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

[fiddlestick]

Oh...Well, either way...I'd appreciate it! It's a little nerve-wracking traveling alone now.

That said...we should probably avoid shooting anyone while we're guests here.

[quintessent]

[She gives Jin a sympathetic smile. She doesn't know his bond, but if Keith isn't getting into trouble, he's probably at least on his way to do so. But their shared link has been quiet so far today, other than the normal buzz of focus and intermittant frustration from him. No news is good news, after all.

As for Keith, he might get a flush of embarrassment from her as her face warms up a little at the question. She ducks her head to make a show of looking closely at the new scarf.]

Oh, my bond? [What does he mean by something more? Why is she embarrassed at the thought of it.] Keith is my good friend from home. I don't think I could bond with someone I don't trust.

[inlikethebrume]

[She smiles and enters the villa properly, taking in the scene before her.]

I promise I'll be quiet. But I must say that the place does look cozy.

[With all that algae? Not like she hasn't seen worse. Besides, it does glow pretty.]

[oathkeeper]

[Mira starts constructing a speech for the masses and Sora is still really impressed. He almost wants to cheer her on but he also doesn't want to interrupt the conversation. His ears are starting to ache. He's not a rabbit to be picked and pulled at like this!]

"Aye. We know a street rat thief when we see them. We don't have to look twice at those grimy little puca hands to know he was about to swipe that trinket.

But we are... indeed, gentlemen. Does that mean you'll pay for this little urchin's deed? Then it will be a proper transaction done."

[Now Sora can't help but pipe up!]

I wasn't going to steal it! She's right, you're treating your customers badly!

[Are their yelp reviews down here?!]

[oathkeeper]

[Unfortunately Sora's control over the little tricks of the light isn't quite perfected yet! So when he accidentally smacks someone in the face with one he looks immediately apologetic! His long rabbit ears droop a bit but he's smiling sheepishly!]

It was just an illusion! It shouldn't hurt at all if they touch you but are you okay?

[He didn't mean to startle someone!]

[oathkeeper]

Lavi!

[He can't really help the way his ears suddenly stick straight up. He's tense and a little worried but overall Lavi looks... okay?

But he's not sure about that. He knows how angry Vanitas had been. Uh.]

Erm. Hi! I guess we can trade flowers, right?

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Saber? Finally someone with a normal name for once. Most others he met have such strange or oddly complicated names, even as he's already gotten used to them back on Earth. Regardless, he tilts his head down to better face his conversation partner, nodding once more in appreciation. her face reflected on the red visor.

He can't be surprised that she's seen him before and the recognition isn't mutual for him- he stands out, after all.

Her query, of course, is one thing he expected nowadays, yet still rubs him the wrong way. It's a good thing Soundwave is the patient sort and won't get too angry about people's ignorance, and he could at least appreciate the hesitation she shows there.]

To answer your question; Yes, I was always metal, but I am not a construct. Not a... [Ugh.] robot or an A.I. ... I am a living being like you.

[oathkeeper]

[When Sora finally recognizes the man his long rabbit ears swivel and he looks a little sheepish. He's not quite in control of his new skill of his yet so he didn't mean to annoy anyone with it.]

Uh-! Yeah, that's me. You're that old guy.

[That Old Guy. ... Sora says that in the most innocently boyish way.]

Are you okay?

[oathkeeper]

[Sora did overhear the names that got picked to help with the delegations with the Matriarch. He's glad it wasn't him because political jibber-jabber seems like something he'd snooze through. But when he heard about Yona he had been a little curious to see how she'd deal with it all. After all, she's newer to this world than he is!

That's why he looks for her on one of the off days and when he finds her little worktable in the library. He peeks his head around the corner with bouncing rabbit ears.]

Yona! All work and no play is going to make you tired, you know.

[He smiles.]

How are you hanging in there?

[inlikethebrume]

And if I were to say that it is you who looks shady? If you are gentlemen as you claim, then you should know better than to use force to get any answers. You put the true gentlemen to shame.

[Oh she could have said something involving spiders but that's not a very good idea. Just the fact that her aura is still crackling means she will not yield to any kind of threats.]

Mayhap if I speak with the local authority, they may explain more about your business and whether you are trustworthy. 'Twould be a shame if you are simply singling out a particular kind for a nefarious reason.

[cryptsleeper]

I can't say. Their histories are detailed, although their organization approach leaves quite a bit to be desired so far as I'm concerned.

[Is he being a bitchy librarian? Yes. Yes he is.

But okay. Up Cezar goes, with Alucard holding him in both arms. From the right angle, it looks like the dhampir is ferrying a dog shaped loaf of bread about, which can only ever be perfectly delightful.]

Fine, so long as you have some weapon on you.

[arturiarex]

Ah, I think I understand.

[ She only has the barest grasp of what an AI is, anyway. ]

You are not a constructed being, but another form of life.

[ That makes sense to her. There are magical creatures who could not live if restricted to human biology. Why should this one be any different? ]

In any case, I apologize for prying. You are merely... different. Much like everything else in this place, although I gather you are Mirrorbound like the rest of us.

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas isn't really all that impressed. However it takes a bit to actually impress him doesn't it?

He shrugs and heads over to one of the beds. At least they are somewhat comfortable. ]

At least there is a place to stay.

i mean he's sort of hiding too

[darkcharge]

[ Someone might feel bad about snapping at someone who has nothing to do with what ails them. Vanitas isn't really that sort of person. Instead he just sort of gives her a look. ]

I don't know. Can you read these scrolls?

[ His tone still laced with sarcasm, unfortunately. He doesn't know if she really can help or not. ]

[darkcharge]

[ Well calling him "Sparky" sure isn't going to help matters. However it does draw Vanitas' attention towards Keith. This does nothing at all to de-escalate matters at all. If anything Vanitas just looks even more tense. ]

I am not the one that started it.

[ All the while the Chimera isn't backing down either. After all, all he did was try tell Van that he should have a Monster escort. It only further grates on Vanitas nerves. ]

And I said to back off. Yet somehow no one around here can take no as an answer.

we all in the library here, also partially iv

[beariot]

[ Ursula had been glued to Kaede's side most of the time, but when it came to the library, she was insistent she could handle being there alone. But lacking the connection to the cosmos, her entire sense of time fell apart.

Without realizing it, she'd... well she'd been there over half the day now, pouring over documents and texts and various scrolls and bound works. The bizarre filing system had only stopped her briefly before she managed to make sense of it, not even needing translation spells. It just came so instinctively to her, allowed her to immerse herself in learning all she could about these people, their culture.

To the point she hadn't even realized Alucard was there until she looked up, noticed him in the ever dimming light, and nearly jumped out of her seat in shock. ]

b

[crowsfeat]

[ As he drew his sword, a sound cracked the air around them, the unmistakable percussive burst of a pistol being fired, and the beast groaning as it flinched from taking the bullet. The source of the fire was as yet still too distant to properly take advantage, but Sora was... ]

Now, lad, while the beast is staggered!

[ It was Eileen, calling off from just the slightest distance. Honestly, she'd been following him for some time, careful not to trip up his puca senses, just to make sure he was safe, but not have him feel as if she were babysitting him. But the moment danger had become apparent... ]

tunnels

[scatmaam]

Given how rich the taste is, I doubt you'll be finishing those off by yourself.

[ Scathach chuckled. She'd been out harvesting things for reasons similar to Vanitas. She had no doubt Zelda would take an interest in them, and Jill might have liked some new flavorings for various cocktails to try. Having good company was just a bonus, really, even if Vanitas could still be a bit fussy. ]

[towards_okeanos]

You could have.

[One look is enough for Iskandar to assess both men. The Arachne could prove some challenge, Iskandar already has seen their ilk fight here. They are quick and vicious.
The other man however...]

I am surprised though, this man has just insulted you. Are you not going to react?

they live here bow

[cryptsleeper]

--I'm not that much of an apparition, am I?

[Alucard's question is asked in a whisper, trying to respect the rules of the library while only just barely hiding the fact that the reaction is priceless. Ursula's chair hasn't come out all the way from under her though, so that counts as a good thing. Probably.]

[oathkeeper]

Huh?!

[Sora's gaze snaps upwards in the direction of the gunshot for just a split second. Someone coming to his rescue in such a flashy manner? Cool!!

But he doesn't have time to notice who it is just quite yet. The mole is recoiling in pain, long fangs glistening as it opens its mouth to screech. The bullet was a smart move!]

I've got it!

[The puca leaps forward with new and powerful monster legs (it's a great part of being a rabbit) and he slashes downwards at the mole. It is double staggered and it rolls to its side before it rolls backwards and back up to its feet to lunge at Sora. He brings his keyblade up to block against it!]

[towards_okeanos]

[Truly a puzzling pair they are. Iskandar looks up, slightly over the faun's shoulder at one of the librarians rolling their eyes at the commotion. He slides his current read to the side reaching to pull Hector's collection closer. He flashes a wide grin at the librarian earning. Yes, yes, those weird foreigners and their weird ways. Nothing he's used to.]

But of course, you are.

[Iskandar sighs, his grin turning a lot more pointy.]

Don't I require assistance? All those heavy scrolls couldn't have carried themselves here. Surely, I couldn't have carried them myself.

[Forgive him if his voice drips with venom. It is bordering on farse how people here can blatantly ignore the fact that he's by virtue of his looks alone capable of hoisting most of them into the air, and still insist he should not overexert himself. They are very kind, true, but also rather obstinately deny he could possess any strength at all.]

Have you found anything interesting?

[clickclickbang]

Obviously. But hey, they don't know I won't do it!

timeout

[scatmaam]

[ The masked woman was probably a bit difficult to recognize at first, her hair hidden away in a shadowy hood and the darkness of her whole outfit making it difficult to pinpoint any particular features, but the moment she pulled her hood away, the light catching those red eyes, it was unmistakable who'd been regarding him... ]

You're a bit more troublesome than I'd given credit for, lad. I'd be impressed had you not gotten yourself caught.

1

[scatmaam]

[ If by break up, one meant just break. Before the turnskin could make another step towards Felix, another stepped between them, cloaked and masked, most of her features hidden in intentional shadow created by her gear. It's probably why she hadn't been really noticed right until that point, but the blood red spear she kept rested at her shoulder stood out all the more in the dark contrast of her clothing.

She caught the hand of the other turnskin, and immediately there was a twist, a stomach twisting snap, and dragging the angered giant to the ground with a single tug. The spear never left her shoulder. It hadn't needed to.

The red of the woman's eyes were more visible then as the man hit the ground with a heavy thud, and her voice came like thunder. ]

If you cannot conduct yourself with honor, you have no place among warriors. [ She barked ]. Dishonor yourself again, and I'll not hesitate to remove this hand, lad. Heed my words or be maimed. The choice is yours.

[ That... was one way of deescalating a situation. ]