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

[petcromancer]

[Hector groans. There's no reason to hide his reaction from Alucard. Their feud is no secret.

Cezar charges at Alucard's ankles, a steady bark of 'friend, friend, pet!' as he rushes towards the towering figure.

Hector follows, because he's been warned that if you go too far down the tunnels, there are wild creatures. Cezar needs constant supervisor, or he'll make even worse of a friend than Alucard.]

Here for samples too?

[With Cezar's happy, trusting dog face, and Trevor Belmont's disappointment in mind, Hector is making one single effort to be civil.]

[cryptsleeper]

[Cezar is a great boy with good taste in people he doesn't understand grudges!

Alucard crouches down, holding his hand out for the pug to assess and sniff. It isn't until there's approval does Alucard start scratching behind Cezar's ear, because he is the BEST BOY. Yes he is!]

I am, although if you're focused on the area, I can occupy myself with drawing the surrounding area and taking notes on it instead.

[Civil. He can manage that.]

[petcromancer]

[Hector wants to agree to that. 'Yes, we can both leave each other to our work...far away from one another.' Except before he can get it out, a group of Undergrounders walk by.]

Awww, a bond-pair and their...weird pet. How cute. [A witch coos, and miraculously, they move on. No questioning what a lone monster/witch is doing wandering around, no posturing or trying to show off to an unbonded outsider.... They are just left alone.

Hector looks at Alucard, at Cezar, and at the retreating Undergrounders. For the moment, he's too excited about this development to even feel disgusted at the implications of being paired with Alucard.]

That was...substantially less hassle than I normally get. Walk in the same direction as me. It's easier.

[cryptsleeper]

[Maybe it's all too predictable that Alucard's hackles rise at the passing comment. There's a sudden tension in him, and it doesn't fade at all when Cezar continues to be his absolutely adorable self.

He is not bonded to this forgemaster, and there's a little insult in not being able to offer correction. Sypha and Trevor aren't around, but ugh.

Hector's given an aggrieved face for his request.]

Do they expect people to walk together in pairs constantly?

[petcromancer]

[To a stranger, the two of them must make a striking pair. Monster and witch, silver and gold, tan and pale. Hector's not offended by their assumption, mostly because he can't be assed to care about what a few random stranger think.

Alucard's annoyance, however, grates. Of course he'd be oversensitive and unable to see the logic of this solution. Hector snorts.]

Yes, apparently they do. And we'll be left alone if we keep close. My work's important enough to stomach it for a short while. Maybe yours isn't.

[Civility time has apparently worn out, and he's falling back to childish taunts.]

[cryptsleeper]

[They managed a whole ass five seconds, good job gentlemen.

Alucard decides to focus on Cezar instead of Hector. It is so, so much easier than anything else at the moment because Cezar has done nothing wrong ever.]

Funny, I've hardly encountered a problem yet when I've done work in the library.

[There is a part of Alucard that is deeply tempted to fuck off at this point. But. Cezar.]

I'll mind the dog. The rest of my work can wait.

[petcromancer]

[We know this, and we love Cezar.]

That's because you're a witch. I went in, and they wouldn't stop following me around, asking if I was lost. I couldn't get any research done.

[Worst library ever, and it makes Hector despair to have something bad to say about a library.

But hey, Hector doesn't care if Alucard does any of his work or not. His presence is helpful, so if he follows along and keeps Cezar happy, that works well enough for him.

And Cezar is very happy, trotting between the two of them, curled tail wagging. 'Happy!', he yips. If Alucard wasn't part of the source for it, Hector would think it was the most adorable sound he's ever heard.]

I'm going in the direction of the farm. There will be enough people there that we can make our way back separately without issue.

[cryptsleeper]

Apparently they don't expect their Monsters to do much reading, which is a concept I find insulting and rude.

[They can probably agree about that much. Alucard finds the library genuinely interesting, but the attitudes surrounding literacy could use some adjustment.

Alucard's careful to keep a slight distance before hand. Because damnit, this is going to bother him. At least Cezar's making it a little better.]

Once you're there I'll leave you to your own devices, even if that means sitting around with Cezar while you do what you wish to.

[petcromancer]

It's a fucking self-fulfilling prophecy. They discourage monsters from reading, and then the monsters have no desire to read. It's ridiculous.

[Alucard may be moving ahead, but Hector stops when he spots an interesting spot on the wall. He takes out a little sample vial from his pack and scrapes a bit of moss from the wall into it.

Cezar loops back and forth between them, unbothered by the doubling back. What a fun game, bouncing between Friend and Master.]

Ok, that'll give me a chance to slip into one of the unguarded tunnels and collect some of the red algae. I keep hearing whispers about it, but it doesn't grow in populated areas.

[So maybe Alucard's not completely useless.]

[cryptsleeper]

It absolutely is. There's no harm from having the skill anyway. The most it might cause is some sore eyes given how low lighting can be from time to time.

[Alucard crouches down next to Cezar while Hector has his fun with moss. The little legs on Cezar must get tiresome after a while, and so Alucard offers to pick Cezar up and carry him for a bit.]

You do know that some of the tunnels have more feral, nomadic tribes that live down them, correct?

[petcromancer]

That's a risk for witches as much as it is for monsters. I have to wonder if they prefer oral history, or if they just want to keep their monsters uneducated.

[The church back home had also discouraged learning, because it kept them in power. Hector's paranoid, but not without cause.

Cezar jumps into Alucard's arms as soon as they are offered to him, with a happy bark of 'tall!']

I'm aware. That just means I need to be quick. If I gave up on a line of study every time it might be dangerous, I'd never get anything done.

[Which, for most people would be an indicator to pursue a less dangerous field, but that's dumb and Hector's not doing that.]

[cryptsleeper]

I can't say. Their histories are detailed, although their organization approach leaves quite a bit to be desired so far as I'm concerned.

[Is he being a bitchy librarian? Yes. Yes he is.

But okay. Up Cezar goes, with Alucard holding him in both arms. From the right angle, it looks like the dhampir is ferrying a dog shaped loaf of bread about, which can only ever be perfectly delightful.]

Fine, so long as you have some weapon on you.

[petcromancer]

[Um, Hector doesn't have a weapon with him. This is a peaceful mission, and he chose to bring his dog, not his hammer.]

I'll be in and out before there's any need of one.

[Hector doesn't imagine Alucard gives a shit about his personal safety-- he might even want Hector to die so he can steal his dog-- but he also can't envision Alucard letting something go when he could be a wet blanket over it.

So Hector deploys a distraction technique.]

Cezar likes it when you hold him up like that. Says he catches new smells that he doesn't get from the ground.

[Cezar doesn't voice the sentiment in so many words, of course, but Hector's learned to piece together the snippets he gets between snorts and snuffles into more cohesive wholes.]

[cryptsleeper]

I hope so.

[Alucard doesn't dare to question any defensive capabilities Hector does or doesn't have. He's not in the mood to pick that fight, and so he just focuses on the dog and--

--oh. Yeah, good distraction technique there Hector. Alucard looks over, tilting his head slightly.]

You can understand his speech now?

[petcromancer]

[The danger of this particular distraction is that it also tends to distract Hector. He's genuinely excited about it.]

Yes. It's been happening over the past month. At first it was just a word...well, a concept...here and there, but now I can pick up most of what he says. It's easier with Cezar because we know each other. Wild animals are much harder.

[When the conversation is only about Cezar, Hector can manage to converse with Alucard almost like with a peer. This dog's miracles never cease.]

[cryptsleeper]

[Well because Cezar is the best boy obviously. And he gets a scritch under his chin just because.]

That's interesting. [He even means it.] Do you think he'd benefit from having the new smell scape? I hate to say it, but sometimes you do need both arms available.

[petcromancer]

Depends on your definition of "benefit". He's not a bloodhound, but new smells make him happy.

[Cezar won't do anything with the knowledge, he just likes to sniff. The life of a lapdog, so simple and pure.]

If you're looking for permission to keep carrying him around, that's fine. He's already gotten some exercise today. With legs that short, it doesn't take much to tire him out.

[cryptsleeper]

Actually, the short legs versus time outside was what I was thinking about.

[Alucard looks down at Cezar, careful to shift his weight.]

Everyone has arms that gets tired, after all.

[petcromancer]

Even yours, now that you're essentially human?

[Hector doesn't know how any of that works, but he's assumed that if he lost his forging, Alucard had to lose something when he came through the mirror.]

Come on, then. Carry him and we'll keep moving. I need more samples.

[He can hear more people starting to come their way down the corridor. Traveling with Alucard isn't ideal, but dealing with Alucard and a bunch of strangers is even worse.]

[cryptsleeper]

[The soft grumble should answer that question. Alucard does not exactly appreciate the fact that being here has rendered him without his natural abilities, even if magic mostly supplements it.

He can keep carrying Cezar though, happy to at least be spending time with the dog. One of them is still a very good boy.

With those coming onward, Alucard tuts, slowing down a little so that Hector is clearly in the lead and ahead of him.]

[petcromancer]

[Unfortunately for Alucard, the distance he puts between them doesn't stop the comments as the next ground of Undergrounders pass by on their way to the farms. 'Oh, what a good monster, leading the way for his witch.' 'You know there's no threats on this path, right?' 'Shut up, nothing wrong with being diligent for a witch that fine.'

Hector waits for them to pass before rolling his eyes. Obnoxious, how obsessed these Undergrounders are with pairings.]

However would a delicate witch like yourself make it on your own? [He drawls, more disdainful of the strangers than he is of Alucard.]

[cryptsleeper]

[He. Hates. It. Enough to glare when he hears the comments, and even enough to let one of his fangs slip out over his lip which has not been done since Alucard's been a child. The dhampir focuses his eyes down on Cezar, the dog much better at grounding Alucard's emotions than he probably should be.]

How they would regret that statement if I was properly myself.

[Ah. On the disdain scale, they're registering the same tone.

[petcromancer]

[Hector would be more pissed off, except Alucard's annoyance is like a soothing balm. If it makes the dhampir this angry, Hector can endure it a little.]

Come on, keep your head down and keep moving. Once we get to the farms, the Undergrounders will be working. Hopefully they'll have less time for idle chatter.

[He has to assume part of the strangers' speculation is just out of boredom as they walk the tunnels. No one can be that obsessed with other people's bond-lives, right?]

[cryptsleeper]

[Hector that is literally how a child thinks. You are a child.]

If they don't, then I'll be distancing myself from you until they do.

[Very mature, Adrian. But there. He keeps walking.]

Why do you imagine they care so much anyway?

[petcromancer]

[Yeah, Dad's second favorite child!]

Why do you care so much about what they think?

[Yes, they hate each other, but it's not like Hector's grotesque or anything. He doesn't see why Alucard should be so bothered that some strangers are making assumptions.]

Probably the same reason the Wallachians obsessed over the Church. They think bonds will keep them safe. People will cling to whatever they think will keep the darkness of the world at bay.

[A moment of real contemplation, before he returns to the thought, 'and I'd be a great catch for a bond, so fuck you'.]