Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

[faileas]

Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

Down, Down, Down The group leaves on the morning of the 16th, a band consisting of Mirrorbound, Theodore and Sowilo from the Coven, and one of the two returned Wilders to lead the way. The latter three will only be present for the first leg of the journey: from the North Gate to the Northern Outpost by teleporter, then a few hours' hike to the site. A tunnel yawns open, fallen rocks built up around it in mounds. Everyone is offered enchanted lanterns to light the way, and their guide takes them perhaps a mile down before he and the pair from the Coven must part ways with the Mirrorbound. The poorly-lit tunnel leads steadily downward. The way is marked by their gracious hosts to be, with arrows drawn in softly-glowing algae painting the walls so there is no mistaking which way to go; a good thing, because the deeper the party goes, the more tunnels branch off of the largest one, twisting and turning into the dark. It takes some hours to reach a familiar cavern lit with algae and glowing crystals, a herd of the velvet wormipedes idly milling about the small lake and stream that led into town in the dream. Much nicer long boats are set up and waiting to take them deeper, along with respectfully quiet Monster guards to steer them. They take a slightly different route from the dream, but before long, they reach the curtain of grayish green moss that dangles down into the water, stretched across the wide tunnel exit like a membrane. It parts on its own as the boats pass, though beware if you are infected by the Cwyld - it will not allow passage, only reach out long, tough tendrils to try and envelop you, the touch of it burning acid-bright where it is harmless for those uninfected. Past the curtain of strange moss, the cavern city opens up before them, vast and spacious, dimly lit with more algae, crystals, and softly glowing orbs of magic. It's like being plunged into an eternal twilight, somehow soft, cast in gentle colors. The boats bypass the markets this time, drifting farther down a branching stream into the city proper, to dock next to stone platforms. The winding streets and flowing canals branch out all around them with no rhyme or reason, the city sprung up around the natural layout of the caverns rather than the other way around. Buildings are carved out of tall stone spires, the windows and doors covered in fluttering silk, many of which are pulled away so that fascinated locals can peer out at the scene unfolding. The Matriarch herself comes to greet the group, ringed at the back by spear-carrying guards, all Monsters. A tall, long-limbed Arachne woman bearing battle scars and stark white hair, she looks perhaps in her 30s, and speaks with a booming, commanding voice, amplified by a charm. As she speaks, ten Wilders are released from silk rope bonds and nudged to join the Mirrorbound; they're a little roughed up, perhaps, and shaken, but none are seriously injured. A few Monsters also make the rounds, placing copper tokens in the hands of ten individuals. "Welcome, travelers! This meeting was foretold and so it has come to pass. During your stay you will be treated as our honored guests. You may come and go as you please, but we ask that you use the same tunnel you entered through; we have not yet re-secured the other entrances from Cwyld nor the tribes. I would hate for danger to befall you while you are under my care." Her smile is wide, her eight eyes bright, and her teeth are very sharp. "We have prepared temporary residences for your use. I hope you will stay for the celebrations. I look forward to meeting with some of you very soon." Notably, she does not mention the surface where from the Mirrorbound came, and those around her do not ask.

I. The City The Mirrorbound receive mixed reactions from the Underground. Some are fascinated by these visitors personally invited by the Matriarch and allowed past the markets; others are wary and suspicious, believing them to be wolves in sheep's clothing. In the city proper, most passing Monsters are armed, but this doesn't seem to be anything new. Still, step cautiously - plenty do not take well to even unknowing offense and will pick a fight, or may see these guests as easy, weak targets to pickpocket or mug in the dark corners of the twisting streets. The guards only step in if things take a turn for the worse or if the fight is very obviously imbalanced - they step in more for Witches being attacked than Monsters, because they feel Witches require protection more. Still, not all are so unscrupulous: more citizens are delighted to talk, even if they still seem skeptical about a whole world up above. Mirrorbound, as guests of the Matriarch, are given nearly free run of the city, allowed to explore such locations as the marketplace, the library, the shops, the schools (the Arena for Monsters and the Academy for Witches), and the tunnels and caverns outside the protective moss barriers. The only places they (and most locals) are expressly barred from are the Matriarch's audience hall, the upper level of the library, and the guards' barracks. a. The Marketplace The marketplace is much larger than previously thought - it rings the entire city, and stalls spill onto the streets of the inner city as well in a lazy sprawl. There are some shops with actual buildings, but they're fewer and more expensive: alchemy and apothecary shops, a couple of restaurants, a weapons shop or two, nice clothing shops. Most, though, are independent merchants who set up and take down their stalls every day and night. Any number of Underground-sourced foods, clothing, weapons, trinkets, and more can be found at the stalls; they barter, or exchange chips of precious metals and gems, but they'll take cune coins with fascination. The marketplaces are the liveliest areas of the city with Monsters and Witches alike, from all walks of life, mingling and sharing gossip and idle talk. Those who lost items to the burrowing hyenas at the Northern Outpost some months ago should keep an eye out: the hyenas are fairly common down here, serving the roles of pets or working dogs for Underground citizens, and a few merchants deal in more interesting goods. The missing items can be found scattered across some stalls, and the merchants will gleefully tell perusers that these things come from the surface, aren't they fascinating? Don't you want to buy? Luckily, it shouldn't be too hard to get your things back. They'll take all manner of interesting trinkets in trade. b. Library The library is bound to be a popular stop. Monsters get some strange looks if they enter the spire just off the courtyard from the Academy, but they aren't barred from entry; most just feel that reading is for Witches. The building is only two levels - one closed off at the top, guards keeping everyone out, and the rest is just one very tall floor ringed with a spiral of platforms and stairs to access the honeycomb-shaped shelves built into the walls. All their books are written on scrolls of silk, and the librarians bark at patrons to be delicate with them, some are very old. If one has endless time, the scrolls can offer a look at life Underground: historical accounts of past Matriarchs, brave warriors and battles against nomadic tribes or hideous beasts, their history as they know it, scrolls on offensive and defensive magic for Witches, fighting techniques for Monsters, information on their unique flora and creatures that can be found outside the city, and even plenty of fiction - sword and sorcery novels all set in the tunnels and the city. It's just a bit difficult to find what, specifically, you're looking for, because if there's any kind of organization, it only makes sense to the deep-dwelling denizens. Maybe make it a team effort! You'll also need some simple translation spells, because their system of writing is quite different to the common system in Aefenglom; even then, it may not be accurate on older scrolls. c. The Guest Villa Those who choose to spend several days in the Underground are given modest accommodations in a tall stone building. These guest chambers boast gentle lighting, wide beds, backless sofas, potted decorative fungi, and stone furniture. It's... cozy, with humble individual rooms and larger common rooms for gathering. The algae grows in delicate patterns across the walls, pulsing in soft colors. They've gone out of their way to provide what comfort they can, but there aren't enough rooms for everyone to have their own - everyone will need to share with one or two others, so choose someone you can get along with.

II. The Tunnels Mirrorbound are not restricted only to the city. There are many entrances to the cavern where it resides, the openings all covered with sheets of that same gray-green moss; some wider tunnels obviously see more use than other, narrower ones, and the footpath of many Underground denizens is easy enough to trace, the stone worn smooth. The path to the velvet wormipede cavern is one of them; they're raised as livestock, all at once food, transportation, and producers of silk and hide for clothing. This is much the same as the dream. Another well-worn tunnel leads upward to an agricultural center, though, and still more lead out into the wild. They're warned, but not hindered, before they leave for anywhere other than the farms or the livestock cavern; dangers abound in the Underground. Those who do much wandering may notice something going on as well; the guards stationed at each tunnel mouth can often be found talking to each other in low voices about an unknown red algae that seems to be growing on the protective moss. It can be found primarily around the lesser-used tunnels so far, starkly bright against the dull green, and this seems to be a point of concern... a. A Botanist's Dream It's a short walk down a wide, inviting tunnel to reach the place where the city grows fungi and underground plants for food and medicine. Large rats and hyenas both are present to keep opportunist creatures and insects from demolishing the carefully-cultivated beds of rock and soil, and small blind fish swim about in the large pool of shallow water, in which grows something like seaweed. One of their primary sources of food, besides bug and rat, are mushrooms of many sorts - all the types that grow in the farms are edible, though some may be an... acquired taste. The Fauns and Witches who tend the beds are happy to offer samples of anything that can be eaten raw; they're most enthusiastic about a type of spherical mushroom whose cap opens up to reveal what tastes and feels like savory cotton candy, and a type of flat fungi that tastes sweet and fizzy and offers a heightened good mood for an hour after. b. The Wild Underground The lesser used tunnels are a different story. A mile out from the city, Cwyld runs in thick black veins through the stone walls, infecting the sparse plants and many creatures that live out there. Careful not to touch. Infected and uninfected creatures both are highly dangerous to explorers, including stone-burrowing moles with wicked teeth and claws that can cut through metal like butter, vicious white wasps that carry lethal venom, and berserker vampire bats that survive on the blood of other animals and people alike. Some infected fungi give off blindingly-bright flashes when disturbed, while others will cause rashes and blisters on contact. Explorers are warned not to touch anything if they can help it. As well, the nomad tribes roam the less-civilized tunnels and caverns. These are small bands of usually Monsters of different types in mixed groups, though some can be found dragging humans along with them. Nearly all of them are some degree of feral, and plenty bear Cwyld infections in different stages of seriousness. They don't stop to ask questions before they'll attack anyone, including each other, in hopes of robbing them blind and leaving them for dead. As vicious and quick as they are, perhaps it's no wonder they value strength in the city?

III. Graduation Day (21st - 23rd) The Underground does not have 'Litha' as Aefenglomites know it, but come the 21st, they do have a major celebration. They simply call it the New Year, or Graduation Day, depending on what festivities are asked about, because the three days serve as both. At this time of year, with more magic in the air, the algae and crystals glow much brighter, cycling naturally through different colors that cast beautiful rainbows across the imposing stone structures. This display is how they mark the start of a new year, and it coincides with the graduation of young Monsters from the Arena and Witches from the Academy. The New Year is a time to celebrate Bonding, partying, and showing off one's skills in the hopes of attracting a new Bondmate or romantic partner. Tensions can also rise high as rivalries are settled, and small brawls in the streets are common; the guards don't interfere, again, unless things get too dangerous. They're content to let citizens work out their own issues, but unfortunately, this means Mirrorbound may get dragged in on occasion! Small fights are also a tried and true tradition to show off one's abilities around this time of year. It serves multiple purposes: attracting a Bondmate, establishing a place in the unspoken hierarchy of the city, and working out problems with others. Monsters are more likely to start brawls than Witches, though it isn't wholly uncommon to bear witness to two rival Witches throwing spells at each other in an alleyway over their grievances. They're more likely to be stopped, as magic can be quite destructive. a. A Matching Pair The un-Bonded should take precautions during the New Year celebrations. These fascinating newcomers are bound to draw the eye of curious locals, and they may put on a violent or flashy show trying to draw your attention in return! The most common way to show that you're already taken during the celebrations is with face-painting: several stands set up around the marketplace with cosmetics and brushes, and two (or three, or more) people painting matching designs on their faces and bodies signify them as a set - either Bonded or intending to Bond. That doesn't mean there won't still be competition for your heart, but it will lessen significantly, especially if you're a Monster-Witch pair already. b. Exhibitions Primarily intended for the graduating classes of Monsters and Witches, the exhibitions are an official stage set for their coming-of-age; this year, however, the Matriarch has decreed that Mirrorbound may participate as well, in the interests of getting to know one another! They're interested to see what these strange travelers can do, especially against some of their own. Mirrorbound are encouraged by excitable locals if they seem reticent, but of course, no one is forced. (Just don't be surprised if you're called a coward for refusing!) At the Arena, a massive sunken ring with stone benches for spectators ringing the whole of it, young Monsters learn combat skills, with and without weapons, and how to harness their unique physiologies in the dangerous world of the Underground. Their yearly exhibition fights take place all through the three days of the New Year, and young Monsters battle each other til first blood to the cheers and jeers of citizens (and more importantly, Witches) come to watch. The longer the battle, the more impressive it is - and Monster Mirrorbound will have no shortage of eager opponents wanting to test their skills against the unknown. Generally, the fights result in bruises, small cuts, and little else, but rivals for the same Witch might take it farther on purpose before they're wrenched away from each other by the teachers. Meanwhile, at the Academy, the tallest stone spire building in the city, young Witches learn magic from a young age. It isn't exactly the same as magic taught at the Coven, but many concepts are similar - barriers, evocation, enchantments meant for weapons or shields, healing, most of the magic they're taught at this younger age is for combat, protection or practical purposes. They only learn more frivolous magics after graduation. Much like their Monster counterparts, they give solo or duet shows of their flashier and more impressive magical skills in the courtyard, with many citizens coming to watch and take stock of the new generation. Mirrorbound Witches may find themselves being cajoled into putting on a show of their own by curious locals wanting to know what kinds of magic are taught elsewhere.

IV. Aefenglom - Litha (21st - 23rd) Meanwhile, for those who have chosen to stay above-ground or those who have left early, Litha comes once more to Aefenglom, bringing with it beautiful pink and purple skies, a far departure from last year's red tint. It has the city in a much cheerier mood for the celebrations. While they know that several Mirrorbound left for a while, they don't seem too aware of the actual mission, and have very little to say on the matter - they'd rather have a nice Litha, after last year's bad omens! Many of the activities from last year return, better than before, including the brothels opening up their doors (showing off all the wonderful new styles in lingerie!), collecting flowers to put under one's pillow in order to dream of future partners, and wandering the hedge mazes that have been magically constructed in certain parts of the city. Seeing off ships happens regularly as well, citizens setting floating candles into the harbor and river to wish them luck. a. Love Boats A new attraction for Litha is being rolled out this year right on the River Temese! Near the gate, an enterprising Faun has set up a few small boats, each just big enough for two and shielded with fine gauzy curtains for privacy. Couples are invited to buy a ride down the river together, assured it will certainly set the mood. Those who have no partners are offered (or cajoled) to be randomly paired with someone, because perhaps it's fate! The boats drift lazily down the river and stop on their own next to a small dock right before they reach the Harbor. Unless you're willing to swim, hopefully you like your boat partner, because you're stuck with them the whole ride. b. Predictive Pools One bathhouse in the Entertainment District has laid an enchantment on one of their semi-public baths for Litha. When two people stand in the water together, bare, it will begin to glow and take on one of a handful of colors that they say will predict the pair's compatibility level! Sexually, romantically? Well, why not both? The only thing is, they've lost the instructions, and cannot seem to remember what color means "most compatible" and what color means "not compatible at all"... As a reminder, all sexual content should be clearly marked in comment headers, or else moved to a comm-locked log or personal inbox! Be good to each other.

Welcome to June's Event Log, What Lies Beneath! The Underground will be open until mid-July at minimum, and possibly longer. Characters can come and go if they're willing to make the trip multiple times. As always, please direct your questions here! The NPC threads will take place here. Aaand, the Action Tracker is right here! Make sure to let us know what your characters have been up to, good and bad, by July 7th, as this will help determine how Mirrorbound-Underground relations might proceed in the future!

Comments

[finesseblade]

[ Felix will give him points for not immediately refusing. Luckily he doesn't have to smell like roses for this to work, nor does Hubert have to like it—with the extra weight hanging on the back of him, the rudder creaks, and then the whole boat shudders and rolls over like a great whale in its death throes, plunging both of them back into the water. She floats considerably lower, being full of water now, but at least she's upright.

Felix dives this time, beneath the boat, and surfaces on the other side, soggy and spluttering. He grabs onto the edge of the boat, holding it steady. ]

I'm shocked you managed to pull that off. Now get back in.

[stopfen]

[Mettaton, please don't bring the fucking tent down on her their heads. They might actually be kicked out of the whole market then.

If...if she'd been in a better mood with him. She might have brought it, said it was for practicing whitework but. Okay, that's a lie, she didn't care enough to lie about it. She'd have just cut it in half and gave him some. But she wasn't really feeling that charitable today.]

I'm not that skilled, magic can easily do all the things I'm good at without any risks. Or is quicker. [There was little reason for her to stick with one job when she couldn't find one where she felt truly at home doing it. Spent too long fighting to suddenly be unable to go out and fight just like that.]

[stopfen]

[Mikasa had always liked sweet things, but honey...It was sweet and it drew in bugs. Bugs her dumb fae brain told her to eat...She wasn't going to mention that part.

Leslie's follow up makes her head slowly turn back around. Blinking at the girl.]

You might have done...Normally it's not noticeable until you get dressed one morning. [And the clothes didn't fit right, it was annoying like that.] It normally happens it bursts too. [Mikasa, that was mainly for boys.] There's still a lot of time for you.

[Unlike captain runt.]

[loverboi]

[ okay, at this point, he can't even be surprised. he shoots the shopkeeper the flattest look. ]

I see what you're onto, buddy. You're just another scammer, aren't you?

[piromare]

Does he, though?

( some people just deserve the purest of kindnesses. perhaps sora is one of them. )

Maybe I should bully you instead.

( and then lio snickers, covering his mouth with a hand. )

[cryptsleeper]

I have issues with many of your methods and your lack of ethics, but I can't deny you're also uniquely suited to the kind of work that solving this sort of situation demands.

These two things can exist together and not be contradictory.

[recklessbelief]

I haven't tried holding onto smaller changes for very long, so I don't know if it'd be a fix like that... [But Akko does furrow her brow in thought to give the idea a little more consideration. Then, plain as day, realization crosses her face.] Ooh! But you could probably get a Witch to enchant something that'd make it go longer with a little less work.

[She bounces a little in place.]

Maybe whoever you're Bonded to could do it? If they're a Witch, I mean.

[No shade or disrespect if he Bonded with another Monster. They just proooobably aren't going to be able to do that kind of magic.]

[loverboi]

[ lance doesn't really want to back down by leaving -- riku has a point there -- but at the same time, this isn't worth it, he doesn't think. he'd rather cut his losses and get away than get himself into trouble again. it'd be even worse if riku got dragged into it, too. ]

We shouldn't have to, but it's not worth it. C'mon.

[ lance turns his back towards the naga and holds up his hand, waving it around dismissively. ]

You go have fun, just count us out of it!

[rollfordiplomacy]

"You are welcome. I shall hope the warning is, ultimately, a pointless one," he says with a return of that playful smile of hers. Going on, this felt like the time to secure some anchor in this city, "if I could be granted a small space to set up an embassy, I would be sure to return often. Your city may not share in the currency of Aefenglom, but I could bring along some Above World goods with each pass as recompense for any rental costs on the space. Along with, of course, my diplomatic skills and," a wink to her, flirtatious and trying to be as cutely cheeky as is possible, "you should get to enjoy seeing my darling face more,"

[stopfen]

Are you going to tell me more about what I'm looking for then? [Because red algae was pretty broad in a dark cave. Even if her eyesight had gotten better. But his questions gets a hum.]

Well if all the places smell like the ley lines, they're probably connected to the ley lines... [Was it stating the obvious? Yes. Was it also said dryly, like she'd expected he'd have already connected that part? Also yes.] Though if they ley lines are underground it makes sense this place and a tree's roots would smell of them... I'd have to go to somewhere underground without one to know for sure.

[It might just be that the open ley line smelled the same as the underground in general. Without an underground that didn't smell of magic she wouldn't know. Though she'd been able to sense the faint trail aboveground as well.]

[proudofme]

[he also stifles a laugh, but it doesn't stop a confused look his way. All too knightly (far too knightly and obviously insincere) he answers snappily to the glance]

A fine evening, sir. [the faun just rolls his eyes at the niceties and keeps walking, before Soren can't contain himself and bursts out laughing. Purposefully, he breaks another flowers from the stem and bounces it in his palm with a gentle toss up and down]

Your turn- [he whispers, conspiratory as he hands it to her] Try and land it on someone's horn! [there's plenty of targets around, after all, and this is a much funnier game than failing at flower crown braiding!]

wanna start wrapping up?

[loverboi]

Wouldn't hurt to ask, right? But first, I'm gonna keep on eating. This stuff is delicious!

[ aaand he's going to go back to stuffing his face. at least he's taking big bites so he can't talk with his mouth full even if he tried.

but after a few more bites, he finally gives himself a break. maybe he should've eaten that a little more slowly -- savor the taste longer, etc. ]

Thanks for this again, man. Seriously, I owe you one!

[loverboi]

Can't speak for others, but for me? Yes.

[ it is SUCH a big distraction. ]

A-Anyway! Don't worry, I'm not gonna touch it, promise.

[bergamotrose]

[The look gets a sly smile.]

Oh, a man's allowed to have a few harmless secrets, right? There is no foul intentions-- I merely am trying to surmount my own weaknesses.

[Somehow, someday, he knew someone would find out about the tattoo he had Caster help him with. As his primary magic source back in his homeland had been fire, finding himself suddenly averse to open flames was disconcerting.]

But, I'm interested in anything and everything. Whatever you wish to talk about.

[petcromancer]

That's true.

[Hector's no stranger to being used. His usefulness has kept him alive just as surely as it's put him at risk.]

But I doubt the local general store sells luggage of the type. My sewing's not great, so it'll take me some time to make something appropriate.

[silentsavant]

[ look soren would love to walk in silence but he's got a thread to participate in!!! and also a witch he is curious about and is trying to pretend they have even a little bit of rapport together... He listens well, but as he senses her discomfort, he lets her speak without his eye contact upon her. His directness probably made her uncomfortable as well. A princess having to adjust to life as a commoner wouldn't be easy on top of everything else, but Soren holds no sympathy for the idea. Just an understanding based on what typically constitutes the lives of royalty. But it could also be freeing, in a way. ]

I see. That answers my question. [ It's only fair and reasonable that he gives her information about himself in exchange, so he considers the basics. ] As for me... Before all of this, I was a mercenary. I was the staff officer of the company, but I still entered battle as a mage. [ a disappointed half-sigh. ] As you can see, magic is no longer one of my fortes. But just because I can't practice doesn't mean I don't find value in studying it, though. I take odd jobs like yourself.

[ He's rather clipped and impersonal himself. ]

[glitzandglamour]

[If he rolled a 1, the tent would be coming down. A 3 is just... mediocre bad.

Mettaton still shakes his head at her, mood simmering back into something a little softer, and he smiles at her.]

There were a lot of people who simply wanted to do it for the sake of helping me out. They told me they were going out there anyway... And wouldn't mind. I don't see why people wouldn't want to help you just the same.

[There is, of course, the caveat that Mettaton was in dire need, and anyone could see that: he was a metal Puca weak to his own body, and there was no getting around that without some help. Already weakened by being brought to Geardagas at all, there was no way he could go out into the Wilde... and Mirrorbound were sympathetic to that. But Mettaton doesn't imagine people would be so reluctant to help Mikasa, either.

Nonetheless, they appear to be safe from Naga and Turnskin. Mettaton peeks around the side of the tent.]

Well, darling. I think we lost them! Thanks to your quick thinking. [He gives her a wink.] Are you going to keep shopping? I'd join you... if I hadn't left my money back in Aefenglom. Ha, ha.

sure!

[yesdoubt]

[Momo makes pretty short work of his own food, because he's an energetic and athletic type and that also means being hungry a lot. Yuki's roasted him for eating anything he's given before.]

It's no problem. Though maybe I'll call in a sneaky favour sometime in future! [Momo winks cheerily. He does like to keep some favours in his field out of force of habit, though here it's not as useful as it was in the web of the entertainment industry back home. But he can at least maybe make a silly request sometime.]

[stopfen]

[His flinch...Makes her flinch, foot shifting back a little. Antenna giving a small flicker. Then she frowns.]

That's not fine... [It's hypocritical coming from her, someone who'd dismiss her own health. But she'd always put others' health first.] Let me look. [And she's reaching again.]

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard nods, considering.]</small< Perhaps it's time to refine the skill. I'm sure you'll manage.

[darkcharge]

I mean you could bully me. [ A grin. ] But I guarantee that it isn't as satisfying in the end.

[ Because Sora gets all flustered and his cheeks putt out like a chipmunk. ]

[timenace]

[ It's a reasonable conclusion to draw to what he's said, but Sougo has never once in his life been asked out, much less had anyone prior to this ask him for some kind of life-bond deal. His eyebrows raise as it takes him a second to process what she's asking. ]

Eh? Ah- No, nothing like that...

[ He frowns to himself now. ]

Maybe I do just get angry over things like that then?

[ Though it still doesn't seem like something that would really bother him before now. Though her comment seems a little off from how he's feeling, there's some relief in knowing someone else is feeling strange about being underground like this. Sougo crosses his arms, and it's his turn to tilt his head just slightly. ]

Like Deja vu?

[finesseblade]

Ah.

[ As though no more needs to be said than that. Understanding passes over his face, and then his mouth twists into a grimace. ]

Your Shinra sounds no different from the Church of Seiros of my world. Our children are trained to be knights from the time they can stand on their own two feet.

...That would have been my path, as well. But I didn't want to die like my brother.

[ And so he struck his own path. Felix wonders, had he chosen differently, would he have grown into the same terrifying swordsman as his companion?

...Probably better not to let him down with the truth about the Jenova genes. ]

Was it worth it, to gain such inhuman strength as yours?

[finesseblade]

...I thought we were going the right way?

[ But no, they're at a dead end, and Felix draws up short in alarm at the wall of shrubbery blocking his path. His ears swivel around at the sound of giggling, of rattling, and he turns to find that the path behind them has closed off as well. ]

Wait, what? We're trapped.

[ Beneath the sound of rattling, there's what sounds like the faint ticking of a clock, almost imperceptible. He looks closer, and the petals on the flowers are down to only two.

...Only one. ]

Something's wrong.

[silentsavant]

[sorens a mercenary, juza, hes more of a ruffian than you...

It does reassure him just a little, but at the same time, his heart skips to hear that. He almost has to fight himself to believe he really means that and isn't just trying to be polite. Soren tries to think with that big brain of his, but when it comes to something like his own preferences, he completely blanks. Not to mention, the Underground has some... interesting choices for cuisine, like bugs. Soren rises back up to his full height.]

Nothing really comes to mind... I'm not a picky eater. Bitter, sweet, spicy... It doesn't matter much to me. It might be better to try aiming for something that you like.