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crescentview2023-01-25 11:59 am
crescentviewmods) wrote in crescentview2023-01-25 11:59 am
feb event.
crisp fall weather
Heralded by cooling temperatures and the crunch of orange leaves underfoot, fall has arrived on Crescentview Isle. It’s time to break out your sweaters and scarves in preparation for the cooler days ahead.
Fall is a season rich with tradition and festivals aplenty, so head down to the Town Square to find out what all is in store for you this season. While you’re at it, take a look at the calendar for Fall 1st through 15th.
This season’s crops are eggplant, carrot, yam, spinach, and green pepper. Fall’s seasonal flowers are lamp grass, lilac, sweet pea, chrysanthemum, and petunia. As for mushrooms, porcini, enoki, and portobello spores are available for the fall.
hot! ...or pot?
Every Fall 1st, the townsfolk of Crescentview Isle get together for an island-wide feast with food, beverage, and merriment aplenty... but this banquet is a group effort.
Centralized in Town Square is a massive pot simmering with the Goddess’ special broth, and on Fall 1st, townsfolk are invited to throw an item of their choice into the pot to contribute to the stew everyone will enjoy together during the banquet the following day, Fall 2nd.
The thoughtful, rational contribution would be a vegetable, animal product or other edible item, but no one is saying you have to toss in something edible. For every item added to the pot, the flavor, scent and/or special attributes may change, so choose your addition wisely! Here is an example of how your contribution might affect the stew.
Each islander may only contribute a single item to the pot, but be warned! Throw in anything too ridiculous and the Goddess reserves the right to make you regret it for the rest of your days. OOCly, you have from February 1st to February 8th at 12pm EST to add in your contribution.
fallentine's day chocolates
Fallentine's is a local tradition in which the townsfolk gift their friends, neighbors and loved ones special chocolates to show thanks and appreciation for all the joy they bring to their life. This year, the Goddess has provided the island's farmers with her own special chocolates that have arrived in your character's mailbox on Fall 1st.
Each box contains 20 pieces of buff fairy-shaped chocolates. The notecard tucked neatly into the box recommends that you give out one piece of chocolate per person, which might not seem like much... until you see what happens when that little chocolate is consumed!
As you might expect, something special will happen upon consumption of the Goddess' special chocolates, so be warned when consuming or giving out your chocolates! OOCly, each character's chocolates boast a unique effect when consumed, but characters won't know what that effect is ICly until they start giving them out to their neighbors. The effect of each chocolate (and the chocolates themselves) were distributed via the permanent AC post for January, so if you forget what effect your character's chocolates have, you can refer back to that page.
introducing the dulces sueños resort
Thanks to the efforts of our deep-pocketed islanders, all current community projects have been fully funded! One in particular — the mysterious island — is worth noting for the special resort that occupies it.
The Dulces Sueños Resort is a new destination available to all island residents and its tropical-themed suites aren't notable just for their immaculate decor. Spending the night with another person will result in the two of you exchanging a memory with one another as you slumber. Soaking in the resort's large open air baths will allow you to feel your partner's emotions while you both occupy the water, so if you're struggling to understand one another on a deeper level, a little bath may solve that!
This resort is a new and permanent feature of Crescentview island, so feel free to stop by and visit whenever you'd like. They're open for business all year-round!
task board
The task board is located in Town Square and changes from season to season. In real time, a season is one month long. The following tasks are available from February 1st to March 1st and more tasks may be added mid-month.
Certain rewards are only available through event participation, so please keep this in mind when planning your threads. Multiple tasks may be completed within a single thread, but when turning in, please link to the individual tags in which each task was completed.
Finally, rewards are per character, not per farm, so those with housemates may want to coordinate with one another with regard to what animals you’re bringing home to your farm.
This season’s tasks are all about deepening your bonds and helping you get even closer to your fellow islanders. Some of you may already be in relationships or working your way towards one, so what better way to get to know your partner than to explore their dreams and memories? Curious? Take a look at this month’s tasks!
1. Distribute your special chocolates. Fall is the season of love and thankfulness. Share the chocolates the Goddess gave you with your friends and neighbors to receive 1 random fall crop seed. This task can be completed 10 times.
2. Express your appreciation for your neighbors. Tell your friends you care for them, give them a hug, make them a warm meal. No matter how it is you show your appreciation for the people around you, ‘tis the season to make sure they know it. Complete this task a total of 10 times for 1 random fall flower bag.
3. Go foraging. Bushes producing blueberries, blackberries and raspberries can be found in the foothills and are prime for the picking in fall, but be careful: you might get a mild case of poisoning if you don’t know what you’re looking for!
You can also pick bioluminescent mushrooms in the forest and seashells at the beach to complete this task. You will earn 2 random bags of fall mushroom spores with each submission and you may complete this task a total of 5 times.
4. Check out Dulces Sueños Resort. Travel there alone or with a friend for 1 cow, sheep, alpaca or goat of your choice. This task can be completed once and can be combined with tasks 6 and 7.
5. Contribute an item to the community pot. Throw in an item of your choice, but be warned: the Goddess might punish you if she catches you throwing in any garbage or dirty work boots. Complete this task once to receive a rabbit or chicken of your choice for your coop.
6. Share a memory with someone else. Spend the night at Dulces Sueños Resort with a friend. As you rest, you’ll exchange a single memory with the person sleeping beside you. You can complete this task to receive a Buff Fairy contract that summons a single Buff Fairy to work the farm, harvest and water crops, feed and brush animals, etc. You can complete this task a total of 3 times. That's three times the buff fairies!
7. Feel another person’s emotions. Visit the island and soak in its waters with another person. Doing so will allow you to feel what the other person is feeling. This task can be completed 3 times and each completion rewards you with a Diva Fairy contract. These fairies in their little designer heels are quite sassy, but they'll cook, clean, and do whatever work around the house that you demand of them.
local happenings
The Crescentview Times newspaper has chronicled the latest happenings around the island. A physical copy of the paper will arrive on your doorstep early in the morning on Fall 1st.
The Mines have been expanded to include more rewards and more floors to explore! To continue your mining adventures or embark on one for the first time, please visit the new permanent page for the mines.
Pirates have been spotted off the coast of Crescentview Isle in recent days. They've been circling the island in a large boat flying a tattered banner of unknown origin, but their current intentions are unknown.
A blacksmith has made their way to Crescentview and has set up shop in town! The blacksmith can process any ores and gems you've acquired in the mines and fashion them into fine jewelry in exchange for any leftover materials that come with the ores and gems provided. He can also touch up and repair any farm tools brought to him.
The annual Fall Animal Exhibition is set to take place on Fall 15th. Farmers are encouraged to enter their favorite barn or coop animal in the contest to receive accolades and unique rewards. Participation also comes with its own rewards, so don't hesitate to apply with your finest animal when the time comes!
mod notes
⬥ Welcome to our third event! We've made it to the halfway point and we couldn't be more pleased with how much everyone has engaged with and contributed to the game. Thank you all so much!
⬥ A second event post will go up in mid-Feb.
⬥ Please plot over at the Feb Plotting Post.
⬥ As a reminder, please keep all plotting on the OOC post as not everyone has Discord or Plurk.
⬥ Please submit your completed tasks at the top-level below.
⬥ Have fun!
no subject
anyway )
Let's.
( He'll gladly get on the boat, securing his own box as they pedal off. These boats aren't really romantic to him, but he respects the Goddess's commitment to the theme. )
Fortunately, it seems my charm is not so great that they've pursued me across the water. ( He says, half-joking, but also relieved that's not the case. ) Did you want to trade chocolates, then?
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Yes, let's.
[ As he paddles, he pries open his box. A few chocolates are missing. He holds it out for Mishka to take. ]
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Crescent View really isn't so bad, sometimes.
He picks up the fullest-looking chocolate piece and pops it into his mouth, reaching to open his own box as he pedals. )
Thanks. I...
( But his gaze lingers on Trahearne, and for a moment he just seems so taken by him. )
... I really love how earnest you are, in all your endeavors. It's charmed me.
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--Mishka.
[ It's weird, the tone that comes with his voice. His gaze snaps up to him, an embarrassing gold flush settling on his cheeks. He's startled, confused, and...weirdly touched, all at the same time. The worst part, however, is that his reaction was not normal.
For a few perplexed seconds, waiting for the weird feeling in his chest to settle, Trahearne is quiet as he studies him. ]
I'm...flattered. [ You know. Why do you keep flattering me? ] But where did that come from?
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Trahearne's expression, normally endearing, is an unpleasant fixture facing him. Don't look at him like that. Don't answer like you understood. He didn't mean to say it.
He knows he's faster than Trahearne. He could probably drown him without issue.
His shoulders rise up with unusual alarm; tense, nervous. Before he catches himself— and forces himself to relax.
There's no reason he wouldn't say that. He says all kinds of things he doesn't mean, all the time. This isn't different.
He just doesn't like that he doesn't want to seem insincere. Why? )
... Of course; is it so strange that I enjoy your company? It's a shame to think you experience such a dearth of compliments when you rightly deserve them.
( Even if it was a sentiment produced under duress, he wants to ensure it's characterized as. normal. and not an unusual comment at all, made with wayward sentiment. Objectively, Trahearne is a fine man (plant?) and speaking well of him is normal. That's it.
But he does have his suspicions, because, yes, where did that come from so suddenly, breaking the flow of conversation? As recent victim to some such effects that have forced his sentiments transparent, he's going to take up another one of Trahearne's chocolate and offer it to him, studying his flushed expression in turn. )
Would you mind indulging me?
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It had to be the way he said love. It twists something in him, bringing back vivid memories of the boat, and-- ]
I... I suppose not. Thank you. Mishka.
[ After a lifetime of being mocked, it's still...difficult. And so his thanks is a bit stilted, but it is genuine.
He eyes his own chocolate. It has some effect, that much is evident now. But he supposes it's only fair that he returns the favor. Mishka is his friend, after all. And so, with considerably more caution than he took the aphrodisiacs, he plucks the chocolate from the other's hand and pops it in his mouth.
An intense amber gaze bores through Mishka. The words slip out of his mouth before he even realizes he speaks, his tone tense, more charged than he ever intends. ]
I love the way you look at me.
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But what does he mean, the way he looks at him? His pedaling slows, unsure of whether this is a sign he's letting himself be too transparent or not; and, if he is, what is he letting show?
Free of the influence of alcohol, and aphrodisiacs, and the Goddess, and emotion, Trahearne is just a friend. Isn't he?
He would have told anyone he'd love them if they'd indulge him, because he's selfish, he's a liar. Trahearne is just one of many he deceives. Maybe Trahearne recalls it, and dwells too much on it.
Maybe Trahearne...
No, of course not. Before he even knew Trahearne as Trahearne he knew he loved Syrlya.
There's no deeper sentiment here. He should know by now Trahearne is just like this. )
Oh?
( So he leans in, arm half over their seats, because there's no feeling here. He is stubborn that he will have his fun, like any other conversation he has with anyone. )
And how do I look at you?
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His eyes remain fixed on Mishka, even when he leans in. Though his instinct tells him to lean back, he remains steadfast; he stares back, trying to remain calm, but he is betrayed by the way he gulps.
They're just friends. Good friends, yes, due to their understanding of one another, but that's it. The twisting in his stomach--those are just nerves. Embarrassment from what he said.
And so it takes a moment for him to find the right words, now fully conscious and in control of how he speaks. ]
Your eyes are kind and caring. [ You watch me like a predator. ] You look to me with patience and understanding. [ You look at me like you're hungry.
With a smile, he pats Mishka's hand... Or if it's too far from him, then his shoulder. ]
It makes me all the more thankful to have a friend like you.
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But he does not think Trahearne sees that in his gaze. Trahearne seems nervous. Why? Is the thing he sees that alarming (and, if it is, is that what he likes?), or is there some personal reason he might have, to err from honesty?
The thing about predators is that when you show them weakness, they close in. )
... I'm pleased we're friends, too. You've been good to me, in a way few yet have. I wish to understand you that much more.
( He feels Trahearne's slightly cooler hand touching his, and he decides to take it; lightly, so he can easily pull away, but enticing, as if asking that he stay. )
... Won't you let me?
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So it isn't entirely untrue.
He, surprisingly, doesn't flinch when Mishka's hand comes over his, but he does not move. Not to hold it, not to move away. It simply remains there.
His mouth twists into a wry smile. ]
I am hard pressed to think of things you don't already know about me, Mishka.
[ It's weird to think about how this man knows him so...intimately. A lot of it due to the influence of alcohol and aphrodisiacs and the goddess and emotion. He'd been so thankful to have made a friend that understood him on this level at first, but now he feels like Mishka--they are so dangerously close to crossing a line he has never once entertained the thought of crossing. ]
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Really? I can think of several.
( He turns Trahearne's hand over in his, more of an idle gesture than anything as he talks. Sylvari don't have palm lines like humans do, do they? His thumb traces the crease of Trahearne's hands, where the palm curves in necessarily. It's both a little intimate, and genuinely exploratory. )
The things you like; dislike; your hobbies... The sort of things you can't forgive; your favorite things to do in Crescent View...
( They're not close to crossing any lines. Those other encounters were under the influence, and right now they're fine. There is a sense of kinship between them, and only that. That he doesn't let go of Trahearne's hand is almost a challenge issued to himself.
He isn't anything like Syrlya. Not even close. So this is just a bit of good-natured teasing between friends who are a little more physically comfortable with each other, really. )
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This is normal, right? The danger he felt in the moments before seems to melt away. ]
I do enjoy working the farm, and seeing the fruits of my labour. [ ... ] Quite literally, in fact.
And I have found myself to be quite fond of the beach. [ Here, his flush seems to vanish at last, and he turns his gaze out over the pond. He keeps going back. ] I'm glad I ran into you there, that day.
[ And that's when they started getting to be better friends, he thinks. ]
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The last beat of Trahearne's answer, though, comes as a surprise, as his gaze darts for a moment up, meeting Trahearne's profile. He glances toward the lake, but doesn't really look at it like Trahearne might. )
... Not so many people say they are glad to meet me. ( Not in his line of work! He says this with half a laugh. ) But I am pleased I can count you among them.
( His gaze returns to looking at Trahearne's hand, a facsimile of a human's shape, held half-grasped in his own. )
... I'm glad we are friends, Trahearne. You ought feel comfortable calling upon me for whatever you might need.
( And perhaps their relationship can remain a positive one, despite everything. Because like fruit left to rot on the branch, he has seen most good things spoil. Maybe it's inevitable, but it'd be nice if it remained, somehow, untouched. )
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Mishka will simply have to cut him open himself to find out what's inside.
The laugh draws Trahearne's attention back to him, and after studying him for a moment, he smiles. ]
As am I. [ The f-word brings him relief, and he feels the line between them strengthening, reinforcing itself, protecting himself from the depths of danger of which he had gotten a terrifying glimpse. ] And I can say the same to you. I am always here if you need me.
[ He will always be happy to fight by his side.
He removes his hand from the other's gentle hold to point to his box of chocolates. ]
Shall I try one of yours?
[ Surely it can't be worse than his. ]
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Trahearne is a good man. A good man who deserves better taste in whom he loves and whom he sleeps with, really. Mishka shouldn't tease him so much for it. (Because that is really all this is, between friends.)
He pulls back, fetching his chocolates and opening the box, offering them to him. No one has taken one yet. )
As you'd like.
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[ It literally can't be worse than hearing Mishka dropping the L-word on him sober.
He takes a piece from the corner, honored to be the first, and pops it into his mouth. After a moment of chewing, his expression...drops. His movements slow, and his eyes defocus. It's a good thing Mishka isn't sylvari, otherwise he'd feel the full weight of the guilt that comes crashing down on him. ]
I am...sorry. [ Whoa, where is this coming from? But the guilt is real, and so familiar.
There's a pleading look on his face when he looks at Mishka again, as though seeking forgiveness. Even though he knows Mishka is unrelated to this, Mishka has no power to forgive him. ]
I was hasty, and arrogant, and...so, so angry. I always wonder if I called the launch of the fleet too early, without the proper precautions. My...my orders sent so many to their deaths, to fates worse than death. I'm--
[ He knows Syrlya has told him it's okay. That it wasn't his fault. That they didn't know. That he made the best decision under the circumstances. But given the chance to look back it only feels like a mistake. ]
--I'm sorry.
no subject
In any case, Trahearne's sudden pivot takes him off guard, for of all the things he'd expected, this was not one of them. In line with most shenanigans on the island, he'd somewhat expected chocolates that'd make Trahearne hug him, or sing a song, or something.
This is real, and heavy; and, also— familiar. He recalls that familiar, old voice from all those nights ago.
What is it like to carry the weight of the dead with you? Mishka has shrugged it off, because he doesn't think he'd be able to survive, recalling them all. It never really pays to be kind-hearted, does it? )
... But it is done, yes? And the sun rises again. If you carry this weight like a shackle, you will not be able to do right by those in the days that will come.
( Chocolate-induced or not, he knows acutely Trahearne's guilt is both active and real. And so, he addresses it genuinely. Whether or not it's good advice, it's advice that's allowed him to carry on. Maybe it will be of some use, or not.
But, well. )
... I see my chocolates are far less pleasant. I wouldn't have had you take one if I knew.
( sowwy... )
no subject
But while the chocolate's effect wears off, the guilt remains. Then why is it okay that he gets a second chance here? Surely there was someone more virtuous, more deserving among those that fell, among those who died under his watch, under his neglect than him. He was the one that called the shots, yet he gets to come back? Should he not remain in the Mists for every lifetime of those lost? Why does he deserve this at all? This isn't fair.
He slowly leans back in his seat, bringing his hands to his eyes and taking a shaky breath. Syrlya had told him it was okay--the one person whose judgment he would trust, the one person whose judgment with which he would allow himself to absolve his guilt--but the sudden admission feels like he had ripped open his own wound. It's healed some, but it is still there. A handful of weeks in romantic paradise cannot fully close it. ]
...You are right.
[ He drops his hands and rights himself again. There's a dazed, absent look on his face as he tries to work past the weight on his chest. After one last deep breath, he looks to Mishka. ]
It's all right. I am...sorry, to have suddenly brought it up. I did not mean to dampen the mood of our outing.
no subject
( Besides words of suggestion, he isn't quite good at comforting another, so he feels a little stuck. (This is setting aside their first proper meeting, and how he'd comforted him then, but— frankly, he'd call that a drunken decision, and he doesn't think it helped Trahearne much.) The feeling that he wants to be of help is uncomfortably strange, and he doesn't like it. He doesn't really like seeing Trahearne's expression, either.
Heels to the still pedals, he considers, for a moment. He doesn't know if the cat effect has worn off or not, but he guesses it doesn't matter much. )
... Why don't we visit the beach?
( Since that's a thing Trahearne does like, and it can do the cheering for him. He feels responsible, in a sense, since it was his chocolates that were to blame. )
no subject
He takes another breath at the suggestion, and his feet begin to paddle slowly again. ]
I would like that. [ He gives a small smile. Like, he literally just said he liked hanging out at the beach. But he's still touched all the same that Mishka remembered. ]
I believe the sea will be much more calming than the lake. [ He thinks of how vast it is... ] If we can wade through the sea of cats first.
[ If that's still around! ]
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I'm certain we can be quick. I can carry you if you'd like.
( He says, as half a joke. He probably could carry Trahearne, though, honestly. Carrying Trahearne and dashing through the cats would be easier for him...
As they approach the shore, there is indeed a slow gathering of cats amassing. )
no subject
I appreciate the offer, but I think I can keep up with you.
[ He knows Mishka is fast in combat. But he's kind of assuming that he's not going to use combat speeds when they're just trying to outrun some cats.
And there they are! As they approach the dock, Trahearne steels himself. ]
At least try not to step on them.
no subject
( He says, and once they've taken a step unto solid ground, he scoops up Trahearne with a singular sweep, and starts on his way at a light-footed pace, his steps generally agile, but now particularly so. He weaves around the cats with the ease of a dancer, and some cats see this as an invitation to give chase, where some trot lazily behind.
Though not at his full speed (there's no reason to run, after all), the wind is comfortably brisk against their skin and his hold keeps Trahearne steady against his chest, and it is, strangely, a pleasant ride. )
You're much lighter than I expected.
( Even for a plant! He suspected plant fibers might make him lighter, but this is a marked difference from most others Trahearne's size. )
no subject
Mishka--!
[ It's the same tone he used earlier on the boat, when Mishka mentioned what he loves most about Trahearne. Bewildered, shocked, confused, bracing against the impact of the line he'd thought was safe. He opens mouth to say something, but Mishka speaks before him. ]
I-- What did you expect? I'm sylvari.
[ To his credit, he is fast. And it is a comfortable ride. And they are outrunning the cats quite handily. Maybe this is the way to do it.
And no, he's not blushing. stop looking. ]
no subject
In any case, the tone and explicit blush is not at all lost on Mishka, who grins quite pointedly. As far as he's concerned, he's just playing, and Trahearne's just easily flustered. Certainly, there's no lines bending here. )
Well, you're the first sylvari I've picked up. I could never set you down and not know the difference. Perhaps I won't?
( Set him down, that is! Watch out!
Still, Trahearne just walks around like this?? Anyone with a reasonable amount of strength could just pick him up and throw him. His limbs are probably pretty easy to snap.
In terms of Trahearne as a passenger, though, Mishka likes staying light on his feet, so he quite likes this arrangement. )
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