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]

Yes, this looks to be it.

[Pants for exercising... That would be something much easier to move in than the standard stiff trousers men seem to fancy up there. Luckily, the cavedwellers value freedom of movement much more. Soren and Momo move closer and closer to the stalls.

A young spinster waves in enthusiastic greeting from her stool at the corner of the enclosure with one of her many arms as she busies the rest of them with weaving her gold silken shawl. Soren glances around and... indeed, sees quite a few arachne-tailored articles: sleeves and legs for days. But it's also immediately obvious that they carry clothes meant for those with fewer limbs... or even those with no limbs at all. (?!?) Other arachnes perch about engaged in conversation, but witches, too. Their attention drifts to the fascinating pair of oddly-dressed customers, conversation hushing and petering out as a new topic of interest takes over.

Soren scarcely regards them save for a quick exchange of looks and gets right to shopping, focusing his attention on loose silken pants, a frosty lilac hue flattered by the quartzlight. This inspires him to glance up and down Momo's body and quickly try to size up a rough idea of what to look for should he chance upon anything that suits his current wants while he rifles through their selection, as he doubts he'll find anything for himself so easily. As he detaches from his side, he runs his hand down his arm to sneak a quick feel, though it looks and feels and doubles as an affectionate reluctance to part. The shopkeeper seems to have decided that she'd rather talk to Momo, bright and hospitable as she acknowledges him as a rare visitor from a faraway place and expresses that she would be delighted to help a cutie like him find something nice to wear.

Soren's flirt detectors have activated. Wow, already? He offers a pointed sidelong glance and mentally readies himself in case it gets to any truly uncomfortable level where he'll need to stage an intervention. Only the others seem to notice...]

[yesdoubt]

[Gossipy merchants are Momo's favourite kind, and he's already grinning easily at them when they turn their attention to the two men, waving back to the weaving spinster. The once-over before Soren parts decidedly isn't unfamiliar for Momo, and the squeeze on his arm gets a small smile in return to reinforce what he's guessing is intended to look like a gesture of closeness. While his current clothes are a touch loose, that squeeze meets solid muscle after a certain point, enough to place Momo at the kind of musculature a more agility-based fighter might have, powerful but not necessarily bulky.

He picks up with the shopkeeper as soon as Soren parts from him, giving an open smile. Momo's got enough fans back home that someone trying to flirt with him is picked up on basically immediately these days, but he used to be painfully naive before getting into entertainment, so he turns that aspect up, tilting his head with an expression of sincerely oblivious delight. It's kind of like being confronted with an enthusiastic puppy.]

Oh, I'd love your help! The clothes here are so different to what I'm used to...can you tell me more about how you make them?

[Apparently not put out by the strong denseness game she's apparently contending with, and expressing the typical pride in their art that arachne do, the shopkeeper is quite happy to start describing in detail how they work their silks and the wormipede hide that they incorporate into some of their items. Probably safe from intervention requirements...for now. Momo figures an arachne could probably go off about their artisanship for a while.]

[silentsavant]

[And there she goes, spinning her facts and stories, weaving in a few boasts about how spider silk is superior to any other kind of silk — here; she plants three whole hands behind his back and guides him along to have him feel the sleeve of a garment made of wormipede silk, then spider's, for comparison.

Soren pays attention to the threads of dialogue drifting through, glad that Momo is in that position rather than him, for he would be far less tolerant. As he browses, he can't help but notice how much more hushed the other occupants of this stall have become, and if he had to guess, they're whispering about the curious foreigners. Their eyes spark in curiosity when the glance is directed toward Momo, but when Soren's eyes meet theirs, the air goes taut and uncomfortable between them. It makes Soren feel cold, but no more than usual. He doesn't bother to make himself any more approachable, not even smile.

But the selection really is nice and of palpable quality. Plenty of solid-color dyed silks slip like butter over his palms, from gowns to scarves, and some with simple patterns dyed or delicately embroidered into them. Then there are densely-woven vests and tunics with excellent tensile strength: armor, most likely. Among it all he uncovers a number of breathable pants and even shorts.

A peculiar downside to thinking about Momo's body at all are the invasive thoughts that pursue. It's unlike him to be so fixated on things like this, especially when it comes to people he only just met. Why did he squeeze his arm like that? It availed him nothing but the quick satisfaction, didn't it? How creepy. He shudders at his own behavior and frowns deeper in concentration.

It's when the arachne woman juts her thigh out and invites Momo to touch the hem of the skirt so that he could feel how nice her silk is that Soren mobilizes to reunite, a bundle in his arms. His timely approach behind Momo causes her leg to tilt back where it was innocently. Shopgirls... Why are so many of them like this?]

I hope I'm not interrupting anything. Momo, I found some clothes you might like to try on.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo goes along with the silk discussion with all apparent interest - and it is actually pretty interesting to him, given the lack of arachne among the Mirrorbound meaning he's had little direct experience with them. He's met some arachne tailors in Aefenglom as well, but they tended to be more the type to tailor specific garments rather than hold a broader storefront like this, and he was usually there for a specific reason and not just browsing. He asks a few more questions where appropriate, mostly about technique and method as well, things like what they use for dyes down here, engaged in the conversation but also alert to the difference in atmosphere in the rest of the tent. With a partner who's much less prone to social niceties, Momo is used to the kind of unapproachable mood Soren is offering, but he elects not to draw attention to it and act as if the whole tent is equally enthusiastic as him.

The leg out actually gives him the slightest pause, because even though he's adjusted to the fact that unlike home, even looking too close to a woman isn't going to destroy his career here, he hasn't had to handle anything quite so direct yet and back home he would've needed to find a quick way to back out of that kind of exchange. Thankfully, Soren swings in before Momo has to make a decision, and he jumps on that opportunity quite enthusiastically, all smiles as he comes to gather the clothes from the dragon.]

Oh, thank you! I meant to look myself, but I guess I got too into the conversation... [He grins apologetically to the arachne, like he totally would've continued if not interrupted.] I'll just be a minute, then, don't mind me!

[He'll cart the clothes off to try on, behind a silky curtain in the back corner of the store...and he's not kidding about the amount of time he's expecting to take. Considering his job, he's remarkably used to getting changed quickly, and it's maybe three minutes before he emerges with some selections and the ones that weren't his thing folded neatly into a pile on his other hand.

He offers said pile to the arachne.] These ones can go back, but let's talk price for the rest of them!

[He's picked around three things out of the whole, not too much but enough to have made the exchange worth the shopkeepers' while.]

I psyched myself out AUGH if u don't wanna continue this ancient thread I understand....

[silentsavant]

[Naturally, she's quick to dole out compliments whenever she feasts all of her eyes upon each costume change. Soren waits, having grown a little too fed up with being in this stall to sift through any more fabrics. He found at least one selection for himself, a plum-colored mass of silk draped in his arms, and decided that would do it for now. Soren stayed nearby while his current partner tried on each thing he picked out for him, some of which were loose-fitting and comfortable pants, a tight high-collared and sleeveless top that ended up flattering him immensely, and a few other things he either thought might suit him, would be easy to move in, or at least fit him.

They leave the stall shortly after that and continue on their info (and shopping) spree. Soren makes a belated remark now that he has his full attention.]

Ugh, shopgirls. I'm pretty amazed at how quickly you were able to slip in and out of your clothes. That wasn't magic, was it?

[It's spoken a little dry, no real amazement leeched into his tone, and like he doesn't really believe it's magical but won't wave off the possibility, since he's a witch and all.]

i realised recently i have backtagged threads from march so june is valid

[yesdoubt]

[Momo mostly went for the pants, but he also absolutely threw in the high-collared sleeveless shirt, because he arrived in a similar one and has been having terrible luck finding an equivalent on the surface outside getting them tailored. A breezy cardigan-slash-outer-robe type garment and a nice button-up shirt round out the options he takes, because it's nice to have garments like that in a good fabric but silk on the surface is considerably steeper an investment.

While Momo waves the shopkeepers a cheerful and enthusiastic goodbye, he laughs understandingly at Soren's remark on what had happened. It'd be a little much for some people, he's just used to it.]

Nah, though I can do a similar kind of thing with my illusion magic just to see how colours and silhouettes look. I'm a performer back home, so when my partner and I are doing something live we often have to change outfits between songs. And they're usually pretty complicated outfits, so even though we've got help we've also gotta be quick at switching out ourselves.

[He pats the pile of clothes, wrapped and tied carefully in an outer layer of thinner silk for ease of carrying.] I liked your choices of clothes, though. Good eye for the kind of stuff that flatters Momo-chan's cute figure.

[He gives a teasing sort of wink. "Cute" is perhaps not quite the word for how he would've looked in a tight shirt, considering how scrupulously he keeps himself toned, but it's the descriptor he's most used to assigning himself however joking the tone of the whole thing is.]

[silentsavant]

[Soren does not wish to be reminded of Momo-chan's "cute" figure, for the way he's been so agitated lately, he'd be more inclined to call it "sexy". But he dug his own grave here. With a tinge of vexation, he shakes his head and employs sighing sarcasm.]

Only the finest for my Bondmate will do. ...Well, at any rate, I'm glad to have been of service in that regard. [A performer, though... There are quite a few of them among the Mirrorbound, aren't there? And the nature of them could be completely different from what he's used to back home. It would be good for him to redirect the conversation down a different path, anyway, so this and simple curiosity drives him to ask:] Are you a singer of some sort?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo tilts his hand a bit, as if Soren is on the right track but it's a bit more complicated than that.] I do mostly sing and dance, but the particular kind of entertainer I am is called an idol, and we do...pretty much everything entertainment. Acting, modelling, radio, hosting other performers for group projects, a bunch of other stuff that they don't even really have in this world yet. It's an interesting job! But it really tests the skills of anyone who wants to get into it.

[Even though Momo isn't particularly confident in his own skills in...most things, it is just fact that the amount of skill his job demands at a bunch of different things takes a lot to live up to. One of the few things that'll stop him downplaying his own skills is if it would also downplay the skills of the people he works with and what's needed for the job.] Unfortunately my partner isn't here, so I've been mostly putting a hold on performances while I've been here. But I'm still a big personality all on my own!

[He winks and blows a kiss in a very overdramatic sort of manner.]

[silentsavant]

You sure are.

[The air kiss lands on his face and increases his frown power. But then he remembers he's supposed to look like he likes him and wipes it off his face, which is an easy feat considering it didn't bother him but a bit to begin with and he's already focused on all the details Momo gave him about a form of entertainment foreign to him and his fantasy dark age lyfe. A flicker of passive interest and contemplation takes over.]

An idol... That makes it sound like you're curating a kind of image meant not just to be enjoyed, but to be worshiped.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo grins cheekily, though it subsides to something more normal when Soren points out the worship comparison. He's met a few people who mostly know the term idol in that way, but he also can't call it entirely wrong.]

It's a little bit like that, in some ways. We're not religious or anything, but the people we work alongside who take care of the business angle really aim to cultivate our relationship with our fans in a way that's devoted and reciprocal. We represent a dream, but one that's within reach for a lot of people, and that can help encourage them in their day-to-day life. By acting as an ideal and showing those people we love them, it gives them a feeling like they belong to something amazing.

[Momo speaks almost nostalgically towards the end, like he hasn't only been on one side of that relationship. But it's a touch restrained, like he's noticed and doesn't really want to give that particular impression, shifting the balance more towards simple appreciation for his line of work.]

[silentsavant]

[Unusually perceptive, the dragon notices even the faint nostalgia glimmering in the backdrop of his delivery. It's nothing he finds worth commenting upon, just an impression drawn in a broad stroke that he's passionate about an almost religious entertainment experience he'd molded his life to be, and whether it's as an entertainer or the entertained is left blurred. There is still quite a bit he doesn't understand about these idols, but the way Momo describes it, he can view a basic picture from this distance even if the finer contextual details can't be appreciated yet.

It's tough to comprehend accurately for anyone who isn't familiar with technology of the 21st century.]

That's an interesting marketing strategy. The reciprocal aspect of it seems highly effective at fostering a kind of single-minded devotion... [He scoffs, a kind of dry laugh.] If such a thing were to exist where I come from, it might even create conflict with the church.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo nods along with Soren's thoughts on the effectiveness, because the reciprocal aspect is a huge part of it and wraps into the certain standards he has to uphold to keep the job. It's normal to him, but he's definitely run into a few people here who aren't fond of the idea.

The idea of conflict with the church gets a laugh out of him as well.] That might be an issue in some other countries, but mine is kinda...our beliefs are mostly spiritual and traditional, so there's not any one church or deity we're trying to appease. The way their beliefs seem to work here reminds me a little bit of it.

[More about the importance of all things and balances than a god that holds all the power. Even without magic in his own world, when he'd lived in a stigmatised property, respect for the spirit of the previous occupant had just been a given.]

[silentsavant]

Your main opposition here would have been secular, had the laws restricting theater not been loosened recently. [That's more of a remark than anything informative; Momo should know aaaaaaalll about that.] Where do you come from, exactly?

[It's a natural thing to be curious about, since everyone seems to come from somewhere he's never heard of... or a place he's heard of, albeit only from the mouth of another Mirrorbound.]

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, I was a bit worried about that when I heard about it, but they got loosened early enough into my time here that I've done a bit of work in the budding theatre world! [Momo has gone back to his usual methods of trying to get arms everywhere in the entertainment industry, and while it's very different here to how it was back home, it's also much smaller than what he had to deal with there.]

I'm from a country called Japan, on the planet Earth. What about you? [Momo's met plenty of people from different Earths, but he does tend to be curious about those from other worlds and Soren seems like he might be one.]

[silentsavant]

[Japan? It's obvious that this strikes upon some recognition by the way Soren's eyes widen just so. He offers a response, gets that out of the way, and goes right to following up.]

The kingdom of Crimea on the continent of Tellius. Most don't exactly conceive of ourselves as living on a 'planet', but we do call the ground we tread upon earth. You're not the only person I've met who comes from Japan... Are you familiar with Juza Hyodo?

[How many more people come from this mystical country where education is provided for free? The man he saw who was Juza's scene partner does, too, so that makes at least three. And since they're all actors or performers in some regard, it's easy to picture them having some connection... ]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo knows a decent chunk of people here who are from Japan or have at least heard of it in their own version of Earth, so he's content to wait and see how Soren found out about it. Crimea and Tellius obviously don't ring any bells for Momo given the slight curious look when they're mentioned, but the mention of Juza makes him perk up a bit.]

Oh yeah, I've met him before! I don't think we're from the same version of Earth since even a lot of the people here who know the same countries have differences in other stuff about it, but as far as the ones I've heard about go, his seems to be pretty similar to mine.

[Momo's in one of those positions where anyone from his Earth, country and time period would have to have been living in a cave for 5 years to not at least vaguely recognise him, but he's pretty sure Juza's Earth is about as mundane as his is.]

[silentsavant]

I see...

[...about as much as he can with the narrow lens afforded to him. The Japan of this Earth he pictures with limited detail is nothing like how it really is, much of the futuristic technology and longstanding traditions beyond the frame of how the world has been painted by his experiences. He could bombard him with questions to that end all day.

Could someone from an alternative Tellius arrive through the Looking-Glass House one day, too? It's something he's considered before, especially after confusing a poor man with cat ears and a tail for a cat laguz.]

If they're so similar, how have you arrived at the conclusion that they're really different? Something like... you're famous and he doesn't recognize you?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo grins a bit sheepishly at that, as if he didn't want to have to bring up that reasoning. He'll mention he's an idol if asked, but it's somewhat rarer he gets into the gritty details of exactly how known he and Yuki are.] It sounds egotistical like that, but yeah. My partner and I are some of the biggest celebrities in my country at the moment and have been for a good few years now, so even if someone wasn't a fan of us they would've seen us in advertisements, on TV, heard us on the radio or passed us on the cover of a magazine...day-to-day stuff like that. I have to hide my face in public back home or I get mobbed, it's that kind of recognition.

[It's a bittersweet thing, because he loves his fans, but one of the best things about coming here was absolutely that he can go about his business without having to conceal almost his entire face and head to avoid being recognised.]

[silentsavant]

[Soren listens attentively as he walks, even when he's watching their footpath. A huddle of suspicious monsters leer at him and glance at Momo, and the dragon sends cold eyes back, daring them to do anything. In the end, they either decide against moving or weren't about to in the first place, but they go back to whispering among each other quieter than before.]

Worse than here?

[ The Underground, that is. It's mostly a quip, since by the sounds of it, he really would be bothered more in Japan than even a witch who looks unbonded here. Someone like that would need guards, perhaps even a disguise if they so much as wanted to go outside. He shakes his head thinking about it. Hopefully getting "mobbed" is an exaggeration. ]

I don't envy that sort of life one bit. I'd rather be left alone to do as I please.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo laughs quietly at that initial question, though he's taking on more of an innocent body language as they walk by the Monsters.] I haven't been stalked here yet, so yeah.

[He's been stalked more times than he can count back home and he is not even remotely a fan of it, and that's not even getting into things like photographers camping outside his apartment building. People whispering about him behind his back is small peanuts compared to what the gossip rags and paparazzi drag him and Yuki through at every chance they get.]

It's the tradeoff for that kind of fame and fortune, but I don't mind. Our fans are nice and I'm glad I can give them something to look forward too, even if some of them are a bit extreme. It's definitely not for everyone, though.

[Momo's been in the industry long enough to have been jaded by certain aspects of it, so he's realistic, but he still ultimately enjoys it. And has been determined to make sure his juniors continue to enjoy it too, rather than being put off by the toxicity and petty nastiness that can come along with it.]

[silentsavant]

[Stalking... Soren raises an eyebrow at that, disturbed at the idea of being in that position not once, but more and liable to be counting. Momo's cheerfully blasé about the whole thing, like it's just another Tuesday for him. Maybe it's Soren who should rethink his perspective on job pursuits, though: being poor and risking his life fighting with weapons and magic? or well-off and having to worry about fanatic creeps finding out where he lives?

He'd still take the former, honestly. Being an idol is, in fact, definitely not for everyone. Briefly, his thoughts flow toward Micaiah, someone born like him who should have been forced to live in the shadows but found herself worshipped as the Maiden of Dawn, a beacon of hope, to the point of religious zeal by swathes of her countrymen. He doesn't think of her often, but here, he finds himself doing so. Did she enjoy being cast into the light? Or was it merely something she felt she had to do? He thinks he knows the answer.

His thoughts reel back to his current companion, someone quite unlike him from a completely different world.]

Did you have an idol when you were growing up?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo seems to consider that question for a few moments. In all honestly, there's a bit of baggage there he doesn't really want to get into with someone he just met, but the specific way Soren worded it lets him avoid that. Yuki and his original partner were Momo's idols at one point before he had to step in as a replacement, but Momo was 18 when he first saw them, which is grown up in several countries he's been to even if it's not in his own.

So he answers it fairly lightly, tapping his chin like he's still thinking on it.] Not really...I wasn't so into music when I was younger, I was mostly into sport, so I didn't pay much attention to idols in the sense of what I am now. I definitely had people I looked up to within my sports teams and famous players I was into and stuff, but not one person I'd call a definitive idol.

[He shrugs slightly, like it can't be helped now that he didn't have much in the way of that back then.] What about you? What kind of well-known people did the kids look up to in your world?

[He figures even somewhere more in the "past", there might've been local proud soldiers or longstanding successful business owners who might be regarded as people to aim for.]

[silentsavant]

[A sports player? Firmly maintaining his head above his base summer instincts, Soren remembers how his arm felt in his grip. Coupled with his energy, it's not difficult to picture him scrambling around being rowdy on some playfield, possibly with a game he's never heard of before. Soren can't say he cares for sports. At all.

The next question directed at him prompts him to consider how to answer succinctly. It's not something he's ever had to answer, and it's not like he spent much time actually associating with children... or much of anyone from any of the towns, villages, or cities he'd pass through. But it's not like he hadn't listened in or gotten any sense at all of the attitudes people held. Quite the opposite.]

Hmm... Tellius is quite a lot of ground to cover. No matter where you go, each locale looks up to its own heroes, whether it be from the distant past, the founder of their kingdom, or a local warrior whose names and deeds echo down the streets. In the largest and oldest nation, the Begnion Empire, they might venerate saints or the apostle, for example. In the neighboring kingdom of Daein, it was easy to notice how the young children aspired to be as strong as their living military heroes... usually knights or generals, and often their own fathers or uncles who were out making a name for themselves on the battlefield. That was when the last king had been alive, and his policy was radically different from other beorc... er, "human" kingdoms. No matter the station of your birth, if you could prove your might, then you could make a better life for yourself and your family. But he lost the war and all of their dreams were laid to waste along with his death. Nowadays, however, they practically worship the new queen who they view as their savior.

[His heart throbs at the thought of another recent hero, both in fondness and from the pain of such a long and unexpected absence from him. A tinge of more personal emotion begins to color his tone; he can't help it.]

And of course, quite recently, my own... partner. The leader of the mercenary company I was a part of. He was the one who defeated Daein's king and liberated our homeland of Crimea from his usurpation. Because of that and more he's known as a hero across the land, whether he wants the attention or not. I don't think all of Tellius will be quick to forget him. Even when he is gone, they will...

[be saying his name. No, not continuing. It hurts. But even though the sentence hangs incomplete, the idea has enough context for the blank to be filled, so he lets it trail off there and tries to resurface from thoughts of a future he can't imagine wanting to live in.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo supposes that all makes sense - he's used to a world where celebrities can end up known in many countries and who people idolise is more of a personal thing than a local thing, but it's not a topic he's discussed so much with people from worlds without that level of technology. Hearing that the majority of the people idolised are family or local heroes tracks with about what he'd expect from this sort of world too, one where that widespread communication is still budding and you're much more likely to hear about someone from your own area.

That shift in tone is telling, though, and Momo's smile takes on a bit of a knowing edge. That is, until Soren trails off, at which point Momo changes that to be suitably more sober given the implication.]

It's a hard thing to think about, isn't it? [Not to mention the implication Soren is expecting to outlive him, but Momo will let him escape that one for now.] But it makes sense that the kind of hero known across the land in a place like that would be a leader. It's like that in history in my world too - even now, a lot of the historical personalities we know about are either leaders, or the scholars who were writing history and the other knowledge we end up unearthing. History is written by the winners, and all.

[It's always going to be the big shots that get written in, or the people who managed to make themselves look like big shots in their time and then fell from grace terribly.]