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

[braidmage]

[ It's still taking some getting used to, explaining about where he comes from. In Reynir's version of reality, Iceland is the center of the known world, by far the wealthiest, most advanced, most populous country. But of course, there are people here from worlds where it doesn't even exist! ]

Yes, Iceland's near to the arctic. Although it's not as cold as Norway or Finland or Sweden, because it's an island and... something about the way the wind moves?

[ He waves off the details of the explanation, because he doesn't remember the exact specifics and doubts Thancred really cares all that much. His suggestion that Reynir maybe take of his cloak surprises a laugh from him, but the guy has a point. Reynir shoulders it off, folding it over his arm. He probably shouldn't have worn it in the first place, huh?

And he can't resist a little bit of a boast, when Thancred says he might be a great explorer. Reynir's chin tilts up, his shoulders straightening as he says: ]

I've already been on two expeditions into the Silent World, actually. Well, one and a half. The half is because I was brought here in the middle of one. And technically I wasn't there for the whole first expedition, but I joined really early on.

[ It's not exactly a lie, even if he is leaving out a few unflattering details... any mention of him foolishly stowing away, or getting rescued, or anything like that. ]

Oh, just - magic stuff. It's so different here from the way it worked in my world.

[ He doesn't want to bore Thancred with Coven talk, particularly when the guy obviously got the 'Monster' side of the coin flip when he arrived. He starts to cut some lavender from a cluster, bringing it up to his nose and inhaling deeply with a warm smile. Yes, he's going to get a lot of that. ]

Was there magic in your world, before you came here? I know some people, they say they came from places without it. And - if you're not from Earth, what was your world called, what was it like?

[ ...And perhaps this explains, at least a little bit, why Reynir may have been struggling to make friends in this place. He's not good at casual, or restraining himself from asking a million things at once. ]

timeout because i'm an ass

[battlebound]

[ And there, looking several layers of unimpressed, is Steak. He folds his arms and — if it's even possible — stares even more intently at Keith. ]

What did you do?

[darkcharge]

[ "Bad boy" huh? Vanitas grins, a laugh slipping from his lips. ]

Careful. I might end up showing you just how much of a bad boy I still am.

[ Though perhaps not right this moment. Those fingers lightly scratching just feel good. If he had been a cat, he'd be purring. ]

botany!

[battlebound]

... No.

[ He squints at the mushrooms as she holds them out. They don't look familiar, anyway. ]

We should try them. [ Steak overheard someone saying sure, they're edible just a few moments ago, which is enough to convince him to at least nibble some of it. Or would they be better cooked? ]

marketplace!

[cardtrick]

[ Hello, this is a racket. And a familiar voice. She's just gonna... ollie on over here, then. ]

Fifty thousand?! [ The voice pipes up somewhere to Lance's side, white rabbit ears twitching. She's put on plenty of acts like this with daddy to get discounts, so what's one more? ] But... you really need a new jacket, don't you, Lance? [ Oh, there's the wide blue eyes, the quivering hand as its pulled to her chest. ] I guess it can't be helped. I'll just have to... give up school and work full time to support us both...

[ Sniff. ]

[inlikethebrume]

[The kid who was checking out her back yelps and scampers back to their friend, both of them scooting closer towards Bishop because might as well.]

Well, I don't know about a better story but...I can speak about a magical duelist who uses both sword and spells to take care of evil.

[It's not just of X'rhun she speaks of but also the fledgling student he takes in named Arya. About how they were on the trail of a group who took people and the culprit behind them. With how she described the first foe and how they suped on aether, it sounded like a vampire gone astray. To be fair...yeah, he was.]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede scowled, ears flattening back. Her grasp didn't falter so Chariot didn't have to pause in reading it, but an exasperated thing flitted through the Bond.]

How'd we get there from types of mushrooms?

[What kind of organizing system was this?? She had just started to be able to reliably find things in Aefenglom's library, and most book shops were mindful enough to group subjects together. The closest she got here were numbers, and even those were jumbled in with those glyphs she didn't understand without a translation spell. And it seemed like a waste to use them just for that--

Over a shelf, Kaede glimpsed some movement. A flicker of crystalline horns and a flash of blue eyes as they ducked back down again. The Chimera's ears came up as she straightened, her attention grabbed away from the scroll. Her nose wasn't the greatest, especially amongst Monsters, but her vision and hearing was far better. And she only knew one person with horns like that.]

Eren?

[Spotted!! Maybe.]

[cardtrick]

[ Well, soon enough that will happen, surely? But even poofing into smoke has its uses! She can think of a million ways it would be used on stage. ]

Me? [ A shake of the head, floppy ears swinging from side to side. ] Nope. I've been focused on my own magic!

[ It's been a long, tough road to get herself established in the city, and she's nowhere near finished. Though, now that she thinks about it... If she could do something like that on stage, it would really add to the whole show. ] But I bet it would really elevate my shows.

[unsundered]

Would you rather I left? 'Tis an easy thing for me to arrange, and I might even indulge such a request.

[A faint shrug.]

Besides, I could ask much the same of you. Even lacking the ability to teleport, you could've simply kept moving. I would not have followed.

[But yet here they both were. And yet here they remained. Though he has to bite back his first sarcastic comment (probably something along the lines of 'still sulking about being rejected, are you'), he does bite it back. Had months of distance not occurred he might not've been able to, but he recognizes a few more of his less-friendly impulses. He can at least choose when to indulge them (sometimes) (occasionally). So he glances aside instead with a deeper frown, thoughtful.

How did he want to approach this....]

I'll be forthright. An uncommon thing for an Ascian, so I hope you appreciate it.

[Looking directly at her, his tone is neutral, serious.]

It was a mistake on my part to Bond with any of you Warriors so casually. I thought I was being careful, that I'd thought through my requirements... only to find that there's some things I cannot just accept. Or forgive.

[A breath.] That being said- I should've informed you and the others when I found myself taking on a fourth Bond. There were no ill effects at first, so I saw no need. And when that proved not to be the case... well, I still saw no need. It was my own problem to handle. [Another sigh, slightly more disgruntled, accompanied by a wave of one hand.] Still. Even were it inevitable that I lost the ability to tolerate any of you, there was no reason any severing of Bond needed to occur out of such... tempestuous circumstances.

[inlikethebrume]

Together then?

[Should probably be one who tries while the other watches but why not?]

We can try them as they are now for the moment.

[And pops one into her mouth. Hmmm, not bad.]

[unsundered]

It might.

But I'll settle for the benign explanation if I must.

[lucubrates]

"Thank you for not harming them." It got her point across quickly, and while Zelda is certainly not the sort for it... she understands many royals who have use for such a tactic. "Perhaps a question for a question, your grace?"

It seems fair, at least.

"I would most like to know what it was that brought you to seek us out. We Mirrorbound were not the ones on your land, after all. Is there something that ties us, or a simple curiosity? Many of us have interest in returning to our lands."

[turmoiling]

"They are set in their ways, as to what role Monsters should play as well," he says sympathetically. Jin Guangyao isn't so keen on the fighting aspect of life here for monsters, but as sensitive to scorn as ever, he at least has a certain appreciation of the role of 'Monsters' here as opposed to the often subtle sentiments against them in Aefenglom.

"Should I have sought you out earlier? Surely it wasn't anything serious, was it?" He would have felt it if Lan Xichen ran into too much trouble, right? Or perhaps not, for a minor altercation, given Lan Xichen's personality. But the man is more than capable of looking after himself, at least in a physical sense.

With that in mind, and a twinkle in his eye, he adds, "I wouldn't want anyone to think I was remiss in taking care of my Witch."

[whomthebelltolls]

I think you look familiar with it. I think it looks familiar to me, who has fought by your side on occasion while you use it.

[She looks back at the Monster, and leans over his stall. He's surprisingly stalwart about not backing off, despite the clear threat in her pose.] So, humor me, what do you think you could get in exchange from us, selling a man back his own possession?

[There's a clear "we're just going to take it anyway" to her statement, but she... is curious what this guy even wants so, at least, he won't raise a fuss to the guards about something.]

[futhark]

[ Well, well— not only a familiar face, but also taking his bravado and display without hint of surprise. So Soren knew he's here way before he knew about the dragon. Cú's impressed if a bit amused— He spins the spear, holding it now parallel to his stature. ]

Sneaky, sneaky— [ A tease ] Now that a strong, magnificent dragon joined me, I have nothing to fear.

[ Though there's a pang of worry that strikes him. The easily corruptible nature of the dragons, combined with the strange (possibly Cwyld) presence in the tunnels. But safety can be taken care of, he is not the one to deny a man an adventure— or scouting for information. ]

[turmoiling]

Indeed so.

Ah, might I assume that you're not Bonded yet? [In fact, now that he has a face to match to the name he saw on the watch network some time ago... he does recall a post.] It can understand the difficulty in taking that step. I think more than a few people have pretended to be Bonded here, simply to avoid trouble.

[stopfen]

[The just stares for a moment, then nods.]

That'd be helpful. I'm not even sure what these scrolls are called. I've been opening them and looking if there's any pictures but...[She shrugs. That didn't really help. The few that had pictures had been closer to stories and things that seemed to be for children. Though she had found two, one had a picture of a beetle fae, the other, Mikasa wasn't sure. It had more bugs in, but given these people ate bugs, it might just be a cookbook.] What did you find?

[inlikethebrume]

I rather have that instead of what I ended up getting. These two arachne thought Sora was stealing just because he's a puca and had no proof of the so called crime.

[Yeah, recall the intensity of the anger? That was why.]

But they got put in place.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[He hums. He had only recently heard about potions that served as temporary bond. Possibly worth investigating later.]

It doesn't completely go away, hm. I see... That must be rough, but I hope you'll able to adjust to that.

Anyway, let's put the subject about that and bonds aside, and focus on exploring the underground now. Shall we?

[whomthebelltolls]

Great Ones are... a long story. [They probably have time, on their way back toward the city, but she'll get to that later.

Actually, what is a long story is what a Vileblood is, but she's heading that direction.]

One person I have spoken to here described vampires simply as being any who drink blood, shortly after she had called me one. If that is your only definition, then all of Yharnam and its surrounding areas count as vampires, regardless of what is said otherwise. After the rise of the Healing Church, blood was a staple part of consumption - like ale, but far more potent and addictive, and therefore, more widespread.

[She lifts her hand to look at the little trail of blood, and the way it gathers. It's slowing, but it's still there, and she can feel it start to run back up to her elbow to gather and drip into her sleeve, so she drops her hand again.]

No one is born a Vileblood. Or half Vileblood, even; we're either nobles, or servants of Castle Cainhurst. "Vileblood" is a covenant formed with Queen Annalise. Annalise, herself, works much as a blood saint did with the Healing Church, but the blood she had been conditioned to bear was... not the same as what was used in Yharnam. The term "Vileblood" comes from those differences. Imbibing her blood had a different effect. It burned, for one - not the sweet arcane burn of Old Blood, but like a rot that traveled down your throat and infected your spine. The Caryll Rune of Cainhurst was called Impurity, and it was a symbol of regeneration; Queen Annalise could regenerate from any wound inflicted - in fact, she is undying - but only the most powerful among Vilebloods could regenerate more than a little bit. However, the real talent of Vilebloods was our profundity with using our blood as a weapon.

[thejoyrider]

[In hindsight, Marie probably should have worn something less flashy while heading out for a boat ride. But just because she should have does not mean that she would have done it. She needs to keep her appearances at any time, even if it means a less comfortable ride]

I do like boats a lot! It has been a while since I was on one... Last time I rode a boat was before my arrival in Aefenglom, almost a year ago.

[She reaches out of the boat and dips her fingertips in water, just a light touch on the water surface]

How it has been for you, Reynir? Have you been living in this city for a long time? And do you have the chance to ride a boat often?

[She is just curious, okay?]

[stopfen]

[Some of them were cute, like the one that was slowly ambling over. Look how much shaggy fuzz it had. Then they opening those mouths and it just looked wrong. But after seeing some of the things infected with Cywd, the creatures and corpses from Eileen's dream, it didn't unnerve Mikasa too much. She just made sure to keep her fingers away from the sharp looking mandibles.

Still, the one she was feeding had eaten enough roots that the fae let the remaining chunks go. Bringing her hands together to dust them off.]

Isn't that bad for a Merrow? I've met one that can't see outside of water. [Sucks to be you. Mikasa didn't have a weapon that shared her name though, just two swords hitched at her waist. The wormipede hides indicating where she'd gotten them from.] I don't think any of us were. At least it doesn't seem to be an ambush.

[moustre]

"Of course. You have given me something valuable to think about when I decide to approach your host city," she says graciously, pleased that she seems to like the knife. It's finely-made, with the Matriarch's seal carved into the handle, but otherwise it is just a knife - a memento, and an example of craftsmanship, as said.

"You must be. I cannot imagine they know exactly what you go through. Monsters are born as such, here - that is no different above or below. Do they assist you in your changes up there? Help you accustom yourselves to new forms and new magics?"

[stopfen]

[Thank you Connor. The Fae just rolls on into the boat once she's there. If he could smell it, there was some alcohol on her breath as she panted and spluttered, though the dip had sobered.

Just give her a second to huddle up in this small boat that was dry, and rapidly getting damp as the water from her seeped into the curtains.]

Fell...Fell off the boat.

[Got put on a boat with the ex while drunk. Jumped off to escape.]

[stopfen]

[The antenna twitch. You...new friend you are being poked by one of those thin limbs, sniffing.]

They get sweeter when dried. [Raian bread.] It's the same with baking them... If one is bad then it puts people off the rest...[She lowers her voice again, time for another Secret.] But you can cut that bit off. Then tell them you made more than one. But...You can't do that with wine. [Yes. She understands his reasoning for why this fruit used for the wine would be the Good Stuff. Though the fae gives a small shake of the head.]

I already tried some. They all taste like wine to me... I don't know what counts as a good one. I'll try this one again though, just to make sure it's sweet. [To her, wine was wine. She was not an expert, it was just berry juice that made you fall over as far as she was concerned. But Jean...Jean drank alchol, so someone with experance should rate it.]