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

[finesseblade]

What are you—

[ Felix stares, expecting this to go horribly wrong, but the worm only tilts its head left and right, mandibles clicking curiously. It doesn't walk so much as it undulates closer to her, all of its tiny feet moving it across the stone in waves.

He's certain she's going to lose a hand, but the worm stretches out, snatching the candy from her hands almost delicately, and then—crunch—it's gone, no harm done. ]

...I can't believe the Emperor of Adrestia walks around with candy in her pockets.

[ He sighs, climbing to his feet. ]

Fine. But I won't be held responsible if it takes an eternity to make it back to the city with it on foot.

[whomthebelltolls]

If iron is not a weakness, then perhaps it will work like... [She trails off a bit. Right, she hasn't told him about her funny old ability to stab herself and crystalize her blood on her blades, and thus use them as even more powerful weapons. But that was more because of the power of her blood itself.] Ah, like an old weapon I used to be able to use, but was stripped from me on arrival.

[Nailed it.]

Well, then, if you're that way, and I'm back for the weapons, perhaps we should catch up again after your negotiations. I am curious to hear how they all went.

[gunsmithed]

I don't, no.

[ He can handle one well enough, but it's never going to be his preference. Something to think about, perhaps. Just in case.

At least until he pauses. ]

Obsidian, really?

[gunsmithed]

[ It makes Percy lift an eyebrow, considering how the rest of the conversation has gone, but he just nods once in return. Whatever else is going on, he's never going to feel guilty about putting a friend's life over someone else's.

And Percy has enough what-if's in his life as it is. ]

I'll keep that in mind.

[ Just in case they run into something else down here. ]

[petcromancer]

[Hector lets Saori pull him in for a kiss, parting his lips for her and basking in the warmth of physical contact. When she pulls away, he makes, for lack of a better term, a sheepish expression.]

Look, fauns think everything means sex. I can't trust my own judgment anymore.

[He scoots in closer so they are touching side to side, thigh to knee. He puts a hand on her leg and leans back in to taste her lips again.]

[petcromancer]

It's much better here.

[Hector doesn't have to be afraid to exist here. Except for the part where necromancy is still forbidden (and the world-threatening blight out in the Wildes), it's the kind of world he dreamed of.]

Thanks. But I don't mind being strange. I'd rather be myself than try to fit in.

[But he understands her kind intentions and gives her a little smile.]

I don't think I got your name. I'm Hector.

[petcromancer]

If it's that rare of an occurrence, it sounds less like a trait and more like an occasional fluke.

[Apparently these mushrooms have them bickering about philosophy. Weirdest trip ever.]

I don't argue that there are some good humans here and there. But as a whole, they tend to be terrible.

[timenace]

[ He frowns, before shaking his head slightly. It's not like he wants to unload on someone he doesn't know, but weirdly it feels a little easier to admit this to someone who doesn't have a reason to worry about him. ]

I'm not sure exactly, but it was sometime before we even got down here. It's been getting a little worse sense then.

[unyieldingmarch]

It's a vampire thing.

[Edelgard has no problem saying that, and she will not be shamed by Felix of all people. He's ridiculous, and she isn't going to deal with that.

Wiping a bit of worm spit from her glove, she pulls out a second piece and takes a step away, waggling the candy.

The worm chitters and slides closer, and she keeps moving, luring it further.]

It'll be alright. Honestly, this is kind of cute, in an ugly sort of way, so I don't mind spending time with it.

Do you know what the locals want it for?

[loverboi]

Oh, quiznak.

[ dammit! he's too slow. lance huffs, and the chef hands over two pieces of meat to momo. lance's mouth waters, and he licks his lips as he eyes the food. ]

You're lucky I grabbed the wrong coins!

[silentsavant]

[It only riles Soren up further to have Juza act like he has anything to truly be sorry about and seem so sincere about it, not to mention makes him feel worse about the whole situation. His distress cracks across his face further with pursed lips and a deeper crease in his brow. He sets his armload down for freer hands, takes his wrist and rotates his arm to better expose the patch of remaining human flesh that got slashed.]

Don't be.

[He begins to administer the salve in gentle rubs, cool and unctuous but with a mild, tingling sting against the open wound. The line of scratches shoots down into Juza's forearm as well, which is regrettable because his fur might have to get a little goopy here. But for what it's worth, the substance helps him heal faster. Soren sighs and tries and cool himself back down from getting so agitated at being helped like this.

Ike would have done something like that for him, too. Stand up for him, even if he didn't ask for it.]

Whether I like it or not, you still helped me. I should thank you. Erm... [He glances down at all the chips of precious gems and shiny things as he cleans him up.] ...These winnings are yours. I made bets on your victory, so... you should reap the spoils.

[cryptsleeper]

Oh, fuck you Hector.

[Alucard sniffs, every inch the spoiled brat he always comes off as.]

On that much I think we can agree. But I think even the terrible ones have their moments, if you let them.

[yesdoubt]

Maybe you should organise them...? [Momo says that in a tone of utmost innocence as he hands Lance one of the pieces of meat and moves on from the front of the stall so they're not in the way. He's used to being able to ignore his hunger until it gets gnawing, but now that he has food in front of him he's much more aware of how much he wants to eat.]

Should we do it together? So we don't ruin the surprise. [Momo holds the food close to his mouth, as if wondering whether to count them down.]

[yesdoubt]

Well, if it wasn't inherent to the weapon it's worth a shot, but people don't seem to have much luck with old abilities here either. [So it might be a bit of a shot in the dark whichever aspect of the old weapon it was coming from, the weapon itself or the fact that it was Maria wielding it. He can't blame anyone for experimenting around and seeing if anything can do similar things to what they could before coming here.]

Yeah, I can let you know afterwards. I'm planning to leave it a few days so I've got proper time to decide how I'm approaching it, but for now I'll just be gossiping with the locals for a bit to get a better pulse on the local mindset.

[He offers a cheery wink, as if to say hopefully he gets a little more information than just that out of them. But sadly there's no knowing until he tries extensively.]

[supersoldier]

[He could have told him the weapon would have cut his skin, but the warning is a moot point. This man must be familiar enough with blades to see the result coming from a mile away, and that little bead of red on his finger is merely ignored by both.]

It's unusual in my world, too.

[He answers the question in a roundabout way, a subject that is difficult for him as of late. But in equal measure, it dictates that he feels the need to explain when he usually wouldn't; that he does not mind granting a mote of it to a man who is clearly interested in weaponry, in skill, more than the life history of any given stranger.]

I'm what is called a SOLDIER. That's an organization where I come from, not just an occupation. [He was, at least, but past-tense isn't something he wants to explain.] My body has been augmented to be stronger than the average human. More resilient, in many ways. It makes wielding that sword far more manageable.

[It isn't the whole reason. But it is a good enough reason.]

[weiward]

Ah, Lan Zhan's just really protective of his bunnies. I used to tease him the same way!

[he waves it off, knowing that his bonded wouldn't turn anyone away just because of that.]

You said someone told you why you have them though. That might be helpful. What did they say?

[supersoldier]

Of course. I would like to reconvene, or simply get in touch, whenever we've both had time to speak with her.

[And so, as always, practicality wins an introduction out of him.]

What's your name?

[oathkeeper]

[He should probably stop teasing Vanitas so much. Sora laughs, anyway.]

Sometimes it's just fun to make silly, cool or different faces into a picture, you know! Like...

[Sora sticks his tongue out, trying to look 'tough' or something.]

[usurpers]

It's not right for you, Yona.

[ it wouldn't matter if he argued about how it wasn't a sacrifice at all. eren saw an exchange done when an old, old individual had lived everything they wanted to and felt it was time to go. ]

When it's sacrifice, they have no choice. [ it's not a great, grieving loss. there's something understanding in eren's eyes that knows what true sacrifice is. something pooling and longing that resonates with the old lady, wrinkled and . . . she probably lived so long and so much. eren wouldn't live past 23, when he returned home. ] This isn't sacrifice. It's . . . Freedom.

[ and it's beautiful. ]

[silentsavant]

[He recoils and maneuvers his neck around in bids to avoid these ticklish insect probes. Mysteriously, he doesn't just try and escape her embrace completely. Wonder why that could be!]

I wouldn't have wanted to. Hurting you or anyone else, especially in the middle of the streets, would cause me plenty of trouble. But it's my instinct to defend myself like that, and I can scarcely control it. Count yourself lucky. [He not like the antennae. Angry. Soren no antennae. He employs a grumpy lizard swat.] ...And please stop doing that.

[inlikethebrume]

[She is not a mind reader, just another dumb mortal trying to figure out how to live her life without some higher power only speaking to her when convenient and leaving her out in the cold. Mira's halfway expecting Hades to just up and leave because that's all she can really do right now. Accept that she made a mistake, apologize, and work to strive better in the future. Besides, it's not what she wants after all. It's his choice in the end.

But he doesn't. He continues his words and so she must have said something right for once these past few moons. There's less venom in them than before nor as dismissive so that's something Mira can take. It's not condescending but just stating facts. But who said love was supposed to be clean or the answer to all the problems in the world? Whoever spoke those words clearly have an idealized view of the subject. Again, it's not Mira's place to say.

But it is hearing those last ones that makes her heart stop. Of course Vani told her that she wasn't, Irhya said it, Mettaton said the same thing...and even her own darkside spoke of making her own choices. That if her words spoke true, then that is her choice in the end. She is no weapon to the Light, willing to strike her down if needs be. Give her a reason to trust you, Hydaelyn, say something yourself instead of simply running like an automaton like she saw. It still doesn't feel right but that is neither here nor there right now, the focus is on these two.

'Perhaps you still have the capacity'? No, Hades. There is no perhaps. That is what she is trying to do in the here and now.]

Thank you, Hades. Speaking on it from my side seems to not simply suffice. Let actions show them instead.

[There is a time for words and a time for action. This feels like something she has to prove and not to anyone but herself. The point is to stay humble of the situation and to not try and let her emotions get to the better of her. Speaking on something like 'I'll find a way to show that I'm not a weapon' isn't enough. No, this is a time to show it.

Funny thing for once, she doesn't feel like she's being trapped in this damn festival which is a plus. Perhaps this chance encounter was more of a blessing than she thought. Maybe...there is hope for them to be civil again.]

[stopfen]

Is it a dig if it's true? [As far as she was concerned he clearly didn't consider her a friend, right? But she sighs.]

...Why tell me now? If you're his bonded then-[Her breath catches for a moment and she pauses thinking about what to say.] You'd know just how little he thinks of me?

[towards_okeanos]

Allowed? That is one of the oddest things I've heard in a long time. Truly, the customs differ between places. In my home country, the queen would feel very much insulted if anyone tried to take away her loom or her spindle.

[Even his mother who hated weaving would put a great show of it for all the court to witness... and that's not an end to surprises.]

So what kind of dolls did you make?

[fiddlestick]

Well I'd like to think you're my friend.

[...] He doesn't think little of you, Mikasa.

[stopfen]

You lie to your friends then? That's good to know I guess... [So dry. Even if her voice softens.] Sure didn't seem that way when he called me a mindless slave that was bonded to him. Then had me locked in a cell at gunpoint while the city was destroyed and the building half-collapsed.

[Well that might explain some things?]