❪ mini-event ❫ THE OLYMPIA-WYVER HOLIDAY BALL

[natha]

A TIME OF CELEBRATION     Despite the biological attacks in both Wyver and Olympia, the morale in either kingdoms is hopeful. Both cities have been ramping up their winter celebrations this month, and though they both have customs and holidays specific to their people, the themes are the same: embrace the spirit of giving, celebrate friends and family, and express gratitude for all that Thesa has given you. As a gesture of goodwill and gratitude for the shocking display of cooperation between the two kingdoms, Empress Simwe and King Shanrian have agreed to host a joint luxurious Holiday Ball at the South Outpost. This is quite unusual, as the kingdoms tend to stick to themselves, and the large and lavish celebrations are typically reserved only for the noble classes. Throwing a party on this scale is no small feat, so if you can lend a hand, leaders of either kingdoms will look upon you favorably. Submit any AC eligible thread of participating in this month's holiday events for three (3) REP points to EITHER Olympia OR Wyver. THREADS MAY BE SUBMITTED HERE FOR WYVER OR HERE FOR OLYMPIA by JANUARY 6th 11:59 PM EST. ONE WEEK UNTIL MIDNIGHT     A party doesn't just put on itself, you know. There's resources to be gathered, lavish outfits to be made, food to be prepared... don't just stand around uselessly! In the days leading up to the ball, various vendors will approach you and ask for your assistance. Yes, they can and will offer you Silver, but embrace the spirit of selfless giving, won't you? COLLECT THE RHOCEA, THE COVETED HERB OF ICE — There is a special herb that grows deep within one particular cave just south of Murkwell Hollows. Appearing to be more of a bulbous vegetable than a herb, Rhocea cooked into a batch of hot chocolate will give the pot an irresistibly delicious and earthy taste. It is an absolute must for any Wyver winter gathering, and bringing even just one bulb will net you a hefty 200 silver. You manage to find the cave with some difficulty, but even finding one bulb requires you to wander deep, deep into the cave. The openings become less spacious. At times, you can barely crawl through. Just when you've managed to find the damn herb (or perhaps you've given up and want to go back), you hear an ominous rumble and a loud crash. A part of the cave you need to pass through has collapsed, and you're now trapped! You better hope there's a passerby who can help you out, or maybe your phone can get enough reception out here to frantically call someone for help... BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE     On the day of the gala, there are paths of magic-powered, candles that line up the ways from either Wyver and Olympia that can lead even the most directionally-challenged toward the South Outpost. The sun is low on the sky when nobles begin to arrive with the lavish carriages, winged stallions, and scaled beasts, all filtering into the the Grand Hall of the South Outpost. With warmth of the sun rapidly fleeting, the dark clouds begin to tower over the Outpost. It's thanks to the tireless efforts of both locals and refugees that the town is so done up. The once-barren outpost is now decorated with evergreens and crystalline lights. By the second half of hour sixteen, the buildings have all been lit in a dazzling display of blinking, colorful lights, making the Outpost lively again as the festivities begin. The Grand Hall looks completely different inside than it does outside. It's obvious that it's been decorated for the occasion. Once-wooden pillars are now lined with blue glass-like structures to imitate the look of ice. Exotic plants hang low from the ceiling, right various tables filled with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails - some familiar; others, not so. But hey, this isn't about the food, is it? The party is just getting started. There is live music, playing tunes native to both Wyver and Olympia. Don't just stand there! There is so plenty to do. Although the gala is hosted by both Wyver and Olympia, the differences between the factions are still apparent. While all of the decorations are lavish and impressive, it's obvious at a glance which areas of the Outpost were "claimed" by which faction; Olympia favors white and gold, Wyver, red and black. The natives have dressed up for the occasion, taking their customary fashion styles to the next level in order to show off: Olympians are dressed elegantly in fine, opulent fabrics, while Wyver citizens dress to impress more subtly, dressed in rich colors trimmed with fine furs that show off their body before their wealth. Everyone is having a great time on the surface, but at points the tension between factions can show through. This isn’t enough to spoil the evening, but judgmental glancing and thinly-veiled insults are not out of place between the groups, reminding everyone that this truce is temporary. A. SPARKLE AND SHINE — A beloved and unique custom from the Olympian side of the party is to ensure any gathering is as sparkly and cheerful as possible. The people are heavy into holiday glitter, and it's all in good fun. Even if you didn't bring your own, it's highly likely you'll be caught in a glitter shower just by chance. Most of the glitter is purely for decoration, but there are those who splurged on a little magic. 1. Red Glitter: Red glitter will fill you with the spirit of giving. You will feel compelled to give something to the next person you see. It may be a plate of dessert, some Silver, or your trusty weapon. You'll feel good about it at the time, of course, since gift-giving is a lovely part of the holidays. But, will you still feel the same tomorrow morning? 2. Green Glitter: The effects of green glitter can be very comical! Coming into contact with it will temporarily (about 10 minutes) transform your nice gala outfit into a Holiday-themed costume, even if it isn't a getup you're entirely comfortable with. 3. Gold Glitter There's no escaping this one. Gold glitter is expensive, but Olympia has saved for months to have enough to lightly dust on everyone. About two hours into the gala, gold glitter will sprinkle from the ceiling, giving everyone present the urge to dance. Regardless of how you feel about dancing, it'll be hard to resist impulse to grab the person nearest to you and dance! Or maybe you just prefer dancing alone and make a show of it. Whatever your style, there's a song and a dance for everyone. It's not a party in Olympia without it! B. HOLIDAY CHEER — It isn't only the city that's been done up in these tiny sprigs of green and red. They're spread all over the venue of the Gala, as well, sometimes even slightly out of sight. The person putting these up obviously had a field day, and it's (un)fortunate that you're a victim of their mischief. There are two types of these plants. 1. BERRIED: This type has smaller leaves and pale colored berries attached to them. They will those underneath to become more affectionate with one another. Maybe you'll suddenly want to hold the hand of the person next to you, or kiss them on the cheek? Either way, it's all in the spirit of things, right? 2. FLOWERED: The ones that have darker berries and tiny flowers sprouting out of them are a bit peskier. Those caught underneath this plant will feel compelled to kiss their partner. Some of the more stubborn victims will notice that they feel unfulfilled until they do. A simple peck won't suffice— that may be enough for the pale colored berries, but not for these. It isn't a proper gathering without food, drink, and snacks. There will be small candies offered in the traditional colors of Wyver and Olympia. You may or may not know them as candy canes. Most of them are simply a delicious sugary treat, but some have been created using a special Wyver recipe. Eat one of these special Wyver candy canes, and you will find yourself craving a certain something. You have, in short, either been inflicted with an impossible to ignore oral fixation, or oddly willingly to indulge in someone else's. We don't have to go into anymore detail here, do we? You get the picture. Please warn threads appropriately for adult content. C. TEAM REPRESENTATION — As you entered the festivities, Wyver and Olympian volunteers alike will have accosted you and demanded you pick out a pin; a small, elegant ribbon in either white/gold for Olympia or red/black for Wyver. They want you, dear refugee, on their team! What does this "team sport" everyone is talking about entail? Basically proving that you're better than the other side in any way possible: while Wyver is the kingdom more interested in intense competition, even the Olympians are getting into the competitive spirit tonight. When you see someone sporting a ribbon in the opposite color, you'll be encouraged to challenge them—to whatever you can think of! If you look around, you might see some people engaging in drinking contests, dance competitions, displays of power... and even sillier things like fastest cookie decoration. Toward the end of the party, many people gather to hear about an event these volunteers have cooked up - an almost capture the flag-like game, where (if you decide to play) you'll be trying to steal the pins right off the other team's outfits. The more pins you have when the game is over, the more enticing goodie bag you'll get! If you have no pins when it's over, not even your own, don't worry... your goodie bag just won't be as cool as everyone else's. A NIGHT TO END THE YEAR     At the end of the night, most of the guests wander outside into the gardens, or into the balconies. All eyes are up to the skies. As your gaze falls upon Thesa, the sacred moon that you know to be your home space station, where you woke. It doesn't seem that the planetside is the only place that is celebrating. Up on Thesa, light begin to spill from the pores of station and then completely enveloping it. Slowly, the light dance across the skies in a slow waltz. Even the music from inside the hall have stopped, all to listen to Thesa. The natives will not have heard her as they might claim, but Darma, in conjunction with of all her Natha peers, are whispering in the wind, in an indescribable tune that you can't make out the words to, but you understand. During the light show, you will feel their gratitude that you are keeping your promise to them. They will assure you that they will hold true to their promise in the year to come. FINAL OOC NOTE     An AC-eligible thread for THREE (3) REP POINTS FOR EITHER WYVER OR OLYMPIA may be submitted from this log. SUBMIT THE THREAD HERE FOR WYVER OR HERE FOR OLYMPIA by JANUARY 6th 11:59 PM EST. We will no longer be providing overflow posts. In an event where the post hits CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals or create their own catch-all post. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

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Mephisto Pheles | Blue Exorcist

[meinwaifu]

1 | Baby it's Fucking Cold in Here | OTA
Well now, isn't this an unfortunate turn of events!

[Since when is this guy here? Where did he come from?? The cave was totally empty until it collapsed, and now there's this weird looking guy just sitting perched up on top of a rock near the ceiling, hand on his chin and grinning. Somehow, he doesn't actually sound very worried or sympathetic.]

Whatever shall we do? I don't suppose we'll make it if we try and wait for the spring thaw, hm?


2 | Save the Last Dance for Me | OTA*
[As if Mephisto needs a dose of gold glitter to get his dance on. He's dressed to impress tonight, looking far less gaudy than usual. He wasn't always the weird otaku with zero fashion sense!! Which is also why he actually knows how to dance -- and pretty damn well, for that matter. He'll mostly be sticking to those already on the dance floor, schmoozing it up with some of the nobles -- at least, until the glitter falls. That'll have him seeking out those on the sidelines who look eager to join in, but perhaps not sure how to get in there.]

[Which is what brings him over, one hand tucked behind his back as his bows and holds out a hand.] May I have this dance?

[*Please keep in mind that he wouldn't ask a stranger to dance if they obviously looked uninterested! But obviously, previous negative CR he enjoys antagonizing are exempt!]


3 | Glitterati Confirmed | Previous CR Only
[It happens in a flash of bright green glitter. One minute they're having a nice chat with Mephisto/Faust, and the next someone is running by and throwing some glitter up in the air... instantly changing Mephisto's outfit into something significantly more risque (minus the tail, thankfully). And no doubt for most people, this will probably be the most skin they've ever seen the man show -- and for a good reason, given his skin is covered in faded-yet-still-very-visible patches of scars that might vaguely resemble burns.]

[But clearly the more important thing here is just how scandalized he looks, making some vague attempt at covering himself.] H-Hey! That was uncalled for!!


4 | I saw Mommy Kissing Mephy Claus | OTA*
[Generally speaking, Mephisto was wary of anything that he knew might hold some sort of magic spell -- especially after the glitter incident. But after a bit of observing, and maybe intentionally moving a bit of mistletoe around underneath couples to see what they're do, he decides to go ahead an take full advantage of them. And while for the most part, he's using them to further his own reputation as a charmer, kissing pretty ladies on the hand whenever he happens to meet them under pale-colored variety, occasionally he just so happens to cross paths with someone on accident, stopping them to point up.]

Say, are you familiar with the sort of plant hanging overhead?

[*OTA for the BERRIED prompt, but 18+ and/or previous CR only for the FLOWERED prompt!]


5 | WILDCARD
[GIMME EVERYTHING! All prompts can also lead into one another, or we can throw in something on top of one like a candy cane prompt! Hit me at on plurk randomsnarfle if you wanna plot!]

4 - I'm so so so sorry

[panzersoldat]

[ You called for Santa. Well, here's a guy who is literally dressed as Santa. Red suit and everything. Santa must have hit the gym though because Santa got swole. Santa who just happens to be standing right under one of those sprigs. So much for your "ladies man" reputation. Because Reinhardt is looking up and then grinning hugely. His accent should be very very familiar. ] Ja! I do! I know the tradition.

[ Then he's going to bend down. And down. And down a little more. Cheek kiss? Definitely a cheek kiss, and all beardy too. ] Be careful of who you stand under this with, young man.

I'm sorry too... except not really...

[meinwaifu]

[This is the funniest thing that's ever happened to him.]

[Mephisto, a demon, standing under the mistletoe with jolly ol' Saint Nick himself! Or at least a very large German man who is the very spitting image of him, save for switching out his potbelly with a goddamn 8 pack.]

[Also Mephisto may be a gentleman when it comes to the ladies, but that's hardly where his reputation ends. Reinhardt isn't the first man he's met under the mistletoe tonight and probably won't be the last. He's an equal opportunist when it comes to #thirst.]

[He's laughing as Reinhardt straightens up. What a novelty, to not be the tallest one on the room for once!]

Hahah! Goodness, no one's called me a young man in ages! But why so stingy, Mr. Claus? Have I been such a naughty boy to only deserve a peck on the cheek?

[Someone stop them.]

[panzersoldat]

[ More like 16 pack. This Santa's 8 pack has an 8 pack.

And huge hands. One massive hand pretty much swallows the entirety of Mephisto's shoulder as he pats the man laughing as well. There's just something about this time of year that makes Reinhardt extra cheery (or it could be the Santa Suit, who knows.) ]

Well, I am calling you that because you are! [ He doesn't know! He's at least got the good grace to look his damn age. ] But I can't say yet if you've been good or bad. I don't think you're on my naughty list, but I'd have to check. But tis the season for giving, so I suppose I can be generous. [ By generous, he means another cheek kiss. The other one. ]

[meinwaifu]

[HIS HANDS ARE HUGE it's almost intimidating. But the second cheek kiss just has him snickering some more -- and all in good fun rather than at someone else's expense for once. He was in a pretty good mood himself, after all.]

Ahaha, now that's more like it! But have you been giving out gifts all night? I feel as though it would only be fair that I return the favor.

[panzersoldat]

[ He beams at Mephisto when he pulls back and nods. ] Ja! I have. I have much in my sack! I have toys and I have small decorations. I also have candy and cookies. [ Well, mostly German recipes. ] You can take whatever you like. I am sure you won't be greedy! So please, help yourslf

[meinwaifu]

I'm happy to hear you have such faith in me! But I'm afraid you've made a mistake -- you see, I happen to be very greedy.

[He matches that beaming smile with a toothy grin.]

So greedy, in fact, that what I want couldn't possibly fit in that bag of yours.

[...does he even realize what he's getting at, or is he flirting with a big brick wall right now?]

[panzersoldat]

[ Reinhardt laughs uproariously and actually looks behind him for a moment. ] I don't know. If you asked my shadow, he might say that anything could fit anywhere...if you worked at it. But Krampus isn't here to tell you this, so I must instead.

Still, my offer still stands. I don't mind a bit of greed. [ He'll lean down for Mephisto again. ] So show der Weihnachtsmann what you want.

2 Save the last dance

[kaleorbekaled]

[Kale has been mostly watching from the sidelines. Thanks to the influence of the gold glitter, she's at least at the front of the sidelines and looking with interest at the people dancing. She's even been tapping her toe to the beat of the song. Even with the glitter's influence, she's a bit too naturally timid to go approaching anyone she doesn't know for a dance, but the glitter's influence has made her more open to dancing with people she's only slightly acquainted with.

She remembers this odd gentleman from Wyver, and the little laugh he had at her expense, but he hadn't been cruel about it.]

Um...sure!

[She's not accustomed to wearing more formal clothing, and especially not high heeled shoes, but she's at least managing some semblance of grace. Her good sense of balance is serving her well tonight.]

How is your teaching job going?

[meinwaifu]

[Ah, but can she dance? Mephisto wastes no time in taking one of her hands and resting the other on her hip, falling into step with the song. Hopefully she won't be stepping on his feet with those heels of hers.]

Oh, it's been slow going for now. I had unfinished business in Wyver to attend to, and will only truly be returning to Olympia after tonight. Aside from a few private students, I haven't been doing much teaching as of late.

[kaleorbekaled]

[Martial arts training does help to develop a sense of rhythm, timing and footwork, and she's observed what everyone's doing enough to identify who seems to be experienced versus who's awkwardly trying to fit in. It won't be enough to be good, but Mephisto's toes are safe from being accidentally trampled.]

Oh, I see. My roommate and I are renting small places in both Olympia and Wyver.

[meinwaifu]

Ah, planning to move between both, then? That sounds like quite the hassle. Particularly given the tension between both cities... I'd think it would be rather difficult to get properly situated with all that moving around.

[So says the guy planning to do the same. But even he's decided to put his energy into Olympia for the moment, seeing them as a potentially stronger ally in the long run.]

[kaleorbekaled]

I really want to learn more about both before making up my mind about where to settle.

[In particular, she wants to know who treats their people best, who started their original conflict, and other pertinent information. She doesn't want to knowingly side with the wrong people, although she suspects that individual Olympians and Wyverians are fine.]

I like the fighting rings in Wyver...they remind me a little bit of home.

2

[fractaljesus]

[He remembers the demon asking to dance--he remembers everything. A lot has happened since they shared an apartment, but he still remembers.]

Will you teach me? [He asks, quirking his head. He wants to dance--not just because of the glitter compelling him to move to the music, but also for the experience of doing something he's never done before... but he really doesn't know how to.]

[meinwaifu]

Why, it would be my honor!

[It would take more than a handful of months for Mephisto to forget someone like zaShunina. A sentient polygon with a thirst for knowledge and love of humans? Pretty high up there on the unforgettable list. Likewise, he hasn't forgotten his little quirks either, and points down at his side.]

Ah, but first -- all arms attached! It would be rather ridiculous to attempt a proper waltz otherwise.

[fractaljesus]

[zaShunina raises his hands in front of him--properly attached this time-- and holds them up in front of his face with a slight frown. He's so used to the freedom of them being detached that he feels restricted by the stipulation that they remain connected. But if they can't do the dance correctly with them floating independent from his body then he will keep them obediently attached.]

Understood. [and with that, he extends those same hands (with just the slightest hint of a frown remaining, as it actually takes more concentration to keep himself in one piece than otherwise), offering them to Mephisto.]

[meinwaifu]

Now, now, there's no need for a sour face! [It might be a small frown, but Mephisto is used to demons, where a little frown could be a big mood.]

[He tugs on zaShunina's arms to pull him out onto the dance floor, directing him to rest one hand on his shoulder and hold his other -- while Mephisto rests a hand on his hip.]

Let's start with a simple waltz... just keep your eyes down and follow my lead.

[--is what he says, but as he takes a step, zaShunina will feel himself taking a step with him whether be intends to move or not. It's not quite as strong as being controlled, but there's definitely some force pushing and pulling at his body to encourage him to move in the proper way.]

[An easy method of teaching, or simply a manner of guaranteeing his feet don't get stepped on? Probably both.]

[fractaljesus]

[Though he does as instructed, his frown doesn't vanish. In fact it deepens when he feels his body moving in ways he isn't telling it to. Perhaps it would bother him less if the movements were more precise, but they're off my just a millisecond or two per beat. Perfect by human standards, but just imprecise enough to throw the Anisotoron off. It actually breaks through his usual stoic expression to give way to something akin to indignant.]

I am capable of following the rhythm. [He protests, fighting against the invisible force moving his body in an attempt to achieve mathematical precision with his movements... which only results in getting thrown off the beat even further when he overcompensates.

RIP, Mephisto's toes.]

[meinwaifu]

[You know, maybe someone else would feel bad, seeing that look on his face and knowing he caused it. But for Mephisto, there can be no greater joy than seeing how he's managed to make the unflappable sentient polygon actually look disgruntled.]

Oh? Are you so sure? But what point is there in following the rhythm if you don't-- [SHORT GRUNT AS FOOT IS TRAMPLED] --know what direction to go?

[That said, he's still not giving up control yet! This probably looks weird from an outsider's perspective...]

1.

[sakabroto]

[He needed the money, he told himself. He hadn't really gotten a steady job. Being a go-fer only worked as long as people actually needed him to run errands around the city. And right now, there were so many people out and about and preparing that they had an abundance of hands (er, rather legs) to run errands.

So here he was, in the mountains, making...a death trap and a new creepy friend apparently. Ryuji nearly jumps out of his skin, pressing his back against the rock wall opposite of the creepster who just appeared out of literally nowhere.]

What the eff?! Where'd you come from?!

[meinwaifu]

Oh, what do you mean? I've been here this whole time.

[OH GOOD HE'S THE JUMPY SORT that always makes this sort of thing more fun. As such, he'll play up the theatrics a bit more than usual, since Mephisto is the living embodied of what it means to be Extra™.]

[The light was already pretty dim in here, the only source being... well, whatever light Ryuji brought with him. It's not like Mephisto needed any. Even what little light does seem to reach him only reflects off his green, cat-like eyes, practically glowing and just overall making him look much creepier than necessary.]

You're searching for the Rhocea herb, aren't you? It seems you and I came here for the same reason! So why don't we help one another out, hm?

[sakabroto]

[Okay, see? This is what he meant by basement creepers being everywhere. Some people thought there had to be basements for creepers to emerge from, but apparently they can just live in dank caves and embrace the fact that they look like demon cats. What the living hell has Ryuji walked into?

He frowns, knowing that he came in here by himself, but not sure if there had been anyone in here before him. That was a possibility, right? Even with the way the barest light from his phone flashlight makes him seriously look like a goddammn demon, he could be helpful? Maybe?

Or maybe Ryuji is about to be straight up McMurdered in a cave. Great.]

It'd be a lot easier to agree to helpin' you if you didn't look like you'd ask for my soul in payment, you know that?

[meinwaifu]

[Would u like fries with ur mcmurder--]

[Thank god it's dark, because this next line is hard to deliver with a straight face. Still, he's pretty obviously snickering.]

My, what a good suggestion! Just how badly do you need the money?

[sakabroto]

[mmm nah he never asked for mcmurder either, so can he just rescind both orders plz?

Also good lord, how is this his life? This can't be real. Is he seriously making a deal with a demon right now? Is this how his life ends?

Ryuji feels a cold sweat prickle up his back and his stomach drop.]

You're askin' me that for real? Ugh.

[Screw this, he'll just have Captain Kidd punch this guy in the face if he tries anything.]

Then no thanks. If I'm gonna die in a dumb cave, I'm gonna die with my soul intact.

[meinwaifu]

[Excuse him while he fuckin CACKLES. Such a nice guy, this demon...]

Oh, no! Don't tell me you actually believed me? Aren't you a little old to be believing in such fairy tales?