Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

[faileas]

Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

Down, Down, Down The group leaves on the morning of the 16th, a band consisting of Mirrorbound, Theodore and Sowilo from the Coven, and one of the two returned Wilders to lead the way. The latter three will only be present for the first leg of the journey: from the North Gate to the Northern Outpost by teleporter, then a few hours' hike to the site. A tunnel yawns open, fallen rocks built up around it in mounds. Everyone is offered enchanted lanterns to light the way, and their guide takes them perhaps a mile down before he and the pair from the Coven must part ways with the Mirrorbound. The poorly-lit tunnel leads steadily downward. The way is marked by their gracious hosts to be, with arrows drawn in softly-glowing algae painting the walls so there is no mistaking which way to go; a good thing, because the deeper the party goes, the more tunnels branch off of the largest one, twisting and turning into the dark. It takes some hours to reach a familiar cavern lit with algae and glowing crystals, a herd of the velvet wormipedes idly milling about the small lake and stream that led into town in the dream. Much nicer long boats are set up and waiting to take them deeper, along with respectfully quiet Monster guards to steer them. They take a slightly different route from the dream, but before long, they reach the curtain of grayish green moss that dangles down into the water, stretched across the wide tunnel exit like a membrane. It parts on its own as the boats pass, though beware if you are infected by the Cwyld - it will not allow passage, only reach out long, tough tendrils to try and envelop you, the touch of it burning acid-bright where it is harmless for those uninfected. Past the curtain of strange moss, the cavern city opens up before them, vast and spacious, dimly lit with more algae, crystals, and softly glowing orbs of magic. It's like being plunged into an eternal twilight, somehow soft, cast in gentle colors. The boats bypass the markets this time, drifting farther down a branching stream into the city proper, to dock next to stone platforms. The winding streets and flowing canals branch out all around them with no rhyme or reason, the city sprung up around the natural layout of the caverns rather than the other way around. Buildings are carved out of tall stone spires, the windows and doors covered in fluttering silk, many of which are pulled away so that fascinated locals can peer out at the scene unfolding. The Matriarch herself comes to greet the group, ringed at the back by spear-carrying guards, all Monsters. A tall, long-limbed Arachne woman bearing battle scars and stark white hair, she looks perhaps in her 30s, and speaks with a booming, commanding voice, amplified by a charm. As she speaks, ten Wilders are released from silk rope bonds and nudged to join the Mirrorbound; they're a little roughed up, perhaps, and shaken, but none are seriously injured. A few Monsters also make the rounds, placing copper tokens in the hands of ten individuals. "Welcome, travelers! This meeting was foretold and so it has come to pass. During your stay you will be treated as our honored guests. You may come and go as you please, but we ask that you use the same tunnel you entered through; we have not yet re-secured the other entrances from Cwyld nor the tribes. I would hate for danger to befall you while you are under my care." Her smile is wide, her eight eyes bright, and her teeth are very sharp. "We have prepared temporary residences for your use. I hope you will stay for the celebrations. I look forward to meeting with some of you very soon." Notably, she does not mention the surface where from the Mirrorbound came, and those around her do not ask.

I. The City The Mirrorbound receive mixed reactions from the Underground. Some are fascinated by these visitors personally invited by the Matriarch and allowed past the markets; others are wary and suspicious, believing them to be wolves in sheep's clothing. In the city proper, most passing Monsters are armed, but this doesn't seem to be anything new. Still, step cautiously - plenty do not take well to even unknowing offense and will pick a fight, or may see these guests as easy, weak targets to pickpocket or mug in the dark corners of the twisting streets. The guards only step in if things take a turn for the worse or if the fight is very obviously imbalanced - they step in more for Witches being attacked than Monsters, because they feel Witches require protection more. Still, not all are so unscrupulous: more citizens are delighted to talk, even if they still seem skeptical about a whole world up above. Mirrorbound, as guests of the Matriarch, are given nearly free run of the city, allowed to explore such locations as the marketplace, the library, the shops, the schools (the Arena for Monsters and the Academy for Witches), and the tunnels and caverns outside the protective moss barriers. The only places they (and most locals) are expressly barred from are the Matriarch's audience hall, the upper level of the library, and the guards' barracks. a. The Marketplace The marketplace is much larger than previously thought - it rings the entire city, and stalls spill onto the streets of the inner city as well in a lazy sprawl. There are some shops with actual buildings, but they're fewer and more expensive: alchemy and apothecary shops, a couple of restaurants, a weapons shop or two, nice clothing shops. Most, though, are independent merchants who set up and take down their stalls every day and night. Any number of Underground-sourced foods, clothing, weapons, trinkets, and more can be found at the stalls; they barter, or exchange chips of precious metals and gems, but they'll take cune coins with fascination. The marketplaces are the liveliest areas of the city with Monsters and Witches alike, from all walks of life, mingling and sharing gossip and idle talk. Those who lost items to the burrowing hyenas at the Northern Outpost some months ago should keep an eye out: the hyenas are fairly common down here, serving the roles of pets or working dogs for Underground citizens, and a few merchants deal in more interesting goods. The missing items can be found scattered across some stalls, and the merchants will gleefully tell perusers that these things come from the surface, aren't they fascinating? Don't you want to buy? Luckily, it shouldn't be too hard to get your things back. They'll take all manner of interesting trinkets in trade. b. Library The library is bound to be a popular stop. Monsters get some strange looks if they enter the spire just off the courtyard from the Academy, but they aren't barred from entry; most just feel that reading is for Witches. The building is only two levels - one closed off at the top, guards keeping everyone out, and the rest is just one very tall floor ringed with a spiral of platforms and stairs to access the honeycomb-shaped shelves built into the walls. All their books are written on scrolls of silk, and the librarians bark at patrons to be delicate with them, some are very old. If one has endless time, the scrolls can offer a look at life Underground: historical accounts of past Matriarchs, brave warriors and battles against nomadic tribes or hideous beasts, their history as they know it, scrolls on offensive and defensive magic for Witches, fighting techniques for Monsters, information on their unique flora and creatures that can be found outside the city, and even plenty of fiction - sword and sorcery novels all set in the tunnels and the city. It's just a bit difficult to find what, specifically, you're looking for, because if there's any kind of organization, it only makes sense to the deep-dwelling denizens. Maybe make it a team effort! You'll also need some simple translation spells, because their system of writing is quite different to the common system in Aefenglom; even then, it may not be accurate on older scrolls. c. The Guest Villa Those who choose to spend several days in the Underground are given modest accommodations in a tall stone building. These guest chambers boast gentle lighting, wide beds, backless sofas, potted decorative fungi, and stone furniture. It's... cozy, with humble individual rooms and larger common rooms for gathering. The algae grows in delicate patterns across the walls, pulsing in soft colors. They've gone out of their way to provide what comfort they can, but there aren't enough rooms for everyone to have their own - everyone will need to share with one or two others, so choose someone you can get along with.

II. The Tunnels Mirrorbound are not restricted only to the city. There are many entrances to the cavern where it resides, the openings all covered with sheets of that same gray-green moss; some wider tunnels obviously see more use than other, narrower ones, and the footpath of many Underground denizens is easy enough to trace, the stone worn smooth. The path to the velvet wormipede cavern is one of them; they're raised as livestock, all at once food, transportation, and producers of silk and hide for clothing. This is much the same as the dream. Another well-worn tunnel leads upward to an agricultural center, though, and still more lead out into the wild. They're warned, but not hindered, before they leave for anywhere other than the farms or the livestock cavern; dangers abound in the Underground. Those who do much wandering may notice something going on as well; the guards stationed at each tunnel mouth can often be found talking to each other in low voices about an unknown red algae that seems to be growing on the protective moss. It can be found primarily around the lesser-used tunnels so far, starkly bright against the dull green, and this seems to be a point of concern... a. A Botanist's Dream It's a short walk down a wide, inviting tunnel to reach the place where the city grows fungi and underground plants for food and medicine. Large rats and hyenas both are present to keep opportunist creatures and insects from demolishing the carefully-cultivated beds of rock and soil, and small blind fish swim about in the large pool of shallow water, in which grows something like seaweed. One of their primary sources of food, besides bug and rat, are mushrooms of many sorts - all the types that grow in the farms are edible, though some may be an... acquired taste. The Fauns and Witches who tend the beds are happy to offer samples of anything that can be eaten raw; they're most enthusiastic about a type of spherical mushroom whose cap opens up to reveal what tastes and feels like savory cotton candy, and a type of flat fungi that tastes sweet and fizzy and offers a heightened good mood for an hour after. b. The Wild Underground The lesser used tunnels are a different story. A mile out from the city, Cwyld runs in thick black veins through the stone walls, infecting the sparse plants and many creatures that live out there. Careful not to touch. Infected and uninfected creatures both are highly dangerous to explorers, including stone-burrowing moles with wicked teeth and claws that can cut through metal like butter, vicious white wasps that carry lethal venom, and berserker vampire bats that survive on the blood of other animals and people alike. Some infected fungi give off blindingly-bright flashes when disturbed, while others will cause rashes and blisters on contact. Explorers are warned not to touch anything if they can help it. As well, the nomad tribes roam the less-civilized tunnels and caverns. These are small bands of usually Monsters of different types in mixed groups, though some can be found dragging humans along with them. Nearly all of them are some degree of feral, and plenty bear Cwyld infections in different stages of seriousness. They don't stop to ask questions before they'll attack anyone, including each other, in hopes of robbing them blind and leaving them for dead. As vicious and quick as they are, perhaps it's no wonder they value strength in the city?

III. Graduation Day (21st - 23rd) The Underground does not have 'Litha' as Aefenglomites know it, but come the 21st, they do have a major celebration. They simply call it the New Year, or Graduation Day, depending on what festivities are asked about, because the three days serve as both. At this time of year, with more magic in the air, the algae and crystals glow much brighter, cycling naturally through different colors that cast beautiful rainbows across the imposing stone structures. This display is how they mark the start of a new year, and it coincides with the graduation of young Monsters from the Arena and Witches from the Academy. The New Year is a time to celebrate Bonding, partying, and showing off one's skills in the hopes of attracting a new Bondmate or romantic partner. Tensions can also rise high as rivalries are settled, and small brawls in the streets are common; the guards don't interfere, again, unless things get too dangerous. They're content to let citizens work out their own issues, but unfortunately, this means Mirrorbound may get dragged in on occasion! Small fights are also a tried and true tradition to show off one's abilities around this time of year. It serves multiple purposes: attracting a Bondmate, establishing a place in the unspoken hierarchy of the city, and working out problems with others. Monsters are more likely to start brawls than Witches, though it isn't wholly uncommon to bear witness to two rival Witches throwing spells at each other in an alleyway over their grievances. They're more likely to be stopped, as magic can be quite destructive. a. A Matching Pair The un-Bonded should take precautions during the New Year celebrations. These fascinating newcomers are bound to draw the eye of curious locals, and they may put on a violent or flashy show trying to draw your attention in return! The most common way to show that you're already taken during the celebrations is with face-painting: several stands set up around the marketplace with cosmetics and brushes, and two (or three, or more) people painting matching designs on their faces and bodies signify them as a set - either Bonded or intending to Bond. That doesn't mean there won't still be competition for your heart, but it will lessen significantly, especially if you're a Monster-Witch pair already. b. Exhibitions Primarily intended for the graduating classes of Monsters and Witches, the exhibitions are an official stage set for their coming-of-age; this year, however, the Matriarch has decreed that Mirrorbound may participate as well, in the interests of getting to know one another! They're interested to see what these strange travelers can do, especially against some of their own. Mirrorbound are encouraged by excitable locals if they seem reticent, but of course, no one is forced. (Just don't be surprised if you're called a coward for refusing!) At the Arena, a massive sunken ring with stone benches for spectators ringing the whole of it, young Monsters learn combat skills, with and without weapons, and how to harness their unique physiologies in the dangerous world of the Underground. Their yearly exhibition fights take place all through the three days of the New Year, and young Monsters battle each other til first blood to the cheers and jeers of citizens (and more importantly, Witches) come to watch. The longer the battle, the more impressive it is - and Monster Mirrorbound will have no shortage of eager opponents wanting to test their skills against the unknown. Generally, the fights result in bruises, small cuts, and little else, but rivals for the same Witch might take it farther on purpose before they're wrenched away from each other by the teachers. Meanwhile, at the Academy, the tallest stone spire building in the city, young Witches learn magic from a young age. It isn't exactly the same as magic taught at the Coven, but many concepts are similar - barriers, evocation, enchantments meant for weapons or shields, healing, most of the magic they're taught at this younger age is for combat, protection or practical purposes. They only learn more frivolous magics after graduation. Much like their Monster counterparts, they give solo or duet shows of their flashier and more impressive magical skills in the courtyard, with many citizens coming to watch and take stock of the new generation. Mirrorbound Witches may find themselves being cajoled into putting on a show of their own by curious locals wanting to know what kinds of magic are taught elsewhere.

IV. Aefenglom - Litha (21st - 23rd) Meanwhile, for those who have chosen to stay above-ground or those who have left early, Litha comes once more to Aefenglom, bringing with it beautiful pink and purple skies, a far departure from last year's red tint. It has the city in a much cheerier mood for the celebrations. While they know that several Mirrorbound left for a while, they don't seem too aware of the actual mission, and have very little to say on the matter - they'd rather have a nice Litha, after last year's bad omens! Many of the activities from last year return, better than before, including the brothels opening up their doors (showing off all the wonderful new styles in lingerie!), collecting flowers to put under one's pillow in order to dream of future partners, and wandering the hedge mazes that have been magically constructed in certain parts of the city. Seeing off ships happens regularly as well, citizens setting floating candles into the harbor and river to wish them luck. a. Love Boats A new attraction for Litha is being rolled out this year right on the River Temese! Near the gate, an enterprising Faun has set up a few small boats, each just big enough for two and shielded with fine gauzy curtains for privacy. Couples are invited to buy a ride down the river together, assured it will certainly set the mood. Those who have no partners are offered (or cajoled) to be randomly paired with someone, because perhaps it's fate! The boats drift lazily down the river and stop on their own next to a small dock right before they reach the Harbor. Unless you're willing to swim, hopefully you like your boat partner, because you're stuck with them the whole ride. b. Predictive Pools One bathhouse in the Entertainment District has laid an enchantment on one of their semi-public baths for Litha. When two people stand in the water together, bare, it will begin to glow and take on one of a handful of colors that they say will predict the pair's compatibility level! Sexually, romantically? Well, why not both? The only thing is, they've lost the instructions, and cannot seem to remember what color means "most compatible" and what color means "not compatible at all"... As a reminder, all sexual content should be clearly marked in comment headers, or else moved to a comm-locked log or personal inbox! Be good to each other.

Welcome to June's Event Log, What Lies Beneath! The Underground will be open until mid-July at minimum, and possibly longer. Characters can come and go if they're willing to make the trip multiple times. As always, please direct your questions here! The NPC threads will take place here. Aaand, the Action Tracker is right here! Make sure to let us know what your characters have been up to, good and bad, by July 7th, as this will help determine how Mirrorbound-Underground relations might proceed in the future!

Comments

[yesdoubt]

Pre-revolution Dorchacht wasn't exactly setting the bar for good decisions, though. [Even if they did manage to take the city, someone likely would've instigated the revolution. Assuming the people in the Aefenglom didn't manage to find a way to instigate it before they fell.

There's definitely a point about gain, though Momo tilts his hand a bit like he can see both ways.] New variety in food is definitely a bonus, but the kind of stuff they have down here that the surface would jump at could be big. They've got stuff that's usually rare and expensive like silk, velvet and gems in huge amounts, so that could change things up on the surface with more access to those kinds of resources. Like I've seen obsidian weapons down here for fae and puca who are allergic to iron, and that's way too rare on the surface to have been a solution there.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo goes along with the silk discussion with all apparent interest - and it is actually pretty interesting to him, given the lack of arachne among the Mirrorbound meaning he's had little direct experience with them. He's met some arachne tailors in Aefenglom as well, but they tended to be more the type to tailor specific garments rather than hold a broader storefront like this, and he was usually there for a specific reason and not just browsing. He asks a few more questions where appropriate, mostly about technique and method as well, things like what they use for dyes down here, engaged in the conversation but also alert to the difference in atmosphere in the rest of the tent. With a partner who's much less prone to social niceties, Momo is used to the kind of unapproachable mood Soren is offering, but he elects not to draw attention to it and act as if the whole tent is equally enthusiastic as him.

The leg out actually gives him the slightest pause, because even though he's adjusted to the fact that unlike home, even looking too close to a woman isn't going to destroy his career here, he hasn't had to handle anything quite so direct yet and back home he would've needed to find a quick way to back out of that kind of exchange. Thankfully, Soren swings in before Momo has to make a decision, and he jumps on that opportunity quite enthusiastically, all smiles as he comes to gather the clothes from the dragon.]

Oh, thank you! I meant to look myself, but I guess I got too into the conversation... [He grins apologetically to the arachne, like he totally would've continued if not interrupted.] I'll just be a minute, then, don't mind me!

[He'll cart the clothes off to try on, behind a silky curtain in the back corner of the store...and he's not kidding about the amount of time he's expecting to take. Considering his job, he's remarkably used to getting changed quickly, and it's maybe three minutes before he emerges with some selections and the ones that weren't his thing folded neatly into a pile on his other hand.

He offers said pile to the arachne.] These ones can go back, but let's talk price for the rest of them!

[He's picked around three things out of the whole, not too much but enough to have made the exchange worth the shopkeepers' while.]

[yesdoubt]

Since the mood seems to suit it now, Momo winks cheerfully and offers a more theatrical bow at that to seal the proposal. "It's a plan, then! If my partner comes through the mirrors in that time, I'll be sure to bring him along too, it's much more of an experience with the both of us performing."

Momo doesn't particularly like performing alone, honestly, but he'll do it for something like this that's an outstanding opportunity. "In any case, I hope I've given you a better understanding of things on the surface at the moment."

[yesdoubt]

[Momo has trouble not pulling a tiny bit of a face at how rigid things are - it's not like he's unfamiliar with beliefs like that and that some people might adhere particularly strictly to them, but in his time even most religions have had to drop certain rules and learn to be more flexible with others. It just doesn't feel like a remotely sustainable way to live if they're that strict about it.

It is an interesting way to take it, as looking up to the clan. Momo wonders if it isn't more a case of regarding Xichen personally as "better than that", though he takes a moment to offer something of a pained smile at the idea that he thinks any differently on wanting people to be honest about their feelings.]

No, I actually wish some of the people I know would complain openly like that sometimes too. It makes things easier when everyone's honest about their problems, right? [Says one of the most rampant and stubborn liars in his friend group back home, because clearly that advice should apply to everyone but him.] But are you sure it's the sect he respects that much and not you? He might be taking it as...I guess you making a slight against yourself is the easiest way to put it. He might not think you're breaking the virtues to the same extent you think you are, so the choice to abandon them might have been taken differently? But that's just my guess.

[Momo might be good at reading people and gauging reactions, but he can't read minds. It is, in the end, something the two would have to discuss between themselves.]

[yesdoubt]

I'm sure they've handled fae and puca before, there's probably a way you can do it safely. And then you've got Turnskins and silver, which might not be as common but would still probably be around a forge enough to be a problem. [Even if fae aren't that common, puca are and turnskins absolutely are, so it would be in any forge's best interest to have a way to let those customers safely navigate.

The remark on getting them caught on something makes him laugh a bit, though.] I'm not talking ridiculously loose, but something that's cut pretty straight or a tiny bit wide the whole way down gives a lot more room to move when you're dancing or working out or whatever. I just find it more comfortable than trying to work out in something with a narrow leg, and decent shorts are just as hard to find as loose pants here too, so that's not really a solution.

[He doesn't even like shorts and rarely wears them, but he even tried to find those before resorting to tailoring.]

[stopfen]

Do you love them too...Or him? [It was a while back but they seemed to be a couple. Not that she had much knowledge there, the way how they'd spoken had just reminded her of Franz and Hannah.]

He asked when I learned how to sew, then I got a headache... We stopped talking about it after that.

[Poor Jean, trying to ask and be friendly. And hitting the pstd. Mikasa didn't even need a refill, still on her first tiny sample cup. Talking is distracting her from the task.]

[oathkeeper]

[Even if that seems like a long shot Sora perks up anyway, his long rabbit ears standing up and swivelling with his listening. There really is a lack of educational opportunities for monsters in the city. It's not like they can walk into the coven and start attending classes with other witches. It's just a whole other sort of situation. No one teaches them their monster things!]

Really? I'm kind of desperate so if you have anything you could teach me, I'd be really thankful! What do you know about illusion magic?

[Sora holds his hands out again, the light flickering with some sparks there as Sora tries to make something else.]

I know a lot of illusion magic is just tricks of the light. But there's more to it, isn't there?

[oathkeeper]

[Ultimately it will be up to Kairi and Sora knows she'll pick something smart. Hopefully, this naga doesn't jack up the price to something ridiculous...

Sora puts on the bracelet with a little click.]

So, what's it feel like?

[blankpieces]

That's what I hear.

[Near didn't go looking for those himself. Once he knew about the silk worms that had been all he'd wanted to see. Maybe there have been some pulling carts around town that he's missed. This place is larger than he'd anticipated.

As for his shop, he would hope at least some people had seen his network advertisements for employees.]

I make and sell toys.

[rightfoot]

Yes, all sorts of animals. I wouldn't say deer are more common than other species, specifically. We have a lot of variety. You know like humans with black hair and blue eyes, or brown hair and blue eyes.

[towards_okeanos]

It's simply human nature to seek comfort and ease. It takes discipline most people don't have to not fall for such predilections.

[Nobody is born with this skill. It takes conscious effort and a certain degree of ruthlessness to school a child in it. His own disposition might have helped. He was never content with easy. Never able to sit still for long.]

I have been raised in a palace and yet my teachers have prepared me well for a life of hardships. For that, I will always be grateful. I was never surprised by the difficulties I had to face.

[Not many can say this.]

[princessascended]

[The bracelet fastens around her wrist and Kairi looks at it for a moment. She can kind of feel what the woman was talking about earlier. Was there some magic in this one?

Closing her eyes, she tries to feel it out. Her arms pull in on her body, hands out right in front of her chest as though prepared to push something. Her right hand, the one with the bracelet on it, darts forward-

And water shoots straight out of the air to splash Sora in the face as she does so.]

Ah! Sora! I'm so sorry!

[The Naga's grin gets, if anything, wider.]

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar nods. Weavers and tailors were esteemed craftsmen in his homeland. The best of them, sought for and paid in gold by kings.]

I see. So you're a tailor?! That's an extremely useful skill to have.

[He chuckles.]

I'm sure you'd be popular with children if you could make dolls. I doubt there was ever a child that could say no to a new toy. And if you could make tiny clothes for dolls that could be even more popular.

[towards_okeanos]

[There are certain things that Iskandar just cannot comprehend. As a student of Aristotle and as himself.]

Discouraged? Why would anyone discourage learning? [He scratches his chin. This is most odd. He is more used to complaints about people not wanting to learn that wanting to learn too much.] There were a few philosophers I remember being rather unpopular but that was because of their political views, not their philosophy.

[Iskandar laughs earning himself another condemning look for the librarian that almost forgot about their presence.]

Ah! Then your feeling is correct. The worst thing is boredom. Nothing makes people do more stupid things than being bored.

[He can tell. He was guilty of it himself too many times to count.]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora's so curious that his focus is sort of all over the place for a moment as he glances at stand to stand. He's wondering what could possibly be the surprise--]

Huh?

[Then they're at some sort of 'photo booth' and Sora glances at the attendant with the camera before looking at Vanitas with wide magically-blue eyes.]

We're gonna take a picture together?

[... The doki he feels almost makes him want to shout-]

Vanitas! This is the coolest thing ever! Really? Haha! You better smile big! Let's take a bunch!

[He's so happy!! Making memories!!]

[stopfen]

I guess that's one thing, if they're saying the same thing. Still, it's a pain in the ass having to check so much.

[She shall always frown. Especially when reading.]

Sounds like reading these might be a waste though. I got told the same asking the locals. From what I've worked out they don't remember how they got here, but the moss protects them.

[thejoyrider]

[Oh, right! Since Reynir knows of Europe, it is very likely he has heard her name before as well. Well, it is a conversation she has had a few times already in Aefenglom and she does not mind having it once again]

Queen as in, queen, that is correct! [She smiles brightly] Queen of France and Navarre to be exact... My full name is Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna, perhaps it is familiar to you?

[Not that it matters in Aefenglom at all]

But enough about me! How about you tell me more about your own homeland now?

[thejoyrider]

It is as if you are an artist!

[Marie giggles and claps her hands, then blows gently at her palm, as if to clear specks of glittery dust. A bunch of sparkles appear around her and surround Sora and his newly created butterfly]

Ah, wonderful, this one! I have been meaning to ask you... Is there anything else besides butterflies you like to use your illusions for? I am fond of using illusion magic to create flower ornaments, myself!

[And as if to illustrate her point, the sparkles from before turn into flower petals around them]

[freeing]

No, not at all.

[ The joke was met with almost a sad bitterness. Prior to being here, only dragons she brought into the world would amaze her. No technology, no magic (except the blood magic she tangled with), no wonder of the unknown. She had a goal. Here? She had none. No Iron Throne to sit upon. ]

It is true. I wouldn't have even known where to start seeking aid in such things. But...I wonder, could they truly sustain themselves here without anyone else? Without visitors at all? Surely, someone should grow curious to see what rests above.

[ She isn't sure on if she'll find anything that she'll look for... but, worth a shot, at the very least. ]

[darkcharge]

[ Sora's bright eyed expression makes Van snort. ]

That was the idea.

[ Then Sora is practically bouncing around and getting all worked up. Van feels the surge of emotion through the other teen and just shakes his head, hands on his hips. Yeah... He made the right call in the end. ]

You shouldn't expect me to "smile big."

[ He tugs the Puca over to start looking through the various magical backgrounds that they could have. ]

[oathkeeper]

[He knows Vanitas probably won't give the biggest smile ever but he can't help but tease anyway, a finger coming up to tug gently at one cheek.]

Awww, come on! I wanna see a big one. You can do it!

[Sora laughs cheerfully and then quickly joins Vanitas in picking a background. For some reason, he's drawn right to a flashy starry sky one first.]

What do you think of this one!

[freeing]

[ If the option to meet with the leader was presented to her, perhaps she wouldn't be lost among the sea of scrolls hoping to find an answer. Any answer. ]

I simply wish to do this discreetly. Be it through some form of magic or sneaking these out. [ She almost feels frustrated. ] To cause no issues and risk good will, I mean.

[darkcharge]

Yeah I don't think so, Cottontail.

[ He bats at Sora's hand. Then leans over the other's shoulder to see what has been picked out. Van gives a little hum. ]

That one reminds me of the first time you kissed me.

[weiward]

I do love them. They're cute. [he brings his hand up beside his mouth, like he's trying to keep his next words from being overheard.] But I love him more.

[right, because it's a real big secret.]

What do you suppose gave you a headache?

[wei wuxian thought this was heading into cute crush territory but now he doesn't know whether he should be confused or concerned.]

[oathkeeper]

[That makes Sora blink and then smile softly... Oh.]

Let's do this one first.

[He wants this one for sure. He nods at the attendant who waves a hand and creates a rather gorgeous looking background of stars and meteors in the night sky.]