☆ 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

[captenacious]

I can try.

[ He might sound just a little too cheerful about that. The shield is still on his arm as he follows the last of the monsters out, attention already down the street. ]

You got a better idea?

[ua_duibhne]

[So, he's not only the size of a cat but has managed to develop some feline habits too. If he weren't so wary of spooking him- and still a little on edge himself- he'd probably be able to appreciate how charming that is.

Instead, he pets Berserker's head and tries to work on getting him to close the space between them even further. With a careful hand so as to avoid the black ooze around his jaws, he scratches under his chin.]

How did this happen? [Ah. He's not going to be able to answer that, is he? Diarmuid tries again.] Are you safe?

[wylderrant]

Your wish is my command-

[ And with a flourish Iramaat lunges forward, sword flashing in the light, and she cuts right through him. He collapses in a heap and Iramaat steps back as the others start to look for the exit, wiping her blade on his clothing. ]

Gone and forgotten.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Oh no, more pets. The gentle affection does get him to come closer, another cautious step or two taken. This is fine, this is his Bonded, this is safe. Caution gets thrown to the wind after a moment and he closes the gap between them.

In yet another cat-like behavior, Berserker nips at Diarmuid's hand -- a love bite, but unfortunately, a poisonous one. With the amount of venom on his teeth, it's not nearly enough to be a full dose, just enough to cause pain and numbness. At least immediately. Oops.

The dragon looks a bit apologetic as he nods in response to the question. Safer now that he's with the Lancer, certainly; it's unlikely any of the ship's crew knew that a transformed dragon was on board and he could cause quite a stir with his breath ability. He makes a motion with one leg, wiping at his mouth, in an attempt to communicate with Diarmuid a little better. Getting rid of the venom will make him a little less dangerous...at least until something else upsets him. ]

[futhark]

Your determination as a warrior is what convinced me. [ It might be kind of scary how the Bond magic is affecting them. This was disgustingly cute. Archer is not allowed to be this cute—

Can tsun be felt over the link? Because, part of him is really glad they're in it together. Not really something he expected to have again. ]

Your charm I put in question, it has yet to be tested. [ A cocky grin came to his face, as he gives into the familiar bad habit. But then he pushes Archer in the direction of the bed ] We don't have all the time though, and your runes need a touch-up.

[ Who would have thought that he will ink so many people? ]

[bloodwit]

[ with how his emotions had been flaring, it takes viren a second to piece together the intent underlying this quaint little series of events. he almost has half a mind to drive his heels into the ground, noisily insist on continuing to make a scene. —the man glances at him from beneath his hood, quick enough that viren can only bank on the significance of what's happened here, and he should take opportunity where it presents itself.

so he does as bid, throwing one last aggrieved glance at the vendor (and his embarrassment is just slowly, slowly begin to settle in), quietly slipping away from the disorder with his apparent rescuer - ]

[ he glances to the hooded figure just twice (hard to discern much, concealed as his appearance is), and once they're somewhat isolated from the crowd, thinks to speak, his steps slowing, ]

That vendor—

[ spoken in a growl, echoing his frustration. ugh. he stops, then, eyeing the man. ]

I was going to have that under control.

[bloodwit]

... Hm.

[ not a noise of derision - it's not a bad idea, really, and viren will take any leads. he follows eren over, likewise sliding several of the books onto the table. he selects one of the texts and flips to the front of it to begin searching.

in the meanwhile (practiced as he is at scouring through texts, multitasking isn't terribly difficult), ]

—I remember you. [ a pause. hard not to forget, really. ] From that bar.

I got the plague and also provided a wait... sumanai

[futhark]

[ Few people could take the initial ink without a sound. To keep it nearly silent— that's a sign of either iron will and endurance. Or both. Caster knows all too well how much the ink hurts, he experimented on himself first after all.

This craft was never meant to anyone else but himself, yet here he is. Maybe there is something to thank Dorchacht for — for bringing them all together. ]

You too? That's luck indeed. [ He chuckles, gives a short moment to gather a breath or two. ] How well did you know each other?

[ If he was to guess, he'd say Symon was a soldier. And not one stationed in a garrison, one that saw the battle and all the pain it has wrought ]

[futhark]

[ Caster walks closer, putting his arm around her waist. Magic in the air is one thing— how stable it is is another. Sokie didn't joke about leaving so many Bonded behind. Just how many of them are there ]

Let me join the pouting. I'm almost out of my resources and we're not close to the city yet. [ Where is the ship life? Salt on skin, fighting sea monsters? Not that he's really complaining. He's not yet bored of the art of tattooing people—

—the yet, might be an important distinction. He chants a simple spell, in language so similar Gaerdegas uses but still distinct — hello ancient Gaeilge — inferring with the lights of spell Sokie set. Changing the colour into something between green and water.

That's playing yes? ]

You should sing more.

[actuallyadork]

Then it's your lucky day to learn.

[Cloud literally has nothing better to do than help someone random out. With both of his bonded partners not around, and most of his friends out of town as well... eh. Why not help a kid?]

I can figure it out if they don't have exactly what we need.

[belligerentwarrior]

[Huh, well. Alright then. One of the larger sailors, some gigantic chimera that seemed bear and moose, stepped away from the crowd to retrieve the drink. Fang's apologetic smile edged towards a grin.]

Your loss. Suits me just fine; spent ten years bossin' around a gang of bored bandits. Just about half of all they did was drink.

[Fang wandered over towards a set of crates, hopping up to sit on one. Honestly, this sort of thing was better. If Alex wasn't a combatant, she would've felt bad bullying her in the ring.]

[bloodwit]

[ viren makes a noise of understanding. after a moment, giving the boy a conspiring (yet still carefully neutral) look, ]


We may be in the wrong place for "helpful."

[ they need go



DEEPER ]

[bloodwit]

... Disappointing. [ presumably, anyway. if remaining at a standstill kept the peace, then so be it. his tone doesn't come without a scoff to it. ] So the dignitaries have been dragged here to -- essentially, mark the difference between that dream and this... conveniently cleaner reality.

[ because, yes, it hadn't been difficult to tell what's been staged recently. he's sure his companion's picked up on that. viren eyes the burning tip of the cigarette a moment, considering it, before taking a light drag. ... it's not bad, rather at all. ]

[ he resists sighing for the umpteenth time, instead opting for a slow exhale of smoke. keeping his voice appropriate low, ]

But they've done such a slipshod job of masking it, I do wonder what the actual purpose is to being here.

[bloodwit]

[ so he does -- strolling until they're more apart from the crowd, less likely to have to try to speak over someone's shouting or another. though his posture is straight-backed, somewhat tense, he does keep his pace casual. ]

You said you could help me.

[ a light 'hmph' at that. ]

What were you hoping to do, pacify some of the more... impassioned, speakers?

[bloodwit]

Hidden, you think so?

[ viren gives a quick look about them, wary of revealing his status of espionage; there aren't any onlookers, it seems, or at least anyone terribly interested in the conversation of two old guys, so he decides to be a bit more forthcoming. ]

I've likewise been at this for - more than a few hours. [ his teeth clench into an unpleasant expression. ] Whatever job's been done, I'm starting to doubt we'll find anything revealing here.

[chosenside]

[He blinks for a few seconds, just sort of standing there as Everett's words slowly settle in. Oh. Oh. Well, then. It's difficult to say if he's wholly joking or not, but it's quite fine to Theseus either way.

Still, it's not too often that he feels a little thrown, but the wizard smiles all the same.]

Theseus Scamander, but the pleasure is mine, Mr. Vaughan. You're the one offering tea, after all. [He definitely owes him a cup or two back in Aefenglom or maybe even in Dorchacht if they meet again there.] Seeing that you're a diplomat back home, it must've felt quite natural to volunteer for this trip.

[futhark]

[ "Where" is a very good way to put it. There is a certain pull of that spell, a mix of his own curiosity as well as just pure power of the enchantment that could be disastrous. What was again about Abjuration being the most boring class?

The moment the pendant flies away, is the moment he's back, but not still registering that fact. Hand reaching to cover his face, there's a pounding of blood in his temples, a sign of an incoming terrible migraine. His breath, a silent hiss before it goes back to normal. He leans into the delicate hand on his shoulder, makes step forward and puts his forehead on short princess shoulder.

Even if it means he has to bow down. ]

I think... I saw it. [ That's not very specific ] The enchantment of the wall.

[ So that's what the pendant does, huh? ]

[tinyfood]

Well, sure. I mean, if nobody reconstructs the machine, how're we gonna get back...?

... Also, y'know, if I can't rebuild it then at least I can learn something from the parts...

[ Please let her have the thing, ]

[bloodwit]

—It's worth a try, but even with your... expertise, I doubt that thing's being rebuilt.

[ she raises a valid point, though. how the shit are they returning... ]

[ he half debates tossing it to her; however damaged it might be, though, he decides not to risk it. he'll proffer it, then to drop the piece from the cloth into her hold. his eyes quickly scan along the ground for any other pieces to be found. ]

What did you hope to accomplish in Dorchacht, though, coming along with all of these people?

[tinyfood]

[ She takes it gleefully, and it's a moment before she responds on account of being distracted turning it over in her hands. ]

...Ah, well, I didn't really mean to come, I was just there to examine the device and then it went off...

... but I figure everyone's probably gonna have to do some snooping, right? I can help with that! I've been building these devices with some of the parts I have, I figured it'd be a good test for my magitech experiments as well as maybe being helpful for the people heading to Dorchacht later in the month, haha, but –

[ She rummages in a couple of her pockets – after a moment she produces an inelegant wrist-watch-like object with a simple dial instead of a face. The strap is printed with a pattern of cute little dogs. ]

Ah-ha! Here – if you wear this and turn it to on, it'll disguise you as a human!

[tinyfood]

Yesss! With Yako's help it could well be possible for them to figure out a way to make the dispel bomb work!

[tinyfood]

Gotcha! So would it be possible to reverse engineer your own control centre that could override the Coven one on a larger scale? :0

[bloodwit]

[ hagare's explanation doesn't stop viren from looking like he's been personally victimized by the bird ("friend," the mans calls him). he reshuffles the books in his stack to accept the man's offer, following his gaze to the title and back, and then — moves some of them to shelf, awkwardly tucks that one beneath his arm so it can. no longer be looked at ]

[ he lets his gaze rake over the man in an appraising sort-of-manner, noting the lack of monster features (an illusion, maybe, or this one is also hiding his, or a witch) - but more important, it narrows into a glare as recognition sparks. he'd also taken brief note of the others also travelling by teleporter. ]

I saw you earlier.

[ he leans forward, just a bit, voice low. ]

I would think you would care to be more... [ a gesture to kotosaka with a gloved hand. ] ... discrete.

[bloodwit]

[ - holy shit, he's impressed with that. it's actually like everything he dreamed of in an adorable little wrist-watch thing. viren takes it without further ado, turning it over in his (gloved) hands. ]

[ he looks back up to her, expression grim even in lieu of his... excitement. ]

This would have been lovely to know of... yesterday.

[ before he'd cut down his claws to an aching length, taken pains to file down his teeth as best he'd been able. though he refrains from powering it up, he's already slipping it on over his wrist. ]

How long will it last? [ ... err, he searches for the right word. something like a magic battery is what he means, but: ] ... Its energy levels.

[tinyfood]

[ Entrapta kind of pulls a face, although she still seems really jazzed to have her invention so well-received. ]

Mmmm, I kind of haven't gotten to test that yet, so maybe only use it when you really need to...