❪ introlog: #2 ❫ THE CALM. -- the overflow.

[natha]

ORIGINAL POST

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

Sorry for this being late! I've been pretty sick.

[crosspear]

[...

...well, that's pretty damn cool. He's a little jealous, actually. He could say his much, but the way he stares from behind goggles probably makes that apparent. He nods earnestly, then gestures to his mouth. "You can breathe?" is an important question to ask here, but once he's satisfied that she can, he'll follow her lead.

She's the one who can talk and breathe underwater, after all. It seems like a good idea to let her lead the charge.]

[crosspear]

If he wanted to listen to me, he would've stopped by now.

[This is a bird that thinks he's tough shit, however, and happily prances in the water a little. Look at how much fun he's having in his own personal pool!]

He's...concerned about me. And his idea of concern is to make sure I haven't gone soft by attempting to pick fights. At least, that's what I think he's doing.

[Please don't fight him. He's not equipped for this.]

[ooc; I've been pretty sick, I'm so sorry for the delay.]

I'm sorry, I've been sick!

[crosspear]

[Zeo can be an asshole for a hawk, but he's not trying to get on Jackass. No stealing lit fireworks.]

That's right. We didn't light them where I grew up. There would always be the risk of starting a wildfire. [But. Hmm. He smiles wryly.] I can tell you, but wouldn't you rather be surprised yourself?

[It's up to her. The less she knows, the more fun she might have.]

Re: @dylas

[sullenstallion]

My energy's fine! It's just...you know...!

[He's not used to fighting humans. But, you know, instead of using his words and reaching a normal conclusion like backing out or agreeing to keep it friendly, that sure sounded an awful lot like some sort of taunt. And he doesn't like that, especially not while everyone is screaming at him to start the fight (thankfully, he's better at tuning out sounds now, but it still annoys the piss out of him).

He stands there, not in a fighting stance. His shoulders are slumped, and then that switch in his brain goes off and he slams his fist forward towards Keith's stomach without much warning. Hopefully he was still prepared?]

I'm sorry this is late, I've been sick.

[sullenstallion]

Before...you know.

[That's actually a damn good question. The only answer is "before I'm scandalized," but Dylas is well-aware that would make him stand out even more than he already has. But he also thinks it's for Waver's own good. The guy can't be that old, can he?]

Phew. See? Isn't that better?

[Although...now that he's looking at it...]

Er...when people wear towels like this, they know you're wearing something underneath, right?

I'm sorry for how late this is, I've been sick!

[sullenstallion]

You're giving me way too much credit here.

[But what is this feeling? Instead of being able to dismiss the compliment, he's handed it again. It feels kind of nice being praised. Standing there, he's forced to accept that, hey, it does feel good to hear that his hard work is paying off in the kitchen. It makes him feel a little awkward, having any kind of spotlight on him, and he rubs his neck.

But it feels nice.]

But...I have been working on those for a while. Thanks. But you're out of luck. I bake for the children in the Sanctuary, so unless you're sick...

[Ugh. His tail swishes a few times as he tries to make up his mind here.]

I could bring you some, though, since you're making such a big deal out of them.

[It is so hard to remain cool and aloof in the face of so much positivity.]

[sullenstallion]

Is that supposed to be a splash, girlie?

[He's not trying to sound condescending or sexist, but if she's going to call him "Mister" then that seems like the appropriate comeback. He only has to crane his neck away to leave the water splashing on his chest and the side of his neck. Look at how he smirks, using his height to his advantage in the water...

...right before he strikes back. He ducks low and turns his body with his arm in the water, sending more water her way than before.]

Try something like this!

Hey, sorry for being slow! I've been sick.

[sullenstallion]

Huh. You still look like you could take a hit. You should try it sometime.

[Try fisting for him, Luka. From where he's standing, Lukas doesn't really look like a dainty wallflower. Like most of the men he's noticed around the beach, he looks at least some degree of capable. Giving how his group of refugees arrived, he wonders if their physical strength is part of what helped them 'survive' instead of being put into pods.

But he keeps those thoughts to himself, especially since he doesn't want people to think he's been checking them out.]

Yeah. I don't mind.

[He blindfolds Lukas from behind because doing so from the front would be kind of weird? And he doesn't want to make this any stranger than it has to be.]

How's this feel? You ready to do whatever it takes to win?

[silverhound]

(continued here)

sorry for tldr but this is so important ok

[ofseraphim]

[ It’d been jarring, at first; worrying, for sure. Had someone taken Mikleo? Was he hurt? Was he lost? Sorey couldn’t say, for once. He never knew how handy that connection of theirs came in until they didn’t have it anymore.

If he’d known where specifically they kept his sleeping body, Sorey likely would have visited; would’ve sat with him and read to him, told him about his day -- the things they used to do as best friends. Things that Mikleo probably did whenever Sorey was down and out with a fever for days on end, but would never admit to. He’d never woken up alone, after all; always with Mikleo there, waiting, with a look in his eyes that said ’there you are’, even when his words said something else.

So he waited, patiently as he could. So many times in conversations, his name came up with a pang of loneliness as he remembered, That’s right, he’ll have to wait to tell Mikleo about this or that. Not that he won’t ever have a chance to, but that he’ll have to save them for later, that’s all. Because someday, they’ll find their way back to one another, somehow. They will reunite. Just hold on.

And that touch... somehow, it says that’s all understood. Sorey’s been heard; and they never have to speak of those lonely weeks in detail ever again, if they don’t want to. So he presses it to him with a quiet gratitude, eyes closing in a long blink as his smile renews. Yet, despite that expression, he shakes his head. ]

Why are you apologizing? I know you’d never do that on purpose.

{ He smooths his fingers over it, spreading them for a moment as though he’s going to attempt to lace them with Mikleo’s, only to change his mind. }

I’m just glad you’re back.

[ This punctuated by a squeeze to that hand-- ’Really, really glad.’ ]

Well, looks like we’ve got a lot of catching up to do! [ Still not releasing that hold, even as he pulls it away. ] You ready, Mikleo?

[silverhound]

(continued here)

[zephrah]

I don't know what a Valencian is, but you really don't remember being rude to me??

[ That's even more insulting! Keyleth huffs indignantly. ]

I was the girl giving people house plants.

[adelphoi]

[ this guy is really one of those people who's low-key annoying in a way you can't put your foot on and therefore can't call him on it for lack of empirical proof, but you feel it in your heart. ]

I'm not overly fond of watermelon, nor am I hungry, and on the point of strangers, you're quite right.

[ never accept suspicious watermelons from hobos ]

Why in the world are you carrying it around to begin with, if you do not want it?

[zephrah]

I guess it's easier for some people to take their frustrations out on whoever's handy than deal with it like a normal person.

[ Still, Keyleth offers a little half-hug. Sorry you have to deal with shitty people, Lav! You don't deserve it.

She smiles a little, still looking down at the sand. ]

I'm, well. Thanks. Maybe. It's really complicated. There's...there's a lot they don't remember. A lot that some of them don't remember.

[adelphoi]

Well no, of course it isn't easy. People can be petty fools. But in the end, I trust most of them to do the right thing.

[ and that conclusion was a very difficult one for her to come to, all things considered, but she believes it now, well and truly. she follows it up with a hard sigh, though, and a wave of her hand. ]

Such talk is hardly appropriate for a day such as this; my apologies.

[adelphoi]

.. Earth elemental, I suppose.

[ tapping her chin thoughtfully, then more gesturing, big wide arms. ]

Giant hulking stone golem, with a voice like Titan himself.

[adelphoi]

[ she looks a little surprised by the turn in conversation; their previous encounter, he'd come off as mister helpful rabbit rescuer, but then there are different sides to everyone. it's a little refreshing, even if mayhaps too sobering for a warm, bright day like this. ]

I absolutely understand.

[ most of the refugees do, she'd wager. grief is a strange enough thing to process when losing only a handful of people, but the loss of an entire world? the absolute magnitude of that knowledge, of how many and how much was lost - and not only her home, but countless others across the vast stretch of spacetime..

maybe her mind is simply too small to fully comprehend the sheer size of it all, to calculate that much sorrow. it's simpler to feel numb. dazed. alisaie sighs, touching a hand to her brow for a moment before she lifts her chin again. ]

Anyroad, it's true, our circumstances could be far, far worse, but still it is all quite.. bizarre. I keep feeling that there's something more I could do, that we could somehow bring it all back. But, alas.

[adelphoi]

[ a soft chuckle rolls in her throat, and alisaie shakes her head. ]

I know the feeling. Nevertheless, I'm going to try my very best to enjoy it while I can.

[ because somehow, in this place, it always feels as if they're waiting for the other boot to drop. she can't remember the last time she.. actually had real fun. ]

[zephrah]

In a shipwreck. I think it's a compass. It's funny, the bones are actually kind of inside the ship, which is weird. How did it get there? Did the ship just happen to wreck on top of a dragon's corpse? Was it in the ship? Why would you try to put a dragon in a ship when they can fly?

[ So many questions and no answers to be had! Keyleth ducks under the water briefly, tail flipping up to lick at the surface with a small splash as she swins under Vex's broom and comes up on the other side. ]

I can go try to get another one of the teeth, if you want me to!

[ Keyleth might still feel guilty about the Goldfish Incident and the lost diamond. ]

[frombetrayal]

[Can't stop, won't stop, not sure how to stop? Let Haru live, she's never been free to flirt before.

—except flirting really is the furthest thing from Haru's mind right now, so you know, whatever. She's somewhat focused on getting into that shipwreck, and when Akira points out the hole in the side, she nods, making sure to exaggerate the movement so it can't be missed before she swims for it.

Ladies first... well, let's hope there isn't some angry sea monster down there.

Luckily, when they make it inside, there are no monsters. The hole leads into what looks like a storage room of some kind. There's a door on the side of the room opposite where they've entered, gently opening and closing as the water shifts it, but for now she's taking stock of what they can find in here.

Her eyes light up when she spots a... cracked teaset? Oh, well. With a little grin, she picks up a cup and mimes drinking from it - not that they can actually have a tea party down here, but you know...]

[cutefaced]

[This definitely has the potential to be more awkward than it is, but luckily he's not intending to drop innuendos, and she's oblivious to it anyway. So it's fine.

She'll just... take a few more moments to feel less dizzy.]

...right, I'll get used to it! Maybe next time people wake up, I'll be the one helping them come here.

[Honestly if she does she'll probably get dizzy and fall on them but wHATEVER.]

[zephrah]

It's magical shit! [ Keyleth is not at all offended by the laughter. She just grins. ] Funnily enough, it's the lodestones that keep the gateway between the water elemental plane, where the kraken was confined, and the prime material plane stable. It's trapped by its own magic shit.

[ Well, Keyleth thinks it's funny. ]

Oh, the Aramente is a...it's a kind of test that future leaders of the tribe undertake. The translation is "noble odyssey." We visit our sister tribes, reestablish the bond between them, learn what they have to teach us, and hopefully when we come back home--if we come back--we're ready to lead.

All good! I just got done doing a show. :)

[deathstiny]

[Yeeeah, that's not what he wanted. Catching a fish with your bare hands is impressive, though. Not enough to placate him after several minutes of waiting for him to resurface.

Wrathion tilts his head, wilting just a little (to hide his frustration).]

Most impressive -- though I suppose that means you were unsuccessful in your journey to retrieve what was lost to me?

noooo worries ahh i hope youre feeling betteir!

[adelphoi]

[ yeah, remember those ninja turtles she was telling you about? they're awesome pals. but maybe she'll explain that if he asks later. for the moment, she just nods.

and then she dives quickly and easily, and the water is clear and bright enough that it's easy to see all around them; it soon becomes apparent just why this is a popular diving spot. she stops to tread water, casting her gaze this way and that. ]

It's beautiful.

[zephrah]

A bit of everything. Even the fragments have their uses.

[ They can be strung into necklaces, ground up into a glittery powder for paints--the possibilities are endless. Well, not endless. But there are possibilities. ]

How are you doing? Are the flowers okay? It was...daffodils? Is that right?