lifeaftr | June Aftermath: Magic Lantern Strange

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June Aftermath: Magic Lantern Strange

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 )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"So your world is organized by clans? Or is it more than just the world?" Ignis remembers the spaceport in the 'perfect' version of Dagger's world which implies space travel was common for he and his people.

"Is it prying too much to ask you to tell me about your and your wife's clans?"

"Andaria, the planet I was born and raised on, is organized by bloodlines. The whole society is based on a caste system organized by bloodline. Having a good bloodline and mating to increase your standing is a big prestige thing."

It was another thing that had been so screwed up about his childhood. Bloodlines and caste were so important, yet his hadn't mattered. His family hadn't given a crap about his honor.

"My wife is from the Altaan family. They're fyrebloods. The entire bloodline was hunted down, and for a long time we thought they were extinct. None of them live on Andaria anymore that I know of. Altaan is an incredibly well respected family. Ushara's grandmother is the head of household for the entire bloodline. Mine is..."

How was he supposed to explain the mess that was his bloodline?

"A little more complicated."

"Yes, I guessed as much." It wasn't hard to do so after the strong reaction that Dagger had to not finding the rooms he was looking for in the dream--a reaction that was strong enough to shatter the false world around them and send them tumbling back into wakefulness.

"Why don't we leave complicated matters for another night? This one is suppose to be for relaxation and celebration." At least, it's that for most. For Ignis, it's also been one of remembrance.

"You said your wife's clan was fyreblood? Perhaps I'm assuming too much, but was it her who taught you how to use fire like you did in the dream?" He's making that assumption from more than the name, of course. The ability to use fire in such an easy way could very well make them a target to be hunted by others who saw it as a threat.

A slow smile spread across Jullien's face at the thought of his wife. He'd breathed fire for the first time when he'd been in bed with her. It had shocked both of them since neither had known he too had fyreblood in his genes.

"Everything I know about it. I didn't even understand what was happening to me the first time. She taught me everything about it after that."

"I can only imagine having that kind of power suddenly manifest would be very confusing. Hopefully, there wasn't too much collateral damage," Ignis laughs, meaning it as a joke, but if he knew WHEN it first happened, he would hope with much more sincerity.

"Obvious magical powers aside, I suspect she must be quite the firebrand herself to keep up with you. Am I right?"

"She's the vice admiral of the entire Gorturnum nation. She can definitely handle herself and take it to whoever she needs to."

She'd given him a piece of her mind more than once before. He knows it won't be the last time either.

"Nobody messes around with Ushara."

Expect him. He pushes her buttons all the time. How she manages to love him despite that he has no idea.

"Impressive indeed," Ignis smiles as he listens to Dagger talk about his wife. As hard as it is for him to trust and as hurt as he seems to have been, Ignis worried he was alone back home. To know there is someone who sees through all that and loves him is a relief. No one should have to face life alone.

"You must miss her terribly. Do you think she'd like a place like this or would it drive her crazy?"

"I do. More than you can imagine."

Not only does he miss her, he also fears that his disappearance here could seriously hurt her. He's left before and vanished for long period time thanks to his screwed up sense of self worth. He knew that had hurt her, and she'd berated him terribly for it. This time hadn't been his fault, but she could easily be hurt by it regardless.

"She wouldn't like being away from her family, and this place is so different from what we're used to."

Ignis nods in understanding, "This place is different from what most all of us are used to. Has anyone told you time apparently stops back home while we are away? I've actually experienced it myself. I'm not sure I would believe it otherwise. Hopefully, she won't even know you are gone."

It doesn't help Dagger with missing her, but perhaps it will ease his mind a little to know she won't likely have to miss him.

"I've heard it, not sure I believe it."

Though the fact that Ignis had actually experienced it meant something. Maybe he could really trust that time moved differently in both locations. Things like that weren't possible where he was from though. Time moved forward whether you wanted it to or not.

Ignis chuckles softly, "I experienced it and I'm still not sure I believe it. It's an impossible concept and yet I can't deny it happened. Truly, it's rather frightening to think of some being having that much power over our worlds. What's to keep them from just destroying them all together if they can stop the flow of time so easily?"

"How about we... not think about that? It's just fucking terrifying."

There are more than enough ways to completely destroy a planet where he's from, but magic isn't something that truly exists. The closest thing that he knows is Trisani abilities. Those aren't technically magic either, though it can seem that way to people who don't understand them.

Ignis' expression grows apologetic and he nods, "You're right. I'm sorry for bringing up such a terrible prospect."

He's been trained to look at all prospects his whole life, so his brain considers them with or without his permission. That doesn't mean he should make others deal with them, though.

"The clan symbols we were talking about before. Do they mean anything aside from distinguishing visually what clan you are from or aligned with?"

Jullien has been through enough terrible prospects in his life. They were just possibilities either. He'd lived most of them. The rest were pretty much guaranteed under the right circumstances.

"Mostly that. Andarian's put a lot of a stock in pride. Wearing your clan symbols are a pride thing, especially if you have good bloodlines."

"Much like the black and the skulls on my uniform then. They show the pride I have in my ties to the Crown." Noctis and King Regis. They are his family just as much as his uncle had been, which explains why he still wears a skull--the pendant resting dark against his skin--even now when he is dressed in lighter and more casual clothing.

"I thank you for humoring so many of my questions," Ignis has many more, but he doesn't want to push too far without offering something in return. "Are there any you would ask me?"

"Be glad you're from a country where the crown is something to take pride in being a part of."

That says something about Jullien's world. Where he's from being loyal to the crown doesn't always mean good things. Of course the crown doesn't necessarily mean good things either. Rulers aren't always just.

"Why the hell are you hanging around with me? Unless this is a plot to kill me, which you aren't doing a very good job at if it is."

"Rest assured, I most certainly am."

Regis was in no way perfect, but his heart was in the right place. He had done the best that any man could have done in difficult circumstances. No matter how much people may question the 'rightness' of having a six-year-old to devote his life to that of another, the fact remains that it was done with the best of intentions. Both for Noctis and for Lucis--for Eos, even--as a whole.

Ignis actually has to hold back a laugh at the question. Ah yes, there is the Dagger he's come to know.

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd be a lot more straight forward about it. I may be a trained politician, but I don't stand for threats to me or mine. You are neither of those things."

"Well, I'll add you to that short list then. Most people who want to kill me aren't very straight forward about it. They'd prefer to come at my back or pretend they give a crap."

Not that either of those methods worked well. Jules has long since stopped trusting anyone, and that was before he could read people's minds.

"I'm Andarian. We're pretty much synonymous with threatening, and we consider human a delicacy."

Edited 2018-07-13 01:01 (UTC)

Ignis tsks softly, shaking his head, "No wonder you would rather live alone and not trust anyone. I highly doubt it means anything, but I'm sorry you had to deal with all that."

Yes, Ignis remembers Dagger saying he earned some of it, but at the same time, how could someone treated that way all their lives, not eventually earn some of it? If Dagger hadn't fought back in some way, he wouldn't still be alive.

"Oh, do you now?" He can't help but chuckle, "I will be certain to count my fingers and toes when we are done with this conversation. What makes Andarians so different from humans besides their choice of favorite food?"

"We're more interested in your organs really. Much better eating."

Not that Jules had ever had human. He's a hybrid after all. That would just be weird. Besides, he is hated enough without partaking in that particular cuisine.

He's about to ask if Ignis can't just tell by looking before he realizes Ignis couldn't tell since he can't see.

"We're a lot bigger. Both height and width wise. Even a teenage male is around 250 pounds and nearing 7 foot tall. We don't have colored irises like humans. They're all pure white with a red rim. A few of us with the stralen gene have glowing red eyes. The fangs and claws are a pretty good giveaway too. Aside from just appearances, Andarians are physically stronger than humans. We have better night vision and hearing. Then there's the traditions and culture that are totally different. Basically our two races are just alike enough to breed."

He shrugs like that last statement isn't a big deal. But it is. He's proof of that ability to breed together, and he's hated because of it. His very existence reminds both races that they are more similar than either of them want to admit.

As he listens to Dagger explain the differences between his people and humans, Ignis' face brightens with sudden understanding. It's like he's just gotten a few pieces of a puzzle he was missing before.

"That's why your footsteps are so heavy! Why, even your teenagers are larger than my friend Gladio and he's no small man. His family has been the Shield to the Crown for centuries. I don't know that they know how to breed small," Ignis grins as he shakes his head. Perhaps he shouldn't be so at ease considering what--or who--Andarians eat, but he gets the feeling that if Dagger was really going to snack on him or anyone else, he would have done so by now. Besides, there's something about that last comment that makes Ignis connect a few more dots aside from why Dagger had moved like he did when they met on the ice on Mu so long ago.

"You're not a full-blood, are you? That's why they hated you."

"My footsteps are so heavy because you're blind. And you haven't tried to kill me yet."

In more direct words, he's doing it to be courteous so Ignis knows where he is. Most of the time he walks in complete silence no matter how large he is. It's a skill he's used, and needed, since childhood.

"No. I'm a disgusting hybrid that shouldn't even exist, but that's only one of the reasons they all hate me."

"I thank you for being so considerate, though I have a feeling I might surprise you with how well I hear things around me even when people aren't trying to be courteous."

Is this his way of saying that he wants to see if Dagger actually can try to sneak up on him? Maybe.

His good mood falters when Dagger confirms what he'd kind of hoped he wouldn't.

"Everyone deserves to exist. It doesn't matter what their heritage is or how they came to be. They still deserve the life they were given," Ignis' voice is very insistent, almost as if he has thought about this a great deal. That is because he has. Ever since he learned about Prompto's true origins, he's thought about it and how much his blonde friend looks down at himself because of how he came to be. Hopefully someday they can give him the confidence to believe he's as worthy of life and happiness as they are.

"Maybe. Maybe not."

Whether Dagger means Ignis would surprise him or be able to track him... or not, isn't really clear. Perhaps both.

Their conversation doesn't seem funny. Not in the least. In fact, there's not a single point in it that should cause laughter... And yet Jules bursts out into hysterical chuckles.

"Everyone would have been better off if I didn't exist, me especially."

Ignis can't help but frown at that answer, shaking his head, "At the risk of sounding like any number of bad family movies or self-help books, your life has more value than you know. Do you honestly believe your wife would be better off without having ever met you? Life is full of hurt, but it's also full of love. One cannot exist without the other."

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