June Aftermath: Magic Lantern Strange

[lifeaftr_mods]

JUNE AFTERMATH: MAGIC LANTERN STRANGE

Who: Everyone!
What: A celebration!
When: Evening of June 21st, and well into morning
Where: Ensō, E3 and E4
Warnings: Mark as needed!

Slide the Light Off You
As promised, the evening of the 21st finds the Jormun hosting a party on Ensō's largest beachfront. Near immediately, it should be clear that they've spared absolutely no expense when it comes to showing their story-walker brethren a good time.

Of course, they may also be...showing off a little. The stalls and comfortable seating supplied around multiple firepits appears to be a mishmash of Jormun built contraptions and items requested from the Storyteller- many may be delighted to see the variety of beach cushions and blankets, items the Jormun will be happy to let their story-walker friends take home at the end of the festivities. A veritable smorgasbord of food and drink is also readily available, from the kid-friendly options of brrshavak (a spicy drink with a taste akin to liquified chili pepper) and molkavarr (a rich chocolaty broth) to the alcoholic rakvrhak (a rich wine that tastes oddly plumlike). Do be warned, however, that the last is incredibly potent.

Large slabs of driftwood have been laid out to form impromptu tables, bristling with the Jormun's culinary expertise: fried squid, seaweed wraps, spicy pickled kelp, kebabs of roasted eel, hard-boiled snapling eggs, and so on. The vegetables and meats of the sea have been laid out for all to enjoy, so tuck in!

Throughout the evening the air will be filled with the sound of music, with multiple Jormun eager to show off their skill in instrumentation. Conch-shell horns, carved driftwood flutes, urchin-needle harps, and countless more contraptions engineered by a deep sea-dwelling people fill the air with the most peculiar but nonetheless not unpleasant sound. Most of the bands will be set up in the shallow waters, however, as their instruments are not made to be used in open air - try playing them above the surface of the water at your own risk.

Of course, there's plenty more to entertain even the most difficult of people.

You're Living the Strobe Light
Those interested in proving their strength and skill will be encouraged to enter one of the many tournaments across the shoreline. The tournaments vary, featuring such challenges as play fights with the schlacknorkcvic to prove who is the greatest warrior, timed events to see who can stay on a bucking tigershark for the longest, and even a tourney of brovonkosshk, a board game somewhat similar to chess. Don't see anything you're interested in? Make your own. If you can think it, the Jormun will happily accommodate it - impromptu challenges are the highlight of such evenings, after all, though the Jormun won't be taking any responsibility for the first poor soul that decides to usher in a drinking contest.

A small variety of walker games are also available. Jormun children are more than eager to play such games as hide-and-seek or red light, green light, while Connor Murphy will be bringing his Cards Against Humanity deck, for those ready to completely screw with the idea of a fourth wall. There's even a game of Spin the Bottle... except the bottle is being spun overhead like a mace. Being hit by said bottle requires you to do a stupidly ridiculous task, so perhaps it's best to avoid that particular adaptation...

And of course, there's the lightshow.

As mentioned previously, the main show of the evening is the show of brssticca: bursts of magical light beneath the water that will put any fireworks show to shame. The lights are safe to wade and swim through, do keep in mind that the phosphorescent algae tends to cling to the skin. And should you reach into those spiraling, fluorescent nebulae of patterns beneath the surface, some of the configurations of light may abruptly shatter like broken glass.

Additionally, skilled Jormun will be happy to assist those who care to dress up for the event with intricate applications of shellivthiss - a style of waterproof body paint that is not only bright, but luminescent. Something the Jormun may forget to mention, however, is how similar shellivthiss is to henna; should you decide to get all dolled up, except to shine bright light a diamond for weeks to come.

Lastly, those who wanted to bring their own adventures are welcome to as well! Supplying some dope roast? Bringing those sweet, sweet greens? Have some alcohol to supply? All is welcomed by the Jormun - and undoubtedly, your fellow adventurers as well.

You May Find Some Peace
Feeling a tad adrift? Make sure to check the OOC Event Post, which has details regarding the event timeline!

---

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

Mira | OTA

[antepone]

a
She isn't particularly accustomed to parties, so initially, Mira stays at the firepits. It's cozy and warm, and she likes the music--it's nothing she's ever heard, but that's never a bad thing. Mostly, she's just content to watch everyone and listen to the music, to soak in the warmth of the fire and everyone's positive feelings. She's letting herself reach out, just slightly, to feel the edges of it. She's not actively seeking anyone out, but she's never averse to talking.

b
And then she gets hungry. Mira finds herself wandering over to the spread of food, and there's so much, she's not sure where to begin. She is delighted by the eel kebabs, and she takes several of those... but she's trying everything. If anyone approaches, she looks at them with a smile.

"It smells good... doesn't it?"

c
Eventually, she finds the drinks. Mira isn't the type to drink, but she can't help but try a little bit of the rakvrhak. It's good, and she's always had a weakness for plums. The mixture of good food, alcohol, the warmth of the fires, and the general atmosphere is enough to make her feel calm and relaxed... and more likely to come up and talk to someone she doesn't know.

"Are you enjoying yourself? It's a lovely night, isn't it? Everyone's so happy."

d
Finally, all that excitement wears her out... and Mira ends up wrapping a blanket around herself. She's starting to doze off, too. Maybe someone should wake her up?

C

[tokenflavortownie]

Well then, how about someone she does know?

"Mira! Hello!" Pyrrha responds in a way very like her, smiling and waving perhaps a little too much. But she can't help feeling so great. She's awash in good emotions right now, the girl is practically glowing.

It may have something to do with the rakvrhak drink in her hands.

"It's just wonderful. I can't think of a better way to celebrate my first month in this world."

[antepone]

"Hello, Pyrrha!" she responds, brighter than ever. Something occurs to her, and she giggles. "Mira and Pyrrha... our names rhyme! How funny is that? I think it's funny!"

Yeah, she's definitely drunk. Mira giggles again.

"I think things aren't usually so nice here!" And then she frowns. "I'm not sure why, though..."

[tokenflavortownie]

Pyrrha lets out a snort, leaning back from where she was sitting, almost to the point of tipping over. But the former space pirate knew how to keep her balance. "That is pretty funny! I never figured that out until now."

Sips. Hmm, she ruminates over that statement. Or at least tries to.

"They aren't? But everything's been so lovely. Although, I have been here only a month. But it was a good month!"

d

[everylittlesecret]

Nari does eventually find her best friend starting to fall asleep. She sits down beside her and gently nudges the brunette with her shoulder. "Heya. You know it's a bad idea to try and sleep out here, right?"

The redhead isn't helping making the temperature around them warm up a bit.

[antepone]

She grumbles softly and shifts so her head rests on her shoulder. It's warm, and Mira's still feeling the alcohol.

"You're warm..." she mumbles, and Mira giggles softly. "You smell nice."

[everylittlesecret]

"I'd hope I was warm. That was the intent." Unless Mira would rather be cold? At the smelling nice comment, Nari snorts. "Hardly. I think I smell awful. I could really use a hot shower right now with how gross this place can be."

[antepone]

In response, Mira hums and nestles closer to Nari. If she hadn't drunk a bunch of the rakvrhak before, she wouldn't be doing this. She wouldn't let herself get too close. And the alcohol's loosened her tongue more than usual.

"You always smell good," she says, with a content sigh. "Always."

[everylittlesecret]

This was different. The whole time she's known Mira, the brunette has never been this affectionate. Nari isn't quite sure what to think so chalks it up to the fact that her best friend is a complete lightweight.

"Thanks? It's not like I try to smell nice. With what I do around here I kinda gave up on proper personal hygiene for cosmetic reasons. Only health now."

[antepone]

"You don't have to try to do a lot of things," she replies, quietly. "But you're more incredible than you give yourself credit for. I've always thought so..."

[everylittlesecret]

".... funny. You never complimented me while sober, so this is kinda weird to hear... sorry. Don't mean it in a bad way. It's just........ different." She sighs softly. "I keep being told I'm incredible. I have a big family now, and they all think the world of me... all I did was be myself and they for some reason like that. But if they knew you? I think I'd be plain Jane and not noticed at all."

[antepone]

She blinks, then frowns. "But I compliment you all the time!" she says, and she sounds so upset. Of course she compliments Nari. She always has. Her head feels so fuzzy, though, that she can't make sense of it. All she knows is that Nari needs to know how wonderful she is.

"You've... you've always been there for me. When things were bad, you were there to pick me up... You're so strong, kinder than you realize, and you're not afraid to speak your mind... It's something I've always admired..."

[everylittlesecret]

That is all new to her. Sorry, Mira, but the one of you she knows was always complimenting Aiden. Was always going on about how great and sweet he was, how one day Mira would get her courage up to date him. Then one day be married. So none of this was adding up in the least. Was this Mira from a different timeline?

"Mira... I was there for you for a reason. I did all those things because of selfishness, not out of being a friend. I'm not as wonderful as you think I am. I'm a selfish person. I've killed and hurt. Everything I do is so that I'm useful to others and never forgotten. And before this place? I wasn't able to lie, but I can now. I'm not a good person."

b

[catpiper]

Yeah, it does smell good. So good, that when Mira turns to face her, Ren has one in her mouth and two headed straight for the pocket on the side of her bag. Mira's a good nugget though and won't judge her like a pokemon trainer who shall not be named, so instead of placing the kebobs back on their driftwood home, she proceeds to seal the deal, shoving them into the depths of her bag, never to see the light of day again.

They taste good too is what she means to say next, but it comes out as a mumbled dwe gud mess with the eel in her mouth. It's fine. It's whatever. She's gonna chew for the next few seconds before trying that again.

[antepone]

Mira won't judge her, no, but she does look a little concerned as she watches the girl squirrel away the kebobs. Well. She supposes it's a legitimate thing to do, considering the fact that resources are a little spare.

She wonders if this girl, too, knew the her that as here before. She smiles a little, still, and offers another eel kebob.

"Here."

[catpiper]

It shouldn't surprise her that Mira immediately turns to give her another kebob-she's always like that. Working herself into a tired haze because other people need her help and she's probably looking at her, seeing that need in the way she's shoving food in her pocket. But it's fine-this is partly an old habit she can't shake, partly a desire to share this delicious treat with some of her family, like a terrible raccoon.

"I'm okay. You should eat that good thing before your stomach growls."

[antepone]

She shakes her head and smiles a little more. She's already had plenty to eat, and this is nothing. She can always get more.

"Are you sure? I think I'm full."

[catpiper]

If she's full, that's another story. No sense in letting this food go to waste and she holds a grubby little hand to take it.

"I'll keep it safe. When you want it back, I'll give it to you." With more sand than it originally had, but that's fine. It's island seasoning. She'll be the kebobguardian. "I'll say 'where's Mira?' and someone will tell me where you are."

[antepone]

Ah, so she definitely met the other her. Except, this is more... difficult than with anyone else. Even as she hands the food over, she feels guilty--for not knowing her, for not knowing anyone here who'd apparently been important.

She bites her lip. "I'm sorry. I don't think I'm the Mira you remember," she says, like it's completely her fault.

[catpiper]

That's a weird statement to make. It looks like Mira she knows and that selfless gesture is reminiscent of what she knows about her, but-

There's something lacking in her voice and eyes when she looks at her. It's strange.

"You're not? Are you okay?"

[antepone]

Already, she feels terrible. The way the girl looks at her... ugh, she hates having to break it to her. Even though she doesn't know the girl--she thinks, anyway, but there is something familiar about her--she doesn't like having to do this.

"I'm okay, but... I think there was another version of myself here, before."

[catpiper]

She's heard about this in passing from sitting around and listening to daily island gossip. Had seen it happen with her own two eyes when Seto vanished, though it was only temporary and his memories remained the same. In tact. Her fingers twitch nervously at the thought-the terrifying idea that someone could be warped back without any recollection of their time here.

"You don't remember? We looked for treasure together."

Back in the dark caves at a time when everyone was new to this place.

[antepone]

"No."

The answer is quiet, soft. Mira wonders how important she was to this girl, if at all. The thought of being forgotten frightens her in a deep, intense way, and Mira wants nothing more than to remember.

"I'm so sorry. I really don't remember."

[catpiper]

That's all there is to it, then. Mira doesn't remember her or the few adventures they had together. It's sobering, heart breaking, when she realizes this is one more way for her happy reality to fall apart. It dampers her spirit, but-

It doesn't change anything. It doesn't matter if she's upset, because her line of questioning is making this new Mira become somber and she can't do that to her. It's Ren's problem now and this is going to be pushed down to where 99% of her issues go-far away and under a smile. So that's what she does, smile and locks this new fear up as a problem for another day.

"It's okay. You don't have to say 'I'm sorry'-I'll," She'll-what? She can't do anything and her fingers twitch at how powerless she feels. It's fine. Don't think about it. "I'll still hold this food for you. You can just say 'Ren, I'm hungry' and I'll find you instead."

D

[shatteredlenses]

There is a relaxed, calm sort of happiness hanging around Ignis as the night and the party start drawing to a close. In fact, he's humming softly, off and on, something he only does when in a good mood. He made sure not to repeat the drinking mistake of before and is glad of that as he does want to remember this night.

It's one of the Jormun who eventually direct Ignis toward Mira, after taking a moment to compliment him on the green and blue paint job that Gladio and Ardyn gave him. He's both embarrassed and proud of the work they did. Being a walking work of art is going to take some getting used to.

Once he makes it to Mira's side, he settles into the sand next to her, silent for a few moments before speaking, "Do you need a hand getting back home?"

After all, even if she doesn't remember it, he does vaguely remember her helping him out the night he had too much to drink. He owes her and even if he didn't, he would still want to make sure she got back okay.