Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

[faileas]

Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments

[bloodwit]

You also have AT LEAST SOME hope for this, then.

[bloodwit]

[ wow. viren's heard a few jabs at his age, here, but somehow the nonchalance in which that's been said rockets it up to the top of the insolence list. ]

[ the frown deepens. ]

It was an illusion of fluttering butterflies, not as if you'd launched a fireball at me.

[ aka, yes, he's fine. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Hey, her questions aren't anything weirdly invasive so far, and even then he'd probably answer them all the same. The curiosity is fine for now.]

With casting spells there isn't, but... [His vents hum, pausing for a beat] I suppose if there's a difference I could think of is that the magic of this world disrupts some of my systems and installed techs. I don't think organics have anything in their body not working properly or causing problems?

[Fortunately nothing major stops working or glitching out, but it's annoying unable to scan things without it bugging. He did lose his entire empath powers, though...]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora can see all the people getting paired up together too and Sora is kind of glad he didn't wander this way on his own. He might have gotten roped into a love boat ride with someone he doesn't know!

He can't help the little excited bounce he has in his step, though. As they're escorted to their own boat Sora can't help looking at Vanitas with a nudge.]

You sure you wanna be seen getting on this ride with me?

[He's only teasing. But gotta keep Vanitas' Bad Boy look in check.]

[darkcharge]

[ Yeah Vanitas wouldn't have wanted for Sora to go with anyone else either. It would have definitely have set him off. Since that's not the case though, it's fine. Van doesn't look too annoyed by Sora's bouncy nature. He is standing there with his arms over his chest while they wait.

When nudged, Vanitas blinks. It's meant to be teasing. However his response is not. ]

Obviously. You're mine and I don't want anyone to get the idea you're not already spoken for.

[ See? Still Bad Boy. With that said, he slips into the waiting boat! ]

2a

[sneaksweet]

[Juza's not interested in fighting most of the time, despite what his track record is. Still, it's much worse when he sees somebody else getting harassed and harangued into a fight.

So he steps forward, low growl in his voice and a glare with effort behind it.]

He said he ain't interested.

iv; closed to eren

[bloodwit]

[ after a thorough perusal of the market and all of its wares, nosily hunting after any bit of information, wringing any avenues dry, viren--at some point during the later hours of the day--is drawn towards the city's bars. with the right company, he likes to think they could prove themselves promising.

and he's not the only one to be struck with the idea, either; in combination with celebrations, and the newly attendant mirrobound, his tavern of choice bustles with activity. viren shoulders off his fine coat at the door, gaze flitting over the room for an open seat, and finally locking upon one. ... ah. now there's a dragon that's difficult to mistake.

edging his way over, between clusters of chittering witches and raucous monsters, he folds his coat over the back of the bar seat. and spoken stiffly, before sliding into it, ]

Evening, Eren.

[marmoron]

[ They're absolutely inconspicuous which is why some of the regular patrons of the library may be giving them looks from a distance. Keith picks up on this, but is going to pointedly ignore this. ]

That doesn't seem unlikely. Maybe the Cwyld caused some political schisms back in the day.

[ A beat. ]

But it does beg the question of why they're interested in the mirrorbound. As far as they know, we've all been pretty indoctrinated by the people on the surface.

[marmoron]

[ That catches him by surprise and he blinks a little owlishly. ]

No, i... [ He clears his throat, looking back down at the ground. ] I wouldn't have asked anyone to do that anyway. Not interested in creating more problems for everyone else.

[ A sigh. ]

I shouldn't have used hypnotic influence to force my way onto the second floor of the library. It was more risk that it was worth. [ But he's not gonna lie, it still seemed worth the risk at the time. ]

Have you found anything interesting, Shadow?

[bloodwit]

[ viren makes a noise of agreement; it's not an unfamiliar concept to him, either; him being suckered into participating, what with his newfound physical inclinations, was less familiar. but, here they were. ]

I'd meant to ask.

[ --about her world, that is. he's aware it may not exactly be a casual inquiry. he doesn't quite finish the statement, when someone also jostles against his side, resulting in a sour look and some pushback from viren. he folds his wings tighter against his back. ]

Well. [ he forces a polite smile back into place. ] If we'd like to chat -- we should find ourselves some seating, hm?

[trouvaille]

( well, let's not go crazy— )

It's nice of you to make the effort.

[rollfordiplomacy]

Haven't done this in a while... [What part of this, Everett? To be chat about later, the could hope. He does as he's told, ducking back behind her while keeping enough distance to not get in her way, either. Spying that same bandit readying another knife, Everett raises his bag of mushrooms to intercept it, the blade getting lodged there, rather than continuing towards Iramaat. Support! He's not... completely useless. His sense of spacial awareness can help keep the actual fighter from being distracted.]

[marmoron]

[ That's surprisingly cooperative all things considered, but without missing a beat Keith turns his attention back to the chimera. ]

See? I'll handle it.

[ While the chimera doesn't necessarily look pleased, it does appear that the chimera is willing to accept that. It's definitely not a graceful exit, but he leaves with a bit of exasperated muttering. The crowd around them, too, slowly starts to disperse now that there isn't a promising show to spectate.

Keith glances back towards Vanitas. ]

Do you just whip out lightning whenever you feel offended or...?

[rollfordiplomacy]

Only if you wouldn't mind a trade, of course! [though Everett moves to his own bags curious to see if he brought anything along Connor might find interested in exchange. The giant rat is entirely focused on that opal, so good thing to pull it away to avoid it being snatched by little rat hands. Everett would be feel very about that, he hasn't really trained this new companion of his in proper manners, yet...]

Ah, yes... this pair was shattered, but I still have the picks. [He produces what looks like pieces of the same pair of glasses he was wearing. They are simply gold at a glance, but when he brings the decorative pieces forward to Connor to inspect, there is something more. In the light, they shift between a rose color and gold, an almost oilslick effect between the vibrant colors. The pieces he holds are actually two halves of a lockpick set, because that's what the decorations hanging from his glasses really are. Hidden in plain sight, as Everett liked to do.]

This is called Rose Gold, it's a special mineral from my home. I've not found anything like it here, as of yet. [and he'd ended up in Aefenglom with three pairs of his specially crafted glasses, though this pair had broken and he'd just to do anything with the pieces]

1/2

[oathkeeper]

2/2

[oathkeeper]

[He wasn't really expecting that kind of response-]

Hey!

[Sora quickly jumps after Vanitas, stepping into the boat and with a bit of a dangerous rock.]

I didn't know you were gonna say something like that!

a

[yesdoubt]

[Momo figured it couldn't hurt to share a boat with someone he hasn't met in person yet, even if he recognises the voice when it comes to that. While Elliot's looking at the scenery, Momo takes the quiet opportunity to check his own pockets to make sure he has everything he remembers bringing.

When they come to the moss, though, he stops rifling through his pockets, because he's still a little bit curious about it from the first time around. He didn't learn a whole lot about it the first time, but he did hear mentions that it was meant to be a protective force.

Which is why his eyes flick to the moss' movement when their boat passes through. It was completely still when he went through last time, and to his knowledge he hasn't contracted Cwyld since then, so his gaze falls to Elliot a moment later as the boat continues to pass through.]

Something up? [His tone is casual enough, but the way he went from the moss to Elliot makes it pretty obvious he's put two and two together on the probable cause, especially with Elliot looking that nervous.]

one

[yesdoubt]

[Momo is having a bit of a time with the filing system in the library, but he's determined to get some hard facts about this place before he meets with the Matriarch. The merchants have been quite forthcoming with current events and gossip, but history seems to be a harder catch, made even more so by the questionable organisation of what's in here.

He notices someone moving quietly near where he's pulled a scroll from the shelf, and his gaze slides subtly in that direction. Keeping track of what's going on around him is something of a force of habit thing, and when he catches that seemingly furtive intent, the way she looks like she's deciding whether to take the scrolls or not, he places his own back on the shelf for now and heads over. It's quick, but quiet, and a red-nailed hand comes gently down next to where she's left the scrolls.]

Do you need a translation spell? [He recognises the dragon woman from the video post they ended up talking on, and figures lack of ability to read the scrolls might have something to do with why she's looking a bit like she might take them.] They're a little hit-or-miss on the oldest scrolls, it looks like, but it should work for most of what's here.

three

[yesdoubt]

[The inability to figure out where anything actually is in this library means that Momo's been in here for a while trying to work out some history and social information before he accidentally throws the Matriarch questions he could've found answers to in a book. It also means he's worming into some areas of the library with a bit less shoulder space than is entirely ideal.

He bumps the ladder on the way past hard enough to stop and check - and realise that someone's about to fall off it. Thankfully, Momo's reflexes are sharp enough that he can manage to pull back and hold his arms out in that short time to catch the falling girl on the way down.]

Whoa, sorry, I thought I had a little more space to wiggle through! [His tone is casual and friendly, if very apologetic for having caused an issue.] Are you okay?

2b

[yesdoubt]

[Momo is bonded, but he's the kind of person who feels like dragging his bonded along everywhere would be imposing on them, so he's doing a lot of his exploration down here alone. Which means dealing with the, as he so "eloquently" put it a few days earlier, feeling like the protagonist of a cheesy romance novel as half the Monsters in the cave system try to flex at him.

It's a larger and more stubborn group this time, which is making it a bit more awkward to slip around them and carry on his business. He's no stranger to evading crowds, but when a Monster he doesn't know steps in, he's more than happy to roll right along with the lie, not even hesitating to draw in to a more familiar distance. Enough to make the claim of being bonded a bit more convincing, and Momo waves to the Monsters left staring over their shoulders to balance out that stinkeye a bit.]

I was wondering how long I'd be stuck there before you came for me... [A slightly nervous air to it, playing into the underground beliefs about how Witches are in need of protection, but then his voice dips to barely above a whisper, so there's no hope of even the sharp-eared Monsters in the group overhearing.] Are the Witches getting that pushy as well now?

[He assumes there's a reason he was approached and that it wasn't necessarily to aid in Momo's own situation, even if his tone is friendly and understanding about it.]

marketplace

[yesdoubt]

Depends on how good the space goo is, I guess.

[Momo's weaving through the marketplace on the hunt for friendly merchants to talk to about local happenings, trying to pin down as much information as he can before the day of the audience. But he's obviously going to have to eat at some point, and while he's usually one for experimenting, funky underground fungus life is a bit out of his range of experience.

That said, talking about space at least indicates this might be someone from his kind of time or further forward, so he offers a friendly grin.] I'm more interested in seeing if they have any meat down here that isn't bugs, though, I'm not sure I'm ready to take that step.

[Momo is a shameless carnivore, but bugs are still only just in the process of becoming a thing in the food industry where he comes from.]

[darkcharge]

Hey! Don't rock the boat!

[ He huffs and holds onto the side. Then Vanitas gives Sora a bit of a glare. ]

What did you expect me to say?

[petcromancer]

[Hector flicks one of the scales, then straightens up.]

We could try. I didn't bring a weapon with me...although, if you really trust the quality, I could use these.

[He gives his curled ram's horns a tap. It's reckless, though monsters fighting one another in good-natured brawls seems to be the norm down here in the Underground.]

[petcromancer]

Yes, that could work. There's a basement in my cottage, and a store room at the shelter with no windows. A covered carrier would see it safely between the two if I needed to move it during sunlight hours.

[The young lady is clever, and more importantly, she puts that knowledge to good use, to take care of pets. Hector approves.]

That still leaves the issue of the creature's diet. I am hoping some of the algae above is similar enough to its food source here. It would be cruel to bring it with me and then have it go hungry.

[Although leaving it with the meat vendor is also a cruel option. Hector's pretty much sold on the worm at this point.]

[proudofme]

Yeaaaah I'll get back to you on that[he won't, obviously]

I mean it's like

either you got over hating nonhumans so much since you like

are one now

or you want... parts???? I hope you aren't looking for parts dad come on [dark magic isn't close to the same here, but he knows his dad, he sure does]