EVENT - THE BLACK CITY

[faileas]

Event Log: August, The Black City

A STARLESS SKY You feel like you're floating. Around you, colors and sounds and smells swirl as if trapped in a whirlpool, vibrancy and hue ever shifting. The more you watch them, the less solid they are; they only become clear out of the corner of your eye. The area around you begins to feel more solid as well, until your feet are on the ground, the taste of smog and fog heavy in your lungs - and you know one thing, and one thing alone: this is a dream, and an incredibly realistic one at that. Unlike the last time this shared dream happened, only familiar faces of your fellow mirrorbound appear around you; and unlike the last time that flavor of dream happened, those native to the city of Aefenglom are nowhere to be found. Instead, an impossibly tall wall raises in front of you; along it run small windows with people peering from the edges, arrows shimmering with the tell-tale glitter of magic peeking from the darkness, with more figures standing guard or patrolling the top of it. The wall itself is made of a dark, onyx-like stone - it's reflective in the smoothness of its bricks, painting all who look into it in clear darkness, and the effect is similarly found in the wide moat that surrounds the city, the faint sound of a river feeding into it the only thing to hear in the tense silence. Only one massive door stands as the entrance to the city, chains hanging across it with the protective runes of a barrier some of you might be familiar with by now. With a groan the chains begin to pull away, the door lowering across the moat as a bridge, and a party of Witches - for they must be Witches, the pins on their cloaks the same as those found in the Coven in Aefenglom - urges the group inside. Monsters find it easier to obey the orders - compelled to, even - but perhaps that's the safety of the city calling out to you, and nothing more.

I. THE CITY ITSELF While Aefenglom is known for its dusk-hued skies, made of lustrous pinks and purples and blues, this city is dreary to the core. The streets are covered in a perpetual fog, not unlike the city you hail from, but thicker, denser, tinged with the flavor of industrial smog from the factories whose spires you can see in the distance. Magitech lights - lanterns above doors, street posts, flickering in the windows you pass - illuminate everything throughout the entire day, as if the sunshine can't reach through the foreboding fog nor the onyx walls. Even the windows are barred, offering a paranoid protection against the outside world. Doors seem hardier, and each building is reinforced and protected in a way that may feel familiar to those that have encountered the protective magic wards. They're heavier, leaving an almost ominous presence that causes unease to hang just as heavy in the air as the smog. The people of this city are just as dreary as the streets, though they do mill about with the same frequency as any city. Unlike the citizens of the dead Aefenglom that were encountered just the month before, however, these are real, living people. They can be spoken to. They can be touched. They interact with wariness and caution towards the strangers that have been heralded into their walled in world, especially those that show what they presume to be monstrous traits. Because it becomes quickly obvious that the majority of the citizens that answer a call, a question, a touch to gain their attention... They're human. a. OBEY AND SUBMIT Monsters that can be seen on the streets aren't few and far between, however. Their presence is subtle, in the fog and amidst the passing crowds of passing faces, but they're there. On a surface level, most of them seem to be fairly at ease. Passive and unfazed by anyone that tries to interact with them, as if they're disinterested by their mere presence in a way that isn't reflected by their human counterparts. A closer look shows a strained pinch to their faces, a tenseness to their bodies, a glazed look just at the surface of their eyes. Too many attempts to interact with them will cause some humans to emerge from shops, or ask that you leave their business; these are the ones that are... employed, most often seen in the shopping and industrial districts. But their movements are almost robotic in repetition, and they never speak to anyone even when addressed - even when a keen eye might take note of the sturdy leather collars around their necks, reinforced by metal and with visible places to attach a leash. Some in the industrial district can be seen with these leashes, powerful chains to keep them attached to carts, to keep them from swimming down the river, from flying away and out of the black walls of the city. All Monsters present in the city are clothed, though it's the ones on the clearly decorative leashes with the more delicate collars that are the best dressed. They accompany humans throughout the city, the same placid blankness present much like their busier counterparts. These are the aristocrats and their so-called "Bonded," though implying the same tone one would take in Aefenglom here will net a deep set of disgust. Attempting to rouse these Monsters does very little, and may even result in them jerking away and cowering behind their human company. b. GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE At one end of the city is a massive pavilion, one made of the same stone as the wall, giving off the same oppressive foreboding. Humans come and go from this peculiar town square with a casual air, an intent the same as a stroll through the stalls on the market street. Because that's, essentially, what they're doing. Monsters young and old put on display to show their abilities and strengths, tasks that range from the physically demanding to performances of artistic abilities. Some seem to be just at the surface of awareness, their glazed expressions refocusing at times with a sort of strained fear that's visible even at a glance. Many don't even react outside of doing the tasks they're ordered to do, going through the motions as a barker speaks at length about them, their abilities, how much their labor goes for and what they cost. These Monsters are purchased by the humans of the city at each display, many of them never wearing more than their basic clothes and the customary collar, a chain to keep them tied to their station with a generous enough reach. Most come and go with very little struggle, but some... it becomes obvious that they've broken through the surface and are coming up for air for the first time in a long time. Wooden posts where the chains are connected can be heard splintering with the force of their struggle, metal bending under pressure, the anxious energy of something about to happen. But the fights never last long, as attendants wearing Coven pins on their cloaks swoop in to attend to the situation - and many dreamers might notice a familiar Witch filtering in and out of the events, speaking to the auctioneers before departing for another selling. It's difficult to recall their face later, no matter how clearly one saw it before, but one thing is certain: while not necessarily prim and proper, this person is someone with a steel spine and a sharp eye. And they saw you, just the same as you saw them. c. AT BECK AND CALL With enough observation, or perhaps even experience, it becomes apparently how this is happening: any command or order issued to a Monster is taken to the most literal, and Monsters have no choice but to obey. Many Monsters employed as workers are so deep in the compulsion that they won't obey any additional commands, unless it comes from the person they have this most warped "Bond" with. Others will accept commands from anyone, even the mirrorbound Witches that have come into their city. Even the most asinine command is one that they'd obey, and one that maybe even you'll obey, too. Having a friend playfully tell them to shut up? They're forced into silence until told that they can speak again. Told to jump off a bridge? Best make sure you specify that you don't want them to jump off of a very high one, if you really want them gone that badly. Handstands, cartwheels, jumping jacks - but also, hurting someone, hurting themselves... one has to hope the Monster in question has a strong willpower, or it's a command that goes against one that's already been issued to them. But something of note is that mirrorbound Monsters of Aefenglom will find that they're also effected by this, though they're better able to fight the compulsion. Those with weaker constitutions may need help snapping out of the command, especially as a powerful command will be painful to fight against, and Witches will have to watch their words. Take care that your friends, your peers, the strangers you've arrived with, don't find themselves attending the auction block - it's a very real possibility in this place, with an unknown Monster unattended and uncollared. It should all be harmless, though. After all, this is only a dream... isn't it? No NPCs are available for this log - unlike with the midsummer dream, they're nowhere to be seen. No Nessie, no Mhairi, no one. Which means that there's no one to counsel them as they find themselves exploring the setting, and discovering that they're just as susceptible as the people in the dream...

II. THE COVEN Unlike with Aefenglom, there isn't a proper Parliament. A little investigation will lead to the discovery that the Coven of this city is the main governing body, which may explain a great deal about why there's such a massive presence of magic here. Located at the center of town - all roads lead to the Coven, a massive stone building with sharp looking spires - the grounds are notable in that there's nothing even remotely similar to the Looking-Glass House that everyone has come to know, despite its secrets. Should one gain entry to the main building of the Coven itself, they'll find that all the mirrors are within. Their main focuses of magic, rather than the more broad spectrum/free-to-study policy that Miss Nessie encourages, are enchantment and abjuration - for control, primarily. They're also heavy studiers of runes, visible across the city and with an even heavier influence in the wards of the Coven itself. They are, regardless, fairly welcoming to eager young minds wanting to learn. So long as the Monsters are left behind. But who's to say that you can't disguise a Monster? a. STUDY TIME Those curious about the Coven's library are welcome to investigate it for themselves, the Witches all smiling faces as they usher their visitors in. But they'll soon find that they aren't really left to their own devices; a member of this Coven branch is practically around every corner, and while they try to be subtle about their observation it becomes quickly obvious that they're not there for their own studies. They're stationed around the library to ensure that their guests don't make off with any of their resources, or try to get into any forbidden sections of the expansive library. Where the Coven library of Aefenglom - as well as the Undermael College's library - plays devil's advocate, with accounts and studies conducted from both sides of the anti-Monster sentiment and attempt to expand upon outdated knowledge... these ones have a decidedly anti-Monster lean in every regard. Any attempts to find otherwise will be met with bemused amusement by the Coven members, and a note that they don't carry such things here. After all, they're certainly not Aefenglom. They would never carry anything that could put their citizens at risk in such a way. Nevermind those horrid Bonds that Bell goes on and on about - it's no wonder that they're always at odds with their government. If only they'd wisen up, hm? Perhaps these new arrivals would like to transfer to their branch, instead, to better guarantee their growth. b. THROUGH THESE HALLS If one manages to slip away from the library without having somebody tailing them, they'll soon discover that the chilled atmosphere doesn't simply linger in the city itself. The halls are cold, the runes unwelcoming unlike the homey feel that Nerissa Bell's charms offer. Certainly home isn't perfect - and there's no denying that the sentiment is shared by many - but the smiling faces of the Black City's branch are at odds with the feel of their magic, the caged in weight pressing down on everything, including your shoulders. The halls are dimly lit by flickering lights, enchanted lanterns with a constantly burning yellow-white fire. Plenty of nooks and dark corners afford even large Monsters the ability to sneak through the halls, should they be snuck in for better investigation with their peers. Take care, however; there are Witches coming and going constantly. An empty room might lead to a study, a classroom, a bedroom. Locked doors don't yield easily, even in a dream, and may need to be abandoned. But a terrible, foreboding feeling emanates from large double doors that are rigidly locked. Hushed voices speak from the other side, and it's almost like the cold feeling that spreads throughout the Coven itself finds its source behind those doors. Periodically, sounds of pain escape from within - but they die out to whimpers, then silence, before they can ever get too loud. A crisp voice speaks only one word, clear even through the wood and the magic: "Again."

III. THE DARK UNDERBELLY There's always more to a city than the streets that you can see at the surface level. If you're looking, it's not hard to spot the signs. There are runes that mark walls and cobblestone streets like graffiti, and a studied eye might realize that they're not the same sort that have subjugated the more monstrously inclined of the Black City. These are intended to dispel magic, and the moment that a member of the Coven notices it - it's swept up as soon as possible, scrubbed clean or scorched off with magic. People take to the streets in small groups, standing their ground and raising their voices above the muffled din of a foggy city. They carry chains and collars that have been broken, but many of them are undeniably human as they confront something that has so obviously become the norm. Break the chains! they demand. Break the spell! Monsters go missing from the auctions with a well-placed distraction - perhaps you're one of the individuals being freed from the pavilion, or someone that's realized that there are people coming and going through the crowds, wearing the same cloaks as the Coven but without their iconic pins, dressed as aristocracy, from all walks of life... smuggling the Monsters away at the first chance. a. PARTY TO PROTEST Not every uprising can be swept under the rug at first sign, however. Witches take to the streets, looking surprised to see the mirrorbound arrivals from Aefenglom - and it's not the same wariness that most would give them. This is the calculating eye of someone assessing whether the person they've met will help or hinder, and some of them decided that you're to be help. Enchanted slips of paper are pushed into hands, runes are taught as quickly as possible in a hushed whisper and explanation, locations given out to Witch and Monster alike with a word of caution. Use the paper on a surface, any surface, and you'll see. Use the runes to break the compulsion - you might have to do it twice, thrice, however many times it takes to dispel the magic. Don't be caught. Using the enchantment as instructed - pressing the paper against a wall, the ground, a post, anything - will result in glowing runes overtaking the surface. It's the same as the runes that are taught to Witches, used to ward against the magic in place just as much as it is to create a statement of protest. If one goes to a location that is whispered to them, they'll find that they've joined an organized protest. It's small in size, a mixture of Witches and unleashed Monsters. Due to the size and frequency it's easy enough to find them, but the guards are very quick in putting them down or hiding any traces of them from the public eye, despite the protesters' best attempts. There's nothing amiss in the city, and nothing for citizens to worry about. b. REST AND REGROUP But they can't find every source of the resistance. It isn't hard for dreamgoers to find themselves swept up by these protesters. Any help is welcome, and those that show an inclination towards helping the Monsters of the city - or their Monsters that they know, regardless people that shouldn't suffer this way - will be taken into the fold. Entrances to their secret routes can be found in places that are hidden in plain sight. A storefront tended to by a Monster with eyes in sharp clarity when they look up from their robotic work welcomes a group of people in and behind the counter, to where a hatch door is hidden in the floor. A manhole cover is pried up, where people are smuggled down below. A portal is prepared, a different and darker destination on the other side. They all lead to the same location. The sewers are vast beneath this city. Much like the labyrinth that many faced in the Midsummer nightmare, it almost seems winding, endless, and the water is cold when it's crossed. But even with the stank of the runoff, the musty and moldy air, there's never the sense of dread, of death. Instead, there are signs of when you're going the right way - runes that shimmer only when looking at them out of the corner of your eye, or when you know what to look for. Three stars together - sometimes overlapping, sometimes circling each other, but always three, and always five points. While they appreciate the help, the mirrorbound aren't invited in by the revolutionaries to the main hideout. But it becomes obvious by charm bracelets, necklaces, piercings, tattoos, embroidery and stitching on shirts; this symbol, and its presence, is integral to their world beneath the city. But many are welcome to mingle throughout their circle. In the sewers, the shops, the small park where a rune gives secret announcements to those who know where to look for it on the third bench, even the homes of people that certainly don't look like revolutionaries, let alone anyone that would be a protector.

Welcome to the Black City! As a reminder, this takes place on August 18th - or rather, 3AM on the August 19th, much like the midsummer nightmare. If you have any questions or need any clarifications, you can ask them here! And as always, while we do encourage you to use this log, you can feel free to thread things out on your own log or elsewhere. Characters are allowed to try and start fights in the city, create prompts based on the information given instead of using the ones given exactly, and poke their noses where they don't belong - we encourage it, actually. But regardless of what you choose, we hope you have a good time!

And as a final parting note: If a character dies in the dream, they'll simply reappear at the beginning rather than waking up like normal.

Comments

[oceanschild]

It is absolutely the worst time to ask this, but not because Paris is going to say no. More because Paris has weird intimacy issues out the wazoo and is sure she's just doing this because of where they are. (This is probably not a thing that should surprise her, given how lowly Paris seems to think of himself in pretty much any context; the current disdain from humans is not helping.)

"I--" Paris swallows, looking over her expression and reaching up to brush the tears from her eyes, "I... I would. You don't-- you don't have to. I-I'll be alright." He would absolutely not be alright, debatably very much isn't given how long he's been without a bond, luckily his instincts have just kicked into higher gear rather than going full feral. But he doesn't want her pressured into anything, even if it's the situation that's pressuring her.

[ishisstrength]

"No." She closed her eyes. "Stop thinking that."

Paris didn't have to say anything for her to know his thoughts. He was one of the few people in the city that Justine felt close too and she'd seen the way he constantly tore himself down. It was probably the only think about him that Justine hated. She didn't want him to think that he was worth so little when he was worth so much to her.

"I don't have to do anything." She opened her eyes and met his gaze. "I've wanted to ask you for a while. But there is always something. I wait for it to be over and calm and then there is something else again. I'm tired of waiting for things to stop Paris. I want to be there for you. Please let me."

[oceanschild]

Paris blinks at her, puzzled when she says that she'd wanted to ask him. He... had certainly thought about asking her. She was one of the few people here he genuinely trusted, and even though the bond back in the city was different from here, it's not like trust wouldn't be a crucial part of it. (Hell if these bonds were made more around trust he feels he'd like this place better.)

He bites his lip, searching her face just to make sure, because he's pretty sure he'd rather die than foist anything on her she did want. But after a moment, he tentatively nods. "...Alright. I-- I would... like it. A lot."

[ishisstrength]

"Then let's do it." Justine didn't know if they could. The dichotomy between witches and monsters were different in this dream world but that didn't matter. All they needed was the silver liquid handed out by the Coven. Even if they weren't supposed to Bond in this dream, Justine could get what they needed and they could do it anyway.

She pressed her lips against Paris's in a quick affectionate kiss. "And thank you. I hope- I hope I can help you. The way you've always helped me." She smiled and then gently took her hand in his.

"Let's go to the Coven. We'll get what we need and drink it by the ocean." Where they did most things, their own little heaven away from the crappy city.

[oceanschild]

Technically, that's an order, and Paris is compelled to obey, but with the nature of this and the fact that it's coming from Justine... he doesn't mind it so much, so the instinctual pull is just a pleasant hum rather than the painful push of defiance. "Ok," he says softly, taking her hand with a small smile, "Is it this way...?"

He doesn't know how it's going to work, if it'll still hold when they go back, but... he doesn't really care. They'll make it work, he's pretty sure.

[ishisstrength]

She hadn't meant to give him an order but Justine was eager and her words had run away with her. She took Paris's hand and lead him towards where she recalled the Coven standing last. "I think so." Her voice was hushed but excited.

They walked hand in hand but after a few steps Justine slid her fingers in between his. The witches walking by them cast disgusted looks their way but Justine didn't seem to notice or care.

It was only when they reached the coven that she gently released his hand. "Perhaps I should speak to them but... would it be alright if you stay near me?" She was a little too nervous about this world to let him out of her sight.

[oceanschild]

As they get closer to the Coven, Paris drifts closer to her until he's basically pressed up against her side. It's not entirely the disdainful looks he's getting that bothers him... but those certainly don't help. He just feels unwelcome when they reach the building, and he's pretty sure that's intentional.

"I'm not sure it's me you need to get approval from..." he says softly, eyeing the witches at the gate. They don't look like they want him anywhere in there.

[ishisstrength]

"They can't deny me... can they?" Justine suddenly felt uncertain as she turned to look at Paris. "I'm going to lie... I think that's best." She didn't want him to get hurt because of stubborn carelessness to prove a point. This wasn't a world that was built for change.

So Justine stepped forward, in a confident voice she asked to speak to a witch about receiving the silver Bonding liquid for her and her husband to be, another which who was currently putting in a full days work at the auction block. This seemed to explain a lot to the witches she spoke too though it didn't relieve the tension in the air. It was awkward and uncomfortable and Justine lied about pretty much everything before she had the potion in hand so that they could make their great escape to the beach.

[oceanschild]

"I don't... think they can? But I don't think they want me anywhere near it." The Coven has been pretty clear here that monsters are not welcome, after all.

He lingers behind Justine, and the fact that he almost hides behind her actually works in their favor; belatedly he realizes that a lot of monsters did that when confronted with new people, here, so perhaps it looks like he really does belong here. When Justine gets the potion, though, he'll happily follow after her, if only to get away from these witches. As soon as they're far enough away, he'll cling to her hand again.

[ishisstrength]

Justine took his hand once they were a safe distance away. The Bond ritual is usually done with a witness but that only means that they might need to do it again. Justine was fine with that. As long as Paris was with her.

She guided him towards the beach; where he'd taught her to swim, where they had made love the first time, a place that belonged only to them.

With the ocean as their witness...

"Are you ready?"

[oceanschild]

Paris follows her down, sticking close to her the whole way, but at first it's out of fear of their surroundings and later it's... just because he wants to.

He smiles at her, squeezing her hand and nodding as they stand by the shore, hearing the crash of the waves. "Yes. I'm ready."

[ishisstrength]

Justine lifted the bottle of silver liquid up for him to see. "I promise to protect you Paris. As much as I can, I can't give you my heart... but I hope to give you everything else." She stepped forward and pressed her lips lightly to his before drinking half of the silver tasteless liquid.

She held out the bottle to him, her dark gaze confident and sure.

[oceanschild]

Paris takes the little bottle, feeling a weird sort of anxiety. Nothing that would make him regret this or anything, just-- hoping that he's worth it. "I--" He pauses, suspecting 'I don't want to be a burden' will not go over well with her. "I... want you to be happy. S-so I'll try and help. However I can..."

And then he downs the rest of the vial.

[ishisstrength]

Justine waited until the bottle was empty before pulling Paris flush against her. "Then find what makes you happy too." She whispered against his cheek, forgetting briefly that within the dreams orders were more than just polite suggestions. "That will make me happy but being near you, knowing I can support you. That already makes me happy."

She can't describe it but maybe... out of everyone... Paris would understand.

[oceanschild]

Luckily, that order is not so immediate that Paris wants to go find out what would make him happy right this second, but it does linger with him in a way that it wouldn't normally. He would have dismissed it, still put her happiness before his at any cost. Which he might continue to do once they're out of here, but... he'll at least think about it.

"Being near you makes me happy too," he says softly, giving her a little smile. He does, at least, know that much.

[ishisstrength]

"Good. Then lets stay close."

She pressed a kiss to his lips feeling their Bond strengthen the way it had the first time they were on the beach together. Justine was surprised that it wasn't some how diminished by the dream but maybe it was because they'd already been connected, deeper than a simple bond.

[oceanschild]

Paris smiles as he leans into the kiss, feeling the tender pull between them as the Bond really locks into place. It feels... right, and there's that little tinge in there of her feelings, and it at least comforts him that they feel the same.

[ishisstrength]

"Do you know how to solidify bonds?" Her voice was soft and husky as she spoke against his mouth.

"Touching."

[oceanschild]

Paris flushes, looking down into her eyes. "I think... we'll be able to manage that," he says, his voice even managing to be a little flirty. He's much more comfortable with Justine than most people... and he wouldn't mind any orders she might choose to give him now.

[ishisstrength]

Justine didn't speak. She didn't want the orders and rules of this world to affect what she hoped to happen next. If it had been any other situation, she would have. She knew how much Paris loved being told what to do but she never wanted to force anyone into anything.

"Good."

She slid her fingers down the front of his shirt and then began to lift it over his head.

[oceanschild]

This is probably not the time or the place for this, but Paris is about the last person who would ever object. He's as pliant as always, letting her pull the shirt off of him and immediately melting against her when he has the chance. All he wants to do is curl up with her and stay close.

His hands slide around her waist, pushing the fabric away from her body.

[ishisstrength]

Justine smiled against his kiss, placing her heart and her trust in his hands. It's a big step for her, one that she couldn't imagine doing before her arrival to this city but the people here had lowered her guard. She knew Paris like she knew herself and he didn't ask for more than she could offer him. Their relationship was strange both physical and emotionally bonded as they were but it was also simple. He was life family, a family she'd never known and always yearned for. She knew that he'd be there for her, giving her strength whenever she felt like she had none and in return, she wanted to be there for him.

That made it easy to fall into the warmth of his mouth and the promised heat of his touch. It was an escape, a brief one, but one that would guide them both through the tension she felt mounting in the air of the city. Dream or not. Something was happening and it would be these Bonds that got her through it.

Her fingers danced over his skin and a pleading whine echoed from lips her as his hands glided over her bare skin. Clothes dotted the ground enough for Justine to lead Paris down onto them, pushing the remaining offending fabric out of their way. Piece by piece they were bared and through each touch of electricity Justine felt their Bond strengthening.

did we warn for sex i don't remember, anyway sex is happening

[oceanschild]

Paris follows down to the ground, his hands forever worshipful on her body, pressing against every one of her curves in an attempt to please her. He doesn't quite know what they are to each other, because he's never had anyone like her- a friend, a lover, someone he can rely on and is learning that it's ok to ask things of. He still has kind of a long way to go on that front, to feeling truly comfortable to express his desires, but... he's getting there, with her.

He presses his mouth down her neck to her chest, his lips dusting over the curve of her breasts, a few times the kisses turning more forceful to spark sensation her. Honestly, he'd probably be happy to do this forever.

yes sex!

[ishisstrength]

Justine shivered as his mouth broke away from hers and began to trail down her lovely frame. She'd forgotten about the monsters, the auction, the compulsion or the tension in the city and could only focus on Paris. "Your mouth feels amazing." She gasped the words, running her fingers through his hair as she laid down on her back.

It felt as if he was worshiping her body, giving it the affection and attention it desired, and she wanted it. She wanted to be the center of his world even if it would only last for this moment.

"I want you." Justine groaned softly, her body warming beneath his touch. She ached for him and she didn't know how long she'd last before she demanded to have him.

[oceanschild]

Paris doesn't speak, for the simple reason that if his mouth is pleasing her then he doesn't want to take it away from her. He smiles against her body, though, hands giving her a little squeeze of acknowledgement as he moves down.

He tongues playfully at her belly button, just teasing there for the moment before he moves further, hands sliding to her thighs and his mouth finding her folds. He's a bit self conscious about his hands, some of the times, since they're covered in scales, but with her he knows it doesn't matter. Instead, he focuses on her, trying to work as much pleasure through her as he can.