[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

The Shatterdome.

[geistnet]

Things look busy! Go figure, fresh meat coming in!

OTA | Morning after breakfast.

[larue]

[ You'll see this one wandering around and checking up on the resident ( and newly moved-in ) Rhiannon Agents. He'll also be watching some of the hunters in the training halls and occasionally saying hi or making small-talk.

Feel free to bug! This is Josh LaRue, after all. ]

[bladeweaver]

[Taning calls out to you from (where else?) the ceiling.]

HEEEEEY BUDDYYYYYY!

[larue]

[ He'd know that voice anywhere. ]

So, the prodigal son returns.

[ Come on down here, you jackass. He's missed you.

Yes, he's fishing out his smokes. ]

Join me for a stick before I gotta get my ass over to the Towers?

[bladeweaver]

[Have a chuckling Taning joining you in a blink on the ground, fishing out his own smokes. But first, a quick bro hug.]

It's good to see you, man. How's things in the corporate rat race?

[larue]

[ You're getting a really tight hug right back. ]

Missed you too, man.

[ He's going to light up a cig and then offer to do the same for you. ]

Been good. Just the same old things. HR's not that eventful.

[bladeweaver]

I keep forgetting that it's not a race to you so much as it's a marathon. [He laughs.] Oh, how's things at home? When're you gonna get married, eh, eh?

[He elbows you lightly at that.]

[larue]

[ Dude. Yo man.

Normally, he'd do that awkward slice your throat motion with his hand in a gesture of 'cut it out'. Today though...

A grin, a shake of the head and he's facing a ( very quick ) face at you.

Take that as you will, bro. ]

[bladeweaver]

No way! Have you proposed?!

[On to really important matters:]

I don't mind not being best man but can we please have Yulia be Maid of Honor? Come on man, I know you get me here!

[larue]

[ Oh my G—

Have a fond — but warning — Look your way now, Stan.

And then Josh is going to sling an arm around your shoulders to lead you away. Come along, bro. Don't make him drag you off.

If only he could laugh this off. But he kind of... can't. Wolf's Crest to you now, buddy.

( I am quietly remembering why I decided to only tell three people about my plans and why only one of them is a member of our Blade. ) ]

If you're thinking of an excuse to see her in a bridesmaid dress, Stan, you'd have better chances looking for her Alternate Universe counterpart.

[ He'll forgive you your slip Mr. Mortician, if you actually help him salvage this.

( For the record: I already have a ring. And there were plans to propose but it's not like the timing for it was great given what happened to me year before last. ) ]

[bladeweaver]

[Derp. Sorry man, he got all overexcited there.

Wait, he's got the perfect save for this.]

Right, right, I keep forgetting you would prefer to live in sin. I guess I'm projecting my Catholic sensibilities to you, huh? [He laughs. At the same time, mentally...

(Sorry, sorry, I got overexcited there! Anyway, so what are you planning? If, that is, you still feel like telling me...)

Yes, that is a clear pity plea, Joshua.]

[larue]

[ And internally, he can feel Leo covering his muzzle with both paws.

( You mentioned that this one was clever, Joshua, but for some reason I find that you may be overly generous towards him. )

He's better than this. Usually.

If he's scrubbing a palm over his face, your ridiculous save kind of warrants it. ]

Why do I miss your company again? Right. Because you're the other acceptable crash-test dummy candidate for Yulia's Self-Defense class.

[ Back via the Crest though:

( I want to give us both a little time? )

Him and Hikaru, he means. It's been six months and so far so good, but it wasn't until a handful of weeks back that they actually were back to a semblance of 'normalcy'. And... there is the matter of one tiny Changeling to consider.

( I'm going to wait. )

And when you're both stepping out presumably for some fresh air and less of the ruckus from inside. ]

There's no rush, since... you know. [ Awakening as a Card means a longer lifespan. ] And there's Lyall to consider.

[ He's going to assume you heard. Hikaru did bring the kid home back in January. Even if you're off in spa(aaaaaaa)ce, you have your resources; and your ways. ]

[bladeweaver]

Oh please, I'd beat Yulia up any day.

[Was what he said, before you started stepping out. Much to the amused disagreement of the Whisperers in earshot. He knows; Celestial Telescope was on.

Whew.

Once you're outside, after everything you've said...]

I haven't met the kiddo just yet, when I do come home I'm kind of a stay-at-home dad. Didn't think to invite you guys over, mostly because I was afraid you would be busy. [A sheepish grin.] I'm home most weekends now, though, and I will be teaching classes, so.

[Clears throat.]

Anyway, Lyall. She's in one of my classes, Intermediate Weapons.

OTA | After she's moved in, but before Quiz Night stuff!

[interceptive]

[ Of course this was the first place she decided to go to after settling in and unpacking some of her belongings. She's going to be here someday. Besides, being surrounded by military-like things means being surrounded by familiar things for her.

You may definitely bother this wide-eyed girl who seems utterly incapable of NOT looking like she's in awe of everything around her. This is kind of the coolest place in the Fifth World to her right now. ]

[bladeweaver]

There are a lot of shiny things around, aren't there?

[Have a Taning walking up to you from the side, then just standing beside you and looking around much as you did.]

Memory Recall Roll: Intelligence + Composure = 4 successes.

[interceptive]

[ Holy shit.

Holy shit.

Immediately straightening up and bowing. ]

Sir!

[ Yeah, she knows who you are. You are also kind of in Stormwatch and kind of really high up there and ohmygodyou'retalkingtoheraaaaa!!! ]

[bladeweaver]

[You are adorable.

He just chuckles at you, waving his hand airily.]

At ease, miss... what's your name?

[interceptive]

Segan Brooke, sir.

[ She's easing up just a little bit now. ]

Um. I hope it's okay that I'm here...

[ The other operatives didn't seem to mind, but you're kind of really high up there in several conspiracies??? ]</small?

Determine Affiliation Roll: Wits + Politics = 3 successes

[bladeweaver]

[Judging by the way you responded to him, and the correct posture and everything, he thinks you're angling to be a soldier? Which means...]

TFV cadet, Miss Brooke? And it's totally fine that you're here, they let operatives gawk at shiny things all the time. Gives people like us something to look forward to, doesn't it?

[He likes you already, if you couldn't tell.]

[interceptive]

That's true.

[ Aaaand relaxing a little more, but also looking embarrassed. ]

I'm not TFV yet, sir. I'm just about to start at Balamb, actually.

[bladeweaver]

It's a nice place, Balamb. The teachers are a little crazy, though.

[Yes, present company included. And by "a little" he actually means "a lot".]

[interceptive]

But crazy is kind of good, right?

[ HOLD ON, GIRL, YOU'RE GETTING TOO COMFORTABLE HERE... ]

Um. I mean!

[ H e r p ]

[bladeweaver]

[You made a potential future commanding officer... giggle. Achievement Unlocked, kid.]

Yes, yes, I suppose you're right. Hey, you might even get in my class. You any good, Miss Brooke?

[Gauging your reaction...]

[interceptive]

I'd like to think that I'm good at some things, sir. The rest, I plan on working on.

[ An honest, straight up answer. No sugar coating. No need to prove anything unless she's asked to. ]

[bladeweaver]

[Straightforward and proud, but not arrogant.

This girl shows promise.]

What is it you think you're good at, Miss Brooke... sorry, would you mind if I called you Segan? I'm not actually a formal kinda person, you see...

[Ask any of the Hounds. They'll tell you.]