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

ozymandias | witch | ota

[fulgency]

i. arrival

[Ozymandias already was not one for the aesthetics of Aefenglom, but this city...]

[Even with the artificial, magitech light here, it seems so very dark and cold here. Reflective of the hearts of the people occupying this city if the looks they give Ozymandias and the other mirrorbound are any indication. Whereas the natives certainly had their array of reactions, these people are uniform in their wary glances, their unwillingness to engage in more than just a few seconds of conversation. The latter feels most unusual to Ozymandias; there's very few he cannot manage to hold a conversation with normally.]

[Although it does not take long for him to notice the Monsters, it is not until he accidentally collides with one -- to which he reacts with a snappish watch where you're going -- that he notices the leashes and collars. It's the person holding the other end of the leash that reacts rather than the Monster in question, but Ozymandias ignores it, too distracted by the strange new accessories all the monsters appear to be wearing.]

Are they all like this?

[He's asking no one in particular, but anyone is free to answer.]

ii. for those otherwise left behind

[It's incomprehensible why any Monster would want to enter the Coven. As with all these dreams, death is the least of their concerns when it comes to consequences, but it is for that reason it seems so very important that they do. Ozymandias cannot fault them for it. Unknown Monsters to him won't receive his company, he decides, but he will offer any who seek it a small amount of aid.]

[He doesn't have access to this level of magic normally in the waking world, but within the dream his will is more than sufficient to make whatever magic he so desires. And so with one spell done -- a glamour to return the Monsters seemingly to their human forms (or providing them with false one if such a thing never existed) -- he manifests one more.]

[It is a rock made from nothing. A rock with markings that some may recognize as Egyptian hieroglyphs. The real savvy will know it to be his name.]

[He passes it to them.]

Keep this on your person. [Ozymandias sighs. This compulsion business is getting...obnoxious. How can one provide instructions with clarity like this? Ridiculous. Regardless of whether the Monster has the wherewithal not to fall prey to the compulsion, he corrects himself,] What I mean to say is that I'm advising you to keep it on your person. If someone suspects what you are and attempts to dispel the illusion, there is a contingency spell. It will buy you time.

[One get out of jail free card. Enough to wipe the memory of the Witch trying to prove their identity long enough for a quick escape.]

iii. wildcard

((second prompt is obviously fairly geared towards monsters, but any fellow witches are free to riff of that as they see fit if they want to! if these prompts, however, are not catching your interest, feel free to do your own thing. ozy will not be intentionally compelling monsters to do anything, however, so be mindful of that! he's also generally down for snooping around the library, but may be a little more reserved about direct Revolution shenanigans. i'm also open to writing any closed starters for folks if anybody's interested, regardless of whether we plotted anything prior or not. any questions or if you wanna spitball, feel free to PM or hmu on rebreather!))

ii

[oceanschild]

[Paris is a little wary of anyone he doesn't know right now- which, considering his very obvious merrow traits, is probably understandable, though the lack of collar likely makes it obvious he's a mirrorbound. Still, when Ozymandias gives him the rock and tells him to keep it on him, he can't do much but react automatically.

He blinks when the man corrects himself, makes it not an order, and he relaxes, now actually looking down at the rock curiously.] Ah, um... t-thank you. What does it do...?

[fulgency]

If someone has the intention of dispelling the glamour, the rock will break and a memory spell will be activated.

[Hence why it needs to stay with Paris. If it's not, the spell will never activate and the glamour may not hold up against someone attempting to dispel it.]

The memory spell should alter their memories enough that you will have an opportunity to escape, but you should-- [Ozymandias catches himself again, making a slight face. He's very careful with his next words.] I would advise being quick about any escape. It will not prevent them from becoming suspicious again.

[oceanschild]

[Glamour-- oh, he means like an illusion. Paris nods, slipping the rock into his pocket.]

I... thank you. [Both for the rock, and the obvious attempts to not order him around. That's been hard to find around here.] ...You're not from here either, are you?

[fulgency]

Of course not, [Ozymandias says, scoffing lightly.] Someone like me could never tolerate such a dark and cold place.

[oceanschild]

[Paris can't help but smile a little; that's not his major complaint with the place, though he agrees, but still.] Were you, um. In Aefenglom too, then?

ii

[integrous]

[ Asahi spent what feels like ages trying to decide on whether to sneak in or not. On the one hand, everything about the very thought of doing that is absolutely terrifying. Judging by how the monsters are treated here, she doesn't even want to think what would happen if someone would spot her here.

But on the other hand.. it seems like the best place to find some information. Even if this is all a dream, who's to say there isn't at least something relevant to be gained from it? Surely there must be some point to all this misery.

Sneaking in is pretty hard though when the dream has given her a huge pair of wings, and even when covered up with a cape they kind of stick out. Ozymandias just happening to be there too and casting the glamour is a literal life-saver, to the point that Asahi looks at him with wide, big eyes as she catches the rock. ]

.. Thanks. [ Suddenly she feels really dumb for trying to sneak in with just her cape not-really-a-disguise just now. This is so much better. It shows in her facial expression - it's a little awkward. ] I didn't expect to see you again here.

[fulgency]

[While true that it was perhaps not the best plan -- her wings were far too obvious even while covered -- at least she had put some thought into it and devised a plan at all. What gives him reason not to say anything, however, is the expression on her face. It seems plain to him that she would much rather focus on... Well, almost literally anything else. He's willing to grant that to her if nothing else.]

Why is that?

[integrous]

[ She starts almost pouting a little bit, the bridge of her nose scrunching up. ]

Well, as you can see, I was kind of hoping to not run into anyone. [ Because she's super duper nervous about this whole sneaking in deal. That kind of stuff usually gets Asahi nervous already, but there's a lot at stake here when this world is so utterly crazy. Who knows what they'd do with her if they caught her. ]

Were you going to go in there?

[ He doesn't seem to have any monster traits as far as she can see, so it wouldn't be too strange if that's what he was here to do. ]

[fulgency]

[He nods a little.]

Eventually. I am admittedly not one for subterfuge, [both by virtue of being the wrong Servant class for that kind of work and the simple fact that Ozymandias tends to draw a lot of attention to himself no matter where he goes,] but I believe this time the qualities I possess will be to my advantage in not arousing suspicion.

[There's an element of faking it until you make it, but there's also very few who could act the part of a haughty Witch than... well, a haughty pharaoh.]

You may wish to adopt a similar approach. [He crinkles his nose a little.] The way you're behaving now will surely draw attention.

[integrous]

W.. What do you mean? What's so weird about the way I'm behaving?!

[ It sounds defensive rather than angry. Sure, she can see why he's not exactly the subterfuge type, since his ego seems to be.. well, rather large. But she's really trying hard to not draw attention for once, okay!

It's just hard when you have Asahi's kind of personality. And suddenly two huge wings. ]

1!

[futhark]

[ There is someone to answer. Not with a hushed whisper but with normal speaking voice. If someone has problem with that, they can bring it to him. ]

Seems so. They're not thralls brought from raids. [ Its another kind of defeat, different way of breaking spirit ] That's how entire city works.

[ When he does lower voice it's for different reason altogether ]

There are Monsters among mirrorbound. [ Unlikely they will be treated as guests ]

[fulgency]

I am well aware.

[Ozymandias doesn't speak in a hushed tone questionable tbh if he even knows what that is, but seems to be addressing both what was plainly said for both anyone as well as for him alone. Ozymandias resumes walking with the assumption that he will be followed.]

It seems we must find means of adapting to this city.

[futhark]

[ If they keep standing for too long they could attract attention, Caster follows according to expectations. ]

Or find out the most we can about it. [ Riddles everywhere. But those are not the kind of riddles he and Emer enjoyed. Quite on the opposite.

Caster points at the runes written on the wall, another one in the distance. ] I've studied the runes, and I bet these are all around the city. Enchantment works incredibly well with other schools, you know?

[ But these are not wards, that much he can say. Funny, he was asked to ponder what someone could do with Enchantment and Abjuration in that suspicious cave. ]

[fulgency]

[Where Caster points, Ozymandias looks. The runes genuinely mean very little to him as Enchantment hasn't been of particular interest to him. But even with significantly more limited knowledge with that class of magic, what Caster suggests makes sense easily to Ozymandias. He nods.]

It seems to have been put into strong practice here.

[futhark]

Here, it's Abjuration magic being weaved into these walls. But there is a twist on how it protects— [ Because Abjuration isn't just about protection, far from it. Binding, suppressing, banishing. Denying, either damage or free will.

His hand drops and he looks at the dark sky ]

If either of these schools is your thing, then I guess it could be good place to expand on knowledge. [ A shrug. The suggestion is half-hearted at best. ]

i

[beariot]

Every one I've seen is. They don't even consider them human in any way.

[ Chariot's voice wasn't far off, stepping closer, and the tone carried with it a weight that felt exhausted and anguished at the same time, as if at any moment she'd begin to weep. When she closed the distance between herself and Ramesses, she was quick to cling to him, gripping at his shoulder with a trembling hand. ]

I can't... I can't find them...

[ Her bonded. She'd lost them within the dream. ]

[fulgency]

[Ramesses is not bonded to Chariot by Aefenglom's definition, but the connection they've forged with one another leaves him struck by the tone of her voice. He has heard her when she is feeling small and weak, heard her fear and guilt, but this is different. This is something much deeper than that, something that he believes is both due to who Chariot is as a person as well as the intimacy of her bonds with both of her bonded.]

[As always, when she begins to cling to him, Ramesses wraps a firm arm around Chariot. It feels so important now more than ever, and it only takes a moment before he realizes it's because he is otherwise unable to provide her with much else to take away these feelings that give her hand reason to tremble. He holds her to him, allowing her this moment of respite.]

Easy... [he murmurs.] So long as you remain bonded, they cannot and will not be lost to you.

[beariot]

[ She had hoped it would help more, help focus her mind and bring her back into the moment, to not be so lost in her ache and worry, but for once, Ramesses' arms seemed to offer only so much in their warmth. She was grateful for it, all the same, and it did help some, but she couldn't help still shaking, feeling glimpses of the pain and fear and anger Fang and Kaede were feeling elsewhere in the city. ]

I can feel them... but I can't pinpoint where they are. I just know they're suffering, and I... [ She felt powerless to stop it. What was one witch against a system like this? ]

[fulgency]

[It's a terrible thing to feel helpless and powerless. Especially when it is in the face of the suffering of someone you care for deeply, never mind with the influence of a bond making it that much more intense and vivid. Not much can necessarily ease that feeling, at least not externally. It's a challenge that must be surmounted with one's own strength one way or another.]

You can't give in to that feeling of despair, Chariot. Not now. [He rubs gentle circles on her back.] You can't stop what's already happened, but you will find them and you will protect them.

i. ...ish?

[silentsavant]

[Hushed comments and sidelong stares herald his presence to Ozymandias's awareness before he does. Dragon. A dragon? It's black... No collar...?

Surely enough, a long-haired boy of mean size with a crown of horns and red-black membranous wings shuffles through the streets, keeping his head down and his eyes away in a show of submissiveness — but not enough to be remiss in vigilance. He, too, seems wary of everyone as much as they do him. He keeps his arms crossed and his body tight, as though it might possibly serve to make him less noticeable. But no matter where he goes, he manages to attract the same bewildered attention. They may not be attacking him, but it's only a matter of time before someone gets a notion in their head to do something about this untethered legendary creature.

But then, his flitting gaze manages to land on someone with a different look in their eyes, someone out of place, like him. A mirrorbound. A witch... or so he can sense. Finding him brings relief. But interacting with him is sure to swallow him in the unwanted spotlight that follows the dragon wherever he goes. He's learned by now that a normal witch shouldn't be treating a monster with much respect at all, even so much as holding a simple conversation that doesn't constitute bossing them around or treating them like a passive pet. They're nothing but slaves.

The brief look he exchanges carries the weight of this meaning. It isn't glazed over like the rest of the monsters. But it communicates the pain that comes with being one here. Then, he trudges off, rounding the corner into a less crowded byway. To everyone else, he murmurs all but four clear words of warding, as politely as possible.]

I'm but a chimera.

[Whether he chooses to follow him is his own prerogative, one Soren won't force. But hopefully, he's answered his question. ]

[fulgency]

[It's less Soren's words or really even his appearance that catches Ozymandias' attention so much as it is the surrounding reaction to him. It's not all that uncommon for the newest group of mirrorbound to react this way to the transformed Monsters -- though their fear and dread is rooted in self-interested concerns that they may look the same someday soon -- but natives to Aefenglom pay little mind to the Monsters. Even the business owners who refuse to provide services to them don't feel the need to comment nearly as much.]

[So, Ozymandias allows him to pass by for a moment, watching where he goes before choosing to follow.]

What did you say?

[silentsavant]

[It's a little annoying to have to repeat himself, but he goes ahead anyway. It could bear repeating: new people have taken to staring.]

I'm a chimera. Nothing more.

[He's absolutely not. But considering how rare dragons are supposed to be, it satisfies most of them in spite of the long reptilian tail, the scales, the batlike wings; seeing a chimera is an everyday occurrence and far more credible. Anybody left staring is only wary about a monster without a leash, handler, or a job to preoccupy it with. Soren keeps walking, glad that up ahead, there are even less citizens flocking together. He remains slow, permitting Ozymandias to catch up to his side rather than make any attempt to leave him behind. Having a witch from Aefenglom feels a lot safer than being alone. When he speaks again, it's quieter.]

This place is less hospitable than the burning forest was, if you care for my opinion.

[fulgency]

[Yeah, Ozymandias doesn't really buy that he's a chimera. He lives with two dragons; he knows what's what. But he supposes he can understand the reluctance in wanting to own that with the way everyone he's passed seems to take notice be it through a hushed whisper or a prolonged stare.]

I'm not sure they would share in your opinion. ['They' meaning, of course, the natives to this city.] I can't imagine that this is anything new for them.

[silentsavant]

It's inhospitable to outsiders like us, certainly. Even a witch such as yourself seems out-of-place.

[Of course, they're dreamers, and by that mark alone they're set apart. Lone passersby on the streets march past, concealing their stares and double-takes. Fog chokes out the sun, mutes daylight, lampposts serving as a more reliable source of lighting as though they're locked in some shade of perpetual twilight. They pass by doors reinforced by thick chains and padlocks, windows boarded up.]

But there's a pervading sense of guardedness, thick as the fog. Paranoia. These people live in fear, whether we're here or not.