starsand | 【MINGLE】 August Mingle

【MINGLE】 August Mingle

August Mingle

Shrines Lore Drop Starnet Info NPC Contact FAQ Claims List

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.

code

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Elliot is about to hiss at whoever tapped his shoulder, in too much pain to be bothered, but Leo's voice draws him out of those thoughts. Lower his hands and turning to answer him, his mind blanks.

He almost forgets his headache entirely because...Leo. Leo has cat ears and a tail, and they even mirror his name.

It's adorable. Elliot can't tear his eyes away. His best friend with features of his favorite animal.

Before he realizes what he's doing, he's reached out to gently pet Leo's ears, only realizing then he didn't answer his question.]

Uhm.

[Leo hates how the cat tail bristles when Elliot draws attention to his new quirky appearance. It doesn't feel bad, which is the problem. So this is why cats like to be pet by their ears... Leo's temper flares defensively and he frowns.]

Yes yes, I have cat ears now. Don't get used to it. What is. Wrong?

[He gently pinches one of Elliot's new cat ears to draw attention to them.] Surely you weren't groaning because you dislike these? Are you well?

They're soft...

[A stupid, dreamy smile dances on Elliot's face. Even the way Leo frowns adds to the charm. But then Leo pinches him and his ears are more sensitive than he anticipated. Maybe it's because of the headache? Either way, his ears twitch and he headbutts Leo.

Even though it's not his most violent headbutt, he immediately regrets it and groans in pain.]

Stop being stupid...it's just a headache.

[Leo is grateful for the headbutt, because that look on Elliot's face nearly undid all of his acting. What's stupid is how something this embarrassing for Leo can make Elliot look so... so damn cute and perfect! He refuses to enjoy having cat ears, even if Elliot is so happy about it..!

... Okay then. Leo groans in defeat and brushes Elliot's hair, pretending that petting the base of his new cat ears is an accident.]

We have medicine for that at home. Shall we head back?

[This is nice. Elliot can feel the tension start to melt away and he shuts his eyes, a small smile on his face. Maybe he should be embarrassed, but Leo's pets and his adorable appearance make it worth it. Even his headache seems to ease a bit.

He doesn't realize he leans into Leo's hand, opening his eyes lazily. They do have medicine at home, but...]

I'm fine. Let's stay here.

[He doesn't want to move if it means Leo will stop petting him.]

[Oh no. When Leo says that Elliot is a cat person, he didn't mean it like this. He's not as charmed by cats on their own, but Elliot is acting so much like Melody that even Leo is endeared. This should be embarrassing in public, but... oh well. He sighs into a light laugh.]

We could do this back home and with medicine, you know... You're acting so spoiled. [His tone is teasing. Leo doesn't mind anymore.] What is Melody going to think when she sees you like this..?

[Elliot would scream if Leo so much as implied he was anything like Melody. More importantly, Leo's ears are soft...

Which he realizes again as he plants his hand on hair again to admonish him, thinking clearly enough to at least flush at the comment.]

Quit complaining. I spoil you all the time, don't I? [He grumbles, but it's so hard for him to stay cranky when Leo has lion ears. Maybe he should say something embarrassing in retaliation, but he ends up stammering instead.]

Melody-- WHY WOULD MELODY SEE ME LIKE THIS?!

That you do.

[Leo's laughter becomes louder when Elliot begins yelling, but at this point he's too far in to take his hand away. Petting Elliot's ears is sort of fun when it gets a reaction.]

If we went home, I mean. I wonder if she would think we'd both become giant cats? [That is Leo's way of inviting Elliot to comment on his ears and not die.]

[It’s really unfair that Leo laughs at him like that while indulging him with pets. Elliot wants to bristle but his anger is quick to tire out. He gives in and leans into Leo’s hand, frowning thoughtfully.

He’s pretty sure he knows what Leo’s doing with that comment.]

What? [He pets his ears playfully.] Like a lion? You have the mane and everything.

That I do, hm? I would hope that Melody would not find us intimidating.

[Leo slows his own petting. He doesn’t actually want to cause a scene in public, as cute as Elliot’s reactions have been so far.]

What brought you out today? Are you running any sort of errand that I should know about?

Do you think she notices that we're different? Other than being taller than her.

[He tries not to look too disappointed about that and drops his hand.]

Since we live here, I wanted to check out the job fair. [There's also the fact that he's been out lately practicing the song he's writing for Leo, but he hopes (unrealistically) he hasn't noticed.] I don't know what I want to do, but...have you considered going back to school?

Ah, is that all that it is?

[He’s certain that Elliot has been out other times, but he won’t push: Only observe. It’s not a problem right now anyway.

The question of school earns a thoughtful hum.]

I’ve been looking into it, yes. But we would have a lot of catching up to do, wouldn’t we? And attending school with any low grades is out of the question for us both.

[Leo has his pride, after all. As does Elliot.]

And your thoughts?

What do you mean is that all? What else is there?

[Elliot is his own worst enemy. He flushes in embarrassment as he struggles to think of a good excuse-- but Leo accepts the subject change, which gives Elliot time to try and think of a convincing answer later.

He smiles at that and lightly bumps the top of his head with his fist.]

You would have to make an effort to get low grades. I'm sure your grades would be high as always. The challenge might even be good for you.

[Leo is very intelligent.]

Me? ...I don't know. I've heard you need an advanced degree or license for a lot of things here.

[Elliot. Leo smiles and makes a gentle check to see if he should be worried:]

Of course that’s all~. It’s not as if you would ever keep something important from me.

[Just gonna watch Elliot’s face as he moves on.]

A challenge may be fun, true… What are you wanting to get a degree in, Elliot? I suppose pursuing such things would make sense if you intend to stay here, hm?

[Elliot opens his mouth. Closes it. He glares at one of the ice cream stands until he realizes he's been glaring at some poor civilian running it and looks away. He's pretty sure he knows what Leo is doing, and he understands why given their past, but that doesn't mean he's any better at handling it.]

...I wouldn't. If it was something I needed to tell you, I would. And you would do the same.

[He's not sure which subject is more embarrassing, but this one is probably safer. He sticks his hands in his pockets and starts walking to give himself something to do, expression stoic but almost shy for anyone who knows him well enough to notice.]

I was thinking...it might be nice to study music here.

[Having the choice to study pretty much anything he desires, and not what he's expected to, has been overwhelming to realize.]

Edited 2022-08-13 20:03 (UTC)

[… So it’s not important, but there is something. Leo doesn’t push further. Instead he falls into step next to Elliot, not one to walk behind even his ‘master.’]

I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. I trust you already asked about where to pursue a music degree? How difficult is it?

[He wants Leo by his side. His tail sways as he thinks but he almost trips around it at the question.]

Uh… I haven’t yet. And when taking into account I would probably need to take at least one additional year to catch up, it would probably take several years.

[It’s just weird to think about.]

Oh no~ It sounds like we’ll be in different grades~ Because I’ve already decided to study and enter the first year of high school.

[Leo challenges Elliot.]

I think studying music would be good for you. You can do whatever you want here, after all.

What?!

[Elliot stops in his tracks to headbutt Leo, powering through the migraine thanks to pure resolve to face the challenge.]

DO YOU THINK I'D LET YOU GET AHEAD OF ME WITHOUT A FIGHT?! Someone has to make sure you do your homework.

[So Leo approves? He looks at him, searching his eyes.]

Mn. Maybe. But I also want to help this world.

[It's done so much for them.]

[The aggressive behavior only serves to amuse Leo, who gets his revenge by reaching out to scratch Elliot’s cat ears again.]

I’m picking up some study guides. Let’s buy them together.

[He’s much more confident in his ability to pass any entrance exam when he has Elliot as a study partner.

Leo’s expression softens at Elliot’s earnest goal. Of course, he nods to agree.]

Me as well. I want for you to stay here for a long time, Elliot. I take it, then, that you intend for us to be nosy and busy?

[Even if Leo has to go back and be “Glen.”]

[...Dammit Leo. Elliot melts while grumbling and blushing about it the whole time. How dare.]

Is that why you're out here?

[But studying together doesn't sound so bad. Elliot prefers this over the false dream, even if it won't last. He decides not to address the part about him staying for now, but instead in a moment of boldness, reaches for Leo's hand.]

There's a lot for us to learn here. It would be a waste not to.

Edited 2022-08-14 00:03 (UTC)

[Without missing a beat:] Why else would I be out here?

[Certainly not to buy a birthday gift or anything! Leo chuckles at Elliot’s reaction and gives one last good scratch before releasing him.]

Yes, you’re right. If you’re to stay here, then you had might as well be a top student. [His smile becomes teasing as he reminds Elliot of the dream:] And if you’re going to live with Ms Satou, you should be able to impress her with good grades, hm?

[That's just more suspicious. Elliot narrows his eyes, monotone.] I don't know, why else would you be out here?

[Elliot should be embarrassed (and he is), but he finds himself enjoying the scratches. If it were anyone but Leo, he'd probably snap at them, but now that Leo's stopped he keeps his hand in his.]

Let's compare our exam scores once we're done. [He bristles at the teasing, looking away from Leo as he huffs in embarrassment.] I'm happy with our living arrangements as they are. It's a lot less exhausting than imagining living with the two of you in the same household... [He smiles back at him as he turns the teasing back at Leo.] But in that case, I guess that means we'll need to visit her more. Together.

Why else, indeed. [If Elliot can’t figure out that it’s to buy him a birthday gift than that’s on Elliot.

Leo chuckles at his stubborn behavior.]

Yes, I find that I must agree. Our current arrangement suits me quite well. All the same, we ought to plan a proper visit to the shrine together.

Leo. [Elliot leans in to glare at him carefully, trying to discern any signs that he should be concerned.

Sorry Leo, Elliot is a dumbass.]

Yeah…but you two might get along too well. [They’re both skilled at trolling him.] Which way’s the place you need to visit?

【MINGLE】 August Mingle

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

cw: spoilers

cw: spoilers

cw: all the spoilers

cw: all the spoilers

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)