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]

Well, you did bring it up again.

And now, we are both forced to continue reflecting on it.

[trouvaille]

I turned twenty-seven at the end of last year.

( every year it gets a little less jarring, but the truth is she's sounded much like this since she was still wearing knee high socks and smoking illicit cigarettes out her window at boarding school.

and while she'll probably look much as she does now for the next, at a conservative estimate, several centuries—

she is a little baby, as things like her go. )

[bloodwit]

I see.

I realize I didn't ask whether you had a preference for an age range, when it comes to a potential Bonded. Is there a hard floor?

[bloodwit]

"We"? You and your reincarnations? [ viren is certainly -- nosy, here. but god does this sound absolutely fascinating. ] I'm surprised to hear that's considered a CURSE.

A Moon Phoenix. For their magic, even if they are well-associated with fire, they draw upon the Primal Source of the Moon. [ wow, who would have seen that one coming. ] They're exceptionally rare, beautiful creatures.

[trouvaille]

I'd probably prefer someone around my age or older. This definitely isn't how I planned on becoming a parent, for instance.

Near | Death Note | OTA

[blankpieces]

i. the marketplace.

[It looks like it's made of moss and excrement.

That's all Near can think of as a food peddler attempts to offer him what they consider a fancy street snack. There's no meat as far as he can tell, which makes him uninterested. Also the smell is... something.

He backs away with some apologies about being a carnivore (they have monsters here, they'll understand) but that's still a difficult move for him to make in this new naga body, and his long tail ends up sweeping across the floor behind him, potentially coming up under the legs of anyone else who might happen to be there...]

ii. the tunnels

[There are large rats. Not just regular rats that happen to be large, but genuine rodents of unusual size. Once again, Near finds himself hating the instincts he'd been given in this form, as once he sets eyes on them he can't look away.

He doesn't even have to feel bad about it. These aren't sentient as far as he knows. How much would it cost to get one? Would he have to eat it here? Could he get a couple and breed them on the surface? What's the gestation period of a rat that size?

The naga had come here following rumors about odd algae, but not he's completely distracted.

Someone please stop him. He's drooling and it's very unseemly.]

iii. a matching pair

I'm not interested.

[He's said this multiple times already, but it doesn't seem to stop the occasional underground denizen from approaching him. Near isn't wearing any paint and doesn't intend to. He's also clearly alone without a traveling companion, much less a bond. That makes him a prime target.

And one particular woman (taller than him by a good deal - not that this is unusual) isn't taking no for an answer. "But you're such a frail little monster," she insists. "You need someone to look out for you. I can help feed you and train you until you're big and strong."]

Train me? I don't-- hey!

[He's now being lifted bodily into the air, and he flails his tail about in protest.

"See?" she goes on, ignoring his frustration. "Even I can pick you up!"

Assistance would be greatly appreciated.]

iv. on the way out.

[Near isn't typically a fan of animals. He's never owned a pet in his life. He's also worried that if he brings one into his home he might try to eat it eventually. That's been a real problem.

He's not a witch. He can't use a familiar to help him with his lack of a bond and no creature will fulfill that role. But he is alone, and he can use all the help he can get - especially from someone who won't talk back to him. Thankfully he's brought items for bargaining.

Now that he has a business to take care of, he has to consider any method of improving said business. Having a means to make fabric that won't be available in many other places around the city could make some of his products more sought after - at least until/unless the worms become a more common commodity on the surface.

A worm for silk, a hyena for protection - that would be ideal. He might be a giant snake-man (well, a relatively short giant snake-man...) but he's still a weakling. There's no chance of him taking on anything in a fight. If nothing else, it can warn him of approaching danger.

Of course, moving around underground with a cage under each arm and a pack on his back while he's already having difficulty in this new form isn't the most ideal situation. Thankfully he's saved this activity for last, but that doesn't make it any easier.

As he's headed out, he grabs at one of the cages wrong and the latch opens up, allowing the hyena pup within it to hop out and go scampering off toward the crowd. Near makes a frustrated noise in the back of his throat and starts after it, but he'll never be able to catch up while he's still getting used to moving with a serpentine lower half.]

Someone... Can someone grab that for me, please?

v. wildcard

[Anything else!]

[bloodwit]

Noted.

But, what? Like having children with a Bonded here?

[trouvaille]

That's also not how I planned on becoming a parent. No, I meant I don't plan to Bond With A Child.

[bloodwit]

[ god. ]

No children, then.

[quintessent]

[It's good practice for her - she's been studying under Wataru for awhile now, but practicing healing wasn't like summoning a fireball out of nowhere. She needed something to heal. Plus it was the right thing to do.

She drops her gaze to the tail in his palm. The wound is easy to spot, and already looks promising with how it's healing naturally. Nodding,]

Alright, just hold still, please.

[Hands over the wound, she closes her eyes, focusing and channeling her energy into them, then into him. Knitting the wound back together, and he might also feel a small burst of energy. It's nothing too flashy, but there is the surprising side effect of her markings picking up a subtle, soft glow that disappears at the same time that the magic fades. The glowing was apparently a distinctly Altean side effect of being a witch.

She opens her eyes, peering down at the wound, then back up at him,]

How does it feel?

[It's hard to tell, given the scales.]

[trouvaille]

I am only prepared to be psychically bonded to children I have personally expelled from my own twat.

Percy de Rolo | Critical Role

[gunsmithed]

i. The Market

[ It's odd, being back here. Percy can very clearly remember it from the dream, at least in flashes, this same market underground. It's larger now, even more boisterous, and he finds himself absently drifting through to take in the changes. He's only half paying attention to the items out on display, looking them over out of sheer habit before his attention drifts back to the space at large, the people wandering through it.

At least until his attention catches on something, and it takes him a second to consciously clarify why-- there's a pistol sitting quietly on one of those vendor tables. A very, very familiar pistol.

Percy's eyes never leave the monster behind the table as he makes his very deliberate way over, fixed on him until his conversation with another patron dies off under the weight of Percy's stare. ]

Where did you say you got these items? [ It's a very calm, even tone. It also happens to be one that tends to precede gunfire. Hopefully a cooler head might prevail. ]

ii. The Tunnels

[ No, he probably shouldn't have gone alone, but far be it from Percy to resist the urge to go exploring. He'd immediately headed for the less-used tunnels, waving off the called warnings. He's been through the Underdark, it will be fine. Nevermind he'd never done that on his own. He might have a bit of steam that needs blowing off, and the rest of his adventurer heart always wants to know what's in a place people tell you not to go.

And he is being careful, in particular keeping well clear of the tunnel walls and anything that looks like growth. He's prepared for creatures, possibly infected, possibly just dangerous. Percy is less prepared to turn a corner to find an arachne snarling at him, just enough time for his eyes to go wide before it leaps at him.

With Retort back in his possession Percy goes for the pistol first without thinking, throwing himself backwards as he aims--

--and it immediately misfires. With some vicious sounding swears, he manages to duck out of the way, backing up rapidly as he tries to put enough distance between them to fix his damned gun. Apparently it hasn't exactly been well kept.

But the arachne is still coming, and Percy can hear footsteps behind him as he continues to try to back away, either drawn by the sound of the not-quite-gunshot or something else. All he can do is glance over his shoulder and hope it's not another attack. ]

Get back!

iii. Graduation

[ It's a bit of a pity that Percy tends to tune out as soon as the word bonding appears. If he had been listening, he might have realized what the facepaint is all about, and what it means that he doesn't have any.

As it is, he seems to have attracted an eager collection of monsters looking to bond, none of whom seem particularly affected by Percy's most withering glares. ]

Not interested. [ It's not the first time he's said it. It's also not the first time he's been ignored. One of them actually laughs, as if he might be joking. Who doesn't want to bond? Come on, honored guest!

A fight might be breaking out over to the side. If it's possible for Percy's expression to get any more unimpressed, he's certainly attempting it. At least one of them has teasingly grabbed at his arm, something he has very firmly told them off for.

As the scuffling increases, a hand lands on his arm again and Percy's patience promptly expires completely. He clamps his gauntleted left hand onto the offending wrist, looks the grinning monster dead in the eye, and unleashes Diplomacy. Lightning pours out of the gauntlet, locking the monster in place for a second before she falls stunned flat.

And finally, there is a moment of quiet. ] I did warn you.

iv. Wildcard

[ Something else? Feel free, or poke me at talkincodes to plan! ]

[bloodwit]

Thank you. We've certainly cleared that up, now.

[trouvaille]

Ask questions, get answers.

one

[gunsmithed]

[ For all his other adventures, a large part of Percy will also be an unapologetic nerd. The moment he'd heard mention of a library he'd put it on his list, and is pleasantly surprised when getting inside turns out to be as simple as walking in.

That's where the simplicity ends, however. Finding anything, even with as little a plan as Percy has, is a nightmare, and that's before he finds a table to spread everything out and discovers that none of it is readable. Of course. He can overhear something mentioned about a translation spell, but that helps him even less.

He sits back with a sigh of pure exasperation, glancing up in time to catch a familiar figure staring down at a few scrolls of her own. And she doesn't look any happier than he feels. ]

Daenerys?

[marmoron]

[ He falls silent for a moment. ]

Reasonable. [ A beat. ] You ever been in situations like this before? Back home, I mean.

[oathkeeper]

[Another unexpected confession but Sora tucks his head down a little to smile warmly. He didn't know Vanitas considered that they belong to each other even if a part of him probably knew that was the case in Vanitas' point of view. They've been bondmates for a long while now and each other's first experiences for many things. It isn't going to stop there.

His hand reaches out to touch at Vanitas' knee. His fingers slide up a little as he leans closer to Vanitas.]

Yeah. Heh, I guess it is. [He's happy.]

underground: botany

[bloodwit]

[ viren's a little surprised at being whispered at, having been intently examining a curious specimen of a handful of mushrooms, himself. tail swiveling behind him, the dragon's posture straightens to address the inquiry. ]

Yes.

[ a simple answer, that. he elaborates, lifting his bunch aloft so that it catches the dim lighting. ]

Both types are sweet. The cap of one type opens to reveal an airy substance, pleasant to taste. The other type provides a ... heightened mood.

iii

[thisisamazing]

[Making his way through the city the last day or two have been a nightmare. He's figured out what the face paint means, but he and Newt, while they spend quite a bit of time together, aren't attached entirely at the hip when there's exploring and research to be done. Needless to say, he hasn't gotten painted yet, and as he looks across the way, Percy no doubt hasn't either.

Hiccup adjusts Sharpshot on his shoulders and jogs across the bridge over the canal (so many canals, winding every which way, who designed this place, it's an architectural nightmare?) to join Percy - but not soon enough to prevent him from electrocuting one of the grabbier Monsters.

Despite the display, he's not afraid to wind his arm around Percy's, laughing loudly and nervously to let him know who it is (and because it's reflex).] Heyyy- hey, guys, he- he did warn you! We're already taken anyway, we just haven't- uh, haven't decided on a paint design yet!

[darkcharge]

[ Well that is what it is. They are bonded, yes. First Bondmates. That is very significant for Vanitas. However when Sora had been dealing with his first intense moons? That sort of had sealed the deal for Van. Knowing that his magic, above the others that Sora had bonded to, pulls the Puca in? That desire to be close to Vanitas...

But also Sora had said, when they both sort of spoke about their feelings, that they were just for each other. Yes, Vanitas had taken that to also mean that they simply belong to one another. At least that's when Vanitas had become rather possessive. ]

Are you really that surprised that I would think that way?

[ Of course he scoots a little closer to Sora, very much aware of fingers on his knee. ]

You seem happy about it.

[bloodwit]

[ as he feels the spike of magic, viren's reptilian pupils dilate just marginally. it's not the first time he's been magically healed, but he would always think it to be a wonder no matter its commonality. the wound appears to have mended itself, yes; and although the dried blood remains, no longer does it have a deeper shine to it.

the tail curls within his hand, and then slithers to the ground, without hitch. ]

It's improved.

[ an acknowledging nod. ]

[ a beat, and he lifts his chin. an unnecessary gesture, but one of pride: particularly, as he swallows it. ]

Would you mind, then? Healing the ... minor, injuries about my face.

[ a cut on the cheek, a visible bruise along his jaw. anything else would be hidden by clothing, and thus of less worthwhile mentioning. ]

C

[recklessbelief]

[It's not the same as Witch's magic. That much is immediately obvious though Akko can't really remember ever actually learning the difference. Maybe it's just some kind of weird Monster instinct? Whatever the case may be, she actually happily holds out a hand for one of the butterflies to flutter over. It lands and with more care than Akko's known to show, she brings it a little closer to inspect. It's not long though before it seems like her breath is the thing that makes it fade away, the air returning to what it once was.]

[But that doesn't seem to change anything or make it any lesser than what it is. Akko looks up from her empty hand to Sora with a wide smile.]

You must have had to practice a lot to do that, huh?

[inlikethebrume]

[It would be exactly. And she would be much more hurt because of it. Look at what you powerful men and mother crystal did: you gave the poor Warrior anxiety. She can't help but raise an eyebrow at his suggestion; the fact that instead of taking the easy way out, Hades decides to suggest for her to run through this hell maze but...why?]

...only if they try to push the idea on me. Then I will not hold back on expressing my feelings on the situation.

[What she means by that...well, depends on how severe someone annoys her. There might be punching in the future but at least none of it is directed at the ascian. She sighs and pulls herself off the maze wall, turning to face the path before them, beckoning for him to follow. What? Like she's doing this alone?]

Well, shall we?

litha: shopping

[recklessbelief]

Then what are you looking for?

[Akko watched it go on for a few minutes, each vendor trying to push their wares on Vanitas to no avail and only what she takes to be continued irritation mixed with maybe a touch of disdain. But despite the fact he appears to have the ability to leave at any given time, he seems to be bringing it on himself a little bit.]

[So, curiosity wins out in the end.]

sylvia kawano / oc

[stardustish]

guest villa.

[ during the evenings before the 21st, sylvia can be found in the guest chambers' common rooms. sylvia was one of the "chosen ones", so to speak, judging by how she's looking at the little copper token in her hand. she looks like she's deep in thought about something, more solemn than usual for those who know her. she mumbles something under her breath, then pauses and mumbles something else. seems like she's really trying to figure something out, here.

when she sees someone approach, let alone enter the room, sylvia looks up from her token towards the newcomer. ]

Ah, hey! Excuse me, can I ask you something? [ a beat, then: ] You know, we've had some time to look around, and I thought maybe having another perspective on the city might help, so...

[ she pauses, then glances back at her token in thought. perhaps the newcomer knows what that's indicative of, perhaps they don't. that being said... ]

I've got one chance to talk to the Matriarch. Do you have any questions for her that you think are important?

library.

[ because sylvia's apparently been chosen to be a representative, she's going to do research. for someone who's so carefree and flippant about so many things, she sure seems to be working hard down here in the underground. sylvia shuffles through some books (and notably keeps on getting weird looks from strangers) a little messily. she leaves piles of scrolls on the floor next to her instead of just, you know, putting them back in their place. it might make it hard to get around her, especially with the librarians demanding that she handle the scrolls more carefully.

sylvia doesn't seem to pay them much mind, though. she's pretty busy reading the scrolls themselves. ]

Hmmm...

[ she seems rather focused on her reading. someone might need to find a creative way to get her to clean up and put those scrolls back where they belong. alternatively, feel free to join her on the info gathering! ]

wildcard.

[ hmu with anything, i'm available via pm or amplitude for plotting! ]