Intro Log: Eat Your Veggies

[hadrielmods]

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for January
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: January 10th-16th
Warnings: Luscious greenery and confused newbies

As has become tradition within the good (well, okay) city of Hadriel, new arrivals will awake on the floor of the half-destroyed colosseum. Confused and disoriented, you may be wondering where you are and what you're doing there. Don't worry! Someone will probably tell you sooner or later, as long as you get out of the colosseum alive.

Oh, right. About that. Along with the poor, innocent, vulnerable new arrivals are a number of other new friends! Well, maybe less 'friends' than 'horrifying monsters', but are you really going to be picky? Wandering the arena are Shambling Mounds. These creatures are large, unattractive piles of vaguely humanoid-shaped vegetation. They hit hard, they can take a lot of damage, and if you're really unlucky they might manage to engulf you with their weird plant bodies. If that happens, you'd better try to get free fast - otherwise they'll just walk off with you stuck inside and kill you later at their leisure.

The Door appears to have cast a wide net for 'plant monsters', and while Shambling Mounds are the only ones that can actually hurt you, it's managed to pull in a number of smaller, less dangerous carnivorous plants. Some of them are even kind of cute! So if you were looking for a pet venus flytrap or a new pitcher plant, you're in luck. Scattered around the colosseum are carnivorous potted plants, just waiting to find a new home.

Make a new plant friend, or get eaten by one, or run screaming! Whatever you choose to do, once you find your way out of the colosseum there's plenty of other distractions. Feel free to go explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers January 10th-16th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication and the newbie guide installed.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

Comments

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya can feel herself drifting again even as his footsteps jostle her, sending pain crackling along the length of her body. She can see the shape of his face through a haze, though it seems to change; so many of her memories of him are of a child, round faced and soft, and she hasn't yet become fully acquainted with the man holding her in his arms. The inevitability of death had brought with it a certain clarity, and she had resigned herself to it. She had thought she'd be happy, dying for the cause, but when she'd seen the desperation in Noctis' face as he'd reached out to her, something inside of her cracked.

Her own selfishness had set her heart to ache as she bid him farewell. It's that same selfishness that keeps her motionless in his arms, she supposes, even as her consciousness threatens to slip entirely. She murmurs his name and swallows hard, forcing her eyes to remain open as she does her best at focusing on her breathing. Lunafreya is vaguely aware of how familiar Noctis is with their new settings, but she doesn't think to comment on it. Her questions can come later.

For all of her best efforts, Luna finds herself struggling to swim through darkness even as Noctis pushes open yet another door. The pain she feels at his setting her upon an unfamiliar couch buoys her further into consciousness, but it also makes her vision go white. Luna can't even make a sound in response to it as Noctis busies himself, and it isn't until he touches her face that Lunafreya's eyes focus enough to take in his features.

Blood is smeared across his forehead, and her eyebrows knit together. With a shaking hand, she weakly attempts to rub it away, ineffective in her weakness. She does her best to square her jaw and put on a brave face when she gently nods in reply to him, her voice paper-thin and cracking when she finally speaks. ]

A... Alright. I trust you, [ Luna manages, smiling at him as best as she can. She allows her hand to sink down to her side as she breathes, turning her gaze to the ceiling. ]

[kittycaterer]

[ There is relief, but it's just barely palpable in the face of how this could end. Lunafreya is absolutely weak, the color from her face gone. And it's clear that she's close to the brink of an end that she hardly deserves to go through a second time. And far be it for Noctis to allow himself to see her die again. It won't happen. Not on his watch. ]

[ Second chance... Just like with his father, this is a second chance. ]

[ He'll ask questions later, make assumptions later. Noctis knows the task at hand, and while he isn't confident in his skills? His father made it out alive after the prince tended to his wounds. Granted, these are far deeper, far graver. Noctis exhales deeply, willing himself to relax at her words. Trust. Cooperation. Good. ]

[ There is a clear look of pain across his face when she tries and fails to wipe the blood from his face. Even on the brink of a second demise, she fusses over her future king. Dedicated to her calling until her last breath, just as before. It's painful to face, but he tries a reassuring smile for her. ]

Okay.

[ Another sigh. Noctis cups her cheeks and presses his forehead against her own briefly. He closes his eyes, takes but a half a second to take in the fact that she is solid and real. Lunafreya's breath, shallow and weak as it is, manages to steel his resolve. ]

Okay.

[ He says it again, nodding as he pulls back. Noctis settles before the center of the couch, where his bunched-up coat covers the nasty destruction beneath it. Carefully, he pulls it off. It's dripping with blood, soaked completely in it, and Noctis quickly tosses it aside. There's a painful look on his face, a sharp inhale to try and keep his resolve at the face of the nasty, grisly wound that appears gaping at her midsection. Shit. ]

[ The fabric of her gown covers pieces of it, soaked in her blood and stuck to the flesh. Noctis hesitates before grasping the ends, looking to Luna's face once more. ]

Sorry.

[ He looks back to the cut, quickly tearing the fabric covering her belly to give himself room. Noctis takes the wet rag, gently applying it to the wound, working to clean it as thoroughly as he can. Thankfully, it appears the bleeding has started to slow down, clotting as intended. Noctis is sick to his stomach, cold to the touch, and he's surprised he hasn't outright lost consciousness to this. ]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya can see his panic plain as day, and she wants nothing more than to soothe him. In truth, she's terrified; she has been here before, and while her resignation to death had been certain, seeing Noctis again shakes her to her core. Longing overwhelms her, fierce and aching, and she finds herself clawing to remain awake even as her body protests. As much as she wants to frame everything she does for Noctis' sake, this is as much for her as it is for him.

This is the third chance she's gotten to see him again. There are no gods here, and likely no throne; his absence is probably felt across the entirety of Eos, and Lunafreya solemnly makes her singleminded goal one to return him to his rightful place. Her life is but a bargaining chip in the face of his destiny, and while her own feelings for him scream at her to live, it's the voice of her duty as Oracle that she ultimately responds to.

When he cradles her face in his hands, she allows her eyelids to flutter shut, savoring his closeness. She loves him, and it's in that love that she holds no doubt. Romance is well and good, but it's secondary to the devotion she feels for the prince. Lunafreya believes in him and trusts him implicitly, and when he smiles at her, she returns it as best as she is able. He is her first true friend and once-betrothed. Her faith in him is unshakable, and she has no doubt that he will emerge victorious from this, no matter the outcome. ]

It will be alright, [ She breathes, placing her arms at her sides in order to let him work. The fear she feels begins to ebb as she focuses on his face, woozy with blood loss. Through her haze, she watches as he discards his coat. Luna hasn't had the chance to properly examine the wound Ardyn had given her, but upon seeing the way Noctis' face pales, her stomach hollows with reflexive dread. ]

Do what you must. [ She says this even as he tears the fabric of her dress, exposing most of her midsection. Luna inhales sharply at the way the action causes her body to shift, but otherwise makes no noise. She grits her teeth when he begins to clean the gash, giving a soft whimper in spite of herself. ]

I am... I am alright, [ Lunafreya hisses, the sting of the wet cloth causing her to see sparks as her eyes squeeze shut. She does her best to keep silent so as not to distract him, but her body reacts on its own, eager to move away from the painful stimuli. Lunafreya focuses on remaining still even as the blood drains from her face again, the world seeming to narrow and spin even as she lies stationary on the couch. ]

[kittycaterer]

[ It's deep. Ardyn had intentions on making sure Lunafreya would not make it out of Altissia alive. He can practically see the length of the blade based on the entry-wound, how it moved on its way out. Noctis swallows thickly as he tries to keep himself steeled for her sake, despite how horrifying the visual is. Lunafreya's skin is so pale and sickly, and it's clear she's lost too much blood. Their gods are nowhere to be found or seen, yet it is a miracle that she is even a live now. ]

[ Noctis quietly busies himself with cleaning the wound as thoroughly as he can, utilizing what little he has left. He's careful, cautious, recalling the treatment he'd witnessed Ignis and Gladio had practiced on their shared injuries. He can at least be thankful that he's had enough experience to know that he can keep her from bleeding out excessively. He merely nods, assuring her with brief words that of course, she'll be fine. She'll be alright. Because Noctis will do everything in his power to make sure. ]

[ Gods, she doesn't even know Regis is here. The call he'll have to make to his father... ]

[ Noctis shakes out of his thoughts, focusing on the task at hand. When she's cleaned, he exhales another breath to will himself into a calm. He turns his attention to her, offering a soft smile as best as he can. Despite the way his eyes burn and his words crack. ]

Almost done. Gonna need you to brace yourself for this part, okay?

[ With a roll of bandage in his hand, he shifts beside her. Noctis begins to slip his arm underneath her back and shoulders. ]

Lifting on three. Get your arm around my shoulders if you can. For balance.

[ The intent is to get her sitting up so he can wrap her wounds. ]


One.

[ He's shaking. She'll be able to tell. Each second passed bears a reminder and question to the fact that she's here. Alive. And he fights with the wonder of whether or not this is another hallucination. Elaborate and broader than the rest. ]

Two...

[ Noctis swallows thickly, arm fully beneath her where his hand gently cups her shoulder. As he blinks, his eyes burn hotter and fill with tears. His voice completely cracks on the last number. ]

Three.

[ He works to get her half-sitting up, propping himself at his knees so she can lean against him while he works. Promptly, he works to start wrapping her abdomen. ]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya is ignorant to the depth of the wound, her only indicator of its seriousness being the bursts of pain she feels every time she moves. It's ironic, the way he steels himself for her sake, if only because she's doing the same for him; when she states that she's alright, it's for him. Pain is nothing but something that will slow her down, and she will gladly bear more of it in silence if that's what it takes to support Noctis and his ascension to the throne. Luna doesn't consider this to be an unhealthy mindset simply because it's all she's ever known, and it's because of this that she's happy just to be here, next to him.

Her eyes prickle with heat as agony begins to run its familiar course through her as he works, stabbing at her injury and radiating outwards. Luna clenches her jaw, her fingers struggling to find purchase upon the couch in order to weather the pain, doing her best to keep still so Noctis can do his job. She isn't a fighter like him or his friends, and while she is no stranger to pain, the wound Ardyn had left her burns like nothing else. She suspects that much of this has to do with her communion with Leviathan shortly before its infliction, and the resulting pull of Altissia's tides upon her after Noctis successfully earned the Astral's power. ]

A-Alright, [ She stammers, blinking back tears. It goes without saying that Lunafreya is weak in the face of everything that has happened up to this point, and when he smiles, she scarcely has the energy to reciprocate. She can see the pain in his face, and it makes her breath catch in her throat. Still, she drapes her arm around his shoulders as she's bade, wincing as she shifts closer to him. Her fingers curl to grip his shirt as best they can as he begins his countdown, and she uses the opportunity to hold him in her own way, wanting to ease his frayed nerves. He quivers against her and it cuts her deeper than the wound in her gut.

"One."

Lunafreya turns her head, nudging his jawbone with her nose. The comfort she seeks is for him, not herself.

"Two."

She doesn't bother waiting for "three" before she starts to shift, the soft cry that escapes her lips coinciding with the final number that leaves his. Lunafreya's vision goes white as she slumps against him, weakly attempting to prop herself up with the hand not around his shoulders. It threatens to give way beneath her weight as he deftly wraps the bandage about her torso, working quickly. ]

I had... no doubts, [ Lunafreya says thickly, swallowing hard at the lump in her throat. The worst is over, or so she thinks. Her vision is hazy and she feels herself slipping again, the darkness that threatens to overwhelm her almost welcoming in its oblivion. She sees the glimmer of tears in Noctis' eyes, however, and she gently nudges him as best she can. ] You have done well, Noctis... There is no need for tears. I am... here.

[ Every breath hurts, but Lunafreya gently strokes her thumb against the side of his neck, too weak to move it further. ] You, also... I suppose your wish has been granted. [ She laughs hoarsely, wan as she recalls the words he'd spoken to her before she'd been swallowed by the tide.

Luna expels a breath as she leans against him, eyelids fluttering. ]

You have saved me. In that... I am happy.

[kittycaterer]

[ He tries to ensure that the bandages are firm, not too tight, and careful in their application. There's a moment where the shaking finally stops, but the tears seem to continue with their overflow even as Lunafreya nudges him with her nose. It's difficult to work with one hand, but he manages. Thankfully... And once the job is done, he can sigh with relief. ]

[ Her words are broken, but soft. "I suppose your wish has been granted"... They burn deep in his core, recalling what he had thought was just a strange dream speaking to him of her death. In but a short sentence, Lunafreya confirms that she visited him once more before her departure. That in completing her duty, she made one last effort to see him one last time. To comfort him and do as she was bred for. It's painful, harsh, but it's the reality of who they are. ]

[ Noctis exhales, and it's pained when it comes out. He feels her caress, her gentle nudge, and he sits back and realizes that Gladiolus was right. He's selfish and unaware of his duty and station, taking everything for granted until it's either pried away from him or seriously damaged. Ignis... Prompto... ]

[ What kind of king does this make him? And is this truly his second chance? Does he even deserve one? And is it selfish to think Lunafreya and the King have been revived for his sake? ]

[ Noctis feels a pain in his chest, even as claim of happiness drips from Lunafreya's lips. With a pained hiss through gritted teeth, he works to fully embrace her. He's gentle, keeping the one arm wrapped around her shoulders while the other reaches around to cradle her head. Their foreheads press together, noses touching while wet and large tears continue to trickle down his face. ]

Y-Yeah.

It was.

[ He can barely talk. But for her, he tries. Noctis' fingers tangle through her hair, clutching it as he commits the feeling of her against him to memory. Noctis cares for Lunafreya deeply, and while his true feelings have been lost on him even in the wake of a wedding that never happened? He knows for certain that living without her was the worst experience of his life. Lunafreya is a part of him; the Oracle to her King. The King to his Oracle. Born and created by the Gods for a greater purpose in which they were set to seek out together, yet separate. Destiny tore them apart and kept them miles away from one another, yet here they are... Together. ]

I won't let you down, Luna.

I promise. I won't lose you again.

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya is blearily aware of the care Noctis takes in making sure that his bindings are secure, her vision already swimming from this much. She focuses instead on the tears that flow freely down his face, and she remains silent in their wake. It's all she can do to keep a hold on his shoulder even as her head lolls against him, matted strands of long, blond hair falling forward and covering her face. Her breathing is still labored, though the worst has passed.

She thinks the world of Noctis, and knows that he will make a fine king. His journey has been arduous, fraught with tragedy and hardship, but the fact that he is still here, whole and carrying on, is a testament to his resilience. Understanding the value of things one takes for granted is part of the growth process, and it's a hard-earned lesson that Luna had the misfortune of learning as a young girl.

Lunafreya knows not the means for which she was brought here, but in some small, twisted way, she is thankful for Hadriel's foreign gods. They are not her own, but surely they are capable of small mercies, if they brought her here for another chance to see him. Death is always a possibility, of course, but she will fight tooth and nail to remain by Noctis' side for as long as she is able as his Oracle and friend.

When he holds her, she weakly presses her brow to his, allowing her eyelids to sink closed. Her breathing finally begins to steady itself as she feels his fingers, comforting in their tangle with her hair, and she expels a soft puff of air. ]

I know... you won't.

[ She wants to say more. Desperately. But she is so, so tired in the wake of her pain, and Noctis is here. She is warm. Safe, for the first time in what feels like an eternity. The same welcoming darkness begins to creep behind her vision, beckoning her into its embrace as she breathes, slow and deep. It's all Lunafreya can do to gently nudge her nose against his as she feels herself beginning to slip away again, and this time, she doesn't try to fight it.

She's safe wherever he is, and the darkness abides. When Lunafreya loses consciousness, it's with the assurance that he will be there when she wakes. ]

[kittycaterer]

[ Noctis feels her against him, feels her nose press his own and her eyelashes begin to flutter against his. In their embrace, he wills himself to commit every little feeling to memory. The fear, the worry, the simultaneous relief and happiness that she's here with him and safe. While Lunafreya's complexion is off, her skin is still warm. Her heart is beating and her lungs fill with air and release as needed. She's alive. And so, he hangs on to it. ]

[ He hangs on to her words, labored as they are. But he feels her begin to slip again, and Noctis finds himself unable to move for the time being. The prince holds her close, though he's almost as still as stone when he feels her slip. ]

Luna... Luna--

[ There's immediate worry that her slipping away is to death's embrace, and Noctis holds his breath as he waits for confirmation. For anything. And he chokes out a sob when her soft breath caresses his face. Relief again, knowing she's alive. Noctis sniffles and struggles to steel himself as he gently places her back down on the couch. He reaches for a blanket draped over the back-rest, delicately placing it on top of her. Before he stands, he reaches for her face once more, caressing her cheek. ]

[ He won't lose her again. He refuses... And he'll make sure she knows how grateful he has been for her support and service. How much he's missed her in the last twelve years. ]

[ Noctis makes way for the kitchen to grab his phone and make an immediate call. ]