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

[stopfen]

No. [It's firm. Leaving no room for argument.] I know how to tell what's Cywd and want isn't already. It's not that. It's...[Really hard to describe. She'd been using scent because some of it was that. She'd certainly noticed those things more since growing her antenna. But there'd been other things she'd picked up on, like how warm some directions felt compared to others.

There's no word that really fit what she got from being near the cave walls though. It was warm and comforting in a way she hadn't felt since she was a child. All those years ago when she didn't know how the world could be. Home. Even though she'd never been to these places.

So she shrugs. Not giving a word for it.]

When I first started changing, someone told me that fae could sense magic...They're gone now, so I've not been able to ask them about it.

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's not going to argue something when he knows almost nothing about Fae considering the dearth of information on them (or at least, his bad luck in finding information about them besides what he's been told), so he just listens for the moment. It does sound like the magic thing might be on the right track, though, considering what she says next.]

If you can sense magic, then it could've been the leyline itself you were picking up on. What was that other place you were talking about - the roots of the tree thing?

[Momo goes to the Northern Outpost fairly often, but the main cave he can think of is that one with the stolen books near the town, and off the top of his head he couldn't tell which tree she'd be talking about.]

[stopfen]

[Getting information on fae was a pain in the ass. Mikasa could confirm. Both the ones above and below ground were annoying assholes to talk to, using dumb wordplay and jokes. Much too subtle for her tastes.]

The other outpost. It started being built not long after the other one...Supposedly there's a dragon sleeping in the rocks there.

[Then just two weeks later, they'd learn that both the dragon and Mikasa sensing the ley line was correct.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo's only really seen the vague quest messages regarding that whole situation, so while it does ring a bell, it's not enough of one to make an immediate connection. Still, one part of that sounds like a pretty likely explanation to his minimal-context brain.]

I mean, if there's a huge magical creature sleeping there then that could have something to do with it. Assuming magical creatures give off magic vibes.

[Which he is assuming because this world is weird and he still doesn't get everything about how magic works. It seems a logical enough assumption to him.]

[stopfen]

That doesn't explain why it feels like this place or the leyline the witches cleaned... [She pauses, scratching her head for a second.] I was talking to someone else. She was explaining how this leyline stuff worked, but she disappeared before she finished.

I've not spoken to many locals about it though. I don't know the right questions to ask...

[He might know the feeling. Asking something that to them made no sense, but perfect sense to someone from the city.]

[yesdoubt]

Well, I'm not that in the know about how magic works here either and I'm a Witch, so not knowing the right questions makes sense to me. [It does sound like something that would be hard to phrase, trying to get information about something you don't actually know about. Sounds like a great way to accidentally frustrate people.]

Maybe ask if there's anything magically significant here? I mean, a leyline in the forest and a dragon at that outpost both seem pretty major, it could be another kind of big deal magic thing.

[stopfen]

...It's a pain in the ass. Whenever you ask something they just say that it's magic. [That was a major issue. To the locals it all came naturally, it was just a part of life for them. For the mirrorbound it was new information, maybe not for all of them. But it was like being told the sky was green after a lifetime of seeing a blue sky.]

I tried. The local fae don't like giving answers though, and the other residents don't seem to trust us enough for that...From what I can work out another dragon knew about the one at the tree, that's why we went there.

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, but there's still got to be stuff that's a bigger deal than other stuff, right? [Like the Wall and such like in Aefenglom, and leylines in general. Magical things that are foundational rather than just any old magic.

The thing about fae not giving answers sounds about right, though, and Momo gives a slight laugh.] I can always see what I can dig up, it's amazing what a good attitude can do sometimes. If we could stay down here longer it might be something the Academy knows about, but that probably depends on how things go with the Matriarch.

[stopfen]

There is, I don't understand it. [Enjoy your stony flat look Momo. Because that was the issue. She needed to know enough about the topic to even try and understand it.]

Maybe...Though I'm not sure how much they'd be willing to say to outsiders. They seem okay with us at the moment. They might not be if we ask too much.

[Asking the wrong thing just painted a target on your back.]

[yesdoubt]

Depends on how you phrase it. I'm interested in their primary resources down here and how well-defended they are against Cwyld and other stuff, but I'm sure not going to go up and word it like that because then it just sounds like I'm going for tactical info.

[Phrasing it as trade interest and exchange of knowledge with the surface, however, might bear some fruit. He'd have to offer information in return, but that's just the nature of the beast when it comes to this sort of thing.]

Anyway, you don't find out until you try, one way or another. [He shrugs. Asking once is enough to find out if something's sensitive, pushing the issue is where the problems start.]

[stopfen]

Oh...They might tell you that. If you ask about food be careful. The old ladies on the bug farms won't let you leave. [From someone else, it might have been a joke, but it's 100% serious. Those old witches were formidable. Forcing a basket of mushrooms at her. Giving her the sour look only an old lady could manage.]

[yesdoubt]

I was thinking more about trade things, but I'll keep that in mind...old ladies can be scary when they've dedicated themselves to their craft.

[He says that in a jokingly dramatic tone, but it is pretty true in his experience. Though it goes for pretty much any old person and not just women.]

[stopfen]

[She nods, but speaking of trade things. The stall owner is back, giving both of them a glare this time. But Mikasa was actually pretty interested in the blade, so she's gonna try haggling.

She had no charisma for it, but she did have nicely embroidered flowers from the surface. And cunes... It still takes a bit of awkward haggling though, enjoy watching that for a bit Momo....]

[yesdoubt]

[While Momo would normally step in to help, the stand owner seemed more interested in Mikasa from the start given the fae connection and there's no guarantee he wouldn't just make the whole thing backfire. He's had to be very hands-off with certain of Yuki's contacts because they don't want to engage much with Momo's personality type, so he takes the same logic here, even stepping off for a moment so he's not immediately involved.

Still, he might have some advice for when she's done.]

[stopfen]

[It goes on for a few minutes. Some chirps from either side occasionally slipping out. The two fae murmuring, trying to come to an agreement...All things considered. It wasn't that bad. The bartering could have gone much worse, she could have been stingy, the owner could have been greedy.

But in the end, she gives over some cunes. At least one of each type of coin, and a note. The lowest note value...but the merchant had no use for the actual value of the bill, more the writing and design. And they took most of Mikasa's sewing samples.

Moneywise, she'd done very well. The number of cunes she'd paid wouldn't have gotten a lot back in the city. The amount of labour put into the sewing though...She probably could have traded them for more.

But she was okay with that. Turning to nod at him, roll her shoulders as she starts to leave the tents.]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo follows along, glancing back over his shoulder as he does. He waits until they're out of easy earshot to remark on the transaction, because he's not that rude.] That was reasonable enough, I was kind of expecting a harder bargain since they seemed to really want a sale. How long did that sewing stuff take you?

[He didn't get a good look at it, but he figures it was probably a case of the effort translating out to monetary value in much the same way as it does a lot of artistic pursuits. So he is a bit curious how she did on that front.]

[stopfen]

[All things considered, the fae was happy. Thread and fabric were cheap here, or aboveground rather. When it came to money, time though, she pauses midstep to think on that. It was a hobby, something she did when it was late and she couldn't move without waking others.]

... A few hours on each? It depends on how big they are.

[yesdoubt]

Yeah, that's still a decent trade for something like that, would've taken a while to work obsidian into a clean enough knife to use. [i.e. Something that wasn't going to cut someone's hand when they reached for it. He figures whittling down details like a handle is that much harder when you're working with stone (or volcanic glass) and not something malleable like metal, and then the blade is another matter entirely.]

I'm glad you got something good that's not metal, though. Hopefully more people can get hold of that stuff if the path down here stays open.

[stopfen]

I guess... [She turns her head, craning her neck to look at him as she walks.] I've never really thought about how much those things cost. [Because it'd always been a hobby. And wasn't really one she could make money off back home...Well, maybe she could. If she worked on a specific project in her free time. Most from home wouldn't be interested in getting floral patches, maybe if they'd been made into a blanket. Though it wasn't worth thinking too hard on.

She hoped the path stayed open. She didn't like being unable to see the sky. But there was a lot of useful things here. She'd just have to save for them. But she hums, lowering her voice.]

...Have you heard anything about why they want us here?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo feels like he's probably more used to thinking in price terms because of good old capitalism, but that's not really a topic he's that interested in dredging up. Her follow-up question gets a glance over and a slight shake of the head, though.]

The people around here aren't gonna know about that if it was the Matriarch's order. Did you hear how she avoided mentioning where we were from when we showed up? I'm planning to ask when I see her, but I'm not expecting to get anything until then.

[It seems she's keeping details of it from her people, which means anything he gets from them on that topic is going to be coloured accordingly.]

[stopfen]

[Mikasa's lack of understanding was one of the 'perks' of joining the military during food shortages. They were given meals as bland as they were, she'd never had the luxury of being able to be picky. So now, even when she was paid a decent enough wage...She had little use for it. She had her military meals, her room at the barracks.

It wasn't till she'd arrived here had she needed to learn how money and budgeting worked properly.]

You think they don't know? Some still seem to doubt where we're from... [There was way too many awkward moments in some of the conversations she'd had. Neither sides' world matching with the others'.] So the only thing we can do is wait and hope it's nothing bad. [And hope they weren't murdered in the night...Or day.. It was hard to tell.]

[yesdoubt]

They're kinda suspicious, but anyone would be suspicious about a bunch of new people showing up at once. For all we know, she told them we were from some other part of the tunnels. [He imagines most people wouldn't go that far out of the city considering what he's heard about the state of most of the tunnels. It seems potentially believable that a new group of people could have shown up from another area without them knowing until now.]

But if you're taking the cynical route, why even let us into the city in the first place? They have all the advantages, they could've bottlenecked us in a tunnel before we even got here if they felt like it.

[stopfen]

Maybe. It does seem like there are...people in the tunnels. But they attack on sight. [Which made it difficult to ask them anything. Not that she was sure they'd even been able to understand her. She'd not heard them say a word.]

I've heard stranger things. We might just have something they need...[She shrugs.] I guess we'll find out once you've had this meeting with her.

[yesdoubt]

I hear most of them are infected, but there's enough going on down here that another settlement probably isn't too out-there an idea for them to buy. [It's one possible explanation for the new influx of people that's not just them being from the surface.]

Hopefully, yeah. I'm planning to ask what she wants upfront, otherwise there's not really much point trying to negotiate with no idea.

[stopfen]

I knew a few were. But they wouldn't still be out there if there wasn't a few uninfected. [You know. Because children and stuff, there had to be some period of time where they managed to raise a kid...Or they just resisted the infection for longer than most. His next comment gets a nod.]

Do you know when this meeting will be or do you just have to wait for someone to get you?