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

[finesseblade]

[ He is, indeed, pointing the very same blade at her that she gifted him some months ago—but once recognition sweeps over his face, he lowers his weapon a fraction of an inch, blinking in the sudden dull light of Aymr. ]

Oh. It's just you.

[ Just you, as though that fact shouldn't be more cause for alarm. By this point, he doesn't think it is, so after a moment longer he turns his blade back and sheathes it once more. No point in waving it around in these cramped passages unless there's a real threat upon them. Still frowning, but he's not like to stab her.

Presumably, she's out here for half the same reasons he is—reconnaissance in a new place like this is valuable. ]

It reeks of Cwyld down here, [ he mutters, because he feels like she should know. ] They're no safer than Aefenglom—just more isolated.

[unyieldingmarch]

[Aymr remains where it is, as it was useful both as a torch and a weapon, and she moves forward to stand closer, pushing ahead down the passage and simply assuming he'll follow or move in front. If he does make a hostile move, she'll simply vanish into mist, but she doesn't think he will.]

It does. I've seen signs of the corruption throughout, though not nearly as deep as the surface.

[She looks up at the ceiling, frowning.]

A creeping doom from above. And presumably monsters to spread it further.

[finesseblade]

[ He glances over his shoulder, apprehension prickling through the hair on the back of his neck. He's not seen anyone or anything out here, yet, but it's very possible he's simply been lucky. ]

Don't tell me you've seen Shades out here. Bah⁠—

[ He almost settles a hand on the wall next to him, but thinks better of it and jerks away. Best not to touch anything out here. ]

I'm tracking, of all things, a worm. Somehow I didn't think it could cover so much ground. Have you seen it? I think I'd prefer to be done with this task quickly.

[unyieldingmarch]

Not yet. Though I'm sure if we look hard enough, we'll find them.

[She shakes her head at his question, but sets her jaw all the same.]

I'll go with you then. With your nose and my hearing, we should be able to find it quickly.

[And if it's a threat, then it is better to deal with it quickly, as a unit.]

[finesseblade]

[ One wonders how Shades might come to be down here underground, where the city-dwellers are supposedly safe behind their wall of plant life that protects them from the disease. Outcasts, then? Criminals tossed out into the wild?

His mouth twists into a grimace. It doesn't bear thinking about too long, though he knows he'll likely end up dwelling on it later anyway. ]

...If you must.

[ Not... polite, but as tacit an acceptance of her presence as he'd have given any of his own allies. He even turns his back to her as he takes a couple steps down a side passage, nostrils flaring trying to catch the scent of... ugh. Worm. ]

This way, I think. Don't ask me what the pitter-patter of worm feet sounds like. I don't know. Just say so if you hear anything weird.

[unyieldingmarch]

[Edelgard doesn't comment on that, instead following at a respectful arm's length, letting his nose lead. She trusts it, and him, as far as she can throw him...which is a considerable distance, frankly.

Her own ears pick up something, too. A faint sound...]

...it's faint, but I agree. It's a rumbling, but distant and muffled. You have the right idea, I believe.

[finesseblade]

[ He glances at her for a moment, pursing his lips, and then down the passageway. His ears tilt forward into the dark, and then he hears it, too: faint, indistinct, but clearly there's something that way. ]

Hm.

[ There are other things too: dripping water, his and her footsteps, and the distant, high-pitched call of some other creature haunting these tunnels he doesn't care to meet. The trail is more fresh the further they travel. ]

...I didn't realize vampires had such a fine sense of hearing. You've adapted to your changes almost seamlessly.

[unyieldingmarch]

I've had more than half a year to adjust. Those changes happened very quickly.

[She gives him a look, a bit of fang visible as she almost smiles in the dim light.]

And my hearing is only marginally better. For anything except for heartbeats. Whatever it is, I can hear it's blood pumping.

[finesseblade]

...It doesn't sound like that to me. Then again, I don't subsist on a diet of blood, either.

[ He peers back at her in the dark, catching that toothy little glint, and after a moment he flashes her a wry grin back, baring his own pointed fangs in the process.

He keeps moving after that. No time to linger, and he's starting to notice little green smudges of wet on the ground that look like more than cave damp, and smell like it too. ]

...Don't take that as a suggestion. I assume worm blood tastes like shit.

[ A jest? From Felix to Edelgard? Truly a momentous occasion. ]

[unyieldingmarch]

I have no doubt.

[Edelgard chuckles, a dry and reedy sound. Definitely taking it as a joke. Because, well, anyone with common sense knows that Edelgard is going to take her blood from safer sources. And that usually means paying for it, and mixing it into tea.]

It grows closer...

[She draws her axe up.]

Are you prepared?

[finesseblade]

[ He frowns at her for a moment, wondering if she's hearing something out here he's not—he didn't think the worms were dangerous, or at least not the ones he saw back in the city.

But he relents, and loosens his blade from its sheathe, baring steel to the dark. ]

We're trying to bring it back alive, if possible. Up ahead, and keep a wary eye out.

[ The smell of velvet worm is overpowering only ten paces up ahead, but there's no sign of the beast anywhere, and that's the strange p—

The top of his head bumps something soft. ]

Wh—

[ Felix looks up just in time to spot the worm, clinging to the ceiling, a split second before it falls on his head.

It's a baby. It has to be—any bigger and he'd be dead. But even a baby is the size of a small pony, and he ends up flattened, the creature flailing on top of him seemingly as confused as he is. ]

[unyieldingmarch]

That's fine. I think we can manage that.

[Edelgard continues onward, and suddenly, things start getting confusing. Pear-shaped, event. She spots the worm, a flash of motion up ahead too late, and it's falling on him...bewildered.]

Felix?!

[She rushes forward, grabbing his foot and hauling him out from underneath the creature, unfortunately dragging him through the dirt.]

Hells...what in the world?! This is the size of a donkey!

[finesseblade]

[ He's lucky she's stronger than she is tall. She's lucky he's feeling too much like he just got hit with a bag of bricks to fight her over being hauled across the stones like so much dead weight, like he couldn't do it himself (he can't). ]

So I noticed, [ He wheezes, rolling over and curling into a ball the second he's free to try and catch his breath. ] You should see the grown ones. That's an infant.

[ He cracks a golden eye. Baby worm has thankfully stopped thrashing, and instead coiled up into a tight ball of its own, clicking its sharp little incisors at them curiously. ]

...We'll have to convince it to let us carry it back, and hope we don't piss off the big ones.

[unyieldingmarch]

[Interesting. She looks at the creature, then reaches into her pouch and withdraws a bit of candy. Nothing very large, but some morsel it might like.]

We could try feeding it. Lure it with promises of food. I'd rather not carry it, would you?

[Goodness, could they even?]

[finesseblade]

What are you—

[ Felix stares, expecting this to go horribly wrong, but the worm only tilts its head left and right, mandibles clicking curiously. It doesn't walk so much as it undulates closer to her, all of its tiny feet moving it across the stone in waves.

He's certain she's going to lose a hand, but the worm stretches out, snatching the candy from her hands almost delicately, and then—crunch—it's gone, no harm done. ]

...I can't believe the Emperor of Adrestia walks around with candy in her pockets.

[ He sighs, climbing to his feet. ]

Fine. But I won't be held responsible if it takes an eternity to make it back to the city with it on foot.

[unyieldingmarch]

It's a vampire thing.

[Edelgard has no problem saying that, and she will not be shamed by Felix of all people. He's ridiculous, and she isn't going to deal with that.

Wiping a bit of worm spit from her glove, she pulls out a second piece and takes a step away, waggling the candy.

The worm chitters and slides closer, and she keeps moving, luring it further.]

It'll be alright. Honestly, this is kind of cute, in an ugly sort of way, so I don't mind spending time with it.

Do you know what the locals want it for?

[finesseblade]

[ Felix brings up the rear, an ear twitching back behind them every so often, listening for anything that might be following them in the dark. So far, so good. He watches the worm trundle along in her wake. He hopes she's got enough of those to make it all the way back to the city. Otherwise, they're going to have a problem. ]

They farm these things like livestock. As mounts, as silk producers... pretty sure I've seen them selling grilled worm legs in the markets, too.

[ He shrugs. ]

Maybe this is their idea of veal?

[ They, uh, might end up eating your cute new friend, Edelgard. ]

[unyieldingmarch]

Interesting.

[Edelgard very likely does. She's going to be conservative with them, after all. And also, perhaps, turn a glance back to it's eyes and draw it in with her mesmeric powers.]

I suppose this little one is going to have to hope that it makes a fine silkworm, or a mount.

[She'll be fine if they do. She does have a bit of an affinity for animals now, but this creature is a bit beyond her.]

[finesseblade]

[ He doesn't know if that power works on other monsters just as well as it does on animals, but he does feel a faint twinge in the back of his mind, and quickly averts his eyes to let her do her thing. Has to be at least as effective as candy.

He snorts. ]

Just don't feed it too much, else it'll be hooked on sweets and certainly doomed.

[ The distant sound of waterfalls and running water draws his ears forward, a familiar echo that indicates they're closer to the farming caverns now. ]

When we cross back into the city proper... you're going to need to get clear of that thing, and quickly.

[unyieldingmarch]

Why do you say that?

[She's curious, at least, because she hadn't really paid that much attention to all of this. It's bad, but being underground has not been easy for her, not that Felix would know that.]

Is there some sort of magical defense against them or something?

[finesseblade]

Not magical.

[ Not unless the moss detects an infection and gets it first—but they're already passing the first hanging curtains of it, with no signs of motion, so he's going to assume this little one is home free.

But as they break through the curtains into the larger cavern beyond, there's a loud, warbling cry, and Felix immediately ducks to one side, elbowing her sharply as he passes on his way to put space between himself and the baby. ]

Just stay out of their way.

[ Because here come the big worms, and they're not happy to see strangers around their missing baby. ]

[unyieldingmarch]

Oh~!

[She moves away as well, putting some distance between her cute worm friend and the other creatures. They do seem more focused on the offspring, and it rumbles a little, but sticks near them rather than following her.]

...Well that was a little unexpected.

[finesseblade]

[ It's sweet, if a little gross—big worms curling around their smaller baby, clicking their mandibles and outright purring. One clicks at him irritably and Felix decides that's his signal to go.

When worms have better familial relationships than you do... ]

I suppose all that matters is no one got trampled or shredded.

[ He sighs. Glances back at her. ]

Your help was... appreciated. I don't know how I would have brought it back on my own.

[unyieldingmarch]

[Aint that the truth.

Edelgard keeps clear, shouldering her axe and watching with amusement as the family unit collects the youngling and begins moving back out of the street.

Strange creatures, but cute.]

I'm sure you would have found a way, Felix. You are nothing if not resourceful.

[A compliment? More likely than you think.]