Luceti Valley - The First Log

[lucetimods]

Who: Everyone
What: The start of a new experiment... or is it?
When: August 2nd - August 6th
Where: Luceti itself
Summary: Luceti has become an idyllic and peaceful 50s-esque village. The first few days are just business as usual, right?
Rating: Varies with thread. Please move explicit stuff to appointments post with appropriate warnings.

August 1st had seemed like an ordinary day in Luceti. But late in the evening, for those night owls who had not turned in yet, they were witness to strange fluctuations in the barrier. Beautiful, really, almost like Luceti had received its own 'Northern Lights', even though it seemed to come from the far east, across the ocean. This ominous light show lasted for all of fifteen minutes before it ceased all together. Skimming the ocean waters, a horde of cultists entered Luceti, cloaked by darkness. Upon reaching the entrance to the tunnels, their leader stepped inside and was followed one by one by his fellow cultists. When the last had entered, the tunnel entrance closed. Across the mountains, the entrance to the tunnels in the village did the same.

Midnight passed without incident, but by three in the morning, the change suddenly came. Minds were altered, forms were changed, and buildings sprang from nowhere.

Much later, on August 2nd, morning settled on a changed village, the new mayor made his way to his mansion with his pair of adorable dobermans at either side of him. The sun shined bright. It was a good day to be a Lucetian.

Note: There will be a stand alone log for the homecoming dance. There will be another log for the second stage of the event.

Comments

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

We don't have to discuss it at all if you don't wish to. We're concerned about you. [He means it too. The last thing he wants is another argument over his wretched job.]

Family is family. I've never seen you as anything less.

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

Why be concerned? The practice is doing quite well. [...it feels like poking a bruise.]

I suppose that's why you tried to convince me to get myself disowned as well, hm?

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

[His tone goes soft.] You know why.

Funny, I don't remember it taking much convincing.

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

Do I? I can't really think of a reason. Work goes well, we're keeping up the family name, all those responsible things.

[The look he gives Steve is sharp indeed.] Yes, well. I was young and very stupid.

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

You never used to care about all those "responsible things". It was never what you wanted.

[His expression softens at the look. It had been a cheap shot.] ...We both were.

[It's a tiny concession he's not sure he completely believes.]

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

People change. As do circumstances. Or rather, one comes to understand the reality of the situation.

[He snorts.] If only we'd kept it limited to hurting ourselves, eh?

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

Reality is what we make of it, cousin.

[His lips compress into a thin line.]

I didn't mean for you to get hurt. Or...anyone else.

[August 5] "reality is what we make of it," huh, Steve XD

[complicatedliar]

Well, you were ever the artist and suited to making things.

[Loki looks equally unhappy, if a bit angrier.]

I shan't accuse you of cutting the brake lines. But what did you think would happen? It was doomed to failure. What I damn you for most is giving me hope.

[August 5] shhh it suits his point

[neversurrender]

If only I could use that to make things better.

[His expression is still and calm in the face of Loki's anger. This isn't their first time have this discussion.]

You can still have hope. What is a world bereft of hope? Or a...person?

They would not want you to suffer like this.

Re: [August 5] shhh it suits his point

[complicatedliar]

Well, I can certainly still hope you'll leave me be.

[His expression twists.] I am not suffering. Don't give me that shit.

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

[His expression hardens.]

Then what would you call it?

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

I'm working Steve. You do know what that looks like, yes? Living my life. Keeping up the family name. Well, I know you wouldn't recognize that.

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

[He places his hands on the table and leans forward into Loki's face.]

Working? You're running yourself into the ground and you don't even realize it. [From this short distance his nose is able to pick up a whiff of cigarettes and alcohol on his cousin's breath. He shifts and pulls away a little.]

...Have you been drinking?

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

And smoking too. It's a thing adults sometimes do during their lunch breaks. Would you like to clutch your pearls now?

[It's not just during breaks. It's also none of Steve's business. And he knows Steve likes to put his nose where it isn't welcome.]

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

[He grits his teeth and barely restrains himself from curling his fingers into fists on the table top.]

Yes. Maybe a drink or two. Not anything too strong. But that smelled like...

How much have you had to drink?

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

What business is it of yours?

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

What-! It's my business because I care about you!

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

Then please stop. The last time you decides you cared about me, you nearly ruined my life.

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

[He draws back like he's just been slapped. Although he really should have been expecting it.]

You...can't keep blaming me for that.

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

You can't tell me what to do.

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

Maybe not. But I sure as hell can tell you what's right.

And it's not you.

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

FIrst you interrupt my break, then don't like my personal habits, now you call me a liar. Is it any wonder I want nothing to do with you? Go to hell, Steve.

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

[His expression goes blank before twisting into a furious expression. His goes low as he growls his parting shot before turning to walk away.]

Maybe I'll see your father there.

Re: [August 5]

[complicatedliar]

[Normally Loki is one to to consider propriety. He's one to get revenge later. But that touches on such a raw spot, the thing that has been haunting him more than normal this week, that he no longer cares.

For a moment, he watches Steve walk away in stunned silence, then he throws his napkin down and stalks after his cousin. He catches up as Steve is exiting the the restaurant and tries to shove the man as hard as he can.]

It's your fault, you bastard!

[Only Loki wouldn't be nearly so angry if he thought that was truly the case. He desperately wants to blame Steve so he can stop blaming himself.]

[August 5]

[neversurrender]

[The shoves catches him by surprise, causing him to stumble a few steps. But he manages to get his footing. Slowly, he turns to face his cousin, anger and sadness battling across his expression.]

My fault? I wasn't even in the car that night!