[Video]

[lazuline]

It seems as though I cannot find enough to keep myself busy, now that the spa decided to open seems to be running smoothly. [behind her in the feed, an ocean themed waiting room with large aquariums can be seen.] I've decided to look for something else to occupy my time.

[there's a pause as she looks thoughtfully off camera.]

I have been thinking, wouldn't it be a good idea to fund better starting accommodations for new arrivals? If nothing else, perhaps the rooms could use an artistic hand after all of the people who have passed through them. What sort of charity event would all of you like to see to raise these sorts of funds? [she lifts a hand to tuck some of her long hair behind her ear, but that one stubborn section still falls in front of her face.]

I've asked locals, and I've heard mention of a Date Auction being run in the past. Perhaps something of that sort would interest most of you? Though, I feel adding a less romance oriented version to go along side it would be appropriate to raise the most money. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Comments

Private Video

[zenoh]

Hello again, Azura. I'm glad to hear that your business is performing well.

A fundraiser is an excellent idea. First impressions are crucial, and the Commons could certainly be better.

[ Ayame was quick to respond. She has good faith in her own event management skills, but Azura has proven herself in doing grander ones like the carnival. She shows her appreciation and respect in a subtle nod as she walks down the hangars of the Skyrise ]

The date auction had vocal opposition in the past, though from a very small minority who found it too much. But most people seem to love it, so it remains a safe option for ideas.

[ She nods. ]

The people here seem to love a good competition, so something like a large sporting event, perhaps?

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[orlokbutterfly]

[Oh no. He heard the words "Date Auction" and he's got a feeling of dread. Nooo! This year was going so well!

..... but damn it, this girl's cute, so he's not going to be that vocal against it.]

Huh, are the Commons that bad? Those weren't around when I showed up, so I've never seen 'em.

[These new kids are just spoiled!]

If ya seriously consider the date auction idea, yeah, I'd... recommend a more platonic version alongside it. They can get kinda awkward, 'specially for people that already have relationships that get signed up unknowingly.

[Not that he's speaking for himself, he just remembers what happened with a lady friend the last time.]

[lazuline]

Ayame, it's good to hear from you. I noticed you're running for guardianship. I do wish you luck with that!

[she considers for a moment what her friend has said] I can see where the opposition would come from, which is why I wanted to include something more general. Though I am curious, what were their objections, in detail?

I admit, a sporting event hadn't come to mind...I was thinking of something like companionship or friendship oriented match ups. But perhaps there could be both.

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[ubiquitously]

Eh~ You want to be even more busy~?

Should I take this as a hint that you don't want to hang out as much?

[And before his teasing can be misunderstood:]

There was a date auction at my school when I was human. Though, they framed it around the type of date instead of the person. Made everyone much less uncomfortable. "Lucas" was the aquarium date.

[lazuline]

Yes, that was my thinking. If the point is to raise money, it makes sense to organize an event that would appeal to a larger audience. I am also hesitant to allow signing people up against their will, if I'm honest. That is against the spirit of a charity event.

[she offers a smile, before continuing.]

But, I wouldn't call the commons terrible, but with so many people coming and going even the nicest accommodations are going to wear out. By raising money for it, we might have access to a larger pool of money than we would if we had the current or new guardian try and get the money through more regulated means.

[lazuline]

You know I would almost definitely invite you along on any new activities I decide to dive into, Uai. [She laughs, gazing fondly at the video feed. His suggestion however? Makes her eyese widen in surprise. How unique!]

Oh! That's a clever idea, Uai. That would make it much easier for those who wanted something less romantic to volunteer, wouldn't it?

[ubiquitously]

[And he's watching back, wishing he could actually be with her instead of watching her. He used to like his lonely tea shop, but now it's agony.]

You know I would do anything you ask, so let me know what you decide. [Don't

say that on a public network.]

Mm. It was fun for the students. [He did not enjoy being auctioned himself, but he was glad to give someone a good time.] It's a good chance to meet someone, too. I was paired with a very sweet girl.

[lazuline]

[she'll have to pay him a visit when she has time today. maybe in the afternoon? She'll bring snacks for a tea break.]

I'd hope you'd have the will to say no should you truly not be interested. But I'll take this as a hint. I'm glad I can count on you.

[the last part gets her to tilt her head.] Oh? What kind of date was yours?

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[ivegotadream]

I only know so much about what a dating auction is, so can you explain it to me? I would appreciate it very much.

[Other suggestions though, this was something Rapunzel had been pondering over.]

Well... maybe things like performances and the like where people pay for tickets but that money goes to the charity instead of anyone's pockets. It's what I am doing with some kids currently. It achieves a dream for the child and gives money to charity at the same time.

[orlokbutterfly]

You'd be the first one after numerous auctions to not allow mystery sign ups if you did. You'd sure save a lot of people the embarrassment.

[And frustration. Sure, Gale was guilty of signing people up randomly, but karma got him every time.]

Makes sense. Sounds like a good idea. Pretty sure people have done charity baking too, if ya wanted to consider somethin' like that.

Last year 'round this time, a charity advent calendar came out too. Just, y'know, with a more risque take. You could always bring that back.

[His tone sounded like he was joking, even if he was a tad serious. Just a tad.]

[ubiquitously]

How could I not be interested? It's fun to do things together.

[Being subtle isn't his strong point, especially when he's in a good mood.

He hums thoughtfully at the specification. For all the time he spends with her, he tries to keep his human life out of conversations. He's so far removed from the person he was that he doesn't always know how to connect with his human memories.

Also, just the fact that his human life was a few shades of upsetting.]

Oh, I was "Lucas." He was a rich kid who I looked just like, [noting that Shi did come to believe he was just a reflection of Lucas.] When he didn't want to, or couldn't, do something then I'd do it instead.

Like charity events! [...] So I picked the aquarium.

[Don't ask Uai about marine life, Azura. This is for your own good. She may have noticed already the way Uai admires her spa decorations.]

Video

[tsukkomishima]

How about spare clothing? Or coats?
Some arrive from different seasons.

Perhaps, a fashion show to raise money?

[zenoh]

Thank you. I'm hoping to contribute to this world more.

[ She nods ]

But to this minority, the date auction felt almost like coercion. Forcing people to do something that's supposed to be special and intimate for the sake of fun and profit.

[ She used to be part of that minority, now she doesn't really know. So she follows with a small shrug ]

And as for events, Attleton once held an Olympic games at its arena. People signed up to compete in various sporting events, but I suppose you could add the element of companionship or friendship in that. Make it a competition between teams instead of individuals.

[lazuline]

That is... an interesting perspective. However I'm afraid I don't understand how anyone would be forced to participate? I've only briefly gone over ideas, but those who wish to donate their time to be a part of the auction process would, of course, be volunteers.

After speaking with Uai, I wonder if setting up the dates as experiences rather than the person themselves might prevent some of these feelings. Companionship doesn't have to be romantic, though I can understand why it would be assumed.

[There's a pause as she considers how best to address this issue, golden eyes flicking to something off screen as she picks up a pen to write down some notes.]

Unfortunately something like that would cost quite a bit of money to organize, unless I had considerable donations to cover the operating costs it could prove to be less effective as a charity event. [even though she says this with a rather somber face, her expression shifts to a small smile for Ayame]

But it's definitely something I could consider running in the future. Perhaps in the summer?

[lazuline]

Oh, you mean to give the new arrivals? That is certainly a good idea, a donation drive for clothing could be quite useful.

[and the idea of a fashion show is also interesting.] It would be a fun little competition to let artists compete in a fashion show. Attendance costs could be considered donations.

[lazuline]

I'm afraid what I have envisioned is much different from what I'm hearing has been held in the past, from the sound of things. For one, I would not be allowing anything other than voluntary participation in the auction, there is little use in forcing people into being participants.

The idea as I've understood it is a date with a volunteer is auctioned off to the highest bidder. But I am open to more general ideas, like the ones you've suggested.

[speaking of: Azura is rather fond of what Rapunzel seems to be doing.] You should be proud of your efforts to realize a child's dream.

[lazuline]

That's disappointing to hear.

[but oh, then the subject changes, and her brows raise.]

I assume you're volunteering. When can I expect your contribution? [because she's not gonna, so she can only assume. Besides, the playful tone is clear, so she might as well call him on it while she can.

Two can tease.]

[lazuline]

Oh! I had no idea. [about his identity. It seems like there is still so much for her to learn about Uai, despite having learned quite a bit as time has gone on.]

The aquarium suits you. It explains why you've enjoyed the spa so much. [she shifts some papers that are off screen, glancing away from the feed as she does so.]

I suppose I might be inclined to participate myself, if you're volunteering. [ah, the teasing again.]

[zenoh]

Dating auctions in the past allowed for other people to sign someone up without that person's knowledge, so that caused some frustrations. Why it was allowed in the first place is something I never understood myself.

[ Ayame glances away at the camera to signal an order to a robot, returning her attention to Azura and letting her phone float in the air, seeing the other woman jot things down and smile softly at her. Then Azura's question gave Ayame an idea ]

Or the winter.

[ She smiles with some confidence ]

With the snowcapped mountains of Fayren you wouldn't need an indoor arena, and the sporting events just all need snow and ice that nature could easily provide for free. Skiing, skating, sledding requires minimal equipment as well.

[ubiquitously]

[He takes this moment to pretend he’s working, but he’s pretty lazy. Everything from boiling water to making tea leaves bloom can be done with his cheating magic. When she jokes about signing herself up, Uai can be heard dropping a tea cup.

It will be repaired once he’s thinking again.]

Huh— You... uh. Y-You can do that. I never said I was volunteering. I mean, I can.

[grossartig_mond]

[There's something of an evil grin on Camilla's face as she responds. Sure she's been helping plan but there's something more that needs to happen...]

You know what this means, right?

[lazuline]

[Oh boy. Azura is aware of mischief when that expression is on Camilla's face]

I'm afraid I do not. But I'm sure you're about to tell me.

[grossartig_mond]

You and I are going dress shopping. You don't get a choice in the matter, and it's my treat.

[orlokbutterfly]

Maybe, but hey, I think a lot more fun would be had for attendees if no one got a 'surprise! You're in the auction!'

[He'd certainly be in far more support of it that way. He chuckled at her counter and shrugged.]

Wellll, I did volunteer for last year's. And I'm vain enough that I'd do it again if another charity thing like that happened if someone said the word.

[He'd probably be too eager, really.]

On the subject of photos, maybe talk to Fama and have a kinda celebrity meet? I would imagine the public might throw their wallets at meeting and getting pictures with 'em.

[drownindarkness]

A date auction? What in the world are the customs of this place?

[Leo looks a bit perplexed, trying to wrap his head around the concept. Is that a local courting practice or something? Really?]

Perhaps I could speak to a stable in Fayren to offer short horse riding sessions? I'm sure I could afford their costs for the use of their horses.