[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

[magnamanious]

[ Yeah, just a little. ]

Suddenly, I am looking forward to seeing how you take to the knowledge that the classes for your Program will give you, and what you will do with it.

[outstanding]

Really? Thanks!

[ Ella still believes she's more brains than anything else, so what she can do with what she learns is up to debate in her mind. ]

It's a bit of a silly idea, I guess, but maybe it's the little things like that which could make important changes among Kindred society, perhaps? Or at least give pizza back to the people.

[ ... ]

A-and champagne toasts, I guess.

[magnamanious]

I agree. In fact, vampires who actually attempt to emulate humanity while understanding the emotions that used to be attached by simple acts that make mortals what they are tend to be much better than the others.

[ Yep. Speaking from experience there. ]

[outstanding]

I mean it's probably easy for me to say it since I'm not even a year old. If I get to even half a century, the way I see the world might change considerably.

[ She appreciates his encouragement though. More than she can express in words. ]

Won't stop me from trying though.

[magnamanious]

As it should not. Golconda is, after all, achievable.

[ Riley, Lex, and Marrigan are all proof of that. ]

Only too many Kindred forget that.

[outstanding]

I'm guessing most feel it's a bit...unsubstantial. I can't help but think it's a little too good to be truth, in all honesty, even though I would like to get there eventually.

[ Eventually meaning more time she can easily comprehend, most likely. ]

[magnamanious]

You have time, and you have us to help you.

[ As you will, no doubt, help them. Him and Barbara, that is. ]

[outstanding]

I keep on thinking that somehow I won the lottery, in so many ways.

[ She will certainly do her best. ]

And I, um, apologize if it ever feels like I'm imposing on you, only because my sire if Barbara.

[magnamanious]

[ D: ]

There is no need for you to apologize, Ella. It does not feel like that at all, and I doubt that it ever will.

[outstanding]

I know, I know! I'm just not used to this sort of treatment. I apologize.

[ Agh so embarrassing. ]

[magnamanious]

And there you go again.

[ Smiling. ]

Really. It's all right.

[outstanding]

I'm so- I mean- Um.

[ Shutting up and pouting now. ]

[magnamanious]

[ Grinning for a moment, and then turning back to the scenery around them. ]

Have you gotten your schedule yet? For school.

[outstanding]

[ Yes, better change the subject, thanks. ]

Oh! Yes, it's a lot, but I have been doing some light reading on most of the subjects. It should be fine.

[ The ridiculous amount of reference books she has read through might be enough proof. ]

It's the physical part that worries me a bit.

[magnamanious]

The combat classes, and the like?

[ Special Cases did have more than a few units on that end. ]

[outstanding]

Yep. I'm not saying I don't want to learn how to fight; I'm saying that once I was mugged and I tried to tase the thief...I tased myself.

[ She sighs. ]

And then he stole my taser.

[magnamanious]

[ And because he is a gentleman, he does not end up laughing at that. ]

Well, I am pretty sure that your instructors in Special Cases will be able to help you out.

[outstanding]

[ He not laughing earns him a million points. ]

I hope! I've been thinking about the political and PR side of the Methuselah, but knowing how to defend myself would be swell.

[magnamanious]

More like, you are going to have to know. The Methuselah may be primarily about negotiation and stopping threats before they become threats, but their operatives are still Keepers.

[ And Keepers need to know how to fight. ]

[outstanding]

O-of course! I'll do my best.

[ Violence it's not her thing, but as a Keeper she will do what she has to, she has no doubt about it. ]

I actually have some experience with firearms, so that might be a start.

[magnamanious]

It usually is best to start with what you know. You don't necessarily have to be good at every form of self-defense.

[ Especially if your skills lie elsewhere entirely. ]

On my end, firearms aren't actually my weapon of choice. Swords, however...

[ Those, he is very good at. ]

[outstanding]

Yeah, that makes sense. Us vampires though...we're stronger than humans anyway. It wouldn't hurt to be good at some martial art.

[ She gives him a look of honest admiration. Swords are cool. ]

[magnamanious]

There is that.

[ Hmm! ]

What sort of martial art interests you, my dear?

[outstanding]

Yep.

[ A moment to consider the options. ]

The other day I say Miss Gomez doing something that looked a lot like Kung-Fu?

[ She couldn't honestly imagine herself doing that though. ]

[magnamanious]

Ah, yes. I believe that was the first style she ever learned.

[ Smiling at the memory of the day he and Barbara had sat down and talked about fighting lessons, back in 2012. ]

It takes advantage of her speed and her build. Other arts did not quite do the same thing for her back then.