hugtopia_logs | ♥ December Event Log

♥ December Event Log

December (Ranir) Event Log
The city of Havenwell is recovering very well thanks to your efforts, offworlders. The hole in the wall is sealed up and, while maybe not looking like new, it certainly looks sturdy and safe. The city itself has removed much of the rubble from the battles you fought, and the people are back to their regularly scheduled lives. They're eternally grateful that you continue to put in the time to rebuild this final bastion of civilization and are pleased to see that you enjoyed their festivals so far. As the weather of Ranir turns colder and the nights longer, some may even see snow dust the cobblestone and paved streets in the morning. The time of Rawna has come and with it...

❥ PROMPT I: At Least It's Not a Sweater

a pair of hands holding each other with a red ribbon tied around their wrists

Normally when a new season belonging to a god rolls around, the temple priests gear up and start with temple festivities. Seeing how this is Rawna's month, however, nothing much of the sort seems to be happening. In fact, it's almost as if Rawna's priests don't even care that their god's season has started. Rawna is, after all, chiefly the god of Apathy, so is it all that surprising?

What might be surprising is the sight of Ainea's priests in pairs out around the city in their stead. Each pair carries with them a single bright silver sash and they alternatively stand in broad daylight or hide in the shadows of the buildings. Walk by on your own and you'll be left alone, but when the priests spot two people walking even remotely near each other, they spring into action.

The two robotic priests zip around you and another person with surprising speed, tying the sash off around you - either around your wrists, your waists, your legs, whatever it takes to tie you to another person. With a triumphant buzz of excitement, they declare "Happy Ranir! Kindness comes in many forms!" and depart to find a new pair of ~~victims~~ patrons. As they leave, one of the pair calls out an additional clue for you: "Be kind to unwind!"

Good luck, everyone, you're now stuck with this other person. You can either wait until the sash naturally falls off in a few hours, or you can take the direction of the priests and be kind to the other person to encourage the magical knot to come undone. Each compliment, word of encouragement, or other act of kindness directed at your new partner seems to loosen the sash a little each time, so get to winning the Niceness War.

Oh, and in case you were thinking of blasting, teleporting, or cutting your way out? No amount of magic or physical force seems capable of cutting or removing the sash. Hopefully you went to the bathroom before they got you.

❥ PROMPT II: A Delicious Delight

After a long hard day of dodging Ainea's priests or just slogging through the colder weather around the city, what could be better than imbibing a seasonally festive drink? Well, the scientists in charge of Experiment 73 certainly think so! They've added a limited edition drink selection to all of the replicators and have some delightfully festive booths spread about the city staffed by a few robots wearing Rawna's colors in their sashes and hats. There are five drinks in total to choose from and you should certainly try them! They're only here until the end of the month and then the scientists say they'll be gone! The best things in life are fleeting, aren't they? The best things in life are also surprises, so when you take a sip of these exquisitely delicious (honest! For once they're good) beverages, prepare yourself for a little trick with your treat.

Ginger and Honey Tea: A hot, thoroughly warming drink with the bite of ginger and the sweetness of honey. Drink this and you'll be shored up against the cold, but also feel compelled to tell or blurt out the truth. Whether you're asked a question or trying to tell a little white lie, you find you can't say anything but the truth. This effect lasts for up to an hour after drinking the tea.
Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie: A cold sweet treat of vanilla smoothie topped with sweet strawberry pieces and whipped cream. At the bottom, you'll find a layer of sweet sponge cake cut up into pieces. Drink this with its own special thick straw and enjoy the taste of cake; and the effect of a personal miniature snow cloud that appears over your head. The cloud dusts you and your immediate area within a foot of you with beautiful multicolored snow - and that snow leaves splotches of color behind that last for up to an hour after drinking the smoothie.
Hot Cinnamon Apple Cider: A deliciously steamy beverage that tastes of apple and cinnamon and comes with a cinnamon stick stirrer for effect. This beverage smells as delicious as it tastes and the aroma wafts around the area more strongly than the others. Drink this penultimate holiday drink and you'll find yourself heating up so much that you'll want to stay cold by giving your heat away via holding someone else. You'll want to be everyone's personal heater for up to an hour after drinking the cider.
Gingerbread Latte: A nice piping hot latte with the hint of gingerbread threaded through the coffee, topped with whipped cream and dusted with gingerbread spice. Served in a tall red cup that seems to transfer the heat uncannily well through its thin walls, sip this and you'll find yourself painlessly sprouting an animal's appendage at random. You can have one functioning or non-functioning, cosmetic animal appendage like a cat's ears, a dog's tail, a duck's beak or whatever else you can think of for up to an hour after drinking the latte. They can replace your original body part (e.g. your ears become cat ears) or grow superfluously (e.g. you have regular ears AND cat ears). You can move the appendages or talk with them as if they are your own, but they don't confer any special magical powers with them. So you can fly with those griffin wings, sure, but you're going to need to put the effort into it.
Hot Mulled Wine (alcoholic): This one isn't for children - and in fact, under 18 people might find it hard (but not impossible, be industrious, little ones!) to get their hands on this drink. Red wine is heated with spices and citrus fruit over low heat for several hours - or it would if it wasn't all synthetically created. The effect is the same though, a delicious adult beverage that's a nice way to spend an evening with someone special. And you'll want them to be someone special because drinking the hot wine makes you inclined to get a little steamy with people. Kisses, both chaste and passionate, seem to alleviate the urge which you'll be under for up to an hour after drinking the wine.

❥ PROMPT III: Winter (VR) Wonderland

a wooden lodge at night, blanketed in snow

There isn't quite enough snow on the ground to allow it in reality, but in the VR Cafes anything is possible. This month, the VR Cafes are decorated with snowflakes in odd patterns and designs - holograms, naturally - that spin and change shape and color in a timed routine. Plug into the games and you'll find a new selection among the usual offerings: Winter Wonderland.

There are two modes to Winter Wonderland and each are fun in their own ways.

Snow Fight! Head out into the powdery snow where fantastic snow forts await and battle it out with snowballs to claim the most territory or just see who can hit the other side the most. You can choose Team Battle, Solo 1vs1, or Battle Royale. All magic, skills, and cunning are at your disposal. While the snow might not be falling outside, it's definitely going to be raining down on you here, so bundle up and have some fun. You earned it!

Ski Lodge But maybe you don't want to go flinging snow down someone's shirt and would rather cuddle up on a couch in front of a big warm fire, huh? Sure, we understand that. Welcome to the Ski Lodge, a cozy getaway up in the mountains where you can relax with a hot chocolate (or cider, or glass of wine even) and curl up on the couches and experience a lazy afternoon in thick fluffy sweaters. It's even better with a friend, they say, so why not create this private little getaway for the two (or three or four, we're not judging) of you? For people wanting a romantic lean, you can always slip out the back (and out of your clothes if you prefer) into the private jacuzzi on the wooden deck, too.

For people who want to have some fun tearing it up on the mountain-side though, we suggest trying Ski-venture! A year-round game that lets you ski or snowboard your way down the mountain.

❥ PROMPT IV: A Mysterious Gift [REGAIN EVENT]

Toward the end of the month starting from the 20th and on, some people may find themselves drawn to Rawna's temple late at night, when most of the priests are offline or elsewhere. The only native creatures you can see here are the fledgling rainbow dragons which watch you from their various perches all around the sanctum. As you approach the temple's altar, you realize someone else has been drawn here as well. In the quiet, dim lighting, the barest of candles still burning and the watchful eyes of the dragons, you feel compelled to unburden yourself to the other person. Tell your tale of woe or sorrow, relieve yourself of a secret you've kept hidden for too long, and listen to your companion as well. They say a burden shared is a burden halved after all.

Once you've both shared something, a pair of dragonlings crawl up into the altar's clawed hands. They wind around each other until an iridescent light shines from their scales. The light is blinding and you must look away as it reaches its pinnacle and releases a burst of rainbow light. When you look back, the dragonlings are slithering away and in their places are two objects - one familiar to you and one to your partner - so long as both of you have shared. It seems your tithe has been rewarded with something from home.

OOC: These items from home must be approved by a mod. They cannot exceed the Medium Item regain limit. It cannot be a power or other ability. It cannot be something your character did not own or have knowledge of in their canon or their CRAU. Please post your regain request in the Regain Request thread before threading out the receipt of the item.

This event will run from December 6th to December 31st. Click on each prompt's title to see the text. You are welcome to use this log, or create entries of your own! If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'll do my best.

[But he makes no promises.

Then Regis is squeezing his hand back and that question makes his cheeks flush, gaze darting down and away, embarrassed but also... Regis had asked him not to hide, not to keep so much of himself apart from the other man. He closes his eyes for a moment, then offers his King a sheepish little half smile.]

Well.... you did.

Oh, I did, did I?

[His expression is smug, even if his cheeks are a little red--something he would only allow to happen in current company. After all, if Cor is opening up, the least he deserves is for Regis to do the same. Atop his head, his fox ears continue to twitch happily.]

Best permission I ever gave.

[Don't mind him. He just may start swinging their hands a little when they finally start walking again.]

[Astrals but when is the last time he saw Regis blush? Even as faint as it is there's a little thrill that makes his heart beat faster, something Regis can likely tell from the grip on his hand and the speed of the way his tail wags. How is he supposed to be honest about these things and still not... do anything about it.

No, no holding hands openly with his King is doing something about it. As they continue walking, that light sway of their hands is too much temptation. He only makes it a few steps before he raises their joined hands, brushing a fleeting kiss to Regis' knuckles.

One brief moment of bravery. Then he clears his throat and nods to the intersection ahead of them.]

What about that corner? It faces out to the park and it's a decent point between Ainea and Ohma's temples.

[One moment that is far too brief. Regis is braver than Cor, but they are also in public and so he resists the temptation to return that kiss to the man's cheek. That, likely, would be more than his friend could handle. A squeeze of his hand and a delighted smile will have to do for now.

Regis looks a little closer at the shop that Cor has pointed out.]

Down that road is mostly residential, correct?

[A gesture like that, so affectionate, would definitely have derailed his mind, pushed things a little too far, too close to being uncomfortable. Just the squeeze of Regis' hand and the fact that something so small and seemingly silly gets such a smile from him is more than enough.]

I believe so, though I'm not sure how much of it is occupied at the moment.

I would like the shop to be someplace where there is a good amount of traffic. Being at the corner is a plus only if people are going to be coming passed it. Marketing isn't exactly at the same level here as it is back home and I want to make sure people know the shop is here. The extra potions will be of no use to anyone if no one knows they are here for the taking.

[They are going to have to do this the old fashioned way--by word of mouth--and that means they have to be very careful about the shop's location so that they don't make their jobs more difficult.]

Well.... we could make flyers? And there is the network....

[Cor pauses, starting to turn so he can survey the activity on the surrounding streets, remembering too late that he's tied to Regis so he can't just... let go of his hand.

There's an awkward tug and then he steps back, looking sheepish.]

Ah... if nothing else this seems a centralized location and it would be easy to offer directions?

Ah yes, the network. I do forg--

[Regis words are cut off as he suddenly is pulled by the tug on his wrist. He looks at Cor for a moment and then breaks into a fit of chuckles.]

Easy to offer directions, only if we are not tied together.

[Sorry Cor. He shouldn't tease, but he is enjoying this far too much. His hand now.]

[Regis laughs at him and Cor can't bring himself to be upset with him for it. He, actually, has to stifle a chuckle of his own. Yes, yes, laugh it up.]

Well, it would be plenty simple if you'd only come with me.

[This time the tug is intentional, pulling Regis to one side, the motion strangely similar to a dance move, using the lead of his hand to direct the motion of his King. It's not quite enough to twirl them around in a full circle but it's close.]

[Regis doesn't miss the similarity between the motion and a dance step. In fact, it causes his grin to grow wider.]

Oh, what is this? It seems my dear lion is more in the mood for a dance than giving directions now. If that is the case, lead away.

You know we're never going to accomplish anything at this rate.

[The words might be chiding but Cor is laughing despite himself. A moment's hesitation and then he simply shrugs, other hand moving to Regis' waist. He hardly remembers the order of steps for a proper dance but he can at least give his King a proper twirl. A little spin before pulling Regis back in against him.]

Is that what you wanted?

[Regis allows himself to be twirled, humming contentedly as it happens. Once he has come to stop again, he smiles up at Cor, genuinely pleased that his serious friend has humored him in this.]

Yes, it was perfect. I will never tire of hearing you laugh.

[Cor huffs a breath, exasperated but also embarrassed by how incredibly sweet that is. He gives Regis a light squeeze, refusing to say anything to encourage him but also not having the heart to scold him.]

Come on, we may as well see what the layout is before we make any real plans.

[Stop being so distressingly charming, Reggie.]

[Regis has no idea what you are talking about, Cor. He's just being honest....but, yes, they should probably check into the layout before they decide anything else. Reluctantly, Regis steps away from Cor, after taking a moment to enjoy the squeeze that comes, and then pushes open the door.

Unsurprisingly, the first thing that registers is the thick layer of dust that is resting over everything. That is pretty much par for the course for all these disused shops. What catches his eyes that he hasn't noticed in other stores is that this one seems to have a fair bit of hardwood used for the cabinets and tables. He can't help but smile at that, giving Cor a gentle pull so he will step farther in.]

Oh, this has potential.

[As they step inside Cor is very much expecting more of the same buildings they've seen before. Sterile white cabinets, slick metal and smooth concrete.

And then he actually looks around and his fingers curl around Regis', squeezing hard and... well the tail is still there and now wagging at full speed again.]

It certainly does.

[Cor doesn't need much encouragement. Now with all this wood on display he's eager to trail his fingers over the cabinet fronts.]

[A pleased smile crosses Regis face and he returns the squeeze on his hand, following after Cor. A joke about the man's wagging tail making dusting quick slips into his mind but for once, Regis keeps the joke to himself. He is far too wrapped up in enjoying Cor's reaction to spoil it like that. It's so natural and content and right.

The silence will probably get suspicious after a short while, but that is the last thing on Regis' mind at the moment.]

[It would be far more effective if they brought Prompto along, his tail is fluffy.

The silence would be suspicious if Cor wasn't so busy eyeing the space, mentally mapping out what each area would be used for.]

Do you think you'd want to have a couple daybeds perhaps? In case there are any serious injuries or just in case someone needs to sleep off a headache? In addition to armchairs and the like, of course.

Of course.

[Cor, fluffy tail or no, you are adorable right now and he is still enthralled. Getting a two word answer is actually doing pretty good.

Just go on with what you are doing. Nothing to see here.]

[Cor nods easily, yes of course. Clearly Regis is going to be thinking along the same lines. Great minds think alike and all that. He tugs Regis along as he dips through a door behind the counter. It actually looks like there might have been some sort of cafe here once? There's a large refrigeration cabinet along one side, a small office type space, a couple of burners... It's a decently sized prep area.]

Ah... maybe we could lean into making our own teas for the potions eventually? Either way having the option to serve warm or cold drinks on the spot is excellent, don't you think?

[And for a moment he actually looks back to Regis instead of focusing so much on the space around them.]

[He murmurs softly in agreement, but when Cor looks at him, it's obvious Regis hasn't bothered to look at the new space at all. He just followed Cor in, silver fox ears turned forward and focused intently on something. That something, just like his attention, is not the space that they are standing it. It's Cor. And his happily wagging tail. After a few moments, he unconsciously mutters under his breath.]

I need to pet that tail. He's just so happy!

[He's about to scold Regis for getting so distracted... and then he comments on the stupid tail. It actually startles a loud laugh out of the Marshal. He turns as much as he is able to, raising a brow at his King.

But in the end he merely lifts a hand to scritch one of those impossibly soft ears before turning back around to let Regis do as he pleases.

The fur is dense and short so it's not nearly as soft as something with a longer coat would be.]

[The laugh finally jerks Regis out of his haze and his cheeks turn bright red when he realizes he actually said that out loud. He dips his head in an effort to hide the blush a little, but all that does is give Cor easier access to scratch his ears. Once Cor offers his tail for petting, Regis almost refuses just on principle, but in the end he gives in.

And why not? It's not like he can be more embarrassed than he already is.]

Does it feel nice? Like when people pet my ears?

[No one has taken an opportunity to pet Cor yet. He honestly doesn't know what to expect at first. Then Regis' fingers smooth over his fur and it sends a shiver up his spine, making him arch back into the contact.

oh]

Uh... y-yes.

[Even if it's a little embarrassing to... well... Regis offering his ears for pets means a tip of his head, Cor doing the same means... uh- well-

offering up his ass]

[Regis gives a hum of agreement, fingers leaving Cor's tail just long enough to move farther up. Two curl around the base and stroke downward over smooth fur.]

You should, perhaps, wear a tail more often.

[As he is stroking Cor's tail with only one hand, Regis decides to put his other hand to good use, brushing it over that oh so nice ass that is just right there. At the same time, he leans forward slightly and whispers in Cor's earn.]

It does wonderful things for your ass.

[Cor has a moment of trying to glance over his shoulder at Regis. Really what is so fascinating about his tai-!!!!!!

He jerks in surprise, the hand bound to Regis' grabbing at his King's wrist but he can't really pull the other man's hand away from this angle and trying makes him stagger forward a step. It's almost enough to throw him off balance so much he falls forward but he manages to use his hold on Regis' hand to keep himself upright. Barely.]

W-What?!

♥ December Event Log

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