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

[rightfoot]

So a monster, eh? I'm afraid I have three bonds right now. Still, it is really specific, she might be better off finding a human or human-like bond and just getting it over with.

What is she anyway, if not human?

[rollfordiplomacy]

[Everett's just chattering away when he hears Hector interject, his ears swiveling to his lover attentively.]

Ah, yes, yes. Apologies, I do get so distracted. We'll be one our way. [he retrieves cunes from his wallet and offers them over for a pair of tight woven baskets. The Puka doesn't seem concerned with the amount, just curious over strange surface monies. Everett gives a short bow of a farewell]

Thank you, good lass. Perhaps we'll be back. [a wink, which makes her bounce thoughtlessly on her heels, Everett turning back to Hector with one in each hand]

[wordsinthesoul]

Mm. [He can't really disagree with that, but-]. It may still be useful while we're here.

[He hums, turning to watch where Louis is going.]

Probably. I know a few people like that. Still, if someone were to come in and needed something quickly, it might help.

[…but there is a point in it not being appreciated- the other never seem to, even though it is (often) meant with the best of intentions.]

[silentsavant]

[He frowns.]

Dragons are a dying species all across the continent, so it's not shocking that they no longer exist here, either. The Cwyld finished them off. Or rather, the moss did, by the sounds of it.

[Snapped up the moment they contracted the disease down here. While Momo has probably gotten accustomed to stares by virtue of being an outsider, he may just be getting more now that he's in tow with another purported surface-dweller who sports irrevocably classical draconic features. Faces that bob up from various wares don confusion, like they're unsure if they're seeing what they're seeing. Children point and whisper in warbling excitement. Most of all, an underlying hint of suspicion marks the air, parting a clear footpath for them as civilians keep their uneasy distance. 'Cwyld...' 'Cwyld?' Soren pointedly ignores it all and keeps his focus trained ahead, tone and expression grim as the topic, but in the hardened way of someone who accepts those sorts of realities as a matter of life.]

But that shouldn't stop me from finding suitable clothes. They look to be far less restrictive than Aefenglom's typical styles. If they don't fit in certain places, I can always enlist the help of a tailor.

[The dark, silver-embroidered capelet he wears is slitted in the back and the shirts layered beneath it capable of accommodating his wings. Similarly, buttons and flies need to be done differently for someone dragging a whole-ass lizard tail behind them.]

[glitzandglamour]

[The robot glosses over his ability to take damage, and even waves a hand dismissively at her concern for him. As far as he's cares, people are to think of him as damageable, perhaps, but repairable. Easy. His creator's here! She can fix anything that happens to him. He wiggles his fingers to show her that he's fine. Rotates his wrists. Stands up straight. Pulls himself together in record time, as though nothing has happened to him at all.

He does this through sheer force of will alone, and he smirks at her, cocksure, but eye unfocused.]

Is that so. Yes... Right. I remember.

[Mettaton acts like he remembers her having not told him what she wanted. Then he remembers all at once his odd behavior over the past few minutes toward his friend, and stares at the sky in realization, ears perking up. Oh, no.]

..... Ah. It seems I've gotten a little... Wrapped up. In the festivities...

[He's still smiling, but it's a vacant smile. Yes... Caught up in the festivities. Caught up in the craze of Litha. . . ? (MTT is shoving the thought of the Underground so far from his mind that denial in the dictionary is next to his face.)]

You know how it is. Crazed with love! Ahahaha... Are you all right, Mira?

[He regards her directly, eye focused, composure neat. Beginning the dreadful realization that he has something to apologize for: namely, his behavior uncontrolled. What got into him...?! He crosses his arms, standing evenly, as though no electrocution has even happened. Good as ever.]

[inlikethebrume]

[And what happens if the damage done cannot be repaired? That's something that worries her because even the biggest, toughest, and most durable robots can not only be harmed but they can be killed. Just ask her if the chance comes up and she can tell him about the Ultima Weapon, Omega, and just recently, the Ruby Weapon which is an entire nightmare in itself. Ok two were piloted but even so, that's still a thing.

The fact that he smiles doesn't throw Mira off, it just gets a stare back and a fold of her arms. She knows that's a lie because she had yelled that she wanted to get away from all of this. And it worries her that she did much more damage than she had anticipated. A little wrapped up?! He was even worse than usual! And it seems that he's aware of it now. Poor guy.]

I'm fine. It's not the worst I've been through.

[Physically at least. She tries to give him a smile in return but the worry is still etched on her face. If this is what love truly is, then she has some serious questions. Mainly is this truly the actual power of the Flame in the Abyss?]

Will you be?

[getting_better]

[ The children, including the big one who egged them to sit down, listened intently with wide eyes and admiration. Wondrous 'ooh's and 'ahh's filled the air around the market place. ]

Wow, that's scary. Don't you think so?

[ He asked the children who all gravely nodded in unison at his inquiry. ]] Then quickly turned their starry eyed faces back to Mira. The excitement on their face clear as day.

Though he was also listening to her tale Bishop was not idle as he moved slowly from one side of the group to the other, searching of course for anything that shouldn't be theirs. He eventually stops behind one child and quietly swipes a leather pouch they thought they had hidden, locked eyes with Mira and subtly lifted the coin pouch cupped in his hand for her to see.

A silent 'is this yours?' being asked by the smile and gentle look in his eyes. If it was, he'll keep it, if not, he'll put it back where he found it. ]

[stopfen]

I think it's more likely they'd take you as a hostage... [But she relaxes, he didn't seem to be freaking out about it.] We don't even use the same type of money as them.

[weiward]

It's politics. Are people ever really what they seem?

[he's no expert, because he hates politics. the flattery, the hidden intentions, the feigned modesty. consistently resisting the urge to roll your eyes into the back of your skull. it's no wonder he was always outside of it or drunk.]

I'd say you have the right idea, but it might be hard to figure out from the first meeting along. Now if you were able to establish something where you could speak to her again... [wei wuxian trails off, a smile on his lips as he gives momo's sleeve a tug.] Maybe you'll get lucky and be her type?

Sweet I can drink without being burnt

[stopfen]

[Mikasa had eaten some things since arriving in the city. Especially in the recent months as she'd started just grabbing at bugs. Mushrooms though, she'd eaten them before. Gone looking for them on the edge of the woods when she was younger, they were a mixed bag. Some were delicious, some would kill you within an hour.

But if these people could eat them...It's after she starts eating that she remembers that some people had lost the ability to eat certain foods. That slows the chewing, but she'd already swallowed most of it by that point. She just pauses, giving a small nod for an answer. ]

It tastes like eating sugar.

[Does that help?]

[yesdoubt]

[Considering Momo's experience with acting and also just generally the fact that he makes himself the protector so often, he takes up that role quite easily, one of his "wings" shifting slightly to cover behind Xichen. The way the circle moved out helps a lot, because Momo's one worry was that someone might get close enough to him to realise that the extra features were illusions, but now everyone's far enough apart that he doesn't have to worry.]

I certainly hope not. [And off they go.

Momo doesn't drop the illusion outright when they're out of range, since he's kind of committed to this bit at least until they move to a completely different part of the market, but he does at least drop the vocal illusion so his voice returns to normal. It's not really necessary when he's not looking to intimidate, and maintaining this extensive of an illusion is going to be a fun time already.]

It's fine, it's fine! I've been dealing with that kind of stuff too, so it was kind of refreshing to get to swoop in as the Monster this time. [He grins a little mischievously.] You're Bonded to your sworn brother, right? Did he wander off to do some shopping? Or slither off, I guess.

[How do describe motions when legs aren't involved.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's brows arch rather visibly at the obvious avoidance of his question, but he maintains his humour, if slightly subdued compared to the higher-energy manner he's usually in. It's hard to tell if that's because they're in a library or in direct response to Sougo's apparent bad condition, though.]

If you want an answer to that, shouldn't you give me an answer to the question I asked you first? It's rude to ignore people, you know.

[A gentle chide, but also a stubborn dig of heels - he's not letting Sougo slip away from the issue that easily.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo looks a bit curious at the idea of healing fire, but he points back over his shoulder in answer to her question before he follows it up.]

I found some stuff on light magic earlier, for defensive and distraction kinda stuff. Which figures, since I doubt anything down here is that used to having bright light thrown in their face. [A brief pause, and then he lets his curiosity get the better of him, because why not.] What are they using the healing fire for? Maybe I'm not thinking magically enough, but using fire on people sounds like an accident waiting to happen.

[yesdoubt]

Momo doesn't even need his people-reading skills to tell he's caught her interest with that. Her words immediately explain why, too, because if things are progressing that quickly then her fears of being trapped in the city would be all but imminent without some kind of cure prospect. He knows all too well how quickly a handful of years can pass, especially with something lying in wait at the end of it.

"They shared it with us Mirrorbound, even the new ones - I was only here two weeks before I participated in it. So it's something I don't believe they intend to hide. It does take a lot of Witches working in tandem, but you have your Academy, and the Coven may be curious to experiment in another environment or, as you said, take something in return for the help. If not, a lot of Mirrorbound helped with the first attempt, but the Coven would have more specialised knowledge even if the method itself isn't difficult to learn."

He'd almost call it a brute force method, honestly, but he doesn't know whether there's any particular intricacy to the initial Coven-supervised attempt that he's not party to. So he figures it's probably safer to direct her through the Coven, especially since they could use the extra numbers if they agree. That, and it might be more temptation to expand visitors beyond the Mirrorbound.

[yesdoubt]

Not against the Monsters with the big strength advantages like Turnskin and most kinds of Chimera, but any on a human level would need to be really fit to beat me, and at worst I'd give the ones a bit stronger than humans a run for their money.

[Momo grins easily, like the fun for him isn't so much in the win or loss as just the challenge. It'd be a way to at least prove he's on the level of some of them, and the strongest ones are probably used to being...well, stronger than anyone anyway.]

Sometimes it's nice to just challenge myself, but it'd probably at least get a few of them off my back.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo pats Lance on the shoulder reassuringly as he goes, waving over his shoulder at the shopkeeper with the other hand.] I'll come back through later and see if I can't find anything I like, okay?

[That seems to content the merchant a bit with their departure, and Momo waits until they've put a few people between themselves and the store before he lets out a laugh that he was definitely holding back while they were within earshot.]

Come on, Lance, you know anyone who heard that probably isn't gonna sell to you now, right? We're visitors, and nobody likes a problem customer, especially one who doesn't even wanna pay them in full. [At least his tone is light-hearted, but it's basically parental advice hours anyway - Momo worked multiple part-time jobs at a time when he and Yuki were starting out, so he's lived the unreasonable customer life. He puts a finger to his lips mischievously.] Besides, we're here to leave a good impression, aren't we?

[weiward]

[those really do seem to have a mind of their own... but so do his ears half the time. one turns a little, but sensing no threat, he continues on as if he hadn't noticed the gentle poking.]

Ahh, I didn't know that about baking.

[he's never actually tried his hand at that. he makes a hell of a stew though - emphasis on 'hell' because it actually tastes like you're licking the walls of the place. she gets it about the wine though, which makes wei wuxian smile.]

Good! We can drink mine and you can save yours. [he didn't come just to window shop and offer his expertise, and it's always more fun to drink with company.] There's empty crates to sit on, and since we're buying so many bottles, maybe we can get a couple of cups thrown in?

[turning his own big dark eyes on mr. bull.]

[battlebound]

[ Down the hatch. ]

Cheers. [ It isn't a drink, but close enough. Steak follows suit, the mushroom surprisingly sweet and— ]

Ack— [ He splutters, grimacing at the sudden fizz filling his mouth. It isn't unpleasant, it just isn't anything he expected to encounter in a mushroom. ]

It's like candy...

[fiddlestick]

[He frowns because...yeah, he can't rule that out. But he doesn't seem scared by that idea]

Y-Yeah...I wouldn't expect anyone to pay for my ransom anyway, so thank goodness it didn't escalate to that.

[stopfen]

[Oh pancakes, that gets a nod. She knew what they were.] Did you have anything with them? [It'd be an odd question if she didn't dip her head, lower her voice.] I didn't know you were supposed to put things on them when I had them...[That had been a little embarrassing, she'd linefaced through it but still...But the fae had been asking for a reason.]

Do you want something to eat or do you want to look around the festival some more?

[Because the fae wasn't ravenously hungry, but she could do with a snack. She'd seen some things, berry tarts and little cups of berries and syrup. It wasn't like she felt guilty or anything for not really seeing the girl for ages. Nope.]

Thancred Waters | Final Fantasy XIV | ota

[wordsinthesoul]

1. City - Library

[Given the opportunity, Thancred gravitates towards the library fairly naturally. Where better to see if he can't pick up a few more details about the history of this land? He heaves a sigh at the organisation- or lack thereof- and settles himself down, picking up a pile of scrolls to start looking through, intending to sort them as he goes. Maybe you find him in the middle of that, or in the middle of making notes, which he's fairly absorbed in- though he'll notice if someone approaches, looking up.]

Ah, were you looking for this one?

2. Botanist's Dream

[He's not particularly surprised there are so many mushrooms down here- the one he's been given a sample of simply seems a little unusual, even for here. He rubs his thumb over the spherical one, looking down at it.]

Well, it can't be dangerous…

3. Graduation Day

[Face-painting to signify a Bond… It makes sense to him, in the end. Thancred sits through the process patiently, with the sense that it won't be the same if the paints are messed up. Or, more likely, they'll have to redo it again…

He gives whoever's near a look, and a grin.]

What do you think? What about yours?

[The exhibition matches catch his attention as well- though he's catching some attention, too. Thancred grins, wings shifting a little.]

Well. I can promise we'd put on quite a show- hm?

4. Litha

[He does want to see the celebrations back in Aefenglom- it would be a pity not to see how their efforts through the month have gone. He wanders past the brothel, looking at the various designs he hadn't seen earlier, offering compliments to the owners.] That looks wonderful- what inspired the design?

[There are flowers, again, of course, and Thancred takes a few, beginning to thread them into a crown. He hasn't quite decided what he'll do with it yet, but the making of it is keeping him occupied enough. No doubt something will come to him.

And certainly the pools catch his attention, and he glances to see who else seems interested.]

What do you think? Shall we see how it responds?

wildcard

[PM me or hit me up at kunenk if you've got another prompt you'd like to do.]

[wordsinthesoul]

What sort of ratio of Monsters/Monster types and Witches is there in the underground city?

[thejoyrider]

[Marie’s face brightens. Finland, Iceland? These are names she knows. Whatever the world Reynir was from was exactly like, its geography was at least similar to her homeland. Not that she has ever been around the northern parts of the continent herself, at least not when she was alive]

These names are known to me, even though I have not visited these lands myself. I am Austrian by birth, but I have spent my life as the queen of France. Do these lands exist where you come from as well?

[She chuckles]

I believe there should but then again, I do not even know if the Finland and Iceland you speak of have anything in common but their name with the lands of Europe I come from... Is it also called Europe in your world? The continent.

[Comparing geography with other Mirrorbound never gets boring]

[moustre]

It's about 60-40 Monsters to Witches/humans, with Arachne, Naga, and Vampire being the most overrepresented Monster types. The other types are all present to various degrees, except Dragons, of which there are none.

[wordsinthesoul]

Neat. Thank you!