[Open, Major Event] 12 June 2066

[geistnet]

Over the course of the last week, you'll have likely noticed the buzz and excitement that's been building all around Metro Manila -- if you've been around awhile, you know what time of the year it is. If you're new: well, this is an experience you're sure to enjoy.

The festive mood surrounding Philippine Independence Day is hard to miss. Wander around the metropolis and you'll note that the streets are filled with tourists and locals; turn one corner and you'll see parades, turn another and you may be treated to performances set up on strategically placed stages.

As for Falner, the colors of the Philippine flag seem to be everywhere you look: the kids who live or study at the estate are mostly running around with their faces painted. If you wander down towards the Fair Grounds in the South District, there are a couple of booths set up offering anything from body paint and temporary tattoos to local delicacies. West District establishments The King's Rest and Liquidated also have special treats aligned with the theme of the day. There's also talk about the annual street party which will be held over at the Baywalk later this evening, and the younger initiates are abuzz over the yearly light show held over Manila Bay that showcase reenactments of all the major battles all the way up to the Darkest Vigil.

Independence Day is also not all that's being celebrated, because for Keepers of the Vigil and supernatural communities all over the world, today marks the second anniversary of Arcis Fortress City.

OOC NOTES FOR PLAYERS

Don't forget to mention in the subject heading if your threads are OTA (Open to All) or Closed, and the time in which the exchange takes place. Feel free to make a top-level comment of your own if none of the placeholders fit. For details on each of the locations found at the Falner Estate, here is a handy link!

Comments

[scatterblade]

[ Hee. ]

Nothing negative. There is mostly just a lot of curiosity due to your, shall we say, unique circumstances.

[bloodsinger]

Huh, that's not surprising. I guess when you all actually talked out your Pacts, me getting Sigma without much ceremony must seem weird.

[ And the karma...thing. The necklace is tucked under her shirt, and it rarely ever leaves her person anyway. ]

Maybe if you could be...a bit more detailed?

[scatterblade]

About what people say about you?

[ She'd correct you on that little thing about Pacts, but there are nicer things to talk about right now.

Ah, there's her drink. The waiter's getting a smile, of course. ]

[bloodsinger]

[ She knows it's not as easy as that but everyone's got a choice. That's enough to put them on a different group in her mind.

She's refilling her own glass. ]

Yeah...? Unless you can't tell me or don't want to tell me, I guess?

[scatterblade]

I can tell you.

[ Leaning back, folding her hands together on the table. ]

Most are intrigued by your decision to take our leader up on his offer regarding the ASC. Others are wondering how you're holding up, because of Sigma and your past. Still others are wondering if they ought to help you out.

[ Smiling again. ]

Like me.

[bloodsinger]

Well, Hikaru did offer. It might look a bit like arrogance...but that's not it. [ A beat. ] Okay, that's not entirely it. I do like a good challenge. I also like being at the top of anything I get my mind to do, so it made sense?

[ Also it apparently put her at odds with Yulia (not that she needed any help in that regard), which is a nice extra thing. ]

Second...I've always been good at controlling my emotions. I'm not impervious, but I'm dealing with it. Slowly. Sigma and I have an agreement and we're actually on good terms? He's a bit of an old lady sometimes though.

{ Sophie. }

You are.

And third...I never say no to a helping hand. Or sword.

[scatterblade]

[ Listening to all of that, still smiling, watching her companion for the evening. ]

That makes sense. [ Hmm. ] You're on first name terms with the Blade King already, mm?

[bloodsinger]

[ Sophie leans back. ]

I'm really bad with titles. I get it that probably bothers one too many people that, uh, look up to him.

[ "Does it bother you?" Seems to be what her stare is saying as she looks at Liana. ]

[scatterblade]

It probably does.

[ She's not one of them, since she feels that she's coming to understand the kind of person you are, although... ]

You might want to consider getting "better" with titles and respect, so to speak, especially since you're gunning for Zangyaku. Or if you plan on staying in the Vigil in general.

[ Unless that isn't part of the plan, of course. ]

[bloodsinger]

Ahhh. Figured as much.

[ She knows, she really does. It's going to be interesting to adapt, or at least try and fail to adapt. ]

I fully intend to make those two happen. Might need to get enough titles of my own before finally relaxing again, I guess?

[ Or just. Permission to speak freely. ]

[scatterblade]

You're in the Accelerated Special Cases Program of Balamb. I think that's a really good start.

[ She's being honest there. The ASC is kind of a big deal. ]

[bloodsinger]

It certainly feels like.

[ And somehow she's past the half of the first bottle. This conversation is keeping her interested. ]

So you know a good deal of stuff about me, but I hardly know a thing about you.

[scatterblade]

Well, I'm not sure where to start.

[ Her life is kinda complicated... ]

Ask me whatever you like?

[ She means it. ]

[bloodsinger]

Well, I know you're Liana the Bladian, from Zangyaku...but what do you actually do there?

[ She doesn't mind complicated. ]

[scatterblade]

I'm the Scatterblade of the Searing Wind, and I also happen to be the head of the Senshi Division in Gisi.

[ Sip. ]

Have you been to Gisi yet?

[bloodsinger]

What does being the Scatterblade mean?

[ She's truly curious now. ]

Not yet.

[scatterblade]

I see.

[ And then, since she asked: ]

"Scatterblade" is my title, actually. You earn a place within the Searing Wind by fighting, and you gain a title that reflects your nature, or the sort of role that you play for the Blade King.

[bloodsinger]

[ She listens, grinning a bit at the mention of titles. Everyone seemed to have one. ]

So your blade...scatters?

[ Wow Sophie, wow. ]

Huh.

[scatterblade]

Among other things.

[ Something about Liana's smile coupled with the look in her eye, at that point, hints at much, much more, particularly on the scale of Pretty Fucking Crazy on the Battlefield. ]

We're the elite taskforce of Zangyaku. A Ceremony is held every year to determine who its members are.

[bloodsinger]

Yeah, I guess we Bladians really do step into "among other things" quite often.

[ She has the feeling Liana means something a lot crazier than she's thinking though. ]

So it changes every year? Hm.

[scatterblade]

There's a chance for it to change every year.

[ A bit of an emphasis on 'a chance'. ]

Most of us tend to keep our positions until we decide to step down for ourselves.

[bloodsinger]

[ She's silent for a moment. ]

I guess it would be like trying to beat an elite at their own game, yeah.

[scatterblade]

Pretty much.

[ Smiling, swirling the contents of her glass about with an idle twist of her wrist. ]

I've only recently come back. I kind of died during the Darkest Vigil, so.

[ #nobigdeal ]

[bloodsinger]

Uh.

[ Is that a thing. ]

You certainly seem to be taking it well, so...cool?

[scatterblade]

[ Chuckles. ]

I prefer to look at the brighter side to things, especially since coming back has given me second chances in a lot of directions.