☆ Event: A Tale of Two Cities

[faileas]

Event Log: September, A Tale of Two Cities

I. THE TRIP OUT On Septeril 5th, those who've agreed to go as dignitaries to Dorchacht will meet with Nerissa Bell in the Coven's foyer. Given the group is a little large, and the boat they've procured for the voyage would be a little crowded with all of them on it, she suggests there be two groups: the first one will go now and will return around the middle of the month, while the second will depart a few days after the first group returns, just to give them some breathing room. a. DIGNITARY: THE SHIP Those joining Nessie are led to the docks, where an old ship is being scrapped down, barnacles removed and hull shined to perfection. Sailors call to and fro from on board, buckets of water thrown off the side away from the docks and there's a tingle of nervous excitement from the gathering crowds come to wish the dignitaries and ambassadors a bon voyage. She's of a medium size, able to hold her crew and half of the assigned dignitaries with little trouble, and from top to bottom the moose-like Faun of a captain calls her a seaborn miracle; short of a sea wyrm, she's never faltered nor fled the waves, but he'll admit that she's been more a fishing boat than anything the past couple years. Judging from the way his tuffed tail lashes in excitement, he's thrilled to be out on a real voyage again -- even if it's to those notoriously unfriendly blokes 'round the corner of the map, haven't been in decades time and they've always been up their own arses about this and that. While dignitaries are supposed to relax the best they can on the four day trip, the captain doesn't seem to mind offering work to those interested in learning the way of the sea or with the know-how already, eagerly asking the Mirrorbound about their experiences beyond the glass... much more than he is about talking about himself outside of his ship, who he loves a great deal and sings the praises of up and down the hour, through sea shanty and spoken word. His large antlers don't seem to get in the way of his work nor bar him from getting in and out his quarters, but watch out! They are large and they do hurt. All's not well going to and from Dorchacht, though, as while the waters are safer than the land by far, there's plenty of dangers within the deep: Infected Merrow swim in the shallows, singing sweetly from rocks that jut out at the shore, and some more adventurous ones try their luck closer to the boat too. The captain's Navigator, a Witch with just as rowdy an attitude if more polite a tone, can manage a deafening spell on the ship to keep any from falling seaward, but asks that those who can to rid the ship of those terrible pests, whether by cannon, magic, or something else similarly ranged. Oh, it'd be perfectly alright if they killed them, plenty of them out here in the sea and growing ever more, but if they simply want to scare them off then by all means! There's also all manner of sea beasts as well, from krakens on the smaller side to the mentioned sea wyrms earlier, though the captain'll say that they're just babies compared to the mother he'd faced last year -- still troublesome little bastards, best put down before they're drowned themselves, but nothing to turn tail at. Outside of these... troubles... there's disorderly sailors of Monster and Witch alike, the former being compromised primarily of Turnskin and Faun for heavy lifting, with a Harpy in the crow's nest to help with speed, and the latter being those specializing in Divination and Astrology for directions, as well as some elemental manipulation from the Evocation course. Unlike the proper Coven trained, they seem like they're a little more unconventional with their magics, using "shortcuts" and combining spells to great effect. When they're not on the clock as it were they enjoy a great deal of ale, howling stories and song, pushing each other around whilst the journey's bright and startlingly serious when things turn south. Be careful you don't get in a fight, or perhaps you'd like to show your stuff in a little competition: They're willing to do anything to pass the time. b. ESPIONAGE: THE DEVICE Upon hearing that there are some who would be interested in investigating the device that Mhairi mentioned, a young Witch opens up the room it's being stored in now to allow them a chance to check it out. They warn that it isn't particularly cooperative, but maybe those with some knowledge of magitech - or their world's equivalent - might be able to help? While not exactly the largest device around, it's one that stands out. Something resembling a Tesla coil stands atop the piece of tech, tall enough to almost reach the ceiling of the rather tall room, and various dials and knobs and gauges adorn the outside of it. Those who are perceptive to magic - training in detection spells, or who have a good sense for it, or even a sixth sense for something poised to happen - will be able to note that there's a sort of... presence in the room. It continues to build up, the more people that come in to investigate. Anyone that tinkers with it, has active magitech on their person, or even uses magic in it, only help to build the sensation. And then, when enough Mirrorbound of both the Witch and Monster persuasion are in the room - A whirring noise fills the room, as the device comes to life. There isn't any time to vacate the room, because whether it was an intentional thing to activate the teleporter or not, it's activated. The intention of using it for travel to Dorchacht remains embedded in it, and from one moment to the next, the group in the room find themselves not in the Coven, but in the midst of trees. All around you is the forest just beneath the cliffs outside of Dorchacht. In the distance, if one looks hard enough, they might be able to spot the Black City itself. Besides the storage room of the Coven vanishing in a flash of light and electricity, the device is absent, too. Some of its smaller parts can be found scattered in the craggy grass at your feet, in the roots of trees, as if it completely fell apart the moment that the magic was activated. Whatever you had on your person, when you left? It's all that you have, now. And there's no way back from here. (Notes: Some small reminders - the boats take 2 days to reach Dorchacht, meaning they take 2 days to come back as well, and the teleportation device used by the espionage team is a one-time use only. The espionage team will be able to return to Aefenglom at the end of the month courtesy of some inside help, using a similar device that managed to bring them there in the first place. The Watches can be used on the ship, but are prone to static and dropping calls. Communication is possible from Dorchacht, though voice and video both feel a little muffled.)

II. DORCHACHT It's déjà vu. 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. Those from Aefenglom may recognize familiar faces, and they might find themselves looking twice at you, as if some part of them remembers you as well. Something seems... off, however. There are fewer Monsters in the streets than there were in the dream, though it isn't too hard to catch a glimpse of one here and there. The streets even seem a little more cleaned up than they once were, as one makes their way down them. At the heart of the city, dignitaries will be brought to the Coven. There, they're greeted by a slender and elegant woman, eyes bright and clever, but just as sharp as the red-lined smile that she offers her visitors. "Nerissa Bell," she begins, tone polite if clipped. There's the sense of a woman who won't waste words from her person, and she turns her eyes towards the dignitaries. "You must be the charges she spoke of. Mirrorbound, they call you?" A shallow inclination of her head, barely called respectful, as she smiles wider, in a way that would be kind if knives were made to be dull. "A pleasure. I am Morgana Drummond, head of the Coven here, and I welcome you to my city of Dorchacht, the safest haven against the Cwyld across all of our poor Geardagas." a. THE COVEN Morgana Drummond gives them a quick tour of their facilities, speaking lightly of the curriculum they have here that differs from Aefenglom's own (more of a focus in manipulation spells, be it the sort of commands that have become such a familiar sight to things such as perception and "paths" that can be seen through scrying, the other areas of practice more of "extra" than essentials) as well as allowing them to peek in on some lessons taking place. They won't be able to interact, but it is admittedly of a higher feel than what Aefenglom asks, though it's simply the seriousness of the atmosphere giving that impression. After showing them to where they'll be staying within the Coven's hospitality as well as mentioning the areas of their infirmary, library, and welcoming the Witches to try a hand at their lessons, she and Nerissa part from the characters as a whole to discuss the business of the month. There is a notable increase in guards, both around Morgana's person even within the Coven's walls, as well as the building itself. They seem to be in the business of keeping people on a kind of "railroaded" layout of the Coven building, but can be distracted for a quick peek -- the real help comes from those with triple stars hidden in plain sight, beneath the brims of hats and worn as idly jewelry and easily missed charms. These sympathizers will actively seek those out to speak with them, to let them know that even here there are those that would like to see change brought to Dorchacht, and assist in entering places that Mirrorbound otherwise would not be able to enter. Such as the library here, which contain higher level spells including the enchantments specific to the city walls. The history is just as muddled as it is in the later mentioned public library, the "when"s being vague and the like, but depicts Drummond's rise as the head of the Coven: She came to Dorchacht on a ship hailing from Aefenglom along with a number of other Witches and rose above the rest to become the esteemed leader she is now. Without her, many of the text will agree, Dorchacht would not be as it is now. Those with any notable signs of infection may be asked to step aside and allow Dorchacht's Witches to give them a check up -- better safe than sorry -- and this goes for Witches and Monsters alike. They'll be brought to the double doors that were so heavily secure within the dream, whether they'd like to be or not, and escorted inside. b. THE CITY Unlike the dream, things seem to be more... well-behaved. Auctions have been moved from the pavilion and in its place are genuine vendors to purchase from: Food, clothing, toys, trinkets, protective spell scrolls, all manners of things. There's still Monsters around, a little more tidy than before, but they hold the same stares they had in the dream, pinched expression and disinterested in conversation. There are signs that lead way to auctions if one is truly curious to see the extent of that terror, to gain insight on the situation there, but tailing someone might be hard within the twisting turns of the new bazaar. Another notable part of the city that can be accessed by those dealing in espionage include the barracks if they pose as hopefuls to join their ranks as handlers for their Monsters, which are collared in a familiar way to the dream, and seem reactionary to quick movements -- they're explained to be the essential frontline of what constitutes as a military force, very important, Mirrorbound Monsters beware you not suffer the same fate. The next place one might seek out is the library: While this is all deemed public knowledge, it offers insight into the kind of history and mindset that's been bred the past decade at minimum. Books regarding the dangers of Monsters, how to care and train them, practical spellbooks for those untrained by the Coven proper... The history books themselves are vague in regards to the "when" of things, and seem to be more contemporary in comparison to how old the city feels itself. There's a variety of more cultural knowledge such a cookbooks (including those dealing with monster parts) and floriography (more dour meanings compared to Aefenglom's flurous), but the relevant ones have been noted thusly. c. THE RESISTANCE Whether you're espionage or dignitary, those seeking the Resistance know what to look for: a trio of stars (some worn more openly than others), protests against the city's treatment of Monsters, and dispelling runes on the walls. Once proven that you're friend over foe, they're more than happy to have the assistance of any Mirrorbound in their company: A fight against the current practices is a fight they're for, after all. Riot! Disrupt the peace! The auctions, while a little more downplayed than in the dream, are still going, and the Resistance has good word on where they're being held in the grand city. Their goal? To cause a disturbance big enough to distract, but not big enough to catch Drummond's eye... that said, with her having to play the nice host to Aefenglom's associates within the main building, there's more to get away with. Free the Monsters! Whilst distracted, other members of the Resistance plan to dispel the runes in certain areas and smuggle off what Monsters they can, valuing quantity over quality. While the more mind-broken may resist heavily, it won't be hard to find Monsters of all kinds (save Dragons and Fae, which are notably absent from the auctions and city in general) accepting help to escape, eager to think for themselves once more. Find a way for them to escape the city safely, but know that the docks are heavily guarded in case of stowaways. Free the city! Kind of. A third party of Resistance members are looking to weaken the enchantment on the wall of Dorchacht itself, meaning they'll be looking for those brave enough to tread outside the city and into the Wilde just beyond its protective gates to take a look at and inscribe runes to hopefully diminish the compulsion in place right now. It won't be immediate, but it'll help in the future... just be careful, there's plenty of danger beyond the wall to contend with. As an interesting note, while the Resistances' bonded pairs are definitely unlike Dorchacht's compulsion-based ones, they're not exactly like Aefenglom's either: They call themselves comrades and partners, brothers/sisters in arms, giving it more of an equality forged from the same brass than something to do with convenience. (Notes: Those being willing, or unwilling, participants in the check-ups may reply to the top level there with how visibly infected they are for a special treat! Only for this month.)

III. AEFENGLOM Preparations for Meán Fómhair begin before Nerissa and the dignitaries head off on the 5th, but they seem a little quick even for the ever-festive people of Aefenglom: Apples begin the appear in great quantities to be used for later, some yellowed versus the red ripeness one thinks of when they're ready, there's hay bales tucked safely away for the days of, and there's little conversation to be made save for how things might be going in Dorchacht, though if any of the Mirrorbound try to join in they'll change the subject to Meán Fómhair in a split second, smiles thrown wider than the weeks before. Seems all is not quite as well as they'd like to appear. a. MARKET UP With the Parliament tense and looking westward, there starts to be gradual, but steady, increases in new appearances from some interesting individuals about the city. At face value they're no different than the vendors already found in great quantities, human and Monster alike, but one look at their wares proves different. The goblin market, as it's familiarly called, is somewhat accepted by the Parliament as something allowed to exist as part of their mercantile culture with Coven-approved medicines, alchemical practices, enchantments, so on and so forth, and only somewhat thanks to these known wares. Beneath these, with a dropped word or a curious eye, one can find things that are more than likely not sanctioned by either branch, things the vendors say can sate Monster and Witch alike without need of a Bond, though they decline to include the fact that such things are only temporary and that, like all hits, they'll need to come back for a greater quantity to get the satisfaction they need. Overpriced as they are (due to their private nature, it's high risk, surely they understand), they sell Monster parts of most kinds, Witch's Blood that may or may not be genuine, and what they call "extra strength" potions to mimic the feeling of a temporary bond without needing a second person to partake -- of course, you're welcome to share it, the more the merrier. However, this market hides a darker side, known more to those living among the aristocracy or who have the money and means to it, and characters are more likely to find themselves led there one way or another -- be it kidnapped or tricked, the black market isn't picky about how they drag their targets in. While Aefenglom prides itself in its fairness and equality, as in example with the goblin market not all is what it promises. Nowhere else is this more true than with the black market itself, using techniques familiar in Dorchacht to control their living wares, emboldened by the absence and turned heads of the government while remaining as discreet as they can be, they've ascended from the tunnels beneath Aefenglom to turn old houses into private auctions and the more deserted streets into bazaar-like adventures. Not all of these are unwilling wares, characters may find, and drawn by necessity for their own well-being or for their family's, but it's clear that a greater number are those from the Outer City. b. PROPAVANDALS Unbeknownst to Aefenglom's higher ups, Dorchacht has sympathizers of its own within this city's walls. While Bonds haven't been specifically dissuaded against, given that there's alternatives to the more permanent tethers, not all are in favor of changing completely. It's been ten years since Miss Bell gained her seating, such citizens'll say, and there's been decades prior where they hadn't needed that. That Monsterkind and Witches could be, and sometimes were better off, apart. Home remedies and extra practice, or finding a substitute, was all that was needed. More privately and growing in whispered popularity, that there ought to be more restrictions on the two in general. Once these words have started, both conversations planted as well as encouraged for thoughts already leaning a certain way, small attacks on those Bonded being to occur. They target the main populace and those with connections to the Coven itself, especially the Mirrorbound given Nerissa's alleged responsibility to them, and it seems they're well-practiced in hiding their activities because all investigations done towards the perpetrators, whether done by the Mirrorbound or officials themselves, will lead to only dead-ends outside the City. The culprits are hard to catch on foot, using the environment they'd grown up with to their advantage in escaping any manner of way -- it isn't just humans, but Monsters causing trouble as well -- but it isn't impossible... Just that they refuse anything but their right of silence on the accusations, claiming they'd had no part in anything, regardless of what proof might be found. The attacks and vandalism itself range from harmful messages appearing with magic on walls and doors, vaguely threatening letters written in ink that evaporates in sunlight, to fruit thrown and possessions left in tatters after breaking and entering. They don't stop at residential houses either, aiming for businesses held by those with any connection to the Coven, held by those with Bonds, and seek to cause any number of annoyance and distaste to those they attack. If it weren't for their Bonds, their Coven connections, they wouldn't be treated this way. That's the message they seek to send. c. UNEASY FESTIVITIES Come Septeril 21st, and lasting til the 23rd, Meán Fómhair is tentatively in full swing. The residents of Aefenglom are more on edge than during previous festivals save the red-hued Lithia, even once the first dignitary group has returned and the second left. There's barrels of apples decorating the street corners, but they don't seem as plentiful as they should. The games have a forced cheerfulness about them too, the unaffected being children who gleefully take part in each race, each competition, as well as the doctors with their cure-alls and promises of something to promote the harvest's delight, peddling medicine and medical advice to all who lend an ear with earnest grins and a profit to be made. The medicines are largely placebos with some possible side-effects for those that aren't, such as voice changes and intense cravings for various foods, but they seem to be very popular this year -- there's at least a couple merchants talking up the good fortune Dorchacht's stress has brought this year to one another, quieting down when they catch outsiders eavesdropping. With the continued attacks on those Bonded and Coven-affiliated, with one of their Speakers across the continent and the other sorely wrapped in Parlimentary business dealing with the attacks, the city holds its breath and tries to endure. Tries to be bright and cheerful while keeping obvious supplies behind their counters, to keep fright from their expressions and mind lest it invite the Cwyld to their midst, and ultimately drawing apart from one another in a time where unity is more than needed: Time will tell what actions might sew shut the new wound struck across Aefenglom.

Welcome to September's event log! The questions thread is split into two this time: one for Dorchacht, which can be found HERE, and one for Aefenglom, which can be found HERE. Please keep questions to their respective cities! This'll help both us and your fellow players in sorting information. Additionally, this event is a little special - we've prepare an OOC post to go along with it. Check it out over HERE - don't forget about it, as it'll help us see how things'll progress in the cities!

Comments

[foursakes]

[ you— you are preposterous. ] I’ve— been caring for my body. [ and oddly enough, she leaves it at that. ]

[chainveil]

[ It's difficult to say which is more upsetting--that she's not taken as seriously as she would like to be as a threat or that Chandra is trying to force her to accept something she very much doesn't want to accept. Can it be both? It's probably both. Liliana is stubborn enough for it to be both. ]

..

[ She tsks sharply, forcing her breathing to calm as she straightens on the bed, smoothing out her robe. ]

This isn't anything but a temporary inconvenience. When we get our sparks back, I'll show this place how much I appreciate being a side show.

[ That's just distressing. Sometimes you need a spa day, sometimes you need destruction. ]

--Anyway. That's neither here nor there. I know exactly what's going on, but that doesn't mean I'm going to play nice and make peace with it.

[ Liliana is, if anything, someone fiercely determined to be the master of her own fate...even at risk of. Well, a lot of things. ]

[fieryimpulse]

Liliana. It was a temporary inconvenience months ago. I have no doubt we'll both make it off this plane, and you won't be alone in laying waste to a large portion of this hellhole.

[She pinches her nose with her bloodied hand, struggling with her own calm.]

...And you're anything but a sideshow. But...listen, you almost snapped my finger off over a knife cut. They told us at the outset that it was going to be six months...maximum...before you lost it completely and went feral. I've seen someone go feral now, and it was as bad as anything I've ever seen.

I know it's hard for you to admit out loud that you care. You don't have to say it, but answer me honestly. Do you want to snap one evening and hurt me?

[weirdnecro]

[And the view was great, really. She glanced over his way, beaming at him. Ah-she wanted to stay up here awhile longer but-]

You want to give this a shot now? I can come down!

[She'll come up later, since he seems so excited now.]

[amurder]

[As Amadeus's notes protrude from his side as though pouring from an endless fountain, Salieri's tiptoe close behind— more carefully set sounds joining in the rise of music that overtakes the area then.

Every so often he'll peer from above his instrument and embed the images of their audience into his mind. In the brief glimpses he steals he sees a long and conflicting range of untouched passions and interests glinting in the gazes of those watching. Some are pressing their hands to their mouths, some are leaning against one another— as though they've succumbed to the welcoming sounds by their own accord. Whatever the look on their faces, Salieri is certain of one thing:

They will remember this. For their entire lives, they will remember.

And so will he.

His fingers fly across the keys, relentless as the pace quickens and approaches the gradual severity that is the middle section. His lips part, his heart races. Behind him his wings unfurl and spread farther than they have before.

And soon he glances to Amadeus as well— the spread of his lips almost helpless as he watches the Maestro, the living genius of God's love both playing and orchestrating beside him. It's miraculous.]

[boneofsword]

[It's a gift and a proof of trust that he can't— no, he won't break. So much more than he deserves, and much more than he's ever had. Archer raises a bit to kiss Cú's cheek, corner of his mouth, his eyes, kissing everywhere he can reach.]

I have someone to live for, and a place to return to. [he reminds solemnly. It carries more weight than an oath. If he's given a second chance Archer intends to live his life to the fullest.

That's what his Bonded taught him.]

[sageprincess]

[Whether it's because she knows to expect something, her own training with abjuration, or simply natural intuition, Zelda does not find herself nearly as thrown as Caster originally had when her vision goes dark and strange. She keeps her breathing rigidly even, mind sharp and intent as she observes what the pendant has to show them.

And my, what it has to show them certainly is something, indeed.]

I knew there had to be a source to it...

["All magic comes with a price." She had asked around, but none of the Resistance members could offer anything substantial, convinced that tackling the problem at its root to be something beyond their capability. But-- there, in the distance, she can almost see it. Like a shining star but so much fouler, the core of the enchantment.

She doesn't think twice about diving deeper into the vision, not a moment spared to think of the barrier or even Caster himself as she searches along the branches of magic, following them eagerly to their inevitable end.

Not the most cautious course of action, but it's probably fine, right? Right.]

[silentsavant]

Soren follows his conversation partner's remarks as best as he is able, relying on the context his foreign terms are embedded in to aid his understanding. After a beat of contemplation, he answers Myr's question.

"As the story of creation goes, the primordial goddess descended upon a world made of nothing but water, and from there, she began to create the land and the life that lives upon it. Scripture nor sermons ever mentioned where she might have descended from, nor has she ever addressed it. However, must have come from somewhere, whether it be a place mortals can hope to reach or not. I suppose the conclusion is an obvious inference, if one were to think about it. Especially from the perspective of someone found stranded in a world that has drawn inhabitants from many together, no longer insulated by the four corners of their limited understanding. Who is to say another goddess from the same realm didn't descend upon some distant world much like my own?"

[hearthebell]

[L stares a little blankly. He doesn't have a lot of time to read, but... what would Light say?]

I think I've always thought Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment was compelling.

[On second thought, maybe that's L's actual answer.]

[rightfoot]

[ He'd be tempted to take it if he wasn't unsure if he could eat it. If he couldn't, he'd vomit right here. It wasn't worth the risk. He's pretty sure puking on someone's shoes created a bad impression of one's self.

His ears twitch a little at Makoto's words. ]

Oh? Is that so? Like what?

[newtralize]

[Bucky can probably see the way Newt rolls his eyes after the pair of witches turn on them and continue away. He's sure to wait until they're out of earshot to speak. His voice is nothing close to impressed.] Of course. As though tying someone up like a dog on a leash is surely gonna solve problems. Really, the people who need to be tied up are the ones who have such arrogance to patrol around and give others grief for existing. [He clicks his tongue but turns to the other. Newt lets go but-]

You should no better than to be cheeky like that. I don't exactly have much in terms of authority. If they were feeling particularly power hungry; you'd surely be in quite a pickle.

I have a case full of Monsters and us getting caught would be an absolute nightmare.

[newtralize]

Protective spells? [He had felt the magic off the walls, but he had assumed they were used for protection. The way that the other brings them up makes him feel like that this wasn't quite the case. He hadn't looked much into the spells surrounding the walls, because he had concentrated more on the Monsters themselves and what he could glean in the bars and pubs.

It's almost hilarious how much of an oversight that might have been.]

Yes, of course. Writing letters help my nerves quite a bit, honestly. [It helps him focus somewhat. Thinking about them...] How about you treat me to afternoon tea when we get back. [He smiles a little to himself. Something to look forward to. He thinks that it would help more than getting any amount of money now. It was a promise to a day where they weren't in this city any longer.]

[thisisamazing]

Yes, there's more to them here. I don't know all the details, but... [But Newt can listen around for bits about the wall enchantments, now that he knows about them. Sometimes it's about knowing what to look for, and here in Dorchacht, it's been hard to find a starting place.]

Receiving letters helps mine. [He admits with a little laugh, under his breath. It goes for Theseus too, he's sure - they both appreciate hearing from Newt once in a while, no matter how it happens.] Deal. Tea is on me. We'll go to that nice place, next to the Residential District. [A feeling of warmth suffuses through the Bond from Hiccup, a mutual agreement that something to look forward to is nice. A reassurance that they'll both leave this place eventually.

As if he'd leave without Newt. He's got a dragon, he'd get him out himself if he had to.]

[heartsbane]

I would be disappointed if it was not, Lady Fang.

[ part of him feels that adding "lady" at the beginning there will chafe her. she's had her fun teasing or yanking him around, so it's only fair he does the same.

the sparknotes version of her story is appealing enough for his curiosity to be sure. it asks more questions than answers any that he already had, but he certainly believes her that she would grow bored before she could finish explaining it all. ]

We have a long trip ahead of us. Perhaps you can humor me by trying to go into more detail at a later time. [ a pause follows before— ] Though, with that in mind, I must assume you were not particularly bitter about your relocation here.

[firewalled]

Huh. I mean, he's definitely interesting to examine. I always thought he needed to have some balls, but I guess that's what makes him compelling. People like to say the ends justify the means, but it doesn't change how scary it is to do something we think is wrong.

[Rich had to struggle to remember reading that in freshman year, but at least he's trying to keep the conversation going.]

[chainveil]

[ Liliana narrows her eyes at that. This isn't at all about her just not saying it. Of course it isn't. Liliana may be prideful but she's not--

No, no that is exactly what it is. Because saying it out loud is like accepting it and Liliana would rather be dragged kicking and screaming down, because at least that was her decision.

She pouts despite herself.

Damn her. ]

Considering you're the only person I can stand in this place for any length of time? No.

[ There. Backhanded compliment. That feels better. ]

[fieryimpulse]

[Yes, damn me.]

Then this is something you and I need to work on. You know damn well that if you attack me what my reflexes are going to do.

[Said as if she doesn't know damn well Chandra has already laced herself a dozen times over with enchantments that may as well be death curses. Those may have been set for Dorchacht and it's Coven if they attempted anything, but she hadn't undone the spells yet.]

The more you fight against what the world's doing, the worse it is going to be when you get too far gone. I can start bringing back blood with from the market, so you don't have to hunt. And if it's bad, I trust you enough to take some from me right now.

That won't be the case if you start losing control. And...[She firms her voice.] you may not like it, but you're going to, if you keep going down this road.

[futhark]

Are you saying you performed a magical burglary? Broke-in into the forbidden library?

[ Last time they tried it it didn't work, but it's good to know Thancred has actual experience in that ]

I'd give you an achievement too, had I been on their place.

[halfmoon]

Probably most of the stuff you eat, actually. We don't have the necessary organs to digest tough plants or grass.

[ Which must be the sort of thing Louis eats, if he has the same diet of a deer despite his human body, right? At any rate, he nods his head for them to keep browsing the market and eats another shrimp. ]

Not to mention, most people think vegetables don't taste good and eat them just to be healthy.

[sing_for_me]

[ Alex recognized such a vague response. Would it be alright for her to pry? They weren't that familiar with one another. ]

If you're the same as me...why would you want to subject yourself to that? Wouldn't you rather find another way...?

[futhark]

[ Caster is the last person to worry about things like "caution" especially when things like this are involved. A chance to investigate the structure behind the Enchantment of this scope was something he thought impossible. Without the right tools.

Turns out the right tool was available all along. ]

No Enchantment can run long without fuel. [ Plenty of trinkets and object, enchanted with various qualities could be found in shops. But by their very nature, they were the most useful to Witches, who could charge them freely. ] But we never saw anyone charging the runes.

[ No maintenance crew running on different parts of the wall ]

Right beneath the Coven, it was always there— [ He stops because that's the most stupid idea coming here. Find the source, and turn off effectively one of the biggest sources of Dorchacht's power. An impossible task, but even just locating and naming whatever it is, that could be enough. Another tug of the thread and then a sudden stop at the roots. Spend enough time at the building and you get a feel where they let the guests in and where they don't. ] Maybe if we were closer we'd get a more detailed picture. But I'd bet it's behind these mysterious doors.

[ They were prominent in the Dream, so there is also that. ]

[belligerentwarrior]

[He's completely right. Her personality alone would've chafed at the title, but her skin crawls at the memory of being in the Cathedral again, surrounded by sycophants that didn't know her or Vanille, always offering them luxury and praise and bows.]

Drop the "lady," [Fang chides predictably, but the irritation in her voice was weak—for now. She tilts her head.]

You mean us getting shipped out to this rotten city, or spat outta those mirrors?

[wordsinthesoul]

Well, I did my best! I tried to see if there wasn't another door in- or some way I could trick the wards into opening for me. I did get through to some of the less-guarded tomes- but I'm rather afraid they found me before I could reach much deeper.

[Which was, really, kind of disappointing.

He chuckles.]. I'd have appreciated that! Most of the librarians weren't very impressed, though my mentor did agree that it showed I'd learned something.

[rightfoot]

Oh. I don't eat grass. I probably could, but... I'm nothing like the deer that I've seen here near the edge of the city. I'm more like you than them, with some dietary restrictions.

[ He's amused, but he doesn't mind sharing this, though. Life is a little easier when people get it. And there's no way Makoto would know from their interactions thus far. ]

That's disappointing, but it's alright. I like them, so none of you have to eat them.

[ He's teasing. ]

a whole ass two weeks later...

[topslug]

[ Yako's gaze drops to those tapping fingers, but only for a moment, and she inclines her head in a quick nod -- though that could be as much to what this stranger says as anything else. ]

I don't believe anyone I've been working with is in any condition to drag me off... [ Well, hopefully not anyway. ] ... but I appreciate the thought, and I'd be more than glad for the company.

[ And hopefully, eventually, to find out the real reason she's been approached in the first place. Sometimes, it just takes a little warming up... ]