Intro Log: July

[faileas]

Intro Log: July

I. ARRIVAL Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. A moment later, you feel a tug, and you find yourself stumbling into a dark, musty room. Behind you, a mirror stands ornately decorated with reminders of home wrought in brass and wood: the faces of people you know, and symbols important to you; all things that send a pang through your chest with the desire to return to them. Touching the mirror's surface does nothing but leave the stain of your fingerprints. When you turn to survey the room, you find there are hundreds of other mirrors. None of them are as decorated as yours - they're plain and dusty, speckled with age. Then you realize a second thing: You're not alone. Distantly, the ringing bell of a clocktower can be heard. But no matter its distance, the time is clear to make out: it chimes three times, stark, resonating like a pulse of something in this mirrored hall that you and many others have found yourselves in. For those familiar with magic, they might feel the power of the witching hour upon them, though it will feel different from what they're used to - in fact, everything does. You're certainly not the only ones here, however. On the first floor, with the doors wide open behind them in the foyer, is a small group headed by two individuals. As people begin to arrive, to come from the higher floor, they're waiting - and they're waiting for you, and your questions. Explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in, or proceed to the foyer? Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is faintly cloudy, but the stars are dim in the face of two moons, even so close to the new moon as it is. The Looking-Glass House is rather nondescript two-story cottage made of grey brick, sitting at the edge of The Coven's courtyard; stones which glow as you step on them mark the path to and from the two buildings. While fairly small and plain on the outside, the inside has been enchanted to be the size of a large library, with hundreds upon hundreds of mirrors hanging, standing, and resting inside its walls. Some are broken, some are cracked, and some seem completely uninjured - but all of them are just as plain as the cottage itself, showing age in the silver beneath their glass and in the greening of their metals... Well, all except a character's personal mirror; to characters, one mirror - the one they came through - will be decorated lavishly with metal-and-wood-wrought reminders of home, and the surface will be as clear as a brand-new mirror.

II. THE WELCOME PARTY Whether you've decided to find a way out of the building you've arrived in, or decided to explore the rest of the Looking-Glass House - and perhaps finding a few familiar faces among the crowd - you feel a pull towards the foyer of the first floor. It's like a firm suggestion, as if to take you by the hand and draw you to where it begins, and the source of it becomes quite apparent upon finding one's way to the front room: a tall, comfortably-dressed older woman and her even taller wolfish companion, along with those which feel to resemble yourselves in a world-traversing sense: Mirrorbound, they're called. "I think this is the most of you there's ever been at once! And all of you properly bound this time, it seems." The woman sets her hands on her hips, with her Bonded casting a glance at those looking confused - newly arrived - and those who may have followed them in to talk to the newest addition of their Mirrorbound bunch. "About time for introductions though- this here's Mhairi Ainsley, ambassador to the Parliament and my Bonded, and I'm Nerissa Bell, Head Witch of the Coven - but you can just call me Miss Nessie, you can," she adds, winking. "The lot of you must be as tired and confused as the last batch - hullo to those who've joined us, too! - so just a moment, dearests, I'll set all you right up—" With nothing more than a wave of her hand, rows of seats are summoned; despite their wooden nature, they're all sturdy and comfortable, filling the foyer and spreading out a ways into the lawn behind them, making room for all of the new arrivals as well as the previous batch. After all, they'll find this just as interesting. The Witches and Monsters that accompanied Nessie and Mhairi move to make room, and some disperse into the building itself to see if there's anyone who needs tending to. Mhairi steps forward as the chairs materialize. "Please, those who are able, join us for a moment. There are many questions that I'm sure you have - we will do our utmost best to answer them, and you may take any that we can't as a promise to find some sort of solution or answer." NOTE: If you wish to handwave interaction with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. All responses will be summarized answers rather than an IC thread. For those that'd like a more player-based interaction, Aefenglom has its own Welcome Wagon! These are players who've volunteered for the role, and those that didn't sign up may assist as well if they'd feel their character would -- have fun, and make friends. Additionally, those with notable injuries or sickness will be attended to ASAP by Coven-based witches, and should anyone be curious about what they are - if they have magic potential, or if they swing a different way - then this can be done during this and the general hour or so the new arrivals are within the Coven's grounds. There are ongoing classes on magic, monsters, and Bonding as well, though they take place more during the day than at night - feel free to have your characters attend them at any time!

III. THE HAVEN After an hour or two of general chaos, questions that the natives attempt to help with, and injuries tended to for those who arrive in poor condition, it's time to make a trek to where you'll be staying while Nessie and Mhairi continue to search for a solution to the situation. As you're leaving with a few Bonded for guides, peculiar-looking devices - watches, the native Witches explain, compliments of Parliament - are passed around to all the new arrivals; they're given a quick rundown on their functions and bid to test them out when they can. They can even do it as they make their way out of the Coven's courtyard and to the Haven. Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in a program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches put together a little roommate finding service, on a smaller scale from the grand opening of the Haven. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a kind of amplification magic. It reads simply the information you've offered up yourself, or that someone might have written up for you, should that be their idea of fun.

IV. THE CIRQUE MYSTIQUE (3rd-5th) It drifts into the Bright Bay early in the morning of the 2nd - a painted ship, garishly bright, with billowing night-sky sails that sends the Harbor District, and then most of the rest of the city, into a flurry of interested activity, putting the rumor mill into overdrive. Onlookers can witness a mess of equally ostentatious people - Witches dressed in brightly colored clothing, Monsters with fantastical coloring and embellishments the likes of which are rarely seen on Geardagas - deboarding with supplies. (Just a few curiously are what seem to be fox-like Monsters with multiple tails and mischievous expressions - they're also the least likely to want to bother talking.) Parliament offers the use of a little-visited park, temporarily enchanted to be somehow bigger than it should be, and the new people work quite quickly, setting up decorated pavilions and stands in a style quite different from Aefenglom's usual, utilizing many paper decorations and fluttering fabrics. Those who try to talk to the workers are often rebuffed - they're quite busy, don't you see? Despite being foreign, they speak in the common tongue of Geardagas with different degrees of fluency and accents. Many will pretend they don't speak the common tongue at all if they don't want to talk, however. They finish within the day. Enchanted fliers go out overnight proclaiming "The Cirque Mystique is Open!" Explained to be a traveling circus from a land far away (the name of said land not offered to "preserve the mystique") they proclaim to offer a unique experience to the people of Aefenglom. a. Come On Down All throughout the days, a mini marketplace is open, selling goods and foods from another land. Unlike the more western Victorian-style fare in Aefenglom, the treats boast new flavors and textures. Elaborate little cakes made with exotic fruits and teas, egg tarts, cold shaved ices with floral or fruit syrups, dumplings and mochi can all be found along with savory foods with new flavor profiles, and exciting new alcoholic drinks. The styles of clothing offered are more elaborate and made with fine embroidered fabrics; the cloth is available on bolts as well. Trinkets such as small enchanted figures of the performers, cheap jewelry, and souvenirs are available at every stand for likely inflated prices. Other stands run enchanted carnival games: ring-toss (where you always seem to miss), guess the number of candies in the jar (you're always wrong), a wheel of prizes (that always seems to land on the duds), bobbing for fruits (this one seems fine, but the prize for winning is the fruit that's already been in your mouth), and a game to knock over milk bottles (which seem firmly planted). Well, you know what they say about carnival games, right? It's fun to try, at least! Or maybe you quietly break their enchantments in order to win the toys and cheap jewelry they offer as prizes. Those running the games will grumble and grouse, but you'll get your due. The main draw, however, is the performances. Smaller ones happen periodically all day, in small staging areas around the newly set-up fairgrounds: knife-throwers, fire-eaters, tight-rope walkers, magicians, acrobats and contortionists displaying feats of strength and flexibility, jovial Monsters with painted faces telling jokes. The Cirque Mystique has it all. The most elaborate, put-together performances happen after the sun sets, though, an astonishing display with all of the above and music, woven through with storytelling and fireworks, and even more flashy magic. It's hard not to feel awed by it all at the end... b. The Lunar Eclipse The major performance on the night of the 5th coincides with the lunar eclipse, when the Sisters darken in the sky above. It goes as the other performances do. It's flashy and elaborate, inspiring plenty of awe. The Diviner Witches' predictions apparently come to pass, however, and the light enchantment placed over the audience at end of the performance to subtly better their moods and perception of the show reacts... unexpectedly to the surge in magic. All around the city, natives and Mirrorbound alike might find themselves feeling... good. Uninhibited. Brain-to-mouth filters fail and loosen lips, or they may find their fingers stickier, feeling inclined to simply take whatever items or foods please them at the time. It doesn't necessarily cause violent thoughts, but if a person is so inclined already, it isn't out of the realm of possibility. The backfired spell simply makes one seek whatever delights they might desire, even if they haven't admitted those desires to themselves. It's quite possible to resist the spell still, and many do, just not enough - no doubt there will be some joyous chaos to contend with as excitement and revelry spread through the streets. Luckily it wears off by sunrise, or before in some cases, probably leaving many embarrassed about their uninhibited behavior. After the night of the eclipse, the Cirque packs up with practiced efficiency, and by the afternoon on the 6th, their ship has departed, heading on to their next location, leaving most of Parliament quite irritated at having to clean up after the mishap. A traveling circus like this, sailors from the Harbor District explain, never stays long. They stay as long as the cash flows and then they head on to the next city or the next continent. The rogues conveniently timed their departure to miss any potential fines from Parliament.

Welcome to the intro log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. The network system is free to use once characters have their watches as well; information on that can be found at the bottom of the Setting page, while any extra questions about it can be found in the FAQ index. Quests can be picked up now as well! While new characters will have to get settled in, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the July's Quest Pickup thread on the Quest Board. Finally, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

Antonio Salieri | fate/grand order | chimera

[amurder]

( arrival ).

[As he steps out into the courtyard among the fledgling Mirrorbound a first thought comes to Salieri then:

Just what did he do to deserve a second chance within these walls?

The gabbing and meandering of the newly wrought individuals around him ring dull in his ears— their questions and observations blending into the same pitch as the rustling of the leaves. He could be a good sport and assuage a few of their doubts, give a bit of friendly advice where it was needed– but just as the moons above them compelled the waves in the sea to push and pull, so did the force of his own Bonds began to stir within him. Every hair and fiber of his being (which, hah, had remained laughably the same—) tugged him away from the arrivals, toward the heart of the city where his lost connections remained still tethered to him. His Bonded.

Salieri had to find them.]

Is it not always the case? [Salieri extends his hand, observing the familiar silver tufts of fur across his knuckles.] Although it was a drama La cifra still held a bit of cruelty to it. Eurilla sorrowed and believed her happy ending could never be.

[Who is he talking to?] Because she believed to be someone she was not.

To be someone else... [Oh right to himself.] —to be a Beast for the sake of my own happiness...

Hah. Kuhaha... yes, why not?

[Salieri smiles, wide and sharp-toothed.]

My happy ending is still within reach, then! [As the gentleman leopard Chimera continues to ramble to himself, he remains oblivious to the fact that he has an audience...]


( the haven ).

The ban on theater has been lifted...?

[Of course he expected things would have changed in the time he had been uneventfully whisked away from Aefengelom. He assumed progress would have been made in regards to securing the safety the citizens within the walls, away from the clutches of the Wilde— that the refugees would have been properly looked after and all manner of subduing Monsters would have been done away with.

But this was something else entirely.

Salieri stands somewhere in the Entertainment district, gazing upon the threshold of a theater and the sign plastered upon its doors. BY CITY ORDINANCE: THEATER ACTIVITY WILL RESUME ON A PROBATIONARY BASIS. CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS...

Behind him his tail curls high up. He can hardly believe it— and yet the satisfaction of such a long-awaited goal strikes him with the force of a struck gong. His hand grazes the glinting wood of the wide panel doors. A look of quiet conflict wrinkles his brow and parts his lips.

It's ok he just needs a minute.]


( homecoming / closed to amadeus ).

[Of course Salieri had pushed the door open and stepped inside.

For you see, it wasn't merely the news that had drawn him to this specific theater.

The building itself was not dwindling from age, unlike like its counterparts he (and his Bonded) had encountered long before. It was still relatively clean— with its booth still sheet-covered and smoothed out, the adorned hallways dusted and dulled. A few intricate chandeliers still glowed lowly and lit his path down the carpeted corridor that led to the entrance ways of the stage itself. He took in the recently wiped rails and knobs of each stairway and window, the red drapery that had been tied with tassel to allow some natural light in.

Someone had been here before. Someone had just been here... and he knew exactly where the culprit would be.

Salieri stalked his way deeper into the hallway. As if just beyond his periphery a light was hidden there— warm and flickering, a reflection of the fire welling within his chest. It was so close— He was so close—

And with a hesitant hand Salieri reached for the low hanging curtain and tugged it aside.] ... Amadeus?


( come on down ).

[If he was going to be reacquainted with this world then this was certainly the place to do.

Salieri can't help but feel a wave of nostalgia at the selection of delectable sweets and treats spread out and for sale. It feels as though he was just accompanied by a sight similar to this not too long ago... and along with that sight, an unyielding urge to stuff everything frosted and sugary into his mouth.

His mouth twists into an unpleasant grimace. One might think the spread of desserts was making him think twice about devouring it all bit by bit— but that is actually the farthest from the truth.

The truth is...

... he has no money.

Of course he wouldn't show up with money on hand, but he could have sworn he had some on him last he was here! But what's done is done. He's broke right now and is desperately longing for the fruity cakes laid out before him.]

((jikaku for all questions!!))

come on down

[ua_duibhne]

[At some point while he was admiring the cakes, Salieri seems to have gained a companion. A hand settles on his shoulder accompanied by a light, friendly greeting. Diarmuid stands next to him, a few threads of emerald ribbong braided through his hair and a warm smile.]

It's been some time, hasn't it, Sir Salieri?

[They hadn't known each other with any great familiarity but the memory of Mozart's notice on the network, the profound loss and exhaustion of it, still lingers in his mind. His return is something to be celebrated for that reason alone.

And so when he talks it's with genuine pleasure to see him.]

Please, allow me to treat you.

[no you can't argue with him on this he's already pulling out his wallet don't think he didn't see you staring]

[amurder]

! [Indeed, if he hadn't been so mesmerized by all the sweets he may have been able to hear Diarmuid approaching him— and given him a proper greeting at that!

But it seems he detected too late and finds himself bristling just slightly at the offer.] You...

[—he... can't say no, can't he?? Somehow his half-hearted protests and refutes all seem to die magically on his lips. Besides, how would one be able to refuse a smile that warm and welcoming? The Kappelmeister gives a huff and a weary nod of his own.] Only if you will allow me to return the favor in the near future, Diarmuid.

Do tell: have you been well? [Just get him anything Diarmuid he'll eat whatever's sweet.]

[ua_duibhne]

[The smile brightens as he gives his shoulder a brief, friendly squeeze before letting his hand drop back to his side.]

Of course. I would hate to dishonour you by denying you such a thing.

[With that, he turns his attention to the display. There's such an array of cakes and confectionary that he hardly knows where to begin. Pink slabs of rosewater nougat with a frosty dusting, chocolate encrusted cookies, tarts decorated with elaborate rings of fruit... in the end, it's the strawberry gateau that catches his attention.

He pays for two slices and hands one of the plates to Salieri.]

Mmm. Things have been quiet as of late. At least compared to how the year began. [He nods towards a nearby table. A few of them have been set up around the stall so that patrons can sit down to eat.] I... even managed to celebrate an anniversary of sorts without interruption.

[In spite of himself, Diarmuid's looks almost sheepish, the slightest hint of colour reaching his cheeks.]

[amurder]

[Antonio Salieri is a gentleman first and foremost. Once a Servant above all else and now a musician turned Beast, he slips through these transitions easily and acts with all the nobility instilled upon him when he was once a mere human.

That being said, it's hard not to look a little excited when Diarmuid hands him the slice of gateau. He does look extraordinarily pleased and easily follows the other Servant toward the table.] Without interruption?

[Salieri takes a seat across from the Lancer. Yes, quite a bit had been happening when he was here before. One doesn't need to be musician Servant to hear the contentment in the other man's voice. It almost pains Salieri to hear— for such a thing must have been quite an accomplishment, especially in a place where the way of life was as tumultuous as a storm. Perhaps for Diarmuid even more so.

Salieri smiles and it even manages to reach his eyes.] And you will celebrate many more, Signore. I am sure of it.

[They have nothing to drink yet so he'll just opt to raise a slice of his cake toward him.] On my word as a musician!

[ua_duibhne]

Sometimes you never know what to expect here but we were lucky. [That is to say, Berserker wasn't maimed or kidnapped and neither of them were invited to siege war against a neighbouring city. Not that any of those things have happened for a while but they tend to leave an impact when they do- half of the city seems bear the scars from some such trauma, be it physical or otherwise.] I'm truly grateful for that.

[But this is no time to linger on those thoughts: he had wanted to welcome Salieri back to the city, not drown him in its past. The witch matches his smile with equal warmth.]

Ah, and there's no stronger vow than one made by a musician! [With a laugh, Diarmuid spears one of the strawberries atop his slice and holds it up to meet his makeshift toast. The glaze makes it sparkle with a ruby-like shine.] My father would disavow me if I ever doubted it. He was a lover of the arts himself.

[amurder]

(continued here!)

the haven

[enkidoh]

Amadeus would be happy to see you.

[Enkidu looks at Salieri, the look on their face without expression and it seems they are paler than they normally are.]

Hmm...I take it your mirror isn't cracked anymore, not?

[If Salieri could come back, Gil could come back as well. Or Caren. Or anyone they used to be bonded to.]

[amurder]

[He reacts far too quickly with he hears that soft voice. He turns and faces Enkidu with a greeting on his lips—

and sees that pale complexion.] Ah. Not quite so anymore.

Enkidu. [So caught up in his own ramblings Salieri had barely noticed the other Servant. He regards them with a quietly conflicted look in his gaze. Something in those eyes tell him they were hoping to see someone else.]

Amadeus... did he speak to you?

[enkidoh]

[Then maybe Gil could return as well... Maybe.]

That is good news.

[Enkidu nods when he says their name.]

He has spoken on the network. Announcing your departure. It is what happens when you lose a bonded. Perhaps I should announce Gil's leaving as well. And Caren's…

[A soft sigh escapes their mouth. They dread going home, being faced with that emptiness.]

[amurder]

[In truth Salieri is glad just to be back. He isn't sure how well he'd be able to manage if he was the one left behind... and for the Servant before him to endure not one but two losses—

He would do nothing but despair. He cannot allow them to mourn forever.]

Do not give up hope just yet.

[It comes abruptly and with no real finesse, but Salieri will manage. He straightens out his cravat and approaches them.] If there is one thing many of us know of Archer, it's that he is resilient. And you even more so.

Is it not true? [His tone softens for them, but he still needs to hear an answer.]

[enkidoh]

Hmm...a lot of it is because of the magical bond that comes to be when speaking these vows.

[Still, in Gil's case it is a little bit more than that. A lot more. Even though they know very well that their moments with their friends aren't forever, that their encounters are more born out of luck, of a mage summoning the both of them to a Grail War , for instance.

Yet, this had been different. For once they got the notion that this could be a new sort of existence. A new story. Not a moment in time. Something new.

Foolish. There are no forevers when it comes to their friendship.]

We are quite sturdy. I know, I am a fool to mourn… Gil would not want it either. [They do something where they straighten their shoulders and stand up a little bit more straight.] I should move on.

haven

[thejoyrider]

[She was not really expecting to meet anyone when she came here. The reason Marie took lengthy walks around the city whenever new Mirrorbound were said to arrive was because she could not wait to meet all the new potential friends.

The reason why she found herself around the theater was not as easy to explain. She had no real business here and it was not a place where any of the new arrivals were likely to head first. And yet, for some reason she felt that she just could not skip this place on her walk.

Suddenly, the image of a familiar silhouette pulls her out of her thoughts.

No way.]

Salieri! Are you... is it really you?

[You never know with Mirrorbound and with Servants... Was is the same Salieri she knew? Was it Salieri at all?]

[amurder]

(continued here!)

[fordeath]

[ just as salieri had followed the warm trail of invisible feeling to bridge the connection (too long broken, too long annulled) back to his witch, amadeus chased his own caprice.

he's not ready.

(it's been months.)

that's precisely why he's not ready.

what part of him hoped, yet did not prepare for the day he'd feel that familiar presence return, ever home and ever expected at his back? from the long lonesome nights in the hofburgtheater on premiere day to the icy terrains of chaldea's roadmap, a red string of fate seemed to tie the kapellmeister to the genius's tail.

perhaps it's fitting, then, that he's chasing him now. and amadeus – desperately looking for ways to face his fate with grace.

ever flighty, ever showy – from the moment he sensed the mirror's ripples while playing at the cirque through to his arrival in the entertainment district, amadeus devised the best way he could welcome salieri back into this world.

(by showing him his legacy.)

this theater is closed today, for the holiday and the circus, but what makes amadeus choose this theater over others is simple. it was entirely abandoned when salieri left. now — it gleams and glints. strings and baritones resound off the freshly polished walls. bright lighting illuminates the colors of the backdrops and props. crimson curtains are dust free.

... and amadeus approaches his spot, perfectly kept with the fresh scuffs of bass stems.

just as it should be. and salieri ... is just as he was. as though plucked from a branch of time months-passed, salieri is still ... a chimera.

thank god. ]

... What do you think? [ amadeus asks that winged back. his smile comes second, as though winded by his own words — the first ones spoken between them after amadeus feared he'd lost that miracle, that privilege to, forever. ]

This is all new. Just last week, in fact — the Council agreed, and a cleanup commenced. [ every word is an effort between baited breaths. ]

[amurder]

(Here here)