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

[bergamotrose]

One doesn't need to be an expert to admire the fine craftsmanship, though.

[Lorenz said, smiling in amusement as he put the cup back. Truly, they weren't quite to his taste-- but they were unique, and he wondered what someone with more artistic sense would say on the matter.]

So long as the vessel suits the manner of drink it's carrying, I suppose that appearances truly do not matter. Tea will taste just as fine in a simple cup as it would fine porcelain; Wine, from a glass or from a bottle with a friend.

....Though, I daresay that both are infinitly better with the company of another.

[bergamotrose]

Ah, you may be right. Perhaps it was one of those dreams. The city seems... familiar.

[Sighing, he smiled at the young woman.]

It's good to see you again, my lady-- now that we are in considerably better circumstances.

[bergamotrose]

Hm?

[He looked down from putting back a scroll that he had failed to manage to translate, brows lifted as he caught the request.]

Four scrolls to the right...

[Counting down with long fingers, Lorenz retrieved the scroll and presented it to the young woman with flourish.]

Did you mean this one? The organization is horrible, but I'm finding the ones in this area to be particularly difficult to read.

[wylderrant]

"Hello!" Iramaat replies cheerily, smile spreading a little as she gives Natsuru an appraising look. She's no witch or fae, so there's not much chance of her seeing through the glamour. Instead she seems interested in sizing her up. Not a familiar face to her, but probably a mirrorbound.

"Of course - merely for show," she lowers her voice and gives a conspiratorial wink, "But I wouldn't mind getting to know you a little better all the same."

She cocks her head, "I'm Iramaat. You?"

[zewu_jun]

[At first, Lan Xichen is bewildered at Momo's appearance as much as the Monsters. Thankfully, his reserved demeanor and general soft expression don't make that confusion carry as much, turning it instead to more of a gentle surprise that can be easily followed by relief. The Monsters, thrown by the sudden threat of Cwyld potentially being an issue and the impressive stature of a Dragon in their midst, are more affected by Momo's intervention and give Lan Xichen more breathing room -- so the relief is certainly genuine. He catches up quickly enough, smiling at the wink with a fond nod as he takes the offered hand. Luckily this friendly face arrived before he really did have to fight.]

I apologize. I was only looking around, but I am sure they were just trying to be helpful.

[He moves closer to Momo, acting the part of the faithful shadow and letting the "Dragon" shield him, while the gang of Monsters grumble and reluctantly echo his words that they were helping the lost Witch because he seemed lost. There's a bit of amusement in Lan Xichen's eyes as he stands by his ally and faces them, now more relaxed since they aren't eager to do anything.]

Take me home. I won't get distracted again.

[Although he maintains his polite voice, he is still eager to retreat. Once they manage to get some distance away from the Monsters, he does sigh audibly.]

Thank you... I'm sorry for bringing you into that.

[turmoiling]

Jin Guangyao has played a lot of roles in his life, and this wouldn't be his first time playing with Lan Xichen in a more flirtatious, entertaining sort of way. It was just that this was a bit of a role reversal, to imagine Lan Xichen as somehow beneath him, which was clearly an impossible thing.

But there was no harm in it Lan Xichen felt like playing that for bit, while they visited this unusual city for a while. It wasn't as if Jin Guangyao hadn't already been trying to present himself a little more formally to the citizens (if less so to fellow Mirrorbound.)

It didn't take too long for Jin Guangyao to get used to the basics of moving around on his long snake tail, as a keen student via observation of other nagas. But he's clearly picked up a few tricks, as he shifts and rises up on the tail so that he's a little bit taller than Lan Xichen. It's a funny perspective, being able to look down into Xichen's eyes with a smile.

"It has been a long day. Here you go," he says kindly, offering up the small packages of clothing. "Let's see to it that no one faults your manners. Come along with me, and I'll take care of our evening meal. "

The cooked rats he'd seen at some of the food stalls smelled rather unfortunately appealing to what he can only assume are the more snake-y parts of him, but there has to be something more palatable among the open-air restaurants of the marketplace.

[stardustish]

[ she's glad he seems content with her answer. ]

Momo, huh? Sounds familiar... I might've seen him on the network somewhere? [ probably. another mirrorbound. ] I'll say hi to him sometime. Anyone Bonded to one of my pals is a pal of mine too, you know?

[ she smiles. again with the naive optimism -- listen, she just has a lot of feelings about having friends. she had a handful back at home who are gone, she's going to treasure the ones she has here. ]

I'm Bonded to someone named Akechi. He's also really friendly! I like him a lot and we get along really well. [ she sounds very proud to talk about him! ]

[prayerwheel]

[ Her smile in return is tired, but genuine. ]

I'm pleased to see you looking much more lively.

[zewu_jun]

For many cultivators, even pretending to be below their status would probably be too much to bear, and if they were still in a familiar city where sects controlled the territory, Lan Xichen probably wouldn't have dared to play with such matters. There was just too much potential for injury and misunderstanding to treat his position lightly; too many people who would spit blood at hearing a Lan behave that way for anyone, but especially Jin Guangyao no matter what part of his life it involved. The scandal would have been yet another problem on his plate. But here at least there seems to be a ready excuse, and Lan Xichen has been considering his own life a bit more carefully since the fallout over dinner. If one good thing could be said about that, it was that it forced him to step back and reevaluate himself more closely. And he found that he didn't exactly mind the idea of living without so much of the assumed authority of being the Lan Sect Leader.

It's not something he is entirely willing to give up, but it is something he will think about. How much does he have to raise himself up here?

Taking the packages with both hands, he lowers his eyes and leans forward with a slight bow, mimicking with gentle movements the way he has seen another do before him on countless occasions. Good posture, careful, demure gestures. If Lan Xichen can't quite match the subservient expression, then he at least replaces it with a warm calm like some of the confident ladies-in-waiting he has observed before.

"Wherever my lord wishes, I will follow. But his consideration is too kind. This follower only needs to hear his voice to be well fed."

He does cast a quick, somewhat subtle look toward Jin Guangyao as he walks a step behind him. Even if their eyes don't meet, the brief emotion felt across the Bond is definitely a small thread of pride.

[stardustish]

The seal is what makes the knife everything. It's a nice memento of tonight, but a part of her feels like she doesn't deserve this -- not like she'll say that to the Matriarch, but she'll keep it safe regardless.

"Hmm. Honestly, a lot of the assistance I got was from my fellow Mirrorbound. They're the ones who gave me advice and were there for me during the full moons. I know there's a lot of help for Monsters to make sure they don't go feral and stuff, but most of my own growth was because of the Mirrorbound I met here." She sounds damn proud of it, too. "The Coven's pretty helpful. They give us resources we need to get adjusted to our changes and all. ... Maybe they'd be willing to give some of their knowledge to you and your people?"

There's a pause before Sylvia suddenly widens her eyes and shakes her head. "I-I mean, I'm not trying to speak on behalf of them! It's just food for thought, really."

late as ever.

[rightfoot]

Louis wasn't sure what to expect from this meeting, of course, and his agenda was his own, of course. He was curious about this place, but even more curious as to the type of person the Matriarch was. Seeing her when they first arrived wasn't quite enough of an introduction, so he was glad to hold that token between his fingers. People were easier to get honesty from in one-on-one conversation. They were easier to read and understand. And though the way humans emoted wasn't always as clear as it was at home, he had learned a lot since his arrival.

So, he watches her face as he steps in. As she speaks, making note of every movement, every word in his mind. Making notes so he knows how to approach her and talk to her. So he knows the best way to gain a rapport with her. But first, he offers a slight bow of his head.

Manners, first, of course. She's leadership here, after all.

"Louis," he says it simply. His head remains bowed for a brief moment before he looks back up to her. He regains his posture, straight. "It's truly a pleasure to meet you. I am quite fortunate." The barest hint of a smile. He's careful to maintain a professional approach. As if he were conducting a business meeting at home.

"I'm quite fond of your city, Matriarch. How old is your city? Or, rather, your people's city."

[bloodypath]

[You know, Hubert specializes in pushing buttons, but Felix just has so damn many of them.]

You can at least not act like a chi—

[The boat lurches, and Hubert's weight slips towards Felix; he can see where this was going in slow motion like some horrible stageplay. Still, that horribly moment of knowing doesn't grant him any more than a second to react when the boat starts to flip.]

[With a word and sharp gesture, Hubert vanishes in a flash of purple—but he doesn't get far. Small flickering jumps were something he's forced himself to hone into magical muscle memory, so to speak, but it was a terribly imprecise art when one was unfamiliar with their surroundings.]

[Like this boat. Like this canal.]

[Hubert travels more up than aside, appearing some feet above the water and about two feet short of land—but in a last ditch effort his is able to toss his groceries to safety before he plunges in.]

[recklessbelief]

[It...really isn't that helpful. Which Akko begins to open her mouth to say, but she stops short when she has a moment to think about it. It's not the most helpful thing in the world for her to point out that it doesn't narrow anything down because he's probably already aware of that or he wouldn't be in this situation.]

[Akko lightly scratches at her arm for a moment.]

Okay, that's a start. Do you know any particulars about what kinds of foods he likes? Or trinkets? Or, wait-- [She holds up a hand.] Hold on. I should ask you if you want him to have something he can enjoy right away and it's gone or if you want it to be something he can hold onto for a while. 'Cause if you're wanting him to be able to hold onto it, you probably shouldn't go for the food.

[loverboi]

[ he says it in a hushed voice so the shopkeeper won't hear. he's still nearby, after all. ]

I dunno. Sounded like that guy was taking a shot in the dark, if you ask me. Sure, I feel bad for yelling, but he didn't sound sure of himself when I asked him if he took cunes as currency. He asked me for some kind of gem before that.

[thirdbeauty]

Fortunately, just being ridiculously petite and having the doll-like eyes of a fae rarely seems to raise much outward suspicion. Natsuru figures it must be difficult to tell the difference between witch and monster mirrorbound sometimes, when they all come from so many different worlds.

She can't even be absolutely certain Iramaat is a faun, though that'd definitely be her guess! More importantly, she seems nice enough. Still, the playful, teasing tone and the interested way she looks at her makes Natsuru blush a little, and she nervously brushes a stray hair over her ear.

"Natsuru." Finally, she manages a friendly little smile of her own, looking up (probably) at the other woman. "It's nice to meet you, Iramaat-san."

[recklessbelief]

[It's definitely something Akko would try to show off in earnest if Sora asked, but... There is really no guarantee of the results coming out well. Certainly not a swell as his butterflies just now. He's probably better off learning it for himself or asking her some other time when she's got a better handle on it.]

Flying fish? [She laughs.] That'd be a good choice if this place celebrated Children's Day. You'd kill it with some flying carp!

[She shakes her head a little.]

Butterflies are a good place to start. They're small, so probably a lot easier to concentrate on keeping. And they're always pretty. I mean, have you ever seen an ugly butterfly?

[By that logic, Akko means to imply it's practically impossible to fail. Whether one is going for form or function, they have to be able to accomplish one of them decently.]

[rightfoot]

It wasn't the whole day.

[ Why is he being dragged along like this. Part of him wants to protest the tug and the suggestion but then he notes the tail. Shinjiro's tail is swaying, and above all things, Louis understands how delighted that must mean the other is. So, far be it from him to say no to that, right? What kind of friend would he be? ]

Horns painted?

[ He blinks. ]

Because I like you, alright.

[ That kind of friend, apparently. ]

[wordsinthesoul]

Mm- the currents carry heat or cold along with them, as I recall.

[To his mind,it's good to know what local conditions might be like- though admittedly, it seems unlikely he'll see Reynir. He gives a sort of huffing laugh at Reynir's, but it's good to see his suggestion taken. Perhaps Reynir's used to taking everything with him on his back…? That's something he's been used to, often enough.]

Oh? The Silent World, you say? [That… does evoke a certain image (though almost certainly not close to the reality.]. Well, then I'd say you're on your way already. Ah- did they need convincing, for you to join them?

[Well. All part of a good adventure, though- he'd hardly be the only one to have done something like that…]

I see…. Are you thinking of being a generalist, then? How did it work?

[He might not be particularly versed in magic- and a Monster here- but he remains curious.

Lavender, for calm… mm, they could probably all use that. Chamomile, too, he imagines.]

There was- not in quite the same way. 'Tis a manipulation of the energies in the world- the aether- primarily through the use of our own aether, that surrounding you, or through arcane geometries. Strange to think of places without it…. [But then- thereare people who… cannot manipulate aether. His hand slows for a moment, before he shakes it off.]. I've heard of Earth, though the star I am from is called Hydaelyn. As to what it is like- well, there are many countries within it- not all of which I am familiar with, I admit…. What do you think you would be interested in hearing about first?

[reluctantradiance]

R-Right... Love boats.

[ The lack of familiarity in his tone speaks for itself. He's never done this sort of thing before. ]

His name's Elliot Craig. I saw an ad he put up a while ago and I figured I'd ask. I've never really played an instrument myself before, but I figured I'd give it a try.

[ Music could be a double-edges sword for him, both here and in his own world. But after seeing the Dragoneers playing, he couldn't help but be a bit curious about giving it a try himself. ]

[fulgency]

[He shakes his head about the concern regarding impressions before walking with Momo. Unlike Momo, Ozymandias holds no such concerns about others' thoughts toward his reputation. If someone makes an incorrect assumption, it is of little consequence to him.]

[Ozymandias opts not to pry too deeply into that troubled look that appears to come up. Although it's plain to see from the little shifts in his expression and the way his gaze seems to grow a little unfocused, wearing plain emotions is not quite the same thing as wanting to part with them when one is under the influence of anything. And this is especially true for the drinks offered at Litha which can inspire a desire for a variety of different kinds of closeness with others. Even when it is perhaps unwarranted.]

You do not believe they would show some mercy and allow you to enjoy yourself as well?

[wylderrant]

Well, Iramaat has the antlers (and furry legs and hooves) to with being a faun. She peers down at Natsuru with a keen smile and curiosity, quite willing to take her at face value and involve herself in one way or another.

"Natsuru... lovely name," she replies with a little laugh and gestures to an out-of-the-way bench, "Why don't we sit down? We can discuss a little. Get to know one another before I throw paint all over you."

[timenace]

[ Being addressed seems to make Sougo start a lot more than it should, especially considering that Momo wasn't exactly trying to hide himself here. Still, Sougo seems genuinely surprised to see the man now that he spotted him.

He still manages a smile, but it's definitely strained. ]

Am I?

[ He nods slowly as if coming to the realization he really has been pacing a lot since coming to the library. He also manages to just fail to answer the first question. ]

Was I distracting you from your reading?

[timenace]

[ Sougo hesitates, before pulling the chair out and sitting down. It doesn't seem to do him a lot of good, considering how frantically he starts bouncing his knee up and down now.

That nervous energy needs some sort of outlet if it's not going to be pacing. Even his nod of agreement screams that much. ]

Are there a lot of scrolls here that help with that sort of thing?

[ He hasn't been able to concentrate enough of the few he has read to really get a sense one way or another. ]

[strongspirited]

That sounds lovely. Honestly, I could use a whole day of just...rest.

[Which, really would be awesome.]

[rightfoot]

They'll probably just mess up whatever you organize once we leave anyway.

[ He listens, though, to his answer, and starts shifting a little bit in the direction of the scrolls in question. ]

They probably know where everything is, and it's like organized chaos to the familiar.

[ Though it's really inconvenient to guests, he doubts that they get them very often. He's noticing that the surface almost seems like a novelty to some, and he doesn't really mind that, in theory. Despite that, he doubts they'd appreciate them taking it upon themselves to rearrange their library. ]