logsinthenight | INTRO LOG: FEBRUARY

Entry tags:

INTRO LOG: FEBRUARY

characters: everyone.
location: the harbor, as well as the rest of town.
date/time: february 1-3.
content: beacon's newest batch of residents arrives on the ferry. rastus gathers the town for a debriefing meeting.
warnings: n/a.

welcome to beacon.

It's dim, and the room won't stop swaying, gently rocking you back and forth. A loud sound startles you fully awake, a deep, moaning call: a foghorn. As your eyes adjust, you note faint red light streaking through the room from a tiny, round window.

You've found yourself in a private room, lying on a bed. The last things you remember are the events that led up to your death. Beside you is a folded tablet and a lantern glowing with a healthy flame.

You're on a ship. And that ship is docking.

Making your way to the deck, and eventually the pier, you find only moonlight to greet you, and a dark forest beyond. There are other people here, each with their own unique lantern, and many of them look just as lost as you are. On the ferry you've just disembarked from, the speaker system begins to play a song.

In the distance, across the waters of the lake, you can see the tall silhouette of a lighthouse, its red light slowly turning.

•••

On February 3, after the newcomers have had a chance to settle in, everyone's tablets will ping with a message from @rastus!

Come tob onfier squae.Pl eaas , we wikll disucss our orogress sincereeluy rastuaas I am th ebonfire keeeeeeepr.

...Followed by another message a few minutes later, this time from @keeper

Omg will everyone head down to Bonfire Square for Rastus' town meeting please? He wants to recap what you've all learned so far!!!

And can someone please teach him that he can record an audio message and then send it to everyone instead of looping the whole dang town in on a group text?? 😂😂😂😂

Assuming you do indeed head down to Bonfire Square after all that, what you'll find is this: a series of benches and tables have been set up surrounding the bonfire, and there's enough seating for all of Beacon's residents. As people take their seats near the fire, the barkeeper forest spirits from the Invincible toddle through the crowd with trays of hot chocolate and warm cider, along with a sampler tray of acorns and pinecones, if that's your thing.

Once everyone's here and settled, sipping on hot drinks and maybe busting a tooth on an acorn, Rastus hobbles forward to address the crowd:

"Crrk. Hello. I am Rastus. I tend to the bonfire. I have tended to the bonfire, mrawk, for years and years. You are doing, rmmm, well. Good."

He nods to emphasize the point. Yes, you are doing good.

"Talk. To each other. Share what you have learned. Yes. Crarrk. It is important."

He nods again, and then... shuffles back over to his post near the bonfire, waiting for anyone who might come by with an interest in torches. Seems it's up to you all to get each other up to speed?

Luckily for all the newcomers who may find themselves confused by their sudden arrival here, their tablets and the town have some resources available for getting acquainted with their new situation! In fact, as soon as they're prompted to enter a network username, an app containing all sorts of useful welcome information will launch. Newcomers can always check out the weekly bulletins and the records in town hall as well, and everyone's welcome to get in touch with the NPCs through their inboxes.

ooc.

Hey there, wonderful players, and welcome to In the Night! We're thrilled to welcome so many new faces into the community, and you've come at a great time! Alongside this intro log, we have our very first cat herd, which is essentially a recap of the plot thus far, as well as a rundown on a ton of great info to help get you started in the game.

But don't feel like you have to read it all right this second! ICly, Rastus will call everyone together for the town meeting on February 3 to give new characters (and players) a chance to get their bearings before smacking them in the face with all the plot. This log will cover both the ferry arrival and the cat herd meeting, so feel free to bounce around in time in your toplevels.

Remember, too, that all of the plot info available in the cat herd can now be considered common knowledge! Newbies and oldbies alike, feel free to assume that your character learns as much of that plot info as you like at this meeting, regardless of whether or not you thread it out.

And of course, go ahead and introduce yourselves on the OOC intro, as well!

DELIVERIES

The following packages can be found in the cargo hold:

The monthly store restock
For Sora: A gameboy(?), 3 CPR/AED kits, a dozen CPR/first aid training manuals, two packages of capiz shells, a set of candy molds, a caldero, and 3 gameboy games: 3-D World Runner, Decapathon VII, and Sheep It Up!
For Crowley: A variety of clockwork equipment, a large clock face, and the goods
For Jason G: 2 bulletin boards with materials for mounting, 3 packs of pushpins
For Lucius: A manual sewing machine
For Castiel: A dozen flasks of holy oil and a pillowcase-sized satchel of various natural spell components
For Duster: A double bass, complete with a case
For Prompto: A polaroid camera with enough film for 50 photos and a folding sword, which is cruder than the example he gave but roughly the same size
For Aziraphale: A large crate of snowshoes, jackets, and coats in various sizes, a bottle of wine, and a bouquet of red, white, and pink roses tied together with an elegant bow
For Javert: A large crate of various fencing gear and 3 fencing handbooks

If you submitted an item request last month and we've missed it here, let us know!

QUICKNAV
comms	\|	network • logs • memes • ooc
pages	\|	rules • faq • taken • mod contact • player contact • calendar • setting • exploration • item requests • full nav

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Riku advances, meanwhile, even if it means stepping past her, to stand guard, perhaps, over her lantern. Within arm's reach of it he stops and turns towards her, his eyes searching her face.

There's no pain there, maybe curiosity, like he's not sure if he can believe his eyes yet or not. ]

This is Beacon. Where people might be brought if they're...

[ Dead, he thinks.

Truthfully, the Darkness is one great ambiguous gray area where death and sleep intersect. Riku has seen his own "grave" but couldn't say whether or not he actually died. He fell into the Darkness of sleep, perchance to dream. ]

...I'm okay. Like you.

[Naminé reaches for his hand, gently slipping her cold fingers against his palm. It's warm and for the first time she feels herself relax, her smile becoming more genuine.] You really are here, it's you and you remember me. [Relief floods through her features and warms her chest as she meets his gaze.

If this truly is the darkness then they'll find the light, together.]

I'm so happy to see you Riku.

[ The gloves he wears have been enchanted, they're perpetually warm. His fingers close over hers. ]

I wouldn't forget.

[ Maybe that statement loses something, when she has the power to make him forget if she really wanted to. ]

Wish we could've met again under different circumstances. How are you here?

[ When Kairi... ]

I-- don't know. I'm so sorry Riku. I don't remember. I think-- I think we were going to the islands, you were going to show me the beach but-- it's hazy now. [She wants to have the answers for him, to help him as she has in the past, but she doesn't recognize this world and she doesn't understand or accept the conditions of her arrival.

Is she really dead? Is this her end? And how is Riku here? He shouldn't be dead.

She doesn't want to believe that she'd never have the chance to really live or that Riku lost his chance too. Is this somehow her fault?]

You were just there.

Then I woke up on the boat with that lantern next to me.

[She points with her free hand over to the white birdcage, its light casting elongated heart shaped shadows against the wooden table she'd been sitting at.]

[ That can't be possible, he thinks. They made it safely there. He thinks about Eleven, how she came here twice, the second time she was younger. Different worlds, different times. Perhaps there was a timeline where their "victory" panned out differently, where Dawn's last wish tragically went fulfilled, only to be prematurely cut off, much like his own life here. ]

I remember. We made it to the islands, nothing happened to you.

[ Looking around, he shuffles priorities. She isn't really that dressed for the cold, and the general store is very close to the bonfire. He gestures for her to follow, if she does, he'll resume speaking when it's less crowded. ]

That doesn't mean nothing happened in your experience. It's done something like this before, pulled a person from a different time. Bet you've got questions.

[Naminé pauses and turns to grab both her lantern and the acorn, leaving the now cold cup of cider on the table behind them. When she catches up to Riku she's silent for a moment or too, waiting for the crowds to thin before speak.]

I do but I don't know what to ask.

[There are some questions that she doesn't want the answer too.]

Will you tell me how you've been? What's happened here? If you made it to the island then how did you get here?

[She wants to ask him if she saw the beach but she doesn't. Maybe one day that dream will finally come true... maybe.]

It's overwhelming for everyone. Take your time.

[ When they reach the General Store, he opens the door and waits until she decides to pass through. It's got about what you'd expect for a small general store, though everything is humble, past expiry date, and you won't find designer clothing here. Even some of those knitted things ended up in a pile for people to comb through. ]

...Getting by, same as everyone else. [ What happened here? He's a little at a loss. Where to begin? ] It's a long story.

[ He might fetch that log book later and suggest she take some time digesting the information in there. ]

After we reached the islands, Sora disappeared. I guess... in our search for him, I got reckless. Ended up here. I think that was... seven months ago?

[Naminé takes a deep breath and then nods her head.]

I will. [She silently listens as Riku begins to explain. It might be a long story but Naminé is sure that they have the time... don't they?] What? [She stops walking and turns towards Riku.] Wait. What do you mean? That can't be. I saw you. You were going to show me Destiny Island and I was going to meet everyone again.

[Her chest seize in panic and she struggles to keep it down.]

Seven months...

[ As her distress becomes apparent, Riku puts up both of his hands placatingly, though he's not sure what he could say to soothe her concerns. There have been a few bright spots here and there, but for the most part, Riku's experiences here were nothing he'd want her to go through. ]

You don't remember getting to the islands, right?

[ Shutting the door behind them, Riku sidles past her to a bin of assorted socks and continues speaking as he fishes out a pair of long wool socks. They're nothing special and might itch some, but they're great against the cold. There's a surrealness to the moment, doing something so mundane and normal while the conversation is anything but. ]

A lot happened. It's been a year and seven months since then. ...Here, put these on. You'll need boots. Should be some around here.

[She nods her head mutely as she follows at Riku's side and steps within the general store. It's warmer without the constant chilling win from outside but it isn't comfortable in here either.]

Alright. [Naminé takes the socks and sits down to put them on. It isn't comfortable and it doesn't warm her up right away but it's nice to have something wrapped around her feet and ankles.] How could I not know all that?

We were together.

[She stands, holding her sandals in her free hand as she begins to look for boots. She doesn't actually know her shoe size but she's able to guess by comparing her sandals with the shoes that are there.]

What is happening here?

Don't have any proof... maybe you're from another version of our world, where something happened after we left Radiant Garden?

[ She's looking for boots, Riku steals a furtive glance in her direction before he tries - a little helplessly - to look for warm pants that might fit her or at least can fit with the use of a belt. She's seen how he dresses if he's allowed to dress himself, this is probably going to be a disaster. ]

A long time ago, I think Robin said a hundred years? This world died. We're here to bring back the light. There's a lot more to it than that. Might be better to read the log book.

[ He kneels down in front of her, putting down a short stack of folded pants, leggings and even a pair of blue jeans and a few simple belts. It's not haute fashion, but... it's utilitarian? ]

They went over a lot of this stuff at that meeting earlier.

Another version?

[She takes a moment to wrap her mind around the abstract concept of that thought. Maybe there are worlds where she hadn't existed at all...] I know. [She finds her shoe sides and slips on a pair of boots before looking for a jacket. She's leaving the rest up to Riku.]

That isn't what I meant. I mean, with you.

You've been here for so long... what's happened? Are you... okay?

[Naminé feels as if the answer is 'no' but she wants to ask and make sure.]

[ Confusion crosses his face as Riku checks himself for any missing moments since her question about what was happening here and his answer. The reality check itself is futile when Riku has first-hand experience with how convincing hallucinations and time-slippage can be here.

He'll just have to deal with the fact that he missed something. ]

Hanging in there. First things first: you're gonna freeze if you don't get some proper clothes and somewhere warm to sleep.

[ Leaving the stack of pants behind, he steps away to look for thermal shirts and jumpers. ]

How much of our situation did you hear already?

Alright.

[Naminé waits patiently for Riku to find whatever else he thought she needed. She doesn't mind waiting but clothes don't feel as important as other things.] This is a world of darkness... for the dead. [Though she doesn't completely believe that. After being a piece of a person and then nothing but a lingering-will... what she is now is more than all that.]

I read some of the books they have. I'm still learning about the buildings and spirits here.

Do I need this many clothes?

[ After his brush with hypothermia, Riku has a new respect for the cold. And, as one of the few non-Organization XIII members (former or otherwise) who remembers her, he's aware that it's possible she hasn't had to learn the same lessons other people have had to. So... yeah, that means he's getting her like four sets of clothing.

Utilitarian and warm but not terribly fashionable. That's the general store for you, though, very thrift store rummage bin aesthetic. ]

You don't have to keep them. The blizzards can kill you if you wander out in them unprepared.

[Naminé slips on a light coat and then a larger light blue coat before standing and taking the items that Riku's collected for her. It looks like even more clothes next to Naminés slender form.]

I'll be careful.

[She feels a little awkward and a little nervous but she isn't sure why. Riku is helping her but it feels as if time has formed a barrier between them.]

Can I help at all? [She is now wearing long socks, boots and two jackets over her usual white dress.] With looking for clothes but also here. Is there anything I can do?

[ To be honest... that's at least double the amount of clothes Riku owns. Because other than the shirt and jeans he wears while working and training, he's wearing the rest. That was kind of a problem when he turned up on a doorstep, unconscious, he didn't really have much spare stuff to wear.

Which might be why Riku absently grabs a grey knit sweater and tucks it under his arm.

Riku glances down at her legs and quickly up again, worried that they'll get cold but guiltily feeling a little like a creep for looking. ]

Yeah. People organize groups... take on projects together or look for resources.

There's a whole street full of shops and stuff that everyone's been checking out. Just got back from looking at the theater there the other day.

A theater?

[She carefully organizes the clothes she's holding so they won't fall over or obscure her ability to walk.] What was there?

I haven't seen a theater before. [Though that doesn't say very much, Naminés memories were limited to Sora's memories and her time in Castle Oblivion.] Do you think I can explore too? Is it safe here? I haven't seen any heartless.

[ There's bags around here, like the strapped satchel that Riku is often wearing. Never know when you might find something worth picking up and those RPG habits sure die hard. ]

Bunch of movie theater rooms, a stage. A collection of films, too, all kinds.

[ It isn't something that Riku considers immediately helpful unless he thinks of it as a way to improve morale. As difficult as it is for him to justify leisure time to himself when they're running down a two year clock, Riku can really appreciate the appeal of forgetting about their problems to do something normal for a change. ]

If we can get it running... you'll get the chance. Exploring the areas outside the area around the bonfire usually isn't safe. There are spirits that aren't too friendly and other dangers.

[Naminé spots the bags and grabs one so that she's able to carry the collection of clothing to where she's staying. She has to stop and crouch on the ground to get it all neatly inside but after a few moments she's ready to go with everything that she needs.]

Really? I can't wait to see it.

[It's odd, finding something so exciting in a world encased by darkness and the looming notion of death.]

Not safe...

[She pauses and considers the full scope of their situation.]

Can I help?

[ Riku looks at her for a long moment, not blankly so much as carefully neutral, a little crease growing between his eyebrows. It's a subtly concerned expression. She keeps asking the same questions, he answers, and she asks. He doesn't think she's asking permission, although she seems shy, she has Kairi's determination, that strong core in her that keeps her burning bright.

One time, he could think he missed something, that he had one of those weird moments where he's missing time or hallucinated something that didn't happen. But now this is a pattern where the conversation loops back on itself, like how getting lost in a forest can mean you walk in circles for miles. After fixing her with a look, Riku strips off his glove, reaching forward to press his wrist to her forehead. ]

Are you feeling okay? Physically?

[His wrist is warm against her chilled skin.]

I-

[Naminés eyes drop to the ground. She knows that she's been repeating herself but she can't help it. It feels as if there is this great distance between them and she can't do anything to bridge it. She doesn't understand and it hurts. They're friends. Aren't they? Riku is the only one who had remembered her while restoring Sora's memories. He'd come to get her when she'd first been given a body of her own but now everything feels different.

There is that distance and she can't find a way to reach across.

The feeling in her chest knots uncomfortably and she wishes that she understood what it meant. Is this worry? Panic? Fear? For so long she'd known loneliness but little else. Are emotions always this confusing?

Naminé takes a small step back, her fingers tightening around the bag slung across her shoulder. Her knuckles are white and she doesn't look up from her downward stare.]

I'm sorry. It just feels like there is something you aren't telling me. I don't understand Riku. I want too. I want to be here for you.

[She pauses and finally meets his gaze.]

You were always there for me.

[So why can't she do the same?]

[ He lowers his arm, his eyes darting over her expression as she answers, at her posture, the way she withdraws and seems to fold in on herself. And Riku, for whom this place has been one tragedy or disaster after another for seven months, realizes that it was none of the potential dangers lurking in the shadows of his mind at all.

She's just worried.
Who wouldn't be?

It's true, there is distance. There are scars now where he didn't have them when they last met, some one can see, many more that can't. Grief and depression are not tidy, pretty things, they're ugly and isolating. ]

...You're right. I'm holding things back. It's not your fault, and... hearing that you're worried about me-- [ He tips his head down, sighing. ]

Feels pretty bad.

[ Riku looks at her again, opening his fist. ]

You've only just arrived. There's so much to get caught up on. I can't really focus on anything but getting you on your feet.

[ If disaster struck before he could get her some of what she needs and something terrible happened to her, he'd never forgive himself. And if it was because he "wasted time" trying to talk about his feelings? He'd feel even guiltier. ]

[She steps forward and gently takes his un-gloved hand in hers, cradling his fingers like they were something delicate.]

It's alright. I will learn. I've already learned so much about this world and the things I can do here.

I've met some people... friends, I think and they've offered to help. I have a place I can stay too. [She's met a few people over the last two days and while she's still stumbling through, she's learning bit by bit and there are people living within Beacon who are willing to help her.

Riku isn't alone.]

I want to make sure you are okay. Who is taking care of you when you spend so much time taking care of everyone else?

[That is how Riku was; worrying about everyone but himself.]

Please. Let me worry about you. This is important to me.

[ His fingers curl around her hand, automatically. It's a gesture he doesn't think about, it happens as easily as one breathes. ]

People here are usually pretty good about rallying together. I think it's what's kept us going this long.

[ She already found a place to stay? Although that prompts a curious tip of his head, Riku only nods. He could ask... but the truth is, he'll probably find out on his own because he's better at snooping around from the shadows than he is actually chatting people up.

Her question... to be honest, it leaves him feeling uncomfortable. He tries to be strong so that he can protect the people who are precious to him, but all he's done since he got to this world is fail. People have died or disappeared, never to be seen again. And he's never been very good at talking about his feelings, either, and the rare occasion that he has... he's embarrassed it ever happened.

That's not very fair to her. It means so much to him that she cares, even if he feels...

Complicated about it. When he thinks back to that time he did open his heart, the outpouring of grief left him feeling utterly exhausted. The longer these moments of peace stretch out, the more paranoid he gets that they'll all be struggling to survive against another threat at any moment. ]

I'm sorry. It's not something I can talk about whenever.

INTRO LOG: FEBRUARY

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cw: mention of grief/depression

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ftb soonish?

sure o7