you and me in the moonlight

[crosslaced]

Who: You!
What: A year end party MINGLELOG to help everyone recover from the Shit we’ve been through.
When: Forwarddated to Nov 24
Where: Enso E4, close to the ST Temple
Warnings: Mark as necessary, but none expected.

As the end of November draws near…… it’s time for that player plot the mods hinted at in their latest announcement.

Laurent’s Witch Labyrinth! -no, actually, it’s just a party.

[preparation]

All day on the 24th people are hard at work setting up on the golden beaches of Enso. The Storyteller’s Temple can be seen from the site and vice versa; it’s just a short walk away. There’s quite a bit to be done, so every extra pair of hands are welcome!

[the party]

As evening falls, a series of torches light up the party site for the lost; most prominent are the three large campfires spaced out across the beach, offering a variety of gathering spots for those who don’t like the loud partying going on at the other one.

There’s more than enough food to go around. An entire Cariborn is being dug up from the sandy soil way up the beach, having been roasted in the ground. There’s a wide variety spread out on tables… of handwaved origin… maybe they’re the ones left around from 4/20?? It’s probably fine. Herb- baked vegetables, fresh fruits, meat of various types, pizza!! and yes, Muffet’s Magic Blackberry Alcohol abound.

We’ve also got party favors. Amongst them, it seems like..... owo are these sparklers?

Come hang out! It’s a well-deserved break.

[activities]

The children (and adults so-inclined) have some cute party games to have fun with. There’s a simple little ringtoss area set up, with rings that aren’t even proper circles (listen, Laurent tried) and wooden stakes in the ground to be ringed.

Across the wide stretch of sand there's a lot that can be done- want to build some sandcastles? Pick some shells? Fight some crabs? The beach is dotted with doodles in the sand, inviting you to join in.

The biggest attraction is perhaps the petting zoo- well, it’s a cluster of animals just hanging out, but you get the idea. Located far up on the beach and away from the danger of the waves, the petting zoo has three whole Chocobos, two whole Tigerlilies (one of which is clearly guarding the Chocobos), and one whole horse. Sometimes two horses, but the grey wandering one is wearing a plaque that says “I BITE. PET ME CAREFULLY.”

[storyteller?]

Yes, ST-chan is invited! I’m leaving it to them to top-level or tag out at their leisure. Keep an eye out for the bunny god, they’re Coming.

Comments

[devilstongue]

[ Pardon this gaudy bastard, he's admiring the tattoos. Was this the guy that Prompto had mentioned? The shirt is a disappointment, but hey. Molly will take what he can get.

His own tattoos are even more on display than usual thanks to his ridiculous crop top, colors brightening his right arm and all the way up to the side of his face. ]

That's some good work. Love the monochrome.

[ Is he flirting? Is he serious? Both?? ]

[piercetheheart]

[Look shirts are super optional when it comes to Gladio. As soon as someone's expressing appreciation for the eagle he's quick to peel the tank top off, stuffing it through his belt to dangle from one hip.

It says a lot about how much he's adapted here that he doesn't even do a double take at this daemon looking fucker. Weird shit? check. Actually don't mind him getting closer, Molly. He's gotta lean in and get a good look at your ink in return.]

Family tradition... damn that's some good color work. It's gotta be harder when you're not working off a neutral base and...

[Touching has gotten him stabbed in the gut but does he learn? No. Of course not. Please don't shank him for touching the eye of one of those feathers on your arm, Molly. That vibrant splash of yellow is so impressive.]

[devilstongue]

[ Molly is every so thankful for the shirt optional mood, because damn., it really was a work of art.

...and so were the tattoos.

He's not in the business of stabbing people who touch him unless it is seriously unwanted, so this just makes him preen just like the peacock that sits on his shoulder, tail running all the way up to the side of his face. The arm under the peacock shoulder is full of snapdragons and flowers, as well as a snake coiling around it all the way down to rest its head on Molly's hand, like it's about to bite it. ]

It took time and skilled hands to make sure it pops like that, I had to go to some more colorful folk for techniques that worked... but fuck, your lines are so nice and crisp! Did you have the same artists for all of it?

[ Since Gladio touches, Molly's gonna touch right back, claw-like nails examining a feather happily. ]

[piercetheheart]

Same master that did my dad's and his apprentice helped out a little. And this is sixteen years old, never mind how much broader I am now than when it was done.

[It's really impressive work but it's also a design that Amicitias have worn for generations, it wasn't something that needed to be designed to grow with him, they already knew how best to layer the feathers to expand appropriately.

Gladio's fingers drift down Molly's arm, from the peacock down to the snapdragons. His brow raises, a smirk tugging at his lips. He's clearly very amused.]

That's one hell of a statement.

Guessing you usually keep that one hidden?

[devilstongue]

Sixteen years and still this good?

[ So he might not quite know how tattoos mellow with time, because his are just a year or so old. These lines seemed to hold up great, though, even when the guy had filled out. (And he sure had, Molly feels about half of his width and it's stupidly attractive.)

Gladio's words makes the tiefling pause from his shameless admiring of everything and look back at the man's face. He's a tad bit confused for a moment, but then his features lights up a little. This guy knew what they meant?]

Oh, I do mostly wear sleeves. I'm as fascinating man, after all, prone to deception~!

[piercetheheart]

And plenty gracious when it suits you, I'm sure.

[Gladio grins at that, finally offering his hand out for a handshake.]

Gladiolus Amicitia, Shield and resident survivalist so if you've got any ideas for improvements I can probably help.

[devilstongue]

Of course! Gracious is my middle name.

[ It... really isn't, in any shape of the word. Molly does take that hand, however, giving it a shake as his tail swishes slightly in excitement. That was a mouthful of a name, but he likes it. ]

Mollymauk 'Gracious' Tealeaf, wondrous carnie, fortune-teller and member of the Mighty Nein!

[ The bow is a whole show of colors and textures. You'd almost expect glitter and music. ]

I have no ideas for improvements of anything because I barely understand this place as it is, but I'm more than happy to learn.

[piercetheheart]

Fortune-teller, huh?

[That part makes Gladio smirk, curious what Molly would think of his future but so much of that is already set in stone that he doesn't really need it rehashed.]

Well you think of anything you want we might be able to work something out. I'm pretty good with the construction side of things and I got a buddy, Prompto, he's good with tech shit. All goes way over my head.

[Just casually talking up Prom, nothing weird here.]

[devilstongue]

The very best!

[ He says with a wink - it's a complete scam, don't let him fool you, Gladio. ]

I would sell my soul for a bathhouse, but putting a roof over everyone's heads seem like the first priority here. Prompto is a good guy, I 've met him.

[ Saved his ass during the stampede and then called him a demon, but they sorted that out. ]

[piercetheheart]

Harv's done a helluva lot on the housing front, better and faster than I could on my own.

[Which gives them a lot more time and options for other projects now.]

The showers I set up aren't going to hold out, though. not indefinitely. [His expression brightens though, smile taking on a slightly mischievous slant.]

Oh! You already met Prom? Yeah, great guy. My best friend after Igs. [And Iggy doesn't count because boyfriend.]

[devilstongue]

Me and my people found a house with a roof, so we're at least halfway to a decadent lifestyle already.

[ Not said without some bitterness. He might be raised on the roads, but it doesn't mean he likes roughing it. ]

If we can scrounge up some soap I'll live.

[ Hopefully. ]

Ah, yes! He's been really helpful. Showed me those chickens.

[ Molly points over to the petting zoo and the chocobo there. ]

Are you from the same world, then?

[piercetheheart]

I got you covered. Soaps and beds even.

[Wait wait wait

Chickens?

DID YOU JUST CALL HIS PERFECT DAUGHTER A CHICKEN!?!?!?]

Chicken!?

They're chocobos, Molly. I get a lot of you don't have chocobos but they don't look anything like chickens!

[He's supposed to be trying to set Prom up or something but this is a travesty that must be corrected.]

[devilstongue]

Soap?

[ He loves you now, G-

-oooops, seems he's made a mistake. Molly holds his hands out in a calming gesture, looking apologetic. ]

My apologies! Most birds kind of remind me of chickens, but I'm just a simple carnie, and these are new to me. It doesn't mean I don't find them lovely.

[piercetheheart]

[A little chemist station is, in fact, one of the things he worked out with Harv so that he could make ash soaps. He's not talented enough for lye but coconut oil, ash, and herbs still makes for a decent soap.]

Even the girls are what? Three times the size of chickens. I know she doesn't look as impressive right now, half down and half mature feathering but Ti's gonna be a beauty.

[Don't call her a chicken, she's glorious and perfect.]

Coco's almost full grown, too. Not that he's gonna be as big as Hresvelgr, black birds are always more impressive, but as far as I've heard you can't ride chickens.

[They.... don't actually have chickens on Eos.]

[devilstongue]

[ His skin and clothes are screaming for a soak, bless you Gladio.

Listening to him talk about the birds, there's a slightly bemused but not bad smile on his face. It was pretty nice to hear the guy fawn about the creatures like that, even if Molly didn't get it. Kind of like Caleb when getting started about Frumpkin. ]

I can't imagine how big they'll be since I have no frame of reference, but I'm sure it's impressive. Not as sure how on earth you'll ride them, though? Won't they break?

[ Topic change! ]

[piercetheheart]

[He might look like a big burly thug but he's a hopeless romantic and he is utterly infatuated with his birbs. Tough on the outside, squishy on the inside.]

Chocobos are tough as nails. They've got a warrior's spirit. And once they're full grow they're big enough to pull carts or carry a person and their gear.

A black bird might even be able to handle two riders for a bit.

[devilstongue]

Huh. I'd like to see that.

[ Not even this place or death is going to stop Mollymauk Tealeaf from wanting to Try Everything. Bird riding is getting a slot on his bucket list. Post-bucket list? Whatever. ]

Really? Prompto talked a bit about them, but is it going to work without tack? I have a feeling grabbing eathers is gonna piss them off.

[piercetheheart]

I can make a halter out of the leather we've got here.

[It'll be bright teal like the shorts he's made from cariborn hide but still doable.]

They're not that bad to ride without a saddle. Once they're a bit bigger though I'll ask if someone can form a base for me out of wood and I can do the leather working over it. Not gonna be the best but I should be able to work out a halfway decent one.