❪ introlog: #2 ❫ THE CALM.

[natha]

OVERFLOW

You have spent the last few days on Thesa Station, taking in the knowledge that your world is no more. Perhaps you’ve made some friends (or maybe an enemy or two). Either way, you aren’t expected to spend all of your time on the Station. El Nysa needs you, after all, and you promised you’d help the planet thrive. Are you ready? Submit any AC eligible thread of participating in this log's prompts for Two (2) Olympia REP points HERE. TRAVEL LIGHT     You're really lucky, new refugee. Because of the efforts of those that came before you, your own descent into El Nysa will be quick and relatively painless. You get to reap the benefits of others' experience. Those that came before you are all well-versed in the art of teleportation now, and descending into El Nysa is simply a concentrated thought away. A teleporter has been placed in the common areas to help the new refugees descend, but for this first time, you're going to need a little guidance. You're going to need to take the hand of someone who has been on El Nysa for a while now and learn the ropes. Hold on tight, Refugee, and don't be afraid when the blinding light hits you. The actual journey will feel like a sudden whiplash— painless, but sudden, and maybe a little nauseating. Keeping your balance may be difficult, and it’s possible you might end up toppling onto your poor partner. Hopefully you’re at least thankful. You have landed in a back alley in the Residential District of Olympia. HOME SWEET HOME     Immediately, you notice that everything you've been told about El Nysa is true. There are people of all races here, and although no one bats an eye at your appearance as you enter the district, a member of the Royal Guard asks for your passport. They have a keen eye, and can tell that although you may be a new refugee to their city, they've never seen you before. Certain rumors of an outside force making preparations to do some major damage has them particularly on edge. It's a good thing the Orbiters made sure you have an Olympian passport ready to go. You present it, and with a small nod, the Guard says nothing more and slaps a patch on your chest; to your surprise, it reads: Hello! My name is ________________! I am in House #___! Are you my housemate? ... No matter how much you try, there's no removing this sticker. "It'll come off tomorrow," says the guardkeep. "Lots of refugees here, limited housing. It's an easy way to get to know the people you're living with. Though, if you ask me, why are we accepting so many foreigners when so many want to watch this city burn? Well, I don’t give the orders." If someone greets you, the message on the patch will magically change: Secretly, I _____, _____, and _____! What are yours? There's no telling how they'd known these things, but it likely has to do with Zasere. AGAIN. It may be a good idea to get situated in your new home and set down some ground rules with your roommates. There is also, of course, much of Olympia to explore. FLONA COVE     Word around the city is that one very cute and enthusiastic Olympian, You Watanabe, has been asking around earnestly for the nearest place to find some coastal fun. It didn't take long before a few locals pointed her in the direction of Flona Cove. Maybe it’s a good idea to check out the area. There are only a few more days left of summer, after all. Even if you're not the beach type, exploring a new area certainly can't hurt your understanding of El Nysa. Flona Cove is just a quick train ride away. BEACH PARTY: Chances are, you've heard about the beach party being organized by You Watanabe, whether it be from her directly or someone who knows her. A lot of careful planning has gone into it, and it looks like a great time, so why not check it out? Full speed ahead towards a great time! There's plenty of food for everyone, and plenty of watermelons that need splitting! 1. Various food vendors from around Flona Cove have agreed to offer free food for the new refugees, and they line the shoreline near the harbor, enthusiastically offering goodies such as seafood kabobs, ice cream, fresh fruit (including whole watermelons!), and hot dogs. You Watanabe herself has a grill where she’s cheerfully serving up her trademark "Niceoodles" yakisoba as well as other Japanese food like takoyaki and rice. What makes her noodles so nice? It’s obviously the cheerful smiley-face sun drawn on the omelette. In exchange, the chefs and vendors only ask that you spread the word, though most of them have buckets for donations if you want to help chip back in. After the party is all done, however, there seem to be plenty of dishes that need doing, all in a big pile. You herself is working on getting through the mountain of dishes, but maybe you could lend a hand? 2. It's just not a beach party without the traditional watermelon splitting! For those of you who don't come from modern Japan on Earth, it might be perplexing at first seeing the literal mountain of watermelons grown with the help of Keyleth, another recent Olympian. If the bat-like sticks and blindfolds next to them don’t explain the purpose, though, you might just sit back and watch as a brave competitor sets a watermelon on the sand, ties a blindfold around their eyes, and has people start yelling at them which way to go. They consider the shouts of the crowd, take a swing... and strike nothing but sand. Perhaps you can do better? There are beach activities galore. Now's the time to build the sandcastle of your dreams or play a game of beach volleyball. Maybe you're brave enough to surf the waves, or you’d just like to enjoy a swim. Mom friends who just want to lounge in the sun and read a book while working on their tan are welcome too, of course. BENEATH THE SURFACE: 1. Diving beneath the waters in Flona Cove yield a whole new world on its own. Rent a scuba suit and take a trip to explore the corals, and you may even be lucky enough to run into a playful school of dolphins. Be careful-- they tend to get carried away and will happily drag swimmers for a wild ride. 2. You might want a boat for this scuba adventure, unless you're a strong swimmer. Venture deeper into the ocean, farther away from the coast, and adventurers will find some interesting stuff. Two miles southwest of the harbor, deep, deep into the watery abyss, lies a shipwreck. Exploring through the various rooms of the ship yields a few knick-knacks here and there-- rusted spare parts, cracked tea sets... a surprisingly well-preserved pin-up painting of Koralle? The real treasure awaits for those who have the courage to swim beneath the ship's hull. Here, covered in algae and debris, lies the skeletal corpse of a winged, fanged, clawed beast. This is only a distant memory of its former glory, as nothing but bones are left, but something— something brilliant, catches your eye. Those hundreds of teeth are not bone, but a material so lustrous and pure, it nearly blinds. It will take some work, but with persistence and strength, it is possible to extract a tooth. Those that work in Simwe Institute or The Sanctuary may find it beneficial to take an extra for their boss— this is definitely something that is of interest to study. 3. Olympians love their luxury. There's nothing more luxurious than a secluded lagoon, the water at just the perfect temperature and pristine. This is one of the most sought-after spots for the natives, but when you come across it, it is completely peaceful and empty. For the tourists? Well, this place simply gets overlooked due to its distance from the main beaches. It's also relatively hidden. Soon you start feeling oddly friendly? Cupid’s Pool is also described by the people of Olympia as the touchy-feely pool. It has an inherent property that makes those who soak in it crave physical affection. Chances are you probably wanted to know this before you decided to take a dip, huh? (Please warn for threads appropriately) EARN SOME SILVER     1. While many of the locals came together to offer their hands to provide a bit of entertainment for the surge in tourism, that isn’t to state that they’re fully staffed. Have a few hours to spare? They're willing to pay for your help. Maybe you’re just the cooking champ they needed? The lifeguard who showed up just in time? Or the star salesman at their humble accessory shop so desired? 2. The man who approaches you is even offering more than most of the vendors down the street. Sure, the guy and his entourage look kind of shady, but money is money, isn't it? If you accept, he’ll shove a strange swimsuit or two your way and lead you to the dressing room. What kind of job is this? Modeling, he says. Hopefully you aren’t camera shy! Hey there, hot stuff. I like your look. Or maybe it's your... aura? Either way, I like what you're working with. How about you flaunt what you've got for some fat silver stacks? He also wants to be able to test your charm, and is willing to pay a whopping 400 silver in exchange. He may even ask you to go "talk" (did you hear him say "hit on"?) to a couple of people, and “sell” yourself. Whatever that means... Incidentally, he says he’ll give you a signal once you get a pass. Feels like forever, doesn’t it? 3. Once night begins to fall and the people gradually begin to clear out, you’ll notice something... odd. There are some shady looking people around, and maybe you’ve been hearing whispers all day about a certain "fight club." Initially, no one will tell you a time or location, but if you are persistent, your efforts will pay off. Perhaps in light of helping a vendor clear out their stall or assisting that one Olympian native in distress, they’re willing to tell you a few things about this exclusive club. They explain to you that it’s been a long-standing tradition of Olympia. Secret fight clubs. A place for people to stretch their wings and their fists. Moreover, the pay off seems to be pretty good! Though, they warn you that there are some aggressive competitors out there this time around. Things have been tough politically for a while now, and there is much unrest among the people. What better way to blow off some steam than to beat someone up and make a bit of bank! Fights are not to the death, simply until a knock out, but accidents (and "accidents") do happen. Finding the crowd of people will take some searching, even with directions. They meet along the northern coast of Flona, by following a path leading underground, well away from any civilization. Once you’re there, why not participate? You may find yourself facing off against a fellow refugee. OOC     An AC-eligible thread for 2 OLYMPIAN REP POINTS may be submitted from this log. SUBMIT THE THREAD HERE by OCTOBER 15 11:59 PM EST. In the event of CAPTCHA, we will be providing an overflow. In the event of a second CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. 1 SILVER = 1 US DOLLAR. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[razzledazzles]

[It's like it takes embarrassment for him to register that something is off, here. The words are like a call out, and the slow gesture of his hand makes his heart beat harder, for some reason. That's odd, he thinks, and breathes out a laugh that shows his fangs a little more than normal.]

Trap... [He's, not sure what this is. This guy irritates him, but intrigues him at the same time, but that leaves no reason for him to want to embrace him right now. His fingers twitch a little against Mephisto's shoulders where he's holding him, and then drop away, releasing him from the pin even if everything in his heart is telling him not to let go.

It's so strange, he almost wonders if it's one of Mephisto's weird tricks and abilities, somehow... Did he make him crazy?? He definitely isn't so clingy on his own, right? Appreciating power and looks is one thing, but... his eyes flick down the man and then away as he puts both of his hands up, like see, no trap.]

I'm not the one setting traps.

[meinwaifu]

[Well lookie here, they have something in common! Because it takes Jae-ha suddenly pulling away for Mephisto to realize that little action he did just now. Touching his hair, caressing his cheek, pinned against a wall in a private lagoon at sunset and eyes watching the way the water glistens off his--]

[What is he, a teenager??]

[The sudden realization is enough to actually cause a crack in his usual unflappable facade, averting his gaze as he briefly looks a bit uncomfortable. Maybe even a touch red in the cheeks.]

...oh you're not, hm? Then I suppose I'll just be getting out then.

[--he says, without moving from this spot.]

[razzledazzles]

You haven't moved at all.

[And Jae-Ha hasn't, either, except to move his hands off of Mephisto. He's still unusually close, watching him, and that's why he's lucky enough to see that blush. It's a perfect reason to smash through this denial of his own and call it something else, like teasing.

He leans forward in what little space there is between them, lighting up suddenly as he literally points at Mephisto's face.]

Oh! Your cheeks are red! You're actually blushing! Were you hoping for a kiss, old man?

[meinwaifu]

[He's definitely still not moving, but WOW he's not going to take being teased!! Though he's finding it hard to tease him back when he's pretty much right.]

[But he can certainly play the re-direct game--]

Of course not! Have you forgotten the reason we started this little game in the first place? I'm not exactly at 100% right now, you know.

[razzledazzles]

Don't be shy, now. A beautiful man like me... it makes sense why you've been following me around.

[Nevermind that he got here after Mephisto this time, he will never let him forget that he teleported and scared him out of nowhere. Still, now is the perfect excuse to get closer. He shifts, looping one arm around Mephisto's shoulders and sliding next to him, instead of facing him. He's all up in his space like this, "friendly".]

But it's true... I indulged you, so you were going to tell me a bit more, right?

[meinwaifu]

[TOO CLOSE-- well. Definitely too close in terms of calming that strange uptick in his heart rate. But at the same time, feeling Jae-ha's warm body against his own is satisfying in a way he can't quite put to words. He almost wants to lean into it, but once more, he fights the urge.]

Hmm... I did say that, didn't I? But I'm afraid there really isn't much to tell.

[Not without going into demon bullshit and the joys of stealing a human's body for his own, but their social link isn't ranked high enough yet to unlock that information.]

They're less injuries and more of a chronic condition I've had to deal with for many, many years. And though its progress has currently halted, I'm still left with the nasty aftermath to deal with.

[razzledazzles]

[A chronic condition... that sounds a lot more serious, and it has Jae-Ha looking back down to Mephisto's body to inspect it. Or maybe it's an excuse. It's sort of an excuse, just like it is for him to bring his free hand and touch to the side of one of the bandages on his chest.]

Something that couldn't be "healed" when you were woken up, then. [Like his own injuries were.] Still... this water isn't as salty as the ocean water itself, is it? This particular lagoon, it feels rather... soft, and relaxing.

After all, if you were hurting very much, you'd be climbing out of the water again already, right? You still haven't moved an inch.

[meinwaifu]

I suppose it's not as harsh as the ocean itself would be, no. But I also happen to have a very high tolerance for pain.

[But with his hand against Mephisto's chest, Jae-ha might just feel him take in a soft, quick breath when the bandaged area is touched. With how waterlogged they are by now, some might actually be close to slipping off, particularly around his arms -- which is likely the only reason he's keeping that goofy swimsuit on.]

Honestly, the water is almost relaxing now that I'm used to it. I'm finding it rather difficult to convince myself to get out.

[razzledazzles]

That does sound convenient, but almost a bit boring... I'm not sure I'd like it.

[Pain tolerance... But how strange. They're closer, these words are less teasing, but he's wanting less and less to pull away like his head was telling him to earlier. Maybe it really is something about this water. It's almost dream-like.]

Strange, isn't it... Almost like a drug. [But a lot less unpleasant, thankfully. He's leaning closer without realizing, fingers resting more against Mephisto's skin. He's still wearing his dumb pants and boots himself, so he's not even judging the stupid swimsuit.]

[meinwaifu]

Oh, there's still much fun to be had regardless, I assure you.

[The words of a fellow masochist, clearly. But likewise, his own words have completely lost their edge, instead taking on a soft and almost sensual tone.]

[He can't help but think on Jae-ha's words, repeating them in his head like a question. A drug... is that what's going on here? But when would he have taken such a thing? He feels as though he should be more concerned, but he isn't. Instead, he's easily distracted from voicing any of his concerns by the feeling of Jae-he leaning closer against him.]

[A bit tentatively, almost as if afraid of scaring him off, Mephisto slowly raises a hand to rest on Jae-ha's hip, tugging him just a bit closer -- and maybe even shifting himself in the process so they could face one another once more, though he remains pressed back against the wall regardless.]

Strange... but certainly not unpleasant.

[razzledazzles]

[You know. After everything he's been through lately, this isn't such a bad thing. The desire for physical affection leaks into his own, normal desires, and he's getting out of control, but how can he help that? This guy hasn't moved an inch, and now he's tugging him closer?

He can't look away now. This better not lead to more teasing, he swears— He presses forward with his body to rest flush against Mephisto's, his lips pausing near his ear.]

Just so it's clear, you didn't actually catch me.

[He wants that on RECORD... right now, right here, it's fine.]

[meinwaifu]

Oh, is that so?

[They're well beyond the point of teasing by now. Everything feels warm and dream-like, as though nothing else mattered aside from this moment between them. The tension was heavy, as if the air itself was waiting for something to happen--]

Then perhaps I ought to change that?

[With a swift motion, he loops his arm around Jae-ha's back and hugs him close, his free hand reaching up to the back of Jae-ha's head, tilting it just enough so that he might close the distance between them, stealing his lips for a kiss.]

[razzledazzles]

[Overflow]