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

[zewu_jun]

They might have shared the vegetarian meal, but Lan Xichen is happier finding something he thinks Jin Guangyao would like. There's a bit of personal satisfaction in picking out food that suits his Bonded and his new monster needs, even if those needs often make Jin Guangyao uncomfortable. He enjoys their little game, but he also just wants his partner, his friend, to be comfortable again. Maybe things can't go back to the way they were.

Maybe they really don't have to.

"I just want to go home," he says honestly. There has been too much uncertainty in his life since coming to Aefenglom, and Lan Xichen is finally starting to find his own sense of desires now that they've ventured to the strange new city. He still doesn't quite know where his own place might be, but if Wangji still wants him as a brother and Jin Guangyao still cares enough to stay with him when things are this unsure, then maybe it isn't impossible to ask for a place of his own right in the middle. He rests a hand on Jin Guangyao's arm, expression turning more sincere. "If I can spend the rest of the night beside you, then that is all I would want to see."

[petcromancer]

That will do. Any more, and I'd risk getting stopped on my way back into the city.

[He'd just as soon leave these little projects of his undeclared at customs. It saves so much time and red tape.]

[timenace]

[ Active avoidance hasn't really been the problem, but it's a pretty personal issue. It's amazing how you can make friends while still not taking that crucial step towards creating a bond if you don't ask for one.

Or even bring up the fact that you might need one.

It's not as if Momo can do much to help him though, considering he's also a Witch.

The question definitely seems to take Sougo by surprise, his eyes getting a little wider, and more telling his extremely brief response giving absolutely no information one way or the other. ]

Eh?

[turmoiling]

"I think that can be arranged easily," Jin Guangyao replies, looking up with a soft smile. Even if that softness is half a game all on its own, it's one he's been playing for long enough that it's comfortable in its own way, much like settling at his former height when he could, in theory, stand up on that tail to match his Bonded eye-to-eye.

With Jin Guangyao slithering alongside Lan Xichen steps, the two of them meander back towards the residences, with gentle words and banter, the gold ribbons in their hair shifting only slightly in the cavern's breeze.

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie's eyes light up at the suggestion of honey.]

I did have honey once! It's really sweet. I'll have to try that. But right now...let's see what is being sold at the festival.

[As Mikasa straightens up, a series of expressions betrays that Leslie miiight have noticed the change in height. There's mild surprise, followed by a brief burst of excitement as she initially mistakes the change in their relative heights as a sign that maybe Leslie grew instead of Mikasa shrinking.

But she's been through this with another fae before, so before that excitement can burst out, she reminds herself of that and calms down....sort of. She looks back and forth to try to find something to compare her own height against. Seeing a lamp post, she ends up holding a hand up around the top of her head and making a small motion toward the lamppost -- small enough for her to think she's being a little stealthy about this, but large enough that she is not being the least stealthy about it. After a moment, she sags slightly as she realizes that, once again, she has still yet to grow appreciably taller.

She...doesn't seem to realize how obvious her actions are.]

[silentsavant]

[The microdragon's head wobbles as he twists his neck to regard the spinning fae ring that circles closer. He's not too keen on being scooped up like that again, and his lizard brain wants to broadcast that! So he rolls to his belly, stands his ground with a hiss, and flares his wings and the fins on his arms. The tip of his tail erects.

Wow! So big and scary!]

Back! No more hugging!

[getting_better]

That's good to know. I kinda wonder how big it's gonna get? Maybe it'll even grow flowers. Wouldn't that be something!

[ Really, what started out as an odd whim became a source of entertainment. Who knew he had that in him? ]

Oh, remember those two knuckleheads we were with? I was in an evocation class with them a few days ago, they're just as reckless so you might want to watch out. They damn near set half the class on fire, thank god for barrier spells.

[cryptsleeper]

Arrested for moss crimes.

[He gently laughs at his own fucking shitty joke. It isn't funny, Adrian. Nice try.]

[yesdoubt]

[Even the eye widening is telling enough, but the fact that Sougo didn't seem to anticipate that question at all and that he isn't giving what should be a very easy answer one way or another drives it home. Momo's manner becomes much more serious and grave in an instant, because if this is the line they're going down this could be a very big problem.]

You've been here as long as I have, and I was cutting it fine enough getting a Bond last month. [Not mentioning his familiars - he doesn't want to give Sougo an avenue to grab onto for an easy lie.] If answering that question isn't a "yes" for you by now, you know how much danger you're putting yourself and others in, right? No wonder you feel terrible, but you need to find an outlet quickly.

[A backtracked "yes" at this point isn't going to convince him, because half of picking a lie is someone's reflexive reaction in that moment before they can manufacture something else.]

[yesdoubt]

Well, I'm not that in the know about how magic works here either and I'm a Witch, so not knowing the right questions makes sense to me. [It does sound like something that would be hard to phrase, trying to get information about something you don't actually know about. Sounds like a great way to accidentally frustrate people.]

Maybe ask if there's anything magically significant here? I mean, a leyline in the forest and a dragon at that outpost both seem pretty major, it could be another kind of big deal magic thing.

[darkestbefore]

[ She looks a little surprised to have it turned around on her. ]

Well... I confess I haven't found my true Bondmates yet. Although I've been lucky to find some friends who were willing to explore the potions with me while I got a handle on it. They... they might be. But it still feels like I've known them so short a time.

[ In comparison to the strong bonds she'd left behind, she's still struggling to temper her expectations here. ]

[piromare]

( and that means lio can assume... that van has been thinking about it too. in some way. but does he know he's already had some effect on lio??? )

I'm gonna go for now. If I pass by your puca, I'll say hi.

( he won't, but! he'll see sora soon enough. )

it looks like i managed to typo too rofl thanks mobile...

[silentsavant]

I don't need to tell you to watch yourself. But try to stick with those you trust capable of helping you out should you get in a real bind. It would be a shame to lose you like this.

[The deep breaths are a good sign. Soren recognizes that while he hasn't been all that willing to chitchat for the duration of their ride, offering many positive-minimal responses or not elaborating in ways that naturally open the conversation to broader areas, it might help Elliot now if he could guide his thoughts away from the moss.]

You've been here for a while now, haven't you? In Geardagas, I mean.

[glitzandglamour]

[It would be hard to consider that fur grows upon flesh, after all. Mettaton only mentioned it because he was tickled by the sensation he had with this developing body, but the fur would have to be shaved down to show that it's definitely skin underneath it.

Mettaton cants his head as he listens, watching Mikasa grab a bolt of fabric and head for the stall owner. White, huh? He remembers seeing her hard at work at Sew N Sews (while also ignoring the weight of their conversation back then) and thinks about what her skill was back home. A skill of survival, of combat. He sighs.

She doesn't seem terribly upset about it. And he wonders, then, if Mikasa's growing fonder of sewing, now that she has the tranquility to do it. When she returns, his expression is calmer, ears poised pleasantly.]

Well. With so many people willing to help... We'll both be okay, going out into the Wilde. [A nod.] In the meantime, have you been getting more interested in sewing? A blooming sewist... Picking up the needle for fabric, instead of lacerating flesh?

[Mettaton would buy fabric. Just to have it. It's so soft... but he still has to return to Aefenglom to fetch the cunes he stupidly left behind. He has no money on him.]

[lostinshadows]

Okay, okay.

[He playfully tries to nip Sora's finger.]

[weiward]

I used to upset Lan Zhan all the time. I can't imagine you doing it on purpose.

[unlike him. he rubs the side of his nose as he thinks.]

Hmm, what if I did later? Would the offer still stand?

[finesseblade]

[ It's sweet, if a little gross—big worms curling around their smaller baby, clicking their mandibles and outright purring. One clicks at him irritably and Felix decides that's his signal to go.

When worms have better familial relationships than you do... ]

I suppose all that matters is no one got trampled or shredded.

[ He sighs. Glances back at her. ]

Your help was... appreciated. I don't know how I would have brought it back on my own.

[stopfen]

I think you might need to- [Well, they were getting a nice satisfying noise from the stems snapping. She watched for a moment, eventually reaching out. But then he tosses one and she pauses. Neck craning to watch the flower sail through the air.

Then her shoulders hitch for a second. But no, she could not contain the giggle snort that bubbles out. Or the small wheezy laughs that escape even after she covers her mouth. Please do not notice them laughing at you.]

[finesseblade]

[ Good. He's got Hubert's attention. Unfortunately, this is a maneuver he's only had the pleasure of practicing once in his life, so...

Without answering that question, Felix pushes himself up out of the water upon the hull, grabbing for the rudder. When he gets his hand on it, he curls his knees beneath him and hooks them onto the lip of boat, leveraging himself up out of the water and hauling back until the precarious balance of their upside-down vessel shifts. Not enough, but it's a start. ]

I need you, [ he grunts, and he doesn't look at Hubert, because goddess above he's going to hate this— ] to lock your arms around my waist and use your weight to help me right this thing.

[bloodypath]

[That has got to be the stupidest looking thing Hubert has ever seen.]

[But he is, if nothing else, practical. Though the disdain nearly radiates off of him tangibly, he doesn't grouse or growl, instead moving to follow Felix's instructions. Though it takes a moment to line himself up right, with the boat's drifting. Look, he doesn't swim often, alright.]

[His arms circle around Felix's waist—Goddess the odor of wet dog is absolutely disgusting—and pulls.]

[petcromancer]

[DON'T JUDGE HIM FOR HIS GRAND THEFT BOTANY, ADRIAN. FLORAL FELONIES ARE NO JOKE.]

Can't get arrested if I don't get caught. Thus the easily concealable samples. I can hide them in with the flora they freely allow in and out, and what they don't know won't hurt me.

[Hector's moral backbone is basically a wet noodle, shhhhh.]

[timenace]

[ A backtracked yes isn't what he's going to get right now, because Momo's right that Sougo is a danger at the moment. Not just because of the danger of his magic going wrong, but because his emotions are barely contained right now.

The surprise disappears off of his face in an instant, and a look of irritation that Momo probably hasn't come across yet takes its place. Sougo is more than capable of getting angry, but he doesn't usually do it at the drop of a hat like this, and usually his reasons are a lot better than this.

The outlet that Momo means is obviously a Monster to bond with, or at least a familiar to eat up some of his magic, but it's not like Sougo has someone to just walk up to and ask for a Bond for at the moment. ]

If you're worried about being around me then I can leave. I said I would earlier.

[ Well, he said he'd go to another part of the library at least. Regardless, he is now backing away. ]

[unyieldingmarch]

[Aint that the truth.

Edelgard keeps clear, shouldering her axe and watching with amusement as the family unit collects the youngling and begins moving back out of the street.

Strange creatures, but cute.]

I'm sure you would have found a way, Felix. You are nothing if not resourceful.

[A compliment? More likely than you think.]

[usurpers]

[ eren had assumed, or at least guessed that a degree of personal involvement was present and he hadn’t been wrong. an orphan as well— even though he had yet to speak of the loss of his own mother and father. those who knew through his memories were gone, and so had the knowledge gone with them. ]

Only she knew that. [ it was a different situation. it was planned. it wasn’t tragic and the family had the culture to be prepared as well. eren’s voice is quiet, understanding of what is shared. ] Everything ends one day. She at least knew when it would.

[ she probably had all the preparations, all the time in the world to say good bye. ]

She wasn’t stripped from them like your parents were from you.

[cryptsleeper]

[TOO LATE HE'S JUDGING YOUR MORAL BACK BONE AND HAS CONCLUDED IT IS A CHOCOLATE ECLAIR.]

You really need a better set up.