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

[prayerwheel]

Just one.

[ holding up a book that seems to be about fire magic ]

I've been trying to see if they have anything about using elemental magic to heal, but so far I've only found one on healing fire.

What about yourself?

[glitzandglamour]

[Mettaton thrives on getting hurt. He spent months just being hurt when he got here and he relished it, being able to feel something at all... But he'd admit that maybe it's not the best feeling he could have. Fortunately, being made of all that metal means that the pain doesn't register all too strongly.

The greater struggle is reclaiming each circuit and wire in his body, trying to recalibrate his awareness of it all. Truthfully, he's not artificial intelligence, so he doesn't pick up on it immediately... Being electrocuted always tends to feel like the first time he ever tried to operate this body. So he slumps somewhat against the wall.]

I'm having a wonderful time. [He says it with his eye closed, leaning his head against the wall. He doesn't know what he's doing, but he knows he was excited to be near Mira and it's Litha... So that must be accurate.] Don't worry about me, darling. I'm impossible to permanently damage. Given... I'm a robot. Haha.

[He flashes her a smile. He tries to remember what they were talking about before... this? But he can't. Not really. Maybe he was asking her what she wanted to do. That sounds about right. To divert the attention away from her worry, he "repeats" what he thinks was a question he had, at some point.]

Wh... What was it you said you'd like to do, gorgeous?

[moustre]

Infected or simply feral, but neither manage to make it to the marketplaces; the moss keeps out those with the Cwyld and the guards take care of the ferals. It's a serious situation to be in, one she is very aware of. "I was aware of the poor conditions outside the open tunnels," she agrees musingly. "All the more impressive that you have forged your way out of your protected city at least this far."

She falls quiet and listens raptly to his description of leyline purging, leaning forward imperceptibly. This is something of definite interest. "If it continues at the same rate it has thus far, it may reach our boundaries in just a handful more years. You really healed an infected forest with this leyline purging?" A hum. "And you think this is a technique they would share with us, provided we had something to offer in return? I imagine they have little vested interest in seeing tunnels they have never been to cleared of Cwyld."

[moustre]

"It was only your group who first saw my city in your dreamwalking, yes? Not your Wilders or Coven and certainly not those of your city - Aefenglom, you said? You must understand, we have had no contact with those aboveground and I am walking a path that none of my predecessors have trod before. Sometimes these things must be eased into," she answers mildly.

"I am not unwilling to meet with those from the Coven or Aefenglom - eventually. I wished to hear the opinions and desires of fellow outsiders to their world first, however."

[stopfen]

Can you? Most of them where I'm from would just talk shit. [Big claims about products and the like, they didn't normally mess with her though. Especially not now she was of rank. They normally brought in bulk and with the scouts' newfound respect they got a lot better deals than they used to.]

It sounds expensive making a weapon out of a gem, but they have a lot here. [She peers at them for a moment.] I haven't heard of that material before, but I've not met anyone who knows what iron bamboo is at all...Did they not have a lot of metal where you're from?

[Did they have a shortage, was that why they'd use rocks?]

[moustre]

The Matriarch's pleasant (as pleasant as one can get as a sharp-toothed Arachne) smile widens a little at the dip of her bow, and she curtseys on clicking spider legs in return, apparently amused by the ceremony. "Yona, welcome. I am honored that your people have chosen to come and visit. Apparently holding your Wilders was poor manners and I do apologize for that."

She settles back into a comfortable crouch, not quite seated and not standing at her full height. "This is truly a momentous occasion for us as well - we have had no contact with those aboveground in hundreds of years."

[moustre]

"A question for a question, certainly." The Matriarch hums curiously, tilting her head to the side slightly.

"If something has tied our people, besides your dream, then I do not know what it is or why," she says after a pause. "These are unusual circumstances, unusual times. I am not the type to bury my head in the soil like a furred grub and ignore what goes on around me. From what I understand, your people are quite unusual to the world up there as well. I thought perhaps we could forge connections, whatever they may be."

She seems a little surprised when Zelda admits they have interest in returning to their lands, assuming she means Aefenglom. "I am holding none of you hostage. You may return to your host city whenever you desire. Did some of you not wish to come?"

[braidmage]

Oh, wow, almost a year? It's only been two - I guess nearly three months now, for me.

[ Reynir blows out a breath, his freckled cheeks puffing out, like he can't believe it's really been so long. ]

But it doesn't feel like it if I'm honest. I spent most of that feeling like this was all a dream I was about to wake up from. Even after I accepted it wasn't, it didn't feel real for a while, you know?

[ He certainly doesn't seem to mind her curiosity one bit, and is willing to give honest answers. The whole point of going on the boat with a stranger is to make a new friend, right? Well, Reynir is all for that. And this girl seems awfully nice. ]

My last time on a boat was before I arrived, too. Right before, actually. I was on an expedition in Finland - looking for a friend.

[ That's... a very abridged and tame version of what had been going on, but the whole story isn't exactly fun-boat-ride-conversation material.

Instead, he asks a question to help establish the basics: something he's realized is necessary in a place where people come from such very very different places. ]

Have they got a Finland, where you come from? Or an Iceland? That's where I come from. Whiiiich is probably why I like boats so much, honestly. Not like I was around them much, growing up. Kind of a novelty.

[bravelyathome]

Oh thank the Goddess.

[She's so grateful for that fact. Here she's been worried that she's spent all this time on a book that is worthless for research. And now it turns out she's really found something.]

Then this can be how I can pay you back! You can get copies of the information too!

[It seems fair. He is helping her SO MUCH right now.]

[stopfen]

[Even without changes, Mikasa was made for fighting. The causal lifting of large, heavy sacks was a testament to that. For a second, the fae just blinks those large black compound eyes at the puca. Then turns her head looking around her, trying to see of there was anyone else.

Because really???

She had swords. What did Trucy have?]

It's you... [That seems to cause a stir, a murmur about the two monsters facing each other knew one another. Maybe they'd fought before? Who knew, there was a few strange comments there, Mikasa just blocks it all out. Then they start urging them to start.

The fae is slow but she does take a casual stride closer. Hands drifting away from the swords, those were not needed here.]

[inlikethebrume]

But...you still can take damage.

[Mettaton, you might be weird and say you'll be fine but it doesn't mean that she will stop worrying. And now this is where it will get awkward. Didn't he remember that she didn't want to be in this place? That she was trying to get away from all the forced love being shoved down her throat? Mira honestly should just go and just be done with it but she cannot just leave him behind like this. After all, she is responsible for him being like this right now. Or so she believes.]

I didn't say.

[She tugs at her arm, looking off to the side. She doesn't want to stay but she doesn't want to leave Mettaton alone. That's not how you treat a friend.]

I...don't know what I want to do.

[rollfordiplomacy]

Everett listens intently to the history, soaking it up. How he enjoys travel and learning about each place he arrives, how he revels in it. He laughs gently at being called a charmer, grinning his own toothy smile back to her. He'll also gesture her return to where she was seated when he arrived, it would be more conversational if they could relax as they talked. He'll join her if she does so follow along with the gesture of a suggestion, if not about to insist with words, not wishing to seem a (foolishly) commanding sort.

"As flattered as I am a flatterer! If my charm is appreciated, that is. I've spent my life traveling as a diplomat of my people," he winks, playfully at ease with her, "One learns to hold himself, in all that time. I'm eager to know all you'd tell and to answer any questions you have of me, in turn!"

[oathkeeper]

[Sometimes Sora really has to wonder just who's the monster out of the two of them. Vanitas who bites and practically purrs or Sora-- the actual monster?]

Help, I'm shaking in my shoes.

[He's playfully joking. He's not scared of Vanitas at all although he does know how strong and menacing Vanitas actually is. Heck, just look at what happened to Lavi when Vanitas got mad...]

I think you're fine the way you are, you know. A little bad here and there isn't ... so bad. Haha.

[lucubrates]

If she had a sense of humor, the princess might have laughed. As it is, her brain is a little too concerned with the image of a 'furred grub'— what a cute term... Would it be unbecoming to comment as such? She holds her tongue, seeming more embarrassed by her rashness than anything.

"On the contrary, those who did not wish to come did stay above ground. And I had hoped, perhaps... we might be able to visit in the future, or help your people and you introduce yourselves to those above ground as well as protect the surrounding area. However, I believe they call us Mirrorbound for we are bound to the mirrors that summoned us to this land. Mirrors that lead us here, for better or for worse. We are no natives to this soil."

Tilting her head, she continues, fingers laced together over her mid-section. "As such, you are right. You and I have more in common than our stations, your grace, and for that reason, I had quite the same hopes. Since arriving, I have noticed you have more control over the Cwyld... it seems. Your knowledge would be invaluable to saving lives, I believe."

She thinks it's best not to say more, even if her excitement for such a city must be showing by now? Acting as Princess, she should keep it to herself. Perhaps if she's lucky, it isn't too obvious.

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas has expressed similar thoughts before. In the end, when it comes down to it? Vanitas really does consider himself more of a monster than Sora will ever be. The transformation doesn't mean anything. ]

Hmmm. You should be shaking in your overly large shoes. Be thankful you're in my good graces.

[ He is teasing back, of course. Though yes, Vanitas can still be vicious. He hasn't lost his edge in the slightest when provoked. Or when he feels entitled to go on the offensive.

Hearing Sora speak though... Van lifts his head. ]

...Thanks.

[darkcharge]

Oh yeah... Because he's even capable of looking at something and wanting to take it without paying for it.

[ Vanitas rolls his eyes. ]

Are they even still alive, Mira?

[inlikethebrume]

They are. Just with shorter hair.

[Like son, like mother.]

I am not that foolish to try and take a life during such a crucial time. And it was only when words could not be used to release him that I used force.

[darkcharge]

Oh I probably would have mutilated the moron. If I am being honest, that is. Someone stopped me and that's the only reason I didn't fight.

[ A shrug. Van doesn't care about the politics between the two locations. ]

[darkcharge]

[ That really is optimism. Almost on Sora levels but not quite Ventus levels. It just makes Vanitas shake his head with another chuckle. Again, he isn't quite sure what to make of Lio sometimes. Perhaps they are both merely trying to figure the other out for the time being.

And, here, they both have the time and the luxury to. ]

It's not that easy though is it? Not when you keep throwing yourself into one fight after another. Putting yourself at risk time and time again.

[ Vanitas snorts. ]

Sacrificing yourself and your well-being and never giving any consideration to yourself.

[inlikethebrume]

Sometimes I have those thoughts myself.

[She sadly feels like she needs to mind it. Too much Warrioring.]

b

[thirdbeauty]

Natsuru had thought she'd be able to mostly fly under the radar, so to speak, as long as she didn't disguise her fae features in this place. That was before she started seeing the fights between monsters, and she quickly decided being taken for a fragile witch in need of protection might be less dangerous. A simple glamour concealed her wings, antennae, and pointed ears... but left her height and features unaltered. Any fae or properly trained witch would be able to see right through her; fortunately, most of the fae seemed playful enough to go along with the charade.

Of course, now, she's ended up in the middle of this Graduation Day new year celebration, bare-faced and practically broadcasting that her Bonded are nowhere near. Every once in a while, she tails someone and alters her glamour to match their paint patterns for a while, breaking away and dispelling the faux paint before she gets caught. Yet when Iramaat notices her, she's some time between targets and seeming awfully lost.

"Ah-?" She gasps and takes a step back, not having noticed the faun nearby until they spoke. It only takes her a second to relax, and offer a slightly nervous smile. "Oh... hello."

Her eyes drift to the paint in the faun's hands, then back to her face. "Huh? ... You mean it?" There's hope in her voice, then suddenly apprehension again. "Um... just for show, though, right?"

[zewu_jun]

It seems that Jin Guangyao is doing all right. He seems more comfortable in the underground city somehow, more confident than he has been in front of Lan Xichen before. There's something to be said about that. Yes, they have been going through a lot of adjustments since their arrival with changes and Bonding and even more changes that have added a lot of extra pain and emotional duress on top of being in an unfamiliar setting, but those things could have been overcome more easily, he thinks now, if the environment for them were more accepting.

Maybe it was wrong of him to Bond with Jin Guangyao. Maybe he's been asking him, unintentionally, to live in a way that is still like their past lives, limiting him by standing next to him and presenting the former roles instead of letting him completely embrace his new life away from the old. But when Jin Guangyao, still holding his hand, says those words, how can Lan Xichen consider letting him go?

"I wouldn't want to trouble you," he manages to say. That comes out more instinctively than deliberately, since he's used to providing reassurance. More seriously, he adds:

"It was nothing. I suppose the Monsters here do see a lone Witch as somewhat ill-mannered, that's all. In their eyes, I suppose I appear to have strayed away from my lord's grace. Perhaps I need better training."

He doesn't quite smile as he says that and only briefly catches Jin Guangyao's eye, but there's a certain quiet mischief behind it.

"Shall I carry your bag? You have worked hard today while I was only reading."

Start to wrap?

[arturiarex]

Yes, let's. Forgive me.

[ She nods firmly and strides to the door, pulling it open for Soundwave and gesturing. ]

After you.

[bergamotrose]

Not as much as I would have liked,

[Lorenz admitted with a weary sigh, looking over at the perpetually haggard-looking Ozpin and passing him one of the scrolls.]

They seem to be written in a completely different system from Aefenglom... and my bonded Witch isn't around to help with translations right now.

[finesseblade]

[ Oh, he doesn't like that.

Quick as a flash, Felix slices off one of the straying branches, but they only grow even quicker across their path, blocking them in and making it clear there's only one way to go next.

She's a lot more level-headed about it than he is—his eyes dart between her and the hedge, his scowl only deepening with every passing second. ]

Why is it doing that? Are we being trapped?

[ Sure it makes things easier by process of elimination, but that doesn't mean he feels comfortable with it. ]