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

[fiddlestick]

[A bit of both, honestly. Confidence was an issue for him, but it was true Keith didn't actually know his powers]

Keith- thanks again for the save.

[Elliot follows after him, feeling a little more comfortable now that he's around crowds. Less chance he'll be singled out? Even if he's still clearly on guard]

Haha, that easy to tell? Yeah, I am.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora comes across a picture on one of the pages as he flips through the book. It's a picture of the large cavern walls covered in the glowing moss and depicts several wooden boats floating towards it.]

I guess... If it was something that she felt was right for her to do in her old age there's nothing we can really do to stop something like that.

[Although Sora says that he's not sure his body would allow it if he actually saw it happen in person.]

It is really sad at the same time. I'm not sure what I'd do.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora nods quickly, his own long-standing ears giving another swivel as he speaks.]

Can you imagine? Using illusion and shapeshifting would make for awesome magic shows. I bet you could pull off all sorts of stuff.

[He grins warmly, remembering her talk of her shows on the network too.]

Those tricks where you're stuck in a box and trying to escape? You could already be behind the curtains ready for the reveal! Or making so many bunnies spring up out of hat.

[SO many bunnies.]

[hoboagogo]

[He pauses at the outpouring of words from Reynir. And just like with so many peope he'd talked to, it's about trepedition about the bonds. That sort of low key not-knowing that made people cagey about them, worried about opening up, but also worried about exploding, or going feral, or whatever people talked about.

And so he stops and shakes his head, lifting a hand to gesture dismissively.]

People are just idiots and make it a way bigger deal than it is. [And that's from someone who hated the idea of emotional vulnerability. He just hated the idea of losing control even more.]

But yeah. The moons are stronger on us, it seems like. So its easiest if we get bonds. So witches drain their magic off, and monsters have some to feed on. And yeah, it keeps monsters sane and witches alive.

[He shrugs, shifting to sit back on the ground, and kicking those gangly ungulate legs out in front of him, delicate hooves on the floor of the cavern.]

Getting a bond ain't that big of a deal. It's kinda weird at first, but there ain't anything life changing about it. And if you end up hating whoever you get a bond with, you can just break it. Easy as that. Anyway, I got bonded to one of the first people I talked to here, and it's worked out. Hell, we're still bonded.

[His posture relaxes slightly, talking about bonds. It's just become a matter of life here, after all. Same with the people disappearing. Just like back home, nothing was permanent. And no matter how important someone is or isn't, they'd disappear one day. (Possible a bleak outlook, but one that's proved true for him over and over.)]

Yeah, it happens. I showed up with a bunch of people from back home, and they're all gone. One came back for a week or two, but he's gone again. Just how it happens.

[He follows Reynir's pointing to the drippy, stringy one, and frowns. It looks absolutely awful. But so far the ones they had tried had been mostly pleasant. With the exception of his own stupid mistake, of course. And so he'll sigh, never having been one to say no to a direct challenge.]

Sure. Never know unless we do, right?

[He'll reach out for it, and it is just as wet as it looks. Dewy, almost, and there's a sticky tackiness to it. He brings one finger to his mouth to lick off the sap, pausing for a moment. It's surprisingly floral- almost herby. Something between anise and cardemom, as different as those things are. And after the moment he'll break off a piece to hand to Reynir, deciding they can just.. split the one. After all, he doesn't want the two of them to decimate this place's whole mushroom crop.]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora has no idea what Children's Day is but it sounds like a cool day. Kids are awesome and they should have a day to celebrate. With flying carp, apparently?]

Yeah! Can you picture it! Just- [Sora lets go of the little butterfly and it flies upwards while Sora suddenly makes a small "dabbing" motion with his arms as if he's trying to mimic a fish flying-] Swoosh! Flying carp in the sky!

[... He'll get there eventually. He laughs and straightens back up.]

And yeah, butterflies are always pretty. Once I've got a bunch of colours down I wanna try the flying carp.

[He grins.]

What about you, can I see how you do transformations?

[hoboagogo]

[Momo's comment gets an immediate huff of amusement. He's absolutely certain people will be buying larvae to drag back and coo over, regardless of how the things might end up decimating local gardens or whatever. Just like Louis dragging home and petalwolf and Fie with her hyena, people can't seem to help themselves from needing to collect weird pets.

(Vaguely, he remembers someone posting about a lion on the network once. He'd never heard anything else about it, so he just has to assume it ate the guy.)]

God, they probably will. And then in a week they'll be all upset when these things shrivel in the sun.

[But they are, in a weird way, kind of cute. Those soft, fat antenna rubbing the rocks, little feet-things rolling along the ground. Food definitely seems to be their motivation, so he nods at Momo's suggestion.]

Good idea. Lemme see what I can't grab. [And with that he'll leave the worms side, walk closer to the wall of the cavern, and then just start... Casually walking up it. Carefully stepping with those dainty little hooves, finding all the smallest, impossibly narrow, places to wedge them as he gets higher to where the algae seems to be most dense.]

[hoboagogo]

[He just... shakes his head. Louis encouraging her is bad enough. He can't imagine if she had even more people getting her to pull stunts, heedless of the people around her.

But!! Food is an easier topic, and he nods.]

Yeah. It's always good to go with something more of a 'safe bet', if that makes sense. Especially if you don't know how making it is gonna turn out yourself. [Nothing is sadder than seeing someone invest all their resources into making one grand meal, only for it to turn out inedible and everyone going hungry, after all.]

Though if they're really picky, they might be better off getting their own food. And I think I've seen fish around here, too.

[He lets his hands rest down into the pockets of his jacket as he thinks, glancing over at the various market stalls.] How many people you cooking for?

[hoboagogo]

[Smaller form....?

His brows crease at that, as though he's starting to realize that this creature is not just a sentient lizard. Shit. Well. It snapped and ate the food anyway, so they're both looking like idiots. Should be fine.]

I'll keep that in mind. Don't need the pup to have to haul my ass back to town. [Though Koromaru does give an 'arf!' at that. He totally could!! But would more likely go get help to bring back, because he's a smart and good boy!]

You feeling okay now? Or you think someone needs to look at you? [He has no idea if breathing in that sort of thing could be bad in the long-term.

...Though him not making so much eye contact and more looking down at the area of his pockets, may be a bit more of a clue. Maybe he's just hungry. And so he'll pull his leftovers back out.]

You need the rest?

[oathkeeper]

[Well then. It seems the two idiot men are more cowardly than Sora first though. He tilts his head as he watches them scamper away and can't help but laugh a little, honestly. What idiots.]

Geeze, here we are just minding our own business, huh?

[He turns back to her and puts his own weapon away with a shrug. The crowd watching seems to be half and half about their reception. Some of the people golf clapping lightly while others start to wander off.

Hopefully, none of this bites them in the butt later...]

I'm good. Are you? Are you okay?

[oathkeeper]

[The quick flash of metal that gleams off that long thin sword is more than enough for Sora to make sure he's out of the way. Seeing the weapon slash through the flank of the mole even has him wincing a little. That sword is lethal and even more so in Sephiroth's hands.]

Got it-!

[But Sora isn't one to hesitate much. He hops forward and brings his own key-shaped weapon down on the creature's head. It clubs it rather effectively which sends it down to the ground with a howl. It's almost too easy.

But just as he's taking a step back the creature seems to roll forward with blood spattering as it tries to snap at Sephiroth's leg.]

[unsundered]

[It's almost too quiet suddenly, though it's not as if the background din of the festival has been silenced. But without interruption, it's as though the focus has changed; there was this conversation, and nothing outside it. A different sort of shutting out the rest of the world than the intention of the festival would imply... but effective nonetheless.]

I know you would have. [Even before he'd seen those memories of her going all out to save him, he knows she would've done this. And yet he hadn't told her. He hadn't asked for help from her, or from Irhya, or from K'rihnn. Because of his own stubbornness, his own arrogance his own- not wanting to hear the only likely solution.] But what if there was no help to provide? No solution other than a severance?

[All of that resentment and fear and exhaustion- of knowing something had to give. And so when presented with the possibility of an escape... Emet-Selch had taken it. Forced an opening. Forced a larger opening than required, but his spitefulness, once provoked, was a difficult thing to pull back from. So he'd ripped it all apart. It satisfied both his deepening resentment, his inability to accept both their care and that they would always, always murder him- and it freed him from dealing with either.

Until now. Until Irhya had kept approaching him, until chancing across Mira now- he'd thought he'd found some kind of answer by breaking things, but it remained yet incomplete. Had he been avoiding the problem this way? 'Problem'... as though it were something small, something that implied a solution existed, and wasn't a depthless crevasse that couldn't be crossed.

But no, he didn't think it was avoidance exactly. Not entirely; but nor had he solved anything either, else he would be able to maintain a general indifference, and not only manage it if the topic was never broached.]

The only thing I know... is that we're both the better off this way.

[And despite it all, there's a shade of grief in those words.]

How do I reconcile all that you've done- both for me and to me? I can't. [And that part, that word is sharper, a thread of that bitterness and pain rising to the surface. But he pauses, limits it to a word.] How can I? Why should I? [Alright, two words. But he stops, then continues in a quieter tone, near imploring:] Tell me, Mira- were our positions completely reversed, and I was the catalyst for your downfall, the architect of your demise, and the deaths of all you love, and all that you care for. I've made futile the solitude of thousands of years, thousands of lives, I've rendered your hopes to naught but ash. And yet here... here, I face you with affection. What would you make of it?

[oathkeeper]

[Once it's done and the cavern is silent once again aside from the sounds of crumpling earth Sora does let out a big sigh. He turns to her and gives her a smile.]

I'm just peachy. Are you okay?

[He really didn't mean to get into so much trouble. His reckless curiosity always gets him in these pinches, though.]

I had no idea that this place had giant creatures like that. I was just trying to pick a few mushrooms.

[unsundered]

"Well, it's not as though you can't annul the ones who're rude enough to remain past the point of desirability," he shrugs, continuing just as lightly, "as that's what's happened to two of mine. And so they're free to bother someone else with their concerns."

Though sharpness works its way into the last word, his manner otherwise remains calm, as though detached from it all.

Finishing up with a final blue flourish, Emet-Selch draws his hand back, observing Iramaat's face with a critical gaze, but finally giving his work a grudging nod. "There, congratulations on becoming part of a set. What a fine pair we make, and all that," he waves it off with a flick of one wrist. "And binges, hm?" the Ascian continues, as though he hadn't just interrupted himself, "I'd heard that going for some time Bondless as a monster was an unpleasant affair, particularly under the full moons- but that sounds not entirely terrible."

Mild as his tone is, it's pretty clear that he doesn't exactly believe it.

[wylderrant]

Oh, certainly. And I'm sure I'll be able to show this off amazingly well when we get back into the sunlight. Imagine the way it will shine!

[ She seems quite taken by it. ]

Anything down here caught your eye in particular? People, places, goods...?

[unsundered]

Ah. My sympathies to your friend, then. And I mean that with sincerity, if no particular investment. A fate alone 'tis not something I'd wish upon any monster.

[One of his own Bonded had been long without and nearly feral because of it; the thought leaves him a touch sentimental.]

Well, if you find yourself so desperate for responses to pass on, I may be willing to consider this... as I technically do fulfill her criteria. And I've certainly Bonded under more dubious conditions than because of a strange note left on a wall in a foreign underground.

[oathkeeper]

[The little tickle of the magic butterfly landing on his ear makes it twitch and when it vanishes in smoke and sparks Sora lets out a puff of soft laughter.]

That's a really great way of thinking about it. Picturing something or a sort of feeling in my head and then trying to make it appear. I like that.

[He thinks that the butterflies must represent some sort of feeling he's been having lately. Maybe like fluttery butterflies in his stomach when he's really happy or feeling fond of someone special and he knows exactly which person that means.]

Like painting or playing music...

[Sora closes his hands again and tries to picture the feeling he gets when he listens to a really good song or when he sees something really artistic. When he opens his hands again the new butterfly he makes looks like it's been painted gold.]

Ah! Whoa!

[battlebound]

You think so little of me?!

[ R U D E. He could totally do it.

No, no he can't. Please stop him. ]

[whomthebelltolls]

Perhaps in the future. I suppose if you're worried about your blood affecting a human, you wouldn't have to worry as much if they're a vampire, no?

[Ah, there it is: The distant sounds of the city. It means they're going the right way, even if they're not entirely out of the woods yet, as it were.

She shakes her head.] It is no problem. Regardless of what armistice I have in Aefenglom with the Monsters, it is rendered null and void with any who are actively aggressive for no particular reason. [And that is the truth of the old Hunter. She does start removing her coat, though, hissing a little as she has to move her arm and shoulder. She can feel a little split form in the clot that was starting to scab over on the surface of the wounds, and the blood start to soak through afresh, but she doesn't seem to mind.] ... Especially to those I know.

[Murder: Just fine if it's in defense of your friends. Er... not friends. No f words here.]

[whomthebelltolls]

This is true. I could see why, though - most of the Monsters here are from species you'd find underground or in caves anyway... and humans are not one of those species.

[In fact, it's bad for humans to be out of the sunlight, but she doesn't know the particulars of it. Just that winter was always harder than summer, and not necessarily for reasons of the temperature and the food supply - after all, she was a noble. They always had food in the larder and grainery, and warm fur and fire to rest by.]

I do not envy them, either way. I've lived in a place where one believed their way of life was the best way to survive. It was miserable. There are always other options.

[cardtrick]

Uh-huh! Do you see that jacket? [ It's very, very stage ready, isn't it? It would be an amazing outfit option. ]

[cardtrick]

[ Oh, you have good ideas, Sora. She's keeping you. But all this makes her realise, with a dramatic gasp— ]

I could be Mr. Hat's doppelganger!

[ Nobody wants that, Trucy. ]

[oathkeeper]

[Nobody-- But Sora. He's a bad enabler. Especially when she seems so excited for something.]

Yeah! That would be so awesome! Two giant puppets are better than one!

[wylderrant]

"Fair enough," Iramaat replies thoughtfully, "But I'd rather save myself the irritation of having to cut them off in the first place. You know? Either way I get rather stressed, but..."

She half shrugs as he finishes up his work on her face. She dearly wishes she had a mirror, but alas - she'll have to imagine it. She turns her face from one side to the other, as if showing off for him, face split in a sly smile until his commentary turns to her full moons. It settles, fading a little.

"Well... it's not exactly pleasant. I tend to lose myself in a haze of drinking and wild abandon and, ah, need and it's entirely out of my control. Terrible hangovers... and it's not really fun to lose control of one's self like that. It's... like you're riding in your own body without quite having control. Very... very disconcerting."

She shakes her head, "That's such an unpleasant thing to talk about though, isn't it?"

[cardtrick]

[ WELP. RIP IN PIECES AEFENGLOM. ]

Why, you have a performer's sensibilities, Sora. [ What does that even mean? ] A show can never have too many puppets!

[oathkeeper]

[It's so nice that Vanitas has accepted his fate that he's attracted to Sora of all people and that being tugged and pulled in every which way is sort of part of the package of being around Sora. He's just an explorer at heart. When there are things to see and things to try he wants to do it all. It's always better when he has someone to share those things with.]

Uh-huh! Okay! Glad we had this talk-!

[He looks pleased and turns back to the vendor and asks for one mug of the spiced apple cider. The man looks a little amused but Sora doesn't really think anything of it. When Sora's handed the brew he sniffs it carefully.]

Whoa, that's really apple-y.