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

[bravelyathome]

Then I need to get to work copying it!

[Reaching into her bag, she pulls out a journal and then pauses...]

Is it okay if I sit here while I do? I'll keep quiet.

[But that way she can make sure to get to work right away. If she only has a limited time then the sooner she gets to it the better right? That seems the most logical conclusion at any rate.

It helps that he doesn't seem so bad anymore now that they're on the same page.]

[whomthebelltolls]

Mm. We can start with healing spells. Do you know any? [She turns back to take her coat into her arms so Alucard can assess himself.]

If you can clear the area, I do. They're by far not powerful spells but... useful for field medicine.

[rowdyraven]

His smile, when it comes, is a wry twist like a crooked pin.

"Not sure I'd go so far as to say sane, but you know. It takes the edge off some of the strangeness," the strangeness of knowing what she says is doubtless correct; that his body is twisting, changing. That the digitigrade legs he recalls from the dream are probably already manifesting themselves, bones stretching and warping to accommodate his new shape. The ache in his shoulders, the first ghost-shiver of wings.

Still. He tries again for a smile, and this time manages something more natural.

"But look, no need to be sorry. I knew it was coming, and at least I have an idea of what to expect, eh? Besides, if that dream was anything to go by, I made a rather fine harpy, if I do say so myself."

[oathkeeper]

[He might look back on this moment later and almost keel over out of embarrassment at the implications of it all but right now the slight naughty danger of all of this has Sora's whole body getting fired up. A feisty little desire he didn't know he had coming to light. The thrill of maybe getting caught.

His lips part and he practically coos out with another murmuring chitter.]

You like the noises I make, I think.

[He knows. Sora can't help it, though. The little squeaks and rumbles he makes are all because of his monster side. He only makes another one when he kisses Vanitas in a more needy manner, his tongue brushing for more. His hand drifts under the hem of Vanitas' shirt to tickle at his skin in random patterns.]

[needsteaplz]

[Finally about time he noticed, which causes her to blush even more. If she had known about this festival before she got her bond, she would've held off until now. She's quiet for a few seconds which probably felt like an eternity for them both. ]

Um...Hector, I...oh, what the hell. Maybe it's not completely the Bond feedback's fault. I don't know this is all just complicated or maybe I'm overthinking things? Look, even though I'd say I'd deal with you if you ever slipped back to how you were back home, I really hope it doesn't go down that path. And oh my gods, why are you even more adorable when you blush like that.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo has a good nose for anything that involves meat, so he definitely catches that smell pretty promptly once they get closer to the food stalls.]

Smells good! I guess they have good seasonings down here, if they can make something like that up.

[Which doesn't surprise him all that much, since a lot of good spices are things like roots which grow underground anyway. Maybe there are equivalents that aren't necessarily attached to a plant that needs sunlight.]

Want to roll the dice that it's better than wormipede meat? [He's going to laugh if it turns out to be seasoned wormipede meat, but who knows when they're still only smelling it and not seeing it.]

[yesdoubt]

[The shift in facial expressions is somewhat telling, and the particular part about making his own decisions tracks with what he heard from Guangyao. It did sound very much like the other man was bothered by Xichen taking his own path, even if it sounded a touch more selfish to Momo in the moment.]

I mean, I'm always the type to support someone becoming more independent and doing what they want to do. If someone is worried about that, then they can be supportive without having to shove their own decisions onto you, right? Otherwise it feels kinda controlling.

[A brief pause, as if wondering how much to say, and then he continues.] He also mentioned an argument with your brother, but the way he talked about it felt kinda...accusatory? Definitely one-sided.

[The absolute lack of willingness to take any blame honestly smacked of Ryou to Momo, but he's not going to mention that just yet with how badly Xichen reacted to him in Momo's memories.]

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, I'm usually more proactive about stuff personally, I'm just thinking it might not've felt worth the risk to them. It probably depends how long it took them to try the surface again.

[Whether they'd adjusted too much to the underground by then for roaming around the surface to be an option without a lot of practice in advance. He can understand why they might've made the decision not to explore further when the risk could've been huge and the reward might not have come for a very long time, considering how long it took people on the surface to get out here.

The point about the missing items makes his brows arch curiously.] I heard about it, but I didn't lose anything myself...some kind of animal, maybe? I heard it was really quick when it happened, so something that could dig up and go straight back down again would make sense.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo seems quite stumped at the idea that he'd stop practicing just because he doesn't have anything specific to direct it towards.]

No? I used to play sport, so I'm used to practicing a lot just to maintain and improve my skills. I guess in that case the "performance" in the end was a game, but even if there's no end goal, continuing to practice means I'll continue to improve for when there is something for me to direct it to.

[He's very used to the idea that hard work works, so even if there's no obvious payoff, he'll take the subtle one of refining his skills more and more until he has something to work towards specifically again.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo makes a face at that somewhere between a wince and a pained smile.] Uh. Kind of, but on a huge scale. I'd probably have trouble explaining it, just think about what you saw of my city in that memory of mine and think about how much power it would take to even run that much, and then consider that that's a pretty small fraction of my world's population.

[In the grand scheme of things, even if Tokyo is the biggest city in the world, it only makes up a very small amount of his world's people, and that takes a hell of a lot of energy.]

I'm mostly talking to people, but I've been doing a bit of shopping on the side. Mostly for clothes, I dunno that I need another weapon right at the moment.

[unsundered]

"'Tis a complicated subject," he admits, "but I wouldn't think too deeply on any choice you make. Even the most thoughtful selection can run poorly, while a haphazard one may turn well. It's all chance in the end."

With his successes and failures in the field, Emet-Selch isn't entirely sure how he even feels about Bonding at this point. Fatalistically pragmatic, he supposed. Whatever choices he made were irrelevant to any conclusion, but sometimes he couldn't help but pretend otherwise.

But he snorts slightly at her response, unbothered by the bluntness. "But I'm relieved to have your lukewarm approval. As you're not taking the first opportunity to flee, I'm assuming you're the sociable type. A flaw I'm accustomed to tolerating, unfortunately." And his sigh is a degree too theatrical to seem genuinely put-upon by the hassle. "So what do you make of being here? This underground, the land above, whichever."

[darkcharge]

[ When Vanitas looks back at this, he won't look at it like with embarrassment. Rather he is going to be needlessly entertained by Sora and his reaction. Brat is indeed feisty and aggressive. He enjoys being a little naughty and Vanitas finds that all hilarious.

His other hand holds Sora's face. Takes that chin. He licks against the others lips and breathes words against them. ]

I do and I'll coax more out.

[ Because if Sora wants to work his hand up Van' shirt - an action that sends electricity coursing through his veins - then Vanitas is going to go after something else in return. His tongue seeks out Sora's while the hand not teasing an ear begins to move towards Sora's backside. ]

[cryptsleeper]

It is, but spite is far greater.

[He'll utterly own up to the fact he's just being an ass. Just as he'll bend down to give Cezar more attention because he does need to apologize for inadvertently insulting the dog.]

Oh, would I know? What do they taste like then?

[Alucard glances up, and oh. Hector's smiling. That's just weird.]

[cryptsleeper]

A few, mostly for surface things. Some part of me still focuses on the old fashioned way first.

[Son of a doctor. It's inevitable, and Alucard feels not an ounce of shame for it. Quietly, he rolls up his shredded sleeves, careful not to let any more stray threads get into the wounds.]

Truly, I've never had to worry about injuries before arriving here. Everything would heal in the blink of an eye.

[piromare]

( that laugh certainly gives lio a pause. why did his heart suddenly feel heavy, as if... no, it's not his place to think about what it all means. but it won't stop him from worrying about all three of them; vanitas, the most. )

I guess smacking a wolf or two with a stick doesn't count. ( which honestly it doesn't, because who serious fights with tree branches? ) But I guess I can show you sometime... though I don't think I'd want to use my actual weapon.

( he'll have to pick up a practice sword. van isn't the only one he'll plan to train with at this rate. )

Can't rely on talons alone, right?

[piromare]

( pure can extend to good, evil, or anything in between. no, it's more of the feeling that vanitas has yet to feel 100% conflicted in anything he's done in front of lio. then again, being distilled from a heart probably would make him pretty pure in that regard, too. )

He didn't? ( makes sense, sadly. ) I'm glad he's been able to enjoy it. What else does he like doing?

( and now lio gets to laugh, shaking his head. the smile on his face is a little sad, but it's fine. )

I don't know if he'd use that word, but I feel it. I think.

it's fine! I like Reynir, he's a good egg

[wordsinthesoul]

Well- presuming doesn't do anyone much good. But thank you.

[Listening to the other person in a conversation is an important part of telling them they are important, and that they matter. Besides which- it's interesting, learning about Reynir's world.]

They are. I'm sure we could make a wonderful display, with those at the centre. [Perhaps just a few more…]

A little. I learned some basic healing, although my main focus was surveillance and information gathering. Sharlayan does see many mages graduate from the Studium, though. Ah- it's not so grim as that. It's a place of worship for those who wish to entreat Thal for his favour in the afterlife, as well as funerals and burials for those who can afford it.

Ah, more or less. I've been all over various parts of Eorzea, but I've spent most of the time in one city or another. [He huffs out a laugh.]. Somehow, it always seems to be that way with people and sheep. [Everywhere's got to have a place for their sheep jokes, too.]

[darkcharge]

[ No, smacking a wolf or two with a stick really doesn't count. However Lio isn't the first to use tree branches in a fight when nothing's available. Being creative and thinking on one's feet is also a skill. Not everyone possesses it.

Of course not everyone is so reckless as to jump into another person's affairs. ]

No, probably not. However...

[ Vanitas sits there, looking Lio over. Hmm... ]

Learning how to incorporate the blade and your talons together could be an asset.

[wylderrant]

Interesting. I honestly wasn't paying too much attention to that, but if you think that it can help, by all means - investigate away! And do let me know if I can help. I'm not much of a scholar, of course, but I am a deft hand with a sword...

[ Understatement, on both counts. ]

Have you found anything yet? Or just preliminaries?

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen knows that Jin Guangyao is a little upset that he's been misbehaving recently. Lan Wangji is equally upset, an ironic place where they both agree even if they wouldn't admit to it. But the two of them can't protect him forever -- and that is what it seems like they always do. All of his family, in fact, seem to protect and support him when he doesn't know where he stands himself. There's a soft sigh as Lan Xichen shakes his head.]

It isn't controlling. I know I am not as strong or as knowledgeable about certain things as others are. Our sect has always been withdrawn from the parts of the world that were seen as a hindrance, and I suppose I have indulged in that too much.

[His smile is still fond as he thinks about the situation.]

They both worry. I want to show them that it will be fine, but that can only come with time.

[That smile fades just a bit as he thinks about the conflict between Jin Guangyao and the others.]

Mm. Wangji does blame him for... many things. I am surprised he mentioned that. Usually Jin Guangyao dislikes talk of personal complaints.

[It's too close to gossip. What could have inspired that little conversation? Maybe he hurt his family even more than he thought by trying to go his own way.]

[quintessent]

Well, that's as good a review as any.

[Said with a small laugh because - honestly, it's true. Allura was a lot more willing to be adventurous as long as she didn't think it was going to end up with her spending the afternoon watching the shapes in the clouds and confessing her inner most thoughts to anyone that passed by.

Reaching to the tray, she picks up her own puffy mushroom and sniffs it.]

It smells... normal. [A careful lick and-]

Oh! It's sweet! [That's what she just said, Allura. The spot she just licked fizzles, some sort of chemical reaction to her saliva (gross).]

[wylderrant]

"Sociable is an understatement, my dear," She replies breezily, apparently happy to move onto a realm of conversation where she feels much more comfortable, "I adore it. Without other people I would likely wither away to nothing! Tragic, don't you think?"

Her smile glints and then she pauses to consider his question.

"Well. It's certainly an adventure, but also fascinating - no one from the city seems to have known anything about this place or even had a hint that this place existed, but they've clearly been down here for ages. So how long have they lived down here? Why did they leave the surface in the first place? There's quite a lot going on that we haven't ferreted out and it just makes me curious."

[wylderrant]

"I think you look rather fetching either way, honestly," Iramaat replies with a broad smile and a laugh, "And I think I can judge, having seen both."

She's trying to be some sort of comfort to him, even if she's not sure it will really work. Besides, comforting people isn't something she does all that often. She's just going to have to try and see what happens.

"So don't worry - I'll still be fond of you either way. Is there anything you'd like to see while we're down here, by the by?"

[oathkeeper]

[It was pretty weird how riled up everyone got at the scene of a brawl. Boredom or because of the lifestyle down here, he doesn't really know.

But then they're being hustled into more shopping and Sora is none the wiser?! Even when rings are mentioned with such a look Sora just looks obliviously interested??

Oh Sora...]

Whoa! You wanna take a look, Kairi? I'll get you something if you like it.

[Why is she so red in the face?? Is she tired from the fight?]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora's expression softens and he gently reaches out to place a hand on her shoulder.]

I guess the best thing we can do is try to convince them that there's gotta be another way. There's always another side to look at, another light in the dark. If this moss stuff needs something... Maybe it doesn't have to be sacrifices.