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

[darkcharge]

Sourpuss...

[ What kind of a name is that? Really? Vanitas frowns, but follows after Sora anyway. There's a gentle tug of a hand that he can't ignore. Never has been able to, really. From day one Sora's been doing this. However the way the Puca does it is so different. Tender. ]

Trying to get me alone though? So devious, Sora.

[ He snickers, cup still in hand as they sit down. Van takes yet another drink, humming contently. ]

[oathkeeper]

Like you didn't wanna be alone with me too, Sourpuss.

[He gives a small knowing look at Vanitas with a smile on his lips. But he still can't really take his focus off the subtle things about Vanitas right now. Weirdly enough he feels a little hot around the collar.

He reaches for the cup again and takes another generous sip once Vanitas is done with it. But when he swallows this time he licks his lips and feels hazier.

His fingers drift over his chest.]

It's just... really warm.

[darkcharge]

I'd always prefer to be alone with you, Cottontail.

[ He gives Sora a smug look back. Vanitas even reaches around to give that little fluffy tail a squeeze to prove his point. The truth is that Vanitas doesn't like crowds. Doesn't like people. But he sits through this all because Sora likes the hustle and bustle. Van would be fine if it were just the two of them just somewhere isolated.

Then when Sora takes the cup and those fingers drift? Van's eyes are rather glued to the sight. He licks his bottom lip a little. Feels the heat radiating off of Sora and starting to mingle with his own warmth starting to make itself known. ]

Things that are spiced are supposed to make you warm aren't they?

[oathkeeper]

[Sora's shoulders lift as he smiles. Even with the nickname, it's so good to hear Vanitas say something like that. It makes his heart bounce. Maybe Sora should try to steal him away for alone time more often. Vanitas would probably like that.

He sets the cup down and his fingers reach out to touch Vanitas' chest. He wanders his fingertips over him for a moment as he looks up at Vanitas through his eyelashes.]

Uh... I guess so. I just feel like I wanna...

[He is very warm right now. And it's building. So much that Sora leans up to kiss Vanitas softly.]

[darkcharge]

[ Augh. The Puca is, again, messing with his head and heart in so many ways. Just feeling that little surge of happiness is enough to make Van's ears burn and heart sing a little in response. It's disgusting.

And yet he can't tear his eyes away ( nor does he want to leave regardless ) as Sora's fingers gently touch. Vanitas can feel his pulse quicken when those baby blue eyes look up at him like that. He knows that look. Knows it well. ]

Ah...

[ He's not going to turn down a kiss? In fact, Vanitas returns it. His hand goes into Sora's hair, right for the ears. Yeah... He feels the same warmth blooming within him as well. ]

[oathkeeper]

[There's always something so thrilling about kissing Vanitas too. Even the soft kisses leave something burning and ember-y. He likes it so much. And he has to admit that kissing him like this in a secluded part of the festival grounds is also kind of... very thrilling.

Or is that the cider talking?

Either way, Sora's fingers travel back down Vanitas' chest slowly. Until they touch and grip at his hips. All the while Sora kisses him with a heated touch on his lips and ears twitching. A small rabbit-like chitter comes from his throat.]

Feels hot. [He whispers, excitedly.]

[darkcharge]

[ A place that's tucked away from prying eyes and yet somewhat easily discovered at the same time? Somewhere that they could be caught? It is exciting and that thought sends something of a shiver down Van's spine. He nips at Sora's lip, tongue sweeping out to soothe it over. Or to excite Sora to give him more.

Either way he does shudder under Sora's touch. It's... A bit more sensitive than usual? As if he can even feel the fire that those fingers leave behind through the fabric of his clothing. ]

Very hot.

[ Oh he agrees wholly. And Vanitas continues to rub abs stroke at the base of those ears, groaning just a little when Sora grabs onto his hips. Boy does he want to hear more of that chittering though. ]

You're making little rabbit noises again.

[oathkeeper]

[He might look back on this moment later and almost keel over out of embarrassment at the implications of it all but right now the slight naughty danger of all of this has Sora's whole body getting fired up. A feisty little desire he didn't know he had coming to light. The thrill of maybe getting caught.

His lips part and he practically coos out with another murmuring chitter.]

You like the noises I make, I think.

[He knows. Sora can't help it, though. The little squeaks and rumbles he makes are all because of his monster side. He only makes another one when he kisses Vanitas in a more needy manner, his tongue brushing for more. His hand drifts under the hem of Vanitas' shirt to tickle at his skin in random patterns.]

[darkcharge]

[ When Vanitas looks back at this, he won't look at it like with embarrassment. Rather he is going to be needlessly entertained by Sora and his reaction. Brat is indeed feisty and aggressive. He enjoys being a little naughty and Vanitas finds that all hilarious.

His other hand holds Sora's face. Takes that chin. He licks against the others lips and breathes words against them. ]

I do and I'll coax more out.

[ Because if Sora wants to work his hand up Van' shirt - an action that sends electricity coursing through his veins - then Vanitas is going to go after something else in return. His tongue seeks out Sora's while the hand not teasing an ear begins to move towards Sora's backside. ]

[oathkeeper]

[He indeed realizes he enjoys being a little naughty, the thrill of adrenaline he gets when he thinks of just where they are, how it feels to be touched and the rush of it all. No doubt he had a small thought of trying to touch Vanitas when they were in that boat just before too but...!

His lips part and he lets out another heated noise as his tongue plays against the other. A slip of saliva trickles down his chin. He pants soft puffs of breath and his eyes are barely open, cheeks red and flush and ears twitching at each rub.

Too warm. Everything's getting too warm!]

Ahhah... V- [And just as that hand moves towards his tail area Sora jolts a little, a needy moan coming from him as he shifts forward.]

[darkcharge]

[ Everything is warm. So warm. It seeps into every fiber and pore of his being. It fills his heart, making it swell. He wants this. Wants Sora. Desires to be the only one on his mind and, eventually, in his heart. It's a rather dark, possessive thought. Yet he does little to try to dislodge it.

His gut twists at every little sound the other makes. Van bites down on Sora's lip, maybe going so far as to even draw it into his mouth. Just to give it a further nibble and suckle. Whatever words Sora could say is drowned out further by the kissing. By running his hand over the soft fur of Sora's ear.

And by teasing that cute, fluffy little tail. ]

[oathkeeper]

[He can't help gasping softly in the kiss, heat and biting making Sora's head get dizzy. All he can focus on right now is the way Vanitas's hands are touching him and how those lips, teeth and tongue feel so good. He didn't know kissing could be this intense or euphoric. But he keeps going for more, his tongue licking softly against the other.

His tail being touched really sets him off. He thought his ears were a sensitive spot but his tail is still a new and even more sensitive place to feel things. Vanitas' fingers are in a dangerous position...

But he only squeezes hard at Vanitas' hip as if daring him something. Keep going, Vanitas.]

[darkcharge]

[ The both of them really enjoy kissing. As Sora's tongue rolls against his, Vanitas is going to take it one step further. His tongue presses forward, seeking to be inside the other teen's mouth rather than just being content with lips and the taste of the cider on tongue.

There's a little groan as Sora encourages him with that squeeze to his hip. Fine. His other hand moves from Sora's ear. He'll put all his efforts into this. Vanitas shifts and pulls the Puca onto his lap. Then it's both of his hands on that tail. One rubs at the small of Sora's back, right above the tail. The other squeezes and teases the fluff. ]

[oathkeeper]

[The deep heated kiss gets deeper and Sora falls for it completely! His ears fall backwards and he pants softly into the kiss, feeling overwhelmed and breathless and oh so good.

And then he's getting tugged into a lap and Sora makes a short rabbit-like yip before he clings to the other boy. He rocks his hips almost immediately against the other. With his tail being touched he can't stop moving and squirming his hips.

At one point he manages to murmur, with a slightly upturned smile,] Someone might walk by, Van...!

[But that's thrilling.]

[darkcharge]

[ That yip is so adorable and if Van's tongue hadn't been halfway down Sora's throat soon after then he'd probably be smirking. But this feels so good. There's like an added element to all of this that he can't place his finger on. Doesn't really care to, really. It just feels more intense. More of an edge.

So the squirming does nothing but encourage him to tug that little fluffy tail. Something more to stimulate the little Puca. Eventually though they do have to breathe, even if his lips never actually stop touching Sora's. ]

And you care all of the sudden why...?

[ He doesn't think that Sora does. ]

[oathkeeper]

[He shivers heavily while clinging to the witch. He opens his eyes with a half-lidded expression and is trying not to smile too wide.]

We could get in trouble.

[He might be playing around though, his heated cheeks and the way he shifts to rub expectantly against the other saying otherwise indeed. Those fingers on his tail make him want to shudder and shake. He let out a soft moan before kissing at Vanitas' lips once again.

Making out in the middle of nowhere! He can't believe this is happening! But he doesn't want to stop any time soon. He feels so antsy.]

[darkcharge]

[ Oh Sora. Trying and failing miserably at the whole "trying not to smile too wide" thing. Vanitas can see it clear as day. He's not nervous or anxious at all. Perhaps anxious, yes, but not at the thought of being caught and getting into trouble. ]

Do you think we're the only ones that are off doing this?

[ Van suspects otherwise, especially when this holiday is actually romantic in nature. No, there are probably a lot of people that are seeing what they can get away with.

He's returning Sora's kiss, a little less heated than before. Not because the desire isn't there, but because his focus is all on Sora's tail now. Tugging. Squeezing. Running the soft fur between his fingers.

It's just so nice? ]

[oathkeeper]

I guess not. It's just kind of making my heart beat too fast.

[Little does he know it's the spiced drink that's making it beat quickly too. It's thrilling and makes him giddy. Sora kisses softly with a new nip to Vanitas' lips.

There's another shiver as Vanitas still plays with his tail too. He chitters wantonly.]

Do you really like my tail that much, Vanitas?

[darkcharge]

[ Sora's giddiness is starting to spread to Vanitas in return. He feels a little bubbly. Lighter than he's ever felt. ]

When doesn't your heart beat fast?

[ He chuckles, this time just stroking that soft little piece of fur. ]

And honestly? I like the feel of it. Is that really so wrong?

[oathkeeper]

When I'm sleeping?

[Sora jokes, his laugher a puff against lips. But then he's effectively sidetracked again as Vanitas continues his attention on his tail. This tail of his is really going to be the end of him one of these days.]

What if I turned out to be a turnskin or a dragon instead? Would you like those tails?

[darkcharge]

Hmm, true. Though your ears twitch a lot in your sleep.

[ That tail really will be the end of Sora. Oh yes. Now Vanitas is beginning to stroke the fur on the underside. So soft and silky.

He hums, this time pressing his lips against Sora's in thought. ]

I'd likely end up enjoying whatever tail you would have grown into.

[oathkeeper]

Vanitas...

[There's another shudder from Sora, his ears shaking mildly as Vanitas' starts to explore the underside of his tail. It's such a uniquely intimate spot that he seems to murmur with some sort of soft curious pleasure.]

I like this one. [He makes a small noise before he moves to drop his forehead to Vanitas' shoulder.] Hnnn...! Keep doing that.

[darkcharge]

I wasn't really looking for your permission to keep doing it.

[ Because he's going to do it anyway! Now Vanitas can't reach those soft ears. If he could, then he'd be trying to take one in his mouth to nibble on it just a bit. Since that isn't an option at this moment, Vanitas goes for the next best spot: the neck.

He gently bites down on Sora's exposed neck, all the while continuing rub some bits of that fur between his fingers. ]

[oathkeeper]

[Now that bite to his neck really does rile up Sora something fierce. He lets out a suddenly louder high pitched rabbit moan, almost a little too loud for where they're sitting. He rocks his hips forward for some sort of friction and clings to Vanitas.]

Haahaa...! Vanitas, if you keep doing things like that I'm not gonna be able to stop.

[He's getting so turned on he can barely resist.]

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas chuckles, kissing the spot lightly. ]

I can stop if you really want me to.

[ Is that what Sora wants though? Van shifts his fingers to move up and down the other's spine. He'll stop having a go at Sora's tail. For now. ]