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STARSAND MOD ([personal profile] starrystoryteller) wrote in [community profile] starsand2022-08-01 11:08 pm

【MINGLE】 August Mingle

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welcome to august
July may turn to August, but the summer heat remains. Wind and Water spirits do their part to cool civilians with cool breezes and refreshing rain showers, while standing fans remain more popular than AC units as a means of beating the heat. All sorts of shops and food stands are popping up around the city, which offer refreshing cold drinks and ice creams for the low low cost of 'thank you.' It's the final stretch before the hot summer begins cooling into autumn.

It's also a time of appreciation for Fallen Stars. The Wonderment Talent Show was a great success and the amusement park is here to stay! The civilians are stunned by yet another miracle brought about by these amazing visitors from another world. They shower the Fallen Stars in small gifts and appreciation all month. The general atmosphere of the city is hopeful and excited, with a teasing question being passed around: "What kind of miracles will the Fallen Stars bring about next?
ARRIVAL

Arrivals happen a little differently than usual this month. Normally, a 'Fallen Star' would simply blink and end up in the city of Starsand. Their sudden appearance does not surprise the natives, who instead flock with concern and empathy for the other worlder's situation. Natives usually offer free food, clothing, and other resources to the new arrivals. They will even direct them to free housing options and help them learn the lore of the city.

But this month is a bit different. When people arrive in Starsand, they are flocked by the natives. The native population is extra excited to see them and extra excited to help them. New arrivals this month may find themselves receiving extravagant gifts, buffets worth of food, and high-end housing. The reason? Natives eagerly tell them that Fallen Stars are bringers of miracles. They can do amazing things that change fate, so everyone in town is eager to support them however they can..!

CLEAN THE TRAIN

Speaking of the Fallen Stars and their miracles.

Recently, some of the Fallen Stars discovered that there used to be a train on the lowest level of the city. Hidden deep in the forest and trapped on old, rusted train tracks sleeps the once proud Starrider Express. It is a black steam engine with purple streaks and it's also... rusted, covered in plantlife, and neglected. This train could once leave the city and take people to distant locations, but it has not been able to move in years. It requires a combination of faith magic and tlc in order to get it moving again.

That's where the Fallen Stars come in! The train's tiny kami has requested help in cleaning her train and spreading the word about it! For the first half of August, Fallen Stars are being asked to come down to the first level and help with this project. Weeding, painting, greasing, oiling, decorating... So much is needed in order to get the train ready to move again! But once her train can move, the little kami has promised to help the Fallen Stars with their future travels!

Check here for a Starnet Discussion re: What to do!
THE JOB FAIR

August also marks the last month of summer vacation for students living in Starsand City. Saint's Crossing Academy is a K-12 school located on the top level of the city and they are opening enrollment for Fallen Stars. In order to get the word out, the city has decided to hold a job faire at the top level's marketplace. Fallen Stars will be able to learn about the school, employment opportunities, and even take business classes in order to open their own business in the city.

Visiting the stalls has a few perks too. For one, people can try on every company's uniform using spirit magic. how exciting wow. Visiting stalls will also produce extra Starling this month, which can be exchanged for treats or luxury items. Including things like pool toys, fancy swimsuits, and loads of sunscreen. But why would that be important..?

NOTE: This prompt is being used to check interest in opening a proper school/SoL portion to the sandbox!
WONDERMENT WATERPARK

To celebrate Wonderment Amusement Park being a permanent establishment, the park's spirits are trying something new... a waterpark! Half of the park is now being used for water-based attractions. Some are simply water-driven rides, but there are whole pools and many waterslides. There is even a lazy river that drifts around the park. At night, the pools are able to stay open thanks to the fish shaped spirits that swim through the water and glow like stars.

While basic swimsuits are freely provided, fancier ones can be obtained using Starling. There are plenty of floaties and other water toys to rent or purchase, all of which can be customized using Starling.
COOL DOWN w/ CURSED ICE CREAM

Partially because of how grateful they are and partially because it's hot as heck, civilians are offering a lot of free ice cream this month. Everything from popsicles to ice cream cones to parfaits; If it's cold and refreshing, then someone is probably offering it for free! After all that the Fallen Stars did in the last month, this is the least that they can do.

All treats are made quickly and efficiently thanks to spirit magic. This doesn't just apply to ice cream, but to all foods and products sold in Starsand City. Usually this just means that things are made easier to obtain and scarcity isn't such an issue... But it also gives room for mischievous spirit to be, well. Themselves. Thinking that it's a way to show their appreciation, some of the spirits are adding a bit of extra magic to the free snacks. They think that a little prank will make the Fallen Stars happy!

If yelled at or called out, then the spirits will always back off and reverse the effects... but otherwise, the effects last until they 'melt' in the heat. The best way to get them to go away quickly is to make yourself hot again.

The pranks include...
  • For Popsicles: Check your popsicle stick and pray that it says "good fortune!" Eating a popsicle will cause the fortune at the end of the stick to come true. That might mean incredible luck or a terrible curse. Bad luck won't endanger anyone's life, but it may manifest in the form of comical spirit pranks.
  • For Ice Cream: There are many flavors of ice cream and many effects to go with it! Fallen Stars who eat flavored ice cream may sometimes experience a physical change: This might be a new hair colour, animal ears, or height changes. This is not an age changing prompt!
  • For Parfaits: Parfaits require that you sit at a table and they're easy to share... Which is great, because the cursed parfait will force you to sit at your table until you share it with someone. The spirits will write the rules of their silly game on a cookie that sits under the first bite of whipped cream: Share Me or Stay With Me. Once the whole parfait is eaten by at least two people, the curse will be broken and you can leave your chair again. Until then: You and the chair are glued in front of the table!
  • For Freezie Pops: Ice pops will give some Fallen Stars really persistent brain freeze. This prompt isn't fun and the spirits show a lot of concern when it happens! The best way to cure the brain freeze is with warm hearted friendliness: Holding hands, chatting, and getting to know someone will cause it to fade faster. Otherwise, it can last up to a whole miserable half-hour!
  • For Iced Lemonade: A mood changing treat. It's supposed to make the Fallen Stars who drink it feel sweet, cheerful and confident! But sometimes it turns out too sour and they end up grumpy instead. While it won't inflict depression, it can cause a 'sour mood.' Bah Humbug.

... As always, spirits are not trying to get anyone killed or injured! If anyone seems to be in serious physical or mental danger, then a stronger spirit will always step it to reverse the prank.
dereban: (pic#14190034)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-03 09:48 am (UTC)(link)
I'm dyingggg...

[ She recognizes his voice but she doesn't raise her head in the slightest bit, just wanting to not move at all. ]
Edited 2022-08-03 09:48 (UTC)
spacialeyes: (469)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-03 09:55 am (UTC)(link)
[He can't tell if she's teasing him or being serious, but either way: He gives the spirits a scolding look as they flee the scene:]

If they killed you, then I'll start my revenge arc early...

[Yuuto brushes her bangs aside, checking if she's gotten a fever from trying to fight off the magic.]

Let's get you home. I can carry you if you want to keep 'it' on.
dereban: (pic#14190203)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-03 10:56 am (UTC)(link)
You caaan't...

[ She groans and raises her head, looking a bit pale in the face but it's fine. She'll be fine, probably. ]

No getting revenge, Yuuuuto.
spacialeyes: (14)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-03 11:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Now is not the time for jokes, he thinks.]

Then no dying. [... is what he says.

Yuuto pulls the chair back so that he can try to scoop Inaba up in his arms, tucking her head against his shoulder.]


I've got you, so relax. Is teleporting fine?
dereban: ([m] 129)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-03 07:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Mmmhm.

[ She nods as she quickly switches off her nullification in her head to allow it. ]
spacialeyes: (155)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-04 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Teleporting is faster, so when he notices his belt can move again he tightens his grip and takes them to Inaba's house. He even lets himself in, teleporting into the entry way so that Inaba doesn't have to worry about keys. Though he does take the time to remove his shoes and wait for her permission before actually entering the house proper.]

If it's spirit magic then you might not be able to use medicine. Maybe you can sleep it off? How bad is it?
dereban: (pic#14190068)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-04 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
I probably could, but I don't want to waste away doing nothing...

[ She gripes, frowning as she manages to kick her shoes off. ]

It's like having really, really bad cramps. I can probably like-- walk to the bedroom but I don't think I'll be able to concentrate much.
spacialeyes: (11)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-04 01:31 am (UTC)(link)
I can stay and make sure you don't waste away..?

[Though he's not sure what to do that doesn't require concentration. Maybe a movie? As he walks towards the bedroom, fully intending to carry her the whole way, he tries to remember what things sick humans do.]

Let me take care of you. You can boss me around. It's not a bad thing to do nothing while you're sick, right?
dereban: ([m] 103)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-04 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
...will you be okay staying here...?

[ It isn't fair that she might end up hoarding him. ]
spacialeyes: (19)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-04 03:04 am (UTC)(link)
Will you? I promise to help with anything you need.

[He doesn't see how this could be troublesome for himself. Looking after Inaba makes him happy, which evens out any potential burden.

Yuuto reaches her bedroom and begins carefully lowering her to the bed.]


Cramps... Heat is good for those, right? Wait here. I can find something.
dereban: <lj user=berriah> (pic#14190324)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-04 06:58 am (UTC)(link)
It's not as awful as you think... honestly, I'd argue using that on someone is a hell of a lot worse than this. I think I have a few packs in the kitchen.
spacialeyes: (490)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-04 07:07 am (UTC)(link)
Pain is pain.

[Yuuto pushes back her hair to kiss her forehead before vanishing from sight, too worried not to immediately take one of the heat pads from Shugo's first aid kit and return to Inaba's room.]

Got it~ Let's see... I can probably heat it up with my power. Are you starting to feel any better now, Himeko? Can you rest comfortably?
dereban: ([m] 120)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-04 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yuuto, don't steal from your father, what the fuck. ]

Not really... but I probably just need to sleep it off for a bit.
spacialeyes: (60)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-04 08:45 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

[He offers the heated pad. Inaba is now an accomplice in his crime.]

I can stay in the living room, if you'd like? Just call if you need anything.
dereban: (pic#14190203)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-04 09:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ Not an unwitting accomplice...! But then she tries to reach out to him and his hand, wanting to reach out to him. ]

...No, stay with me here. Just until I fall asleep.
spacialeyes: (Default)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-04 09:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh-

Yuuto looks down at their hands, clearly embarrassed by the request. Primarily because it was something he would have wanted to do anyway and feels silly for not voicing. He looks awkwardly between the edge of the bed and the floor, not sure where to sit.]


S, sure. I can stay as long as you want, Himeko.
dereban: ❥ all icons are my own unless otherwise denoted. (Default)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-04 09:41 am (UTC)(link)
...thank you.

[ It's a quiet two words, but there's something about them that's warm. ]

Can you tell me a story, maybe?
spacialeyes: (Default)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-04 09:57 am (UTC)(link)
[He cautiously takes a seat on the side of the bed, humming thoughtfully as he tries to think up a story worth telling.]

Mm. Is a folktale from another world okay?
dereban: ([m] 120)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-04 10:11 am (UTC)(link)
...Yeah. Anything's fine.
spacialeyes: (101)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-04 11:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Yuuto reaches out to brush her bangs aside, continuing to think for a moment longer. Then he settles on what was considered a pretty common story in his original timeline.]

Then... I'll tell you our world's creation story. The version from when I'm a kid. It's about how two opposing powers came together to create a miracle through the power of love~. [He laughs softly at his own joke,] That's a common theme when I'm from.
dereban: (pic#14189986)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-05 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
Love, huh?

[Inaba already starts shutting her eyes, but she speaks up again to show that she's still listening even if her eyes are closed. ]

It really is a powerful thing, isn't it. But...mm, yeah, I'd like to hear it.
spacialeyes: (464)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-05 08:26 am (UTC)(link)
Let's see... How would my sisters start this story..?

"A long, long time ago," or something. Before there was any life, there were two forces. One of beginnings and one of endings. The two kami had the combined ability to tell many stories together. But they craved each other's company, and anytime they touched they would end the stories they were writing.

Ah, I think in this case 'stories' means worlds. It's a metaphor! [you're welcome, inaba. he's happy to help.]
dereban: (pic#14190076)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-05 10:14 am (UTC)(link)
That's depressing, you know.

[ She didn't need an explanation of the metaphor, especially since it seemed rather straightforward. ]
spacialeyes: (Default)

[personal profile] spacialeyes 2022-08-05 05:54 pm (UTC)(link)
I guess it sort of it, huh..?

[Yuuto puts his hand on the bed so that he can lean towards her as he continues.]

They say that many stories were started and ended while the couple chased each other. But then one day, the two kami wrote a story that they didn't want to end. They decided to separate one last time to protect it... and in the space between them, 'love' was finally born. That's supposedly how my mother came to be? Kinda weird for your mother to have an origin story, actually.
dereban: ([m] 30)

[personal profile] dereban 2022-08-05 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
There's no "sort of" about it, stupid. But... yeah, it is kinda weird.

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