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

[stardustish]

Yup, you heard me! Unstoppable. And that feeling you get in the air, you're gonna get on ground too someday!

[ again, this might all just be blind optimism, but sylvia's seen greatness. she's believed in people -- and she'd let them down. maybe she lost those people before because she didn't try hard enough, so this is her way of trying to lift a friend up. selfishly, this is also her way of trying to prove that she can be a good friend, both to lio and herself.

she shoves those thoughts off to the wayside, laughing a little awkwardly before she continues. ]

Oh, that's great to hear! Who did you Bond with? I'd love to hear about it, if you don't mind.

[stardustish]

When the guard returns with the knife, Sylvia's eyes go wide. She's speechless for a good moment, and her hand is hesitant to reach out and take it. Once her fingers wrap around the handle of the knife, though, and a smile slowly creeps onto her lips. It's not a creepy one, rather just one of great delight, and she looks up at the Matriarch.

"This is awesome! You're -- you're really giving this to me, huh?" She slides her knife into a pocket on her utility belt. "Wow. I'm really honored, you know? Thank you."

It's probably the closest to a earnest formality the Matriarch is going to get. Still smiling and notably less tense (still nervous but not quite as much), she says, "It's been an adjustment, yeah. Big time. I'm not even done with my transformation yet, too. I guess we're considered intriguing to people on the surface, too, heh."

[loverboi]

[ the shouting is absolutely abhorrent, good thing momo is here to save the day. lance initially looks pretty startled and somewhat appalled, but the more "he's just trying to run a business" sinks in, the more the guilt does, too. ]

Ugh, fiiiine.

[ lance deflates, looks over at the shopkeeper -- who looks visibly less annoyed -- and shakes his head. ]

Alright, alright. Sorry, man. I can't afford that coat, but uh, good luck?

[ and then he's just gonna awkwardly...scoot...away... care to follow him, momo? ]

[fabrications]

Lots of dismissive feelings today, huh? Akechi notes it for later (and that smiles) but decides to drop the subject for now, aside from a simple, "Perhaps another time, then." Besides, Akechi doesn't mind pleasantries, but this is why he actually came here.

"You're right. There's a lot of things I'd like to ask... but to start, I'd like to know why you're interested in the Mirrorbound in particular." He pauses for the moment before he clarifies: "That is to say, I noticed that we the ones were welcomed into your city and invited to meet with you personally, even though it seems representatives from Aefenglom and the Coven weren't given the same opportunity." Akechi can think of a few reasons why that might be, but how and if she answers can help him decide how to proceed from here.

[loverboi]

[ this is....a lot of stuff lance is wrapping his head around, stuff he clearly didn't take into account when he should have, and he lets out a hefty sigh. ]

Okay, okay. Fair. Different economy, different prices and resources, I got it.

[ now he feels bad for yelling, and he runs a hand through his hair. he turns to the shopkeeper, clears his throat: ]

Alright, sorry for making a fuss about this. Let's just pretend it neeeever happened, cool? Cool.

[ and then he's going start stepping to the side. awkwardly. moving towards the next stall. he looks over at azura, almost expecting her to give him a judgmental stare... (he'd deserve it.) ]

[yesdoubt]

Momo nods understandingly at the way she describes the nomads, because that's about the situation he was imagining. It doesn't seem as if there's a wealth of uninfected areas outside the city, and it sounds like many of the people living out there are infected if soundness of mind is an issue.

Her mention of the Cwyld in the tunnels allows him to circle back around to her mention of the state of the surface, too, expression also becoming a little more serious. "On the surface, infected areas of forest are sometimes burnt to clear it, but that can be dangerous in itself. The conditions near here would've given a terrible impression because the entrance to your caverns is deep into what we call the Wilde, which is heavily corrupted in both plant and animal life. But you may be able to talk to the Coven about leyline purging. It's still somewhat experimental, but we've recently made progress healing a dangerous section of forest by flushing out the corruption with our own magic over a few months. It would have more potential for your tunnels than fire - how close has the Cwyld gotten to the city at this point, and how fast?"

He wonders if the moss would hold out as a defense if the corruption made it that far.

[rowdyraven]

He moves with her as she detaches herself from the crowd, ducking into the entrance of a side-street carved into rock. The light here throbs an eerie blue, casts stark shadows over the high angles of his face. There's a sharpness to his features that wasn't there upon his arrival, an increase in angularity that he hasn't, yet, quite discerned.

"Hah!" the sound is a strange one, light but bitter edged, "you and I both, my dear. Though I can't say I know whether it's a common practice among Harpies. I've always been prone to a spot of over-indulgence."

And when the world twists strangely around you, when your body is changing in ways you never would have thought possible...drinking oneself towards sweet oblivion seems a better answer than most. There's a momentary delay before he answers her question, only the slightest tensing of his broad shoulders giving any indication towards his continued misgivings.

"I've er...well. They're going. Some feathers, you know. My hands are...different. And I have this abominable ache in my legs and shoulder blades that suggests...something," he has seen enough native Harpies to have an idea of just what that suggests, still remembers the vast dark shape of himself from the dream.

[prayerwheel]

[ She only raises her eyebrows at him. ]

It stands to reason that many similar goods will be more expensive down here. Please temper your expectations accordingly.

scandalous...

[glitzandglamour]

[The force is purely Mettaton's menacing. Were he in his proper mind, he may have listened to her plea with a level-head and offered to walk home with her, coupled with an attempt to pull a sheet over guilt and convert it into mere inconvenience. He'd say something along the lines that nobody should want to make her stay where she truly doesn't feel right, but that it's good of her to get out. He hoped she would have found something enjoyable about the affair. Thank you for trying, etc etc.

Unfortunately, Mettaton is not in his right mind. His grin widens, teeth sharp, eyes fixed on the crackle of lightning. Mira smells like a Witch rather than Mira, and it makes all else seem so inconsequential, nothing about the occasion mattered. He looks upon her hungrily, and it's hard to say whether he's just enjoying the chase, or if he's more interested in the prey.

It's not the full moon. Not at all. He Ain't Right.

So the robot does the opposite of what Mira asks of him. His fingers curl into her some more, only the fabric of her mantle keeping them from puncturing skin. He laughs, defiant and — knowing? Aware that he'll be shocked, and not able to get a grip on how he feels about that except for anticipatory, excited, distracted.]

OOOOOOH, YESS!! THAT'S RIGHT! THERE'S DRAMA IN VIOLENCE, BABY!!

[He closes in on her, standing tall and towering deliberately over her, though he makes no further move to act. Not yet. But the inertia appears ready in every joint, full of motion as Mettaton is.]

[inlikethebrume]

[And it's the wrong way of doing it. Push against something, the other force is going to push back in retaliation. Only this time instead of simply taking it, the person in question has decided to say no and will make sure that answer sticks.]

I just want to go back to writing tonight. That's all I wish for right now.

[Of course he never helps. Always been the type to whisper something and let the road take shape. How long has he been doing that now? When he comments about her magic, she can't help but feel ill at ease.]

I'm not fond of using them for that purpose. But I will not be afraid to set the next person's who tries to force a kiss on me again pants aflame for their actions.

[inlikethebrume]

I am not falling on the ground making noises but I am also not feeling the opposite so...mayhap.

[Or maybe she just needs to eat another one. For science.]

pretty much you pervy bot

[inlikethebrume]

[There's something very wrong since she's never seen him act like this before. The only moments of feral behavior she has seen in a puca was when she beat up that one with one eye when he ambushed her before all this started. But Mettaton is her friend and she never wants to hurt those she cares about, friends included. And it's when he holds onto her tighter and how he laughs, how he stares at her...for a moment, she's looking at the man who claimed her as friend and enemy. The one who relished in seeing blood and the hunt go on and Mira cannot help but freeze.

She looks around her, at the poor souls who are minding their own business and not noticing what is going on and shuts her eyes as what she is resolved to do. What she does is because they're friends...this doesn't feel right. This isn't the same person who comforted her when she broke down in tears but something having a hold on him. Mira has no clue but she cannot let him do this. Who knows what would happen if left unchecked. She then reaches and takes his wrists, keeping her head down.]

Abyss guide me...I'm sorry Mettaton. But this is not right.

[And she lets her levin magic flow out of her, sending enough to the pucabot to try and make him loosen his grip on her. Or maybe stun him. He'll thank her for this later. Hopefully.]

[glitzandglamour]

[He will thank her for it. Later. Mettaton wouldn't like knowing that he's being This Way, so beyond his own sense.

Right now, though, the lighting looks tantalizing in appearance. Like something that could give him a feeling other than the keyed-up dread that followed him from the Underground. He doesn't want to think, and it's either succumbing to his instincts as a Monster, or electrocution. He is looking for a thrill, hunting for something beyond himself as he tries to grip back on her wists, tries to overwhelm her suddenly with a fever—

And he's electrocuted, if mildly. It works; he stops thinking, if only for a moment.

He doesn't short-circuit, but electricity's enough to temporarily override proper movement in his body. His legs give out and his eye closes automatically, his entire body responding as though shutting down. The Puca comes to in an instant, catching himself in a sitting position before he collapses completely. He convulses shortly, world spinning.

Mira's safe from any claws or teeth or... whatever he was going to do. Chase her some more? Perhaps in the haunts of his mind, he's thinking of Soren even more than before. Fortunately, it's not at the forefront. Nothing severe enough to have him relapse into a moment, nothing he hasn't already addressed.

The only response she gets out of him is a hybrid moan/groan through teeth. He looks right through Mira, dazed and biting his lower lip like he's... either in pain, or enjoying himself??]

Ohhh... Yes.

[yes... mettaton...? He might need a moment.]

[inlikethebrume]

[She's unsure what to think. While she did manage to stop him from going any further, her compassionate nature couldn't help but kick in as she shows concern. When he falls to the ground, Mira follows as she gets on her knees to look at him. She's still not sure if he is feeling pain or something else, it's never typical with him but after all, they are friends. And as much as she is not a fan of this party, Mira is not the type to simply leave anyone in a dazed state.]

Mettaton...?

[It's quieter this time. However, she is a little afraid to touch him considering she just shocked him.]

[glitzandglamour]

[Yeah, touching him might not be the greatest idea. He's very metal, and very conductive.

He focuses his attention on her, but only fleetingly, grinning like an idiot even still. The robot hums, all of that overabundant energy shocked right out his system. In its wake is a whole lot of nothing. He can scarcely reflect over what he'd been doing, save for the fact that it was fun, it was distracting, it was a rush...

Later, he might consider that he was being more than just a bit loopy toward her. Right now is not that moment.

He springs to his feet in one motion, unwisely. He manages, but stumbles backwards, metal slamming into brick with a resounding crash. He is beauty, and he is grace.]

H-Hmmmm...? Y... Yes, darling?

[He looks around, confused. Mettaton holds himself against this wall, trying to get his legs to stand straight and not knock-kneed.]

[wordsinthesoul]

Ah, I see. Are you more northern, then? [He frowns a little, considering that.]. Perhaps- do you have somewhere you could put your cloak? [Maybe- let's start with the idea of taking off layers.

His own situation is a little strange, but… something like that. The cities certainly do seem protected, which helps quite a lot.]

Perhaps it'll turn out that you're the explorer of the ages, if circumstances turn that way. [There's no guarantee they would- but it sounds like the sort of thing Reynir might like, he thinks.]

Oh…? That's a shame. What subjects are you studying? I'm sure there would be others who are interested in them.

[He chuckles, taken a little off-guard by Reynir's enthusiasm- but it's good, too.]

Then we shall be! I think we're off to a good start, hm?

Shows up late with Starbucks!

[darkestbefore]

To say Yona is a little nervous about this meeting would be an understatement, but she's doing her best not to show it. And actually accomplishing that fairly well - this is hardly the first time she's been put in a scenario like this, even if the circumstances are rather different and new this time.

At the welcome, she enters and approaches, dipping into a polite bow of greeting - she's not sure if that's even customary anywhere in Aefenglom but it's the custom in her lands so she sticks to what is familiar. And a little courtesy and deference couldn't hurt, right?

"I'm honored by your invitation, Matriarch. My name is Yona. And I wanted to thank you for letting us come visit your beautiful city. It's been a fascinating experience - for all of us, I'm sure."

[darkestbefore]

[ It will work. She reaches to look at the keychain before laughing quietly. ]

It reminds me of Sora...

[ She comments absently, then sets it down on the table with a smile. Retrieving a small piece of parchment from inside a pocket, she spreads it out on the table, revealing a carefully crafted symbol on its surface. ]

This is the rune you need to remember. It holds the meaning of the magic and this is what you want to enchant your object or text with. It's almost like... hmm. Combining the two? Merging the rune into the object you want to contain the magic.

[darkestbefore]

[ Probably a little bit of both - although she's much less naive these days than she'd once been. She still hopes, however. Hopes for a great deal. ]

What information is that you do seek? [ She's curious, since he's so dismissive about what could be offered from the Matriarch herself. ]

I don't doubt they probably seek something in return - you're right in that this is often something to benefit one or the other, if not both. I suspect she needs something, something that cannot be granted down here. Or perhaps she's merely curious? Then again, she could have a great number of reasons, many of which haven't even occurred to us yet as we haven't been here long enough to know what they would seek and deem important in the first place.

But that is what we're here to learn ourselves, isn't it?

[darkestbefore]

[ Her expression turns sympathetic at that. ]

They do seem to have very... defined ideas on the roles that witches and monsters should fill, don't they? I suspect they'd look just as strangely at a witch trying to go fight in their monster academy, don't you?

They also seem to be much more... hmm. Forceful? About everyone being bonded. Moreso than I even experienced from the Coven. [ And they'd been pretty insistent themselves, but at least she hadn't been mobbed by overeager monsters there. ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She looks delighted when his attempt at the spell works. She'd been worried she wouldn't be any good at teaching that knowledge herself, but it seems he'd picked it up regardless. ]

Oh, good! I'm glad to be of help. not being able to read anything in here is frustrating indeed.

[ As was trying to find anything of import, really. ]

Ah, me? Well... I was hoping to learn more about the city itself, the people that live here and how they see things. I dreamed of this place before actually arriving through the Mirrors and... I saw some strange things in that time. I want to understand more about them.

[darkestbefore]

That's part of what I've been here studying.

[ She also looks eager to learn more about this. ]

I want to understand these people. Their history, their traditions. Why they believe some of the things they do and how they might have come to some of those more unique beliefs, being cut off down here as they were. Hidden away. There are some things that seem similar to the city above, but others...

[cryptsleeper]

Given that I can't say with confidence what a Great One is--

[Alucard trails off, shaking his head. Not the time or the place, clearly. He keeps moving behind Maria, the answer to her question an easy one.]

They're functionally close enough. The differences are incredibly minor, and I'm a biased sample as my father's status was rather high even back home due to power and age.

[yesdoubt]

[Well, at least she's honest about it. Momo can't help but laugh, if quietly considering he might get the librarians on them otherwise.]

Me either, and every time I ask the librarians they keep waving me in general directions. It's making me wonder if they actually have a system. Found anything useful yet or has it all been misses?

[Because luck is basically all they have to rely on until someone miraculously figures out how this place is organised.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo grins understandingly at the focus on language. While translation spells are a blessing in situations like this, if they're hoping to have long-term affiliation with this place, they should really be starting to learn the language.]

That wasn't a whole lot of the language to work off, though, was it? I dunno that we would've cracked much of it before this happened. [As far as he knows, it tends to take a lot of material and a lot of time to unravel a language from very little other information.] I am curious about their magic, too, but I haven't found any big differences besides something I grabbed earlier that seemed to be mostly light-based spells. Which makes sense down here when everything's accustomed to it being darker. But I've had about as much luck as you on the history and culture front, unfortunately.