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

[inlikethebrume]

[She shrugs.]

The weapon is one we use and always been known to use. Could be symbolic due to the very first dark knight throwing his shield away after how the church wronged him and the people.

[Rebelling the church fuck yeaaaaah.]

[finesseblade]

[ Ha, Turnskin. He'd smelled as much earlier, but they're common enough amongst Mirrorbound, so he's not surprised to see it confirmed.

He tilts his head for a moment, considering her offer, but it's not a difficult decision. If there's one thing Felix will always jump for, it's a good sparring match, and she's shown herself more than capable.

So he nods, still half-grinning. ]

It does.

[ Without anymore drama than that, he climbs into one of the ferry boats, unoccupied by anyone other than the two of them. ]

And I would be more than willing to take you up on that offer once we're back in the city. I'm always looking for more worthy opponents to fight, and I'd say you match the description.

[stopfen]

I've only seen two. The one that was supposedly the past, and the one that was this place...Though the city seems accurate. [She wasn't actually that worried about getting lost. Her smell was annoying distinctive amongst the musty cave and moss smell. Still, the comment of algae gets a snort from her as they wander deeper, the path getting less smooth. Fewer walked along here, the paths hadn't been widened.]

Did you just get the name? [What was the significance of it to make it worth looking into.] I have noticed one thing though.

This place smells like the ley lines as well. [Now if that tibit was useful or not remained to be seen.]

[stopfen]

[If it was any consolation, she wasn't doing the best job at running. Even if she stayed upright there was a small stumble. The flowers on her head being moved prompt her to lift her head. Trying to look up at him while he was behind her, ears giving a twitch when the crown brushed them.

But the question makes her look back at the flowers. Antenna giving a wiggle, sniffing.

Luckily for him, one of the ones she points at is a sunflower. Then some bright blue cornflowers.] They smell like honey.

[sneaksweet]

Kay.

[He's not really in the mood for arguing. If that's what Soren wants to do with the money he's made, then it's fine. Maybe he can find something Soren likes.

It's not like Juza really expects anybody to stay around, and especially not to take care of his wounds after it all. But... Soren did, and Juza does appreciate that. Even if he has no idea how to really express that.

His gaze stays away from Soren. He is good in real fights, but that doesn't mean he wants to get in them in the first place. And he definitely doesn't want praise for it.]

People picked a lot of fights 's all.

[proudofme]

Lemme smell... [He reaches and grabs one, putting them to his nose. She's right! That's nice, he can get into that. Reaching to his coin purse he'll take out enough for a bouquet of choice and hand the money to the vendor, before grabbing as many of the sunflowers and cornflowers as he can before he gets an AHEM... that that might be enough for what he paid. It's probably still too many, but that's what Soren goes with]

Lets find somewhere to sit, you can show me how to, like, twist them around right into a crown! [shouldn't be too difficult, there's a short wall lining one of the streets that's easy to hop up onto for a seat together, with enough ledge space to lay down the horde of flowers, too]

[loverboi]

If I had a wallet for it, sure.

[ he only has a coin purse, alas...but lance takes his share and he's about to bite in, but momo's suggestion gives him pause. he grins a little and shrugs. ]

Eh, why not? On three?

[finesseblade]

[ Leave it to Felix to learn through pain—he knows now that the blade is sharp-edged and well cared for, which speaks to the craftsmanship as well as the care of its owner.

A little blood never hurt anyone. Especially when he can stick two fingers in his mouth momentarily to clean it off, and then drop his hands into his lap. ]

They would call that strength a "gift from the goddess" where I come from, though I'm not so sure it's much of a gift. I possessed it, once. I did not rely on it. And when I came here, this world stripped it from me and replaced it with another.

[ Arguably, better. He is stronger and faster, without even need of a weapon to activate it now. But Felix has never been comfortable leaning on his Crest, and he's not about to be comfortable leaning on his nature. ]

A man like you does not gain that skill simply by using strength as a crutch. [ Felix thinks, anyway. ] Who taught you? How long did it take?

[stopfen]

I'm not drinking at the moment. [It's sharper than it needed to be, with a one-eyed glare. She couldn't drink when she'd tossed it on the floor. But she falls silent, breathing through her nose.]

Thank you...But they pass, it's already going.

[finesseblade]

[ Felix huffs out an amused laugh, collecting potions and bandages next to him to begin his work. A dab of stinging willowy ointment to the length of the cut on his forehead, to start with. ]

Did you expect anything less? It was a hard fight, and you did well.

[ Said as he folds out a little patch of gauze and then begins rolling out his own bandages. Not... easy to do this without a mirror, but he'll manage. ]

Rest. Perhaps we'll scour the markets for something to eat after, so you can regain your strength.

[darkestbefore]

"Ahh, I see! I hope for the chance to meet her, then."

She smiles warmly at the Matriarch, and then laughingly waves off the apology, looking sheepish. "I was aware they meant well, even if I was confused as to the need at the time. They gave no offense. If anything their... eagerness to protect should be a mark in their favor. I'm sure any of your witches down here would be fortunate to have such dedicated protectors."

But she does turn more serious at the request, taking a deep breath. After all of this, she doesn't want to offend the Matriarch with her own discomfort. "We encountered some of your monsters escorting a witch on one of the boats. She... she offered herself up to the moss. I confess, we almost interrupted it because of our lack of understanding. And even now... I'm a little unsettled by what I witnessed. It's part of the reason I wanted so badly to return to your city - to understand more of your people and your ways, so I could set my conscience on the matter to rest."

[darkestbefore]

[ Who are you calling little?!

But also she's more than familiar with the type and knows exactly what he means. In some universe, she might have become the same. But she can't afford to be a hero. She can't afford those risks - not with so many counting on her.

It has her expression falling slightly, averting her gaze, her thoughts going distant for the briefest of moments. ]

It should matter...

[ But she tries to push those thoughts and emotions away to focus on him instead. And also because she doesn't want her own Bondmates to pick up on that sudden dip and get worried. She was still getting used to this and they were still getting used to her. ]

Were they? So you're here as more... moral support?

[darkestbefore]

That's a very positive outlook to have.

[ She gives a quiet laugh at that before offering him a warm smile. ]

They do seem very close-knit, though. I suppose they would have to be, if they thought they were the only ones left in these lands. [ Leaning back in her chair, she glances at the door thoughtfully. ]

I hope I'll have chances to understand them more. To learn about their traditions and ways of thinking. Why they think as they do.

[darkestbefore]

Maybe they'll start dangling carrots at you.

[ She can't help but tease him, especially when he laughs and winks at her. ]

Or maybe carrot cake?

[darkestbefore]

And it's not something you've ever felt before? [ She reaches out and rests a hand on his arm, reassuringly. ] Hmm. Have you seen a healer or anyone about it yet?

[darkestbefore]

Cure? There's moss above ground that can cure the infection?

[ How has she not heard of this before? ]

[inlikethebrume]

[Hey, no need for patting. She only does it to Vani sometimes because he's younger but that's different and he's ok with it.]

Divine? Uh, I would do just fine with a sandwich to be honest. I do not need anything fancy.

[Oh Abyss help her, do not try and find something shiny for her to eat. She's been watching what she puts in her mouth this time around, ok.]

[unyieldingmarch]

Interesting.

[Edelgard very likely does. She's going to be conservative with them, after all. And also, perhaps, turn a glance back to it's eyes and draw it in with her mesmeric powers.]

I suppose this little one is going to have to hope that it makes a fine silkworm, or a mount.

[She'll be fine if they do. She does have a bit of an affinity for animals now, but this creature is a bit beyond her.]

[bravelyathome]

Be yourself instead of fitting in...

[If only there had been someone to tell her that when she was younger. It's definitely something Bernie's really always needed to hear. Sure people say they like her how she is but it's different when it's phrased this way.

She ends up smiling up at him.]

I'm Bernadetta.

[bravelyathome]

I'm allowed to sew because that's suitable to a noble. But being a tailor... Father never would have allowed that.

[She grows a little quiet after talking about her father. An indication that things involving that relationship are not necessarily positive.]

Oh. All kinds. Sometimes of plants I like. But of creatures I think are really cute too.

[bravelyathome]

I guess if they could give us any idea on how to handle that it would be helpful. Going feral is so...

[She shudders. While she's never actually done it, the idea of it scares her. Losing control and losing yourself in the process. She's got two Bonds so the chances for her are low but being a monster still means it's there.]

Have you ever...?

[Gone feral? Is it even okay to ask that?]

it's my favorite thing. THESE IDIOTS

[silentsavant]

[The dragon gets thrown into one of the looky-loos, who swats him away on reflex. He ricochets and goes splat against a Worse Dragon advertisement on one of the brick businesses outside. The poster is now More Worse and More Dragon than it was before, but only for a second before he slides to the ground, stunned.

Uh, whoops. The onlooker decides now is a good time to book it, and so do her friends. Don't go poking people in the boob like that, Soren. Only the Worst Dragon does that. ...Hang on, give him a moment. He's like a dumbass bird who just struck a window right now. He'll be good in a sec, and hopefully not TOO mad.]

[silentsavant]

(( continued over here! ))

[futhark]

[ Moss, good call. They should position themselves near the curtain and see what happens. The junction however has the flaw of... well, being a junction. There are some other corridors crossing through the larger space — that means the possibility of more surprises coming in

When they reach the cave, Cu stabs the looted spear between the entrances to two tunnels protected by the moss. Both as a mark that could help them navigate and as an anchor for spell he hopes to cast ]

Soren— as a dragon is there some kind of element you're immune to? [ He feels he should know that, if he moves back into memories, back into the dark dungeon— but he doesn't want to go there, and shuts these door close. ]

[yesdoubt]

[Considering what the stand seems to mostly specialise in, Momo looks over the fungi and algae closely as if he's waiting for something to jump out and hit him. There is an algae near the top of the table giving off a faint neon glow that he can't help but point out. It seems to be being sold in bags, with each bag containing a number of individual balls of it.]

Well, I'm not an expert on this kind of food, but that one seems hard to miss! It looks a bit like sweets, but maybe now that I've said that it'll turn out to be like chips or something.

["It's probably a snack" is all he can determine from that packaging - with the bag being only partially transparent, it's even hard to tell if the algae has been dried out or is still wet.]