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!

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LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

laurent | ota

[crosslaced]

[tournament arc] If I can go on and not lose my way,

[Laurent can be found around the party, though it takes him a while to warm up to it. Mostly he watches the festivities, though he samples the food and -eventually- goes a few rounds in the tournament ring.

He begs out after a few matches, but if you’re around in that window of time you’ll see he’s not as sheltered as he looks. He looks very diminutive next to the sea-people, but the greener Jormun warriors are utterly trounced. So much for that.

Experienced fighters can pick out signs of a swordsplay technique that’s not only advanced, but centered around fighting larger and stronger opponents. It doesn’t seem like he’s looking to spar with the islanders, but you can always try cajoling him into a fight. Or give him constructive criticism, whatever.]

[tigershark, cw: injury] I don't mind if my heart is broken to pieces.

[You probably missed the start of this since it’s been like, forty-five minutes. But tl;dr it’s been forty-five minutes and the spectating Jormun are going batshit, cheering for the Story-walker who’s been wrangling a tigershark for that amount of time.

Honestly, he’s thought about Damen wrestling a tigershark (clothes optional) ever since it came up while talking to that Walmart elf, and he’d thought his dreams might come true here? But no. A few days after Munin’s announcement he remembered what actually went down at the okton, and now he’s here. Because he never gets to rest. Laurent needs to network with the Jormun anyway and clearly, doing some ridiculous dumbfuck stunt is the way to do it.

It’s at about now that the magnificent predator stumbles to a halt in the shallows, too exhausted to struggle further. Its rider holds on for half a minute more, panting together with the animal, before he slides off and starts the victory walk back to the beach. The Jormun watching are ecstatic. That was incredible, for a Story-walker who was delicate-looking and not very big and had hair kind of like a jellyfish.

He’s walking slow, probably because tigershark wrangling is tiring, but is he… isn’t the angle of his arm a little odd? And is it just you, or is he favoring one leg a bit too much?

Haha oops.]

[[ooc note: if you are Ignis and you want to heal, please avoid doing it immediately ie. in the very first tag! Laurent’ll likely need to be convinced to accept an Ignis Heal (cus y’know). Thank you! :) ]]

[wildcard]

[hmu!]

[savedbyasong]

[He'd been drawn to the tigershark wrangling by the crowd of over enthusiastic Jormun and he is a little, though not too surprised that it is Laurent who is doing the wrestling.

He watches quietly from the sidelines, it's not something he's seen before, someone physically wrestling such a large animal and he's not sure... why. There doesn't seem to be any real point to the activity and it seems to be very dangerous for just a game...

Games could be and often were deadly of course but the Jormun did not strike Shion as being people who wished the islanders harm. As Laurent walks away from the sea he notes the arm and the limp and makes his way through the crowd, his first aid kit is in his bag, were it always is and he shrugs it off his shoulders.]

You're injured.

[crosslaced]

[Okay, disclaimer: it hadn’t been wrestling as much as it was bull-riding, but when the animal is a tigershark doing rolls in the water trying to get you off, it probably doesn’t look that different from afar. A Jormun greets Laurent on the shore with a clap on his back, which drains the rest of the color from his face- even as he bites back any noise he might’ve made. Somehow, he manages his normal voice when the Jormun asks if he's alright. ]

I’m fine, if a bit sore. [To Shion, after the Jormun’s been reassured and waved away-] One or two things might be broken.

[That’s the opposite of fine?]

[savedbyasong]

[I'm fine is always a lie. But sometimes it is a necessary one. The Jormun... they are allies but they probably aren't the kind you can confess to any weakness.

There's a reason Shion hasn't gone anywhere near any of the tournament. It is not that he would loose. That was a given. It was that they might take offence, if they thought he hadn't fought well enough.

He just nods at Laurent's words and leads him over to a quieter area, away from the crowds.] What do you think you have broken? I can take a look at them.

[crosslaced]

You?

[The silence is the only indication that he’s reconsidering it. He’s had no further problems with Shion so far, but interacting with the boy was a whole different affair from letting him look over an injury. It’s not that Laurent’s forgotten Ai’tuoh, he just calculates the risks he takes.

The blonde lags behind, his eyes sliding to the first-aid kit Shion has.]

Will you be using medical supplies? I wouldn’t want to waste them.

[savedbyasong]

Yes I... [He had been about to explain that he knew how to deal with medical situations when he trailed off as he belatedly realised that Laurent hadn't been questioning his skills.

Because of course, why would Laurent want him anywhere near him when he was injured? He was not a healer in Laurent's mind but a destroyer. Someone who would kill and burn. Breathe. His hands shook as he turned to look at Laurent sadly. He should have thought. He had seen him injured and just wanted to help but it probably shouldn't be him... Laurent hadn't said anything, not after the first question. But it was sometimes difficult to remember... Laurent had never treated him differently. But Shion knew he did not trust him. Shouldn't trust him, especially since Shion couldn't promise not to lose control again.

He took another breath, named species of bird, alphabetically. Focussing, he realised Laurent had asked him a question.] It... It depends what is actually wrong, it's not a waste if it is to heal you.

[He blinks at him.] I... if you want me to get someone else... Hinata knows medical things as well, as does Ceej. I could get someone to heal it magically if it's really bad... [Probably not Aster, not that she would refuse to help someone in need but he'd rather not make her. Not when there were other options. Ignis was around.]

[crosslaced]

[This keeps happening. Shion could be an excellent actor- he’s done similar things himself, though that was before puberty made faking innocence unfeasible- or a genuinely kicked puppy. It’s a blurry line that divides two drastically different possibilities, especially if he‘s looking to get back for getting beaten up in Ai’tuoh. Frankly Laurent’s just annoyed Shion has the audacity to look so sad. It’s not even that big of a deal, god, you could save it for when he’s actually being awful.]

Don’t- it’s not personal. A harsher world would rip you apart.

Frankly, I’d prefer no one see the state of my injuries at all. I’ll look for a magical healer.

[savedbyasong]

[A harsher world would rip you apart. The words hit hard. Because they were true. Shion was not made for harsh realities. He had been born an elite, blind to the suffering of others. The real world. It had been years and he still couldn't... He was still not someone who could survive on his own.

If he could he wouldn't be so... He wouldn't be like this. Would be able to get through a party without tears pricking his eyes and his thoughts swirling into dark thoughts. He wouldn't be in this situation because he wouldn't be out of control, would have enough of a grip of his emotion to not lose control, wouldn't freeze, crumble when anything hard came up.

Because Laurent was right.]

It already did.

[It's a tiny sound. He needs to breathe. It hurts so much because it's true. A harsher world ripped Shion apart and he stood here as the pieces that had been put back together far too many times. He turns to leave. Tears are not shameful but he won't cry in front of Laurent.

He does pause after a few steps though.] If... If you can't find anyone please come and find me. I'd rather you were not in pain.

[crosslaced]

[He’s going to be hearing about this from Aster in the morning.

Funny how it keeps coming back to him burning bridges every time he opens his mouth. He’s made some guy cry again and he’d pretend he enjoyed it, if you asked, but he wasn’t even trying this time. He just can’t stop stabbing people. Laurent would think about backpedalling, fixing it, the things Damen can do like breathing, but he tries to think of the words and his mind draws a blank.

At the very least, he doesn’t react to Shion’s breakdown at all. even if his response sounds really stilted.]

… there is no shame in slow starts- or, um, choosing not to, even.

Rest assured that I am very good at staying alive.

[piercetheheart]

[Probably the last person Laurent wants to see after that is Gladio but he's been on the beach for the last few minutes, eagle tattoo glowing golden in the dying light, cheering and whooping. Laurent staggers up the beach and Gladio almost touches him, pausing awkwardly in front of him, grinning and holding his hand up for a high five since he's not quite drunk enough to help himself to a bro pat or one armed hug.]

Damn, Laur! Ya did good~

[crosslaced]

[Oh no, he’s knifeless today and the smallest blade he has is his sword. That’s definitely a bad option. Laurent scoots back defensively when he realises who it is, saying nothing but hissing through his body language.

Is Gladio swaying? ]

…. of course. I'm always this good. [Gladio obviously wants him to do something but he has no idea what a high-five is and frankly is in too much pain to guess. Laurent just stares at the hand.] What?

[piercetheheart]

[Okay that was adorable. Y'know Laurent you're kinda like a rat terrier. Tiny and cute but vicious and efficient.

And... fuck he's tipsy enough that the failed high five turns into actual legitimate fingerguns.

Thank the gods Ignis cannot see this walking disaster.]

Look at you, littlest badass. [Stops, considers.] Okay not littlest that'd be my sis but still.

[crosslaced]

[What??? What?????????? Whatever that mistake was with his hands, Laurent’s just going to ignore it. ]

My size is the usual. It’s you that’s too big.

[At least he doesn’t sound genuinely hostile here, just ‘stop kicking me in my sleep bro’ annoyed. But seriously why are large people like this??? Laurent’s no smaller than the average adult on the street, and these fucks keep coming up to him and calling him the cutest murder chihuahua. He’s @-ing you too, Damen. He’s at least a collie. ]

[piercetheheart]

[Fiercest ratter Laurent. Still, he laughs, grinning at the blond.]

Fair enough! [He's not going to argue that. There's a reason they call him a behemoth. ]

Prettiest badass, maybe? No... that's Iggy. Hmmm [Why is he thinking so hard on this?]

[crosslaced]

Leave the title of fairest to Ignis.

[Gladio still hasn’t noticed Laurent’s injury. The blonde is finally realising that his conversation partner might be… drunk, considering Gladio's entire demeanour. It works out for him, actually. Maybe Laurent can pretend he’s not in non-negligible pain and Gladio will leave him alone after a while.

It’s kind of annoying that Gladio thinks Ignis is prettier than him, but on second thought, this is also good. Let Ignis deal with the half dozen people queuing to get into his bed.]

My favourite epithet is ‘cast-iron bitch’.

[piercetheheart]

[Well Gladio's the one that made that bed so everyone else has to wait.

See if Laurent were to give any more clear indication of the fact that he's in pain Gladio would be bellowing for Ignis to come fix him. But since he's hiding it so well the behemoth is content to just smile and chatter on, utterly undeterred by Laurent's attitude.]

Cast-iron bitch? Damn that's a good one.

[crosslaced]

My men gave it to me.

[There’s satisfaction in his voice, maybe even pride. It’s a bit strained because there’s also probably a broken arm involved but in this state, it’s unlikely Gladio will pass that perception check. The point is, the Guard’s nicknames live on in the multiverse as they deserve.]

What’s- your nickname, then?

[tigershark, cw: injury] I don't mind if my heart is broken to pieces.

[shatteredlenses]

(OOC: Don't worry. I don't do any significant action in first tag unless it's been cleared with the mun beforehand. Besides, after their last conversation, Igs is feeling a little less like healing than usual for some reason. LOL!)

[There's a rock a little ways in from where this has all been going down. The person sitting on it has no clear line of sight to the action, but he doesn't need it. He can hear well enough to know what is going on and when everything finally comes to a finish.

Honestly, Ignis thinks it's a foolish--not to mention risky--way to boost one's ego, but common sense doesn't generally come into play when one's pride is on the line.

He's not very surprised when he hears the unevenness in Laurent's footsteps. Even crossing sand shouldn't cause that. Normally, the chance that someone could be injured would have him drawing up his healing magic without thought, but not this time. Ignis is still feeling less than charitable after their last conversation.

And it may or may not be completely on purpose that he has set this conversation up like that one. Here he sits on a rock as Laurent crosses the sand in his direction. It's not night, but there is still enough familiarity in the setting to call back to their last meeting.]

Bravo! You bested a wild animal. What an amazing show of prowess!

[crosslaced]

[The footsteps stop. There is a period of silence where Laurent turns around to face Ignis, sitting there so secure in his own righteousness, and considers going at it anyway. His injury is not an issue here. But- the issue is Damen, who needs him to be better than his own desires. Laurent’s thought about it. It’s safest to just stay away from Ignis for now, even if it means letting him think he’s won.

There is very little indication that anything is wrong, but when the blonde raises his voice to be heard there’s a slight sense that the clear tone is being pushed out, uncomfortably.]

I don’t want to talk to you.

[Then the footsteps continue in the opposite direction, still uneven. ]

[shatteredlenses]

[Ignis can't help but be surprised by Laurent's response. The blonde had been ready to fight the other night, but now he is just going to walk away? He can understand if Laurent is tired after that, but this seems like more than that.

For a moment, he listens to that unsteady gait and then his hostility bleeds away and Ignis realizes exactly what's going on. He stands and takes a few steps after the blonde before speaking.]

You're hurt, and I don't suppose you're planning on seeing a healer, are you?

[crosslaced]

Don’t follow me.

[Ignis had been fun to banter with, but Laurent can’t afford openly antagonising him. There’s no venom in his voice- no snide half-rebuttals- just straightforward distrust. Straightforward unwillingness to engage. He’s had enough blowback with Gladio as is.]

I’m looking for one right now. One that isn’t you. You’ve made the new nature of our relationship abundantly clear.

[shatteredlenses]

Funny, I'm fairly certain you're the one who drew that line in the sand. I'm the one who tried to convince you differently.

[And got a little carried away in the process. Honestly, Ignis should be ashamed he let something as petty as anger slow him from healing someone who obviously needs it.

Still, he does stop following Laurent for the moment, arms crossed loosely over his chest.]

There is no reason for you to drag yourself hurt across the beach just to prove a point. Surely, even you can see that.

[crosslaced]

[Ignis certainly did more than that, and it pisses him off to have things painted like that again. He’s always the one at fault, of course, and Scientia is a goddamn angel and everyone will believe this.

But whatever. Ignis was never a truly safe person to be around because he knew something like this might happen. Laurent is sure to keep out of healing range when he pauses.]

Fine, say what you will. Just stay away from me.

[He’s very serious about proving points. But really, leave him alone he’s serious about that too, finally.]

[shatteredlenses]

I'm not certain what you want me to say. I think we both know should I apologize for letting my emotions get the best of me, you won't believe it.

[He pauses for a moment, voice genuine when he does continue.]

For what little it may be worth to you, I do apologize. Gladio means as much to me as Damen means to you. Wouldn't you have been frustrated beyond measure if you tried to understand why a friend stabbed Damen only to be met with evasions?

[Almost as soon as Ignis finishes the question, he uncrosses his arm and raises a hand.]

Don't answer that. It's meant as an explanation, not an excuse.

[crosslaced]

[Damen has been stabbed many times and tbh most of it is at least partially his own fault. Still, Laurent will look after him.]

It’s not that complicated.

[It doesn’t have to be complicated, he means. That’s the benefit of assumptions- they’re simple, they’re probably true, and you’re probably in the right. It works out. His voice is softer, relenting on his tone a bit; it’s very slightly tired. Because tigershark, you know.]

I care for neither. [The footsteps start again, slowly.] As long as there won’t be further missteps- as long as we're separated.