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

Shinjiro 🐐 Persona 3

[hoboagogo]

I. The Tunnels (a) - Open!

[The city is interesting, sure. But ultimately, it's just that: a city. Full of different customs and different foods, but at the end of the day just a space filled with people trying to make their way. So of course Shinjiro ends up wandering out into the tunnels close to town, Koromaru at his heels. (The small white dog is extra prepared today, with a harness, instead of his typical sweaters and vests, and with knives sheathed on either side of it. Why a dog needs knives is anyone's guess.)

The interesting thing about tunnels is how sounds echo and travel. The squishing pattering gripping sliding of those worms moving about-- at a hell of a pace, from the sound of it-- as well as whatever poor livestock farmer yelling in the distance about a break in the fence.

The velvet wormipede stampede is... possibly impressive, possibly pathetic. The large worms, wriggling their antenna as they inch (well-- yard, more like, due to their size) away from the enclosure and towards a tunnel, the group of them writhing their way over despite the pleading calls of the arachne who tends to them.]

Ah... guess we gotta do something about that. [Especially because the worms are headed right this way.]


I. The Tunnels (b) - Open!

[Even in the cave, they have a semblance of nature and growth- and just like any faun, Shinjiro can't help but feel more relaxed as his explorations bring him to the mushroom farm. It's a more open cavern, and there's so much life, even if it's so different than the surface. No sunlight, no greenery, but pathes and patches of growing fungi sprouting up all about the place.

As he takes one of the spherical muschrooms offered by an extremely-excited saiga-faun, he flinches as the cap puffs open to reveal the stringy, floss like center, before turning to the closest mirrorbound to him.]

...I'm up for trying it if you are.


II. The Library - Closed to Yosuke.

[If there was one thing Shinjiro remembered about this town, it was how insistent they were about bonds. How, far more than Aefenglom itself, it seemed to view Witch-Monster bonds as the standard, with stray looks and comments made about a pair of two the same. And he's been bonded to a witch for almost ten months, sure--

But Louis doesn't exactly pass for a witch at first, second, or third glance. And so he's here with Yosuke, having temporaryily bonded to this near-stranger that he's had a few weird encounters with, for no reason other than that he's a witch, he seems to keep everything on his sleeve (so no surprises there), and they have at least one thing in common from home.

Yosuke's desire to actually look at the scrolls in the library is absolutely not a thing they have in common, and after enough time, Shinjiro is at his limit. Sure, he could have left way earlier... but it's not like he has anywhere to go or anything to do.]

Do they not let you check these out or anything...? [His occasional comments surely aren't helping Yosuke with his studying. Nor are the two canines spawled on the floor between them- Koromaru laying down regally, and Alfin, Fie's hyena, sprawled and panting, occasionally letting out giggles in familiar voices.]

C'mon, man. The pooches need a break. Let's go grab something to eat.


Wildcard! - Open.

[Shinjiro will be found all about the city! In the guest villa, prodding at (and possibly eating) the algae at the wall, or learning how to prepare some of the foods offered here. At Graduation day ceremonies, getting his horns painted to match his bondmate's antlers, or maybe locking horns with a native faun in the Arena.

Feel free to hit me up with anything or lmk if you want a specific toplevel, either here or at soozaphone or Soozaphone#3966 at the disco!]

I. (b)

[braidmage]

[ Reynir has been lectured more than a few times by more than a few people about the dangers of foraging unknown mushrooms out in the Silent World. But this is nothing like that, right? There are clearly fauns and witches working here to cultivate these mushrooms to be eaten.

(Reynir might not know a lot of things, but he sure as hell knows a farm when he sees one.)

Which is why he nods enthusiastically to Shinjiro's question, gesturing for the stranger to hold the spherical mushroom closer so Reynir can break off a little of it for himself. ]

Why not? It'll be an adventure.

[ He carefully pinches at the proffered mushroom, tearing away about half of it and then bringing it to his mouth, a gleam of excitement in his eye as he glances over: ]

On the count of three?

[ Might as well make a bit of a game of it. ]

[hoboagogo]

[At the gesture, he does indeed hold the round puffy fungus out, still looking at is suspiciously. He's already decided he wants to chew on it, of course. He's definitely a goat-man, and with that comes an incredibly strong urge to chew on anything. But he can still be suspicious of whatever it will do or taste like.

So Reynir's sheer enthusiasm helps, and after the he takes his own stingy strands from the interior, Shinjiro will pinch off his own portion of The fungus, keeping the exterior of the cap i his other hand. He'll probably gnaw on that later himself.]

Alright, sounds good. [His lips flicker up a little at it. Not quite a smile, but something acknowledging it almost being like a challenge. No wimping out now.]

One, two, three--! [And with that, he'll just go ahead and put the soft and fluffy bit of mushroom exterior in his mouth, brows creasing slightly. It feels like cotton candy, but it doesn't exactly melt like spun sugar would. Nor is it sweet at all, instead bringing forth a strong, if pleasant, flavour that he has trouble comparing to much of anything else.]

...Huh. [Yeah, that's his whole comment as he works on "chewing" it, trying to figure out the flavour. Maybe he'll see if he can't take some of these home and figure out how to cook them.....]

What's your take?

[braidmage]

[ Reynir, who sadly has yet to encounter cotton candy in his life, doesn't really have anything to compare the fluffy texture of the interior of the mushroom to. The flavor is certainly potent, and earthy, which is only to be expected. Reynir chews, that bright gleam still in his eyes. ]

Kind of... marrow-y, but also sort of tangy like goat's cheese?

[ He swallows down the rest of it, looking completely delighted. Strange as the taste is, he clearly enjoys it immensely. Then again, he does come from a country where people eat hákarl, so his opinion might need to be taken with a grain of salt. ]

Want to try another one?

[ He certainly seems eager to do so, looking at the variety of fungi that have been cultivated here. New experiences really ARE more fun with company.

[hoboagogo]

['Marrow-y' is a good way of describing it. Definitely more of an umami taste than anything else. Earthy and rich and with a slight tang to it, lingering on the tastebuds even after its been swallowed. And so he nods, even as he brings the cap up to sniff at it and take a tentative bite of-- though that part seems extremely chewy and difficult to pull a piece off of. So maybe for later.

Shoving the cap into a pocket, he nods at the suggestion of finding another to try.]

Yeah, I'm up for it. Hell, a lot of these would be interesting to bring back. Dunno how well it'd grow above ground, though....

[The faun that had left them to their sampling definitely looks back at that, confused, before giving an awkward laugh and leaving the two strangers to the patch she'd pointed out for sampling.]

Which one you wanna try next?

[He crouches down closer to the planters, gangly goat legs looking awkward where her perches, though he doesn't seem to have any difficulties with balancing precariously on them, even as he leans forward to point out a softly glowing orange fungi that looks more like a lattice-work oblong shape than an actual mushroom.]

Dunno how to even start with that one... And the lady before was talking about some sort of buzzy one... That one, I think?

[He'll indicate one of the wide-flat ones that the locals are so thrilled about as he speaks. But really, there's a wide variety of them, all colours and shapes and stages of growth. And who even knows what any of them are like.]

[braidmage]

Maybe not outside, no, but you could set up a greenhouse for them, mimic the conditions down here, keep them out of the sun and nice and damp.

[ Reynir says it all in an offhand way - he's very accustomed to the idea of food being cultivated mostly in greenhouses, and even if the farm he was raised on didn't have one of its own, he still picked up more knowledge than he realized just by talking to others.

He also squats down, looking between the various mushrooms that Shinjiro is pointing out. The glowing one is awfully tempting, but he lets his attention be directed to the wide and flat ones. He hmms aloud, tapping his chin in indecision before pointing to one that is a deep purpleish-red, lightly mottled by tiny flecks of vivid green. It is bigger than most of the others, and Reynir explains: ]

That one looks like it's older than the others. It's probably fully um, ripe?

[ He's not sure ripe is the right word to use for mushrooms. Shrugging, he concludes: ]

Yeah, let's try that one. See if it buzzes us.

[ Reynir's not really sure what a 'buzzy' mushroom would entail, but he's very willing to find out. He reaches forward and gently pulls up the fungus, offering it to Shinjiro this time to take a portion for himself. ]

I'm Reynir, by the way.

[hoboagogo]

Maybe in the basement? [Not that... he's ever managed to get the basement door open. Or really bothered to break the lock. They haven't needed the space, so there's been no needs. But if there was ever a place to grow mushrooms, that might be it. Cold, dark, damp--

He doesn't even notice his tiny little goat tail swaying happily at the idea of cultivating more stuff. Fucking faun instincts.

Regardless, he follows Reynir's gesture to the large, wide cap. It's so weirdly colourful-- and he figures if it's here in their sampling section it can't be dangerous.]

Yeah, that looks good. Let's give it a go. [Ears flicker and he looks up, nodding at the other man.] Shinjiro Aragaki. Cheers.

[He reaches out to break off part of the cap for himself this time- and interestingly enough, while it breaks with that soft, squishy consistency that would be expected from mushrooms, it seems to have some sort of... filling? A vicious center, the same vivid green, gently oozes from the break, and he's quick to bring it to his mouth and just stick the whole damn thing in before it drips on the ground.

...And immediately coughs, bringing his other hand up to his mouth to keep himself from losing any of it at the sheer potency of the flavour. Spicy musky sweet, almost? And intense. It's got a lasting pungency, the flavour and smell flooding his mouth and sinuses, as welll as a fast warming sensation. It starts first at his mouth, but quick to spread all through him as he swallows it.]

Shit.... [The curse is, again, coughed out, but he doesn't seem to have hated it.]

Okay. Damn that's a lot. [A faint cringe, and he's still rubbing his tongue at the roof of his mouth, as though that would help at all. He can still feel the richness of the flavour in his breath.] Dunno if you're supposed to do the whole thing at once.

[braidmage]

Basement would definitely work. If you had the right soil for it... I bet these folks could give you some pointers, if you wanted.

[ Unless they were very proprietary about their fungus, but it can't hurt to ask, right? ]

Cheers, Shinjiro!

[ This time, Reynir doesn't taste the mushroom at the same time as Shinjiro. He takes a moment to reposition the mushroom so it won't get that goo all over his clothes, and by the time he's done that, his new friend is already couching and gasping, and Reynir reaches over automatically, touching his shoulder, steadying him if he needs it. ]

Whoa, hey - is it spicy, are you alright?

[ But Shinjiro seems to be recovering quickly, and he doesn't actually seem hurt, just startled. When he's gotten his composure back a bit, Reynir reaches up and breaks off a tiny, pea-sized portion of the cap, dabbing just a little of the green filling on it, before bringing it up towards his mouth. ]

You got me all nervous to try this now, but I'm curious, so...

[ And he pops it into his mouth, eyes widening immediately as he is hit with (considerably less) of that intense flavor. It would seem he is also feeling the same warming sensation, because he glances down at his arms and legs as it moves throughout his body. ]

That's- that's very strange!

[hoboagogo]

[He huffs out another breath, as though still trying to clear the concentrated intensity from his palate, and really, all his damn fur is on end-- both from the warmth that nestled out and from the experience. But despite his griping and dramatic response, he still looks half-amused.]

That's what I get for just going for it... [Another puff out, and he shakes his head. Man. He's gonna be tasting that for days. It's not bad, at least-- Really, the flavour itself is unique and kind of enjoyable. But it's a lot.]

Alright-- next one's my pick. And you gotta go first.

[This is such a dumb game, but at least they're enjoying themselves! And the natives who tend the place seem to be amused at their antics as well, occasionally looking over fondly.]

How long since you landed in Aefenglom, anyway? [He speaks as he looks over the mushrooms, as though trying to pick the next for them to sample. Shinjiro isn't exactly all over the network, or socializing, after all. So for all he knows, the guy's been here just as long as himself.

He finally seems to pick a smaller one this time-- for both their sakes. It's a soft rosy hue, with a long stem and a sharply triangular cap. He'll take up two of them, since it doesn't really look like it can be split.]

[braidmage]

[ Reynir, someone who has landed himself in a considerable amount of hot water (and life-threatening situations) by 'just going for it', laughs in delight, shaking his head from side to side. He doesn't mind hanging around with dour people, but it's been a while since he met someone so light-spirited in this place, and he's really rather enjoying it.

When Shinjiro keeps the game going, says he'll pick and Reynir can try it first, he beams: ]

Sure, that's only fair.

[ Then he casts his mind back, trying to remember how long it's been since he passed through that mirror. ]

A couple months - no, almost three now, actually. Whew.

[ He gives a little whistle, scratching the back of his neck and feeling suddenly a tad awkward. It's been that long, and what has he accomplished? How many friends has he made? Not all that impressive, all things considered... he really has gotten more cautious, since his adventures into the Silent World back home.

And, because he is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, he admits: ]

I haven't really, um. Done a lot in that time, though, if I'm being honest. It took me a bit of time to - get settled, I guess.

[ He's happy then for the distraction provided by that small pinkish mushroom, and pops it into his mouth without further ado. ]

Oh, it's - that's quite nice.

[ The flavor is much more subtle than the last mushroom - sweetish, but with an aftertaste that is almost... fishy? ]

How about you? How long since you were brought here?

[hoboagogo]

[He has to stop and think at the questions. The months are all named weird things here, and really, he's lost track. Time spent hasn't really been that important. But it was late summer when he'd arrived, and now it seemed to be early to mid summer, so--]

About a year, I think. I finished growing new parts and changing this past winter.

[He says it casually, not seeming to be bothered by the idea of spending so long here. After all: what else would he be doing? Just like back home, he's just spending whatever time is allowed to him. Just with less issues here.

One long, fuzzy ear flickers at Reynir's admittance, considering it. Really, he doesn't think that sounds like too long of a time. After all, he's sure most other people didn't so quickly accept the fact that they were in a huge, weird fantasy world with little hope of returning home.]

Sounds about right. There's a lot to get used to. [He rolls a shoulder, glancing at his own small, pink musroom, rolling the stem between his fingers.] I got a bond pretty quick, but anything more than that, there's not really a rush. Not like we gotta pay rent or do much of anything.

[He'll finally lift up the fungus and toss it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. Much better than the last one, thankfully. Subtle, sweet, with that oceany aftertaste. A weird combination, but one that helps relax his tastebuds from the warhead he'd dropped on them beforehand.]

'Specially since it seems like half the people are stuck here for a long while, and the other half are gone in a few weeks. [Or maybe that's just his experience, having watched all those he knew from back home appear, linger, and then go.]

[braidmage]

[ Reynir looks up quickly when Shinjiro says he has a bond, suddenly very interested, indeed. ]

Oh, you're Bonded? That's good, that's safer, right? I- I know all the Mirrorbound are supposed to do it, or else really bad stuff can happen. Everybody gets all hushed and serious when they're talking about people who haven't got a bond in a month or two. But then everybody also keeps talking about what a big deal and commitment it is, and not to do it lightly, and it's gonna change your whole life, and whew. Mixed messages, huh?

[ Not that he's stressed about it, or anything. Except that he is clearly, definitely, absolutely stressed about it.

With some degree of now-forced lightness and cheer, Reynir asks: ]

Is it- do you like it? Being Bonded?

[ When he talks about people leaving, Shinjiro has, without realizing it, hit very close to the target. Reynir looks away from him, at those rows of cultivated fungus, quiet for a moment before he admits: ]

Yeah. Actually uh, a friend of mine from back home used to be here. I ran into him on my first day, and we sort of stuck together. It was nice, 'cause we didn't really speak the same language back home, but here that wasn't an issue. He's been gone a few weeks now, though. I don't think he's coming back.

[ So... time to get out and make some new friends. Reynir smiles at Shinjiro, then points at a mushroom a little further alone. It's... a bit less appetizing in appearance than the others, a pale white with a drippy, stringy texture. The surface looks vaguely wet in an unsettling way. Eyebrows raised, Reynir asks: ]

So... do we dare? 'Cause I will if you will.

[ They wouldn't be going it if it was totally nasty, right? ]

[hoboagogo]

[He pauses at the outpouring of words from Reynir. And just like with so many peope he'd talked to, it's about trepedition about the bonds. That sort of low key not-knowing that made people cagey about them, worried about opening up, but also worried about exploding, or going feral, or whatever people talked about.

And so he stops and shakes his head, lifting a hand to gesture dismissively.]

People are just idiots and make it a way bigger deal than it is. [And that's from someone who hated the idea of emotional vulnerability. He just hated the idea of losing control even more.]

But yeah. The moons are stronger on us, it seems like. So its easiest if we get bonds. So witches drain their magic off, and monsters have some to feed on. And yeah, it keeps monsters sane and witches alive.

[He shrugs, shifting to sit back on the ground, and kicking those gangly ungulate legs out in front of him, delicate hooves on the floor of the cavern.]

Getting a bond ain't that big of a deal. It's kinda weird at first, but there ain't anything life changing about it. And if you end up hating whoever you get a bond with, you can just break it. Easy as that. Anyway, I got bonded to one of the first people I talked to here, and it's worked out. Hell, we're still bonded.

[His posture relaxes slightly, talking about bonds. It's just become a matter of life here, after all. Same with the people disappearing. Just like back home, nothing was permanent. And no matter how important someone is or isn't, they'd disappear one day. (Possible a bleak outlook, but one that's proved true for him over and over.)]

Yeah, it happens. I showed up with a bunch of people from back home, and they're all gone. One came back for a week or two, but he's gone again. Just how it happens.

[He follows Reynir's pointing to the drippy, stringy one, and frowns. It looks absolutely awful. But so far the ones they had tried had been mostly pleasant. With the exception of his own stupid mistake, of course. And so he'll sigh, never having been one to say no to a direct challenge.]

Sure. Never know unless we do, right?

[He'll reach out for it, and it is just as wet as it looks. Dewy, almost, and there's a sticky tackiness to it. He brings one finger to his mouth to lick off the sap, pausing for a moment. It's surprisingly floral- almost herby. Something between anise and cardemom, as different as those things are. And after the moment he'll break off a piece to hand to Reynir, deciding they can just.. split the one. After all, he doesn't want the two of them to decimate this place's whole mushroom crop.]

[braidmage]

Oh, good.

[ Shinjiro is honestly the first person Reynir has talked to who said that a Bond isn't a huge or life-changing deal, and who emphasized that it can be broken if need be. Reynir isn't exactly a confrontational guy even when it comes to situations that don't involve magical connections to another person, but he's learned a lot about himself in the past year. He knows that, if it's important enough, he can stick up for himself. Even when it's so hard.

...It's still nice, to hear someone telling him it's no big deal if he chooses the wrong person or messes it up somehow. ]

It's such a relief to hear that. I hope it works out that well for me, too.

[ A little less encouraging is the way that Shinjiro talks about people coming and going, here. Losing Emil had been hard, and Reynir can't imagine how much harder it would be if he came back, only to disappear again. Or if someone else he knew showed up and then vanished. They wouldn't be dead, and there's some comfort in that, but even so. Reynir isn't accustomed to losing people.

He reaches out to accept the half mushroom, sniffing it warily before shrugging and nibbling at it. His eyebrows raise in surprise when the flavor hits his tongue, but immediately he says: ]

Oh, this one's my favorite so far. Looks can be deceiving, I guess.

i.a

[yesdoubt]

[Momo isn't planning to go too deep into the tunnels, since he doesn't want to find out what the underground equivalent of the untamed Wilde is, but he's poking his nose into the agricultural areas at least briefly. It'll probably be handy to know what kind of food resources they have down here in case the topic of trade comes up with the Matriarch.

The "stampede", though, is...something. Momo glances towards Shinjiro as if wanting to confirm that this is, in fact, a thing that is happening, before curling a hand under his chin thoughtfully. They're big, but it might not be too hard to direct them if they do it right.]

I can make barriers? So we could try steering them back in. I don't know how they usually react to being corralled, though.

[He doesn't really want to get cocooned or something for his efforts, though at heart he's too helpful to not at least try to lend a hand here.]

[hoboagogo]

[When Momo glances over, Shinjiro just... shrugs. The size of the works definitely makes it a problem... but they aren't exactly graceful or fast, seeming content to stop and press whatever approximation of mouths they have to the walls when there's a particularly succulent patch of algae to gnaw on.]

Barriers might work. At least to kinda... let 'em think there's nowhere to go?

[Do they have eyes. He just doesn't know.

Either way, he'll go ahead and walk up to one of the worms that's nosing about, antenna wiggling, and pat a hand onto its wide, velvety side, as if that would... get its attention? Thankfully, they're domesticated and fairly tolerant.]

Hey, c'mon, back it up. You got plenty of food back the other way.

[yesdoubt]

[Maybe they'll figure out later if they have eyes, but for now, the few worms that are attaching themselves to the wall are at least guaranteed not to be going anywhere. Momo keeps an eye on the ones that are still moving, but at this rate, he's got...a while before they get anywhere near the tunnel entrance to bar it off anyway.

The worm Shinjiro approached is still munching away, and Momo cranes his head around it to check what the algae actually looks like.]

Maybe we should bring some of the other food closer. I guess they must be able to smell it or something if they found it on the walls that quickly, but maybe they need to be close to it?

[Momo places his hands on its side as well...and then rubs its hide a little experimentally, because it really does feel like velvet.] They're so fuzzy...I wonder how many people are going to try to bring one back as a pet.

[Because he's willing to wager someone will try.]

[hoboagogo]

[Momo's comment gets an immediate huff of amusement. He's absolutely certain people will be buying larvae to drag back and coo over, regardless of how the things might end up decimating local gardens or whatever. Just like Louis dragging home and petalwolf and Fie with her hyena, people can't seem to help themselves from needing to collect weird pets.

(Vaguely, he remembers someone posting about a lion on the network once. He'd never heard anything else about it, so he just has to assume it ate the guy.)]

God, they probably will. And then in a week they'll be all upset when these things shrivel in the sun.

[But they are, in a weird way, kind of cute. Those soft, fat antenna rubbing the rocks, little feet-things rolling along the ground. Food definitely seems to be their motivation, so he nods at Momo's suggestion.]

Good idea. Lemme see what I can't grab. [And with that he'll leave the worms side, walk closer to the wall of the cavern, and then just start... Casually walking up it. Carefully stepping with those dainty little hooves, finding all the smallest, impossibly narrow, places to wedge them as he gets higher to where the algae seems to be most dense.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo gives a helpless sort of grin at that, because...yeah, taking something accustomed to underground to the surface probably isn't going to work out that great, but he'll hope it goes well. It's kind of sad to think of the alternative - and hey, some monsters probably prefer darker conditions, right?

As it is, any remarks he might have are momentarily put on hold when Shinjiro just walks up the wall like that. He's seen the occasional picture of goats doing that sort of thing, he's just never seen it in person, and definitely never seen a person (even a faun) doing it.

So there's a moment where he just. Watches, looking suitably wowed.] Man, if I could do that I would've finished all the bouldering walls I did back home in seconds...that's really impressive.

[After a moment, though, he seems to remember what they're doing at the moment, and takes a couple of steps back to intercept a worm that's just overtaken where their current focus is eating. "Drawing" a symbol on each of his wrists with one finger as his focus, he makes a rectangular shape like a panel that's a bit higher than the worm and a lot wider. The worm...continues moving forward, but once it touches the barrier and establishes there's something there, it reluctantly turns around and starts going almost back the way it came. It's a slightly different angle, but it might be enough for the worm farmer to get that one back in.]

I feel like we got unlucky with that first dream, they seem pretty chill when it's not protecting their young season.

[hoboagogo]

[He's already trying to grab and pull off huge clumps of the moss/algae/lichen/whatever the hell it is by the time he registers Momo's comment- and for a moment just glances back, as though confused. Bouldering...

But the context clues slot together, and he eventually shrugs, continuing his harvest and shoving the worm's face away when it starts nibbling too close to him.]

Ah... perk of the hooves, I guess. [And the incredible balance and grip they provide him. If there's one benefit to becoming a goat-man, it's definitely been his ability to just effortlessly scale things. He's not sure if it's enough to make up for the urge to just be up high all the time, but whatever.]

You did a lot of climbing back home?

[Another shove of the worm as it tries to creep up at him, thick, squishy parts nosing at the greens. There's definitely snail-trail-style slime on his hand now.]

Yeah.... I guess since they're kept on a farm here, instead of just out in the wild-- C'mon, back off for five seconds. [He starts chiding the worm that's entirely too interested in the greens he's harvesting, taking a few more steps up the rocks. At least Momo's barrier seems to be effective in tricking the huge worm that there's a wall there and it needs to start shambling back towards its pen.]

Cool magic, there, by the way.

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, it was one of the things I did to keep in shape, though usually I did it when I could grab someone else to do it with. [It was more fun to race up a lot of bouldering walls, honestly, since part of the appeal is the aspect of finding the correct route up while otherwise freely climbing.

Releasing the barrier for the moment now that the worm has turned itself around, Momo gives a slight, almost sheepish grin.] I guess I've been practicing barriers a lot lately? Though honestly, I kind of think all the magic here is cool since we didn't have magic in my world. It's just a question of how cool. I've definitely seen a lot of stuff more impressive than barriers.

[One of the worms apparently decides that noise might mean food, but rather than go up high enough to bother Shinjiro, it sidles over to Momo to start poking him with its antennae. He seems more bemused than anything, but eventually it decides he's not algae enough for its liking and starts poking around at the floor instead.]

[hoboagogo]

Seems like a lot of effort.

[But, there's something nostalgic in the way Momo says it. So much like his best friend back home. A dumb meathead, sure, but one who would take actual enjoyment in working out, finding new ways to test his body, always wanting to rope others into it because it would be more fun. And climbing up rock walls seems like the sort of thing he would love, if he'd ever gotten the chance.

Presumed foodstuff acquired, he starts stepping back the way he came, hooves careful on each tiny crevice. Thankfully the worm that had been nosing at it can clearly sense that he has food, and begins bending its body to follow his descent.]

Yeah, magic wasn't really a thing for me back home either. [Aside from... summoning Personas. But that doesn't count as magic to him.] Barriers seem more useful, though. I know a lot of witches just love learning fire, or whatever.

What else you been studying?

[He finally hops to the ground, and lightly waves the moss at the worm, who continues to be intrigued. Easiest roundup ever.]

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, I had to heal someone up last month because they were burning their hands instead of learning long-range fire spells. [A pained sort of grin, as if the Witches learning fire may not necessarily be doing it with their best interests at heart. Still, he pats the worm next to himself somewhat absently as he gets onto the more general topic of his magic.]

I've been doing some other Abjuration stuff, like minor healing and counterspells, but the first magic class I started learning when I came here was Illusion. I've learned some other stuff on the side here and there, but those two classes are where most of my studying is right now.

[That said, he grins after a moment or two, as the worm next to him picks up the scent of the algae Shinjiro is holding and starts to head that way too.] Though I was thinking of starting up Evocation next month, which I'm pretty sure is the class for learning fire. I'm mostly doing it for the healing, though.

[Finally giving himself some offensive magic is just a bonus.]

I'M HERE

[dj_jiraiya]

[He wasn't trying to study, since he knew this was like, super boring for Shinjiro. The temporary bond wasn't even required for that. But he did want to see about getting some references so he could go to the bookstore and actually get something for himself. Considering where this place was, checking these books out was likely a no-go and he was not about to fill out some out of town library card.

He managed to make a small list before Shinjiro made yet another comment and he sighed, folding it up and shoving it in his pocket.]

Okay, okay, sorry. I'm gettin' hungry anyway. You never told me what you wanted outta this trip anyway so... your turn, I guess?

[To go and maybe make Yosuke bored. Or they could get something to eat along with the pups like Shinjiro suggested.]

[hoboagogo]

[At Yosuke's agreement, three pairs of ears perk up in excitement at the thought of leaving and getting food. (Both of the dogs'... and Shinjiro's.) Sorry, Yosuke. But skipping out and grabbing lunch will always be a preferable option to staring at weird old scrolls.

At the mention of what he `wanted` out of the trip, though, he pauses. Because really... he didn't have any sort of goal here. It had sounded interesting, and seemed better than just staying home. But he's never been that much of a long-term planner.]

Not sure there's anything I really wanted here... Just figured it sounded interesting, and my bondmates were going.

[He stands, though, and starts unlooping the dogs leashes from the side of the table, offering Koromaru's out to Yosuke. Not that Koromaru has ever needed a leash, but it's good manners in a city. Alfin, on the other hand, still had jaws wide as she happily pants, clearly not as aware that them standing means it's time to go.]

So what kinda stuff were you looking for here?