Event log: How Delightful

[hadrielmods]

Who: Anyone and everyone!
What: Delight's resurrection.
Where: Throughout the city, starting in the bar.
When: March 23rd-April 3rd
Warnings: Partying too hard, poor life choices, underage drinking, the worst hangovers of all time.

On the morning of March 23rd, bright and early, Delight is resurrected. Her temple is restored, and her bar appears in the city. What does that mean? Well, obviously it's time to celebrate. We hope everyone brought their party shoes! From March 23rd to March 27th, the party will be mostly contained in and around Delight's bar, with an invitation from the goddess herself. But it won't be long before she decides that's just not good enough - gotta bring the party to the people! From March 28th to April 3rd, the natural light is dimmed and replaced with flashing colored lights, fireworks, and even a few disco balls. Loud music blares through the city, making it hard to sleep, and a wide variety of trouble is available to be gotten into.

Wanna drink away the pain of being trapped in a hellcave? There's unlimited amounts of alcohol of all kinds, and Delight will be happy to supply anything that might be missing. More interested in karaoke-ing your heart out? Hit up one of the jukeboxes. Enjoy gleeful displays of your own mortality? Here's a skateboard and a ramp, have fun. There's just about anything you could desire, as long as what you desire is to party hard and make bad decisions. And hey, if you find yourself getting tired, grab one (or five) of Delight's special energy shots. They'll eliminate your need for sleep, food, water, cure an oncoming hangover and immediately relax any sore muscles you've got for 24 hours per shot! There's no down side! (Except for all the effects coming back to hit you at once when the shot wears off, but whatever.)

After about a week and a half of tequila shots, keg stands, roman candle battles, tagging the city with free spraypaint, inappropriate party games, and balloon hats made to look like rocket ships (wait... that's not a rocket ship), Delight realizes everyone's partied out and starts to wind things down. On April 3rd, she'll clean up the city, removing everything except for a few remaining fireworks and disco balls, stored in her temple. Her bar will still be around, if you can stand to even look at liquor after all the poor choices you made. Otherwise, lay in bed and try to recover from your hangover while the city goes back to normal.

► This log covers March 23rd-April 3rd.
► Feel free to make your own logs, as well
► Please tag headers of threads with content warnings where they apply
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!
► Did you party too hard? Please report any character deaths right here!

Comments

[circumitus]

While Rey may consider herself an open book devoid of secrets, she isn't about to breach that subject with someone who looks like they're as hungover as this guy.

She sighs, retreating a step from the alien.

"No more partying," she confirms. "Looks like it ended a couple hours ago."

[glacius]

"Thank the Makers," Glacius groans, letting his head flop back as he basks in the concept of his salvation for just a moment. As he lays there and listens, he realizes that the flashing lights and booming explosions are gone, and there's no more music thudding away at the front of his skull. He could pass out right now, he's so relieved... or no wait, maybe that's just the lack of sleep speaking again. Or a mix of both. "If this is the sort of behavior your gods encourage, then I should hope that the rest of them remain in their graves."

[circumitus]

"They're not my gods," she is quick to retort. In no way does she want to be associated with the gods here and their way of doing things.

Rey then pauses a moment, before getting an even closer look at the alien. She inspects his anatomy, from his blue exterior to his spikes. It's definitely different from the creatures she has seen. Plus the fact that he's capable of speaking English. That's new.

"Do you need help getting somewhere? You look like shit."

[glacius]

Glacius scrunches his face up as he looks back up at Rey. He doesn't know what "shit" is, but judging by her tone and the look she's giving him, he's assuming it's some sort of insult. Embarrassment at being caught in this predicament surges through him again, and he attempts to save face: "No. I am fine. This is... just a minor setback, is all."

... But even though all he wants is to find some quiet, secluded place he still isn't moving. His limbs work sluggishly, but they still feel like they've got massive weights holding them down. All of his energy has effectively left him, given that he hasn't taken any time to recharge it ever since he discovered those shots. About all he feels capable of doing is melting down into a puddle... which wouldn't help him get anywhere, but maybe it would make other people pass him by, saving him further embarrassment.

[circumitus]

"A 'minor' setback," she parrots.

Even Rey can see that Glacius looks like death. Maybe not bad enough that he needs to be rushed to a medical facility, and certainly nothing that a few hours of good rest can't fix. But still.

She straightens her posture, her hands still in her pockets. "You don't look like you're going anywhere."

[glacius]

"I don't?" Glacius sounds genuinely confused for a moment, before he looks down at himself and seems to realize that he's still inert. Well... dammit. Maybe this is slightly more than a minor setback. He struggles weakly again, managing to at least flop partway over onto his side, and then gives off a quiet series of lamenting clicks when he realizes just how much that tiny bit of movement took out of him. From his awkward position in the grass, his green eye flicks back to regard Rey, looking uneasy.

"If I... ask for your help... you have to promise you're not going try and lock me up somewhere." Never mind the fact that if that was her goal, she likely would have done it already, rather than waking him up and conversing with him. Old experiences have some fears ingrained into him, but maybe letting himself accept help from someone will aid in beginning to break down those barriers.

[circumitus]

A brow arches. Because, honestly. What does this guy take her for?

"Why would anyone want to do that?" She then huffs and shakes her head. "Know what? Never mind. Just come on, we'll find you a bed."

As she says this, she's taking him by the arm and helping to pull him onto his feet. Glacius might notice that, for someone who is human-shaped and definitely much shorter than him, she's much more solid than she appears.

[glacius]

Glacius opens his gills like he's about to answer that, but then Rey discards the thought and... well, that makes things much easier, honestly. He is not at all eager to delve into his past, or his unhappy history with humanity; and opening up to strangers is something the alien tries to avoid. Also, there's the fact that getting to his feet takes literally all of his effort and concentration; his head is already spinning again, and it's very hard to move when your limbs feel like they've all been replaced with wet noodles.

Thankfully, Rey is proving to be a surprisingly effective anchor. Though the alien doesn't mean to pile his weight on her, there's not much that can be done about it given his condition. "I... I am sorry about this. Normally I am not so... so..." he gestures aimlessly for a moment, then gives up, too tired to come up with the proper words. "...So... impaired."

[circumitus]

Figuring that there's some sordid story behind that sentiment, Rey decides to leave the subject well alone. She knows she isn't ready to start going into her whole issues with the people she does know, let alone with someone she'd only just met. She would expect the same thing in return from others. Even if they appear to be strange alien creatures.

"You don't have to apologize. You're not the only one in the city who got fucked up from all of this." Rey somehow managed to make it through in one piece. Of course, that's also due to her avoiding Delight's magical yellow shots. Looking at the way it affected even this guy, she can't help but think how she certainly dodged that bullet.

[glacius]

"Maybe not, but I'm supposed to be smarter, more careful. I can't believe I ingested a substance when I had no idea what it was... how idiotic," Glacius mutters this last part under his breath. Lack of sleep could impair anyone's judgment, he supposes, but that doesn't make it any less embarrassing to be caught in this situation himself. "I cannot afford to let my guard down like that again."

[circumitus]

"Everyone was acting a little stupid. Doubt anyone's going to judge you." Which also means that Rey isn't going to judge, either. She's got better things to do than to stand around and taunt some drunk alien about his follies.

Not like she's much better, anyway.

"How do you even ingest the stuff without a mouth, anyway?"

Such an invasive query may be a lapse in judgement on Rey's part.

[glacius]

Glacius lifts his head a little and blinks, taken off guard by the question... but then it's drooping again. Keeping it up takes too much effort right now. "I ingest then nutrients or necessary substances directly, usually by shifting my hands into the proper tools to do so. Liquids are particularly easy to absorb, as I do not have to break them down before absorbing them..."

[circumitus]

Rey didn't know what she was expecting, but that certainly isn't it. "Interesting," is all she says about the matter.

Curiosity sated, she moves them forward.

"Where do you live?" It'll be easier to direct them if she knows which direction to go.

[glacius]

Hm, that's something of an awkward question. Glacius starts to lift his head again, then checks the motion. For one thing, though this stranger has proven to be very helpful, he's not sure if he wants them to know where he's been residing. There's also the matter that the place where he has been residing is not exactly... well, the most civilized of places. He's really just been laying low there until he finds somewhere better, some place that's nice and cool, that still allows him to be reclusive and secretive while having proper shelter. So far the caves have been the only place that fit that description.

"... I don't really... live anywhere," he offers, aware that it's not at all helpful. "I know there's housing, but... it's so close to so many people... and I've been trying to keep my presence mostly secret."

[circumitus]

There are, of course, people who wouldn't be as understanding of the situation quite like Rey is. Never exactly having a place to call home and being on the move for so long, it's strange even for her to have settled into one of the local apartments. Besides, suppose the alien has his reasons. Maybe he doesn't want to feel too settled into this place. Maybe the housing here doesn't accommodate him as it does for the more human-shaped individuals. Maybe he just prefers being outdoors. Hell, Rey can get that. She can get all of those points.

"Understood." She doesn't ask him why the secrecy, sensing that the answer is obvious enough. "Where do you want to go, then?"

[glacius]

Glacius very much appreciates the fact that this helpful new stranger is not going to attempt any prying. He never appreciates nosiness, but just now he is particularly lacking in the energy to deal with that sort of thing. Instead he focuses all of his brainpower on trying to think up a decent answer to the question, because as it is he honestly has no idea.

"I... hm. I am not yet terribly versed in the layout of the city." There's another pause, and his gills flutter unevenly for a moment. Maybe being broad will be better, here; give Rey more options to pick from. "...Anywhere quiet, and secluded. Cold would be nice too, but it is not a strict requirement. Do you... know any place like that?"

[circumitus]

Being made of ice, it seems to make sense that the alien would prefer someplace nice and cool. She can even relate to wanting to be left alone. Considering his appearance, she wouldn't put it past some people here to mistake him for being a monster. If not for his sentience, she'd have made the same error.

Rey ponders this for a moment. "The park, perhaps? Think it's pretty secluded and quiet there." She herself tends to go there when she needs a little peace. Something that was rather difficult to find during Delight's constant partying.

[glacius]

The park. Yes. Glacius remembers that place--he'd tried retreating there himself during the partying. Thinking on it briefly, the alien gives a tired bob of his head. "It should suffice. All I need is... somewhere nice and cool and out of the way where I can recover somewhat. Thank you."

In other words, just go ahead and dump him in some shady patch of underbrush or something, Rey. At this point he honestly would not complain.

[circumitus]

"No worries." If it were the other way around, she would certainly hope that the other person wouldn't have the stupid sense to point and mock her. That just isn't her style. "We'll be there soon."

There's no indication that she expects anything in return, or that Glacius now owes her or anything. Hell, she could even bother him about why he's being so damned shady about all of this, but probing him about such things doesn't even freaking occur to her.

[glacius]

Normally the fact that Rey hasn't mentioned any compensation for her good deeds would have been more surprising to Glacius. As it is, his fatigue is dulling everything, and besides... he's gradually getting used to how much more helpful the inhabitants of Hadriel are than the humans back on earth. He remembers making a request for information on the network and not having a single person ask him for anything in return. It was... almost strange.

So either Rey is one of those people, or she's the type of person who's going to hold this over his head later on. The thought briefly makes him tense up, but a moment later he discards the thought. He's already accepted her offer, and he's far too exhausted to try and shove off on his own... and besides, she really doesn't seem like the sort.

Hopefully, for once, his trust has been well-placed.

"Al...alright," the alien breathes, putting all of his focus into moving his legs so he doesn't trip or stumble. He goes quiet for a moment later, then gradually tacks on, "Thank you... I'll remember this."

i just imagined "glacius will remember this" popping up in the corner telltale games style

[circumitus]

What is it that people are supposed to say when they've been expressed gratitude? Oh, right. "You're welcome," is all that she says for a time, not wanting to wrack the alien's brain with even more noise, such as her own voice.

Once they've made it to the park, Rey finds a clearing around some trees. It's quiet there. More secluded and, from her perspective, peaceful.

"Chances are people are still recovering from the party, so you'll probably have some alone time here before anyone comes."

Whether they've taken part in the celebration or avoiding it all like Glacius, Rey imagines everyone is feeling a bit ragged by the end.

ahaha oh my gosh yes

[glacius]

Glacius gives another little nod, but aside from that he is completely alright with the lapse into silence. Not having to wrack his aching brain for things to say is a relief, and the peace and quiet is something he hasn't been able to enjoy in days. He lets it settle deep in his mind and put him more at ease; by the time the've made it to the park, he's almost managed to fall asleep, the only thing keeping him from passing out again being the knowledge that heaping all of his weight on Rey would be rude, and he should not be leaving it completely up to her to get them where they're going.

When he looks up next they're in the park, more specifically in a clearing that looks to be quiet and secluded. The shade of the trees is nice too; he'll take anything that will make his surrounding a little cooler. He removes his arm from around Reys' shoulders, falls to his hands and knees, then flops down on his side next to the trunks. He doesn't have the energy to worry about a more dignified collapse at this time!

"Thank you for waking me up so that I may fall asleep again," the alien gives a weak chuckle, sounding slightly rueful for his complete and total lack of energy.