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

Iramaat

[wylderrant]

a. The Marketplace

Iramaat is positively delighted to be in a new place and seeing new people and new sights. Well, relatively new. She was here in a dream a while back - still, not the point. The point is that the hustle and bustle is something that the faun lives for and she can be found poking her nose into just about everything and anything in the marketplace, chatting up merchants and asking questions with a broad smile on her face.

She's even haggling. She's talking to a merchant, apparently trying to purchase a suit of plates - some sort of chitinous armor-like material, probably harvested from underground insects. It sparkles with a natural iridescence and Iramaat has taken a shine (ha) to it. She's deep in conversation and then half-turns to drag whichever poor mirrorbound is passing her into the conversation.

"Look, you tell him - that simply can't be worth as much as he's asking. Give me an outside opinion. A handful of cunes is the best I can do!"


b. Matching Pairs

The celebration seems to give Iramaat life. She's energized by the whole affair, especially by the brightening of the algae and crystals and the promise of a good party. Look, she's a faun - she appreciates drink, food, and a wild, uninhibited good time. Although... there are people talking about bonds, which sours her a little. That doesn't entirely destroy her mood, though, especially since there's the promise of revelry to come. In order to put a stop to people constantly asking her, she's managed to get a bit of paint - deep blues and greens and earthy browns - and she's on the prowl for a likely target.

"You - you look like you're by yourself," she says every-so-slyly, "How about a bit of paint? Between friends?"

She may not even know the person, but hey. She's flirted in worse ways and with worse odds.

c. The Wild Underground

Of course, Iramaat also ventures out of the city to find some adventure. Although perhaps she shouldn't go to far. There are, after all, bands of vagrants out there and that sounds entertaining. Or at least she thinks so until she's facing down a group of them - a mixed group of monsters with murder in their eyes. Fortunately, she has her rapier, but still. Not great odds. She glances at her companion with an arch of her brow.

"You know, I think I like these odds."

Is she joking?

Wildcard

[ ooc: Drop me a note if you want something different or come up with something! ]

Wild Underground

[rollfordiplomacy]

[Learning that Iramaat was going exploring, Everett asked to tag along. He had been collecting samples of mushrooms and algae when the bandits discovered them out and neatly isolated from civilization.

Wisely, Iramaat is quick to draw a weapon. Everett attempts another approach.]

Now, now, we can talk about this like gentle- [he ducks with a pathetic bleat of distress, narrowly dodging a thrown dagger. Some just don't want to talk..!]

[wylderrant]

I don't think they're any sort of gentle, Everett...

[ Iramaat quips and then ducks another dagger that gets hurled at her. She's carefully edging backwards, keeping herself between Everett and danger. ]

Stay behind me if you can. And hit anyone who tries to stab me in the back-

[ A turnskin comes at her with a bellow and she has to cut that short to whip her sword up in a flurry of parries as she tries to counter her first attacker. This is going to get interesting very quickly. ]

[rollfordiplomacy]

Haven't done this in a while... [What part of this, Everett? To be chat about later, the could hope. He does as he's told, ducking back behind her while keeping enough distance to not get in her way, either. Spying that same bandit readying another knife, Everett raises his bag of mushrooms to intercept it, the blade getting lodged there, rather than continuing towards Iramaat. Support! He's not... completely useless. His sense of spacial awareness can help keep the actual fighter from being distracted.]

[wylderrant]

Fighting? Or being stabbed?

[ Iramaat calls out. She's a bit busy trying to fend off the turnskin with a flash display of sword-work. She's keeping him at bay, fortunately, but she's being forced to give ground. She has speed and pure skill, but the turnskin seems to have raw size and strength.

She needs to end this sooner rather than later. ]

Because while I enjoy the first the second is much less entertaining...!

A.

[petcromancer]

Hector has no idea what the going price of armor is. Back home, Dracula had outfitted him, and here, he's not had the need.

But he's not about to leave a fellow faun and friend hanging. He taps a finger to his chin as he studies the armor.

"A handful of cunes is generous. Look how sparse the scales are near the sides."

There's no such flaw, but Hector's shaking his head slowly as if he expects the chitin to crumble before his very eyes.

[wylderrant]

Iramaat knew there was a reason she liked Hector, beyond him being a good drinking partner and very fuzzy. She nods in agreement with him and settles her hands on her hips and sighs, shaking her head.

"That's the best I can do for you - look, this passer-by agrees with me and this is the first time we've met here."

That... is the very definition of stretching the truth, since technically this is the first time the two of them have met in this place.

The merchant frowns and glances at the suit, then back at Iramaat.

"Ten of your 'cunes'."

Iramaat tilts her head back slightly, "Seven."

[petcromancer]

{Hector smiles to himself at Iramaat's tactics, and wanders a little ways off to wait for her to finish her transaction. Her deception won't carry for very long if they're seen speaking to one another like friends.

When she makes her way over, he examines the armor.]

An interesting choice. the craftsmanship's very fine. How durable do you think it is?

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat haggles a little more and then finally buys the shimmering, beautiful suit of scales and chitin and then traipses off with her purchase, a grin on her face. It takes her a little while to find him, but she seems pleased as punch to have put one over on someone. ]

Durable enough, I imagine, the craftsmanship looks exquisite.

[ She holds it up with a grin. ]

We could test it out?

A.

[rowdyraven]

Julian is rather enjoying this excursion, himself. The dream he'd had before stepping through the mirror; it comes flooding back to him in renewed and sharpened detail as he winds his way through the city streets. The market is as bustling and bright as he remembers, filled with the familiar chatter of barter and banter, the scent of unknown spices in the air, the buzz and thrum of everyday life. He could lose time here quite happily, merely taking in the sights, quietly revelling in the sensation of both being displaced and yet feeling as though he's inhabiting a situation he knows. Travel to unknown places, to foreign lands-- it's something he knows right down to the centre of himself.

He's strolling past with no particular goal in mind when the fawn calls out to him, recognition coming up on him quickly. A broad smile blooming across his face. With perfect ease, he catches at her meaning, turns his eye toward the wares she's haggling over.

"Hmmmm, I see what you mean. Lovely plates, certainly...but the price you're asking for is simply too high. I'm sure I saw another vendor closer to the docks who was asking for only half this amount," he pauses, glances up at the vendor, "not trying to swindle this good lady, are you?"

[wylderrant]

Iramaat's face likewise lights up a little as she recognizes a friend - well, she likes to think of him as friend. What else do you call someone you've shared drinks and a night of passion together with? She's also very pleased that he's willing to back her up on her haggling. She nods in agreement with him and turns back to the merchant with a shrug.

"You see, even outside parties agree-"

The merchant objects strenuously; his goods are quality! But - but. As a gesture of good faith he would be willing to lower the price a little in order to prove his honesty.

Iramaat purses her lips, "Well, let's say 75% of the asking price - I think that's fair. Don't you?"

That last to Julian.

[rowdyraven]

"Hmmmm," again, the drawn-out thoughtful noise as Julian pretends to consider the offer, long leather-clad fingers tapping at the angle of his jaw. He narrows his one visible eye as the merchant holds out the goods, scrutinising the plates...before finally relenting with a nod.

"I should say so. 75% seems plenty fair."

[wylderrant]

The merchant doesn't like that, but a sale is a sale! So he reluctantly agrees and Iramaat hands over the cunes she needs to pay for it. The coat of scales is carefully wrapped up and handed over and Iramaat leaves with a little package under her arm and a smile on her face.

"Julian! So good to see you again - and you being so helpful, as well. How are you, dearest?"

Look, she's allowed to be very pleased and exuberant.

"Brings back memories, hmm?"

b

[silentsavant]

It would appear that Iramaat has flagged down the little life of the party.

Sarcastic as such a sentence may be, there's a surprising bit of truth to it this time around. Soren has abstained from the majority of the festivities (brawling, exhibitions), but he's settled down for the food & drink part of it. The latter end of the ampersand should be emphasized here. You could say that he's gotten into the spirits of it.

When she beckons with her colorful face goop at the ready, he pouts and crosses his arms, painting a rather petulant picture.

"When am I not by myself?"

[wylderrant]

Oh, wonderful. Someone who she wanted to see. She flashes him a smile and leans in toward him with an arch of her brow, "Well, rarely, if I'm around, but I don't know what you get up to when I'm not there to keep you company... so, no idea!"

She flourishes with the paint.

"Surely you've noticed that these people are rather aggressive about bonded, no? Well - with a little face-paint, none of them will bother you!"

[silentsavant]

Soren's head rolls with the flourish as he watches it. His nose pinches at the notion of cold, stinky paint touching his face.

"...They'll still wanna fight me," he slurs miserably, shoulders slumped and ever the pessimist. "Besides, we're both monsters. If I'm with you, they'll bother us for different reasons."

[wylderrant]

"Oh, come on... at least they might stop asking you questions if you're not with me - although that would be rather disappointing, honestly," She pauses to reflect and then presses on. This is her first time seeing Soren even a little tipsy, honestly.

"Besides, I can run them off. You know my gift with words!"

She nudges him with her shoulder.

"It'll be fun. What's eating you, anyway?"

b

[unsundered]

Unlike Iramaat, Emet-Selch is most certainly not energized by the festivities. This is not a flaw on the part of the celebration, but a flaw of his own character; if anything, the very atmosphere seems to drain him that bit more, and the Ascian was not a font of energy at the best of times.

Yet despite his own disdainful air, his frequent and progressively more brusque rebukes of each and every monster who approached him, the attention wouldn't stop. It was endless. Even affirming that yes he was already Bonded didn't halt the deluge.

Where even was his own Bonded? Not here, and that was the only point that mattered, as they'd taken to exploring different things. Which would normally be a fine thing, they'd certainly meet up again at some point- but considering how... friendly the locals were to anyone not conspicuously Bonded, particularly unattached witches, the separation became something more of a detriment. So when yet another monster approaches the Ascian, a snapped reply is already forming at his lips- before he hesitates. The frown remains, however.

This was a complete stranger. Friendly- a point to hold against her, and which earns her a suspicious look in itself- but seemingly another Mirrorbound, rather than a resident. And more seemingly, also looking for a means to avoid excessive attention on the part of some enthusiastic underground partygoers.

"Under the circumstances," his voice is tinged with a hint of exasperation, "'tis might as well be a matter of self-preservation."

That's practically acquiescence.

[wylderrant]

Iramaat can sense that his mood is not what anyone would call amenable, but she's going to carry on anyway, because that's exactly the sort of person that she is. She eases a little more into his space with a grin, waggling the little palette of paints in his direction.

"Oh, it's not all bad, is it? And I'm not such a bad person to be 'bound' to, however false and temporary. And it will stop the awkward questions, won't it?"

She's persistent. And trying to be persuasive.

"You may call me Iramaat, by the by, so at least we know one another's names. You are a mirror-bound, aren't you?"

[unsundered]

"Emet-Selch," he does offer, grudgingly, his mood hardly improving, but give it time- he'll hit resignation soon enough. "Though whether you're a terrible sort to be falsely bound to is hardly up to you to decide, is it?"

But he sighs, arms spread as he shrugs. Protests aside, he's suffered far worse things than a bit of incidental nearness with a complete unknown. So while disapproving of this whole affair (a disapproval that perhaps extends to the world itself, so it's not unusual nor unique to this circumstance), there's no discomfort. "But yes, correctly identified, another transient Mirrorbound, likewise beset by scores of unsubtle admirers."

Seriously, they went right past 'welcoming' and straight into 'nuisance.' "So let's get on with this, shall we?"

[wylderrant]

Iramaat, at least, seems immune to his sour mood. Or at the very least, she's very good at ignoring it to suit her own devices, which is basically the same thing. She laughs at his comments and carefully dips a finger in a bit of blue as she listens, her grin a bit lopsided.

"Emet-Selch. Charmed, I'm sure..."

Well, how to go about doing this? And how to get the most entertainment out of it while she's at it?

"Any preferences on designs? Or at least anything you don't want?"

Her finger hovers. Waiting. Give her the word and she's off to the races.

b

[thirdbeauty]

Natsuru had thought she'd be able to mostly fly under the radar, so to speak, as long as she didn't disguise her fae features in this place. That was before she started seeing the fights between monsters, and she quickly decided being taken for a fragile witch in need of protection might be less dangerous. A simple glamour concealed her wings, antennae, and pointed ears... but left her height and features unaltered. Any fae or properly trained witch would be able to see right through her; fortunately, most of the fae seemed playful enough to go along with the charade.

Of course, now, she's ended up in the middle of this Graduation Day new year celebration, bare-faced and practically broadcasting that her Bonded are nowhere near. Every once in a while, she tails someone and alters her glamour to match their paint patterns for a while, breaking away and dispelling the faux paint before she gets caught. Yet when Iramaat notices her, she's some time between targets and seeming awfully lost.

"Ah-?" She gasps and takes a step back, not having noticed the faun nearby until they spoke. It only takes her a second to relax, and offer a slightly nervous smile. "Oh... hello."

Her eyes drift to the paint in the faun's hands, then back to her face. "Huh? ... You mean it?" There's hope in her voice, then suddenly apprehension again. "Um... just for show, though, right?"

[wylderrant]

"Hello!" Iramaat replies cheerily, smile spreading a little as she gives Natsuru an appraising look. She's no witch or fae, so there's not much chance of her seeing through the glamour. Instead she seems interested in sizing her up. Not a familiar face to her, but probably a mirrorbound.

"Of course - merely for show," she lowers her voice and gives a conspiratorial wink, "But I wouldn't mind getting to know you a little better all the same."

She cocks her head, "I'm Iramaat. You?"

[thirdbeauty]

Fortunately, just being ridiculously petite and having the doll-like eyes of a fae rarely seems to raise much outward suspicion. Natsuru figures it must be difficult to tell the difference between witch and monster mirrorbound sometimes, when they all come from so many different worlds.

She can't even be absolutely certain Iramaat is a faun, though that'd definitely be her guess! More importantly, she seems nice enough. Still, the playful, teasing tone and the interested way she looks at her makes Natsuru blush a little, and she nervously brushes a stray hair over her ear.

"Natsuru." Finally, she manages a friendly little smile of her own, looking up (probably) at the other woman. "It's nice to meet you, Iramaat-san."

[wylderrant]

Well, Iramaat has the antlers (and furry legs and hooves) to with being a faun. She peers down at Natsuru with a keen smile and curiosity, quite willing to take her at face value and involve herself in one way or another.

"Natsuru... lovely name," she replies with a little laugh and gestures to an out-of-the-way bench, "Why don't we sit down? We can discuss a little. Get to know one another before I throw paint all over you."