Libuscha IV System Mingle (no. 1)

[necromanswers]

Who: Everyone! OTA!
Broadcast: sure why not
Action: yeahhhhhh
When: 11/12 to 1/4 (minus 12/26)


It's Candlenights! Or Christmas! Or whatever! It's festive! Go celebrate, explore, go get free stuff from a tree!!

More importantly it's a mingle!

--SYSTEM INFORMATION--

Comments

Taako - OTA!

[abracafcku]

A★ Surprise! He Fishes ★
[Contrary to everything he's said so far, sometimes Taako likes to take it easy. Not that ice fishing in the middle of nowhere is easy, but he hasn't had enough downtime to fish in a long time. So anyone out on the ice tonight will find an elf, bundled up to the extremes with a bucket next to him as he sits and waits for a bite on his line. And while none of this would be unusual?

He's wreathed in a shield of flames as he sits, glowing brightly in the dim light like a beacon against the cold. Come bother a wizard while he works?]


B★ The Giving Ice Tree ★
[He's heard the rumors of the tree that gives away free stuff in exchange for doing random things. So while it took him a good long while to get down here, he's finally made it.

....And has no idea what to do. Whoever is lucky enough to find him in this cave standing before the tree will have the unique privilege of watching Taako empty his pockets at the tree's roots. He dumps random objects in front of it and then looks up expectantly only to have nothing happen. A doll, a cup, a book with its cover missing, a ball of twine, a silver spoon? Nope.

There's a considerable pile of junk now and still Taako has nothing to show for it.]

Oh come on! There's gotta be something you want, you dumb tree!


C★ Melting Pot ★
[Now that he's taken over the Melting Pot, it's time to start testing new recipes. On certain nights during their time on the planet, Taako invites people he knows and sometimes just drags random strangers off the hallways of the Iskaulit to sit in the Melting Pot after hours. He sits them down at a table and points to a selection of three different tasting dishes: a small bowl of hearty stew, a poached fish with sauce, and a cut of what looks like beef wellington with a drizzle of red wine sauce.]

I'm taking a poll and you've been selected. Try these and tell me which one you think is best.


D★ Date Night [ Closed to Kravitz] ★
[Once he's got enough cash that he's fairly certain he can cover his half of a date - or an entire night drinking if he gets rejected - Taako sends a quick message to Kravitz's inbox. It's short, it's sweet, it's to the point, and it makes Taako's heart scream bloody murder as he waits for a response.]

Hey Boneman, you owe me a second date. You up for it tonight?


★ Wildcard　★
[Hit me up for anything you'd like to try out while they're on the planet! wagashi or PM me on this journal if you wanna discuss first.]

A

[necromanswers]

["Bother" is definitely the right word for it. Lup's been on hunting duty for a while now, abusing the magic-recharging nature of the planet to cycle through multiple Polymorph spells in a day, in order to make use of the senses and instincts of animals well suited for both the environment and the act of hunting itself. She's on the prowl even now (or at least on her way back from a game trail) when she notices a very familiar elf curled up like a fiery beacon in the snow, fishing away. It's a pleasantly familiar sight: peaceful, nostalgic, almost sweet. ...Which of course makes her want to crash his party immediately.

So what's up, Taako? There's a fluffy little white wolf with black markings (or highlights?) shuffling her way towards your bucket, trying to sneak. She smells fish, what've you caught...?]

[abracafcku]

[Fishing has a meditative quality and when it's combined with glowing water and a constant source of magic? Yeah, it's downright zenlike. As long as he keeps his attention on the fire shield around him and the pull of his line, he's been staying pretty toasty and nice as the fish have slowly (sometimes painfully so) built up in his bucket. Some of them he's thrown back, but most are a fair enough size that he's got a nice little cache by his feet.

It's also nice to be alone, with his thoughts and his worries and all the little anxieties that he rarely lets get to him. ...Oh second thought, nope, scratch that. Taako yawns loudly and nudges his bucket, checking that the water hasn't frozen. He's got a few fish in there, but not enough to call it quits yet and nothing that seems like what he could potentially use as a main course for a freaking wedding eventually. He needs something bigger than a smallish alien looking trout, but so far no---???

He whips around as the hair on the back of his neck stand up, sensing approaching danger. And sure enough? There's a goddamn wolf about two meters out.]


.......fuuuuckkkkk......??? Nice doggy?

[necromanswers]

[??? What's he so- oh. Ohhh. Yeah maybe the wolf thing wasn't the best idea, but she'd already chosen that form for the hunt, so no take-backsies now. (Okay, she could change back early, but what's the fun in that?)

Instead she flops her body low into the snow, tail wagging, her head bowed, and shuffles slowly forward, trying to appear playful rather than ferocious. She's just here to annoy him, not scare him shitless. She is, in fact, a nice doggy! ...For now at least.]

[abracafcku]

[His ears had been pressed back against his head as he waited to see how the wolf reacted to being caught, but they soon flicked upwards when he realized that the wildlife here was being as friendly as the other inhabitants. Weird, but good for him. The last thing Taako wanted was to fight a predator, even if he was chock full of magic at the moment.

It wags its tail at him and he watches it for a moment, then scans the ice around him. The wolf is acting tame but there doesn't seem to be an owner anywhere.]

....Mmmkay, well, I'm sorry, but if Timmy's fallen down a well, he's probably already frozen, my dude.

[He stands up anyway though, switching his seat around so he can keep an eye on the wolf and still keep fishing. He also makes sure to nudge his bucket closer to side as he moves.]

You lost or something?

[necromanswers]

[When Taako's ears relax, Lup shuffles another few inches forward, still eyeing him (and the bucket). He'd moved it, which means he's probably on to her. Hmmm…

With a low huff she straightens up and circles around, approaching the ice hole instead and pawing at. Go on, focus on your fishing! Don't mind her at all, she's not plotting anything at all, no sir.]

[abracafcku]

[The wolf is more doglike than wolf-like, which makes him relax a little. It paws at the ice and he tilts his head a little. He's not a huuuuge fan of dogs or wolves or whatever - that was more Magnus's thing - but this one isn't being threatening. It's more curious and maybe...hungry?

Did dogs eat fish?

There's nothing on his line right now, so he uses Mage Hand to hold it while he reaches into his bucket. He pulls out a smaller of the fish and holds it up, gauging its reaction.]

This what you're after?

D is for Date Night~ ♥

[deathcouture]

[ Taako's heart might be screaming bloody murder, but when Kravitz gets that message, he's pretty much overjoyed! ... And then, almost immediately, a little sad -- because yeah, for Taako, this is only date two. It's... it's bittersweet.

But hell if he's letting those thoughts get him down, and hell if he's turning down a date with Taako! He's all sappy smiles when he responds. ]

Tonight? Sure, I've got no plans. It'd be my pleasure.

[ Did that sound too non-chalant? --Er, well, until the last bit, maybe that was a bit much?? Or maybe it all evens itself out!! ]

[abracafcku]

[Hell yes, that's the answer he was hoping for. He hasn't been the one who has had to ask for a second date in forever and Taako had held out as long as he could reasonably do without looking like he was ignoring him before he called. Now he's glad he did.

But that doesn't mean he'll be any less cavalier as he replies ]

You bet it will be. You know that big ass castle they got? Meet me there at whatever passes for 6:30 on this weirdo planet.

[deathcouture]

It is kind of a weirdo planet... but at least it's more to look at than the last one.

[ It's amusing to him, anyway~ ]

I'll see you then. Can't wait.

[ Aaand since he figures Taako will want to be ~fashionably late~, Kravitz will be there right on time. ♥ He may not have the variety of suits he had back home, but he's managed to start a new collection already (especially on this planet) so he will of course be looking pretty damn sharp while he waits by the castle's front entrance. ]

[abracafcku]

Oh, it's loads better than the last one. Shopping's better, too.

So yeah, see you. And don't be late, mkay?

[Because that's Taako's gig. It's as Kravitz thought and, despite his own warning, Taako makes his grade entrance at a fashionably 10 minutes after Kravitz is at the castle's entrance. He arrives in his blue vest over a high-necked white blouse over tight black pants that make his ass look great, helped along by his gold-heeled boots. Over that he's got a black embroidered cape and some nice thick gloves to ward against the cold. Thankfully? They won't be out in long because this outfit is meant to be seen but not in below zero temperatures, and Taako is managing only because he's got a nice little warming spell going that will keep him from freezing to death long enough to get inside. How he manages heels on the icy roads is anyone's guess, but he's done it and with an easy grin, Taako slides on up to Kravitz, whistling at his attire.]

Damn, Krav, maybe I shoulda dressed up a little more. [He wouldn't of course. This was only their second date in his eyes, and going all out? Well...it'd make him seem to eager.]

You ready to test this place out? I heard it's supposed to be all about the luxury.

[deathcouture]

[ Called it~ Kravitz stands away from the wall he'd been leaning against when he spots Taako, and he smiles, delighted to see him, of course. And of course Taako looks effortlessly amazing, that's never in question. He's also hella impressed (and yet not surprised!) that he's completely unfazed by the ice in those heels. He laughs lightly at that whistle, shaking his head. ]

I could say the same, Taako... I guess if you step up your game, I'll just have to step up mine, too.

[ Not that he'd have a problem with that! But still. ]

I heard that, too. Do you think they'll be up to par?

[ His smile turns a touch bemused -- whether it is or it isn't, he's sure this is going to be quite interesting. He offers his arm to Taako, like a proper gentleman - ready to head inside. ]

[abracafcku]

Color me curious to see what you on your A game is. [He reaches out to slip a hand around Kravitz's arm and pauses.] And not your "work" A game because I kind of prefer this face to the skull one.

[Just by a little bit; like 10,000%. With him this close, Kravitz might get some side benefit from the warming spells Taako's cast on himself.]

No idea about being up to par though, but seeing as I lived most of my life on the road, I've got hiiiigh expectations on what it should be.

[But thankfully this place? Seems to be living up to it. Inside the castle is warmer than outside, the halls lined with carpets that lead into all the different shops and to various exhibits about the royal family that once owned this castle. There are quite a few decorations up for the holidays it looks like, and a comparable number of people here to look at them and the rest of the place. Looks like it'll be a bit of crowd in here.]

Not bad. Very...royal?

b.

[rebuildyourruins]

[The last time Thor had heard about mysteries deep underneath a planet, he had gotten more than he bargained for... though admittedly, it had a sweet reward. So eventually he does go looking for this supposed ice-tree. It's been a meandering few hours heading through the caverns, not so much looking intently as going wherever the path takes him. He can figure out how to get out later.

Thor hears Taako's rampant tossing of items well before he turns the corner and sees him, and the offending tree. He stops, hearing the elf rant in frustration. He can't help but grin as he steps through the opening into the area proper.]

Is that it then? The legendary tree?

[Because it would be pretty funny if it was just a regular tree.]

[abracafcku]

[He's just dropped what looks like a three sided die - no idea how it works, but it was something someone gave him on the planet - when Thor strolls in, bemused at Taako's misfortune. The elf's ears flick back against his head and he gives a protracted sigh at yet another failure to procure something useful from this thing.]

Nah, it's an elven tradition to just dump shit at trees for no reason.

[He looks up at the tree again and nope, no reaction. This is obviously the legendary tree and after his snarky remark, he rolls his eyes and turns to regard Thor with a friendlier attitude.]

Maybe you'll have better luck with this thing than I have.

[rebuildyourruins]

[Thor snorts a laugh as he walks over, surveying the pile of things building up under the water.]

Was it meant to be giving the tree something? I thought it was the tree that was meant to offer a gift.

[abracafcku]

Nooo idea. The legend - you've heard it right? - the legend is super unclear. Freaking indecisive tree.

[He digs into his pockets again and comes up with a stick with colorful candy wrapped around one end. Mmmmm, he wanted to eat this, so nope, back into his pocket it goes. He keeps searching.]

Something something "unburden yourself" and the tree's supposed to give you something in return. But so far it's been nada, zilch, zippo for ya boy here.

[rebuildyourruins]

I have heard a number of things. [Thor glances up at the tree's icy boughs, completely unmoved by Taako's offerings so far.] Maybe it isn't a physical thing it wants.

[abracafcku]

Well, I dunno about you, my dude, but unlike some people I know, I'm not exactly plant-sexual.

[He's not giving love to a dumb plant, even if he knows that's not what Thor meant at all.]

★ Wildcard ★

[shroudedsecrets]

[It has been difficult for Haggar to go around incognito on this planet, thanks to her facial markings taking on a soft white glow instead of their usual appearance.

That aside, this is one of those rare times she's attempting to look into a few wardrobe updates for herself. ... It's cold, and this planet actually has nicer clothing articles than what she had been making do with from systems past.

To that end, she's looking at a selection of cloaks first. The prices aren't too bad, but she's taking her time with deciding, either because she's just slow in general or she's distracted, anything could be the case with her.]

[abracafcku]

[Well, you know who isn't slow or distracted when it comes to shopping? This guy. Taako is a tour de force when it comes to finding what he wants and what he needs and what he absolutely must have right now oh my god does it come in four other colors? He's also been spending enough time combing through the racks that he has gotten to know the shopkeepers pretty well. People here are too nice and it's really easy to take advantage of their kind and giving nature to get discounts.

Which is why Taako is here today. He's got a coupon for 20% off and he's going to put it to goo--]

Holy shit, you come off the ships?

[He spies Haggar and doesn't even bother saying hello, whipping back around one rack of cloaks he'd just passed by.]

Color me surprised to see you untethered to your dark cave up there.

[shroudedsecrets]

I suppose it is fitting to see you here.

[Shopping on her own is still new for her. She hadn't really gotten into it, herself--it was easier, letting Katie drag her around and help her out back then, when she was all nice and disguised as her twin, but now Katie was gone and she couldn't even disguise properly anyway, not with those glowy markings not wanting to be concealed even with her best efforts. Leave it to a magic planet to do all that.]

Occasionally there is... some merit in seeing what a planet has to offer.

[Wryness in her even tone? A touch of it.]

[abracafcku]

Fitting - haha, good one. Clothes store and all.

[He laughs easily, even if Haggar doesn't. He notes how the markings light up on her face with some interest, but figures it has to do with her being a magical space elf on a magical planet. He's been having a weird buzzing in his skull since they got close to this system, so he should probably be thankful he hasn't lit up like a Candlenights tree.]

It isn't made of garbage, so yeah, all in all, this planet is a frozen ball, but it's got some greeeeeat taste. [And he's been reveling in the attention the locals like to give him with their party invitations and praise and little gifts. He's picked up a lot of trinkets and things to pack into his room since arriving here.]

So you lookin' for something in particular? Like a color that doesn't scream "drow-in-training" or "I haven't seen the sun in 400 years"?

[shroudedsecrets]

[She's... trying.]

It seemed like a good opportunity.

[Since this isn't a planet made of garbage. Although it's not like she didn't get some items out of that, at least. Just not anything at all where wardrobe updating was concerned. And so she gives a small shrug at his question.]

I am not certain what I want... but something new would be nice.

[Hence her slowness at looking at the merchandise. Even her current outfit was only a long black dress with a wrap accompanying it. Not much to keep warm with. Or very colorful. But she wasn't about to wear her very distinctive robes, and it had been some time since she had last worn them anyway.]

[abracafcku]

Well first? Color. You look like you're going to a funeral.

[She always looked like she was going to a funeral though. Taako doesn't even ask her size or what she likes because he knows she'll hem and haw or just not tell him.

He reaches into a nearby rack and pulls out a blue cloak, then a red one, then puts them both back. The bright colors will look too harsh on her skin tone against the black dress. He grabs a gray half cloak lined with pale pink fur that boasts panels of a deeper salmon pink, dusty rose, and an aquamarine blue to give it a thick striped pattern. He holds it up to her, then grabs a dusky green kneelength wraparound cloak. It has some nice floral embellishments at the corners.

These he thrusts into Haggar's hands without asking.]

Try these.