stellafortunalogs | JANUARY MINGLE

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JANUARY MINGLE

January Mingle: A Ballad in Goblets
Welcome to Teyvat - a vast magical world of adventure.
You open your eyes to an unfamiliar sight. A cool breeze flits through rustic buildings and sunny streets, carrying the smell of flowers and wine. The very air itself seems charged with mana, the warm pulse of the land palpable beneath your feet. This is a new world, a world where the elements compose all of reality. Before you is a bubbling fountain, and a key is entwined between your fingers. And that weight on your hip? A sparkling bauble that you've never seen before, yet it feels natural, as if it had always been there.

Asking around nets you the name of this world - Teyvat - and the name of this city - Mondstadt, blessed by the Anemo Archon, Barbatos. Your new home is accessible with the key placed in your hands, though this also brings to mind another question. How will you get money? Food isn't free, after all.

Luckily for you, there's plenty of jobs available for the enterprising Traveler. Be it taking requests from the Adventurers' Guild, or working part-time at one of Mondstadt's many food establishments, Mora is to be had when hard work is involved. The cuisine of Mondstadt is best paired with its wine, served at bars or enjoyed in private with a few friends.

And about that shining gem. locals will tell you that it is a Vision, a sign of favour from Teyvat's elemental gods. With the Vision on hand, you find yourself capable of commanding one of the seven elements. What will you do with this newfound blessing? Use it for good... or for evil?

Mondstadt's liveliness doesn't diminish when night falls. Bards sing through the wee hours of the night, and the lights of the city help keep most evildoers at bay. All seems peaceful, a pastoral idyll of a life that seems more at home in a storybook. Yet for those Travelers who venture out beyond the city's walls and into the ruins dotting the landscape, they may discover hints of a bloodier past now forgotten.

Glancing at any of the calendars in the city will tell you the current date. August 10th was the day you arrived. As soon as the last minute of August 16th slips away, the world around you changes. A blink, and time itself rewinds by seven days. Looking outside, the mown lawns have regrown, the windmill needs fixing again, and the well is once again full. Just what is happening here? It seems only you, Traveler, remembers the week that never was.

State of the World

For the first two weeks of the game, IC time will be looping from August 10th to August 16th. It's currently late summer in Mondstadt, and the trees are just beginning to turn out their autumn colours. The weather is cool and pleasant, with light showers on Tuesday (11th) and Friday (14th). It's also a good time to go out gathering berries and nature's bounty from Mondstadt's forests and valleys.

These two weeks will let us trial out our commissions and regains system and craft improvements for February onwards. There will be no activity requirements for January, so all threads started during this time period can be used for regains!

For all questions regarding January's mingle and events, please head over to our OOC post.

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[ Is it nice? Is it?? Lucas is just gonna end up getting in his head that there might potentially be more powerful magicians out there that he doesn't know about! How is he supposed to be the greatest magician ever to exist if there are other worlds?

But that's a thought to haunt him for another time. ]

Long enough if they resorted to bringing outsiders like us.

[ What a PAIN. ]

It seems like you're not useless. [ Is that... supposed to be a compliment? ] We should continue to find out what we can for now.

[ Technically, all the Mora that has ever been minted on Teyvat belongs to him. He's too used to people offering what they own to him when he asked... because he's god. It'll take time for him to forget. ]

Good.

[ He never gets tired of watching children learn. It's definitely an old man thing. ]

If you would like to continue practicing, I can accompany you. Whenever you want to stop, let me know.

Mm, I wish it were that easy. As much as I like this place, there's really no place like home. Especially when the Great Calamity isn't one to wait.

[ the moon doesn't take a vacation from obliterating their world, so why should he?

still, taking this gentleman's advice doesn't seem so bad. starting it off with a plate of delicious looking bird placed in front of him just now together with his drink is more than enough to take his thoughts off it, even if it gets relegated to the back of his mind for now. ]

[ The Ley Lines of Teyvat thread through its lands deep underground, and the only places one can call upon such power is at a Domain or near special landmarks like Windrise. It is for this purpose that Zhongli has come, intent on trying to draw from the vast reserves of elemental energy below.

Except he can't. Mondstadt is the land of Anemo. Maybe it was the elemental mismatch that makes it impossible, or the influence of the black seal - nothing happens. He's still the same weary old man that has characterized his physical state since he returned to Teyvat.

Preoccupied with his thoughts as he was, he doesn't notice Albedo approaching until the youth speaks to him. A sketch...? ]

Thank you.

[ Zhongli takes the paper and gives it a quick look. Albedo's artistic talent is evident - a little on the abstract side, but he did say it was a sketch. ]

You are greatly skilled, [ though this compliment is something that Albedo has heard many times before. ]

[ It is quite weird! Albedo does not understand why only he and a few others native to this world had that same dream (a dream he had put out of his mind upon waking this morning, believing it to be, well, just a dream) or seem to even really be aware that something strange is happening. But, well, that's one thing interviews and experiments will hopefully help him figure out!

In any case, Albedo nods, though he lifts his eyebrows a little at the admonishment not to be weird about it. What does Keith expect, he wonders? ]

Thank you, Keith. I appreciate your cooperation. [He smiles just a little, pleased at the ready agreement.] At the moment, besides learning if everyone arrived in the same fashion, I am also interested in how you compare to ordinary humans here. Have you been able to successfully use your Vision yet?

[kaeya, somewhere: INTERESTING,,,,

but Seonho nods at Zhongli's suggestion, and will follow him to his home. He's past the time when he'd be more cautious or suspicious of Zhongli -- there's little use in trying to be paranoid now, anyway. What would he do even if he was? The chips all seem to be on Zhongli's side, anyway.

Either way, Seonho will be a very polite house guest. He'll remove his shoes and everything, because he's not a heathen. He might be interested in looking around Zhongli's place, but otherwise he'll sit exactly where Zhongli does. (well not like, next to him??? that would be awkward. he'll just sit across!!!)]

...Were you trying to escape the island?

[was that what zhongli meant by intention?]

[Lets be real he'll still get free stuff cause he's pretty. But yeah enjoy learning about needing to buy stuff old man]

A little while more. I want to make sure I get this down...

[Which basically means he's going to be at this until he just about wears himself out. Get comfy Zhongli]

[ kaeya is a very close second to venti on zhongli's People Of Mondstadt Who May Need A Carefully Placed Pillar list

BUT ANYWAY, he brings Seonho to his assigned apartment. Zhongli's habits are very ascetic - everything is arranged neatly in his house, the tables are wiped clean and free from dust. A few books have been placed on the wooden bookshelf and a sprig of Cecilia in a vase on the dining table, but otherwise he doesn't seem to have changed anything about the place.

They can have conversation while seated at opposite sides of the dining table - though Zhongli takes the time to prepare some tea, so that he doesn't commit the grave sin of neglecting hospitality. ]

I was not. Not directly. The scope of mine divinity does not extend to the transcendence of dimensions.

[ Everyone was trying to escape Fogtown, so he can't really claim that he wasn't, but it's quite complex and difficult to explain to the average layman. ]

However, there exist other gods who would in theory be able to do such a thing. The importance of mine presence to this world would be enough for them to attempt such a feat should the situation become dire.

[ Who knew where the limits of Celestia's power lay? As the oldest of the current Archons, many people depended on him, even though he was supposed to be masquerading as a human. ]

Mondstadt is not my territory. It belongs to the Anemo Archon, Barbatos. If I were truly back in Liyue, I might have been able to pin down the person responsible. However, there is much too little for me to reference right now.

[ There are parts of his memory that have become fuzzy. That in itself is very strange. ]

[ why is it always the dark-haired red-eyed boys who wants to be the strongest wizard in all the land...

he'll take that compliment with a laugh though. oh, if only this kid knew that he could literally unalive him at a drop of a hat if he would. ]

I'm glad I can still be of use with these powers! Maybe we should check the other stores, see if there are some discrepancies.

[ the blacksmit is a mere stone's throw away, so figaro'll go on ahead. ]

[ Zhongli had been aware of the black seal ever since he returned to Teyvat. Not only did it nullify much of his divine power, it also seemed to actively remove it from his person; a slow approximation of the sensation of losing blood. As for where his vitality went to... that too was obscured by the seal. It's quite clever, really; he couldn't muster the strength needed to break it, because it's draining most of that away.

This compounded his worry when he felt the presence of some of his disciples in the area. Ganyu seemed to think it was a business trip, and Zhongli was relieved to see that she wasn't affected by the black seal. As far as he could sense, no one else possessed the same seal as he did. He had sought out Xiao to check up on him, but it seems that Xiao has found him first. ]

It was not.

[ There's resignation in his voice - the soft tone that he employs only with the Adepti, away from the public eye. Xiao is unhurt, that much Zhongli can tell. He too was spared from the black seal, though he bears a lesser one that Zhongli had found on the other outlanders. ]

I do not have an immediate solution to this problem, but I intend to solve it as a priority.

[ Not that Xiao really expects him to apologize for this, but Zhongli himself has a conscience ]

[ Albedo is not holding onto the sketchbook particularly tightly, nor does he expect it to be taken, so it's quite easy for Lutha to snatch it, drawing a surprised noise from Albedo. But though he frowns, dismayed and a little worried that Lutha might damage it, Albedo simply holds his hands out in hopes the man will return it. ]

Ah -- If you wish, you may keep the sketch to do with as you like, but please give the rest of my notebook back.

[ There are no notes on this page save for a date penciled in the corner, but previous pages in the notebook have a variety of notes, observations, other sketches, and even a bit of experimental data, should Lutha choose to flip through it. ]

I do apologize if I have offended you in some way. I like to draw that which I find interesting, and both your determination to salvage that bread and the markings on your skin are striking.

[ Nothing about his tone is mocking or insincere. ]

[ ??? how abrupt! ]

-- please wait! [ Albedo lifts a hand, though he doesn't actually reach out to stop Jun in any way save with his verbal plea.

If Jun does pause, Albedo will continue: ] I apologize - my intent was not to make you uncomfortable or to ask you to do something you are unwilling to do.

That said, would you at least be willing to answer a few questions?

Edited 2021-01-23 08:31 (UTC)

I look forward to assisting you once again, then.

[ he means it. helping people has always been his duty, even before he settled down in the south, and even in this world he'll do all he can. it's also a good way of getting information from someone in exchange. ]

Some people mentioned thinking about our situation here as some kind of vacation, not just you. It's not a bad idea, honestly! Just kicking back at the pier outside the city, enjoying the lakeside view...

[ and she just had to mention the L-word. what was the saying? "misery loves company", or something like that. ]

Yes, I suppose it's less lonely this way, especially when you're surrounded by so many young people. Even if they make me feel a bit old. [ a short laugh. anyone whose age is under a thousand digits is considered a child in figaro's eyes, tbh. ] But please, don't hesitate to seek me out if you start feeling that way. I'm already decent company like this, aren't I?

[ please validate him ]

(Felix, this place is nice? So far everyone has been kind and generous and nothing has tried to kill any of them yet so that's a plus in Claude's book. Everyone's been very accepting and no one has really bothered to press him with any questions? It's refreshing!)

Like...?

(Continue, Felix. Or not.

He shrugs in response to Felix. He's so serious, from the way he talks right down to the way he's looking at him. It makes sense, all things considered, and Claude could probably stand to act the part a little more but Felix seems to have him covered.

What a question, though. He looks away, almost thoughtful as if trying to recall a very distant memory...

But the answer is clear. The Imperial Army storming Garreg Mach, a white beast taking to the air and striking back as if it was the Goddess' divine judgment itself. Spending the aftermath searching for the missing and survivors. All accounted for except for Byleth and Rhea... and making the decision to pack up and return to Leicester before Edelgard's forces returned. Being unable to speak with Dimitri before they went their separate ways and wondering what this meant for the Fodlan...)

I guess the last big thing would be... Teach's hair changing color? (He lies easily, his voice rising just slightly as if trying to recall exactly what happened last,) Getting ready to go with teach to receive the Goddess's Revelation.

(Nothing happening on the throne. The Flame Emperor's mask slipping to reveal Edelgard underneath.)

Things were starting to get pretty serious. (A glance in Felix's direction,) And you?

(Something different, he suspects.)

Ah... (He frowns. An accident?) I'm sorry.

(She seems to be well as far as he can see but who knows what invisible things could be ailing her.)

Always at midnight? (Honestly? Kind of weird! But if that's when you work best then you do you.) ... I'm not usually up this late.

(He has grandma hours.)

I'm more of a morning person.

(He hums a bit to himself before finally nodding,)

Not too long ago, I thought I lost a dear friend of mine. (A "deer" friend, even, hah.) Just when everything seemed lost... they came back!

(And here, he begins to smile to himself, kicking his feet out in front of him as he recalls how the impossible was made possible that day and how he felt,)

I never gave up on them but actually seeing them come back was incredible.

Ledah.

(He nods, trying the name out for himself and offering a chance to correct him in case he says it wrong...)

I take it you're also new here. There seems to be quite a few of us around here...

I've been around.

(To put it lightly. He's been busy putting himself out there and trying to figure things out so he's met his fair share of people.)

I met a few people from home but... well, let's say something must have gotten mixed up when we got brought here.

(He shrugs and holds out his hand, wobbling it vaguely in the air.)

That's easy, isn't it?

(At least, it seems easy to him.)

If it gets to that point, things are probably better off without them.

(Fight a god. Kill an archbishop. Dismantle a church.)

(Even if you stop moving, the world keeps turning. afterall.)

Hey... (What's with that look, he wants to ask. A little dazed, clearly concerned... She's worried, isn't she? Troubled? Hah, he can't help but be sorry.) You could sound a little more pleased to see me.

(Keep it light, keep it easy.

He places one hand over her own, gentle but firm. He's never been a particularly close person-- if anything, he's always been pretty distant-- but he's never been the type to leave someone hanging, especially to someone who is deer (heh) to him. He isn't going anywhere. Not yet and certainly not without her as long as they're both here.)

The same as you, more or less. (Emphasis on the more or less part.) One minute I was in Fodlan and the next thing I know? Here I am.

(In Fodlan one moment and gone the next.)

Hey, Hilda. ("Hey" he says like he's about to strike up some silly conversation about something mostly innocent. Careless gossip about someone between two friends,) What do you remember before coming here?

[ Truly... they aren't so different, after all. Some duties must be respected, no matter the cost or personal feelings. ]

That is true.

[ He takes a sip of his own drink before setting it down. The cider's fruity aroma blends well with the juice - balanced enough for Zhongli to consider it passable. ]

Mondstadt is proud of its meat. How do you find it?

(He's quiet, respectful, as he prays, letting Rean have his moment between whatever god he's chosen to pray to and himself. He might not believe in the gods but he isn't the type to admonish others for their beliefs. If he did, he'd be no better than the type of people he dislikes, after all.)

Not at all. (He nods,) It's not my house so I don't make the rules.

(Who is he to turn someone away?)

I'm all for good company.

[He listens to the story. Yeah, he's actually able to relate to the feeling that Claude is getting at here. Maybe not as strongly as a normal person would, but...]

Haha, I can imagine it was! What a relief it must've been.

I'm glad your friend came back. It's a nice feeling.

No, elsewhere.

[Jun offers a shrugging gesture]

It's a long story, really.

(Now that's interesting. He takes a bite from his own slice of apple, just letting that cronch sound between them for
a moment before replying.

If this was a month or two ago, he'd probably reject the whole idea but he's seen some impossible things in recent memory,)

I'm listening.

(His voice lilts, his attention caught,)

I'd say meeting people usually goes both ways and I feel like this is our first time meeting. ... But I wouldn't disbelieve you.

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JANUARY MINGLE

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🥩 🍖 oh no what cute little meats!

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