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

[sneaksweet]

[A guy coming up towards him from the ground is also familiar. A bear is much bigger than a wolverine. As an actor, and one that is often given action heavy roles, he knows how to stand solidly and a kick like that is not going to be enough to have him toppling over. Instead he places his foot on the wolverine's chest, essentially pinning him down.]

's over.

[silentsavant]

Like I'm gonna let some rookie cub decide it's over in a few moves!!

[Bears may be tough, but wolverines are tenacious for their size. Ferociously he tears the leg off of him and scrambles away from stomping zone, all but frothing at the mouth.

From there, the brawl continues, and the streets are in uproar over it. Somehow it manages to be savage but clean — the wolverine rips and tears in blind offense, getting a few blows in for his effort, but leaves his defenses wide open in the process for Juza to claim once more. In the end, he finds himself pinned to the ground again, only this time on his belly struggling to get up to no avail. It becomes plain to anyone that the victor has been decided.

At that point, his opponent no longer growls nor snarls, even when his companions rib him for staking his pride and losing. When he stands up again, there's a sense of respect that has displaced the fury, and he boffs his shoulder playfully with a breathless laugh.]

I knew you looked tough, but'cha sure proved it! Fine, fine; y'got the best of me! I'm done for the day. But look out for me tomorrow!

[As the crowd loosens and lollygaggers start to drift back into the prior rhythm their life had been taking, Soren weaves through it to reunite with Juza, cupping a bulging handful of multicolored gems to his chest. There's a chalky pallor to his face, though it's practically undetectable compared to his usual. His heart pounds. He hasn't managed to completely wipe the repentance edging into his expression, and his catlike eyes flit from the Turnskin's face to his injuries.]

Why did you go that far? You didn't have to get mixed up in my problems... The foolishness! I could have dealt with them myself. Here, let me...

[A few of the trinkets plink to the ground as he recovers one hand to start fishing through his side bag for the ointments and bandages he stocks with him.]

[sneaksweet]

[He sighs once the wolverine walks off, shrugging his shoulders and once again shifting his posture back to slouching. Everything about his body language says 'just ignore' despite the win, despite the fight.

The animal instincts are... honestly more of a pain when it comes to situations like this. Even before, he had a hard time just losing a fight. Whenever somebody stepped up to him, he'd always fight back. The bear instincts only intensify that.

Claws are also a pain. He still hasn't adjusted to other people having them, so there are a few large scratches in places his fur doesn't cover.]

... 's fine. Nobody got really hurt.

[But he still bows his head to Soren.]

Sorry. [Somehow, he always feels like he's made a mistake.]

[silentsavant]

[It only riles Soren up further to have Juza act like he has anything to truly be sorry about and seem so sincere about it, not to mention makes him feel worse about the whole situation. His distress cracks across his face further with pursed lips and a deeper crease in his brow. He sets his armload down for freer hands, takes his wrist and rotates his arm to better expose the patch of remaining human flesh that got slashed.]

Don't be.

[He begins to administer the salve in gentle rubs, cool and unctuous but with a mild, tingling sting against the open wound. The line of scratches shoots down into Juza's forearm as well, which is regrettable because his fur might have to get a little goopy here. But for what it's worth, the substance helps him heal faster. Soren sighs and tries and cool himself back down from getting so agitated at being helped like this.

Ike would have done something like that for him, too. Stand up for him, even if he didn't ask for it.]

Whether I like it or not, you still helped me. I should thank you. Erm... [He glances down at all the chips of precious gems and shiny things as he cleans him up.] ...These winnings are yours. I made bets on your victory, so... you should reap the spoils.

[sneaksweet]

[It's very strange, having somebody take care of him like this. Would it better to look away, or should he spend the time watching at Soren's handiwork? In the end, he looks away, somehow embarrassed about needing to be taken care of after the fight.

Juza hisses at the first sting, but he doesn't pull back. It's not worse then the claws that put the wound there. It's just not what he expects to feel when it comes to medicine.

This pile of precious items was... because Soren bet on him? It's a odd conflicted feeling there, that he's not sure why Soren believed in him, and the though that he doesn't know if gambling is illegal around here. It's hard to come up with something appropriate to say, so instead he bows his head.] We should share 'em.

[silentsavant]

[He tugs on a roll of bandage and snaps it. Oh, sure. He could have been completely selfish from the getgo, accept both the support and all of the earnings without any of the guilt and leave. That's perfectly within his nature. Juza doesn't even seem the type to feel like he's owed anything for taking pains to help him, even if Soren doesn't know that about him for sure.

And that's precisely why he can't bring himself to treat him like just anyone else.]

...Fine. But I am giving you the majority. Five-sixths. Remember that you're the one who bled and all I did was extract the money out of his stupid friends.

[Or, in other words, believe in him. He winds the bandage around his arm like he's done it at least a hundred times before and makes quick work of the task.]

You're quite good in a real fight, too.

[sneaksweet]

Kay.

[He's not really in the mood for arguing. If that's what Soren wants to do with the money he's made, then it's fine. Maybe he can find something Soren likes.

It's not like Juza really expects anybody to stay around, and especially not to take care of his wounds after it all. But... Soren did, and Juza does appreciate that. Even if he has no idea how to really express that.

His gaze stays away from Soren. He is good in real fights, but that doesn't mean he wants to get in them in the first place. And he definitely doesn't want praise for it.]

People picked a lot of fights 's all.

[silentsavant]

[Soren releases his arm in a gentle motion and sweeps his eyes over the taller monster for anything else worth patching up. His reply sends him back to the memory he intruded upon. Juza mentioned that he was often avoided for his size and his lack of social skills, but the circumstances the memory revolved around made it fairly clear that he wasn't always avoided. In light of that boy egging Juza on in the past, in light of the way these monsters treat Soren to their own version of aversion while also seeking to use him to bolster their own egos and reputations, a bigger picture of Juza is framed. It seems almost... lonely. Like for the longest time, a fight was the most interaction he could expect from anyone outside of his family.

Soren softens in the way he looks at him, the way his voice lowers.]

...It's no wonder you got good at it. You had to. And you were never looking for them, were you?

[sneaksweet]

[It's strange to be that seen when he didn't fully lay out his life story first. It's not entirely new to him, to have people know his history, but he was the one who told it on stage back home.

This is new, and he's not entirely sure how he feels about it. Not so bad that he wants to bolt, but it makes him more aware of the things he shares. But even then- Soren must care, if he remembers what he's said, and is piecing it together.

Doesn't make sense to Juza to lie, so he inclines his head, a slight nod.]

... The guys just wanted braggin' rights.

[They wanted to be top dog instead.]

[silentsavant]

That's what I thought. [He shakes his head.] It's no wonder seeing them try to rope me into a fight upset you like that.

[Other than the wound he took care of, Juza looks like he's in pretty good shape, so Soren slips his roll of bandages back into his bag and kneels down to start cleaning up the mess he'd made in his haste.

Though it makes sense to part ways at this juncture, let Juza go on with his life, a particular reluctance to stymies him. There's so much more he wants to understand about the boy who wasn't a fighter at heart, but by necessity, whose eyes flashed indignantly when people like his little brother or even Soren were threatened, whose true passions and ambitions were on the stage pretending to be someone else. Moreover, there's that sense of comfort in his presence, the kind his empty heart has been aching for... especially after losing a bond. But what good would it do him? Wouldn't he just be using Juza as some kind of salve to make himself feel better? He doesn't deserve that. He's not a surrogate or a replacement. He's his own person.

But maybe... there's more to it than just that. He's not used to feeling attached to a stranger so quickly; that's only happened once, and to a far intenser, more life-changing degree. There is a lot that Soren doesn't understand about himself.]

Are you... hungry? I haven't eaten in a while, so if you don't mind my company for a little while... I would be glad to get us something to eat.

[sneaksweet]

[Normally Juza would turn him down, because it's probably best not to hang around somebody who looks like such a ruffian. That's the entire reason he kept his distance from his younger cousin, after all. In his mind the risks of associating with him far outweigh whatever benefits might exist. But the way Soren phrases it is enough to make him feel like he's being an ass if he leaves.]

I don't mind your company. [Just so he knows. Every time somebody's willing to spend time with Juza, he feels like the one who should be asking. Maybe Soren's worried about that too? Maybe he can assuage one fear.] What do you wanna get?

[silentsavant]

[sorens a mercenary, juza, hes more of a ruffian than you...

It does reassure him just a little, but at the same time, his heart skips to hear that. He almost has to fight himself to believe he really means that and isn't just trying to be polite. Soren tries to think with that big brain of his, but when it comes to something like his own preferences, he completely blanks. Not to mention, the Underground has some... interesting choices for cuisine, like bugs. Soren rises back up to his full height.]

Nothing really comes to mind... I'm not a picky eater. Bitter, sweet, spicy... It doesn't matter much to me. It might be better to try aiming for something that you like.

[sneaksweet]

[Sometimes Juza's perception of himself and the actual reality are two very separate things.

The bugs don't seem appetizing at all to him.]

Maybe some kinda meat? Or dessert. [Both are good to him. One for his gigantic sweet tooth and the other because it's simply delicious.]

[silentsavant]

[A tiny smile forms on Soren's lips to hear him want meat. It's happy, of course, but a note of melancholy lingers behind it. He adjusts his bag at his side and turns to start walking in the direction of the restaurants, as well as food-oriented stalls.]

If we go for meat, then I hope you're feeling adventurous. Most of what they serve down here slithers and crawls. If you're not, then dessert might just be better.

[sneaksweet]

[He shoves his hands into his pockets as he follows Soren to the food stalls.]

Slitherin' can't be too bad. [Snakes are... probably okay?] Maybe not the bugs.

[silentsavant]

If snakes or rats end up unappetizing, they also have fish.

[Aromatic smoke from cooking drifts from different points around the marketplace, especially easy to pick up for monsters with sharp noses.]

But they probably know how to make good use of the herbs and minerals available to them for flavor. Hmm... There was a stall that sold nothing but grilled meat skewers with different types of creatures. I'm sure we'll find something to like. Or at least tolerate.

[Soren doesn't know the meaning of having fun, but in addition to filling his belly, it might also be interesting to sample the local game and livestock... He mainly hopes Juza is into that idea, because if he isn't, it's a no.]

We could even be so bold as to try everything there at least once.

[sneaksweet]

[Bears, as omnivores, are more than willing to eat most things. It's just that Juza, as a person, would rather not eat an insect if he can help it. Anything else is fine by him.

After all, some of his full moon urges were to root around in the trash for anything that might still be edible.]

Grilled meat skewers sound good. [His stomach rumbles in agreement.] Wonder what kinda stuff they've got around.

trash diving omg... i'm laughing

[silentsavant]

[In a few minutes they reach their destination, a market stall abounding with skewered meat ready to be cooked and in the process of it, steaming atop hot enchanted stones. Banners stitched with bold writing drape over the skirt of the table to list their selection, but unfortunately, it's written in the Underground's common language and perfectly illegible to surface-dwellers like them. Barbecued rodents; whole crustaceans; crispy bugs; dark cubes that resemble tofu... some unidentifiable mystery meat... a whole spectrum of options. A vendor waves at them and gets back to attending his job. Soren surveys the meat and then looks up to Juza.]

Well... Does anything call out to you?

bears are wild

[sneaksweet]

[Juza already has so much trouble with kanji. The writing(?) on the stalls is worse than even that. Now it's time to go off of intuition alone.]

How's that?

[He points to some absolutely unidentifiable meat. It doesn't look crunchy, so he's more willing to give it a try.]

[silentsavant]

[Soren leans in to give it a closer inspection via look and smell. It's... unrecognizable even now, and overwhelmed by the overall meaty miasma. He looks up at the vendor standing closest and props his hand by his chin in a brief stint of consideration. Maybe it would just be better to...]

Two of everything, please. [He fishes for an adequate handful of currency.] Would you be so kind as to tell me what that one is? I'm not very good at reading.

[That seems reasonable! Most monsters aren't too focused on their studies around here, so he doesn't even question it as strange; if he's giving him any odd look, it's because he's never seen a monster quite like Soren before. He's pleased that they're willing to try all they have to offer and tells him that his friend over there has some refined taste: it's the rare and tender flesh of those dangerous armadillos found deeper in the tunnels. That's the first time Soren's even heard of those.]

Oh. Interesting...

[He sounds more hesitant than genuinely interested, glancing over to check the turnskin's reception to the idea. The vendor reassures him that it's delectable and melts in your mouth.]

[sneaksweet]

[In comparison Juza does look pretty interested in the meat. He hasn't seen what the armadillos down here look like, but he's pretty sure those are the mammals with the hard backs. Armor-dillos. It's a step up from eating a very crunchy bug. How weird could it be, really? Meat is still meat.

Once he's handed a skewer he takes a bite. Is the vendor right? Is this delicious?]

[silentsavant]

[They're not eating the hard plating, so it really is as tender as he was describing... and cooked just right. Soren decides to try himself after he's given one, a thoughtful look crossing his expression as he chews. It's... well, it's food. It's flavorful and easy to eat. He's paying a little more attention to Juza's experience than his own, though...

In the meantime, the vendor works on preparing a whole platter of skewers to try.]

[sneaksweet]

[Juza's ears perk up. Not sure if he'd ever eat it if he had other options, but this really is delicious. He wouldn't mind eating more of these things the next time he comes into the Underground.]

's good, right?

[Way more tender than he was expecting. Especially for something that wasn't slow cooked.]

[silentsavant]

[A feeling like a pocket of warm air is floating around inside of his chest expands watching him eat. It's not something he experiences often, and usually only when it involves Ike. But the way his ears react when he takes his first bite, it's...

Soren doesn't realize it, but the feeling of "moe" burns up his cold and lonely heart. He's never been good at handling or processing his more intense emotions, so his eyes shine a little brighter and he eats a little more slowly so it gives his mouth something to do while he smiles shyly, stupidly, nodding in response. ]

[sneaksweet]

[Bears sure are cute. Even if they're also huge and intimidating.

Juza, who's in the process of eating, doesn't quite catch the expression on Soren's face. Not that he would even know what to do if he had. That kind of expression is familiar, but it's never been directed at him.]

Are they all this good...?