29 - Autumn Leaves

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Uncover the remaining secrets of the mysterious forest.
When: Nov 29 - 30
Where: Chichibu National Park & the Central District
Summary: A heavily forested wilderness area in Chichibu National Park is attracting dangerous numbers of ayakashi, and Heaven's forces suspect that this might be the mortal forest that was connected to the Heavens in order to kidnap gods and shinki a few weeks ago.






Walk in the Woods

On the morning of the 29th, Heaven's messenger doves drop off small folded cards at the doors of every temple. The cards read,


We believe that we have identified the location on the Near Shore where the human accomplices were working. As it is a large area, we offer you this information, in case you are able to assist us in searching for clues to the identity of the culprit. Please investigate with caution: there are reports of ayakashi in the area.


Attached is a map to a large national park in the Kanto region, with a section of the park cross-hatched in red pen. Anyone who goes to investigate the marked area will discover that it is heavily forested and contains about a mountain and a half; the ground is steep, muddy with autumn rain, and slick with dead leaves, though some red and orange colors are still grimly clinging to the branches overhead. Watch your step! The supernatural menace seems to have faded, but the purely natural hazards can do almost as much damage.

Heaven's forces, wearing white short jackets with gold chrysanthemum emblems over much more sensible jeans and hiking boots, can be seen here and there throughout the forest, searching for clues themselves. If somebody gets in a real jam, they might be willing to lend a hand.

Mysterious Trees

Towards the center of the cross-hatched area, investigators may begin to see some familiar signs. Are those bits of torn-down spell papers still fluttering from nails driven into the trees? Vines and tree branches cut and broken by the hostage rescuers breaking through? Footprints, torn bits of black hooded cloaks... there are clues aplenty here.

There's something else, too: a mysterious presence still seems to haunt the forest. The trees might not move when anyone's watching, but it seems like they're in slightly different positions every time you look away and back. And what was that flicker of movement in the underbrush? Is there still someone here?!

Comment on the NPC REQUEST/CLUE SEARCH thread below to request specific details, or to go hunting for that mysterious presence.

Ayakashi Attacks

There's more than one mysterious presence in these trees... and some of them are definitely not friendly. The forest's aura is unsettling and creepy enough to partially mask their approach, but ayakashi of all types and sizes seem to have been drawn here. Some wind along tree branches or soar through the air on fleshy, wide-spread wings. Others crawl or even burrow in the ground.

And all of them are excited at the possibility of a divine meal. Look out!

Autumn Leaf Viewing

An area of the Central District planted with maple along a stone-walled canal has been decorated with hanging lanterns, comfortable spread mats and cushions, and an abundance of delicious food and drink on the afternoon of the 30th. Everyone is invited: new gods and old, those who helped investigate the Near Shore forest and those who didn't. For those who did investigate, though, one or two of the white-robed shinki who are helping with the party preparations and enjoying the food and drink themselves will take the opportunity to pull them aside and ask about their findings.

The party includes games as well as food and drink. Kites, poetry games, tag, hide-and-seek, card games and dice games are going on all over. There's even some determined board game and mahjong players who have brought their favorite game to the outdoor venue and are setting up on mats with immense care.

At one edge of the landscaped area where the party is being held, the ground slopes up, and is planted with a riot of bright gold, white and rust-red chrysanthemums. Like the ones that bloomed everywhere a few months ago, these flowers exude a sense of peace, confidence and security to anyone nearby, and especially those who pick the blooms to wear in their hair or their buttonhole.

In Summary:

• Investigate a wild forest
• Watch out for nasty trees
• Exorcise an ayakashi infestation
• Enjoy some hard-earned relaxation
• Have fun~

Comments

[futhark]

[ A true Disney princess moment, here's hoping he won't ruin it by entering the room and carefully walking to meet her ]

Hey, I know you're stressed right now- [ Overcome with guilt and fear ] -a lot had happened.

[ What a freaking great start. He runs his hand through his hair, as he wonders what is he supposed to say? Thanks for saving Alex, good job on that - part of him wants to say. But that's a part of him, that is just a fellow comrade, warrior, friend. What is he supposed to say as a god? ]

Shit, I really hate this job. [ He mutters with a resigned chuckle ] How was the fight?

[unlucky7]

[It's far more graceful and elegant and cute in Disney movies. Here, the finches tear and tangle up her damp hair, chirping directly into her ear. Ginia would find the moment cuter if she wasn't wondering whether she still had a temple to return to.

At the question, Ginia wrings her hands together as she looks for something to write on - her wet phone and bag still outside - before ultimately miming at Caster for his phone. When he gets the message and surrenders her phone to him, she'll pull up the most readily available text program to write a message in.

It's there she falters. With distance from the fight, it doesn't feel heroic or brave. Just a spontaneous, poorly planned idea.]

An ayakashi was trying to drag Alex underground. I threw up a borderline to shield her and help her escape and let the ayakashi take me to keep it distracted. If I fought better, this wouldn't have happened. I'm sorry.

[The naming might have also been avoided if Alex had run, but Ginia can't bring herself to blame Alex for anything. Besides, if Alex hadn't run, maybe Alex and Caster would be having a different conversation now.]

[futhark]

[ Caster knows Alex, maybe not the best, but- he knows her, he trusts her. The part of her being his first friend here? That was no joke. There were very few people he had a chance to be so open with. For all the genuine appreciation of bonds, friendships, camaraderie, honor, vulnerability wasn't a thing to be celebrated. Alex saw him at his worst, magically affected mood or not, and she still stayed. ]

You saved her... thank you.

[ It's genuine honest, and in his hopes, it could be enough. There, he's not angry, he's thankful. Albeit he has to shoo off an adventurous finch that is trying to land on him ]

Ugh, not again buddy. [ Shoo shoo ]

[unlucky7]

[A smile briefly flickers across Ginia's face at the praise. She can't help it; a life time of neglect has left her starved for approval, no matter the source. But that's not the problem right now.]

I know you don't approve of nora. I understand if you want to release me. But please don't be angry at Alex, she was only trying to do the best for both of us.

[It hurts thinking about Caster releasing her, but it's the appropriate punishment for going against his will, right? She made a mistake, she failed, she'll pay the price. It's how things go.]

[futhark]

Shinki has no say when a god names on them. [ Caster knows as much. There was once a concern from someone wondering if shinki could get rid of unwanted name by killing the god who forcibly named them ]

If some asshole god tried to hurt you like that, I would personally murder them. [ This was just a question, he can't be sure it happened for reals... although there were mentions that there was once a god who forced the names on shinki against their will. A name is a powerful thing, god wielding it can change the form of the shinki, force them to stay in vessel form- ]

But it's Alex, I'm sure she wanted to help you as much as you wanted to help her. [ A sigh. ] I'm not angry, neither at you nor at her.

[ It's a good justification and he- he is surprisingly good at justifying things when it comes to people he cares about. ]

[unlucky7]

[It is not surprising Caster would hurt anyone that deliberately tried to hurt her. They are a pack, protective of each other, a formidable group when they're on the hunt. It's still an immensely flattering statement to Ginia and it alleviates some of her guilt and sadness.

If he says he isn't angry, she can accept that. Still, there is something she wants to make certain he knows.]

I chose you as my god, Caster, I chose to serve you. I do not regret that decision. I would never choose another god against your will and as long as you will have me, I will always be your shinki.

[futhark]

[ "Against your will". That can be read as "I would nora with your permission." Just like Archer. Again this subject is brought and again he avoids actually addressing it. Go him ]

Come here- [ He takes a step closer and catches her into a one-armed hug. ] You know, I'm not really a lucky guy- but sometimes I really get hit by an amazing blessing. Like you.

[ What is this tsun roundabout way of saying, yeah you're important to me too. ]

Let's check on Alex, shall we?

[unlucky7]

[It can and should be read that way. Given the chance, Ginia would nora. Not because of any unhappiness or disloyalty toward Caster, but to protect others, especially those close to her god. Isn't keeping Caster's friends safe a way of serving her god?

(The fact it provides a secondary level of protection is a bonus.)

Ginia leans into the hug, her head resting against his shoulder. Her conversation with Votelli - right, she'll have to find a way to tell Caster and Archer about her - springs to mind. Caster could yell at her, leave her alone as a punishment. It's his right to do so.

Instead he's here comforting, reassuring her of her worth and importance. Her breath hitches slightly at his words. A blessing. Ginia doesn't feel like one most days or anything worth, but who is she to argue her god's words?

Ginia nods and brushes her lips against his cheek, a smile gracing her face. Alright, let's go see Alex.]

[sing_for_me]

[ Alex managed to change, but needed to wrap up her leg wound. They'll find her making her way from the bathroom, not hobbling as much as she tries to get used to walking, one hand using the railing of the second floor as support. She had to go back to the forest after all. Some of the finches are hopping along side her on the rail, while others are perched on her shoulder, chirping into her ear. She couldn't tell if they were concerned or mad at her... ]

Oh--H-hey. [ She looks up to find the other two. Looking from one to the other, it didn't look like the talk went badly. Maybe. Hopefully. She'll pause, waiting to hear what they had to say about it. There was also that feeling of not wanting to intrude more than she already had. ]

[futhark]

Alex, where are you going?

[ Caster hurries to her because he notices how intent she is going down the stairs. Oh shoot, they shouldn't haver scared her out of her own house. It's not like they needed that much space- maybe really should they have this conversation back in the temple. ]

Everything is alright, promise!

[ Well, maybe not truly "everything" but "just enough" ]

[unlucky7]

[Ginia startles slightly at the sight of Alex limping away, not quite sure where she's going. Back to the forest? Another part of the temple? Elsewhere?]

Yes, everything is fine! You don't need to worry about us!

[Her signs are fast and hurried, still a little anxious over everything that's happened, but they'll get through. Caster is her god, she is shinki, that it continues to be so is all she needs.

But there are things with Alex that still need to be resolved. Ginia leaves Caster's side and approaches Alex, pulling her into a tight hug.

She's sorry. She's thankful. She hopes that's apparent.]

[sing_for_me]

[ She's about to respond to Caster's first question when there's a sudden rush of concern from both of them. Did they think she thought something was wrong? Was there something wrong? They seemed sincere about it though.

The pull has her lose her balance, but Ginia was enough to keep her steady. After the initial surprise ebbs away, she rests her hand on Ginia's back, leaning her head against the other's. ]

I'm glad to hear that..I was just getting patched up before checking on you guys. I was going to go back to the forest after.

[futhark]

[ The anxiety is given. Their status is not changed. Caster has no intention of renouncing Ginia's name. There is a nagging thought that he probably wouldn't want that should there was not an accidental contract but one on purpose, but he'd rather not entertain this thought too much.

Maybe it's a band-aid right now, but that's what wounds need, right? Something to cover them and protect from making the injury worse. ]

Hardworking as always. [ Caster comes closer and rests his hands on their shoulders. He's always going to be a little touchy-feely, but that's how he communicates support. ] Do you want to return to the forest too, Ginia?

[unlucky7]

[Ginia pulls away from Alex, looking over her again before stepping back. At Caster's question, she shakes her head. There's been enough excitement for one day for her and with bruises to nurse and wet electronics to rescue, there's plenty of work in the temple.]

I'm going to head back to the temple. I have work I can do there. Stay safe, Alex.

[sing_for_me]

[ Her hug is warm, and his hand is warm. If there's any word she could use to describe their temple and its inhabitants, it was definitely warmth. Yet it scared her sometimes, how kind they were. It wasn't that she doubted them, not at all. She lets it linger, pressing her hand against Ginia's back and squeezing Caster's hand, but as always, she lets go. ]

Thank you, both of you. [ She was actually rather relieved to hear Ginia was heading back to her temple. She'll be safe there. Alex does glance over at Caster, hoping that he'll be doing the same, especially considering what happened to him. ]

Take care...please.

[futhark]

[ Caster nods quickly and points at Ginia. ]

I'll take her home.

[ He doesn't say anything about staying in the temple himself, but that's because he's not sure yet. Archer is still somewhere in that forest, someone else might still need assistance- Alex might need assistance since she is going back then. ]

Catch you later, and stay safe.