isleofavalon | EVENT ✨ Something (Celli)Wigged This Way Comes

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EVENT ✨ Something (Celli)Wigged This Way Comes

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Autumn, despite the chillier weather, is a season of warmth and gathering. Perhaps moreso this year than normal, given the rather unplanned gathering of Celliwig and Lestari underneath Camelot's roofs. Though significant contributions from otherworlders have made food, shelter, clothes and other productions and donations, medical care, security and protection, and childcare an amazing group effort, typical individual celebrations for the departure of the dead from Avalon aren't being held, like Lestari's Death Ball. After looking at all the support they've been given, Lestari and Celliwig have looked at what they have to offer to help both their own people and the people of Camelot and other worlds.

The people of Lestari excel in cognitive magic, and while there are those who use it for mind-altering magics, there is a good portion who dedicate their studies to emotional and psychological support. One such method is the enchantment of origami paper into something affectionately called Worry Monsters: an specialized counseling technique used to help form support bonds between people with negative emotions. Having spent a portion of the month enchanting paper, two square sheets of paper are handed out to anyone the encounter. The first paper says: "Personifying your emotions can give them a tangible form and make them easier to face. Write down something that causes you worry, stress, fear, or sadness. This is your Worry Monster." The second paper says: "When your Worry Monster is present, how does it make you feel? Any reaction is valid."
When both papers are written on, the writing on both will disappear as if absorbed by the paper, then the pages will animate and fuse, then begin to fold into a monster! Halloween is this month, is it not? There is no sense in not having a little fun. These little Worry Monsters will stomp off and begin roaming Camelot until they find a match-- someone who shares those feelings. Once they find an emotional matching Worry Monster, the monsters will return to their creator and grow to the size of kaiju. They are very light, enchanted paper, so even if someone or something gets stepped on, they won't be hurt or damaged. However, they are strong enough to pick their makers up and carry them to the matching monster who will do the same. Don't worry-- characters will be invisible while being carried by their monster, so their identities will be protected until they are brought to their match. The paper monster will turn to butterflies and fly away once their task is complete. What matches do after they are brought to each other is up to them-- but they will know, undoubtedly, that they share the same worries-- they are with someone who understands. Do it as many times as you'd like, for as many negative emotions as your character wants. For finding something to do, Celliwig offers a solution. While Lestari's people have spent their efforts this month enchanting papers, the people of Celliwig are less apt to share so openly. Instead, they take their time learning about a variety of holidays from other worlds, and come to find one they can apply their particular talents to. While most of their showcase in the past has been on light magic, a holiday such as Halloween plays in particular to their talents in dark magic. A number of locations that have opted in and won't interfere with other relief efforts have been enchanted with dark magics for brave souls to venture into and test their courage! What's more, each of these locations will yield tokens for the victors that can be used to gain prizes. All courage tests must be performed with partners. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
	The library has been converted into a haunted art gallery, many of which have had their paints and other implements enchanted. Some paintings will seem like they're watching you, others will seem like a small figure in the background is following you throughout the library in different paintings. A painting of fruit may start throwing the fruit at you and materializing it into real fruit, so you may find yourself pelted with tomatoes if you don't run fast! A single painting filled with black paint might start leaking and filling the room you're in, pulling you into shadow until you're stuck in the library's underground labyrinth. (Reference monthly quests here and here for more info about the labyrinth.)
There are a variety of paintings with different curses applied. Navigate through the library and escape the haunted paintings-- pairs who make it through without turning back will gain a Celliwig Token.
Another token can be gained via scavenger hunt in the Broceliande. Find cursed dolls from within tree hollows. The dolls will giggle and try to run away, may move when they're only visible in the corner of your eye if you set them down. What's perhaps a little spookier is that they take on the appearance of the first person to touch them, though they will never exceed three inches in height. Beware during your search, however, as there are a good many trees that have been transfigured into mimics. Though the mimics are not going to attack anyone, they do have giant hidden, wriggling tongues that will reach up and wrap the unalert up above the ground for capture. The only way down is if a partner fights the mimic, so don't go alone! Find a doll of both you and a partner and make it back to Camelot to obtain your token. The curse will break once they're exchanged for a token, so you can keep the cute little doll for yourself if you'd like.

The last test of courage invokes a temporary blindness hex on one of the partners. Both partners are walked into a soundproofed room, entirely silent in a way that truly seems to mess with one's head.

The unblinded partner is only allowed to answer "yes" or "no" questions, though no one will fault them for giggling as long as they give no clues otherwise. The blind partner is to stick their hands into a tank of water with mystery items hidden within. These items may be mere objects like peeled grapes in soggy noodles, or perhaps the tank is filled with chicken bones and those tiny garra that eat dead cells and are sometimes used for pedicures. All the items are set up to feel spooky, but ultimately are unharmful. As long as the partner who can give clues doesn't break the yes/no rules and the item is guessed within 3 guesses, a token will be rewarded!

Bring tokens to the inn where a stall has been set up, with Gwion working the booth to exchange tokens for the following prizes:

1 Token: Celliwig glasswork glass set of 4-- spooky themed! It's filled with candy upon receiving, so they are friendly for everyone.
2 Tokens: Recipe: Smokescreen - Cast this spell on any liquid to make it billow plumes of fog. The smaller the water surface, the smaller the billow. A shot glass might just create a small whisp, but two mop buckets would be enough to fill up a medium room. Will not effect the contents of the liquid. Cannot be used on water bodies larger than a swimming pool (could screen about half a block).
3 Tokens: Recipe: From the Void - Summons a disembodied tentacle from the shadows. It takes a lot of energy, so you could probably manage up to three casts a day at most before becoming exhausted. Great for binding enemies, sneaking in small spaces, and reaching places you might not be able to otherwise. The tentacle will follow whatever command you have in mind upon summoning, so be sure to concentrate on the task at hand!

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[ Crow just stares at Ritsuka. Everything she's saying isn't wrong. There is probably a solution even without the use of magic. The absence of her magic has been working for her, so it's her choice, but he still doesn't get the resistance.]

Well, you must be smart or accustomed to using your head in difficult situations. That's not a bad skill to have. Though your way just sounds like too much work, music takes up most of my brain cells, I'd like to keep it like that!

[Although he endeavors to be a knight in Avalon and has done a few quests to increase his combat prowess, he can see how the different fights made you think faster on your feet. Even taking stock of how to utilize certain inventory and abilities one possesses outside of magic. Though would he stop using his magic, because he became a better fighter? Hell no!]

Whatever, do you! If it's not broken, no need to fix it, right? Though I know there's one thing magic can't fix...and that's an empty stomach! Let's find lunch!

[After being scared to death in the art gallery, he's worked up an appetite.]

Let's!!

[ She perks up immediately at the suggestion. Whoever has the right idea of using their magic or not, they can both agree on the importance of food. And while Ritsuka has no animal features like Crow does, it's not difficult to imagine a furiously-wagging tail. ]

--And I mean, it makes sense. I've known a few musicians! They take their work really seriously... I bet if they had the option, they'd just devote all their brainpower to that. Me, I was definitely more of a jock when I was in school. Thinking on my feet is just more of what I'm used to.

[ And also the reason that she thought that chucking a vase at a weird painting was the best thing to do. ]

So you're more on the athletic side, huh? Nothing wrong with that!

[So it does make sense how Ritsuka knows how to think on her feet. With sports or anything similar, you had to be able to make quick decisions, it's the type of stuff that wins games.]

What were you thinking for lunch? Have you had the meat pies here? They're pretty good!

[With the scare-fest they've been through, they need something to build back their energy. So something with lots of carbs and protein seems like a good idea.]

I've had some meat pies, but that was only one place. I'm always willing to eat more.

[ At least in Avalon, she doesn't have to worry about one of the few points where magic did affect her life: she's no longer the focal point for multiple summons! She no longer has to eat to have enough energy both for herself and for everyone around her.

...But also, she's just a big fan of food in general. There's a bounce in her step now. ]

In fact, let's just stuff ourselves. My treat, okay?

Well, my place is better! The meat is definitely juicier and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! This place has the best crust too!

[ Crow brags a little. He's a bit of a foodie himself, and he's had enough time in Avalon to figure out where the best eats are. So he takes pride in sharing his favorite places with other people!

Though when Ritsuka offers to pay at first Crow feels weird about it. However, he reasons that it's compensation for all the magic he had to use back there, so it's a fair trade.]

Deal! Guess we have to do more missions together, if you're gonna be so generous!

[ He's joking, of course. But he wouldn't rule out doing another adventure with her.]

Yeah? If you're gonna talk like that about the food, you're also gonna have to prove it.

[ She's grinning as she says it, folding her arms behind her back as she walks alongside him. He'll have to lead the way, but now that they're out in the open sunshine, she feels significantly better. It's easier to tease when you're not worried about some weird shadow monster reaching out to grab you and drag you into who knows where. ]

I always believe in bonding over food, though. And when you survive something weird, the best thing to do is stuff your face. Money isn't as important.

Believe me, you'll be singing praises afterward!

[He's happy to lead the way, especially since this is one of the few places he can easily find in Avalon without getting lost. Luckily, the art gallery isn't too far away from it, and Crow navigates the streets like a pro. There's a certain pep in his step as well as they walk towards the shop. Maybe it's the anticipation of food, or finally leaving that scary place behind that makes him more at ease.

He nods, agreeing with Ritsuka about bonding over food.]

It's one of my favorite things to do with my band! After any show or battle of the bands, we always go out to eat! It helps us build morale! If we lost, which happens very rarely, defeat doesn't hurt so bad when your stomach is full. Did you also do with your friends back home?

Pretty often, honestly.

[ She's beaming as she says it, relaxing the further they get away from the gallery--it's not just the freedom, it's the promise of food! There's no really graceful way to explain her unique situation, and how much food had been necessary to compensate for her inherent lack of any kind of magical energy, but she can keep leaning into the concept of bonding over food. If it had other benefits beyond that, isn't that also good? ]

Usually after a-- [ don't call them battles, or missions, or anything like that, Ritsuka! You told him you were a jock, and you were in the volleyball club, remember that-- ] match, we'd always celebrate with food after. I know some really talented cooks, back home.

That's cool!

[He doesn't notice the hesitation from Ritsuka, and he has no reason to question the answers she gave him. Even if she did mention battles or missions, Crow wouldn't have batted an eye, probably because he's so used to Avalon at this point.]

The only good cook I knew back home was my managers' assistant, Angelika. And of course, my mom's cooking! Midi City has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine and food isn't expensive!

[Speaking of food, they finally arrived at Crow's place. It's a little hole-in-the-wall, so it can be easily missed if you happen to be in a hurry. However, the amazing smell wafting from the kitchen will stop anyone in their tracks. The hedgehog boy walks in and grabs two seats for them at the counter.]

Hey, Tobias! I brought a friend!

[Crow slides a small menu over to Ritsuka, there aren't many items on the menu, but there's really no need.]

I recommend the steak and potatoes minced pie with a side of mashed peas!

Done and done! I'll trust your judgment here, so if you steer me wrong, we'll just have to fight about it later.

[ It's a playful jab. She's grinning as she says it, knocking her ankle against Crow's in a thoughtless bit of friendly roughhousing. It's definitely more of the sort of thing she would have done with her school friends, once upon a time... there's something nice about feeling like she can relate to someone on a personal level. They're bonding over food right now, but he's not some sort of grand untouchable historical figure. Maybe he's famous in his own world, maybe he's not. She doesn't know--but right now, he's a guy roughly around her age, and he's easy to talk to. That counts for a lot. ]

I'm a great eater, but not really a great cook. I'm more than happy to act as a taste-tester, but I couldn't tell you how to actually make the stuff... if you ask me, cooks are already mages, without any "real" magic.

Okay, Tobias, two of the specials! And hey! Not likely! You'll like this so much, you'll be begging me for more recommendations!

[ Crow is pretty confident in his claim. He doesn't mind the "roughhousing", the knock to his ankle is pretty tame from what he normally gets from his bandmates. The myumon laughs it off. He's not famous. At least, not as famous as who Ritsuka is used to dealing with. He's probably almost famous, not nearly a household name but he certainly has a growing fanbase. Though Crow is pretty ordinary besides the ears and tail.

Yet, he enjoys this very down-to-earth conversation. You'd be surprised how many people are so shy about eating and talking about how much they like food. It's nice to speak with someone who gets it!]

Yeah, I'm not that good of a cook either, so that's why I tend to eat out a lot, especially back home. I can make a few things...cup of noodles...pasta... scrambled eggs and toast, but that's about it.

[He counts those items out on his hand. Crow's hedgehog ears droop, seeing that it's not even a handful of things.]

Someone was supposed to teach me how to make curry here, but they left before they could. It would've been great! I could've had curry every night by now! Though I agree the real mages are those who can whip up stuff in the kitchen! But being a taste-tester is a noble undertaking, I mean--who else will eat all that food?!

Don't ever let anyone tell you that cup noodles aren't good food. They've saved me so many times.

[ Maybe it wasn't that long ago, in the grand scheme of things--but it feels like a lifetime ago since she could just casually wander out of her small apartment and to the closest combini for a quick meal.

But more than that... honestly, she's still enjoying this almost-nostalgic feeling of eating and chatting with a friend. Does it matter that they've only just met? Not to her. ]

Sometimes, even if you've got access to fancy stuff, you just wanna eat something simple, you know? And what's more simple than a cup of noodles? Even a baby could make something like that, and that's not a bad thing! If anything, that makes them even more special.

...but if any of the fancy chefs here ever wanted a proper taste-tester, I'd definitely be one of the first to sign up.

[ Crow laughs at Ritsuka's passion for cup noodles. He gets it. It gets a bad rap, but it can be a good substitute when you don't have anything else. And it's pretty filling too. Not to mention, there's a curry flavor!]

You don't need to justify your forbidden love affair for cup noodles, I'm with you! I'm always amazed how a cup of dried-ass noodles can be so delicious with just hot water! Magic!

[ And it sounds like Ritsuka needs to find these fancy chefs and offer her services. These things don't just fall into your lap! Speaking of taste testing, their meat pies come piping hot out of the oven. The owner places them in front of them along with a side of mashed peas. So the mashed peas seem the less appetizing of the two, but it's actually pretty good. Especially if you use this nifty trick of Crow's.]

The mashed peas taste good on their own, but if you really want to blow your mind, you need to put some inside the pie!

[Crow proceeds to use a fork to break a hole in the golden crust of the pie. It breaks under the pressure of the fork with flaky goodness. He then places some of the mashed peas inside. He then takes a forkful of everything, pits of the crust, the peas, potatoes, and steak. He eats it, and once the combination hits his tongue, it's euphoric! So good!]

Thanks for the advice, Senpai!

[ Ritsuka watches him, observing what he's doing before she copies the gesture. When she takes the bite, she makes a pleased little noise, kicking her feet briefly. Approved! Even if she hadn't doubted him, it's still nice to have the confirmation. ]

Please continue to guide me in the future, okay?

[ She says it playfully as a joke, but she isn't above mugging playing it cute. It's harder to do when you're eating, but she does bat her lashes before she breaks into outright laughter. She can't even take herself seriously when she does that; she sure as anything doesn't expect anyone else to do the same. ]

I told you!

[ He's happy that Ritsuka enjoys it! He laughs a little at her comment to guide her in other food escapades. Why yes! He will of course take her under his crimson wing and reach food paradise! At first, he doesn't catch on that it's a joke, and is kind of looking forward to it. However, when she suddenly starts laughing (more so about her cutesy act), somehow he figures out she's teasing him. Come on!]

Well, I challenge you to show me a place that trumps this one! Bet you can't!

Not yet, I can't. Give me a little more time! I'll keep looking around. It took me a while to get any money here, so I haven't been able to explore as much as I wanted. But never say never.

[ He is absolutely going to get random texts at varying times of the day with Ritsuka inviting him to other little hole-in-the-wall restaurants. That's just going to be a thing she does to him from now on. ]

[ Crow wouldn't mind random texts to come and chow down. Though in the meantime since she doesn't have any places, he can introduce her to all of his! There's no point in having a favorite place if you can't share it with others.]

Well, I can share all my favorite places with you until then. I just hope I'm not walking around with a cane when you finally reveal yours.

[ He starts to eat a bit more, before going through the other spots he liked.],

I've got a ramen place, hamburger spot, curry shop, yakitori stand, and this place that makes great sandwiches! I'm not really big on sweets, but there's this great ice cream store too!

--Ice cream??

[ She perks visibly up at that. That's definitely been one of those things where she's sure that she could have convinced someone to make it for her, if she'd asked--but she hadn't wanted to have anyone go out of their way... and also, sometimes, you just wanted something made by someone who really knew what they were doing. Homemade is excellent, but sometimes you want to be wowed by a professional!

She leans forward a little, intent. ]

I'll pay for that too, if you show me where it is after we're done here.

[ Crow notes how Ritsuka reacts to when he mentions the ice cream shop. Well, ice cream is a dessert that everyone loves, so he's not really surprised. He's had it handmade as well since he lived on a dairy farm. Ice cream is the best with the freshest milk, so Crow has a high level of standards when it comes to the frozen treat.]

Oh? So you really like ice cream, huh?

[He shakes his head as she insists on paying for that as well. She's already paying for the meal, and that's enough compensation for Crow. It's just great to share these great finds with someone else.]

Nah, this one is on me! It's my recommendation and as the Dairy King of Camelot (self-proclaimed and undisputed), I guarantee you're gonna like it.

I just like sweets! Whatever kind are available.

[ It's probably a bit of a cliché, isn't it? A young woman who likes dessert? Probably, but whatever--Ritsuka's spent most of her life being a background mob character; just because her life has recently taken a turn for a more protagonist-type role doesn't mean that she's changed, at the core of herself! She feels no shame about that! ]

And it's been a really long time since I've had any... back home, it's not like I could just walk to a corner store, you know? [ Technically because corner stores 1. don't exist in Antarctica and 2. don't exist when the world is temporarily destroyed ] So I've gotta make up for lost time! I'm looking forward to it!

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EVENT ✨ Something (Celli)Wigged This Way Comes

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I'm so sorry! I lost this tag somehow!

it happens! I've been busy offline, lol

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