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

I don't think we have actual population numbers so that's pretty much a guess

[wordsinthesoul]

Ah- so you have a focus on the practical side, then? I apologise for presuming otherwise. It's good that you've been able to work out what you have.

[He'd thought it was something rather like the Studium- but perhaps not, in that case.]

People seem to give their energies different names, across the worlds…. It's quite curious. Ah- in any case, aether is the energy of life. It flows within all beings- people, creatures, and plants alike, constantly in motion.

They're rather different, but there are some elements of the spells that I can recognise from our own schools. [Ah… that is a lot to put on someone from a different world, isn't it?] My apologies. In effect, they are different ways of manipulating the aether into the form you desire. The effects don't typically overlap, though with time and practice, a mage might find a way… Thaumaturgy, for example, sees the practitioner drawing upon the aether within themselves to channel those spells into sorcerous might. They've also served in preparing the dead for burial in the past, as part of the Ossuary's rites.

[Perhaps that sounds odd- but it's one of those rituals that is important, in its way. Thancred moves forward, reaching out for a few dianthus blossoms.]

I imagine it would be strange without them.

[Oh…? That is curious, and he hums as he settles back.]

That's… hm. I hadn't quite thought about it that way…. Well- I believe the last population count in Ul'dah was upwards of thirty-five thousand… The other city-states are perhaps of a somewhat smaller number, but there are many hamlets scattered across the lands…. Perhaps at least one hundred and sixty thousand scattered across Eorzea. And then there is Ala Mhigo, and the other continents…

[Ala Mhigo is in an odd state for him- he knows it will be liberated, but that's still in the future for him. …that's probably a little complicated to explain, though.]

[darkestbefore]

[ He makes it sound so simple. She blinks at him a moment before laughing softly at herself. ]

Maybe you're right. Thank you for reminding me. I've been so worried about saying the wrong thing or giving offense... This place has some very strange ways of thinking and they seem very firm in their opinions.

But yes, I... Well, I really want to know about this place and how they've come to be this way. How they've survived down here all this time. And the moss... they seem to have a strange reverence for it. I suppose just saying I want to understand them sounds very vague and open, but at the heart of the matter... isn't that why we came here?

[darkestbefore]

There might be, but I'm not sure there's any rhyme or reason to how they store texts in this place. They just seem to be stuck anywhere and everywhere, so finding something that actually explains what your looking for might be more challenging than you'd expect.

[ She answers him ruefully as she glances around the library at large. Although his bouncing leg draws her attention quickly back to him and she gives him a curious look, wondering what's wrong. ]

Are you alright? You seem a little... restless.

[darkestbefore]

Ahh, mostly some old myths and legends about how the people came to settle here. I was searching for some more information on the moss that protects this place, but I don't think I've found the right texts yet.

[ She gives the other girl a sheepish smile because this really was like hunting a needle in a haystack. ]

Do you have something on you I can enchant for you? The spell should last for a few hours that way.

[slayvega]

Words can carry as much weight as an item. I'm mostly used to trades for medicines and spells, but information is just as important.

[ She couldn't help being reminded of the baby dragons as she covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. The children were so energetic it was rather difficult to resist the urge to hasten her steps to keep up with the pair. ]

It's cute. Kids are pretty lively.

[rightfoot]

Beggars can't be choosers. Most people here are human, or human-like to start. Good luck to her, then. Not interested in being bonded for the novelty of being a deer.

[prayerwheel]

Me? Water and ice in assorted forms. I was hoping to find some knowledge about ice healing in one of these books.

[ closing the book ]

Are you looking for books on defensive magic? Perhaps I can help. I've hit a brick wall looking for anything else on my own.

[piromare]

Of course. It's hard to train solo.

( his eyes, more accurate and able to pick things out a lot easier than he could before, easily spots that minute and slight flex of the muscles. she looks distant for a moment, something that he's seen in others as being in thought--- brief, but it's there.

but he won't question it. she answers affirmatively anyway, so it's not his place to say anything. if she has a concern, sylvia would totally say something. right?

right. )

I have to get used to using a sword that wasn't made specifically for me, but I have a branch I've been using that won't... you know, do anything too serious.

[beariot]

[ It took Ursula a moment to find a way to work it... and try to not let the conversation make herself feel anymore anxious than it did already. Cheese helped. ]

... Time. Time and careful affection. I had... basically no experience before arriving here. I'd never had a significant other, never dated, or... even had sex with another person. [ Her voice cracked on that last bit. ]

But now I have three beautiful, amazing people in my life who fill me with the kind of love I didn't even dare dream about before. And it took time and it took gentleness. And all of them have been so endlessly patient with me.

[inlikethebrume]

'Tis something I believe as well; coin can always be discarded but words can spread from one person to many.

[It's gotten to the point where the faun child is 'biting' on their harpy friend's arm from up front but it still appears like it's from a comedy routine. Mira blinks for a second because wow, food is serious business for them. Ok, it was the same back home since Brumeling but still.]

...should we let them continue on?

[slayvega]

[ It was one thing to let baby dragons play and not attempt to intervene or else be suddenly tossed into a lake without warning for laughs. Thankfully, there was no body of water near by but still. ]

Ah ha, well.... I wonder how far this food cart of theirs really is?

[inlikethebrume]

[Hold on, let her swallow this real quick.]

Hmm, a rolanberry is a red berry. Looks a lot like the strawberries in this world...actually, it looks very close to it here.

[It's still so weird to notice that.]

[battlebound]

[ There's a joke in there, but fortunately no one is gonna make it.

Huh. So maybe they're really not all that different. The idea soothes him, somehow. So much of the worldly constants have felt as though they revolve around all the terrible parts of humanity that something as innocuous as a berry shared seems delightful in comparison. ]

Strange that the word is different in your world. [ Strawberries are strawberries on Tierra, and apparently Aefenglom too.

It likely means nothing, but it is a nice thought that these worlds find some way to be joined. Some similiarities. ]

[moustre]

"Shared is perhaps a strong word, but she did get a glimpse of some of you within this dream before she was ejected," she admits, but seems unconcerned about that. "Of course my Bonded is a Witch. Traditionally, the current Matriarch Bonds with the strongest Witch in the city - it is a high honor for said Witch, who then becomes the Headmistress or Headmaster of our Academy. This allows for harmony of rule, a united front. Generally speaking." Judging from her tone, there have been exceptions to this in the past.

Her smile widens a little. "Yes, I hope so. In some ways, our peoples are not so dissimilar. Please, I am sure you have questions for me. Go on."

[oathkeeper]

[Perhaps when Sora gets the flower idea again it might come up again. Right now he's much to busy with tugging them towards the street food stalls. The smell of cooking foods and steam fills the air and he can notice that there's something particular about some of the smells. Spiced or wood-like, like things have been smoked or spiced with special exotic herbs and dried spices he's never smelt before. It all smells so interesting. He just hopes that he can try some of it and it's not all just smoked meats? wouldn't it be awful if he saw some smoked rabbit]

Uh-huh! Another puca friend I had shared some with me once! They're really good!

[That puca friend is gone now but he still remembers the nice lunch they shared. He learned a lot that day.]

So, what should we get first? The entire street is our oyster!

[inlikethebrume]

You're not fine. That's something said only when you do not wish to make someone worry; trust me, I've done that myself.

[It's strange. She wouldn't pursue it as much if it were a stranger but what she says to him is blunt and straight to the point. Mira only feels she could say that because of recent events; it's not often that she breaks down and expresses her worries outside of her Bonded. It's what he deserves from her, no less.]

That's a little too late because that's what people do when they care about someone: we want to see them happy, we worry when they get hurt, we get scared if we think they're in danger, and we tell them if something is wrong because hiding it will always end up biting someone in the arse sooner or later. I can't do that to you.

[Which also means she too should speak about her own worries.]

I would not be so against it if the feeling was not forced on me. At that point, it is not love they are spreading but manipulation. You cannot force someone to feel love otherwise they will want to push back in means of protecting themselves. I knew from the beginning that this time was not good for me and decided to stay away because I didn't wish to be any kind of hindrance or cause harm for those wishing to celebrate.

And that's what happened. People trying to force the matter on me despite my attempts in being polite until it got too much. It would be fine if they left me alone but it didn't happen.

[Not only that, it sadly reminds her of times where her choice or her options didn't matter one bit. Can anyone blame her for feeling uncomfortable or trying to run? She should know about love, hells, that's the source of power used to fuel the Flame in the Abyss. But freely given, not forced.]

[moustre]

It gets a laugh out of her, that little comment, and she waves off the flattery with a smile.

"Is she?" Her expression is indulgent as she leans her chin in her hand. "Yes, I did. There were others who wished to win the opportunity to Bond with her, but it was all very political, you know. These things are just natural." If she had eyebrows, they would lift in curiosity; as it is, the expression tugs at her eight eyes.

"We are all lifelong denizens of these caverns. Her description feels familiar? How so?"

[supersoldier]

Then it would be a good talking point to start with.

There is a difference, after all, between the Bright Wall... and a moss that devours people given to it. Beyond the context of culture, that much is obvious.

[He looks at with that detached, scrutinizing gaze of his, hard to tell what he's thinking behind cat-like eyes.]

Even so. It seems like an impermanent solution. I've heard the infection is creeping further in.

[inlikethebrume]

If that is the case, normal seems correct.

[Picking up another mushroom and peering at it.]

I wonder what kinds of uses these plants have other than food. Do you think it's possible that they can be used in potions and the like?

[stardustish]

Yeah...yeah. She does. But...

[ sylvia reaches into her utility belt and produces an obsidian knife. it also notably has the matriarch's emblem on it. ] She gave me this. I'm really happy about it, but...I don't know if I really deserve something like this, you know? Heh...

[ she holds it out for akechi, if he wants to take a look. she smiles a little weakly as she does. ]

She asked me a lot of things I didn't fully know the answers to. Like, what we're doing to combat the Cwyld. I felt pretty embarrassed when I realized how little I knew.

[cryptsleeper]

[All hail the cheese plate.

Alucard listens carefully, and in those words? There's a lot of familiarity. Strikingly so. One hand does lazily grasp some bread, but he's yet to move so he can eat it.]

--Where you were is roughly where I am now, with a few steps forward.

[So you know, totally inexperienced.]

Patience seems the most important.

[stardustish]

[ she huffs and she looks towards him, rolling her eyes. ]

How did I not even notice that?

[ good question, sylvia. in any case, she walks on over towards him and starts picking up the scrolls to put them back on the shelf. ]

See, this is why I need friends like you!

[glitzandglamour]

I'm not. You're right.

[He claps lightly. He's not. But he could be... Nonetheless, Mettaton beams.]

How nice of you to recognize me, darling! I understand. I'm very unique. Though I should hope you're also impressed at how nice I look, no longer succumbing to iron allergy as I once was...

[A nod, before he smooths a hand (sexily??) over his long, silvery ears. Then, back to the topic of mazes.]

What option sparks YOUR fancy, then?

[silentsavant]

Yes, this looks to be it.

[Pants for exercising... That would be something much easier to move in than the standard stiff trousers men seem to fancy up there. Luckily, the cavedwellers value freedom of movement much more. Soren and Momo move closer and closer to the stalls.

A young spinster waves in enthusiastic greeting from her stool at the corner of the enclosure with one of her many arms as she busies the rest of them with weaving her gold silken shawl. Soren glances around and... indeed, sees quite a few arachne-tailored articles: sleeves and legs for days. But it's also immediately obvious that they carry clothes meant for those with fewer limbs... or even those with no limbs at all. (?!?) Other arachnes perch about engaged in conversation, but witches, too. Their attention drifts to the fascinating pair of oddly-dressed customers, conversation hushing and petering out as a new topic of interest takes over.

Soren scarcely regards them save for a quick exchange of looks and gets right to shopping, focusing his attention on loose silken pants, a frosty lilac hue flattered by the quartzlight. This inspires him to glance up and down Momo's body and quickly try to size up a rough idea of what to look for should he chance upon anything that suits his current wants while he rifles through their selection, as he doubts he'll find anything for himself so easily. As he detaches from his side, he runs his hand down his arm to sneak a quick feel, though it looks and feels and doubles as an affectionate reluctance to part. The shopkeeper seems to have decided that she'd rather talk to Momo, bright and hospitable as she acknowledges him as a rare visitor from a faraway place and expresses that she would be delighted to help a cutie like him find something nice to wear.

Soren's flirt detectors have activated. Wow, already? He offers a pointed sidelong glance and mentally readies himself in case it gets to any truly uncomfortable level where he'll need to stage an intervention. Only the others seem to notice...]

[wylderrant]

"Ah, entirely fair. Not all of us can do that, of course, but I might if I were in your position..." She leans in, giving her new acquaintance a very long look, as if she's trying to guess or somehow peer through whatever deception has been thrown up in front of her.

"Oh - that makes a certain degree of sense," she nods as it's finally made clear to her, "I'm a faun, obviously, but..."

She shrugs.

"You can keep on hiding all you want, of course... just with a little extra facepaint."