholes interfere with her journey.

[daikonrose]

This isn't really any of Kyoko's business, and she's pretty sure Era can handle herself just fine without a random nag tagging along, but! But!!

It just doesn't feel right to let this go. "Is that shop very far away?"

[astralera]

"It's the apothecary down the road," she answers, resuming her walk there. "Valeo offers a range of herbal remedies and healing potions."

[daikonrose]

"Oh." That really is very close, huh. So, probably the correct course of action now is to just leave Era alone. She's been pretty clear that she can handle herself, after all.

Kyoko does stand by awkwardly to watch for another moment though, just to make sure there aren't any signs of struggle in how the woman moves.

"Well," she says lamely, "if anything else happens, I'll be on that," she points, "roof, over there."

[astralera]

Era pauses to look where Kyoko points and contemplates for a moment.

"Would you like a warm drink before returning to your work?"

[daikonrose]

"Huh?" Kyoko had already turned to head back towards her ladder when the question comes, but she has to stop and look around at Era again, thrown totally off. "Eh?" Why?? "You--you're fine, there's no obligation for that kind of thing."

[astralera]

"You're helping with repairs to the city." She shrugs (and regrets it, just a little). "My dad would be disappointed if I didn't offer you something to drink, and a snack."

[daikonrose]

Oh wow, that's a sharp move, pulling out a dad to potentially disappoint. How is she supposed to dodge that? "Ah," Kyoko says, "Um. Then... I'll intrude just for a few minutes. Thank you."

[astralera]

She's disappointed her father figures enough for a lifetime, so will keep trying her best to make up for her mistakes (even if the only one who blames her for them is herself). If Regis were awake, Era knows he would want to help those who are willing and able to help the city recover.

So she'll just have to do so in his stead, until he wakes up again.

"Alright."

It doesn't take long at all to reach the shop. Era opens it up and switches the sign to say OPEN before flicking on the lights. She gestures for Kyoko to look at the various types of tea available (not a large selection, as neither she nor Regis really care for tea).

While not a tea house, when selling dried herbs, remedies, various lotions, ointments, and salves it only made sense to offer tea as well. The shop is nice and cozy; perfect to sit and relax with a warm drink, surrounded by delightful aromas and a lovely cottage-like atmosphere.

"There is also hot chocolate, and some biscuits for dipping."

[daikonrose]

Having never been inside Valeo before, Kyoko does get caught up in looking around for a few moments, eyes going a bit round. As expected of a place offering magical (?most likely?) potions and herbs, it's certainly very charming! Gosh! There's a tiny flush to her face as Kyoko tries to take in everything, but she does her best to contain herself. She's not here to gush!

And, first things first-- "Um, please don't go too far out of your way for me," she won't tell your dad if you just phone it in and boil some tea leaves real quick Era, "but more importantly--the healing?"

[astralera]

She fusses over one of the plants as Kyoko examines the shop, checking the soil for moisture and the leaves for health. It's far too easy for her to be sidetracked by plants, especially when she knows how much Regis cares for them.

"It isn't going out of my way," she comments. "Would you rather tea or hot chocolate? I can summon Lily while it heats up."

[daikonrose]

"Um--tea is fine," she says, and gingerly points to one, since apparently this is the price she must pay to get Era to heal. "Will I be in the way of your... Lily?" Is Lily another giant bird. What kind of summon is this. Should she move somewhere??

[astralera]

"No, you're fine."

With Kyoko's choice made, Era checks the blend to gauge what temperature the water should be (thankfully, after over two years, she has figured out how not to completely botch making tea), and sets the kettle to boil with a thermometre to monitor things. She grabs a clean teacup and saucer in preparation, along with locating the sugar.

Only once Era is sure everything else is ready does she wrap her hand around the soul crystal in her pocket, activating it with the smallest bit of aether to awaken the dormant faerie. Lily is quick to materialize by her shoulder in a flourish of golden aether that continues to fall from the faerie's fluttering wings like sparkling dust. Barely a foot tall, Lily perches on Era's shoulder — the one with ample free space with her horn missing — and begins silently huffing and puffing and fretting in a way that makes her roll her eyes.

"A Whispering Dawn will suffice."

[daikonrose]

There's a quiet, appreciative gasp with that little burst of aether, but Kyoko is determined to keep it together! Just be cool, Kyoko!! You've seen magic happen before, now, you should be used to this!

But then she catches sight of the actual!! fairy!!!!!! and any chance of composure slips far out of reach. Era might be busy with business as usual, but Kyoko's just gonna be vibrating over here near the wall, hands clapped to her cheeks, eyes shimmering.

[astralera]

Era realizes in retrospect that she probably should have summoned Lily at some point in the past month, to avoid catching her faerie companion by surprise with her missing appendage. It's too late to do anything about it now, and Era ignores Lily's continued angry fluttering as the faerie inspects the stump of her horn with tiny hands, focusing instead on meticulously preparing Kyoko's tea.

"How do you like your tea?"

[daikonrose]

"Huh? Ah?" It takes a moment for Kyoko to even realize she's the one being spoken to. Why would anyone talk to her when there's a fairy right there? What are they even talking about? Tea? "Thank you," Kyoko stammers absently, completely missing that there was a question for her in there.