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

daenerys targaryen | game of thrones

[freeing]

• one: can i borrow this?

[ Daenerys had intent to become involved with travels to the Underground – to experience the city for its possibility at allies and strengthening her understanding of the world to better use her time wisely. It was simple, when she arrives her eyes linger as do some of the looks she captures as well. A dragon such as Daenerys, packed for travel but all the more elegant in capes of woven red like burning flames was not something one saw every day.

She plays pleasant, garners enough information to seek her first order of business: the library.

Through the rows of scrolls and words, asks a few lingering patrons for information on the history of the city and anything relating to the Cwyld. They point her in the right direction, but without a translation spell? She is able to do only one thing:

Steal.

Daenerys is not proud, but she does her best to bring some scrolls away from those already situated between the rows of scrolls propped on shelves – debating on stuffing them into her bag.

You can either stop her or assist her! ]

• two: three's company (joint thread with heartsbane)
limit to one per sub-prompt as they will change rooms during their stay

A.

[ It was certainly another rip of paranoia in her mind that she swallows down like a harsh drink. The lodging, compared to the farms she found herself in, feels cramped and unfit. The villas may provide comfort, but they lack privacy. Daenerys was fortunate to have Jorah Mormont at her side to escort her on this excursion, the knight endless with his devotion to his queen, but not so much to push all her discomforts away.

The villas shared space was modest in how welcoming it was, but still – she paces. ]

...They are capable. The ones that are visiting this Matriarch. [ She speaks, as if trying to convince herself that this was not some battle she must win... or involve herself in. ] And her people have been welcoming so far. So long as we know the quickest way out... we will be fine, won't we – Oh.

[ Her eyes fall from Jorah, past him – focusing on you. ]

Hello. Are you the one we were expecting?


B.

[ Or, halfway through their trip, Daenerys is transparent in her desire to move rooms. Perhaps it was paranoia, perhaps it was her own desire for privacy. An empty villa opened up, she hears, and she bids their own villa-buddy goodbye for exchange of privacy.

Daenerys and Jorah do not make the move until late at night, as to not raise any suspicion. By the time the front door to the villa opens, Daenerys is into the shadows without second guessing. So... whoever might have gotten this villa first? Be prepared for some monster intruders. ]

• three: return to aefenglom

[ Her stay in the Underground may or may not be useful. WHO KNOWS, right? She stays in line for the most part besides having sticky fingers, but it was back to Aefenglom in the later portion of the month for her own reasons.

a. Daenerys is seen in typical Council meetings and attempting to make more of an attempt to play well with others.
b. During the very beginning of Lithia, Daenerys attempts to make a partnership with a storefront that specializes in wood supplies. Unfortunately, the owner was much more focused on trying to get Daenerys to agree to a date in exchange for discounted logs. However, she does not agree to such a thing, but instead offers him an outing at the local pub to "talk shop". If she knows you from Council, she will definitely reach out for your assistance to persuade him. The man, once drunk as a skunk, will agree to help Daenerys providing the wood logs for future clinics.
c. Daenerys did not feel comfortable fully with the bath house, but after a long day... she absconds to enjoy the warm waters of one of the more private tubs designated for 4-5 people off to the side of the main bath pool. Except... it's not really warm. Her tub, still needing coal and fire from underneath to burn, feels cold as ice to her. It's dull warmth does nothing for a dragon. Have a naked, unashamed Daenerys call out to the nearest, beckoning them for a fire spell or to add more coal to the embers at the oversized tub's side. Perhaps, if you play nice, you may share the same space with her! :)

Regardless, Daenerys keeps herself busy among typical visits to the marketplace if not found in the above places. ]

one

[yesdoubt]

[Momo is having a bit of a time with the filing system in the library, but he's determined to get some hard facts about this place before he meets with the Matriarch. The merchants have been quite forthcoming with current events and gossip, but history seems to be a harder catch, made even more so by the questionable organisation of what's in here.

He notices someone moving quietly near where he's pulled a scroll from the shelf, and his gaze slides subtly in that direction. Keeping track of what's going on around him is something of a force of habit thing, and when he catches that seemingly furtive intent, the way she looks like she's deciding whether to take the scrolls or not, he places his own back on the shelf for now and heads over. It's quick, but quiet, and a red-nailed hand comes gently down next to where she's left the scrolls.]

Do you need a translation spell? [He recognises the dragon woman from the video post they ended up talking on, and figures lack of ability to read the scrolls might have something to do with why she's looking a bit like she might take them.] They're a little hit-or-miss on the oldest scrolls, it looks like, but it should work for most of what's here.

[freeing]

[ Daenerys was not a thief by trade, but she is able to adapt quickly. To think and manipulate a setting for her benefit. If she finds information valuable, perhaps if she was able to borrow it... it would improve their knowledge of this realm for their benefit.

She's ready to stuff the scrolls in her back, but – when someone's voice catches her attention? She tries to play things off casually. A defensive gaze was hard to ignore, however. ]

... Are such specials difficult? I'm wishing to learn of the history of this place or anything having to do with the infection plaguing the Wildes.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's always been skilled at reading body language, so he picks that look in her eyes that contrasts the casual manner. Nonetheless, he continues casually enough himself, since he didn't come to judge so much as offer an alternative that didn't involve having to thieve something and potentially hurt relations early on.]

Nah, they're really simple to do. The problem is gonna be that this place doesn't really have a filing system, so there's as much chance that whatever you've got there is going to be scrolls on wormipede husbandry or a fantasy book as history. I'm looking for historical scrolls too, and Cwyld stuff is always gonna be handy, so if we both look and I translate then there's a chance we'll find something that's useful to both of us.

[Appealing to the practical side - two people searching is faster than one, and if he translates then they can know immediately whether what they get is useful as opposed to Daenerys having to take something away and potentially find out later that it's useless.]

[freeing]

[ Her eyes shut, listening to his explanation thoughtfully. As much as she feels lucky to even go about her business undetected here, she has no use for scrolls she can not read. ]

I... am hoping they steered me in the right direction. The elderly woman at the front insisted she knew where my requests resided. [ But, wormipede history is a certain possibility. ] Do you have the capability to fully translate these, then? These two.

[ She repeats, the two scrolls hefty and certainly imposing. Magic certainly had its benefits, but... she isn't impressed that she's known men who spent their lives learning languages and here a simple spell would do the trick. She has no clue some of the information she'd find until his help. ]

Please.

[yesdoubt]

I've had a bit of a hit-and-miss time with the librarians, but if that one was sure then I'd trust her. [The "misses" have all been him asking for something and just getting a vague location rather than a specific one, so he'll give this one the benefit of the doubt.] It might take me a minute to get through something that long, but I'll be able to do it.

[He takes the scrolls carefully, laying them down on a table and unrolling the first one to the extent he can on the table. With his fingers, he "writes" a quick symbol of some kind on each of his wrists as a means of focusing his magic, and then passes them down either side of the scroll, moving it up as he goes.

Each line his hands pass seems to decode itself, taking a few moments before it settles into something readable. Since it's not a magic he's overly experienced with using, he's going over the entire scroll line-by-line to make sure he doesn't miss something or somehow mistarget it and only translate what was actually visible to him anyway.

Still, it doesn't take all that long for him to finish with the first one and hand it to her.] Take a look at that one and the second one won't take much longer.

[He sets about doing the same thing to the second, using the same method.]

Two- A

[rollfordiplomacy]

[Everett is leaving his own chambers when he overhears what he can tell is Dany's voice. He doesn't make out words precisely, just pokes his head into the room with a polite rap of his knuckles against the door frame.

He gives a smile between the two he finds, Dany and the turnskin he often saw around her, but had yet to introduce himself to. A little wave to them both, from a curious faun.]

I don't believe I am! Merely wished to give you my greetings, Lady Daenerys. Am I interrupting?

[heartsbane]

[ at least Jorah and Daenerys should be used to the stone furniture? that's something they haven't been able to "enjoy" in sometime. he can't even recall all of the places he has found refuge at in his lifetime, but there's plenty of places that were inferior to this. he shan't complain, regardless of any shared company they might have. let's just say he is happy to finally have a place to unload their combined luggage, no matter how light he tried to get her to pack.

Jorah was about to continue the conversation they were having as they made their way to the room, but he's stopped when Dany takes notice of their company. he immediately straightens, stance almost defensive as he gives the man a once-over. sorry, khaleesi. you'll have to hide away the PDA towards your loyal knight. they have an image to uphold!!

and sorry to Everett as well. old habits. even if it's clear they know each other, he can't stop screening others at first glance. ]

Good day, friend. [ he assumes friend, giving Daenerys a glance to confirm before returning his eyes towards Everett. ] Just idle politics, nothing serious. —I apologize, I do not believe you and I have had a chance to meet. Jorah Mormont.

[freeing]

[ Everett's introduction earns a cautious and nervous sigh of relief. It had been such an oddity, traversing to another part of this world where she was nothing more than a visitor – a representative even if the word feels bitter in her mouth.

Daenerys relied on Jorah to guide her this time, to walk with her (and she totally packed somewhat light!!!) on this journey – but Everett was a familiar face. ]

Ah – yes, it's been some time but this is –

[ Dany fumbles only a little, allowing Everett the introduction. ]

sorry for the delay! tracking borked and didn't alert

[rollfordiplomacy]

I don't believe so, either! Very well met, Sir Jorah. A true pleasure. I am Everett Vaughan, Ambassador of the Springtide clan.

[Everett steps forward to offer the man a firm, single bounce of a handshake, should he take it. His gloved hands move to offer the same to Dany after, in greeting, though she's more likely to get a kiss to her knuckles, given their familiarity.]

Idle politics are a passion of mine. Though it appears I have the fortune of engaging with the less than idle sort. [Everett producing the Matriarch's token from his coat, showing it off before tucking it back into a pocket]

I'd wished to inquire with you, Lady Daenerys. Had you any concerns I should bring up, upon my meeting? I thought to seek your opinion, should you not mind sharing.

it's ok, i wasn't tracking these threads either oops

[heartsbane]

[ the offer of a handshake is accepted with no issue, Jorah even pursing his lips together to smile in a friendly manner. he and Daenerys do not get as much company as they did when they lived in Aefenglom, let alone from those that at least he would consider a stranger. having someone else to converse with that wasn't always wanting to talk shop or politics would be nice.

sorry, Dany. he still appreciates you, don't worry.

he might have assumed too quickly, though. talk of being an ambassador and requesting Daenerys' opinion means they were probably going to be on this topic for a while longer. a politician's job never really ends, does it? ]

I believe this kind of conversation calls for wine. —Perhaps something stronger. I shall be back after I moved our items into our room and fetch refreshments. Any particular requests?

[ Ser Jorah the Andal has volunteered to become a host and/or bartender. he is a man of many hats. ]

one

[gunsmithed]

[ For all his other adventures, a large part of Percy will also be an unapologetic nerd. The moment he'd heard mention of a library he'd put it on his list, and is pleasantly surprised when getting inside turns out to be as simple as walking in.

That's where the simplicity ends, however. Finding anything, even with as little a plan as Percy has, is a nightmare, and that's before he finds a table to spread everything out and discovers that none of it is readable. Of course. He can overhear something mentioned about a translation spell, but that helps him even less.

He sits back with a sigh of pure exasperation, glancing up in time to catch a familiar figure staring down at a few scrolls of her own. And she doesn't look any happier than he feels. ]

Daenerys?

[freeing]

[ Dany is less of a nerd, but she knows wisdom is power. She would be ignorant if she did not fancy learning about what history this world offered that could benefit her. Allies, possible weaknesses, understanding what made these people motivated and frustrated all at once – Daenerys claims she was a girl new to war but she knows what tactics are brought to her war table frequently.

The last thing she wants to do here is stand out further. She already buttons her attire up higher to hide embers glowing through her collarbone and her tail and horns were hidden as best as they can. She didn't feel judged here, but the less eyes on her the better.

When Percy speaks her name, she jumps just a little and looks to him with surprise. ]

Nearly gave my a heart attack. What are – ah. [ SCROLLS. ] I see.

[gunsmithed]

[ He arches one eyebrow in return, faintly amused by her evident nerves. But rather than shouting across the space, he abandons his own collection without a second thought and makes his way over towards her. ]

Everything alright?

[ A quick glance at everything she's compiled doesn't tell him much, but maybe she's found better information that he has. Or at least more readable versions. ]

[freeing]

[ Daenerys keeps her lips tense together, as if trying to keep any stray flames creeping up her throat. Who would have thought breathing fire was a serious concern when nervous?

When Percy closes the distance, she's left lowering her hands with the scrolls. ]

It's... fine, I suppose. I was hoping to be discreet, but seems the fates are unkind in that regard. [ A huff. ] My hope was bring these to Aefenglom to find a translator.

[ Little did she know spells would do the trick. ]

[gunsmithed]

[ Oh, is that what she was up to. He studies her for a moment before his eyes drop to the scrolls again and Percy lets out a huff of a laugh. But does not, pointedly, say anything against it. Wouldn't be the first thing he's helped steal, if she's determined.

Still, best to explore at least a few other options. ]

Supposedly there's a spell for it. [ And for all they've been speaking quietly, his voice drops just a bit further. ] Unless you don't trust them here?

bath house.....

[supersoldier]

[Sephiroth rarely experiences tiredness the same way others do. His physiology infrequently allows for it, born and bred to be the perfect soldier to fall into military line. But he has learned, during his months living on a strange new planet, that none of the usual rules apply. If not assailed by physical exertion, then the mental sort is the likeliest candidate.

Litha is, for all intents and purposes, very mentally exhausting for a man so unsociable.

He’s been put through the wringer. His naked body, slipped prone beneath the water, appreciates the warmth for the slight cuts and quickly-fading bruises splotched here and there. His hair spills into the warm surface, pooling like mercury around his shoulders. Dotted in the strands are proof of either too long in a hedge maze or a prior flower crown in his hair, for there are small leaves caught in the length of silver.

Feathers sprout and spread along exposed skin, heaviest around his neck, collarbone, shoulders and torso. Great, dark wings hang over the edge of the tub to avoid soaking them — they may as well be wet, for how glossy they shine against the warm glow of the fires keeping them warm.

Sephiroth doesn’t care for anyone else’s presence. He doesn’t care for anyone else’s nakedness, either, as long as they leave him alone on his side of the overlarge tub. He is glad to be lucid again, but the side-effect is a bone-deep exhaustion, as though he has just awoken from a too-long nap and reality is still slotting into place. But the sudden rise in the water’s temperature dislodges his stoic reverie, and his eyes lift to fasten upon a woman who is requesting a hotter fire, an even more heated temperature.

It’s already hot, enough to make even Sephiroth’s skin tinge pinker. He has to speak up, almost unimpressed sounding in his delivery.]

Is this a boiling pot, too?

[freeing]

[ She had not partaken in the holiday last year. Although she was nearing 12 full months since she arrived, such things were lost on her. It was almost easy to feel guilty. Putting responsibilities aside to enjoy simple things like warm water and a sense of lightness.

The large bath houses were unlike anything she had seen. Not in Mereen or Qarth, even – despite their many luxuries. At first, she felt ashamed to be here, vulnerable with attire and weapons stripped away. The khaleesi had only just begun to carry an arakh around out of self defense, but she already had felt naked without it.

Perhaps it was the promise of relaxation that got her into the waters where she remained silent and in her thoughts. It was all common, as if everyone had no shame about them. Dany did not to a degree, but she takes silence above awkward conversations in the larger portions of the bath houses.

Yet, she has come to realize the temperature feels much too timid for her. The request was simple, but was met with an unimpressed lull of the stranger's voice makes her sit up right from her slouch. ]

No potatoes or carrots would even dare boil at this temperature. The coals are dying, are they not?

[supersoldier]

[It sounds like a joke, because Sephiroth can imagine a bundle of vegetables being steeped in this water’s temperature and immediately softening in the heat. But another glance at the woman clarifies that she’s not joking at all — she does appear cold, as though the water was tepid and there was no fire blazing nearby to keep it far too hot.]

No. [—he says, lowly, evenly. But his mind does run through the possibilities of why she would say such a thing.]

The fire is burning hot. Any hotter and it would be an immolation.

[Dark wings flare a bit over the edge of the tub.]

Are you ill?

[freeing]

No. Not ill.

[ There's a small laugh of disbelief. Ill? Never heard that before. She was blessed to pass as human most of the times, with scales easily covered and features hidden precisely.

But not here.

Her braids fully undone and merely a sprawl of silver-gold covering half of her features. He'd clock the scales on her neckline and better suited horns that weave into her scalp. The water was not suitable for a dragon and unfortunately, it wouldn't be until it was scalding. ]

Then only a little hotter. You share this pool with a dragon and expect to float around in ice?

[ She almost sounds pouty. ]

[supersoldier]

[The changes, of course, are noted — those scales and those horns, impossible to ignore — but it’s the first he’s spoken with a Mirrorbound dragon. Perhaps it should make sense, retrospectively, though and Sephiroth’s brows pinch only slightly.]

I see. Is it normal for a dragon to prefer extreme heat? You’ll have a difficult time sharing these baths with a Harpy.

[A joke could be made about boiled fowl, but he opts not to take it.]

Or any other monster, I assume.

2. B

[stopfen]

[The fae didn't care for having her own room. She'd spent most her life sharing, up until her roommate's death. Then things had been too quiet, being able to hear others, know that they were alive was a relief. One she didn't have when she was on her own. Nor was she sleeping, the fae had gotten used to seeing the moon even when it waned. So she was perched on the edge of the large bed. Her large compound eyes easily seeing in the dim light as she ran a silver needle through fabric.

That was what the fae had been using the barter with. Fabric embroidered with flowers not seen below ground.

She says nothing at the intrusion, only just lifting her head to stare. Antenna flicking back with a breathy hiss. Whomst the fuck?]

[heartsbane]

[ Jorah tried to argue that it might be better to remain in one place than to concern themselves with relocation, but there's just some things he cannot convince Daenerys to change her mind on. her paranoia and discomfort with company runs deep for a multitude of reasons, and while he eventually came to the conclusion that Everett was safe to be around, it didn't change the fact that they were moving again. fine. he'll pack their bags up and do this all again. what's the worst that can happen?

—he knew it would be too idealistic to figure one of the villas were completely vacated. there were far too many travelers and people hoping to earn privacy just like them. it was almost of no surprise to find someone staring right at the pair of monsters at the doorway.

Jorah takes a moment to consider the circumstances. he might have taken a chance at trusting the foreign face if she was anything like their prior roommate, but that, uh, hiss does something to put him on the defensive. he slowly drops their luggage down to the ground so that a hand could move to clutch at the handle of his blade in its sheath. he doesn't take it out just yet, but he does ensure he steps closer to Daenerys. better to be safe than sorry. ]

Do you... perhaps know this one as well, khaleesi?

[ that's it. moving forward, Jorah will refuse to let Dany get restless about things like this. she's staying in one place whether she likes it or not. ]

I apologize, miss. We thought this room was vacant.

[freeing]

[ It happens much quicker than it feels. Daenerys, perhaps solely to blame for this, thought an empty villa sounded simple enough. Sounded like it was meant for them to claim. Perhaps it was her own paranoia, a constant battle on if she should trust those from this world but she pushes it down.

And this was the result.

Jorah takes the brunt of all of this – of the hissing making her attention focused solely on the occupant that came before them. Her eyes peer over Jorah's shoulder, her hand pressed to his back as if to try and calm her knight before they approach. ]

Yes. I believe so. [ She recalls the face, somewhat, the person who worked with Asura – but the name escapes her briefly until – ] Right! Yes, she helped us secure some troublemakers from the slums.

[ But, she'll allow introductions. ]

We had heard word this villa has freed up, as my knight says, we meant no intrusion.

[stopfen]

[If it meant much, the fae was unarmed. There was a blade, a simple sword sheathed and led on the bed just within reach, but she couldn't grab it without being seen. The only thing she had to hand was the sewing needle.

It takes a moment, the fae craning her neck to look at the person who apparently knew her. Then she speaks, giving a nod.]

You're the one who was working with Asura. [She'd ask how the rest of that went but Asura had told her the basics. Enough that she shrugs and moves on.]

We're all supposed to be sharing these so it's not really intruding. Did you upset someone else walking in like that? [She was too used to not having privacy to be upset, but she'd found she was in the minority with most things.]