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

[bloodwit]

Close. I'm seeking for a potential Bonded for my roommate.

[ ... not to say he's off the market when it comes to witches, but. well. ]

[ the second part -- that's attention grabbing, certainly. ]

How were you able to do that? Were you born with that ability? The creature I know closest to having that capability would be the Moon Phoenix.

[bloodwit]

You're welcome. But, no matter the effort, I just hope that I'm successful.

looks perfect!!

[bloodwit]

[ she may as well had been walking with a marquee overhead - a witch presumebly offering her healing abilities to monsters in need? viren's yet unaware of her purpose nearer to the arena, but he could imagine that would make her a beacon. he sports a minute cut beneath an eye, a deeper wound to his tail, perhaps miscellaneous bruises -- yet, nothing that seems to cause him inconvenience.

it's takes him a second before recognition hits, also - perhaps half as long. royalty tends to stick in his mind. with a slow arch of an eyebrow, ]

Allura. [ an acknowledging nod. ] "Princess" Allura, if you would prefer.

[ but he would have her confirm that aloud. ]

While you're not an unwelcome sight, it does — [ now he's more contemplative of his words. "out of place" would be an apt description, yes. ] —surprise me to see you, here. Enjoying the fights?

[bloodwit]

[ none of these instincts aint wrong. ]

Yes. Why would I be, indeed?

Please, Soren. I want to read a carefully considered, educated guess.

[turmoiling]

What can I do? [He shrugs with apparent good grace, a small laugh.] He was hoping for a good fight, but I'm afraid my own talents lie elsewhere. Perhaps in time they'll understand that not all Monsters from above are such skilled warriors.

[But he can remember the Arachne's face. A pleasant introduction between Mirrorbound and the citizens of this city is hardly a good time for someone to turn up stabbed in the back. That's fine. He's been called worse, and he can wait.

One look is about all it takes for Iskandar too, to be honest.]

And that clearly some Witches are up to the task. Have you had a chance to test your own strength at all?

[bloodwit]

[ viren follows hector's gaze, shifting between the two. the confusion is evident for just a moment longer, before one can probably see the lightbulb flicker on through his expression. ah.

he's done this before. circumstances were a bit -- different, however. ]

[ his lip curls, throwing a fangy grimace at the hovering witch. ]

Have you told him to mind his own business, yet?

[ sorry, hector. it's an unfortunate side-effect of having been intently focused on his shopping endeavor to have missed prior exchanges, and also thinking most people around himself incapable of straightforwardly solving their problems. ]

Mikasa Ackerman | Attack on Titan | OTA

[stopfen]

Underground
a.Hitting the books
[Mikasa's first visit to the library really didn't last long. She'd asked a librarian where something would be, but that doesn't help. For a good few minutes, the fae could be found frowning at the shelf. Eventually, she gives up, just grabs a scroll at random. Unroll it and-

Blinks a few times in quick succession. Wuh? Then she frowns. Slowly rolls the scroll back up, checking another, then turning to look for someone. Just going to offer them the scrolls. ]

Can you read these?

[... Only if they had a translation spell. The first one she'd grabbed and offered was on the husbandry of velvet wormipedes .

Or maybe they find her much later once she's gotten a temporary translation charm. It wasn't perfect, there was the occasional pause as she squinted at a word, quietly mumbling the sentence out loud to puzzle it out. But if one waited long enough they'd notice her wavering, head dipping, and eventually, there's a loud thud as her head hits the table. She quickly jolts back up, flushing a little as she looked around. ]

b. Farmers' life
[The fae had little interest in running headfirst into danger. But the local farms were of interest to her. Plants that could grow so far underground... She's a little disappointed to find it's mostly reeds that grew in the water and mushrooms. Mikasa wasn't a fussy eater by any means, but that seemed so limited.

Something one of the older, local witches takes offense to it, muttering and storming over with a slate of various mushrooms on forcing one of the mirrorbound to hold it.

It takes an awkward silent staredown but eventually, the fae relents. It was just mushroom, there was no harm in eating it. The exoskeleton covered hand reaches out to pick a piece, oddly fluffy for a mushroom, then the fae frowns, antenna flicking. Reaching over to almost poking the food and her head tilts. Then it tilts the other way. The hesitation gets an angry growl from the old witch, so the fae pops it into her mouth...then her face goes on a journey. Considering it, nah, shrooms shouldn't taste like that, however - ]

It's sweet...

[???

Or maybe they're catching her petting the wormipedes or starting the trek back through the tunnel to the city. ]

c. Arena
Oh, I'm up.

[The whole looking impressive for bonding prospects didn't mean much to the fae. Even if she'd gone feral and the Coven witches had told her to find another bond, she had no interest in searching. Especially not here.

But with there being more combat-oriented fae here than the city. There was more gear suited for her to use. It wasn't her 3dmg, and it had taken some wheeling and dealing, but she'd gotten two sharp, black blades. The obsidian gleaming in the slight light as she checked them.

Then it's one last roll of the shoulders, loosen then up as she walks out to see who she's fighting... ]

Litha - gift hunt potential nsfw jokes later
[There's a loud bark of laughter from one market stall that had a fae hovering (not literally, she had no wings) browsing the wares. The laugh didn't come from the fae, she was too busy pursuing her lips as she examined the wines. Instead, it came from the large bull faun sat behind the counter on a stool that was much too small. ]

Don't worry 'bout it going off. My stuff gets better if you save it for a special day. [The comment gets a small nod from the fae, her antenna splaying out. ]

There's so many types. I'm not sure what to get for him.

[What a predicament. The faun's head suddenly swings up, horns almost going through the top of the stall as he notices the newcomer. The fae slowly turns as well as he crossed his arms.
]

This little lady- [That gets a chitter from said fae. ] is looking for a gift for a friend. You wanna help her out? [Could you say now to the large, black compound eyes peering at them? Those with a keen sense of smell might notice that the fae had already tried taste testing herself. ]

Wildcard
[If you want to do something else just let me know.]

Closed - For Soren (TDP)

[stopfen]

[The fae had had less than a glass of wine. Only a small sample sips to try and find one Jean might like. It had been a dumb thought, one the festive mood had fed until the fae had gotten absorbed in her task. Even if the chances of seeing her comrade was slim. But then she'd found a gift, then fallen into other things. Like flower crowns.

They were simple. She'd bad them often enough that she could easily make one while drunk... Though some areas were neater and better filled than others. Once she'd gotten a few made it was time to give them out. They were to give them to people they knew, weren't they? So she wandered, then paused for a second spotting the back of a familiar head.

Then she's running, with a surprising amount of grace for someone who just seconds before had been slowly waddling. It only takes another second for her fling the lopsided daisy crown at full speed at the back of Soren's head. Or the side of it if he'd started to turn. ]

a

[bloodwit]

[ viren offers momo a glance as he sidles up to his side for a chat; he recognizes the man, yes, but it had been some time since they've exchanged a few words. for the most part, he keeps his sight focused elsewhere (there is a healthy selection of unknown items available for purchase, after all), yet the inquiry warrants his attention. ]

It certainly raises a few questions questions, hm?

[ he remarks, almost nonchalant in that as he browses a stall's wares. and, tone preemptively unimpressed (someone, mayhaps, is a bit (a lot) salty he hadn't been presented with a token), ]

Hopefully, whoever's been granted the Matriarch's time will make productive use of it.

[trouvaille]

Stranger things have happened.

b

[bloodwit]

[ everytime viren turns back around, this girl's putting something in her mouth. viren squints tiredly at her, waiting. he hasn't an opinion on the mushrooms, though admittedly does have several stuffed into his pockets and out of sight. another time.

once her taste journey has concluded, ]

Mikasa.

[ comes his greeting; he's been standing there, so his presence hopefully isn't a surprise. it's an expectant tone - well? is she done, here? ]

[fiddlestick]

That's true...are you good at bluffing?

[princessascended]

I've got the one with the sword.

[Swords she knows how to fight against. The morning star... well, the closest she ever came to fighting something like that was Saix, and everyone knows how that ended up. Besides it's not really that similar anyway.

So assuming Sora can handle one of these guys now that he's got his Keyblade out, she whirls at the one she picked out, slashing at his midsection in a crescent-like stroke. She expects to be blocked, and almost hopes she is, considering Oathkeeper has the sharpening enchantment applied to it.

Is it sharp enough to damage the sword? Well, that probably depends on how well-made the weapon is. She'll just have to find out.]

[darkcharge]

What do you mean they're rich?

[ He hasn't tried them himself. Rather, Vanitas is just looking at them. They don't look entirely appealing. Why would people want to eat something that feeds on dead things? ]

[oathkeeper]

[If it helps Sora feels really good to be wearing the flower crown. It's an adorable gift that Vanitas got for him and that's not something he's going to under-appreciate. Vanitas tends to like gestures more than saying things but he sort of has a feeling that Vanitas is pleased with him wearing it.

The blue eyes... That's just an extra treat and one that makes Sora's heart feel so content. He can feel more like himself tonight and that's special.

His ears bounce and he steps closer to lean forward and kiss Vanitas on the cheek in thanks.]

Thanks, Vanitas. [He pulls back and laces their hands together.] Now we can go.

time for reunion~!

[inlikethebrume]

[Her reasoning for going into the hedge maze is very simple: any means where there isn't a crowd is a good way to get the hell out of the place. How many times does she have to tell someone 'I do not want to be here' to get it through their heads before she feels angry about not being heard? She just wants to go somewhere that isn't going to try and force the damn emotion down her throat because all that will accomplish is making her bitter in the end. Mira rather keep something good about love even if she isn't feeling it right now.

The one who dragged her here is lucky she didn't use any magic on them otherwise the story would be very different.

The maze is actually a bit quieter than the crowds, a pleasant (although small) reprieve from the pressure and buzz of the locals but she feels like she cannot slow down otherwise she'll get snared somehow, too fast because she has run into someone without watching. She's about to quickly shout an apology before sprinting but that voice makes her stop.

A very familiar voice.

It couldn't be...

The dark knight turns to see who is addressing her as hazel catches onto aurum, her breath catches in her throat while her blood runs cold. Her back hits the bushes as she looks up at him in shock because it's impossible for him to be here.]

Hades.

[It just tumbles out her mouth as she is brought back to their last conversations: all the hurt and pain coming back. There was a reason why she took that apartment office and mostly stayed there except to sleep; how could she do anything with that tension hanging over her head, feeling like she wasn't wanted in her own house. It still stings and the only reason why she hasn't run off for good is because of Vanitas and Irhya. She thought she was slowly starting to come to grips with it but self-isolating wasn't enough she guesses.

Damn you Hydaelyn. Next time she sees you, she will be more than happy to smash your crystal for bringing this on her. Out of all the irony to happen and during this so-called festival of love. Damn it too.]

[finesseblade]

[ There's something to be said in favor of animal instinct here—even Felix finds himself intimidated by the sheer size of her wingspan on the best of days, and right now it seems to have the same effect on his disgruntled opponent. Felix watches his pupils dilate with fear, watches his heel scrape the ground half a step back from her, and knows before he mutters some excuse and lopes off for the exit that she's managed to back him off.

He doesn't know whether to feel grateful for the help, or insulted she thought he couldn't handle it.

Felix touches the small of her back briefly to get her attention, indicating their own exit this side of the arena. He thinks they've overstayed their welcome, and the referees will want to hurry onto the next match. ]

I didn't realize you were watching, [ he mutters, suddenly and irrationally more concerned about that than his pounding skull or the eyes in the stands still watching them. ] I had it under control. One wrong step and I would've gutted him, easily.

[darkcharge]

[ Sora is right about that. Vanitas is more prone to gestures and actions than he is words. Words are difficult when it comes to things like this. Speaking them into existence creates some sort of permanence. It's harder to take them back and Vanitas isn't really someone who says something he doesn't mean.

But he likes the fact Sora is clearly happy. It makes his ears burn in a pleasant way, both embarrassed and pleased. This only increases the moment that Sora kisses his cheek. ]

Yeah... Now we can go.

[ Just going to... Hold out his hand. ]

[strongspirited]

[Sypha doesn't seem to be stirred by his presence. She just lays there, gently snoring, and punctuating the sound with an occasional noise that sounds like deforesting the Carpathians.

He will get to live the dream.]

U-A

[weiward]

[that moss has been down here for a long time. it's not going anywhere in the next few minutes. that said, wei wuxian won't watch him suffer for too long after one of his long black rabbit ears catches the sound of a familiar voice. he chuckles into his hand before jogging over, a companionable arm sliding around hector's shoulders.

he smiles, watching the juggling witch for a moment before pointing to them.]

I think this one really likes you.

[you did say any mirrorbound.]

[finesseblade]

[ There's some unintelligible cursing as Felix untangles himself from the gauzy curtains and whips around, staring at Hubert like someone just tossed a basket of live adders into his boat. And they might as well have. On second thought, he thinks he'd prefer the merrow, and he starts to bark as much at the attendant—but the boat gives a dangerous shudder as the attendant poles them off the loading area and sets them adrift, effectively cutting off that method of escape.

His fingers curl white-knuckled around the edge of the boat. Oh, hell no. ]

I'm delighted to see you too, Hubert, [ Felix snaps, forcing himself to turn back around by inches to keep an eye on his new boating partner. At least he didn't leave the house without his blades—he never does. His eyes flick down to the package, nostrils flaring, but nothing about it stinks of threat, so inevitably his gaze trails back up to the. The flowers.

He stares for a solid ten seconds, then snorts derisively. ]

What the hell happened to you? That's more color than I've seen you wear... ever. It doesn't suit you.

[arturiarex]

[ Saber watches the turnskin go with a little 'huff' of exhaled breath and a slow closing of her eyes. She takes a deep breath and then turns to walk with Felix, wings folding back in against her back. She could probably break bones with those if she hit someone hard enough. Like a swan. The touch draws her attention and she exits the arena with him. ]

I didn't know you would be competing. [ She's honest about that, she just wanted to watch and see what happened. ]

And I don't doubt you could have, but I don't think you would want to kill someone over an argument like that. And I don't think it would do us any good to kill people who are meant to be our hosts, either.

III

[bravelyathome]

[Why oh why did she decide to explore? This was a stupid idea! Bernadetta is regretting everything right now as her Fae wings keep her fluttering off the ground, her bow clutched tight in her hand. She really just wants to go back home, dive back against Sylvain and read novels until she passes out. Or against Petra. Either of them would be so safe.

Swallowing, she licks her lips but hears the man curse. It's enough time for her to get an arrow ready as she aims.

Come on, Bernie. You can do this!

She hopes.]

I...I'm ready!

[She definitely doesn't sound ready. Time will tell if she is.]

[finesseblade]

[ He is, indeed, pointing the very same blade at her that she gifted him some months ago—but once recognition sweeps over his face, he lowers his weapon a fraction of an inch, blinking in the sudden dull light of Aymr. ]

Oh. It's just you.

[ Just you, as though that fact shouldn't be more cause for alarm. By this point, he doesn't think it is, so after a moment longer he turns his blade back and sheathes it once more. No point in waving it around in these cramped passages unless there's a real threat upon them. Still frowning, but he's not like to stab her.

Presumably, she's out here for half the same reasons he is—reconnaissance in a new place like this is valuable. ]

It reeks of Cwyld down here, [ he mutters, because he feels like she should know. ] They're no safer than Aefenglom—just more isolated.

iii

[sneaksweet]

[Wait no, he was just looking longingly at a cake. He definitely didn't want to end up on a boat, and he looks panicked as he tries to convince the attendant that he doesn't want to be on the ride.


His stats are clearly not in persuasion, as he gets cheerfully ignored.

At least it's somebody familiar, but at the same time it's Viren.]

... We don't gotta talk about this.