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

[silentsavant]

Iramaat's nudge compromises Soren's balance and causes him to wobble in a bid not to trip, face opening for a brief spell of disoriented shock before closing back down in extra surliness. He flicks his tail, crosses his arms and rubs at the spot he got pushed.

"Nothing," he groans. "I'm just being me."

But he's not walking away, now is he?

"You're going to paint something stupid on my face if I let you."

[wylderrant]

Woops. She reaches out a hand to steady him slightly. She hadn't realized he was quite so wobbly. She gives him a look once-over. Is he drunk? Because she suspects that he is. Or perhaps a little tipsy.

"I didn't know you drank," she comments before skipping along to his objection, expression arranging itself in a pout.

"I would never. I just thought it would be fun to match..."

[silentsavant]

It's a strange time of year for Soren, one that never quite developed at the same time last year; he'd been mostly human then. Mixed with a bit to drink and the loss of a recent companion, his desire for togetherness is unusually keen. Right now, he doesn't have anyone to spend the underground new year with, and he really doesn't feel like hitting up one of the locals for that. He still doesn't quite trust that she won't smear something he doesn't like on his face (they're supposed to match, but what he finds stupid may not be what she finds stupid...), but oddly enough? He can't find it in him to care.

He shrugs. Loosens up.

"Paint can always be washed off. And you know something?" A smirk lifts the corner of his lip, a glint of mischief sparking his eyes. "I don't really care what these troglodytes think about my Bonding situation. If they bother us, we'll just find ways to bother them right back."

The more he thinks about it, the more satisfying the notion of flagrantly defying social mores with the unbridled devil-may-care spirit of an agent of chaos becomes. When has any society ever been hospitable to him? He points to his face.

"All right, Iramaat. I submit to this alien concept called 'having fun at a festival'. Let's pick a design."

[wylderrant]

Oh. That is a look she honestly hadn't expected to see on Soren's face anytime soon. She's used to him being crabby or stoic not... mischievous and smirking. It brings a smile to her face and then she laughs, tipping him a wink as she leans in.

"Well! That's more like it! I knew you had it in you-" She cocks her head to examine him, trying to decide what sort of design she'd like to put on him. Decisions, decisions.

"I feel like something angular might suit you best, honestly. It goes with the scales... the shape of your face."

[silentsavant]

His brows rise in soft surprise — he's never been called angular before, but the charcoal scales bordering his face could certainly cast bone structure illusions that sharpen that persistent youthfulness a little. He watches her appraise him, how her eyes reflect the cave lights, and he finds himself a bit taken by the antlers that shift hypnotically with the tilt of her head — but not to the point he completely loses focus on the features he should be looking at.

"Whatever it is, it's going on your face." Without missing a beat, he adds, "But luckily, I think that would suit you, too. Something to highlight your attractive cheekbones, perhaps..."

[wylderrant]

Oh! Well. She flashes him another grin that seems very pleased at being called "attractive". She tips him a wink, her eyes lidding slightly as she takes a finger and dips it into her paint. She hovers for a moment and then carefully begins to paint, sketching colorful lines along his cheekbones.

"You think my cheekbones are attractive?" Her voice is low. Almost a purr. She's pleased.

[silentsavant]

As her finger trails and dabs color across his cheeks, his third eyelid sort of just... activates over the eye closest to the paint job. Sorry; he's a lizard. He can't help it.

"Anyone should think that," he asserts like it's an obvious fact, his own voice dipping into a huskier low to match. Getting touched, even a little, makes his flesh tingle and his nerves spark. He's not used to it. But he's not in a state to want to decline it, either. Weirdly enough, he wants more and doesn't care to question himself too much — the caution ever-present in the back of his brain is hushed, rather content to take things as they come without minding the future all that much. "But it would be remiss of me to stop at your cheeks when all of your features contribute charm to the whole."

[wylderrant]

Oh! The little flicker of the third eyelid makes her start slightly and then laugh. She should've expected that, probably. She continues, trying to make sure that everything accentuates the features of his face.

"Listen to you," she replies, her smile growing, "You're a flatterer. But I like flattery and I like your compliments and I like you as well. Handsome dragon that you are..."

She laughs, eyes lifting from her work on his cheek to meet his gaze, "I didn't realize you thought so highly of my appearance or I would've said something sooner."

oh my god soren no

[silentsavant]

The soft, amused hum that crawls through his throat vibrates just a little bit, a draconic purr.

"Flattery is used when someone wants something." He maintains his smile, his lids (the human ones) lowered and pupils dilated, painting a much more relaxed and even sultry picture of Soren without the cloak of frost that always seems to shroud his demeanor. "It would only serve to flatter you further if you could guess what I want right now."

soren YES

[wylderrant]

Iramaat seems a touch surprised by the way that Soren looks at her, although she's not exactly displeased by it. Her smile grows a little wider and she leans in to him, casually resting a hand against his shoulder. Sure, he's... maybe drunk, but she's not going to complain.

"A little friendly company, maybe? That'd be my guess from the way you're looking at me..." She carefully sets her palette down so she give his chest a little pat with her other hand, "You're also a bit in your cups, though. So perhaps my guess is wrong and you're just a cuddly drunk."

[silentsavant]

Her touch resounds through his chest and blooms elsewhere. He's rather warm right now, but he wants to shiver.

"Something like that," he acknowledges. He can feel a pesky inclination ignite within his body: for company, yes, and contact, even more. This wouldn't be the first time, but it's the first time it's directed toward her. Part of him senses the danger in this, like treading through a swamp, each step courting quicksand that won't let go. But she really is quite striking in the soft crystal ambiance and the mood between them hovers in playful and intoxicating circles. His world and all of the qualms he has with it is narrowing. He feels good for once.

"If I were drunkenly predisposed to closing distance with you, would you protest?"

[wylderrant]

She's not entirely sure which one he means, but she doesn't particularly care which. Either is fine by her. The hand on his shoulder slides up and around, fingers grazing the nape of his neck, finding its way under his hair as she leans in a little closer, getting cozy with him as the festival swirls around them. She can feel the warmth of his body, almost hear the beat of his heart.

"Not at all, dear heart," she murmurs in reply, now that they are closer, "But I wouldn't want you to regret anything come the morning."

Perhaps a sign she's softened a bit; a year ago she would've jumped on this and ran with it without a word of warning.

[silentsavant]

She appeals to reason with her words but sensuality with her hands, and right now, the influence of the latter overwhelms. Every touch sparked and inch gained circulates through his whole being like magic even though there is absolutely none involved. It's enchanting, beguiling... but he's not so compromised that he can't weigh his decisions with no accuracy anymore. The alcohol in his system isn't even the brunt of the problem with him: it's the low smolder of his hormones poked to flare brighter. He knows what he wants.

"What should I regret about this?" His hand trails down the shape of her waist, filling him with more want. "You're not going to give me anything to regret, are you?"

[wylderrant]

Ah. The touch of his hands against her waist makes her sigh quietly and she leans in a little more, bumping her forehead against his. Her eyes have lidded and she watches his expression with a little smile, hips starting to say slightly from side to side as her other arm joins the first and circles around his neck, tugging them close. If this is what he wants, who is she to say no?

"Oh, I wouldn't give you a thing to regret. But I wanted to make sure you really wanted to do this..." Her fingers curl in his hair and she pauses like that, face to face, before she finishes closing the gap and presses a slow, gentle kiss against his lips. She allows it to linger for a long moment before she pulls away.

"How was that?"

[silentsavant]

Soren stiffens in place at their rising proximity sealed with a kiss. It zaps him at first contact down to the toes, then its moist strangeness sets in, how stifling it feels... but he's humming with warm electricity, and just when he finds he wants more, she leaves him with the air between them. He licks his lips as though to catch the last taste of that lingering buzz, but his eyes shine bright, if not a little wider as though the sensation of lips on lips is novel for him.

"It's... wet. It tingles," he observes frankly. Now both hands settle at the outskirts between waist and hip with a gentle but covetous grip, his tail lilting in hypnotic, amorous swishes. He loops her closer to him there, crushes his voice to velvet and glances from eyes to lips and back. "But your lips have seized my attention away from your cheeks."

His own cheeks flush. Any ease by which he operates at this point may well be a facade, or at the very least liquid courage. There drift a few tamped-down insecurities about the direction this is headed: embarrassing himself by revealing how utterly unaccustomed to intimacy he is, sexual or platonic: he really has no idea how to kiss even if he yearns to. Then there are concerns like his monster changes and how that could affect things further down this road. But those are obstacles that can be breached as they come, for he's not retreating now. Instead of getting creative or adventurous, he molds his lips to hers like she did his, even softer, shivering as he traces their petal-soft lines together to tease her, but it's a double-edged maneuver and he squeaks a breathy moan for his curiosity.

[wylderrant]

Iramaat is delighted to watch his reaction as she gives him just a little bit of space to process. The way he seems to test himself, how his tongue drags against his lips, it's all delightful to her. It's exactly what she wants. She gets such a rush from introducing him to this, to tugging him along with her into something that's sensual; purely for pleasure. There's no other reason for it. What makes it even better (at least for her) is that it's Soren.

His hands feel strong and comforting and warm and she easily allows him to drag her a little closer, her fingers dragging little lines against his neck and scalp. Whatever obstacles might exist seem trifling to her; this is fun. Enjoyable. Something for the both of them to indulge in. She laughs at him - something bubbling and overjoyed - until he seals her lips with another kiss. She can tell that he's not quite used to this, especially with the way he squeaks out a moan, but she doesn't mind. Her lips part for him, her tongue teasing at his lips, trying to show him the way forward. To demonstrate for someone who's clearly eager.

It lingers again. She deepens the kiss, tilts her head, presses closer until they're chest to chest, a soft sigh answering his moan. When she finally breaks it off again she's flushed, lips kiss-swollen, eyes dancing.

"...I think we should find somewhere a little more private if we're going to keep this up," she murmurs to him, tone light and teasing, "Although if you want to keep going here, I won't object."

[silentsavant]

As she'd kissed him, he remained responsive, capable of picking up on her physical cue to push deeper, enter the kiss tongue-first and their mouths mingle in a way that both scratches and worsens a primal itch. He lets her guide the rest as he helps his thumbs to her hipbones and before he knows it, they part again. He catches his breath.

"That might be taking the whole who-cares-what-they-think stance a little too far for my tastes," he remarks dryly. "But... there ought to be a room at the guest villa we can claim." He glances back in the direction of it, then to her. "We'll just tell them we're consummating our new "bond"." He makes air quotes against her hips.

He probably won't, since no one actually needs to know. He just finds amusement imagining the look of bewildered disdain from some faceless simpleton whose opinion means little to him.

[wylderrant]

Iramaat doesn't bother to stifle the laugh that rolls out of her - both from his comment and the feeling of his fingers shifting against her hips. Well, that's settled then. She pulls away a little, if only so she can drape an arm around his shoulders and walk alongside him. She doesn't feel like crab-walking all the way back to the villa, after all. She does lean in to give him a kiss on the cheek as she starts to walk, tugging him along with her.

"Well, hopefully no one will ask. It's not really their business, anyway..."

She mostly wants to get somewhere with a bit more privacy at this point. There's an itch that needs scratching and a friend to pamper and spoil.

[silentsavant]

(( continued over here! ))