starsand | 【MINGLE】 February Mingle

February Mingle

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february mingle

At the end of January, the city of Starsand went through it. While none of the damage was extreme, some buildings have been vandalized and some structures were left needing repair. The civilians still whisper anxiously about how they were forced to hide away on the first level, where Fallen Stars and kami protected them from a threat that they didn't understand. And while the Rumors from last month have stopped spreading, the gossip in their place is cold and concerned: "What caused all of the trouble last month? And what can they do about it?"

Fortunately, February is a warm and cheerful month in Starsand City. As a city powered by love, it should come as no surprise that Valentines Day is a big deal here. But love letters and chocolate covered confessions aren't all that come with the holiday. Valentines Day is another time to show appreciation for spirits and the city they maintain. Because the spirits cannot eat chocolate, the people of Starsand create artistic decorations to celebrate the spirits that help with their daily lives. Households hang banners with their spirits' name and imagined image, families make elaborate flower stands to display, shrines are dressed with handmade stickers and paper decor; The entire city becomes more vibrant as a result. The strong feeling of love also powers up spirits this month, allowing them to take translucent forms that walk around town and admire the sights.

Of course, Fallen Stars may see February with some bittersweetness. While they overcame a huge challenge and are being reminded of the love for spirits, February also marks a whole year since they arrived here... and after the events of last month, their ticket home is looking more complicated than ever.

(A) NEW ARRIVALS

Something is different for new arrivals this month...

One moment, they're in their own worlds living their normal lives. Then they suddenly feel a cold shock, like they've been plunged into water, and will awaken in Starsand City. Their surroundings are now vibrant, rose-scented, and there is a winter chill to the air. The snow under their feet is light and the sun is shining through the cold weather. Everyone around them is unsurprised by their arrival; The civilians will calmly explain that they are something called a 'Fallen Star,' and that they've been taken from their own world to this one. They will also add that it seems to be the fault of the Spacetime Kami, but they are certain that they will be able to go home eventually. After that, the civilians will assist newcomers by hooking them up with free housing, food, clothing, and answering as many questions as possible. All of this, at least, is normal.

But the change is a lingering image that clings to the new Fallen Stars' memory like fragments of a dream. They will remember the silhouette of a girl with short hair, glowing against an endless darkness, who whispers a warning to them: "I can't let you leave now. I'm sorry."

(B) LEARN TO BE SWEET OR BITTER

Valentines Day is, of course, a time to make chocolate for the people that you care about! It's a day to show gratitude and spoil those special people in your life. And Starsand's citizens are incredibly excited about it. In the weeks leading up to Valentines Day, it is possible to borrow cafe kitchens and get professionals to teach you how to make chocolates. There's also a lot of talk about a silly little Starsand Valentines tradition: Giving bitter chocolate to the people that you like. It's a secret way to confess your love to someone: Bitter chocolate means love!

Of course, chocolate and romance isn't all that there is to Valentines Day. Everyone is busy making decorations to honor the spirits in their lives as well. From floral stands and wreaths to hand-painted banners or crafted paper decorations, the city is vibrant with artistic shows of love.

(C) WISHING BOARDS

All around the city are electronic bulletin boards called 'Wishing Boards.' They are used by spirits to post requests, which normally be impossible to communicate due to their lack of voices. But this month, the boards are not filled with the standard requests. Sure, a few have made the board;

"I want to decorate MirrorMe's Memorial."

"I want to plant flowers for spring."

"I wish that more spirits had shrines."

"I hope to hear that song again."

These wishes are easy enough to fulfill. But there are some other, non-wish messages printed on the board: Words of gratitude, compliments for random Fallen Stars, and messages of support for those who have been stuck here the longest. Spirits are especially helpful to Fallen Stars as well and will spoil them with magical miracles at every chance they get. You may notice an increased spirit presence in your house or on your daily walks, with spirits trying to make life just a bit easier: Making your coffee sweeter, you cold hands warmer, or growing a single flower outside your door to greet you. They're small miracles, but the spirits are trying.

(D) A CHANCE TO RELAX

The Fallen Stars' efforts last month have not gone unnoticed by the civilians either! While grateful for the protection, the civilians are also very worried about how hard the Fallen Stars and kami had to work last month. Because of that, things are more 'free' than ever. Civilians will 'pay' the Starling for their meals, clothing, and other luxuries. They've also arranged a few vacation packages to help the Fallen Stars unwind!

The first being private cottages on the third level, where Fallen Stars can relax in a quiet forest with a private onsen. These trips some with the added benefit of rare wildlife sightings, since most animals prefer the quiet of the third and forth levels. The second vacation option is in the city; There's a luxury hotel that is offering free rooms and spa packages to the Fallen Stars. The private pool there is kept warm year-round and there is an indoor garden untouched by snowy weather.

Both of these options are open for short, extended, or repeat visits. And of course... Bring a friend if you want!

(E) STRINGS OF FATE

Finally... Of course, Valentines means shenanigans. And in Starsand City, that means spirit shenanigans. The spirits seem to be quite set on helping Fallen Stars this month; Sweetening coffee, guiding them at night, decorating their homes, and general fussing are nice and all. But sometimes spirits' attempts to help will cross the line of 'helpful' and become 'annoying.'

A big example being how they are attaching Fallen Stars to each other with red strings. These strings tie around their wrist and have a limited length. They might stretch only a yard or they may go a mile, but it's in your best interest to find the person that you are attached to. Sure, the strings are invisible except to the two affected and they won't interfere with the physical realm, but they are annoying. A simple handshake is usually enough to resolve the problem... But in rare cases, the handshake will tie the two Fallen Stars' hands together for a few hours. Time to make a friend?

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【MINGLE】 February Mingle

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