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

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas both is filled with that unknown emotion - the one that makes his ears heart and heart feel like it's about to burst - and irritation upon seeing Sora's reaction. So he leans over and flicks the Puca in the ear. ]

You're making me soft.

[ And he doesn't know how to feel about that. ]

[darkcharge]

The brat is one of those hero types. Someone that finds his self-worth in helping others.

[ A shrug. ]

I didn't want to be some pet project or something to give him stupid purpose like that. So I just told him when I felt like it was time to. Nothing really changed my mind, save that he needed to hear it.

[ because in the end it did lift Sora's spirits when he had been feeling down. ]

[yesdoubt]

You can be friendly and trying to sell, it's pretty easy to tell which is which. The ones that just want a sale aren't going to gossip with you for ten minutes before they know they're going to get something out of it. [Maybe "gossipy merchants" might be more accurate in that regard, but either way, they talk and Momo can get information out of them and try to leave a good impression. He imagines it's harder to get away with being an ass to your customers if there's a limited customer base down here.

Momo winces slightly at her mention of burning herself, looking over the weapons thoughtfully himself.] Looks like they're probably obsidian...it'd make sense, with how much more common gems and stuff seem to be down here. I've heard it's super sharp, some people even still make knives out of it in my time.

[Which is saying something when they don't have any particular need for non-metal weapons where he comes from.]

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, I got one pretty recently. [More recently than he would've liked people to think, since he was claiming his familiars were a legit Bond for a while, but it's only a month either side...

A moment later, Momo laughs like something just occurred to him.] Actually, come to think of it, I faked a Bond with him when we met during the dream this city was in. I guess it foreshadowed more than just the city being here?

[Though in the end, Lio happened to be the person with the right circumstances to get around Momo's determination to make bad life choices until he was at direct risk of exploding. It would've been another few months with familiars, but in the end he never had to test the limits.] Anyway, I guess you have more than one Bond, then?

[yesdoubt]

I do my best! [Momo doesn't tend to take compliments cleanly, even tiny things like that, but rejecting compliments tends to make it more obvious that his self-worth is...less than great. Probably best described as having progressed from a flaming garbage pile to a doused one. At least there's no fire now, but it's still a pile of garbage. So he's typically kind of neutral about them.

Momo pulls a bit of an uncertain face at the question of Witches being weaker, unsure how to word his thoughts.] I can kind of see why they'd want to protect them, because a Witch going off is probably riskier in an enclosed space like this. I think it might be more of a "they're good at different things" kind of angle than straight-up strength and weakness, and physical strength is the thing Monsters are expected to be good at instead of Witches.

[He's only seen a little so far, but he's gotten impressions from reactions to him and overhearing things here and there that Witches are expected to be the intelligent and studious ones.]

[yesdoubt]

I doubt they avoid all of it, even down here. [The moss wouldn't be as much of a necessity now if there weren't also threats down here, after all. He hasn't gotten the opportunity to get out of the city and investigate just yet, but it's something he'd like to discuss with the locals a bit more if he finds anyone amenable.

Momo gives a grin to her words about the Monsters here that says he understands where she's coming from even if he tries to be polite about that sort of thing.] I'm pretty used to rolling with whatever from other people for the most part, but it'd probably still get a bit grating after a while. Maybe I should challenge the next lot to some weightlifting and see how they react.

[He definitely wouldn't win against the stronger types of Monster, but it might at least calm down the ones that don't get a strength boost innate to that form.]

[darkestbefore]

I don't think it's obvious at all.

[ She studies him in a perplexed manner for a moment. She wonders, out of all the musings he could have done, why that was the most obvious answer that had come to him first. What sort of land did he come from, where such a thing would have been considered as a matter of course. ]

But I do appreciate your insight into it. I will keep it in mind while I'm researching. And when speaking to the Matriarch.

[ She cocks her head to the side to consider him for a moment. ]

If you could ask the Matriarch about something, what knowledge would you seek?

[darkestbefore]

I don't know. There's nothing that answers that specifically and I'm not even sure the people here have made a study of it - or if they have, I haven't located any texts on it yet. They do seem to believe the magic inherent in the witches especially seem to nourish it more - that's what the old woman was, as well.

[ She's still looking troubled by that, shaking her head. ]

Perhaps there are those in the city that know more? Or perhaps the Matriarch will share what she knows...?

[darkestbefore]

Alright.

[ She gives him a smile before pulling out a little piece of parchment from a pocket in her cloak. ]

I wrote the words of the enchantment down when Caster taught it to me this morning. [ She straightens out the little piece of parchment between them, motioning to a rune in the center. ] I keep this rune in mind when I'm trying to cast it - is the enchantment symbol you imbue the magic into, and through that, into the piece you're trying to understand. That way you can cast it on a particular text. Or, in the charm sense, on you yourself.

[darkestbefore]

[ Leaning back in her chair, she gives him a warm smile, her expression curious. ]

What is it you're thinking of asking her?

[yesdoubt]

That's a bit of a loaded question, though Momo admittedly hasn't had a lot of reasons personally to distrust the Coven. While they seem cagey about certain aspects of Cwyld treatment, he wouldn't call that enough to give a negative answer.

"We are. Personally, I've found the Coven to be helpful and welcoming as long as I've been in the city, so I don't have any reason not to trust them. And as far as I know, they exchange knowledge with another city's Coven already, so I think they'd be willing to further that network."

He's pretty sure that's how their relationship with the Dorchacht Coven works, at least. Setting that thought aside, he nods along with her remark on trade, because that had been the line of logic he was following himself. "I had the same thought. Are there any types of resources you're particularly interested in? I might be able to give you a better idea of what's available."

He figures the ones of most interest might be the ones most limited down here, but elects not to word it quite that way.

[darkestbefore]

In a few days.

[ She slides her palms against her skirt. ]

I'm a little nervous, to be honest. I'm not sure why she picked me. I'm so new here... I'm not sure what she expects of this meeting - or what the Coven might expect of me to represent.

[darkestbefore]

Well...

[ She draws the word out as she stares balefully at the pile of works she'd been sorting through. ]

...When I came here the first time - even if it was only a dream - I saw an old woman sacrifice herself up to the moss that protects the city. At the time, I was horrified - to be honest, I still am, a little. But that made me want to understand more about why she did that. Why her guards let her, and still think it was an honor. They saw it as her giving a gift with the last of her life and magic. I've been trying to learn what I can of the moss, and what this city sees it as, so I could try to understand their thinking.

[darkestbefore]

I... was sort of on a mission.

[ She admits with a sheepish laugh, feeling a little self-conscious. But she gives him a curious look at his admission before her smile softens. ]

Did you come in here to hide?

[ He'd been so busy moving since he came in, she's not sure he'd stopped to look at any of the books yet. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona blinks at the voice, before looking up with a smile. ]

Ah! Hello! And oh! Not until I pestered a translation spell out of another witch friend of mine. It's been a little easier since then... although it still makes nothing in this library easy to find.

[ Cocking her head to the side, she hesitates before gesturing to the fae. ]

If you like, I can enchant something for you that should help you read some of it?

[cryptsleeper]

--How many holidays does this place have?

[It's a question that comes with Alucard fussing over decent plating for what's really just a glorified cheese plate. One that he refuses to offer unless it looks absolutely perfect.]

[cryptsleeper]

If I confirm or deny, you're going to just singe my coat sleeve.

[Look, does anyone need a GIANT TREVOR? Probably not. But at least the mental image is good, and the sappiness even better.]

I admit, I miss having a proper kitchen for making meals right now. It's the only downside of this place.

[piromare]

I've had to change what I wear just so things will fit easier. It's rough.

( no longer can he wear all the belts and tight fitting clothes, opting into looser things that'll let his feathers breathe. )

Sora... ( he's the excitable puca that van brought up. his bonded. ) I'm Lio, and yeah. I'm a harpy. ( if the wings didn't make him stand out, his bird-like feet or his pointed ears probably did. )

Could you do me a favor? Create those butterflies again.

[darkestbefore]

[ She's still figuring this out herself, sorry, Vanitas.

But she does hum for a moment in thought before gesturing to him. ]

Is there something small you carry with you or wear on you? We can enchant that to hold the magic. Then you'll have it with you without it being in the way.

[cryptsleeper]

Was it?

[Alucard tilts his head very slightly, considering this fact. Trevor's had some of his blood already, so in theory there should have been commentary about the vampiric properties thereof. Then again, the Belmont was a) already a vampire and b) overwhelmed by the magic properties at the time.

He watches the way the blood flares. The dhampir's never had that happen to him before.]

--If I may be so bold. Vampirism?

[shadowsthedawn]

[He leans over the table for a closer look, nodding at her explanation.]

Sounds easy enough.

[Grabbing one of the closest scrolls at random, he takes another glance at the rune and words of enchantment. Once he's sure he has them memorized, he shuts his eyes and begins muttering the spell.

When he opens his eyes, the words on the scroll have cleared into familiar writing. He grins.]

Thanks for your help. Is there any specific kind of information you're searching for?

[whomthebelltolls]

[She leaves her glove off for the moment - less to clean later, and the blood should start to stymie soon. They'll have time for healing spells when they get closer to the city.]

Vileblood. [She says it almost immediately.] And it depends on your definition. We've very little in common with the vampires here, but the history of consumption of blood.

[wylderrant]

Wait-

[ She darts back, deflects another blow and then suddenly there are brambles and plants sprouting out of the cave floor and Iramaat laughs, loud and clear, as she turns to deflect another of the bandits coming at her. This one she seems more certain of and she drives him back with a flourish and flash of steel. ]

Well done, well done! You are handy, aren't you?

[fiddlestick]

[He gives a little laugh] Maybe it did! Or there was just something that drew your dream self to him that you hadn't realized in the waking world yet?

[Still, he's glad that Momo's found someone that he trusts enough to bond with. That's important, especially in a place like this.]

Yeah, two of them. Fie and Eren...do you know them?

[blankpieces]

[The hesitation on Near's part is practically nonexistent. He doesn't have issues when it comes to accepting help. He's used to it.]

Yes. Yes, I am. I could really use the extra hands.

[As long as this other young man isn't weighed down with his own purchases, then why shouldn't he let him carry his things? One should always take advantage of a strong pair of arms, especially when said individual only has weak noodles of their own.]

If it's not too much trouble.

[He adds the last bit only out of courtesy.]