intro log: august

[faileas]

Intro Log: August

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 brighter with the absence of the sister moons in the sky - it's the new moon, after all. 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. "There's always a right lot of you coming in, aren't there." 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 insanely colorful seats are summoned; half of them are wooden (sturdy and comfortable besides that), with the rest being misshapen and bag-like. Regardless, the seats fill the foyer and spread out a ways into the lawn behind them, making room for all of the new arrivals as well as the previous batch, should they have come to check on things. 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 interact with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. You have the option of handwaving the IC interaction to OOCly ask what questions your character might have for them, for us to summarize an answer for, or you can request an IC thread. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly. 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 through a bit of leftover ice and snow 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. LÙNASA Just like three months ago, those new to Aefenglom have found themselves brought to the city in the middle of a celebration. From dusk of Aguril 1st to the dusk of Aguril 3rd, Aefenglom celebrates something fairly special: Lùnasa. Traditionally, Lùnasa celebrates all kinds of traditional marriages sanctioned by Parliament, generally of the arranged kind, and handfastings, a ceremony based more on love and how long it lasts. The Coven's Bonds err on this side of things, though some Witches do have official spouses - Miss Nessie and Mhairi are an example of this, though not everyone marries their Bonded, either. Many of them are made during this festival, prompting the city to dress for the occasion just in case they find themselves in the middle of a ceremony, and just as many of them are formally renewed. Like during Litha, shops offer lovemaking potions, but only to those renewing vows or taking them; smaller fireworks, like sparklers and fountains, are also a common sight. Lùnasa is also home to the city's largest fashion show, showcasing fun and upcoming trends in the city. No experience is required to sign up to show off designs or to model them, and hundreds of tailors and needlework experts come together to quickly make dreams into reality for the end of the festival, when the show happens in genuine. The clothing is often wild and sorted into three categories: children, where those 14 and younger can submit their designs and model them as well; popular, where those 15 and older can do the same to try and vie for the judges' vote on what's in and what's out; and bonding, where all ages aspire to modify and make personal the traditional garbs of marriage and handfasting. While circumstances might be a little weird - and the month is a little cold coming in, given the snowstorm that happened at the end of last month - there's plenty to do, plenty to see, and plenty to take your mind off of just what a weird experience this all might be. Though those who have been in Aefenglom for a while now might notice something different over the course of the festival: they're a little more powerful than before, almost similar to the free-feeling that Boaltinn encouraged. Spells can still go awry, but the results will be much bigger - but it's frowned upon to use magic during festivals. Then again, characters will feel as if they're about to burn up if they don't use it a little... Well, just one spell beneath the shadow of the new moons wouldn't hurt, would it? a. JUST IN CASE While the city is dressed up on the off chance they might be roped into an impromptu wedding ceremony - it's likely that those who aren't native to Aefenglom don't have such luck. Thankfully, the tailors of city are offering free clothes on the caveat they advertise for them by wearing them around the festivities - they're long yet breathable garments, with colors that are fairly muted oranges and reds, not unlike the coming fall. It'd seem the fear of red skies from Litha has started to fade as nothing else too terrible has happened to the city at large, at least on the surface. And as it turns out, those offers might be better timed than they think: characters will be pulled into ceremonies at random to act as witnesses, to serve as dance partners for lonely folk, or just because they really needed someone to even out the numbers. b. ON THE CATWALK An annual occasion, the Aefenglom Fashion Show is always a bustling, bright time for those young and old to strut their stuff and try their best to either follow the latest trends, or spark them into being. Unfortunately, they're running a little low on models this year - many of their other ones decided to try their hand at sewing themselves - and so they're accepting volunteers! Willing or not; many of the more aggressive youths aren't above dragging those they deem perfect enough to wear their clothing to the back of the stage set up in the center of the Shopping District and pushing them out onto the catwalk dressed to the nines in all sorts of ridiculous-looking styles. c. EYE-CATCHING A few of the newest fashionistas in town have tried their hand at some rather... peculiar-looking clothing - but none so peculiar as those found in Precogstitchin' or Arwel's Tailory, in two completely different ways. While those who try on a piece or two of Precogstichin's wares will find themselves the center of attention due to their rather avant-garde shape, color, and pattern choices - not to mention accessories and rumor of being made of arachne silk! - those who try on Arwel's wares will find themselves being stopped quite frequently in the street despite the rather plain and dull colors and formless shapes the tailory provides as free samples. d. NEW MOON RITES While native Witches bemoan their weakened magics - some even expressing relief the new moon happens to land on a festival this year so they don't have to notice just how weak they are, mirrorbound Witches will find themselves feeling just the opposite: they're stronger. For those that chance a little magic despite the unspoken rules of the festivals in Aefenglom, they'll find the expelling of energy to be very relieving, as if a weight lifts off their shoulders. For those that refuse the siren's song of release, however, sparks of magical energy will fly from them, with a myriad of results - enchanting inanimate objects, transforming animals from one thing to another, starting small fires, creating illusions of the person or creature they fear the most... and so on.

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 August'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

[chosenside]

For the greater good.

[Theseus says quietly to himself, remembering the motto that the Dark Wizard has said repeatedly to his followers. It's only gained popularity with Grindelwald's rise and after the great war, and the Auror fears that he'll succeed in starting another war because of his influence. The idea is to catch him before that happens and he's more than willing to put his life on the line for them to succeed.]

It. It didn't. [The deaths of many Aurors. Leta. Theseus begins to tightly clench his hands, just barely stopping himself from shaking from both rage and sorrow as memories of the rally play through his mind.] Grindelwald. He. He killed many Aurors and--

[He killed Leta.]

...He almost destroyed Paris.

[newtralize]

That phrase sounds like a load of rubbish.

[Newt was never really one to hold back what was on his mind. Brutally honest and a stubbornness that made him somewhat difficult at times. He very much didn't agree with Grindelwald's ideas though. Had told the other to his face (while disguised as Graves) that he wasn't Grindelwald's follower. Had even called them fanatics because that's what they seemed to him.

But he doesn't linger on that because he can tell his brother is hurting. That the events in Paris were harrowing and that no amount of words could really describe the experience.

There's a cold feeling that washes over him to know that he'll experience that someday. He focuses, instead, on his brother though.

Newt comes over and places the cup and saucer of tea in front of the other; a tin of biscuits on the table. Finally, he places his hand on Theseus' shoulder as he stands by the other. With Theseus sitting and him standing, hugging would be an awkward affair, but he offers at least some amount of physical comfort. Something that he was still very hesitant to offer at times.] He won't get away with it. What he has done.

[Newt doesn't even realize just how much it'll personally affect him.]

[chosenside]

I don't disagree, Newt, but it's been effective influencing many wizards and witches to his side.

[Grindelwald building on that animosity that's only increased since the great war. While it hasn't been uncommon to look down on muggles beforehand, it's been much easier to take advantage of that fear since then. He doesn't understand the mindset- doesn't want to, really, because nothing good can from Grindelwald's vision. Theseus doesn't want muggles to bend and break underneath the rule of wizards, especially after seeing their bravery and camaraderie during the war.

But Theseus is pulled out of his more hallowing thoughts when Newt places the tea in front of him, forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes towards his younger brother. One day, he'll tell Newt about Leta. Just. Not right now. He'll have time... maybe when Theseus himself is ready to talk about it at length. Right now the memory is still too raw.

Or maybe he's just making excuses.

At least his anger towards Grindelwald is something far easier to accept.]

He won't.

[Something very determined enters his voice, like the possibility of them failing is not even an option. If he has to chase the Dark Wizard to the ends of the Earth, he will.]

[newtralize]

I'm quite aware. It would certainly be an alluring sentiment if the ways he wished to achieve such things wasn't paved in so much loss.

[He certainly could appreciate a world in which there was no conflict and they didn't have to stay hidden. But he thinks more about those that had suffered and not because that he grows tired of hiding. Newt didn't really mind it overall, but he thinks of Credence and how he had suffered. He thinks of the Sudanese girl he couldn't save. If things were kinder then they wouldn't have suffered. Died.

But that's not what Grindelwald wants. The man doesn't want unity. He wants superiority. The way he had attacked him so relentlessly. The man was heartless. Uncaring. Cruel.]

Well, it isn't something we should heavily dwell on while we're here. There's a plethora of problems here that need to be tended to before we can ever get home proper, I think.

[And while he's sure the other would like to move forward with taking down Grindelwald, it wasn't something that can be done in this new foreign world.] Drink your tea. You look like you could do with a bit of a pick me up. And rest. [A subtle hint that Newt knew the other was looking more haggard than he's trying to appear.]

You just arrived, so best to settle down before getting into the thick of it.

[chosenside]

[Theseus has honestly never given much thought about a world where wizards can live freely and openly with muggles. It's far too much of a fantasy to him and he's just focused on his job and maintaining the peace as is. Although, in a strange sort of way, coming to this city has almost allowed that sort of living-- of course a big difference is that everyone either has magic or is slowly transforming to a beast, but it's still very open.

He's still not sure what to make of it.

But at the very least, he's not in it alone-- and neither is Newt. And he's undoubtedly right about the problems in this world, they cannot be ignored. Neither of them are that callous to ignore the plight of others. No matter how much of a hermit Newt can be, Theseus is absolutely certain about that.

So for the first time since talking to his brother, Theseus almost seems to relax, taking the cup and smiling down at the tea.]

If I look that bad that even you're worried, I really must take this tea.

[He says it lightly, not trying to imply that Newt wouldn't care about him or anything like that.]

[newtralize]

Well, you certainly don't always look like you're a million galleons if we want to talk about your appearance. [It's a lighthearted jab at the other. Newt has never really been one to judge people based on their appearance after all.

That isn't to say that he still can't have opinions and think someone looks good or not though.

Siblings are meant to make fun of each other anyways though.] You should take the tea anyways because it would be rude of you not to when given hospitality. Really, you're the one who's been in the city and I was the one sleeping on the ground for a year. Surely your manners are still intact. [He smiles a little at the other before he takes a seat across from Theseus.]

[chosenside]

[A loud laugh suddenly breaks out from Theseus, the Auror covering part of his face because Newt got him there. It's really been quite a long time since they've sat together like this and while this may not be the best of circumstances (not like it's great back home either), he's still grateful for the time they have now.

His hand lowers and there's a large smile stretching across his face before he finally takes a sip of the tea.]

Thank you very much, Mr. Scamander. [He pointedly tries to be as polite as possible, but there's definitely some sarcasm in there too. Look, manners!] Your hospitality is truly generous and gracious.

[newtralize]

[Newt takes a biscuit from the tin, though he breaks a piece of it and holds it close to his ear. Theseus can probably spot the bright green creature that is Pickett taking the offered piece of food.]

Oh, no. I'm not Mr. Scamander. That's you. I'm not ready to sound as old as you. [Mr. Scamander is for old people like Theseus.] I haven't let Gertrude attack you. I believe thats hospitable enough. [Gertrude is his pantherhound. She doesn't really attack, but she does love jumping on people.]

[chosenside]

[Theseus definitely notices the bowtruckle taking the small piece from Newt, not at all surprised to see one of his magical creatures hanging around his brother. He's rather certain that niffler is here somewhere as well because why have one beast when you can have many. This is probably Newt logic.

The only question is how many there are here.]

What-- [UM. WOW??? EXCUSE YOU NEWTON. Theseus looks insulted now and Newt's probably going to see the familiar signs of the older Scamander becoming overly dramatic about this.]

I'm hardly old! Here I was, trying to pass down a title onto you, and this is how you respond! [He places a hand against his chest as if Newt has mortally wounded him.] I believe I have to take back my comment now.

[He even begins to slouch in his chair, taking on that same dramatic tone. Someone needs to shove a biscuit in his mouth so that he stops whining.]

And now I'm supposed to show gratitude that you haven't let one of your beasts attack me, even though I'm your brother.

[newtralize]

[Look, Newt only has three. Theseus has seen Greg, who is outside and now he knows Pickett is there. To Newt's displeasure, the niffler is also here. Because it wouldn't be Newt's life if Harry wasn't causing a bit of trouble for the magizoologist.]

Oh, Merlin. [Why is Theseus like this.] Aren't you coming to your forties, Theese? You certainly aren't young. [If Theseus is going to be so dramatic; Newt is going to be as insufferable as possible in return.] Don't be such a dramatic git.

[The younger Scamander rolls his eyes as he continues to feed the biscuit to Pickett. At least Pickett is well behaved!!! Most of the time.]

I'm pretty sure that you have pointed your wand at me even though I'm your brother.

[chosenside]

[Newt certainly does not have to remind Theseus that he's almost 40, thank you very much. He sniffs loudly in an exaggerated manner and straightens up from his seat, but one still might describe him as sulky right now, even though the Auror would deny such an accusation. He's far above pouting and sulking. Right.]

Age is simply just a number anyway. What matters is how you feel, Newton.

[He takes a biscuit and bites into it, as if he's settled that matter. Picture of dignity right here. At least Theseus waits until he finishes chewing before responding to Newt's next accusation. ...Okay, it's really not an accusation since that's definitely happened.]

Perhaps, but name one time that it was uncalled for. I don't think you can.

[newtralize]

Well, I still feel like you are being a bit of a prat then. [Really. What would everyone else think if they knew that Theseus, war hero and head auror, was sulking about because he got called old.] I can't fault your logic though, seeing as you're acting like a child.

[He looks at the other a little incredulously.]

As I recall, mum grounded us both for wreaking havoc on the kitchen once. If I remember correctly, which I do, that it's because we got into a tiss over the last homemade biscuit. You pointed your wand at me first. [The other may claim that it wasn't uncalled for, but he's pretty sure a dumb wand fight in the kitchen definitely was not the way to go.]

[chosenside]

...I'm not acting like a child.

[Theseus mumbles, in a completely mature manner, before shoving another biscuit into his mouth. He's definitely not being petulant, not in the least. Newt's definitely imagining it if he sees it.]

And that was a wholly appropriate response. [As expected, Theseus is defending his position, in almost the same seriousness that he used to defend himself participating in the great war despite the law saying otherwise. This is clearly as important.]

For one, it was mum's last homemade biscuit. And two, as the oldest, I automatically get rights to it. [Their mum would most likely be pulling him by the ear right now if she's heard this, but she's not, so.] I was merely defending my claim from my unruly and rulebreaking little brother.

[No one's here to witness how much of a brat Theseus can be. It's clearly Newt's fault for bringing the worst out of him.]

[newtralize]

You aren't, are you? Could have fooled me, really.

[Is Theseus actually the older sibling?]

Mum boxed you across the ear last time you said that and she would most definitely do so now if she could. [He rolls his eyes before finishing the biscuit he had been sharing with Pickett.]

Well, that's neither here or there right now. Have you gotten settled proper? It's likely you'll be here for a bit of time, so lodgings and acclimating is ideal. There's no real way to know when one might get to leave or not. I can give you a tour of the city if you haven't gone and see it all.