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

Closed - for Leslie

[stopfen]

[It had been a long time since she'd seen the little witch. Her increasingly erratic behavior as her need for a bond had grown. The fae had pretty much only spoken to Leslie over the network since she'd mauled two people and an animal. Refusing to risk it.

But now? Now the bond had stabilized. Sure, she still had the occasional lapse, but they'd not been violent lapses for more than a month now. It seemed safe enough. And this festival was only once a year, why not go out for a bit? So she'd sent a small message to ask, saying where she'd be if the girl wanted to.

At the sight of Leslie, Mikasa stood from the wall she'd been resting at. Giving a slight smile as she dipped her head to look. Her eyes very different to the last time the girl had seen them. Almost completely black compound eyes now looked at the girl, no pupils to indicate where she was actually looking.]

It's good to see you. Have you been eating alright?

[She didn't doubt Edelgard had been feeding the girl, but what if she was hungry at the moment?]

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie was very excited for Mikasa to suggest meeting up. Leslie missed Mikasa and she refused to believe Mikasa was someone she needed to be afraid of, but she also wasn't about to push Mikasa out of her comfort zone, so she had no choice but to accept Mikasa's distance.

Granted, at this point, now she was the one who recently pushed her bondless experience to the edge and has only freshly bonded with anyone, but as long as she doesn't use any magic it should be fine.

Despite the muggy temperatures of Iuneril, Leslie picks up her pace when she sees Mikasa. She is a little startled by the change to her eyes, though she's frankly more uncertain about being asked if she's eating alright. After all, she hasn't had to starve since before she met Mikasa and she seems unaware that it was at all noticeable when she first arrived.]

...Yes? [Does this need elaboration....] I had pancakes for breakfast and two glasses of milk.

[Milk encourages growth, right? -- Oh right, the other thing Mikasa said.]

It's good to see you, too. I missed you.

[stopfen]

[Oh pancakes, that gets a nod. She knew what they were.] Did you have anything with them? [It'd be an odd question if she didn't dip her head, lower her voice.] I didn't know you were supposed to put things on them when I had them...[That had been a little embarrassing, she'd linefaced through it but still...But the fae had been asking for a reason.]

Do you want something to eat or do you want to look around the festival some more?

[Because the fae wasn't ravenously hungry, but she could do with a snack. She'd seen some things, berry tarts and little cups of berries and syrup. It wasn't like she felt guilty or anything for not really seeing the girl for ages. Nope.]

double-checking the comic, I discovered she comments on pancakes specifically in chapter 18

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie tries and fails to not smile at Mikasa’s embarrassed confession. Or, at least, she thinks that’s what it is. If Leslie admitted something she found embarrassing, she’d be red as a beet and fidgeting, but with Mikasa...it took a bit more guesswork. She bases her conclusion more on the lowered voice than Mikasa’s expression.]

I only realized pancakes could be so pretty and sweet as they can be half a year ago. [So a matter of weeks before she arrived in Aefenglom.] I can’t make anything that pretty myself, but I did put on whipped cream and — [...there are so many names of berries which was it] — some...red berries.

[MOVING ON FROM THE GAP IN HER HORTICULTURE KNOWLEDGE....] Do you think it would be okay? I don’t want to ruin my lunch, but I am a little hungry....

[stopfen]

[It was a silly confession. And one Leslie wouldn't bother her about it like some of the others might. Granted said others were adults, but Mikasa would take it. Giving a nod, she wasn't sure what berries the girl meant. There's a lot of red berries after all. And even here she'd picked the ones for the wine months ago and the ones earlier this month, the bird fruit. The berries Leslie knew might not even exist in Mikasa's world.]

I've been told honey goes well... [She stands again, going to her full height. Would Leslie know she'd gotten shorter? Still tall enough to be able to look around though.]

It should be. I don't think anything here is really filling. [Most of it seemed like snacks.]

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie's eyes light up at the suggestion of honey.]

I did have honey once! It's really sweet. I'll have to try that. But right now...let's see what is being sold at the festival.

[As Mikasa straightens up, a series of expressions betrays that Leslie miiight have noticed the change in height. There's mild surprise, followed by a brief burst of excitement as she initially mistakes the change in their relative heights as a sign that maybe Leslie grew instead of Mikasa shrinking.

But she's been through this with another fae before, so before that excitement can burst out, she reminds herself of that and calms down....sort of. She looks back and forth to try to find something to compare her own height against. Seeing a lamp post, she ends up holding a hand up around the top of her head and making a small motion toward the lamppost -- small enough for her to think she's being a little stealthy about this, but large enough that she is not being the least stealthy about it. After a moment, she sags slightly as she realizes that, once again, she has still yet to grow appreciably taller.

She...doesn't seem to realize how obvious her actions are.]

[stopfen]

It is, I like it. [Her eyes crease into a smile. Antenna giving a flicker, yes, she liked honey. She might have caught herself reaching for the jar on it's own a few times. Or drifting towards flowers that carried that sweet smell.

For a second, the girl's movement isn't noticed. The Mikasa's eyes opened to blink. Tilting her head. Turning to look, was she pointing at something. Slowly turning back.]

Did...You want to go over there? [Was there something there? She wasn't sure. The bustle of the festival making it hard to tell.]

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie’s zoology education is not great, so she doesn’t recognize the connection between the insect parts and the love of honey.

When Mikasa asks her, Leslie jumps, startled.] No! I was — I only -

[She could say yes. She could pretend she saw a stall in that direction. It’s a festival. There’s probably food everywhere. But this isn’t something worth lying about. Her shoulders slump slightly and her cheeks turn pink.]

I thought I might have finally started to grow, but...I’m still the same height.

[stopfen]

[Mikasa had always liked sweet things, but honey...It was sweet and it drew in bugs. Bugs her dumb fae brain told her to eat...She wasn't going to mention that part.

Leslie's follow up makes her head slowly turn back around. Blinking at the girl.]

You might have done...Normally it's not noticeable until you get dressed one morning. [And the clothes didn't fit right, it was annoying like that.] It normally happens it bursts too. [Mikasa, that was mainly for boys.] There's still a lot of time for you.

[Unlike captain runt.]

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie nods slowly, though at the moment, she thinks that she’s most likely to notice when she gets dressed because that’s usually when she compares her height to the chalk marks she’s made on the wall behind her dresser.]

I know. But...I have so far to go. People - [an embarrassed hesitation] — people keep mistaking me for a ten year old. Sir Bethrion, he —

[She brings a hand next to her mouth and rises to her tiptoes to try to signal that she wants to whisper in Mikasa’s ear — which is still a little past her capability to get near on her own even with Mikasa’s decreased height. Whether or not Mikasa gets the hint to lean down, Leslie will eventually whisper as quietly as she thinks Mikasa will be able to hear with the current distance between mouth and ear:]

Sir Bethrion thought that I was five.

[stopfen]

[Fortunatly for Leslie, Mikasa was well versed in speaking with the shorties. And lean crouches closer to listen. Though Leslie's comment makes her lean back again.

Squinting.

Looking the girl up and down tilting her head. Tilting it the other way?]

...Does he have eye problems?

[How did he get five??? She cannot?]

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie feels a little relief at Mikasa’s disbelief. She knew that most people didn’t think she was that young, but the consistent underestimation made her unsure if it would be seen as so impossible a conclusion.

But she also doesn’t want to give Sir Bethrion a bad reputation, so after a moment, she shakes her head.]

The members of Sir Bethrion’s family are all very tall. He said that Big Brother Ruenti had been the same height as me when he was four years old, but he thought that I’d be shorter at the same age since I’m a girl.

[Alas for Sir Bethrion, her canon point is one where Only Ruenti gets a less formal honorific. Also alas for Sir Bethrion, who is still learning that everyone is about the same height at that age, and that the average girl will actually be taller than the average boy. The Salvatores are anything but average people.]

I had to borrow an old coat from when Big Brother Ruenti Was ten years old, and it went all the way down to my ankles....

[Ah, maybe she shouldn’t have told that story. She’s re-experiencing the embarrassing realization. She sounds a little sulky as she concludes with:]

But it was still frustrating, even if I know he only said that because of his experience with his really tall family. No one ever gets it right without me telling them.

[stopfen]

[The disbelief grows the more Leslie says.] When he was four? ...Where they like the monsters here? [She rolls a shoulder, gesturing vaguely. There probably wasn't any to use as an example, but some monsters were tall. Like Eren, the seven-foot lizard...fuck that guy...

This kid, he had to have been as tall as she was. Maybe taller now that she'd shrunk.

As for Leslie's frustrations. Mikasa had nothing to help there. So she tilts her head at a loss for a second.]

...How old do you think I am?

[This had the potential to backfire horribly on the fae.]

I actually guessed without checking 20, but it's not as funny as to guess wrong.

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie bites her lower lip as she considers how to respond to the first questions.]

...They are special. The Salvatore family has been stronger than anyone else since even before the empire was founded. So they spread the rumour that they're monsters so that the imperial family won't become jealous of them for being better than them. But everyone believed it so easily, even though they're all such kind people. [A pause, and then quickly:] When they said "monster" back in my world, it didn't mean anything as nice as in Aefenglom.

[Well, there are probably plenty of people in Aefenglom, especially among the aristocracy, that do mean the terrible, brutal kind that was implied back in Leslie's world, but Leslie certainly doesn't think of the monsters like that.

As for the second question, she puts a hand on her chin and examines Mikasa closely.]

Well...you're clearly an adult...25?

wow......

[stopfen]

Oh, so they meant the normal definition...[Mikasa was used to it, being called a monster. Being able to lift a lot, being called a beast and demon for her strength. It no longer upset her. But most people weren't like that, the number of people being offended at being called one once they were through the mirrors was a testament to that.

That answer though. That just gets a stare with those big black eyes. Then a blink.]

25...The last person I asked said 18... [The space between her eyebrows furrows, how? How did people get such a big difference in years?] I'm 20...

[Her age didn't bother her. If anything it was a compliment that someone thought she'd lived that long. Maybe not so much with people like Sokie telling her she acted too old for her age.]

i'm ruled by rule of funny

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie bites her lip. She doesn't like to think of the definition she's used to as the normal definition of monster when she's in a world where monsters are just normal people, and many of the Mirrorbound monsters are her friends. But it's also the normal definition to her and it's the definition that people have used to describe "the Monster Duchess" and her family.]

They're just strong, is all.

[And big, apparently, since a four year old from that family is about the size of Leslie.

As for the reaction to the overestimation of age, Leslie ducks her head in embarrassment.]

I'm sorry. I don't know a lot of people who are twenty. Or...I don't think I do....

[She knows she didn't know a lot of 20-year-olds to base her guess on back in her world. Here, she doesn't actually know the ages of a lot of the Mirrorbound.]

[stopfen]

I got called it for the same reason...[Back home. It was shy she was so unbothered at the idea of being called it. It had stopped bothering her years ago...Except Annie, would still punch Annie if the girl ever got out her rock and said it.

...Though Annie didn't need to even say it to get punched.]

You don't have to be sorry. It can be hard to tell here. [And Leslie's own age was mistaken a lot.] I've met a few people who are more than a hundred years old here.

1/2

[foundfamilies]

[Hey, did you ever want to see what Leslie looks like ticked off? You’re getting a chance now.]

They’re wrong about you, too. You’ve always been so kind to me. There’s no way you could be a monster — by that definition.

[Huff, huff. If someone called Mikasa a monster as in someone to fear, Leslie would punch them herself! And that’s a slightly less ineffectual threat these days!!]

[foundfamilies]

[......wait. What was that about people who are more than a hundred years old?]

...Huh?

[stopfen]

It's because I'm strong. [Stong enough to carry things that would take multiple people. That had been it. But Leslie's angry little pout gets a small snicker.

Ah...bless...

Though the noise makes the fae stop walking, head tilting to look at the girl.] Huh?

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie nods at the first part. It sounds very familiar to the Salvatores from her world. But as for the second:]

Did you say that there are people here who are over 100 years old? Is it some kind of monster trait?

[She thinks that vampires might be virtually immortal....]

[stopfen]

Oh... [She shrugs.] Yeah. Some of the local fae I've spoken to, they're hundreds of years old. [She gives a huff.] They're still not old enough to know when the Cywd started, and get upset at the idea of being called that old.

[Which meant that it had to be possible, didn't it? If they were upset that someone mistook them for the age, instead of telling her it was impossible.]

[foundfamilies]

Even though it’s true?

[The joys of being young enough to not have any understanding of why anyone might not like being reminded of advanced age.

Still, the main content of this is mind-boggling. Hundreds of years old...does anything living really live so long as that?]

Does this mean you’ll live a really long time now, Mikasa?

[stopfen]

[That gets a pause. For multiple reasons. Like she was already considered older than average for a scout. That she'd never really thought about how long she'd live for because of Everything going on. That she really wasn't sure what to do in general given her two closest friends would be gone in the next ten years. A hundred years...was more time than the walls had been standing.

All things she didn't really want to think about. She hesitates to answer, eyes closing as her nose scrunched.]

...I don't know. I wasn't born like this. [Would it change that much? She couldn't deny that it might. Given some of the little things she'd noticed, her blood, how she could hold her breath for longer.] The longest anyone has been here is a year.

[foundfamilies]

[Leslie thinks about how Edelgard had told her that she would no longer age due to the effects of being a vampire. She wonders how the fae are so long-lived. If Mikasa is changing completely into a fae, wouldn't that include whatever made them not die as early as humans?

But she can recognize that Mikasa isn't comfortable with thinking about it. She comes to the wrong conclusion of why (Mikasa must hate to even consider the idea of not returning to her home for such a long time or returning changed), but she can back off from that kind of question.]

People don't age enough in a year for anyone to ever know. A period of slow growth is normal.

[Oof, self-inflicted wound. She's changed a little over the time she's been in Aefenglom, but not the significant change to her height she hoped for.

But getting off the topic is more important than that. Her head swivels as she looks for a good way to change the topic. -- There! She points in the direction of the first food stall that seems to be selling something sweet in sight.]

Can we go see what they're selling over there? It smells good.

[This is a lie. There's zero way for Leslie to pick out the smell from that particular stall at this distance. She's still functioning on boring human sense of smell.]