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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
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. ]
no subject
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. )
no subject
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.
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( 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. )
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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.
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( 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. )
no subject
...I'd hate to encumber you.
[ He knows Mishka is joking but it's hard to take it like that at the moment. For some reason that is beyond his fathoming.
Well. At least the island isn't very big. He'll stop being so tense once they get there. ]
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Oh? You'd never be a burden to me.
( Literally, metaphorically...
Slowly, they come upon the beach; a fact Trahearne can feel first, likely, as Mishka's step shifts so he can balance and remain quick along gravel, and then again when Mishka takes to sand. He slows his pace, inhaling gently the sea air, and pulls up closer to the shore.
It's cooler out these days, so he doesn't worry much about the sun as he takes to a spot not far from the furthest reach of the waves, and, gingerly, he takes a seat upon the sand.
Where does that leave Trahearne? Well, set upon his lap, of course. He can shift off him if he wants to, but Mishka's made good on his suggestion that he wouldn't put him down, technically.
Of course, it's not long before the cats start to pile in after them, rolling and reclining around them. )
no subject
After yesterday, and this entire encounter--try as he might, all of this has been constantly knocking him off balance, keeping him off-kilter. He notices that they reach less solid ground, but his mental processes are in such a flurry that he can't process this correctly. Or the way he wants to, rather.
It takes a moment for him to realize they've stopped. Try as he might, he could not look away from Mishka's profile the entire time, and it is absolutely because of the angle of the hold, forcing him to look at him. That they've arrived comes to him with a sharp inhale of breath, a blink, and a hard swallow. Right. He doesn't...have to keep sitting here.
As he moves to get off Mishka, the flow of cats catch up to him, and one seems intent on sitting on his lap. ]
Oh, hello. [ As his hand lets go of Mishka's shirt, he scoops the cat up and deposits it beside him. ] Allow me to remove myself first, please?
[ Except the cats keep coming... ]
no subject
( He teases as he gazes down at him, seeing clearly how the cats continue to pile onto Trahearne, and leaving him with no easy escape. )
Though, I do like looking at you this way.
( With traces of gold in his cheeks? At this angle? Covered in cats? It's unclear if he means one of these, all of these, or just looking at Trahearne at all.
He shifts his own chocolates out from his arm and lets it sit beside him. He has a hand supporting Trahearne's back, still, but his legs are at rest (and an excellent kitty ramp now, it seems).
With his free hand, he reaches to strokes one of the cats climbed upon Trahearne, which purrs at his touch. It's a delicate, mindful touch; he's always graceful with his hands, but there is a particular gentleness he offers animals, in both expression and gesture. He does seem to expect Trahearne to be more preoccupied with getting off him, though, if he can will himself to roll off all these cats. )
no subject
He only offers Mishka a bashful glance when he says that. What does it mean? Like this, how?? Irritation bubbles in his chest, for reasons unknown to him, as he feels the tinge on his cheeks settle there.
He's about to grab a cat to remove it, when Mishka's hand reaches out to stroke it. He pauses in his own actions to watch for a moment, how the cat readily accepts the affection; he glances up at his friend, and is taken aback by the gentle look on his face.
Trahearne looks away, and begins to pet the same cat with just as much reverence. ]
I always thought you might have a way with animals.
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I like animals. I'm just lucky they seem to like me.
( He keeps the sight tucked away, like a little secret, and turns his gaze back to the cat. The cat is having the best time of its life right now, and rubs against the both of them. )
... If there is such thing as purity, I think it exists in these things. Animals, beasts, insects, and the land... They mean no harm; they only exist.
( Not that some can't cause harm, but the level of intent between a human and a cat are measured on very different scales.
He gently squishes the cat's face with his palms, which it seems to like in some silly way. It delights Mishka in turn. )
It's a pleasing thing, how the creatures in Crescentview are rarely unhappy.
no subject
Mishka's remark, however, has Trahearne tilt his head slightly in thought. It's an interesting point of view, one he can understand, due to what morsels of information he's heard about Ostoya. He doesn't know the details, of course, but that he would leave people out strikes him as fascinating.
There is one thing they can agree on, though: ]
I agree. That they seem content here speaks volumes to the island's peace.
[ That is true. Even their farm animals, even when they don't quite manage their feeding schedules and whatnot properly, they still seem happy.
And then, there's Trahearne. ]
To be honest, I think all life is inherently good and pure. That includes people. [ He smiles fondly as he watches the cat wander in circles over his lap. ] But through life we harm one another, intentionally or no, and those wounds can fester into sorrow, or evil. It's through that hurt does the cycle perpetuate itself.
[ He looks up at Mishka. ] I think it takes a great deal of courage to acknowledge when one has harmed another, and to step forward and right it.
no subject
Still, he lets Trahearne suggest there is goodness in all things, though Mishka has never seen this to be true. Maybe— in Crescentview, there exists the visage of proof that people are good when left alone. It is hard to tell if this is true, or just a product of how he's softened uncomfortably beneath the complacent warmth of this island.
He considers whether he should move Trahearne off with particular force, when he looks up at him. For one flickering second, he's the one briefly distracted, because he's so close, and his expression is so earnest.
(Not that his wants are sweet. It's just that he sees such determined goodness and he wants to dig his nails into it, with affection. Such is his nature.) )
Courage, and strength of character. Not everyone has the will or means.
( And some people right things wrongly, or try. He is all of these things.
He releases the kitten from his cupped hold grip. )
... Where I was raised, purity and goodness were traits earned, and not all won the privilege. It's difficult to think the default state of a person is not decay.
( He certainly didn't win this privilege; he's certainly trapped in a process of decay.
And he could continue that thought. He could talk ceaselessly of the ills of Ostoya, for there are many. But instead he turns his gaze toward the cats, and the shore, and the sea, and the gentle sound of waves, and he holds these in his mind, instead.
He shrugs, leaning back on his palms. )
But perhaps there's merit to it; to the idea that people are good, too, sometimes.
( He doesn't know if he's comfortable enough to say always. But sometimes seems generous enough. )
(no subject)