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

[oathkeeper]

[He withdraws his hand and rubs at one ear as he ponders.]

Huh, I guess that would be a big step then. I wonder if I could sneak out there and take some of the moss to check it out?

[Sora has no idea how good or bad of an idea that is. If the moss is sacred and protects the city it might be a bad idea to take some of it. But how else are they going to learn more? Or why it needs magic?]

Maybe you could try casting some of your magic on it?

[prayerwheel]

[ What, did she get some dirt on it? Azura pulls it up and goes to rub it off with her sleeve, but....no, he's still staring. ]

...is there something wrong?

[oathkeeper]

[Sora's long rabbit ears twitch as he watches her pick up the bracelet. It's catching and it would really look nice on her wrist. But the story has him wondering a little.]

That's weird for a charm. It makes you feel ocean waves? But that kind of suits you, Kairi.

[He tilts his head and then reaches out to take it gently so he can put it on Kairi's wrist for her.]

Wanna try it on?

[turmoiling]

It remains completely and utterly absurd, enough of a transgression that no doubt any of the other cultivators would be horribly shocked by the way they're acting. But fondness can't help but make its way back into Jin Guangyao's expression at those words. This play is a little secret between them, one that will leave no-one hurt for holding it between them.

He swishes past Xichen, but with his eyes slyly watching his Bonded until the moment he sweeps past, clearly expecting to be followed. With such an obvious shared symbol of the Bond between them, at least there's less chance of anyone trying anything.

If Xichen speaks of pleasure, well... it's still unfortunate how things are, right now. But they can certainly spend a bit more time together tonight, unfettered by judgemental eyes.

He meanders past some of the other wares in the market, and there absolutely are some stunning items to be found, gems and precious minerals, or exceptionally well-crafted weaponry. But he's only window-shopping, pausing now and then to look back at his Bonded -- not just to check that other Monsters don't have their eye on him and the ribbon has worked, but also to to lightly touch on that feeling that warms him upon seeing that glint of gold adorning Xichen's hair.

They're not so far from the food stalls by now -- he can smell them from here. Jin Guangyao fishes out a few coins - local currency, from a few small trades he's done - and stops, turning to hand them to Lan Xichen. "I think those around us are suitable aware that you are already taken. Here, go fetch us something to eat back at the residence while I finish my business here." There's no business, only browsing, really. But with the unfortunately delicious smell of fried rat off in the distance, he's not sure he trusts himself to find something they can both enjoy.

[oathkeeper]

[Now that bite to his neck really does rile up Sora something fierce. He lets out a suddenly louder high pitched rabbit moan, almost a little too loud for where they're sitting. He rocks his hips forward for some sort of friction and clings to Vanitas.]

Haahaa...! Vanitas, if you keep doing things like that I'm not gonna be able to stop.

[He's getting so turned on he can barely resist.]

[bloodwit]

You're a cheery one. [ as if viren has a right to judge. ] Are those the ONLY two possible outcomes for you?

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas chuckles, kissing the spot lightly. ]

I can stop if you really want me to.

[ Is that what Sora wants though? Van shifts his fingers to move up and down the other's spine. He'll stop having a go at Sora's tail. For now. ]

[princessascended]

It does seem appropriate.

[Almost weirdly so. Regardless, she holds her arm out for him as the naga grins wider, clearly certain she's about to make a sale.]

Go ahead and put it on, I wanna feel this.

A (hope this isn't too late for you!)

[silentsavant]

[This would be the first time they've properly met in person, and they happened to recognize that just before embarking, so one thing led to another and now ~they're here~. In person, Soren is not personable, rather reserved like he's keeping his new company at an arm's length. He never smiles, for one, and isn't much for small talk.

So far, the draping moss hasn't reacted to anyone else who has passed, Witch nor Monster. One person even went so far as to touch it as it parted, but nothing happened. For some reason, Elliot's presence in particular titillates it.]

That's odd...

[Even the Monster who rows their boat finds it odd: enough to delay his rowing. He watches in muted curiosity at the corner of his eye. Soren can't help but observe how the tiny fronds reach for Elliot in tentative curls and sways. He'd heard of the late-life ritual, but there was another reason the moss might react this way. The look in Soren's eyes shifts from puzzled interest to accommodate a degree of wariness that searches the Witch's form, natural for a Dragon like him to be feeling.]

I know of only a couple of reasons it could be doing that.

[timenace]

Uhhh...

[ The long pause he has to take to consider this very straight-forward question does nothing to stop him from moving in the meantime. He certain seems to be struggling to come up with a good answer for it thought. ]

Maybe a little.

[ He's a pretty energetic guy usually, but not to this extent. ]

[silentsavant]

[ The dragon picks up on the trace of discomfort and straightens, folding his hands in his lap and maintaining his calmness amid the anticipated tension, the only detectable acknowledgement being his move to minimize the space he occupies. ]

Anything that helps me understand our situation a little better. Topics such as history, mythology, magic, the Cwyld... Just about anything can be useful to this end, but some more than others.

[ Self-help scrolls on how to de-clutter your living space? Not that helpful. Spider porn? Just an annoying distraction. ]

And the moss... It seems like the moss is the only thing keeping these people safe from what's plaguing the surface. It's no wonder they gladly sacrifice their elders to sustain it.

[oathkeeper]

[The last vestiges of him trying to be a good boy make him mutter,]

We shouldn't do it here...

[But the emotions on their bond are saying otherwise!]

[darkcharge]

[ That internal struggle can also be felt by Vanitas through their bond. Van begins to laugh - a lighter sound closer to mirth than teasing or derogatory. ]

I suppose not, no.

[ Some of the fire has gone down for him at least. He presses a kiss to Sora's cheek. ]

Besides. We're not done with our date yet.

[petcromancer]

Yes, of course it is.

[What else would it be considered? Hector created new bodies for Night Creatures, created new opportunities for life for slain animals. Maybe death came from those creations later, but that had never been the point of it for Hector. He delighted in making, not unmaking.]

And experimenting with plant life is the closest I can get now.

[prayerwheel]

It's not an issue. Dream or not, I'm glad I could lend a hand. [ a nod ] Azura. My pleasure.

[loverboi]

What?! No!

[ lance is giving him a Pout, becuase momo!!!! MOMO!!! ]

I'm okay on cunes too, and you know, I owe you one!

[ for, you know. stopping him from making even more of a jerk of himself. ]

[loverboi]

Huh?

[ he blinks, and it's like he's come back to his senses. lance clears his throat, rubs the back of his head sheepishly. ]

Oh, nothing, nothing! Not like your necklace is super shiny or anything. Nope.

[shadowsthedawn]

[He nods.] It's good you have people looking out for you. I think I mentioned before that I already had friends here when I arrived. My best friends basically roped me into Bonding as soon as I settled in. [Despite his words he smiles fondly.

But the smile vanishes completely as he registers her next words. Silence falls between them for a moment as he looks at her. Blink. Blink.]

What? Is that something you saw in the dream? [This information is definitely news to him.]

[shadowsthedawn]

[Riku's eyes light up at the idea of a wormipede large enough to ride on. He's an adventurer at heart, and a part of him can't help but imagine what it might be like to have such a handy traveling companion. Even if it is an abnormally large worm.]

They can really get that big?

[He does a lot of traveling to the Outpost. Having a way to travel faster and not have to walk would be nice.]

What kind of shop is it? Maybe I've seen it around.

[shadowsthedawn]

Did you get hurt?

[He hadn't come out of his own game completely unscathed, but he's been in tough spots before and has pretty good reflexes that helped him to escape the worst of injuries. A little bit of magic had dealt with the scrapes and bruises.]

Don't worry about it. I just came over to see if I could watch with you. I don't mind fending off anyone who wants to drag you off.

[He's not shy about telling people to back off.]

[unsundered]

'Tis the most likely outcome... in all of life's affairs, I fear.

You could say I'm a realist.

[loverboi]

Oh yeah. I was pretty beat after that.

[ he's pretty bitter about it, yeah, and it leaks through his voice. lance was far more inexperienced in combat techniques than he is now; he might have at least avoided getting hit for a little longer if he'd been more experienced.

but riku's offer gets him to grin. ]

Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I don't really wanna leave the matches because they're kind of cool, so we can watch them together?

[shadowsthedawn]

[As if sensing Lance's bitterness, Riku's lips press together to form a frown. He doesn't know who this 'Mikasa' is, but it's a name he's going to remember.]

I'm sure it wasn't as bad as you think. You're pretty tough.

[He sounds so confident about this. He's a loyal friend.]

Yeah. This is a lot more interesting than standing around watching others perform spells. Some of them have been pretty cool, but it's not like they have us dueling with magic or anything.

[He's a bit disappointed about it to be honest.]

[tryhard]

[ The tension doesn't last; when Soren moves back a bit too, Waver relaxes, though he hadn't really noticed how he'd stiffened up unintentionally.

He taps his chin, considering what Soren has brought up. ]

It doesn't seem like the sort of thing that can be cultivated in such amounts above ground. If we had more information on what about it keeps the Cwyld at bay, it could be incredibly useful in working toward emulating something like it. At the very least, it could be used in protective gear or weaponry. Maybe.

[tryhard]

sorry for the belated questions! backtagging forever... I hope this is ok!

1. Have the Cwyld-resistant properties of the moss been studied to figure out why it does that (by the locals) or do they simply accept that it does?

2. Relatedly, do the locals use the moss in anything else, such as potions or even armor/weaponry to fight against Cwyld? Could it be incorporated into any of these? Waver will be trying to research why the moss does what it does and if something from it can be extracted to achieve a similar effect that can be used above ground.

3. I saw Hector's question about trying to take spores. Is it possible to take scrapings of the moss, or larger samples in general? Likely folded up in a damp cloth and kept in his clothing or bag. Are visitors searched on their way out? (As a note, unless it's obvious they're confiscating stuff from Mirrorbound, it's less a matter of Waver trying to hide it and more that it's the easiest way to transport it somewhere dark and moist.)

Thanks in advance for considering these late as heck questions!!