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

Momo | IDOLiSH7

[yesdoubt]

[a: arrival/marketplace]

[Momo is the kind of person who definitely prefers to be out and about when he can be, so he was up for this trip basically the moment it was proposed. What he wasn't expecting is for one of the monsters making rounds when they arrive to pass him a copper token, but he thanks them for it and keeps it in his palm until the gathering breaks up. Once he's somewhere out of sight, he slips it into the side of the knife holster hidden under one of his overlarge sleeves, right at the top of his arm. He's not stupid enough to leave it somewhere easy to pickpocket, and he can figure out a more practical location sometime in the evening.

The opportunity to ask questions means he needs to learn as much as he can from the locals before he can decide what to ask the Matriarch, though, and so he makes for the marketplace. Shops can tell you a lot about a place, but the merchants can tell you even more, the people who see just about anyone who comes through the city, and he can be found in both the inner-city and outer parts of the market chatting with loose groups of shopkeepers, either those running adjacent stalls or multiple people working out of a larger shop. Invariably, he's picked the ones with curiosity in their eyes and who are open to chat, weaving casual talk with them as easily as anything despite the social differences. Those who are particularly helpful, he may buy something small from, usually paying in cunes since they seem curious enough to take them for these smaller items.

He's just bought a small underground flower in a sealed vial from a group of merchants at stalls selling flowers and trinkets when he bids them farewell and slips back into the movement of the marketplace. He's looking for other merchants to talk to, but if he spots any other Mirrorbound, he'll make his way up to them through the busy thoroughfare.]

What do you make of this place so far? [Maybe the question comes before he quite reaches pace with the person he's chosen to chat up, but either way, once he's in sight he offers them a small, pointy-canined grin.]

--

[b: library]

[Of course, as useful as gossip is for recent events and taking the pulse of the people at large, if he wants anything further back he's going to have to bite the bullet and do some research. It's not Momo's favourite thing, but he's not opposed to it either, having been fairly studious back in his college days before he ended up in the position of choosing between continuing to study and helping Yuki.

He's pretty sure libraries are supposed to have a filing system, but this one just seems like total chaos. And while usually he's kind of okay with chaos, at least if it's him orchestrating the chaos he knows how to navigate it. This is someone else's organised chaos that he doesn't have a roadmap for, and so while he's managed to pull the odd useful book, mostly of a historical nature, he's having trouble putting together any sort of contiguous information as opposed to just bits and pieces.

It's enough to defeat his usual inclination to not bother people in a place like this and approach any other Mirrorbound studying in the library with an apologetic smile.] Sorry to bother you, but you haven't managed to figure out how they're organising this stuff, have you?

--

[c: graduation day (morning/early afternoon of the 21st)]

[Momo can't leave until the opportunity to speak to the Matriarch has passed, but he decides to leave it for the latter half of the day once it comes to that. On the off chance he can encounter anyone who spoke to her beforehand so he doesn't repeat questions, but also so he can see the beginning of this celebration they're having. It's the one part of this whole thing where he's been kind of grateful the Witches here aren't the ones dragged into the fighting circle, because he doesn't really want to roll up to the audience looking like he was just in a brawl.

The Academy, however, is something of a different story, and the curiosity of the locals is enough to get Momo to put on a little bit of a show. Coming from the background he does, the magic class he's been studying from the moment he got here is Illusion, his Abjuration path having come alongside it a month in, so it's the former he decides to show off, especially since it's much more fun.

The occasional gasp and fit of applause comes from the surrounding citizens as Momo constructs a vivid illusory show of creatures he's encountered above ground, giving the locals a taste of things up there as well as a show of his magic. A pack of petalwolves racing along just above the ground transforms in a shower of glittering, pollen-like spores into a group of winged rabbits, the "pollen" clustering and turning into cloud-like shapes. Foxbits, pantherhounds...he goes through quite a number of creatures he's been able to see enough to accurately depict their movements, but ultimately ends on a family of stellar bears that dissolve into shimmering stars, rising a small way before disappearing.

The crowd applauds, Momo bows with the air of someone used to this kind of performance, and he waves both hands cheerily as he exits the courtyard and folds himself back into the watching crowd, since he's just as curious to know what this society prioritises in its Witches.

If there's anyone around he noticed waiting through his performance or even longer, though, he'll slip through the crowd to them. Having spent some time watching the Monster side of things first, he hasn't been observing here as long as he'd like.] Seen much of the students' performances yet?

--

[d: litha (night of the 22nd or 23rd) (18+ for nsfw themes*)]

[Momo departs the underground on the morning of the 22nd to return to Aefenglom, because he does want to see at least some part of the Litha celebrations. He prefers a good party to the style of the Graduation Day festivities, and sure enough, that's what he gets when he comes out of the teleporter and finds his way into the full swing of Litha.

While he dips into the hedge mazes and ship farewells during the day, he avoids any of the overtly romantic parts of the celebration...except one. The spiced drinks are common and Momo is a tough nut to get drunk, so while he takes the unspiced drinks where he can find them, he figures there's no harm in taking some spiced ones here and there. After all, his drinking style is to flush everything out as quickly as possible so he cycles through three stages of drunkenness before actually getting properly drunk far later than any reasonable human should have the capacity to hold out for.

As it turns out, the spicy part doesn't flush out that easily.

It could be anywhere he ends up having that one too many of the spiced drinks, whether watching one of the brothel performances for the sake of seeing what kind of people in the audience he can start a good conversation with, or chatting with clusters of people outside the stalls selling the drinks. Either way, he bids a hasty farewell and slips away to somewhere out of sight to take stock of himself. It hadn't been a bad idea, in theory. Even if he couldn't cycle it out as quickly as normal alcohol, he's not barred from intimacy here. There's no reason he should have any problem with picking someone up to see the feeling out with.

No reason, except one he's been trying to repress ever since he realised this world would take it in all sincerity. One that he could simply ignore back home, because why worry about something that you're forbidden from doing?

He doesn't want to be in the middle of the celebrations anymore.

He comes out from his hiding place concealed by an illusory invisibility spell, but he only has a loose grip on it, distracted as he is, and he runs into someone almost as soon as he's back on the street. It's enough to snap his concentration and reveal him in full - he's uncharacteristically flustered, face flushed and body language evasive, warm to the touch if he's still close enough after running into them to feel that.]

Ah--I'm sorry, I... [He steps back, gaze passing like he's looking for an escape route.] I need to leave.

[Probably a given, since he looks like he'll bolt given half a chance to. The problem is whether he's going to be able to make it back to the Haven in this state.]

[[*Note: Momo isn't going to be banging anyone because haha feelings problems, but considering the premise this prompt still stands to be some level of NSFW even just by subject matter.]]

--

[e: wildcard]

[[If you want to plot something else, feel free to hit me up at reviseleviathan, by PM or on the CR meme! I'm up for threading just about any of the log options that I don't have prompts for here, though the infected part of the tunnels would need some discussion beforehand.]]

a

[bloodwit]

[ viren offers momo a glance as he sidles up to his side for a chat; he recognizes the man, yes, but it had been some time since they've exchanged a few words. for the most part, he keeps his sight focused elsewhere (there is a healthy selection of unknown items available for purchase, after all), yet the inquiry warrants his attention. ]

It certainly raises a few questions questions, hm?

[ he remarks, almost nonchalant in that as he browses a stall's wares. and, tone preemptively unimpressed (someone, mayhaps, is a bit (a lot) salty he hadn't been presented with a token), ]

Hopefully, whoever's been granted the Matriarch's time will make productive use of it.

[yesdoubt]

[As far as Momo is concerned, it's always a good time to pick up on old meetings. Especially right now, when they're in an unfamiliar place and even a mildly familiar person is a welcome sight.

That said, Momo isn't nearly familiar enough with Viren to judge what actions he might take, and the unimpressed tone makes the other man's attitude on not being part of the audience obvious enough. So for now, he goes with it as if it's a general remark, not commenting on his own possession of a token.]

Definitely a lot of questions. I'm still trying to figure out how both sides took this long to find each other. But I think everyone here has different ones, so hopefully the people who go to the Matriarch cover a good range of them. I think we'll definitely get something interesting out of it, so I guess it depends on what exactly you mean by "productive use".

[To Momo, any small detail or extra bit of information about this place's workings or priorities could be useful, so he'd call the whole exercise productive even if someone screws up spectacularly. Productive, though not necessarily effective depending on how it goes.]

[bloodwit]

[ viren, even if his meetings with momo have been brief up to this point, has fleeting hope -- should he realize that momo had been gifted a token -- that this young man might make that "productive use" of the meeting that he so hopes for. ]

Hm. [ a huff of a thoughtful noise. ] To begin: Not entirely botching it, I would hope. Not jeopardizing our entire stay here, and perhaps, also, our collective livelihoods.

[ he actually gives a stroke of his beard, like this should be a deeply philosophical take. his tone is sardonic. ]

I would like much more to come of it, of course, but it's for the best to keep my expectations low as to any outcomes.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo can't help but laugh at that one expectation, because honestly, it's the one expectation he's hoping nobody breaches as well. Optimistic as he is, he's not sure how many of the people given tokens are experienced in delicate political kinds of things, and it only takes one person to mess everything up.]

Yeah, I'm hoping nobody messes it up that badly, but as long as everyone with a token knows how to have a polite conversation then we're probably fine on that front. Even if they're not a diplomat, it doesn't take that much effort to just not offend someone. Usually.

[Depends on how easy to offend the Matriarch is, but the society down here does seem rather rough in certain ways, so he's at least figuring she won't be a hair-trigger.] What kind of outcome is it you're hoping for? It'd be nice if we could come back here, at least, there's a lot more we could learn about than we're going to get the chance to find in this couple of days.

a

[weiward]

[there's no shortage of interesting things in the marketplace. but wei wuxian came to the underground to take a look at the underground itself. with his puca changes complete, it's just more interesting to him than it might normally be. like a burrow.

maybe he should ask lan zhan about moving here. or - after spotting one of the hyenas - maybe not.

one of his long ears turns in the direction of a familiar voice before the rest of wei wuxian does the same.]

Momo!

[he smiles and waits for him to catch up before answering.]

I like the way it smells. They eat a lot of bugs though.

[unseasoned ones at that.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo waves in greeting as he gets up to where the other man is walking, before his hand returns with the other to rest in his pockets for the moment. While the people he's been talking to are quite nice, he hasn't failed to notice the ones who seem to be eying the newcomers more as potential theft targets. It's probably a good thing he's so used to being followed he can smell it from a mile away now.]

Do they? I guess I missed that. I have seen some kinda weird food down here, but I guess you get what you can get when you live underground. [The ones he's spotted are more of the questionable fungus variety. He's going to have to eat something down here if he has to stay long enough for the audience to happen, but between bugs and fungi it's not looking the most promising.] Found out any fun gossip? I've been trying to get a good picture of things down here, but the shopkeepers seem to really like their gossip in-between the facts.

[He needs to settle on what's useful to ask the Matriarch, and that means finding out as much as he can through normal means before he goes to see her.]

[weiward]

Who knows, they might actually make good snacks to have with a drink!

[they're the right size to just pop a handful in your mouth. like peanuts, but with more legs. now that he thinks about it, he might just have to try some. but first he has to find the liquor.]

Gossip? [wei wuxian purses his lips, strolling a little slower as he thinks. he does seem to recall something, something that curves his lips into a wicked smile. he leans in, lowering his voice.] Apparently Arachne are really popular in err...certain kinds of illustrated literature. I wonder if that has anything to do with the Matriarch down here.

[probably not something momo wants to ask her about though.]

[yesdoubt]

I think I've heard of some countries back home frying up and salting bugs like peanuts, come to think of it... [It's not exactly mainstream yet, hence Momo's not quite readiness to jump into bug town, but it's also definitely not unheard of. He's curious whether the wormipedes get farmed for that too, and whether a huge bug might be less gross to eat or more.

Momo arches his brows very deliberately at the other man's choice of gossip, his mouth curling into an amused, knowing sort of grin in return as he chooses his words.] I'd prefer the kind of gossip that's not going to get me kicked out of the audience room, though if you want to talk about bondage that much I'm sure we can find time for it somewhere above-ground.

[He doesn't mind admitting he received a token to Wuxian since he's familiar enough with him, though he's been hiding it from those he doesn't know as well.]

a

[whomthebelltolls]

... I don't like being surrounded by Monsters in the dark.

[That is Maria's initial assessment.] It reminds me a bit of the time I spent in the catacombs beneath Yharnam; just as dark and dank, though we're not being attacked by the inhabitants at every turn. [She squints up toward the ceiling, at the glowing algae-lights.]

... And we're living proof that the surface world exists, but they tend to bury their head at every opportunity and pretend we are mad. That does not bode well.

[yesdoubt]

[He's expecting very straightforward kinds of observations if he's asking Maria, and she certainly provides on that part. The bit about being surrounded by monsters in the dark gets an understanding grin, but it's when the topic of the locals burying their heads comes up that he starts to look thoughtful.]

I feel like the Matriarch might've only told the locals what they needed to know. She introduced us when we showed up as travellers, not specifically from the surface. Obviously they know we've been invited into the city by her, but maybe that's all the detail they actually got.

[The uncharitable side of him reasons that if this all goes pear-shaped, it's a lot easier to convince one's people to attack a faceless group of surface-dwellers they've supposedly never met.]

[whomthebelltolls]

Perhaps. And it is a long-held belief, it seems, that nothing can or does exist on the surface. Challenging such a thing will be quite difficult when all they know are these caves. Yet, they seem almost content to remain ignorant, even in the face of contrary evidence; a too-common affliction, but still a strange, and sometimes concerning one.

[Which doesn't necessarily bode well for the Mirrorbound.]

I wonder what would happen if I teleported one of these people to the surface. [She'd do it, too.]

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, if they think everything up there was dead it's probably gonna take a while to convince them otherwise. [It's a pretty huge part of their worldview to try and punch through, so while Momo didn't expect an immediate turnaround, whether they get any more receptive as the visit goes on should be telling.

He manages to stop himself from laughing at the suggestion of sending one to the surface, if only because the more realistic result occurs to him a few moments after it's mentioned.] Probably something bad. I don't know about anywhere else, but in my world if you take something that's evolved underground and toss it onto the surface, it doesn't last long.

[He doesn't take it in a completely serious tone considering her lead-in remark, though, so it comes out as something of a morbid joke. He's more prone to listening along with those than making them himself, but he has his moments.] I'm sure there's a nicer way to convince them.

d

[fulgency]

[With as popular as Litha is and with as much drinking as is often included with it, Ozymandias is not particularly bothered being bumped into. It happens enough times on the street before Momo has his turn colliding into Ozymandias that if Momo hadn't cloaked himself in his spell, it's entirely possible that Ozymandias would have only spared a passing glance to be certain the other did not fall and move on. But the physical force of someone bumping into him with no obvious source until the illusion drops catches Ozymandias' attention long enough that he looks Momo over.]

[And really, it would only take half as long as he looks at Momo to see that he is very unwell.]

Hold on. [Ozymandias does not grab a hold of Momo, but it's obvious that he's prepared to if need be.] I don't think you should go by yourself. You don't look well.

[yesdoubt]

[Even in this kind of state, Momo is plenty good enough at reading intent, and he can tell that Ozymandias is probably going to grab him if he just tries to run. And while he's confident enough in his physical strength, he's also well aware that most of the other Mirrorbound come from fighting backgrounds (magic-assisted or not) and that really isn't in Momo's favour when it comes to something like this.

He pulls up a somewhat awkward smile, waving his hands as if to say it's nothing.] I'm sure it's fine, I probably just drank too much...I don't want to put you out of your way or anything. I get drunk at parties back home all the time, so I'm used to it!

[He backs up a little, but it's more in the hope that he'll be able to untangle naturally from the situation and just be on his way. But there is one big hole in that lie, as naturally as it flows out of his mouth - Momo's distracted state means he forgets to actually act like he's drunk. The flush on his face and restless energy with which his fingers are gently tapping at his own chest, the way he seems to be having difficulty staying still, are much more reminiscent of the people who've gotten into the spiced wine rather than someone who's actually drunk. In fact, it's just about the opposite of what someone as drunk as Momo would need to be to look this bad normally would be doing (i.e. falling asleep, probably).]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias' brow furrows as Momo offers his explanation, visibly scrutinizing the way he's carrying himself currently and looking for any signs of slur in his speech. Naturally, there doesn't appear to be any, which leads Ozymandias to conclude that Momo is likely intoxicated but not by plain alcohol.]

[He shakes his head a little.]

You drank too much, certainly, but unless I have underestimated the presence of magic in your world, I would say this is not the sort of drunk that you are used to experiencing, Momo.

a

[stopfen]

[The fae, maybe predictably to the ones who'd heard her woes about weapons and metals. Was browsing a stall selling blades. The merchant looked pretty human to most. But they make a show of saying the sword they were lifting had no metal. Both of the fae glance at the witch when he approaches. The vendor pulls a face at him, but Mikasa shrugs giving a hum.]

It's a lot more like home than the city...What about you?

[If it was like home for her, it'd be the opposite for him right?]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo pokes his tongue out good-naturedly to the face pulled at him, cheeky but still friendly. He focuses on Mikasa for the moment, though, since this particular vendor might be more inclined to talk to her than him.]

Lots of friendly merchants. I've been catching up on the local gossip, but this isn't much like anywhere I've been before, so I'm still getting used to it. I think it's a nice place, it's just really impressive that something like this exists underground.

[So, unsurprisingly considering Momo's general upbeat take on things, even if it's unfamiliar he thinks it's cool.] You looking for a non-iron weapon?

[stopfen]

[Vendor just wants to make bank! Luckily for Momo another person shows up to start bartering for something else. So he gets one last scowl from them, then they're gone. For now.]

Are they really friendly if they're just trying to sell? It is impressive though... The markets I knew were on the surface, I don't think the underground was organized for them. [Except the black market. She knew they had them.

The blades were very different to what they'd find up top. These two were shaped like a normal sword. But almost completely black, gleaming like glass. The hilts wrapped in wormipede hide. No metal at all, she wouldn't have to worry about sharpening it wrong.] I am. I've been avoiding fighting, but I'd rather have something I can use. [She turns her head back to the wares, letting out a small hiss.] Managed to burn myself peeling a potato before we left.

a-ish

[zewu_jun]

[The return to the Underground is actually somewhat exciting, although Lan Xichen is still nervous. The dream had been mysterious and alluring in some ways but he's aware of the danger involved. Their invitation is less a question and more of a demand. He recognizes the tone of it. Still, it is a chance to learn. He visits the market and the library, openly exploring the streets on his own to see what the city is really like.

Unfortunately, with not everyone thrilled to have the Mirrorbound and Lan Xichen on his own, he ends up attracting some less than friendly attention as well. A small group of rougher Monsters--a few Chimera and Turnskins that look larger than many that live in Aefenglom--notice the lone Witch wandering the city with no Bond close by. They move around him, creating a loose circle that is less than friendly.]

I appreciate your concern for my interests, but I am capable of finding what I need on my own...

[The group is just closing their circle, making seemingly light jokes about not being able to leave a poor Witch all alone. Lan Xichen tries to back into the safest spot, but there's nowhere to go.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo spots the trouble from some distance away, because that's a big clump of people for the marketplace. And the snatch of person he catches in the middle of it seems familiar.

It's his first run of this area of the market, thankfully, so nobody should recognise him just yet. It means he can duck quickly behind a tent and work a quick few bits of illusion magic before emerging just when the circle is about to close, gripping one of the monsters on the shoulder with a hand that now appears to have painted claws rather than painted nails. Though the claws do dig - he may have chanced a transformation spell on that one, because it was a rather simple change and one he's played around with a touch before.]

I'm sorry, I couldn't be seeing a pack of Monsters trying to make off with my Bonded, could I? [His tone is surface-level cheerful, but there's the undeniable air of a knife-edge underneath it, and there's an additional gravel to it that he's added with his handful of spells.

The reason for it is that Momo has elected to illusion himself into a Dragon, on the logic that it would be the kind of Monster those down here would have the hardest time identifying anything off with. So alongside those painted claws, he now carries antler-like horns, a thin, grey tail with fur and scales, and long wings folded such that they essentially look like a cape draping behind him, features that carry over to his shadow on the cavern floor. And the final touches, a full set of sharp teeth and thin pupils that focus on Xichen before offering a wink that would appear familiar to the surrounding Monsters, but is more of a "go with it" signal to the other man as Momo steps past the bounds of the circle.

With Dragons being an unknown value, and the rumours about them carrying Cwyld given how the ones of this society were supposed to have died, the entire circle takes a big step back, a few mumbling half-assed apologies. Momo, seemingly quite enjoying himself, offers a hand out to Xichen.]

I thought I'd lost you for a moment there. Let's go before anyone else gets the wrong idea, alright?

[The bonus voice gravel makes him sound a bit more imperious, even if he's only marginally heightened the formality of his speech.]

[zewu_jun]

[At first, Lan Xichen is bewildered at Momo's appearance as much as the Monsters. Thankfully, his reserved demeanor and general soft expression don't make that confusion carry as much, turning it instead to more of a gentle surprise that can be easily followed by relief. The Monsters, thrown by the sudden threat of Cwyld potentially being an issue and the impressive stature of a Dragon in their midst, are more affected by Momo's intervention and give Lan Xichen more breathing room -- so the relief is certainly genuine. He catches up quickly enough, smiling at the wink with a fond nod as he takes the offered hand. Luckily this friendly face arrived before he really did have to fight.]

I apologize. I was only looking around, but I am sure they were just trying to be helpful.

[He moves closer to Momo, acting the part of the faithful shadow and letting the "Dragon" shield him, while the gang of Monsters grumble and reluctantly echo his words that they were helping the lost Witch because he seemed lost. There's a bit of amusement in Lan Xichen's eyes as he stands by his ally and faces them, now more relaxed since they aren't eager to do anything.]

Take me home. I won't get distracted again.

[Although he maintains his polite voice, he is still eager to retreat. Once they manage to get some distance away from the Monsters, he does sigh audibly.]

Thank you... I'm sorry for bringing you into that.

b

[prayerwheel]

[ peeking up from a pile of books ]

No. This system is completely foreign to me. It's not by subject, or name of the author, or title--I can't figure it out.

[yesdoubt]

[Well, at least she's honest about it. Momo can't help but laugh, if quietly considering he might get the librarians on them otherwise.]

Me either, and every time I ask the librarians they keep waving me in general directions. It's making me wonder if they actually have a system. Found anything useful yet or has it all been misses?

[Because luck is basically all they have to rely on until someone miraculously figures out how this place is organised.]

[prayerwheel]

Just one.

[ holding up a book that seems to be about fire magic ]

I've been trying to see if they have anything about using elemental magic to heal, but so far I've only found one on healing fire.

What about yourself?