☆ 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

[fiddlestick]

[Elliot bites his lip a little]

...I don't know. I'm sure we can convince them not to go to war with us, but...

[....]

I think it'll take much more than a few diplomatic talks to convince them to stop enslaving monsters. It's their way of life...that's not an easy thing to change, even if it's wrong. [He speaks from experience of his own homeland]

But maybe we can plant some seeds of change while we're here. Get them started in the right direction.

[rollfordiplomacy]

I presumed it was some lingering recognition from time in the dream, myself. Lucky for you, I could think up a cover story on the fly. [some laughter catches him again, nudging the man with an elbow]

How does it feel to be the new leading man of Dorchacht? I nearly said you were an opera singer, but I couldn't remember the male equivalent to a prima donna! You don't have the sort of voice to sing soprano. [though that is amusing to imagine]

[fieryimpulse]

I do magic. On this world, blood is a strong fuel a Witch can use to add a little kick to any spells. I don't like...manipulate blood or anything. That's gross.

[so gross. She's not into it, fam.

But she's moving to keep pace with him, looking for a guilty party to be some gas.]

II.a!

[mirshikar]

Yeah? And if we refrain, we condemn that Chimera up on the block to a life in chains. [ —sotto voce and deep, Asura's voice is a thing easily lost amid the din of the auction-block, but to his fellow Mirrorbound's ears, it is a thoroughly uncompromising force made all the more tenacious by the wrath which colors it. On the voyage to the Black City (as well as within its onyx walls), Asura had made it a point to siphon the latent emotion from others (fortunate for him, wrath is in abundance among those appalled by Dorchacht's practices, and while its taste does not satisfy, it will serve to bolster his magic all the same) for moments such as this one where he stands on the precipice of taking action with a hesitant comrade at his side.

Casting a sidelong glance at the other man (his companion had been on the first boat sailing out of Aefenglom's port, of this Asura is certain), he catches their eyes with his own, holding their gaze fast as he asks: ] What did you come to this city to do, if not to put a stop to this barbarousness?

[ Because that's the only reason why Asura's here, even if the month has insofar been marked by slow progress and small victories in information gleaned from sympathizers. But in the here and now, they've the opportunity to impact a life and send a message: injustice will not be tolerated. ]

[fieryimpulse]

Bingo.

I either need a distraction...or for you to be the one to bust the locks. If I go conjuring up a bunch of golems for one or the other, it's gonna be a shit show.

[long_live_the_queen]

[The Chimera's tufted ears immediately pinned back to the sides of her head, and her posture went very stiff. The only thing that moved was her tail to twitch and her mouth to speak, if the tense hiss could be called that.]

You know what's sold there?

[From what she'd been told by suspect sources, and confirmed by more plausible whisperings, the pavilion of the waking world wasn't the same as the dream's.

But memories were harder to shake than that.]

[bloodwit]

[ viren is... not precisely sure how to handle this camraderie. usually, it's pretty easy to brush off from strangers with a glare and a scoff; that, and his inferiors wouldn't dare such a manuever. ... so while it's uncommon, perhaps it's not wholly unwelcome. ]

[ so, naturally, he G R O A N S. ]

Like it'd be a terrible career for a part-time spy. Thankfully untrue, and I think he was a bit distracted by the whole... absurdity of it.

[ like. everything. there may have been a tiny smile, but it's blink-and-you've-missed-it. ]

I won't thank you [ heaven forbid! ], but I will acknowledge it'd been .. effective.

[prayerwheel]

Here? Some very innocuous things, thankfully. I need sewing implements to repair one of my dresses.

[ just to be very clear about her intentions

She isn't too thrilled about going back there, herself, after the stunt she and Soren pulled, but. ]

[rollfordiplomacy]

I promise, he'll have forgotten any recognition of your voice, my lord. As I intended, all he'll be gossiping over after that exchange is... well. [oh god, there's that smooth little wink again]

I shouldn't say.

[more cheerfully and just really self satisfied, because clearly this all went great]

Are we getting that drink? It would be my treat, you seem tense. [what ever could be the cause of that, eh, Everett?]

[long_live_the_queen]

[...hm. Kaede's tail flicked the other way, then back. She was still suspicious--it was one of those constant states of being like gravity existing--but Kaede was also desperate to see something that wasn't the same wall or floor or patch of miserable sky.

She'd had quite enough of prisons.]

If I stay here any longer I'm going to lose my damned mind.

[prayerwheel]

Have you been cooped up here that long?

[ Azura has some sort of eye-contact-only conversation with the guard that amounts to "I am legitimately just going to go shop and I'll make sure she doesn't wreck the place."

Which works, because she's been nothing but polite and cooperative during her stay here. Wow. It actually paid off.

She motions over her shoulder and makes her way to the doors. ]

The feel outside isn't much better, though. I can't even say it's "fresh" air, what with the smog. But if you'd like to stretch your legs, feel free.

ship b

[chosenside]

[While Theseus doesn't exactly look nauseous, he definitely seems exhausted, like he hasn't gotten enough sleep in the past couple of days. As such, there's a worn posture to him that can't be hidden by a grateful smile, which is what he's attempting to do as he looks at Everett.]

Tea? Oh, yes, tea would be lovely. Thank you.

[The offer is surprising, but appreciated. It doesn't really matter what sort of tea it is either-- he's honestly not wholly picky about that.]

3

[hallucinogem]

Come to see what this kind of thing looks like when I'm not dreaming.

[Emerald is no stranger to sneaking up on people, so she's not about to apologize for it, but given the circumstances and how she doesn't actually look any different from a Witch right now, it might be merited. maybe. she still won't.]

You're not bad with those talons. You been hunting like this long?

[fiddlestick]

Ah...

Y-Yeah! No need to conjure some golems! I can make some pretty good distractions.

[belligerentwarrior]

[Fang was of the opinion that Chariot meant that less literally, but honestly, it didn't change what she thought.]

I meant my vows, you know, [she added casually to Kaede's statement, taking a bite of the dried meat. Together, for better or worse.]

[Together, despite how Fang never wanted to set foot in Dorchacht with every fiber of her being.]

[activatingcombatmode]

[He looks over the horizon of the city they're approaching, the heavy smoke lifting from homes and houses. It smells of soot, magic and burning.]

I never thought I'd see the day were blatant slavery was okay somewhere. I know it's their way of life here but it's just ...

[Zack might have some extra resentment because of how he was treated. He lashed out several times while dreaming. He regrets some of the things he did but he was just so ... angry for it all.]

How do you change people like that?

Boundless Energy

[long_live_the_queen]

[At first, Kaede had found the experience of actually being on the water instead of zipping over it rather novel and charming.

Then they left the bay and hit the first rolling waves, and it stopped being quite so charming.

A day of stumbling and hitting her tail on doors later, her balance had adapted. She spent a lot more time on the deck, idly wondering if her wings would carry her very far yet--and spotting more familiar faces than she'd thought.

Kaede also hadn't thought watching a plant grow could be so interesting, but here she was, perched on a coil of rope and watching what was definitely a sprout poke its leaves up from the soil in Chandra's hands. The Chimera's sandals had scuffed the floor some (that protracted stumbling phase) and she'd meant to introduce herself earlier, but she got distracted.]

Didn't know you could make flowers grow too.

[bloodwit]

[ ... he's almost impressed with the shamelessness of that little number. goodness.

at the question, viren takes a moment to adjust the cuffs of his coat from where they may have been jostled, lifts his chin into the air. ]

I don't think so. I still have a job to finish here; drinking would be irresponsible. [ an eyebrow raises. ] Besides, the drinks are probably as miserable as the rest of the city.

[hearthebell]

[L's a complicated individual. A lot goes on behind his dark eyes... but empathy is not particularly one of them. He struggles to see things from the perspectives of others, and when he succeeds, they just happen to be some of the most monstrous beings imaginable. He wasn't built or bred to relate to others on a healthy, positive level, not when he was always on the extreme end of a life-or-death manhunt that was as thrilling as it was perilous.

He mulls over the open-ended proposal, shallowly exhaling, listening carefully and without open judgment to her examples. Simple but effective; drugs, sex, work.]

You can think of several things that you want, that have worked in the past. But my involvement is key?

[He still doesn't quite believe it. Maybe he sort of wants to, given her charisma, given the intrigue she spins around the encounter.]

You really wouldn't use your involvement with me, or anything you might find out as a result, to hurt him?

[fiddlestick]

[He pauses. because boy, that's a tough question. But he's also giving it some thought. It's easy to get discouraged in a situation like this, and Elliot felt nervous himself, but now was the time they had to get it together.]

Well...have you ever changed your mind about something?

Like, you thought something was okay, but then you realized it was wrong?

[actuallyadork]

[A fair point, but Cloud still doesn't think it's something to be super mad at. Vandalism happens when people are unhappy or bored after all.]

It might be magical. You may need some kind of solvent instead of just soap and water.

[rollfordiplomacy]

[Viren... if he was really looking to be shameless, he'd have said, and in excruciating detail. Luckily, Everett has some tact and leaves it only to innuendo.]

The drinks are fine enough, old boy. [Everett had been sharing a few drinks about Dorchacht, as apart of his diplomatic investigations. People get looser with information when charmed and a little tipsy.

That's not really what he intends with his offer to Viren, though...]

It's an excuse to collect yourself. A single round of mead isn't going to send you stumbling into the streets, is it? [are you a lightweight, Viren? Is that it? Now that would be embarrassing...]

Steve Rogers | Dorchacht - Espionage

[captenacious]

i. The Device

[ Steve's had an experience or two with these kinds of devices, so he's not too surprised to see it -- and even less surprised to find it broken on the other end. That does seem to be the way these things tend to work. Really he can't even bring himself to sigh about it.

They might be left with nothing both the clothing on their back, but that's business as usual for Steve. Besides, he does have one other thing: the large round shield resting comfortably against his back. Apparently someone (or a couple of someones) have convinced him to at least attempt to try a little subtlety as the face of the shield is currently a solid, dark color. But even still, something about having it with him makes Steve stand just a little straighter. ]

Let's keep moving. We still have work to do. We'll figure out how to get back later.

[ Not the most helpful advice, maybe, but Steve does tend to be goal-oriented. And he keeps a very close lookout around them as he tips his head towards the city. No time like the present to start being wary. ]

ii. The Resistance
a. training montage

[ To no one's surprise, Steve almost instantly slots himself in with the resistance groups. And maybe he'd been meaning to keep a lower profile, but there are some things he can't quite help. A suggestion here, a bit of advice there, and before too long Steve's suddenly finding himself drilling a small group of Dorchacht's resistance on guerrilla tactics and how to move as a group. They're eager and enthusiastic, and Steve does his best to combine frequent praise with a bit of sternness when needed. They all know how important this is.

And he might be keeping a careful eye on them as they work together, but he's still got enough attention on their surroundings to notice when someone else is lingering nearby. After a moment or so, he turns a little to offer a slightly wry smile. ]

Come to join or just observing?

b. into the fray

[ It was inevitable that Steve would end up in the middle of things, despite his best efforts. But he was never going to just let people be sold, especially outside of a dream, and he can only sit still so long.

He does at least go in quietly, or as quietly as he can. While the riot is busy drawing attention, Steve goes in to find the chained monsters. And hopefully that riot is going as loudly as possible, because Steve's not being particularly subtle himself as he slides his shield onto his arm and brings it down on the chains of the nearest monster, neatly shearing them apart with one hit. It's a little loud. Steve can't bring himself to care. ]

Get them out.

[ It's directed towards anyone nearby as he moves to the next monster to repeat the process. And then the next. And by then it's pretty clear that he's intending to the same for all of them, whether they look interested in leaving or not. Hopefully before the sound of metal on metal brings too much attention. ]

iii. Wildcard

[ Something else? Go ahead or hit me up at talkincodes to talk it out! ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[The guard's expression was impassive as always, but there was a relieved note to his posture. Finally, a break. His charge had been...a hassle, let's put it that way. Most importantly, he didn't try to tail either of them out the door.

Kaede didn't look at him, though her ears stayed pointed back. Not out of tense wariness, but to hear if the clack clack of those damn boots followed them.]

I know what it's like out there.

[The Chimera shook out her shoulders, leaving her feathers ruffled and bristled up for a moment before subsiding.]

It isn't here.

[For better or worse.]

[niespodzianka]

Mm. Don't see why we shouldn't pick up the alternatives as well, then, since you're here too.

[ He hands off a couple to this guy, with the remaining librarian causing no further problems. Seems not everyone in Dorchacht is a hard-line asshole; some are just people doing their jobs, getting on with life day by day. Which is their right, of course. Geralt's not sure if he's got an opinion about people who choose to stick to the middle of the road, but it's not his place to have an opinion, probably. ]

Appreciate your help, [ he says to his new friend on their way out. ]

( ooc: lol hooray!! ♥ )