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

Soren | OTA

[silentsavant]

1. The Library

[One way to feed his lack of knowledge on this place is to file through archives of what their people have written. It's a place of respite from the unwanted attention he seems to garner by virtue of being a living dragon, and while not completely devoid of people, they mostly have enough decency to leave him to his book-combing lonesome. He completely ignores the strange looks they give him. He's already used to getting those.

Should you cross paths with him, you might find him poring through materials by the shelves with various levels of focused interest depending on just what he's stumbled across. Sometimes he can be found with a magnifying glass, roving the text with it like his eyes have gone bad, though he's not squinting; in reality, it's just magitech that assists in translation. He may be knitting his brow and twitching his tail in frustration, however, because let's face it: technology isn't perfect...]

2a. Monster Mash

[The lively, bustling atmosphere is quickly getting under his scales. Soren is just trying to mind his own business, take the temperature of the town's culture both in a material and social sense (with... minimal social interaction where possible), but he's not too pleased with the reading. If people aren't shrinking away and casting wary glances like he's the plague itself, they're monsters swaggering over with aspirations of taking down a dragon for a nice boost in status. The problem is, Soren doesn't want to get in any fights right now. If he goes too far, he doesn't know if he can stop. And the more they goad him on, the harder it becomes to restrain his burgeoning irritation with a firm clock to a muzzle.

It hasn't reached this point. Not yet. But his feelings have stewed to the point where his tongue has sharpened into an acerbic edge, though he never loses his composure.]

Go ahead. Pick a fight with me. I can't promise you won't catch the Cwyld.

[It turns out that's exactly the kind of thing to say to make this growing gaggle of monsters recoil as if on instinct. Soren tries to shove past them and get on his way, but now that they're over that first pulse of fear, they're only provoked into wanting a brawl out of him more, and the burly winged chimera body checks him to keep him from getting out of this, asking if he's really a dragon or just a coward?]

Both. Please step aside. I am not interested in making a spectacle of shattering your ego.

[Soren, stop!! His tone sure does rub them the wrong way! You really have two options here: escalate or de-escalate. Heaven help you.]

2b. Catch a Witch

[The other nuisances are witches. Most of the time, they're harmless and easy to shrug off with two words. But sometimes they're overbearing, and it gets to a stage where he's weary of the interruptions and all of the questions and subtle flirtations while he's just trying to find a bite to eat or browse a stall. He's Bonded, but his Bonded isn't anywhere in the vicinity to send a silent message with him that he's squared away in that department.

When he's especially tired of this, he sets his sights upon another lone Mirrorbound witch. Maybe they could help him out, at least for a little while. And who knows? They're alone. Maybe they need help trying to dissuade local monsters from pursuing them, too. He approaches with his proposition. If the witch is by themselves, he will start with something more like:]

Would you mind keeping me company for a while? I'm tired of being solicited by these cave witches.

[But if they're in a bit of a pinch, he might take a different approach by acting like he's getting protective over his "Bonded", standing next to them and guiding them away from the monster showoff with a cold stinkeye given to them.]

There you are. Let's go.

3. A Dragon's Dream

[Or maybe you are traversing the underground farmland, moseying through patches of fungi, wandering down the banks of a fish pond, by the rocky walls... until you happen upon a housecat-sized lizard that looks something like this relaxing somewhere secluded. He looks a little dazed, big monochromatic eyes blinking, or perhaps just sleepy. As a matter of fact, he might still be conked out...]

4. Litha (NSFW themes)

[Decadence spills from every which establishment into the cobbled streets, ferried across gay and lilting laughter and drenching the thick city air in a heady bouquet of sensual fragrances that pack a potent punch for a lonely dragon driven by summer's swell to seek someone. More specifically, someone's touch.

It's unnatural, an instinct so at odds with himself as a person, that he drifts through the entertainment district, reminded at every turn what he wants but unable to accept that he does. He's always been inclined to fight the monster that is himself, and this is no different.

It's likely that he can be encountered adrift this way, body language tight as he marches on an indecisive campaign through the districts bursting with Litha festivities. Or maybe he's caught as he finally chooses to enter one of the brothels and have a seat at the low table occupied by another Mirrorbound. He doesn't make the first move to introduce himself, especially when he feels like a fish out of water, and spends the first blush of conversation averting his eyes to the drink menu.]

Wildcard: (( Or maybe we plotted something out! Maybe we can plot something out? Hit me up via PM, plurk (wingything) or paingel#4140. Soren will most likely be seen giving the cold shoulder to any challengers and suitors as he goes about inspecting the market's wares and other features of town, but he will also be interested in banding with a reliable witch (or a witch and a monster; anyone who can support him against potential Cwyld accidents bc he ain't about being reckless) to explore more of the surrounding cave system. Definitely open for awkward Litha prompts and shoving Soren into festivities like you'd shove a cat in a doll dress! Just keep in mind that it's a time of year for him where he's more susceptible to attraction and physical desire, so if that's something you'd rather not play with, let me know. There are times where it can be sublimated into affection instead. ))

1

[bravelyathome]

[Swallowing nervously, she takes a deep breath.]

Come on, Bernie. It's just a person. You don't have to be scared. It's just a person. In a library. Not scary at all.

[Another breath and she finally makes it up to him. In her little Fae arms are a notebook as well as one of the tomes from the library. She bites her lip and then manages to squeak out her question.]

Are you...able to translate any of this?

[And she squeezes her eyes shut. Already she's mentally berating herself but trying to stay there at the same time. Because there's nothing wrong with asking for help. It's okay to ask for help!]

[silentsavant]

[It's okay to ask for help from nicer people*

Had Soren known Bernadetta any better, he could have chalked her nervousness up to a matter of her personality. That doesn't stop being a factor here, but equally likely is that in combination with her natural timidity, she's intimidated by, well... him being a dragon. A small, mostly human dragon with an unwelcoming aura. The look he gives her isn't any less unwelcoming. It almost seems to read, 'why are you bothering me?' Especially when it causes her such great social pains just to do so.

He expels a sigh, sets his malfunctioning magitech aid down, and regards her reaction before her question with a dry tone.]

Are you able to talk to me without acting like I'm going to bite your head off at the slightest provocation? I find that offensive.

[bravelyathome]

[Immediately she looks horrified and steps back several steps.]

I'm...I'm sorry... I...

[She looks about ready to cry. Or have a panic attack. Or both. Honestly at his point it's probably both. Her nerves are getting the best of her as she hugs the book that she's holding tighter to her little body.]

I'll go. This was stupid. I'm sorry...

[Sorry she's a disaster, Soren.]

2a

[sneaksweet]

[Juza's not interested in fighting most of the time, despite what his track record is. Still, it's much worse when he sees somebody else getting harassed and harangued into a fight.

So he steps forward, low growl in his voice and a glare with effort behind it.]

He said he ain't interested.

[silentsavant]

[All four monsters hoping to challenge the dragon boy to a match turn their attentions to this newcomer. Expressions harden to match his glare, but their eyes swiftly begin to flicker with something else: a flash of intimidation, then they're sizing him up and impressed with what they see. Their interest precipitates to the turnskin.

Soren is perhaps most surprised to see Juza of all of them — the cold composure melts for widened eyes and a parted mouth when he realizes who has stepped in to intervene on his behalf. And then he feels a tinge of guilt for inadvertently getting him involved in something like this. That glare of his pierces Soren in a completely different way than it could ever be intended, and it's not even meant for him.]

Juza?

[The other turnskin, a shaggy wolverine of a man, saunters over to the bear with a toothy leer, shoulders squared. He's about the same height as him, give or take.]

Then whaddabout you? You look tough. You wouldn't back down from an honest challenge like that spineless reject, wouldja?

[Soren takes this opportunity to shove past the chimera of the group while their attention is divided and while their tight huddle has widened to encompass their new challenger. The chimera looks peeved, but not enough to retaliate; as a whole, the cave monsters now care more about Juza, and they're steadily attracting more passersby to stop and stare. Soren can't find it in him to just leave him with this mess. He moves closer to Juza as well, though more at his side rather than in any front-on confrontational stance, and returns to a semblance of his usual demeanor, though a touch more affected.]

Leave him out of this. You were challenging me, not him.

Who gives a rip about cowards who turn tail? We're speaking t'him, not you!

[sneaksweet]

[He's fought before, it was just something that happened back home. None of these other monsters scare him and his glare remains. His usual stance of hands shoved in his pockets and slouched to try to take less space looks like less of a "don't notice me" pose and more like looming now.

Juza's seen this type before, and the only way to get them to shut up and leave them alone is thrashing them.]

One one-on-one fight. No matter who wins, you're done after that. Got it?

2b

[yesdoubt]

[Momo is bonded, but he's the kind of person who feels like dragging his bonded along everywhere would be imposing on them, so he's doing a lot of his exploration down here alone. Which means dealing with the, as he so "eloquently" put it a few days earlier, feeling like the protagonist of a cheesy romance novel as half the Monsters in the cave system try to flex at him.

It's a larger and more stubborn group this time, which is making it a bit more awkward to slip around them and carry on his business. He's no stranger to evading crowds, but when a Monster he doesn't know steps in, he's more than happy to roll right along with the lie, not even hesitating to draw in to a more familiar distance. Enough to make the claim of being bonded a bit more convincing, and Momo waves to the Monsters left staring over their shoulders to balance out that stinkeye a bit.]

I was wondering how long I'd be stuck there before you came for me... [A slightly nervous air to it, playing into the underground beliefs about how Witches are in need of protection, but then his voice dips to barely above a whisper, so there's no hope of even the sharp-eared Monsters in the group overhearing.] Are the Witches getting that pushy as well now?

[He assumes there's a reason he was approached and that it wasn't necessarily to aid in Momo's own situation, even if his tone is friendly and understanding about it.]

[silentsavant]

[The Dragon lets him close as much distance as he pleases for the sake of the act, however big his personal space bubble requirements are. There is a silent mutual understanding that it comes with a purpose, and with that, he accepts without a hitch. It's not like Momo is pushing it with him, either. He shoots a final ocular dagger over his shoulder at the monsters in their wake and spreads his black and crimson wing out to 'shelter' him from their view. His Witch, not theirs. They don't follow, but they're not happy to lose their catch.

Soren keeps his voice hovering at about the same volume, which is easy because his voice has never been naturally loud or obtrusive.]

In their own way. But I'd rather be a Monster than a Witch in this scenario. [The Monsters tend more insufferable to deal with, as demonstrated by their overwhelming interest in Momo... though they're also a headache to deal with as a Monster for other reasons. Soren sighs.] I would simply like to browse the shops in peace without being annoyed about the same thing every few minutes. You've already guessed why I pulled you out of there, so my next proposition shouldn't be hard to figure out, either. If we stay together, you can keep Witches out of my hair, and I'll keep Monsters off your back.

[Because yes: first and foremost, it was all a matter of self-interest. Being able to help another Mirrorbound out in the process was just a bonus. Soren wants to fake a relationship with you for a while! And it's never bad to get to know Witches around here, should one be a suitable prospect for a real Bond down the line.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo keeps an ear out just out of force of habit from not wanting certain things overheard, but he returns to a more typical hushed tone than the barely-there whisper once they get a decent distance away. He's on the boisterous side normally, but down here just feels like inside voice time all the time anyway.

While Momo is more of a helper himself, he trades in favours often enough back home that he's very used to self-interest first and maybe possibly helping others second. It's a fact of his industry, so he takes Soren's proposal in good humour, and very easily considering it aligns pretty well with what he wants to be doing anyway.]

Sounds good to me. I can talk to the merchants while you do that, I'm still trying to get a good idea of what things are like down here and shopkeepers can be real gossips. [His tone is cheery and casual, like he's doing it for the sake of getting to know people, but it is what it is regardless of what words he's using, and that's information gathering.] I'm Momo, by the way. Don't want to get caught out because we didn't exchange names.

[He offers a friendly wink, more at ease now that there's not that risk of being overheard by the Monster pack. He can act like a shrinking violet, but it's definitely not his default mode.]

3. lmfao i'm almost sorry

[hoboagogo]

[Unfortunately for Soren, his first thought on seeing a small, winged lizard blinking groggily in a patch of crystal-light, is not 'this is clearly a dragon, and possibly one I've met before.' After all, the only dragon he's seen in their smaller reptilian form was Eren, and he had been jammed in the back of an oven at the time.

He catches sight of him as he walks, especially as Koromaru (the small, albino shiba-inu with him, looking alert in his harness with knives sheathed on the sides of it,) pauses and starts sniffing in Soren's direction. And so the faun will approach, his expression something softer than usual. Some sort of 'man, it's cute' expression as he crouches down a few feet away from the sleepy creature.

He'll glance at the dragon for a moment, before rummaging in his pocket to pull out what looks like half of some sort of sandwich, wrapped up and stuffed in his pocket until later. And like someone feeding ducks at the pond, he'll tug some of the meat out from the center of it, and toss it towards the small creature.]

oh my god... i don't know if you intended this or not but LMFAO CONGRATS

[silentsavant]

[What? Huh?? Who goes there? The dragon blinks at the two forms, trying to sharpen the blurry figures into a crisper image as they approach. He backs up a few steps and raises his wings defensively at the pair of intruders like they might be potential threats but stops when the furry horned faun crouches closer to his level, but he's sluggish because he just... can't seem to retain alertness the way he would like. Did he cross paths with some wicked spores, or did his last battles really take that much out of him?

His nose can offer him more insight than his eyes. Canine; metal; bread, meat; a whiff of sweet earthiness like a garden; sheep or... goat? It's very domestic, and for some reason it makes him even hungrier. But there's something familiar about the way he smells, ensuring Soren that he's met him before.

And then he starts chucking something at him? Boy, is his reaction time not like it should be. He winces as the cold cut baps him on the snoot and slides down his muzzle to hit the cave floor. Everything now smells like sandwich.

He shakes his face to get the slimy feeling off and scrapes at his nose with the back of his tiny hand when that's not enough, burbling a soft growl in sleepy protest. But something about this highly specific scenario of someone bending down to feed him a sandwich when he's weak, small, and hungry also.. . ... makes him feel.. ....

nostalgic. Like he did when he was a child. And weirdly... emotional?! Those ruby red eyes grow a little shinier. He misses Ike very suddenly and very intensely. But Shinjiro isn't Ike, which only makes him cranky. When he speaks, it's almost like a sort of disembodied version of his own voice, the hurt embedded in it.]

What do you think you're doing?

omfg NO I DID NOT a happy accident :']

[hoboagogo]

[The reptile speaking at him is clearly not what Shinjiro expected. Those long, fuzzy goat ears go straight up in surprise as he tenses, fighting down the sheer mortification of getting called out trying to feed what he assumed to be the wildlife.

The voice is... familiar? Ish? But with all this, he's not able to place it immediately. Instead his hands just tuck a little closer to him, forearms resting on one of his leg joints where he crouches.]

Ah....

[Shit.]

Thought... you might be hungry?

[It sounds even stupider when he says it out loud. At least Koromaru is to the rescue! Seeing as the dragon clearly has no interest in the meat offered, he stands up, tail up and wagging, and whines quietly for a moment before padding forward to snap up the food.]

Litha - wildcardish

[stopfen]

[Festivals and fae were not the best companies. Because even with her only testing a small amount of wine, the fae was bouncing off the walls. She wasn't even alcohol drunk, just the drunk on all the energy in the air as she darted around in small hops and jumps. It was probably a good thing she couldn't fly yet, or she might have caused some damage.

The near dancing stops when she spots the dragon. The small dragon, wandering. Oh that guy, the one who'd carried her. Even with her losing another inch(down to 5'7, her height when she was 15) he was smaller.

There isn't a lot of thought in it as the fae runs over, scooping him from behind. Chirping. Hello, small friend.]

[silentsavant]

[No!!! You don't assault an ex-mercenary dragon from behind, even if it ends up boiling down to a vigorous hug!! Does Soren LOOK like he enjoys being picked up?? He ejects a gurgling yelp.]

Waah! Hey! Who— Let go of me!

[He'd sensed her advance but too late to react in time, her approach obscured by the music and the crowds. Arms compromised by hers, he bats his wings and tries to tear himself away by force, kind of like a chicken trying to make a fly for it. He may be small, but he's got strength. And if that's not enough to extract him from this faenap operation, he sweeps her legs with his tail.]

[stopfen]

[Could he smell it? How harmless his captor was? The sickly sweet smell of the aged berries that made the wine being passed around, the fae's own honey scent. As far as carries go. This one was awkward. Her arms wrapping around his waist as she just lifted. His wings in between them. Taking his feet off the ground for just a split second, burying her face in his hair behind the horns. Chirping-

Then the tail happens.

It knocks her on her ass. She's going down. Still clinging to him though, even if she grunts when she lands.]

The Wildcard Underground

[futhark]

[ Caster didn't mind the stray suitors that happened within the city when he walked alone. Those Monsters that had some class or shown some challenge were after all fun to tease— but the overbearing attitude that he was weaker and needed to be protected grated on his nerves, and worn him down until he was spitting challenges (and being dismissed).

Enough is enough, he already has to deal with Archer's protective attitude, and they butted heads over it more than once— but Archer always respects him as a warrior and would never interfere in his battles. That can't be said about society here.

If he was a bit younger he'd probably ended causing a ruckus attempting a duel in some public place, but he is older and wiser... so what he does is to grab his dragon-scale spear, take on some supplies and rush into the wild tunnels to explore the whispered threat of strange algae taking on the "sacred" moss.

The rule of not touching anything is pretty quickly broken, as he finds himself fending off large and bloodthirsty bats. The bites he received don't seem to gave him infection, but he does become a little more careful. Activating his magic to sense lifeforms around it's more that he feels someone incoming than hears them.

He could hide behind a pillar and wait for them to pass, but it is not his style. Instead, he forward, putting the spear before him, even if it's aimed closer to the ground, one flick of wrist is enough to put it someone's throat. ]

Whoever you are, you might want to introduce yourself, friend. [ And then he announces himself confidently ]

[silentsavant]

[ The Dragon's horns and wings throw a gnarly shadow just before he emerges into view, don't they? Luckily for Caster, his spear points to someone he could consider more friend than foe. Soren's eyes fall to the tip of his weapon and then its wielder, though no indication of surprise crosses his features. Truth be told, he knew exactly who he would find.

It would be more accurate to say he was tracking him down. Soren wanted to rove deeper into the tunnel systems outside of the city, but going without Witch backup would be unwise. He'd only made it past the shallower reaches until he picked up on Cú's presence further within. He doubted he would have objections to him tagging along, especially since he, too, appears to be by himself.]

We're long past introductions, Cú. Let me join you.

[futhark]

[ Well, well— not only a familiar face, but also taking his bravado and display without hint of surprise. So Soren knew he's here way before he knew about the dragon. Cú's impressed if a bit amused— He spins the spear, holding it now parallel to his stature. ]

Sneaky, sneaky— [ A tease ] Now that a strong, magnificent dragon joined me, I have nothing to fear.

[ Though there's a pang of worry that strikes him. The easily corruptible nature of the dragons, combined with the strange (possibly Cwyld) presence in the tunnels. But safety can be taken care of, he is not the one to deny a man an adventure— or scouting for information. ]

2b

[prayerwheel]

[ ....well, it's been a while, but she's lurking around here, again, when he happens to be looking for a witch to flick some pesky flies away from him. ]

If you'd like. Where would you like to go?

THIS AGAIN hahahaha

[silentsavant]

[ She'd helped him months ago in the dark dream of Dorchacht. What is she to him at this rate? A rental Bond?? To ask her for help yet again seems like it might be stretching the favors he owes her even wider, but she's the only one around, and he knows she's the type who is willing to help even when the dangers to her personal safety are high. These stakes are much lower, and she's potentially getting something out of it, too. ]

I was just checking out what the shops had to offer here. [ He begins to lead the way, traveling down the gently glowing thoroughfare past a patchwork of stalls, their vendors touting an assortment of goods from smoked cave fish to sparkling gemstones. ] I have no concrete destination in mind, just the intent to explore. But if you have business you'd like to take care of, please let me know. I can accommodate.

8)

[prayerwheel]

[ Shaking her head. ]

No. I was wandering, to see if there was anything worth purchasing before the return trip topside. I wouldn't mind traversing the market for a bit.

[ sh....opping buddy??? ]

It's been a while.

1.

[tryhard]

[ As one of only a small handful of Monsters in the library, Waver stands out only a little less than Soren does; his ears and tail are a dead giveaway, but at least he's not a creature said down here to have been extinct for years.

Waver's surprised to see him for reasons besides his species, though. For a few moments, he watches from a far, trying to decide if he should approach.

But curiosity gets the better of him soon enough. What is he doing? ]

...Soren?

[ Waver walks over, peering down at the magnifying glass. He has a strong suspicion. This suspicion includes the grudging realization that Soren is likely better prepared to be here than Waver was. ]

Either your eyesight is worse than you've ever let on, or that glass is enchanted.

[silentsavant]

[ Soren is normally fairly good at anticipating someone's approach. This time, however, he was so engrossed in his work that he only noticed Waver there when he spoke his name. He surfaces from his work to pay Waver mind, a little thrown off due to the strained nature of their relationship since the kidnappings.

But the Turnskin barely shows signs of being too put off, enough to approach. Soren quickly gets over that brush of anticipation and scoots a little to the side to allow Waver space to peer through the glass. ]

Enchanted. It's magitech that translates text.

[ Should Waver check it out, he might see something a little less than intelligible, like:

【 All^ｔｏａｄare _s̵i̵c̸k̸,, but ｓｌａｖｅｓ ^eat them to protect us. 🕈 here is _{n̶o̶t̶h̴i̷n̵g̴} ｌｅｆｔ　ｎｏｗ 】

Soren sighs.]

Or so goes the intent. It has a... tendency to garble the words, but over time, it usually corrects itself to where you can get a fair idea of what's being said.

[ 【 All _dragon were _diseased, but ^{ｌｉｃｈｅｎs} c̸̗̓ö̸̬́n̴sume to protect us. There is ^{e̶x̸tti̸nct̶i̷o̵n̶ .} 】 ]

[tryhard]

[ Waver's definitely not entirely comfortable around him, but none of his discomfort is Soren's fault. Last time they'd tried to actually talk about it, it hadn't gone well, so there's no point in talking. But Waver doesn't mind his presence. It's kind of a relief to see someone familiar here, especially now that he's realized how stupid he'd been not to bring something to help him translate the texts. He hadn't realized they'd be illegible. ]

Interesting. Thanks.

[ He'll lean in when Soren shows him, taking a look through the glass.

...and frowning. ]

Huh?

[ He squints too, adopting the same expression of consternation and annoyance Soren had. ]

What the hell? I hope you didn't pay too much for it.