lucetilogs | Luceti Projects Mingle

Luceti Projects Mingle

Who: Anyone and everyone interested in Luceti Projects.
What: Luceti Projects meet-and-greet!
When: Backdated to the 22nd. Begins at noon, lasts all day.
Where: The barracks.
Summary: A few LP members have organized a get-together at the barracks for those with an interest in Luceti Projects to talk, eat, and relax while socializing.
Rating: PG

[ Quite a bit of thought and elbow grease has been put into preparing the barracks for this event. A banner is tacked across above the entrance that reads, "Welcome to Luceti Projects Opening Celebration!" in green paint. It's not exactly the sort of arts and craft masterpiece it could have been had they enlisted the help of one of the kids (such as Ikki), but it's better than nothing.

Just before entering the main festivities is a table with a sign-up sheet, manned by different members of Luceti Projects on a rotating basis, to answer questions or encourage sign-up.

Through the open doors of the barracks' largest hall, long wooden farmstyle tables have been set in rows to encourage mingling, placed adjacent to tables filled with food and drink that hug the walls. A wide range of different appetizers, snacks, and larger entrees have been set out for attendees, with plenty of plates, utensils, cups, and napkins. As a way to encourage more cultural exchange, the cuisine, catered by Okumura Rin, includes a little from different worlds -- cheese and crackers; sushi and yakitori; pasta and roast chicken; salads and other vegetable dishes, including a vegetable and potato stew, heavily featuring corn. A few sweets, such as cookies and a few cakes, sit alongside the savory dishes, next to which sits a very large bowl of non-alcoholic fruit punch (courtesy of Ms. Ginia). There is plenty of water, soft drinks, teas and coffee, and milk.

For those interested in trying out a more communal dish, placed about every five feet of table is a hot pot, specifically for sukiyaki, inside which vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, thin-sliced beef slowly simmer in a delicate broth of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Under these simmering ingredients is a base of udon and shirataki noodles to soak up the broth. Small bowls, utensils, and condiments such as soy sauce and eggs for the sauce, sit alongside each pot to encourage communal sharing.

On the other side of the hall is a wet bar (wo)manned by Ginia, with plenty of booze and an alcoholic variety of punch. Coolers filled with beer sit on the floor behind the wet bar. Martinis and other mixed drinks will be served in biodegradable plastic cups.

The smell of charcoal and wood burning wafts through the open back doors, from the glow of a respectably sized bonfire built behind the building, alongside which a long table is set, its surface filled with an assortment of graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, large sausages, kabobs with different meats and vegetables, and skewers for roasting.

A few yards away are the outdoor training grounds where a rather large array of weapons, both lethal and non-lethal of the wooden variety, have been set out for anyone who would like to spar. Some dried-out logs have been repurposed into a spectator area. The only rules posted: no use of magic or anything else that could critically harm opponents or spectators. No guns, except in the target practice area. Absolutely no killing. ]

(OOC: Assume that your character will be served drinks by Ginia at the bar, so use the bar area to mingle with whomever else, unless you’d like a thread. If your character would like to man the sign-up area, feel free to just drop them in on anyone. If they don’t know how to answer a question, just have them direct anything to either Erwin or Kakashi. Most importantly, have fun!!

Also, if your character hasn't voted about the LP leadership structure, the poll is still open over here! Even if they don't want to make a comment on the post itself, they can definitely still vote!)

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[ Well, this certainly isn't a face Kakashi can place a name to, even if it's one he recognizes. He's seen this man before -- on the network, at other events. Around.

Judging by the weapon at his side, this man certainly isn't unfamiliar with fighting and battle, and Kakashi can only assume that he's either here to find out more information about the alliance, or simply wants to take advantage of all the food and socializing.

For quite some time, Kakashi surreptitiously watches him from where he leans against the bar, noting the confident way the man walks, the easy way he meets eyes and offers a smile that seems to hide something behind its very curve.

Eventually, he catches the other man's gaze and holds it for a beat, then raises the shochu he holds in his hand, tilting it in the other's direction, before taking a drink through his mask. ]

[There’s a lot of information to take in at first glance and of the utmost importance is calmly scanning new and unfamiliar surroundings for useful resources, potential threats, and escape routes – although the latter is not quite as important now as it had been to him as a child. It’s a hard-wired habit, and after a lifetime spent looking over his shoulder and forced to sleep with one eye open, he’s sensitive to the tingling weight of someone’s gaze on him. Some looks linger longer than others and eventually he and Kakashi are taking in one another, a man he recognizes as a prominent figure in this movement and someone whom had responded to Hector’s announcement earlier in the month.

When the man salutes him with his drink, Isaac smiles. And though he finds it strange that he chooses to drink through the mask as if to filter out toxins, there’s the flicker of amusement in his eyes while he watches, his gaze lingering on Kakashi’s throat as he swallows. Then - having yet to look away - he’s tilting up his chin and pursing his lips in a teasing little air-kiss.]

(ooc: I didn't specify so it's my bad, but Ike's weapon is back-mounted.)

[ An air-kiss.

That man certainly did just blow him an air-kiss. He wasn't imagining that, or the look the other's eye -- challenging, as though daring him to back down or perhaps feel uncomfortable at such a show of -- well, it certainly isn't affection. Brazen sexuality, perhaps.

If the man was expecting him to blush or feel flustered or embarrassed, he certainly isn't going to get that kind of reaction from Kakashi, who merely quirks a brow, slowly, not taking his eye off the other. Surely, that act wasn't meant to be some sort of invitation or a come-on, but instead, a test.

Kakashi bides his time by the bar and takes another slow, deliberate sip of his drink. Curious to see if the man will approach him, or if he'll need to be the one who walks over to ask about the sword on his back or make some other meaningless conversation about the party. ]

((ooc: totally cool!))

[It starts at the corners of his smirking mouth, creases and wrinkles etching into his skin. Then his nose pushes up and squashes against his face like a bat’s and his cheekbones begin to bulge like bone spurs, the flesh around his eye sockets puffing and swelling and bubbling as if living things are squirming just under his skin. And as his face warps little by little in a seamless transition, the only constants are his smile and the pale eyes glinting from under a jutting, furrowed brow.

He nods, chuckling to himself as he turns his head aside and his fringe hides his features. And while drifting towards the training grounds in no particular hurry - to linger or to leave, has hasn't quite decided which - he can't help but slant Kakashi a sidelong look. Only his face is as recognizable as ever.]

[ Well.

That certainly isn't something you see every day -- a man's face practically bubbling and swelling, as though insects crawl under his skin, like a member of the Aburame clan whose bodies house thousands of insects. But the the strange shifting of skin in all of its grotesque horror, or what Kakashi supposes should be horror, he can only assume was entirely intentional, as though to scare him, or alarm him, or make him feel unsettled.

But it takes a lot more to provoke such a reaction out of him.

If anything, he's a little more curious now, just what this strange man is all about, and takes his time finishing his drink and getting a refill, before he decides to break the stalemate they have and take the first step by making his way towards the other man. ]

[The rack of wooden weaponry catches his interest - or at least enough of it that he saunters to them, skimming long, gloved fingers along a few. But he turns slowly at Kakashi’s approach before long and offers an easy smirk, spreading his hands.]

Ah, do forgive me, for I simply could not resist revealing my true appearance... or a part of it, at the very least. Many here would have me believe that I find myself among very... tolerant and open minds, and yet so many before you have recoiled in disgust.

[He breaks off, his chin tipping upwards and his gaze sharply focused, searching empty space. But then he blinks and the moment passes, his attention drifting back to Kakashi.] I had always hoped I might be better received.

[ Kakashi isn't surprised that others recoiled in horror, which would probably be the more... common reaction this man manages to provoke. If he had any doubt whether their little dance inside had been a test before, the other's comments more or less confirm his original assessment. It had been a test.

Revealing a "part" of his true appearance, though -- Kakashi can't help but wonder just what the whole appearance would look like. Certainly, not something he's used to from his own world.

But then, he's seen quite a lot of things in his day. ]

Most people fear what they don't understand. [ Said rather lightly as he turns his drink in his hand. ] I'm Hatake Kakashi, by the way.

Indeed. [He regards the man levelly until the introduction comes, at which point he chuckles and lazily waves a hand in dismissal.]

I’m quite aware of who you are, my dear… for you have made it rather impossible not to take notice of you. [His eyes gleam with a conspiratorial amusement.] Men burning with ambition must begin somewhere, hm?

Maa, I can't say I'm "burning with ambition" or anything along those lines.

[ If anything, he's the exact opposite. He doesn't particularly care to be in a position of leadership, but circumstances have more or less caused him to fall into the role he plays here in Luceti. ]

What's your name?

[Nodding dimly at the answer he's given, he smiles gently, patiently.] Oh yes… I never did introduce myself, did I? [His bored drawl makes a statement of the question.] But Hector has gone and spared me the trouble, and has done such a lovely job of it, I am sure you would agree. The man has his talents, I will grant.

[ It takes Kakashi only a moment for him to connect the dots. Hector had never officially introduced himself to Kakashi, who had to investigate further into the post to understand more about the situation, but what he does know is this: this man is most likely Isaac, who was responsible for killing Hector's wife.

A man who can't be trusted, then.

Kakashi's outward demeanor doesn't change, remaining as impassive and as unreadable as it always is. ]

Ah. You must be Isaac.

[ No honorific. ]

[The omission goes unobserved for he’s unfamiliar with Japanese honorifics. But had he noticed, he would have applauded lightly as he does now.]

Bravo... and it took you less than a day’s time. [His hands sink to his sides.] Well then. Am I to be punished~? [He purrs, offering a demurely sly look through sharp, red eyelashes.]

Ah, because you killed another man's wife?

[ Kakashi isn't going to pretend like he doesn't know exactly what Isaac has done. But he is going to act like it doesn't particularly concern him at all. ]

I thought you were already punished. [ By Hector, he doesn't say. There is a slight moment of consideration, though, as Kakashi's uncovered grey eye meets Isaac's directly, finding the look -- and the tone -- curious. Intriguing. ] Or is it that you'd like a little more?

…Was I? [He challenges, gently cocking his head. And with a lingering smile, he glances up in time to catch a lizard soaring overhead before it swerves around and touches down onto his shoulder, flapping leathery wings to steady itself.] I merely thought you might be entertaining some self-righteous notion of exacting justice as you see fit, for the good of the village.

[Serious or not, his expression offers no strong suggestion of either. He nuzzles the creature’s chin with a finger as if the subject of conversation is as mundane as one regarding the weather.]

‘twas you who felt I deserved the fate that befell me, if… I am not mistaken, of course. [The pages of Hector’s journal had revealed what his own hadn’t. He lifts his eyes from the creature at last and glances sideways at Kakashi, his voice dropping to a velvety murmur.] Your secret shan't leave my lips; I swear upon it. [A promise punctuated by a half-smirk.]

[ Ah. So it appears Isaac somehow got his hands on Hector's journal. Kakashi can't say he's particularly surprised, but he does drop the pretense of not really giving a shit, because really -- Isaac did get what he deserved. ]

No, you got what you deserved.

[ Said after a beat, and just like that, there's a slight darkening of his gaze, and his back straightens up just a touch. ]

Though, I have to say, I'm surprised to see you here. Wouldn't think a man who takes it upon himself to condemn innocent women to death would be particularly interested in something like this.

[His shoulders bob, gently, with laughter that breaks off into a contented sigh. And then he shakes his head.] Ah, such a warm welcome on behalf of the alliance; I believe I am very much where I belong. Though pray tell, my dear Kakashi... who were the other women? I'm afraid my memory is not quite what it was a century ago.

[ A century ago. This man is that old? Certainly doesn't look it, but then not everyone in Luceti is human, are they. ]

I'd like to believe that one innocent life is one life too many.

[ But then that'd make him a hypocrite, wouldn't it. He supposes that's not too far off the mark. ]

Yes, how noble and moving a sentiment… but I’m afraid you have not answered my question. [He smiles cooly, patiently.] Shall I repeat it for you?

As I said, one innocent life is one too many.

[ In other words: he doesn't really care if there have been others. Or not. ]

Though, I'm sure you'll say she deserved it, hmm?

[He meets the question with lightly raised brows and folds his arms across his chest, cocking his head expectantly.] No, please, continue. I would hate to interrupt.

There's nothing to interrupt.

[ Flatly. ]

Oh? [A feigned note of pleasant surprise.] Well, if you are certain you have finished putting words in my mouth, it was either her or another woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to her that was to burn at the stake before the mob. She died so that another might live; [he sighs through his nose] 'twas rather selfless of her, really.

[ Kakashi quirks a brow at that. Hector had more or less been rather unequivocal about the fact that Isaac had sent his wife to her death with false accusations of witchcraft. ]

Ah, is that so. Are you saying she volunteered.

[ Flatly. ]

[An eyebrow arches at 'volunteered'.]

What I am saying, my dear man, is that her death served a purpose.

[ Kakashi is no stranger to deaths serving a purpose. But to kill a comrade's wife is something else entirely. ]

You mean, beyond trading one life for another?

Luceti Projects Mingle

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tw: body horror-esque imagery

sorry for delay, i have been sick

no worries, hope you're feeling better

it's just allergy season whalloping me upside the head!

Still bites, I imagine.

a bit ;w;

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