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

[cryptsleeper]

--Well that's ridiculous. [But also pretty funny, and there is a low laugh from the dhampir. The whole situation is worth laughing at. Here they are, drenched in blood and bleeding, talking about the particulars of what is a vampire. It's ridiculous that's what it is.] The first part, not the concept of blood as an addicting substance. I can actually see how that'd work.

[And why it might invite comparisons to vampirism but not be the real deal in Alucard's eyes. He's sure that the rest can be brushed over though, and his focus shifts to the blood magic as Maria describes it.]

So the use of blood supplements a weapon's ability and acts as a conduit for magic, if I understand the overall gist of it?

[bravelyathome]

I'm okay.

[She quickly cleans herself up as best she can before getting to her feet again. Stressed though she is, Bernie is a tougher cookie than she'll ever give herself credit for. Walking over to him, she looks up at him. He'll easily tower over her given how she only stands at a whopping 4'5" these days.]

Are you okay?

[They might be strangers but they did just fight together. Plus he put faith in her and let her do the same in return. It's only right to check on him afterward!]

City!

[battlebound]

[ Oh, that's the kind of thing you'd be better off asking Red Wine, Lorenz. But Red Wine isn't here, so...

Ya doomed. ]

It looks like it breaks easily.

[ Fancy plating like that is always too fragile, and Steak remembers more than a few nobles kicking up a fuss about heirloom pieces broken in the process of a party. ]

[wordsinthesoul]

Cleansing… ah, I see.

[It's not a very clear picture at the moment, but he thinks he has some idea- enough to want to not spoil the day.]

Then perhaps another time.

[Ah… well, they'll see. Even though it's not his own home…

He grins at Reynir's enthusiasm, turning to pay his full attention to Reynir.

Gods, is it? That's a tricky subject.] You said it can run in families- are they blessed by particular gods, then? Or do you reach out to the gods? [Huh. He makes a curious sound.] That sounds like some of the bardic traditions- ah, I suppose that is another form of magic, in its way…. Perhaps there's something in the land, as well? Or- the way it's practiced…?

[After all, arcanamia became more widespread after the Guild in Limsa Lominsa was formally established- more students were taught, and in turn they could teach more…. It might not be that similar, but it brings that to mind, and how different it is from Sharlayan storing its knowledge.]

Mostly women? That's interesting- I wonder what that means. Perhaps their power expresses itself more easily…? [A teasing smile crosses his face.]. Ah? What sorts of things did you get up to, I wonder…

[He could probably think of a few things- but he leans in to watch Reynir draw the rune, curious.]

I see…. It almost shows what you want it to do, doesn't it?

Ah… people pray to the gods, but… that's not necessary to evoke magic. I suppose, at a stretch- conjurers appeal to the elementals, but they aren't gods per se…. They're beings who are very old, very powerful, and composed entirely of aether.

Arcane geometries are based on a similar idea to the rune you showed me- you draw the design, and the magic takes shape according to that. A little like this…. [He takes a piece of paper, and scrawls something like the interior pattern on the right- though it's been a while since he's seen that, in truth.]. As I recall, this is a basic damage spell. Not everyone is a mage, but many people have the capacity- it's a matter of education, as much as anything else. We use mage, although there are names for the schools- arcanamia, astrology, thaumaturgy, and conjury. […along with those names after colours.

As to that, the most important question- he looks puzzled for a moment, and then smiles.]

Of course! Of small and large varieties. [Some of which are more domesticated than others, admittedly.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo surveys Sougo again, as if judging the validity of that answer to himself. He could see it being nervous energy, to some degree, but it does seem a little bit off compared to how he's used to seeing that manifest.]

I guess it could be...are you usually this agitated when you're nervous? That was the first impression I got, though I know some people get a bit like that.

[Momo gets energetic when he's nervous, but it tends to be a bit more internalised - rather than pace, he'll more likely sit and shiver and fidget since he worries about disturbing others even in that kind of condition.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's ready to explain his job if he has to, because he's had to do that a lot, but since Ozymandias seems to realise a moment later he leaves it at that.]

No, most of the really popular idols in my country at the moment are groups - Yuki and I being two is actually the smallest unit that's made a real impact right now. We do compete with other idol groups, but they're also our juniors, so we support them and help them grow into strong rivals as well.

[Right now it's only just gotten to the point where any of the other groups could actually legitimately consider themselves rivals to Momo and Yuki, and he's excited for how that's going to play out when he returns to his own world. There's definitely a warm tone to how he talks about his juniors as well, if a different one to when he was talking about Yuki, this one almost parental in nature.]

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, the people I've mostly seen doing it are the kinds of people who think opening up like that will cause trouble for someone else, so they just prefer to clam and risk blowing up because they think it's better. [A broad shrug, like it can't be helped. In his case, there was a limit to how long he would've been willing to push it without a Bond, because blowing up could've hurt a whole lot more people than him, but that doesn't seem to be the same for some others.]

But at least there's a lot of people looking out for others here too, so hopefully that limits how many slip through the gaps like that.

[whomthebelltolls]

Interesting. What is interesting...? [Maria pauses, frowns, then reaches under her coat for her ammo bag for the Evelyn at her side. She pulls out one of the bullets. It's that strange, malleable quicksilver spiraled about with blood that seems to want to melt in her hand, as she sets it on the wood counter.] How about a few bullets? Silver, mixed with Witch blood; they're especially deadly to Monsters, and can be used to channel magic or hold spells, as well. [She slowly, pointedly, reaches for her Evelyn, and pats it.] You need a special kind of gun to shoot them, and that gun won't do it. So now you can search for one that can.

[There is also a thinly veiled threat here - Maria has a gun which can shoot those bullets, this shopkeep is a Monster, the bullets are deadly to Monsters. It's escalating, slowly, in only the most dire way.] I'll trade you several of them. Enough to really kill something. Deal?

[whomthebelltolls]

Then you're more popular than I thought. [Then again, can she really be so surprised? There are some actors and musicians that do garner that kind of attention. Among other popular people.]

The caves naturally head toward the surface. I don't see why one could not lead a few that direction. If it's so deadly to them, they can retreat back to the underground. Unless you mean what I would do to get the Monsters off my back, in which case, I think reminding them I am a Hunter of Monster-like creatures back home would be frowned upon, but get my point across. The Witches simply need to be reminded that a cave system is actually a very poor defense in a war. Not only is it easy to trap someone in them... they can be collapsed upon your head with pitifully little effort. No amount of strength will save them from thousands of tons of rocks.

[What is a normal, measured reaction? Don't know her.] But for the most part, I'm going to tell them to remove themselves from my presence, in no uncertain terms. Like I did.

[whomthebelltolls]

So you see, I cannot truthfully quantify myself as a vampire or not. So I stick with the Vileblood... and even then, it's not something that has followed me to this place. In fact, almost all of my old particulars with my blood were taken from me... and some have been replaced with the particulars of magic here.

[Like, say, the fire blood, that keeps flaring with little flashes of light and fire every time some drips off her knuckles, though that is becoming less and less.]

Though, I wouldn't say it is a conduit for magic. Not like it is here. You alter the properties of the blood itself. All of the "magic" is already within it; and arcane and bloodtinge are two very different concepts. It is another difference between the blood provided by the saints of the Healing Church, and that of Queen Annalise.

But either way, it was a dangerous game we played. [And why she never really liked using it, or calling upon her abilities after a point. Why she stopped liking being a Vileblood.] ... Eventually, I learned to hate the Blood in all its forms; I hated being a Vileblood from almost the start, but I learned how to hate the rest later on. So not having my old abilities here is as much a boon as anything else.

[usurpers]

—Yourself?

[ a response that seems so simple yet difficult for so many to fully grasp. at least in the dragon's eyes, she shouldn't be representing the coven at all, or want to fit into the expectations of the underground's head. ]

You don't have to impress anyone, [ and, an honest gesture of wording that isn't meant to sound rude, but realistic: ] and maybe there isn't a reason. [ maybe the arachne simply picked her. maybe it was random. maybe she just looked interesting or cute. ] Did you want to ask her anything?

[piromare]

( another sigh, but this one is sharper and shorter. every time van puts emphasis on 'you', he winces, but he stays quiet. there isn't a response he can give the other without it making him ache.

perhaps lio was also being selfish, in another way.

but when galo is brought him, he's able to breathe again. )

Yeah, Galo Thymos. He's part of Burning Rescue. They just want to put out fires, save people... kind of like me. But he's different. He's stupid. Thick-headed. Brave.

( very much like lio, but he'd never admit it. )

And he has a big heart. I've grown to... accept him.

( among other things. )

[piromare]

( yes, they could definitely get along! especially when lio's ability to sense lies kicks in. that'll be an adventure for the both of them. )

I think it'd be smart to learn more, but frankly? This place being called the Underground makes me uncomfortable.

( it's like the air around him is squeezing his wings, making them feel tight. but part of him knows it's probably just those odd instincts subtly nudging him. )

But I'd rather be training. I'll probably do some of that as soon as I get back to my balcony. Say, if you're ever up to it...?

[lucubrates]

I had a dream, [ She says, offering it slowly and with an edge of hesitance. Though prophetic dreams are nothing new to Zelda— any Zelda, really— this is a different world. ] About this place. I believe that they tried to communicate with us before, these underground peoples.

[lucubrates]

[ All of this is understandable and despite being a witch, she can relate. Her own bonded had quite the feral turn when things boiled over; each of them have their own issues to deal with as they adjust. She can hardly complain when she has been making slow progress, for it is still progress. ]

If you have need for support, I am only a message away, Saber. I am glad your bond is going... well?

[ It's a gentle inquiry, but a question even so. ]

[prayerwheel]

Neither have I. I'm not studying fire magic, myself, but this is a rather interesting read.

[ a nod, at that ]

There's a smaller nation in my world, the Flame Tribe, that worships a god of fire. Their chieftain's daughter traveled with us for quite a while. They base most of their principals around what fire gives them as a concept...while it's far from a full understanding, I do feel I understand some of the things she spoke about more, now. It's worth a shot to ask your friend. I wouldn't have thought to ask her, since we never really had a personal chat.

[ something something fire and water joke ]

hover for translation ;)

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar is no stranger to having an audience but this is different. There are not so many people watching. It's late, he's been here whole day trying to get his chance so any people present are mainly stragglers with no pressing matters and too much time on their hands. All the favourites fought earlier and people who came to watch specifically them got what they wanted and went home. And yet it is the nature of the crowds that wherever people gather in large groups, there news travel faster than fire devouring dry grass.

The sparks igniting that fire this time are two words: Witch and Mirrorbound. So when Iskandar and the chimera guy step inside the ring all eyes are on this intriguing curiosity. A Witch that fights.
The chimera looks less content than Iskandar having all this attention directed at them. He's young, shorter than Iskandar and of leaner build but he's a Monster, right? He has teeth and claws and trained all his life. Surely he can't lose to Witch in an honest fight?]

No magic remember?

[Iskandar laughs. He didn't come here for tricks.]

Do not insult me, boy. What are your weapons of choice?

[Chimera snarls showing a row of sharp teeth, unsheaths his claws, a pair of wings unfolds behind him.]

I need no weapons to end you.

[Iskandar nods. He's not even touching his sword.]

Very well. Let it be so. No weapons.

[Iskandar regrets he doesn't have incense or at least wine for an offering. It feels wrong to start a fight without offering a sacrifice for the gods first. If anything reminds him this is truly another world it's details like this.]

Πατὴρ, I offer this fight to you.

[Not that he expects Zeus to hear him here. At least he tried... He looks back at his opponent.]

Shall we begin?

[The chimera lounges.]

[silentsavant]

[To Soren, most promises come with a transaction: a give and a take. For a price, one end of the bargain can be met. Both parties benefit. It's a very mercenary way of thinking, but that's what he's been for half of his life. That is why when Mettaton approached him with a deal, his business sense led him to immediately understand that his silence on this matter held steep value to the Puca, worth sacrificing all he has. To be able to make a guarantee of silence with stakes and conditions set is far more reassuring to Soren than a spoken oath by a near-stranger, and he could never relate to the opposite point of view. His upbringing never afforded him the luxury of developing personal qualities like naivety nor faith in others.

But Soren didn't really want anything Mettaton was capable of. He could extract cunes as a bribe, certainly. An opportunity for gain is always nice. But he always liked making deals transparent to both parties, and he knew that purchasing something like the guarantee of keeping a secret always carried the risk of distrust. Mettaton gives him the sinking sense that what he's seen in the mirror could even mean that the Puca might be desperate enough to achieve his silence in underhanded and more insidious ways — ways that circumvent a Dragon's natural advantage in power — and no promise on his end could ever amend that. He needs to tread carefully with him in the future.

He shakes his head, arms tight around his chest. Mettaton's pain is quite palpable to the Dragon. It crushes even him a little. Nonetheless... what would an empty promise solve?]

I will let you know. Take heart that I would not squander such an opportunity to be given something in the future by blabbing indiscriminately. Your secret is absolutely safe with me.

[He genuinely thinks that's... reassuring... It makes sense, right?]

[wylderrant]

Oh. That is a look she honestly hadn't expected to see on Soren's face anytime soon. She's used to him being crabby or stoic not... mischievous and smirking. It brings a smile to her face and then she laughs, tipping him a wink as she leans in.

"Well! That's more like it! I knew you had it in you-" She cocks her head to examine him, trying to decide what sort of design she'd like to put on him. Decisions, decisions.

"I feel like something angular might suit you best, honestly. It goes with the scales... the shape of your face."

[towards_okeanos]

You are absolutely correct, my friend.

[One should never trust King of Conquerors when he agrees on anything too quickly.]

It is true that everything is improved by a fine company. And a drink of good quality would not lose its excellence even when served from a simpler vessel.

[Iskandar would not frown at simple, not like some other Kings.]

But [There.] I'm sure you'll agree that be it a simple cup or a golden goblet, each of those sends a different message.

[thejoyrider]

[Marie’s palm moves and a small butterfly lands on Sora’s ear. It flies around his head and disappears in a puff of colorful smoke and sparks]

I am not sure how to describe this feeling, but creating these illusions... I guess it feels a bit like I was painting? Creating a tangible image out of what I have pictured in my mind...

[She pauses for a moment to think of a good comparison]

My Bondmate is a composer and his music can make listeners picture all kinds of images and feel all kinds of emotions. When I use illusion magic... I like to think that is how he feels when he plays

[inlikethebrume]

Better than removing their heads from their necks.

[Show them some Ishgardian Dark Knight Justice. But too many technical matters here.]

Red Wine | Food Fantasy | OTA

[judgementor]

ib. library

[He walked in despite the peculiar looks he had gained from the locals in the doing so, and it seemed that they quickly shrugged it off as a peculiarity of someone from the surface (though he continues to, aggravatingly, feel eyes on his back the entire time he's there). Red Wine couldn't have resisted the draw to a place like this one, even after being warned that he would probably not be able to read many, if any of the scrolls when he got there.

Despite that, he chooses one at random. Something that looks like a history recording, with an ornate design on the edges. When he finds somewhere to sit and carefully unroll it, it's detailed with illustrations every so often and the writing is simply--]

Fascinating. [He says, then quickly looks around to check for any reaction to his outburst. His fingers run over the silk, the unfamiliar letters, and he looks up again for the nearest person.]

You don't suppose they offer translation spells here, on the off-chance someone who isn't a witch decides they want to read something?

iia. botanist's dream

[There's something so soothing about this entire place. Maybe it's the lack of harsh light and having to lurk about in the shadows to avoid discomfort. The freedom to simply walk the streets without worrying about setting alight is something that Red Wine had sorely missed.

He makes it down to what looks like where they grow their food, in his wanderings, and pauses for a while by the pool to crouch and watch the strange fish swimming about. Tales of what lurks in the caverns further afield hasn't passed by him, but he did not come down here to bloody his sword.

It isn't long before he's being offered some of the local fungi, after unintentionally drawing attention simply with his presence. The first - something oddly sweet that is all kinds of wrong considering it's a mushroom - has him wary of trying anything else.]

Oi-- [He says, as politely as the word can sound to someone else who is having a few samples waved at them by eager hands.] Have you tried this? It occurs to me that we ought to be more wary of taking everything we're given.

iiib. exhibitions

No.

[Someone spotted his sword, pointed at it, excitedly suggested that he come and join the bouts in the Arena. Red Wine had only been there to watch, and the idea of 'no' being a complete sentence does not quite seem to sink in as the suggestion comes again, more insistently, and the vampire feels his hackles bristle up at the actual impudence of it.

But then--

Why shouldn't he?

His eyes go to the arena floor. The gathered crowd is cheering the ending of the latest fight. Red Wine's jaw lightly clenches, then he shrugs off his coat and thrusts it abruptly at the native who is bothering him.]

Fine. Fine. Hold this. Do not lose it, or I'll make sure you're my last opponent.

[TAKE YOUR PICK: watch him fight and talk to him after? be the one who's fighting him? hit me up at hardtostarboard#7737 or PM me and we can work something out!]

iv. closed to Steak

Come to the underground city. I'll be waiting at the docks.

[He doesn't make a ceremony of it. Doesn't say 'please'. Responds to any questions with a simple further instruction to just do as he asks. It's a simple need, really, to have familiar company and the only person familiar enough to fill such a need is Steak.

It's the middle of the day on the surface, but down here Red Wine is bright and alert, perched daintily atop a coil of rope on a barrel while he waits. It's pleasant here, outside of the occasionally far too enthusiastic locals.

He's also sporting a black eye. Best not to ask.]

u kno

[battlebound]

[ Steak, admittedly, only really comes to the underground because of that text, cutting quickly through the streets as he gets his bearings, following the pull of the bond, it growing stronger with every step.

Soon enough, he's there, and Red Wine...

Has a face injury. Again.

(That worries Steak more than he's willing to say. He knows exactly how vain this jerk is, after all.) ]

What is it?

[judgementor]

[For all his vanity, the black eye doesn't appear to be bothering him at all. When he sees Steak there's a subtle brightening of his expression and he hops lightly down from his perch with something that is almost a smile.

Then, he grabs hold of Steak's hand.]

I want to show you something. Come on.