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

viren | the dragon prince

[bloodwit]

i. EXHIBITIONS

[ some "safe" method of filtering unchecked aggression? impressing watchful crowds? the sweet, sweet taste of triumphing over those 'lesser' than him? viren will take it.

while this is all ultimately something that he thinks to be a waste of time, it's a quick fix for the trying nature of this month. viren doesn't seem to care about the breed, size, or skill of any viable opponent; win or lose, by this point, he's on his third or fourth match. due to his changes, even despite visible bruises and cuts that litter his person, he doesn't yet show many signs of slowing down.

should someone step up to the ring, they're met with a flare of his wings, a glint of fangs that comes with a twist of a smile. he flexes his fingers in a 'come hither' gesture, claws clacking against one another. ]

Care for a fight? It won't last long, I can assure you.

( ooc: if they're to fight, feel free to hmu if you have a strong pref for whoever 'wins'! otherwise i'm good with flipping a coin or playing it by ear. )

ii. GRADUATION, LITHA

[ in the spirit of all these bonding festivities, sometime within the dates of the 21st - 23rd, slips of parchment can be found sporadically pinned up around the cities; upon posts, bulletin boards, at shops. fewer might be found in the underground (still present, nonetheless), but there should be enough back in aefenglom that he thinks these should attract some notice. ]

ARE YOU A MIRRORBOUND?
ARE YOU A WITCH?
ARE YOU ALSO NONHUMAN??

If yes to all of the above, please contact [ and here, would be viren's network username. it's a nondescript username. spoilers, with that last criteria: this inquiring is very likely on behalf of someone else. ]. :) Thank you.

[ that's it. that's the message. message if you dare. ]

iii. LOVE BOATS

[ the idea of being trapped within a love boat for two is awful. viren is only barely convinced to meet someone here for a single (1) ride. and so he waits, near to the attraction, looking dreadfully out of place among enthusiastic couples clambering for their turn on a boat. he just stands there. ten minutes pass. twenty minutes pass. viren checks his watch, then sends off an irritated message. thirty minutes pass. most people would have left by now, but he is nothing, if not dutiful --

the shift for whoever mans the current attraction, changes. this attendant mistakes viren for someone at the front of the line, hastily guides him to the edge of a boat. someone else (you?!) either occupies the vessel already or likewise has been steered towards its edge.

viren's already protesting, loudly, embarrassedly, ]

Oh, no.

[ he's grimacing, swatting at the attendant, looking wild-eyed at whoever's to be paired with him, ]

No! Stop. You have us mistaken.

iv. WILDCARD

( ooc: hit me with whatever or feel free to DM here/msg at kirbies to plot something! )

ii.

[trouvaille]

( probably she has seen the flyers because viren gets a message— )

If no one answers just lie and tell me you thought they were all dicks.

[bloodwit]

"Dickishness" isn't part of the screening criteria.

But if you prefer, then I will lie to you, even if it's obvious.

[trouvaille]

Thanks, Viren.

ii.

[perspicaciously]

[ Well he doesn't see any reason not to contact them. So dare Ozpin does. Although nonhuman might be a bit of a stretch for him. Was a person who kept reincarnating into other people really human though? ]

I saw your flyers and couldn't help but contact you.

And what would an inquiring mind such as yourself wish to know about someone who might be a witch, a mirrorbound, and a nonhuman?

[bloodwit]

[ oh, excellent. ]

Compatibility.

But now, morbid curiosity: if you're not a human, what are you?

[perspicaciously]

[ Suspicious!! ]

So you're looking for someone to bond with, then?

[ Hm. Interesting. ]

While my appearance is very much human, I am a bit different, in that I am able to...reincarnate. But if that doesn't count then I'll have to apologize if it's not...nonhuman enough for what you're looking for. But I am a witch and mirrorbound, if that's any consolation.

i + iv (exhibitions with a wildcard twist) lmk if anything needs changed!

[quintessent]

[Allura had come to the arena because she was curious - despite coming from a society that valued peace above all else, Alteans also had a warrior's edge to them - and even if she couldn't compete for herself, the fights were thrilling.

It's in between matches that she mingles around, closer to the arena where the monsters are pairing off for their next bouts. She'd come to offer her healing magics, but felt distinctly out of place. Not in danger, but her bonded nowhere to be found, she might as well have been walking around with a marquee over her head for the more assertive monsters.

She's just about to make her way back out when she bumps into one of the recent combatants, her gaze turned upwards to apologize, before recognition flashed over her face,]

Oh, it's- [It's been some time, she searches her memory,] Viren, isn't it?

looks perfect!!

[bloodwit]

[ she may as well had been walking with a marquee overhead - a witch presumebly offering her healing abilities to monsters in need? viren's yet unaware of her purpose nearer to the arena, but he could imagine that would make her a beacon. he sports a minute cut beneath an eye, a deeper wound to his tail, perhaps miscellaneous bruises -- yet, nothing that seems to cause him inconvenience.

it's takes him a second before recognition hits, also - perhaps half as long. royalty tends to stick in his mind. with a slow arch of an eyebrow, ]

Allura. [ an acknowledging nod. ] "Princess" Allura, if you would prefer.

[ but he would have her confirm that aloud. ]

While you're not an unwelcome sight, it does — [ now he's more contemplative of his words. "out of place" would be an apt description, yes. ] —surprise me to see you, here. Enjoying the fights?

[quintessent]

[To be fair, she's used to drawing attention. Before, it was due to being royalty, then one of the last surviving Alteans. By all means this is the most she's been able to blend in, now that she is surrounded by monsters and beings from all sorts of realities.

She nods, smiling when he remembers her name,] Just "Allura" is acceptable.

[Outside of official business, she didn't have any issue with either designation. Princess was a title given to her by her parents the same as her name, but she didn't reign over anyone here. She talked to Viren as a friend.]

I was curious. [She wasn't bothered by the shows of violence for the most part. If the contestants were being forced into it or significantly injured or killed, that would be another issue entirely,] Fighting for sport or pleasure wasn't uncommon on my world.

ii.

[proudofme]

[That's his dad's username. On this very sus flyer.

Soren is already sighing]

yo dad why are you looking for nonhuman witches? What's up with that?

[why are you being sketchy??? why is this your everything?]

[bloodwit]

[ none of these instincts aint wrong. ]

Yes. Why would I be, indeed?

Please, Soren. I want to read a carefully considered, educated guess.

[proudofme]

Yeaaaah I'll get back to you on that[he won't, obviously]

I mean it's like

either you got over hating nonhumans so much since you like

are one now

or you want... parts???? I hope you aren't looking for parts dad come on [dark magic isn't close to the same here, but he knows his dad, he sure does]

iii

[sneaksweet]

[Wait no, he was just looking longingly at a cake. He definitely didn't want to end up on a boat, and he looks panicked as he tries to convince the attendant that he doesn't want to be on the ride.


His stats are clearly not in persuasion, as he gets cheerfully ignored.

At least it's somebody familiar, but at the same time it's Viren.]

... We don't gotta talk about this.

[bloodwit]

[ this young man and his sweets, viren would remark to himself, if he weren't feeling somewhat stressed over what's largely a harmless situation. upon meeting eyes with juza, he wrenches himself free -- with finality -- from the attendant's grip. they receive a scathing look. ]

No, no we don't.

[ and looking back to the turnskin, coupled with a deep, grumbling sigh, ]

Come. ... Let's be on our way, Juza. [ quickly amended: ] Elsewhere.

[sneaksweet]

[He's entirely uninterested in going onto a boat, no matter who his rider partner could be. His ears perk up slightly and he nods.]

'kay.

[Anywhere is better than being stranded in the middle of water for god knows how long.]

Got a place in mind?

iv; closed to eren

[bloodwit]

[ after a thorough perusal of the market and all of its wares, nosily hunting after any bit of information, wringing any avenues dry, viren--at some point during the later hours of the day--is drawn towards the city's bars. with the right company, he likes to think they could prove themselves promising.

and he's not the only one to be struck with the idea, either; in combination with celebrations, and the newly attendant mirrobound, his tavern of choice bustles with activity. viren shoulders off his fine coat at the door, gaze flitting over the room for an open seat, and finally locking upon one. ... ah. now there's a dragon that's difficult to mistake.

edging his way over, between clusters of chittering witches and raucous monsters, he folds his coat over the back of the bar seat. and spoken stiffly, before sliding into it, ]

Evening, Eren.

[usurpers]

[ bars and taverns weren’t too different in the underground— you don’t find as much gossip as you do around the food stalls, but the overall energy suffices in learning about monster tussles and bets on rivalries for upcoming arena face offs. a primal way to earn a bond’s hand, and witches hardly need protecting, but such was culture.

eren has ordered himself a towering mug of the underground’s artesian brew, made of dimly glowing algae with a slight ooze to the liquid when sloshed around its container. eren can’t say he didn’t scent the other dragon after he’d walk in, picking out a familiar taste amidst strangers was like pointing out red in a sea of grey. he doesn’t turn, though, doesn’t make to say anything to him until he’s actually approached and sat next to.

the wyvern’s talons drum, click really, against his mug after being greeted without lifting his gaze. after three or so dragging moments, eye contact is finally made: neutrality and a snort to bring his mug to his lips. maybe it was hey that he said in turn, bubbling against a gulp of brew, but now it just seems like a grunt. acknowledging but not vibrant about it.

all he can still see was what he saw last, making smoother conversation on eren’s part alone effortful. ]

[bloodwit]

[ viren feels irritation bristling at the brusque greeting, but nor can he demand more of the man. he would have to be the bigger person, he thinks to himself, bitterly and with little warranting of the thought. he flags down the bartender, ordering something equally glowy and entirely foreign to him -- it sounded pretentiously fancy enough, and thus up to his standards, so he gambles on it.

but he's had ample time to settle his thoughts in regards their memories, mull these things over and debate on a wiser (less emotionally-charged) course of action. he sighs, deeply so as he's prone to do.

once the bartenders whisks themselves out of sight to get to preparing his beverage, his reptilian gaze slides over again. ]

It would [ he begins, evenly, ] be best if we discussed with each other what had happened, what we had both seen.

you know what this is

[marmoron]

[ At some point during his perusal of the marketplace, Keith has discovered the wormipedes. They're certainly a bit weird, but he can't help being fascinated by them anyway. But it's not until he spots a purple one crawling around that he feels like someone in particular needs to be informed.

Which is to say Viren will be receiving a text message from a "un: keith" with an attached photo of a purple bugpal. ]

????

god so i do

[bloodwit]

[ viren's watch pings. he gives this loading image a long, tired look. he hates that he's received this. ]

Forget the bug. Scour it from your mind.

ii.

[rightfoot]

[ He's suspicious of the message, but is also curious. He'll get a message from one username: reddeer. ]

That's a pretty specific kink.

[ and - immediately, a follow up - ]

But really, what is this about?

[bloodwit]

What? No.

[ beyond denial, there is no worthwhile response to that. viren pauses at the username. reddeer. what would be the odds of it being that straightforward...? ]

My roommate seeks a Permanent Bond. As I understand it, she's been without any Bond for ... a startling number of months. She isn't human, and one of her preferences, likewise, is to Bond with a nonhuman.

ii.

[unsundered]

[Technically Emet-Selch fulfills all those criteria. That's not why he's responding, though (well, not entirely, anyway). Idle curiosity, perhaps.]

Generally speaking, one attempts to hide their ill-purpose underneath a less ominous messaging.

Unless your intent was to filter out all but the most credulous... or honest. In which case, I've no doubt you'll manage to ensnare a few unfortunates to your cause.

[bloodwit]

Ah. Which part lends itself to the ominousness? Was it the ":)" that seems threatening?

[ wow, is he being dry? maybe. ]

So I have.

The curious seem to drawn to it, also. Which begs the question. Are you: credulous, honest, or curious?