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

[silentsavant]

If I am, I haven't discovered it.

[ The nature of his own has been difficult to pin down. He keeps speaking in a hushed tone, all senses peeled for the oncoming fight as he takes out the vials of temporary bonding potion. Now is a good chance. He hands one to Cu; being linked up like this would only improve things. ]

Strengths, weaknesses... It almost seems as though I have none. Well, save for the one weakness you are privy to.

[ Lightning-based magic. He's not sure if that has to do with his element or his newly manifested laguz blood, though. If anyone should know about it, he'd rather it be an ally, someone he intends to Bond to for good. He'll drink his potion whenever Cu is ready. ]

Does that get in the way of your attack strategy? If so, perhaps using a suitable abjuration spell on me might suffice instead.

[yesdoubt]

That's fair. [If she doesn't want to risk it with the iron allergy, then it's up to her in the end. Honestly, considering what he's heard about obsidian, it's probably the better option anyway.

He's not completely sure what she means about the cave and the tree stuff, but the place the Witches had to clean certainly rings a bell, and his brow furrows curiously.]

You mean that corrupted leyline? Do you think it's the infection you're picking up on or...I guess if it was around the leyline there'd be ambient magic, maybe?

[He's still honestly not that clued in on how leylines work, but he does know that they're supposed to be what lets magic flow and so that's his other assumption if it wasn't the Cwyld she was smelling.]

[yesdoubt]

I mean, there's plenty of lurkers eying us off like we're good thieving targets, I dunno that anyone would want to be letting their guard down entirely. [Momo jerks a thumb back towards one of the alleyways out of the market, his cheerful air unfazed. He travels enough for work that he's used to the kind of problems you can run into if you look too much like a tourist, especially a rich tourist.

When Dorchacht comes up, Momo offers a more grounded smile, showing his long canines. Considering he'd gotten vampire quips back home where they don't exist, it figures that he wouldn't always be taken as a Witch on sight.] Yeah, I am. I've heard bits and pieces about Dorchacht, this is peanuts compared to the actual messed-up stuff that happened there. I'll take it just being kind of overwhelming having all the Monsters here trying to hit on me the second I'm not with another Monster already.

that was a player typo but I'll roll with it

[fiddlestick]

Huh?

[Elliot's eyes go very very wide]

W-What?! No! The opposite, I misspoke! I definitely DON'T want to be sacrificed!

[lostinshadows]

Lavi seems to be in thought about it.

Arena and Academy. Not too different from the surface, he thinks.

"How often do you hold those exhibition matches?" Not that he's interested, but he does wonder how it would go. Since it's also the place where she killed the previous Matriarch, he thinks there might be something a little more "official" or if it was a special kind of event that time.

[lostinshadows]

Promise.

[He pats his head.

Don't worry so much, Sora.]

[towards_okeanos]

Oh no! Not at all! Quite the contrary! I'd love to!

[Iskandar grins. He wouldn't exactly call himself cute but then he won't argue with the artist either.]

I had sculptures made of myself but never a doll. That would be wonderful!

[Nothing like anything he saw before. He loves the idea.]

[futhark]

[ What element not to use is also a piece of important information. Even with spells granting resistance, it's still a gamble how much it would offset the danger. Dragons are unique how their natural affinities work, and where they lie. Ciarán is both poisonous and immune to the toxins. Emiya is blessed by fire and warmth, but cold and water can be disastrous to him. So what stands on the other side of the susceptibility to electricity? Perhaps one day Sorenwill learn.

Cú takes the offered and drinks all of its content in one swig. The magic contained in the potions seeking the other one, linking them to each other. Becoming aware of Soren's presence, like everything is falling into place. A familiarity since it's not the first time they've done it.

Testing, testing... but they have different worries right now too, the wall of fire must have burned down by now and they must be ready for the continuation of the fight. He picks up a few runestones out of a pouch and hands them to Soren. Saying a word of power, activating them. ] Hold onto these. They will make you immune to fire. I'll start setting up the spell.

[ For an hour, or so. Then they will turn to dust, but for times like these, when instant spells trumps chanting them they come in handy. His attention returns to the spear he wants to use as an anchor for the spell. ]

[piromare]

Even if you didn't want them, do you like having them now?

( it's a bit of a loaded question but he's curious! )

I never really had the chance to make friends. I was too busy watching over everyone else.

[piromare]

( he's pretty sure that van would explode into pieces hearing that from sora. but then again... )

I feel the same way. ( because they're friends. why wouldn't he want the best for van? ) Even though he's some kind of darkness, it doesn't mean he can't find happiness.

( lio smiles, looking down. )

Let's do our best to support him.

[lostinshadows]

[Doubt.]

You've a point there. They're a mystery to us just as the people on the surface are.

[No matter how long anyone has been here in this world honestly.]

[oathkeeper]

[Impressive. It's almost like watching something out of a movie itself. It's right now that Sora really notices just how much Kairi has grown up lately, taking charge like the princess she really is. Not just letting anyone step all over her. Sora wouldn't have been able to do bargaining like this if his life depended on it.]

Alright, fine! Payment now! Here.

[He gives Kairi a quick smile and a proud wink before he digs into his pocket and pulls out the money needed to purchase it. Sora can afford it now and he still intends to buy it for Kairi. He hands the money over.]

We'll be sure to tell people about your booth too. If that helps.

[Free exposure??]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora snickers some more. It's nice to get some fun and delight out of her. She seems like she needs it. Just a little break from all this heavy political stuff.]

If they dangle carrot cake in front of me? I'll be done for.

[Okay! He'll play into that stereotype!]

Then you'll have to come save me, okay? Just put everyone to sleep with your magic!

[oathkeeper]

Huh, that's a good way to see it.

[Sora nods.]

I hope all the proceedings are okay, then. I really do wanna get to know this place a little better. Maybe they aren't so bad just like you said.

[Well except for those two doofuses from before...]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora is going to worry about his friends! So he points a finger at Lavi's face.]

Okay! Well- You better! Because we're friends and friends don't let friends go feral again. Okay?

[fabrications]

[ Huh, did stating the obvious upset him that much...?

Well, Akechi only looks amused as the negotiations begin. And while it's not in his nature to be altruistic, he does hold up a hand at the offer of money. ]

That's not necessary. If you're willing to share anything interesting you come across, I'm willing to call it even.

[ He might be here, but doesn't really want to shuffle through this confusing mess of a library unless he has to. ]

[loverboi]

He doesn't need to be my Bonded to stick up for me, buddy.

[ lance stands behind riku, but not too far behind. he's ready to throw down with the naga if he needs to. he hopes that the naga won't do anything to hurt either of them, but riku especially.

lance reaches to tug at the hem of riku's top in the direction away from the arena. it's his signal that they'd better get out of here. ]

You've got plenty of other people to ask, so we'll just be on our way.

[darkcharge]

[ Sometimes he does wonder how he must come across to people. Naive? Childish? It doesn't really bother him of course. Facts are facts. Vanitas hasn't had a chance to live. ]

It's just shaping a life in general, I think.

[darkcharge]

It... Isn't like I thought it would be.

[ Mostly because he had believed that he would need to become someone - some thing - that he is not. That Vanitas would have to be like one of the guardians of Light. He had aslo thought that having people would make him weaker and more vulnerable.

In a way that is true, but that's only because he has the capacity to care now. And it hasn't changed who he is, really. Vanitas still loathes people.

Individuals aren't people. ]

So then this must be a bit of a relief for you.

[quintessent]

[Sounds like Jin just got a leg up on adjusting to his monster transformation.

Her gaze flickers down and behind them to his tail when he mentions how difficult it had been. They were fortunate, in her house, that both Keith and Lance’s transformations were minimal, comparatively.]

A vampire. I was not familiar with the history of the creatures when we first arrived. [She’s still learning,] It’s been an… adjustment, for both of us.

[Here she rubs a spot on her neck – there’s no lingering scars or marks that would make it obvious she’s started becoming a regular blood donor for him, but she was acutely aware of where he would feed from, and the memory of his mouth on her neck made her cheeks warm up a little.]

[stopfen]

It's a pain in the ass. I burnt myself trying to cook a few weeks ago... [He'd know of her issues better than anyone. From his own experiance. And that he'd seen how she'd reacted to being burnt when he'd held her back, how that wound had remained. The imprint of his clawed fingers in her supposedly solid chitin. Melting through it until she'd moulted.

She didn't take her eyes off the silk she was examining. Just plain white compared to the royal blue he was looking at, giving him a roll of her shoulders in response.] And I'm a fae. I can't out to areas that haven't been cleared unless I'm with a large group.

[She'd been out twice. The expedition when she'd first arrived and the trips to the outpost near the tree. Both times she'd had to take a support role. Her methods of fighting, her new weaknesses...They didn't lend themselves well to this place. She couldn't punch an infected creature, and no matter how quickly she could move it was impossible to dodge the blood splatter.] How did you get them if they're hard to get?

[freeing]

[ It was curious. Dany offered many things, but she feels a bit of a novelty here. Not quite as coveted as some item or relic, but it was... different. Neither wary or welcomed – merely a lingering curiosity. It was almost too relaxing. ]

I wish to know what they offer us in return. [ Answers: it's clear what kind she seeks most. To the mirrors, to the plague. ] It's different, to me. This is more than just difficult cultures – this is a completely different way of living. I had just begun getting use to how Aefenglom runs their city and now...

[ A frustrated sigh of relief follows. ]

[stopfen]

No. [It's firm. Leaving no room for argument.] I know how to tell what's Cywd and want isn't already. It's not that. It's...[Really hard to describe. She'd been using scent because some of it was that. She'd certainly noticed those things more since growing her antenna. But there'd been other things she'd picked up on, like how warm some directions felt compared to others.

There's no word that really fit what she got from being near the cave walls though. It was warm and comforting in a way she hadn't felt since she was a child. All those years ago when she didn't know how the world could be. Home. Even though she'd never been to these places.

So she shrugs. Not giving a word for it.]

When I first started changing, someone told me that fae could sense magic...They're gone now, so I've not been able to ask them about it.

[usurpers]

[ she at least . . . has the open mind to want to understand. eren’s arm doesn’t retreat, sitting there, then with a nod, he takes a seat, lowers his voice some tones quieter to nearly an indoor mutter. ]

I grew up in a place where people didn’t live long. [ she didn’t need to know why, unless curiosity got the best of her enough to ask. other than that, eren wouldn’t add. perhaps only this: ] The military would accept kids if they were twelve because there weren’t enough adults. We’d train for three years until we were “ready”.

[ there’s a special emphasis on the “ready” because they were hardly. a mix of luck and fate was what got them so far. ]

The people here, I’m sure there’re other ways. Offering plants. Food. Animals. But they want to give back their way, when they’ve lived for so long . . . [ hm, ] I know people who would’ve envied them.

[ it hadn’t been about cutting something beautiful short. it was about tying a wonderful bow around something already complete. ]

They’re returning the time that moss gave them on their own time.

[freeing]

Once before. I was welcomed as a guest to a city when we desperately needed it... unfortunately, I was naive enough and stubborn to look at it as some refreshing change of pace. ... It was a ruse to try and steal my dragons.

[ It feels so long ago, but – there was something fresher on her mind. Something Percy knew as well. ]

I suppose I wonder how often we will run into cities so different from our own and be presented with challenge. Aefenglom, Dorchacht... It has been almost a year and I still feel as an outsider.