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

lance / voltron: legendary defender / ota

[loverboi]

the marketplace

[ lance has taken to exploring the marketplace first and foremost. he's gotten away with getting free shit at a space mall before (a free, whole cow!!), maybe there'll be some good deals here too. he's at a clothing stall, pulling cunes out of his pocket for a decent-looking jacket when he suddenly stops and yells very, very loudly: ]

Fifty-thousand cunes?! Whoa, whoa, are you kidding me? Okay, first of all, this would cost way less on the surface --

[ he's giving this poor shopkeeper a mini lecture about pricing, but the shopkeeper also doesn't seem very impressed. put an end to this? or help get lance's jacket to a lower price point? the choice is yours. ]

the arena

[ lance is watching the fighting matches, but he's also notably staying far away from the arena itself. he's up on the highest level, peeking around from behind someone else's spot. it's an odd look...but he's got his reasons. if someone approaches, he suddenly jumps back with a quiet yelp and takes on a defensive stance. if it's someone he recognizes as a mirrorbound, he'll immediately relax, let out a sigh of relief and say: ]

Phew! Man, I thought you were one of the people in charge of this thing, trying to pull me in for a match. Happened once, won't let it happen again.

[ if he doesn't know them, however, he'll still be absolutely defensive, eyeing them with scrutiny. ]

Okay, if you're trying to get me to participate as anything but a spectator, the answer is no.

love boats (closed to yuma)

[ lance is among those who've been persuaded to give this a try. apparently the ride's been pretty slow for a little while and the person working the love boats is trying to draw people in with the promise that they'll be paired up with someone they'll never forget. lance...has a bad feeling about this, but he has nothing better to do -- so he reluctantly gives in and hops into the boat.

he waits for a second person, and once they arrive, he turns to look up at them a little nervously, not knowing what to expect. ]

...Yuma?!

[ what. what!!! ]

What the quiznak are you doing here?!

[ well...it could've been a lot worse! ]

wildcard

[ hmu with anything! i'm available at amplitude for plotting too! ]

LOVE BOATS!

[reluctantradiance]

[ Yuma couldn't stay in the Underground for as long as he would've liked. He's a creature of flight, after all, and...well, it's a bit hard to fly so freely underground. Not that he can't, but it's just not the same. Thus, he ends up returning to the city before too long, just in time for some celebrations.

He's managed to fit himself into a boat before - it's a bit awkward, given how large his wings are, but he's found a trick to it - and he's willing to give it another go. Although, the fact that they're for couples almost has him turn away.

Almost. But it seems the person in charge has other ideas. ]

L-Lance?

[ His feathers fluff up a bit - including a few of them that're growing in his hair now - as his cheeks tint a bit red. Well. This is. Hmm. ]

I-I don't know, they just... I said I wanted to try out the boat ride and they started pushing me towards this one, so...

[ It all happened so fast. He didn't know what to do. Help. ]

[loverboi]

Oh, they roped you into this too, huh?

[ okay, he really didn't take yuma for the kind of guy who'd be actively seeking someone out, so this makes a lot more sense. ]

I mean, hey, I'll take a friend joining me for the ride rather than a weirdo any day.

[ at least he's being cool about it!!! once yuma's fully on board (despite the awkward wing situation), the boat starts floating down the river. ]

So! What've you been up to? We have time to kill, catch me up?

[reluctantradiance]

Y-Yeah. I guess they aren't really letting people ride any of the boats solo.

[ Which Yuma would have preferred, if only so he could stretch his wings a bit. But he'll endure squeezing in for the sake of good company. And Lance is particularly good company (when he's not trying to shoplift). Yuma feels...strangely at ease around him. ]

Hmm... Well, I learned how to fish the traditional way. And I've been learning how to play the guitar, too. It's a little easier than I thought it'd be.

[ As it turns out, talons are actually pretty handy when it comes to playing a stringed instrument like a guitar...as long as he's careful. As much as he misses having less rough and dangerous features on his hands, it's a nice boon to have.

...and it also doesn't require him to sing. That's the important part. Yuma is not up for risking another incident that his singing causes, thanks. ]

[loverboi]

Nope. They're called "Love Boats" for a reason, buddy. [ ... ] You've never heard of one, have you?

[ is this a modern thing lance is gonna have to teach him about! well. if so, he doesn't particularly mind. before that, though, he's intrigued when yuma tells him he learned the guitar. ]

Guitar?! Hey, that's awesome! [ he grins brightly. ] Who are you taking lessons from? Sounds like something I'd be interested in, too!

[reluctantradiance]

R-Right... Love boats.

[ The lack of familiarity in his tone speaks for itself. He's never done this sort of thing before. ]

His name's Elliot Craig. I saw an ad he put up a while ago and I figured I'd ask. I've never really played an instrument myself before, but I figured I'd give it a try.

[ Music could be a double-edges sword for him, both here and in his own world. But after seeing the Dragoneers playing, he couldn't help but be a bit curious about giving it a try himself. ]

the arena;

[shadowsthedawn]

[As someone who views himself as mostly a physical fighter, despite his current station as a Witch, the fighting matches draw his interest and curiosity. Upon entering the arena, he keeps his attention split between searching for a seat and watching the current match.

It's only by chance that he happens to come upon Lance's position from behind and, seeing a familiar face, decides to approach.

Only to receive a startled reaction that surprises him enough to make him take a step back, hands flying up in front of him as if to ward the other boy off. Luckily, recognition sets in fast, and he mirrors Lance as he relaxes his stance.]

Was it a bad experience or something?

[loverboi]

Sorry 'bout that, Riku.

[ listen, riku's a cool dude, lance likes him a lot. he lowers his guard and folds his arms across his chest, looking down at the arena. ]

It sure was. Were you there for monster rugby a few months ago?

[ that sure was a time. he's still got some reservations about it. ]

[shadowsthedawn]

No problem.

[He's been around Lance enough to know that he's probably got a good reason to be so jumpy.]

Yeah. I even tried joining in on one of the games.

[The results had been a bit disastrous. But he didn't really want to go into details about his own experience.]

They forced you to play?

[loverboi]

They did, yeah.

[ and it really was disastrous for lance, too. he's also reluctant to go into details, but they kind of just slip out-- ]

I got my ass kicked by someone named Mikasa. It was pretty brutal. I was dragged into it by one of the people running the tournament, so that's why I was pretty jumpy when I saw you.

[shadowsthedawn]

Did you get hurt?

[He hadn't come out of his own game completely unscathed, but he's been in tough spots before and has pretty good reflexes that helped him to escape the worst of injuries. A little bit of magic had dealt with the scrapes and bruises.]

Don't worry about it. I just came over to see if I could watch with you. I don't mind fending off anyone who wants to drag you off.

[He's not shy about telling people to back off.]

marketplace

[yesdoubt]

Would it? A good thick coat will set you back a lot of money in most places...

[The shouting makes it hard for Momo, navigating the market to speak with vendors amenable to sharing gossip and local information, to miss what's going on. And while he's definitely been in the kind of position where he's needed to rely on goodwill before, this feels kind of more like a "champagne taste on a beer budget" situation. Especially considering half the stuff down here is made of velvet or silk, which is rarer on the surface.

So here he is, rolling up next to Lance quite casually to mediate, because he can see why the shopkeeper would be irritated with that kind of approach.] But have you heard of catching more flies with honey than vinegar? I'm sure you're not the first person who's yelled at this poor guy about his prices, when he's just trying to run a business.

[Momo winks at the shopkeeper, who seems somewhat mollified at the interruption of the yelling and the indication that someone realises that shouting down prices probably shouldn't be literal.]

[loverboi]

[ the shouting is absolutely abhorrent, good thing momo is here to save the day. lance initially looks pretty startled and somewhat appalled, but the more "he's just trying to run a business" sinks in, the more the guilt does, too. ]

Ugh, fiiiine.

[ lance deflates, looks over at the shopkeeper -- who looks visibly less annoyed -- and shakes his head. ]

Alright, alright. Sorry, man. I can't afford that coat, but uh, good luck?

[ and then he's just gonna awkwardly...scoot...away... care to follow him, momo? ]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo pats Lance on the shoulder reassuringly as he goes, waving over his shoulder at the shopkeeper with the other hand.] I'll come back through later and see if I can't find anything I like, okay?

[That seems to content the merchant a bit with their departure, and Momo waits until they've put a few people between themselves and the store before he lets out a laugh that he was definitely holding back while they were within earshot.]

Come on, Lance, you know anyone who heard that probably isn't gonna sell to you now, right? We're visitors, and nobody likes a problem customer, especially one who doesn't even wanna pay them in full. [At least his tone is light-hearted, but it's basically parental advice hours anyway - Momo worked multiple part-time jobs at a time when he and Yuki were starting out, so he's lived the unreasonable customer life. He puts a finger to his lips mischievously.] Besides, we're here to leave a good impression, aren't we?

[loverboi]

Ugh, I know, I know! I screwed up -- I mean, on one hand I was trying to give the guy an idea of how cune pricing works because I don't know if he knew.

[ except that's not an excuse for being an asshole!! good job, lance. you got too used to pulling shenanigans like you did in space mall that you made a fool out of yourself. ... he does feel bad though, and he groans, walking down the marketplace alleyway next to momo. ]

See, this is why I'm not good at playing diplomat. Or representative, whatever.

[ sometimes he just. doesn't know when to stop talking. ]

[yesdoubt]

I've just been thinking of it like yen in the sense that it's less than most people who don't know the currency think it is...like, me and Yuki definitely have a couple of 50,000 yen coats between us back home, but 500 dollars sounds less bad to some people. And we're also rich, so we have an excuse. [There's a broad "what can you do" sort of shrug at that, because that's basically Momo's opinion on having somehow gotten rich. Sometimes you just buy ridiculous expensive things because you can (or sometimes you're Yuki and decide that thinking of personalised presents is too hard and offer to buy someone a car instead).]

I just work with a ton of different people and networking is important in my job, so I kinda got used to it after long enough. You sound like your have more of a small-group dynamic with your world-saving stuff.

[That's the impression he's gotten between speaking to him and Allura, at least.]

marketplace

[prayerwheel]

[ ah.

Azura slips on over and remarks quietly, after taking a good look at the jacket. ]

Consider the cost of the materials relevant to the item being made down here, perhaps. I'm not an expert on textiles, so take this with a grain of salt, but is it possible that it's more difficult to acquire the fabrics and miscellany needed to make these things underground? The price would be higher for the cost of labor, also.

[loverboi]

[ this is....a lot of stuff lance is wrapping his head around, stuff he clearly didn't take into account when he should have, and he lets out a hefty sigh. ]

Okay, okay. Fair. Different economy, different prices and resources, I got it.

[ now he feels bad for yelling, and he runs a hand through his hair. he turns to the shopkeeper, clears his throat: ]

Alright, sorry for making a fuss about this. Let's just pretend it neeeever happened, cool? Cool.

[ and then he's going start stepping to the side. awkwardly. moving towards the next stall. he looks over at azura, almost expecting her to give him a judgmental stare... (he'd deserve it.) ]

[prayerwheel]

[ She only raises her eyebrows at him. ]

It stands to reason that many similar goods will be more expensive down here. Please temper your expectations accordingly.

[loverboi]

[ he says it in a hushed voice so the shopkeeper won't hear. he's still nearby, after all. ]

I dunno. Sounded like that guy was taking a shot in the dark, if you ask me. Sure, I feel bad for yelling, but he didn't sound sure of himself when I asked him if he took cunes as currency. He asked me for some kind of gem before that.

[prayerwheel]

Really? I've been paying in cunes just fine.

[ a beat ]

Though, one of them was eyeing my necklace. I assumed it was just because it looked unique.

[ seeing as it looks partly like a clamshell and partly like a vase, with a blue stone in the middle....it's not really common jewelry ]

marketplace!

[cardtrick]

[ Hello, this is a racket. And a familiar voice. She's just gonna... ollie on over here, then. ]

Fifty thousand?! [ The voice pipes up somewhere to Lance's side, white rabbit ears twitching. She's put on plenty of acts like this with daddy to get discounts, so what's one more? ] But... you really need a new jacket, don't you, Lance? [ Oh, there's the wide blue eyes, the quivering hand as its pulled to her chest. ] I guess it can't be helped. I'll just have to... give up school and work full time to support us both...

[ Sniff. ]

[loverboi]

[ oh my god, trucy. lance is more than willing to play along with this though, and he looks at the shopkeeper expectantly. ]

Well? Are you really going to do this to us, pal?

[ the shopkeeper looks at them both for a long, long moment...and then shakes his head.

"That's my final price, take it or leave it."

lance huffs and grabs onto trucy's arm gently. ] Come on, let's get out of here.

[cardtrick]

[ Wow, rude, Mr. Shopkeeper! ]

We'll just have to make you one out of a burlap sack, I guess. It won't be very comfortable, but it's all we have...

[ Yeah, she's just going to milk it up until the last second as they wander off in a huff. ]

He doesn't bend easily, huh?

[ That act worked pretty well on Polly. Maybe Polly's just too much of a soft touch. ]

[loverboi]

Apparently not. Quiznak.

[ he's huffy. he thought that would work! trucy puts on a good show when it comes to acting, and she was pretty convincing, too. ]

He was just taking a shot in the dark with that pricing, if you ask me. Fifty-thousand cunes? No thanks.