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

[moustre]

"From different worlds, I see." She brings a hand up, leans her chin on her knuckles, thoughtful. "And you arrive through... mirrors, you said? So you truly are travelers, travelers who have come farther than anyone. How curious. Do you arrive with a purpose, then?"

A pause, a hum. The fingers of her other hand drum the arm of the throne she doesn't quite sit on, her spider body too bulky. "This is unheard of to us, yes. To my people, it is strange enough that you hail from above ground. No doubt many have been skeptical of your origins, I apologize."

bath house.....

[supersoldier]

[Sephiroth rarely experiences tiredness the same way others do. His physiology infrequently allows for it, born and bred to be the perfect soldier to fall into military line. But he has learned, during his months living on a strange new planet, that none of the usual rules apply. If not assailed by physical exertion, then the mental sort is the likeliest candidate.

Litha is, for all intents and purposes, very mentally exhausting for a man so unsociable.

He’s been put through the wringer. His naked body, slipped prone beneath the water, appreciates the warmth for the slight cuts and quickly-fading bruises splotched here and there. His hair spills into the warm surface, pooling like mercury around his shoulders. Dotted in the strands are proof of either too long in a hedge maze or a prior flower crown in his hair, for there are small leaves caught in the length of silver.

Feathers sprout and spread along exposed skin, heaviest around his neck, collarbone, shoulders and torso. Great, dark wings hang over the edge of the tub to avoid soaking them — they may as well be wet, for how glossy they shine against the warm glow of the fires keeping them warm.

Sephiroth doesn’t care for anyone else’s presence. He doesn’t care for anyone else’s nakedness, either, as long as they leave him alone on his side of the overlarge tub. He is glad to be lucid again, but the side-effect is a bone-deep exhaustion, as though he has just awoken from a too-long nap and reality is still slotting into place. But the sudden rise in the water’s temperature dislodges his stoic reverie, and his eyes lift to fasten upon a woman who is requesting a hotter fire, an even more heated temperature.

It’s already hot, enough to make even Sephiroth’s skin tinge pinker. He has to speak up, almost unimpressed sounding in his delivery.]

Is this a boiling pot, too?

[supersoldier]

That question requires a moment’s more thought than he’s given any statement so far. But eventually it, too, is answered in the same straightforward manner as before.

“We do not choose to be brought here. Any purpose an individual picks up after arriving is their own. I can’t answer that question for anyone other than myself. ...Some feel uprooted.”

Circumventing his personal feelings on the matter, something so rarely shared, much less in an exchange with a relatively unknown variable — the Matriarch herself. Sephiroth remains still, as though carved from stone.

“I had hoped you might have insight regarding the process. But I see that this city views us with just much a mystery as anyone else, and there's little to be learned here. Or am I incorrect?"

[moustre]

Her gaze is scrutinizing, but she takes the answer at face value, humming thoughtfully, filing it away. "You only find yourself one people here, or perhaps it is the rest of us who see you as one people when that is not the case."

The Matriarch nods slightly. "I do not have answers for you on this matter, no. My apologies. Your presence here is as odd to us as it must be in your host city."

ii.

[rightfoot]

[ He's suspicious of the message, but is also curious. He'll get a message from one username: reddeer. ]

That's a pretty specific kink.

[ and - immediately, a follow up - ]

But really, what is this about?

louis 🦌 beastars

[rightfoot]

a. the marketplace

[ Louis came prepared to go shopping. He dressed neatly, though not too formally - black pants, cuffed that stop just below the knee, a white, button up top, and black suspenders and a bow tie. He's intentionally showing off his prosthetic, which he rarely does. But he feels comfortable like this. His first goals are to obtain more clothing, where he'll be picking up clothes that look interesting - mostly in neutral colors. After he checks out the clothes, he'll check out some of the magic supply shops, and walk away for some things for alchemy, which he'll be using later with practice.

When he finally makes his way out to the stalls, he'll stop first at a stall with a variety of blades and axes. He lifts one up, and tests it, feeling out the weight of it in his hand. He'll potentially even toss it a little in the air. He looks way more confident than he would have only a few months ago. ]

I'd prefer a gun, but this will do.

b. library

[ The most suspicious thing is that there are blocked off areas to Louis. He can sometimes be found lingering just far enough away from the guards to keep them from saying anything to him, but he's still infinitely curious about wanting to see the things that they don't want him to.

The library is, to say simply, a mess. He's having issues finding the things he wants. And when he finally sees something he wants, when he goes to find something he assumes would be nearby - he can't find it.

After a few moments of pushing a chair, climbing on a chair to reach higher levels, he finally settles on asking a nearby person. ]

Have you seen any of their scrolls on alchemy?

c. wildcard

[ Have something else in mind? Want to do something different? Feel free to hit me up on plurk agalio or discord: Undercuts#6759. I am also open to custom starters for individuals. Also note that he is seeing matriarch if that's something you want to talk about with him. ]

[stopfen]

[The large wholly black eyes might have been intimidating. If it weren't for the drunken flush on the fae's cheeks. Or the delayed reaction as the Mikasa nods to explain. Those antenna on her head...They're just kinda flopping about.]

He is tall and he has light brown hair. [The vendor snorts. But he's staying silent, this is his entertainment after a long day's work. His giggling only gets louder when the fae lowers her voice to a not very quiet whisper.] He's really nice, but he doesn't like it when people know... [Enjoy your forgiven knowledge Wei Wuxian, of a dude you don't even know.

This information doesn't help pick out wine at all.]

[anbu]

"They are. But no, the trip was not too long." Itachi glances briefly over the refreshments, as if he's only now noticed them. He doesn't move to take any; his attention is quick to swing back to the Matriach herself. "Just 'Itachi' is fine. Culturally we place our surnames first, but this does not appear to be a universal feature of all other worlds."

His expression hasn't changed, and he remains statuesque beneath the Arachne woman's scrutiny.

"May I ask how long your civilization has existed here underground? You say hundreds of years, so I assume quite a while. Does that also mean you have encountered surface-dwellers in the distant past?"

[moustre]

Her gaze sharpens slightly as if this is interesting information, perhaps trying to place where they come from in relation to her tunnels and caverns. Close, then? "Itachi, then," she says graciously with a nod.

She seems to think about what she wants to say for a moment, tapping the arm of her throne with a clawed finger. "Hundreds of years, yes. We have a long history down here. We once lived above ground but we were driven down by the spread of the Cwyld, by bigger Monsters, by humans who wanted to subdue us." She gestures vaguely.

"And we never left. For the most part."

[inlikethebrume]

...I see nothing honest about you lot. Those who do not seek proof of wrongdoing who simply see what is on the surface and believe that as an excuse to soothe their blackened hearts do not deserve kindness. That boy has done nothing to you and yet you have the nerve to call yourselves 'dedicated and honest citizens' when you do not speak of your proof?

[Her tone gets low, almost a growl as she lets go of the 'gentleman's' wrist. Stepping back from them, she puts a hand on Shadowbringer's handle and spreads her legs wide, taking a stance.]

Aye, I am well aware of your kind...heartless and cruel and willing to do anything for coin or riches, including blaming others for your wrongdoings. Thinking that what you say goes...then come.

[With a burst of levin energy and dark flame, Mira creates an aura around herself as she unsheathes her greatsword, pointing it at the two.]

You may believe you can push around a child, but I can assure you that I will not be so easy. Ware those who hold the power of the Abyss, lest you become swallowed instead.

[She is totally doing this to scare them. Desperate times call for desperate measures but oh boy she is not thrilled with these two punks. No more nice dark knight.]

[marmoron]

[ .... Yeah. This is turning out to be far more relatable than initially thought. Keith doesn't know how to feel about that except that he doesn't like it instinctively. Folding his arms over his chest, he represses a sigh. ]

Fair enough. Folks around here are a bit handsy.

[ It's a bit of a grumped concession. ]

People might stay clear if you carry around a big weapon.

[supersoldier]

An observation that might not be wrong in its generality, and Sephiroth is not equipped to remark on any subtle interconnectedness between groups within the Mirrorbound — it is easy to fall back into old habits of believing himself to be an outlier, related only by circumstance than anything more. To this, he only nods subtly.

As for the rest—

“I see,” he says, finding the answer disappointing but not altogether surprising. It leads into what he had mentioned before, at least, regarding the Matriarch’s motivations.

“And is that the only reason why we’ve been called forth to your city? There must be more to it than only sating your curiosities.”

[marmoron]

[ Keith nods, apparently satisfied by Elliot's response, then peers behind them another time. Staying vigilant is clearly a shared priority here. ]

Oh that. [ He actually looks away a little sheepishly. ] It's a vampire ability. I don't know how it works exactly, but with enough focus you can put people into a trance. Make them more likely to do what you want.

[ Which ordinarily would be things like you know. Not struggling while someone takes a quick nibble, but applications vary. ]

Not exactly fond of using it. [ A beat. ] ... Anyway, do you want someone to walk around with you for a bit or do you think you're gonna be okay?

[darkcharge]

[ Look, if roles had been reversed then Vanitas would likely feel the same way. People being relatable only serves to irritate him. ]

I do have a weapon.

[ With that, he reaches back. Void Gear won't become completely visible to Keith until Van pulls it completely free. When the Keyblade touches the ground, the spell concealing it from view dissipates. ]

Here I thought that having it with me might send the wrong impression.

five; academy

[shadowsthedawn]

[Riku has spent hours in the underground library, pouring over books of magic and attempting to teach himself some of the unique types of spells that this place has to offer. However, it doesn't give him the spectacle of watching spells being cast, of measuring his abilities against others, or of seeing the power and skill level of these underground witches. Much like the Coven back in Aefenglom, the Academy offers him a place to both learn and push his abilities to the next level.

And a little showing off doesn't hurt either.

When Zelda is called forward he watches with curiosity as she has a lute brought to her. He hasn't seen anyone use a magical instrument to cast spells before, but he knows that there are many ways that magic can be harnessed. When she calls for the aid of someone with a weapon he doesn't hesitate to step forward, the handle of his Keyblade sticking up over his shoulder.

He might as well get a look up close.]

Are you ready?

[Raising a hand over his shoulder, he draws his Keyblade, guessing what she's after. Still, this is a demonstration and he doesn't want to attack before she's ready.]

[strongspirited]

What...what time is it?

[Don't tell her it's super late. Please...

She's probably been asleep for the better part of the day, honestly. So it is definitely way later than she started.]

[moustre]

Her smile grows a little sharper, amused. The Matriarch's eight eyes are not very easily read, as black as night with the soft glow of the crystals embedded in the walls reflecting off them. "Is a leader not allowed to sate her curiosities? Ah, I am a bit of an opportunist, it's true." Her claws drum out a series of taps against the arm of the throne.

"My Bonded Witch had a vision of your arrival. We were quite surprised to realize you would come not in reality, but in a dream. Unfortunately, she could not walk the dream planes long enough to get a very good look. Your talent surpasses hers in that, but then your Wilders stumbling into our territory just gave me the opportunity to... force your hand a little." Her smile widens, showing the point of teeth. "I do apologize for that."

iv;

[shadowsthedawn]

[It's a disturbance in the crowd that he notices first from his position in front of one of the booths. People moving quickly, calling out in alarm, but only in a small area. At first he thinks it must be a rat getting underfoot, but he pushes through the crowd towards the disturbance anyways.

Right in time to see a hyena pup race between a woman's legs. Without thinking he moves after it, dodging through the sea of people. His longer legs allow him to quickly gain on the hyena pup and get ahead of it. Quickly blocking the animal's path allows him to swoop down with his arms and scoop the hyena up.]

Now where did you come from? [Now that he's caught it, he's not even sure whether its wild or an escaped pet. But by back-tracking the way they'd come maybe he'd find the owner, if there is one.

It's not long before he spots a certain naga coming in their direction, looking as if he's searching for something.]

Hey. This belong to you?

[finesseblade]

[ Through the exit is the undercroft of the arena, a cramped, dimly lit space meant mostly for competitors. No one gives them more than a passing glance, though. Even the guards seem content to let her be. Maybe the rules aren't so strict, or maybe they just saw her display on the floor and have decided to respect whatever strength she contains. ]

No, [ Felix mutters, and pauses for a moment, loathe to admit it. ] you're right. Stabbing their precious graduates won't make us many allies, and we need those against the Cwyld.

[ He settles heavily on a bench on the far wall, snagging a rag tossed aside on the spot next to him and pressing it to the welling cut on his forehead to staunch the bleeding. He's not sure if it's any worse than a cut, but the blood is the most pressing issue he's concerned about at the moment. ]

I hope my performance didn't disappoint, at least.

Shinjiro 🐐 Persona 3

[hoboagogo]

I. The Tunnels (a) - Open!

[The city is interesting, sure. But ultimately, it's just that: a city. Full of different customs and different foods, but at the end of the day just a space filled with people trying to make their way. So of course Shinjiro ends up wandering out into the tunnels close to town, Koromaru at his heels. (The small white dog is extra prepared today, with a harness, instead of his typical sweaters and vests, and with knives sheathed on either side of it. Why a dog needs knives is anyone's guess.)

The interesting thing about tunnels is how sounds echo and travel. The squishing pattering gripping sliding of those worms moving about-- at a hell of a pace, from the sound of it-- as well as whatever poor livestock farmer yelling in the distance about a break in the fence.

The velvet wormipede stampede is... possibly impressive, possibly pathetic. The large worms, wriggling their antenna as they inch (well-- yard, more like, due to their size) away from the enclosure and towards a tunnel, the group of them writhing their way over despite the pleading calls of the arachne who tends to them.]

Ah... guess we gotta do something about that. [Especially because the worms are headed right this way.]


I. The Tunnels (b) - Open!

[Even in the cave, they have a semblance of nature and growth- and just like any faun, Shinjiro can't help but feel more relaxed as his explorations bring him to the mushroom farm. It's a more open cavern, and there's so much life, even if it's so different than the surface. No sunlight, no greenery, but pathes and patches of growing fungi sprouting up all about the place.

As he takes one of the spherical muschrooms offered by an extremely-excited saiga-faun, he flinches as the cap puffs open to reveal the stringy, floss like center, before turning to the closest mirrorbound to him.]

...I'm up for trying it if you are.


II. The Library - Closed to Yosuke.

[If there was one thing Shinjiro remembered about this town, it was how insistent they were about bonds. How, far more than Aefenglom itself, it seemed to view Witch-Monster bonds as the standard, with stray looks and comments made about a pair of two the same. And he's been bonded to a witch for almost ten months, sure--

But Louis doesn't exactly pass for a witch at first, second, or third glance. And so he's here with Yosuke, having temporaryily bonded to this near-stranger that he's had a few weird encounters with, for no reason other than that he's a witch, he seems to keep everything on his sleeve (so no surprises there), and they have at least one thing in common from home.

Yosuke's desire to actually look at the scrolls in the library is absolutely not a thing they have in common, and after enough time, Shinjiro is at his limit. Sure, he could have left way earlier... but it's not like he has anywhere to go or anything to do.]

Do they not let you check these out or anything...? [His occasional comments surely aren't helping Yosuke with his studying. Nor are the two canines spawled on the floor between them- Koromaru laying down regally, and Alfin, Fie's hyena, sprawled and panting, occasionally letting out giggles in familiar voices.]

C'mon, man. The pooches need a break. Let's go grab something to eat.


Wildcard! - Open.

[Shinjiro will be found all about the city! In the guest villa, prodding at (and possibly eating) the algae at the wall, or learning how to prepare some of the foods offered here. At Graduation day ceremonies, getting his horns painted to match his bondmate's antlers, or maybe locking horns with a native faun in the Arena.

Feel free to hit me up with anything or lmk if you want a specific toplevel, either here or at soozaphone or Soozaphone#3966 at the disco!]

[finesseblade]

[ He glances over his shoulder, apprehension prickling through the hair on the back of his neck. He's not seen anyone or anything out here, yet, but it's very possible he's simply been lucky. ]

Don't tell me you've seen Shades out here. Bah⁠—

[ He almost settles a hand on the wall next to him, but thinks better of it and jerks away. Best not to touch anything out here. ]

I'm tracking, of all things, a worm. Somehow I didn't think it could cover so much ground. Have you seen it? I think I'd prefer to be done with this task quickly.

[cryptsleeper]

Late afternoon.

[He does the kindness of sitting down beside her, at the very least.]

Which means you haven't eaten yet, have you?

[finesseblade]

[ She may glare at him all she wants, but they don't have time for polite requests. Better to get out, and suffer her annoyance later, than suffer the crowd's bad mood right now. ]

He was little more than a boy. Too new to combat, and to tempering his pride. He'll learn.

[ Says Felix, barely more than a boy himself, but a boy with nearing a decade of war under his belt⁠—so, maybe only a boy in appearance. His gaze flickers back to her, dropping to her hands, as though to say, He'll especially learn from nursing a broken wrist.

Once they're out of sight of the crowd, Felix grabs the scarf from around his neck and presses it to the bloody gash in his forehead. ]

That said... you didn't need to break him so extensively. I think I can handle myself.

[wylderrant]

Excellent.

[ Iramaat follows, starting to slide into the coat of plates she's just bought. She seems to think this is a great idea. Maybe she'll regret it in a few moments. Maybe she won't. That's what they're going to find out! ]

Ready when you are.

[ Well, the armor looks impressive. She spreads her arms with a grin, waiting. ]

/WILDCARDS IT during graduation day

[hoboagogo]

Hey, c'mere.

[Shinjiro doesn't wait for a response as he takes Louis's furry wrist and begins walking towards the brightly lit market stalls, lips curled up in amusement, and tiny tail swaying slightly, as though actually giving into the festive atmosphere that's enveloped the city.]

You were gone talking to that Spider Queen like the whole day. [Probably an exagerration.] Let's go get our horns painted.

[Sorry, Louis. Sometimes you just gotta do Bond Stuff with your Bonded.]