☆ 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

[proficience]

No.

[They certainly do not, though if he weren't skirting the line between being functional and passing out, he's sure he could have landed an excellent job here due to those skills. But, seeing as how this world has deemed him to be undead --]

Does your ability to only fight mean anything here, save for protecting the boat?

[proficience]

Distance.

[They'd both been under the assumption that the distance between them, due to this trip, would cause their bond to snap. The effects of which are devastating, as Dazai had read.]

But that's a good point, as well. [He couldn't imagine what Oda would do if he were captured.]

We'll reform it in time, I'm sure. In fact, I have plans for it. [A soft smile and a nod.] I haven't been this excited for anything in a long time.

[rollfordiplomacy]

He's a mean sort! [Everett says with affection, laughingly adding] I do rather enjoy that about him.

You must not need to say, but he's very fond of you. He couldn't hope to hide it, much to his rather stoic dismay. There's some sweetness in him, yet. [even if Berserker wished Everett to offer the man a cigarette and have a laugh at Lancer coughing his way through it. Teasing with compliments is the worst Everett will do, he's a kind soul]

[rollfordiplomacy]

I've wondered that myself. It might be a risky play to keep up appearances with our branch of the Coven. Faith in authority is easy to crack, many of the population already sympathizing with those their leader oppresses. Many upon her side, the streets brimming with positive word of mouth... [he trails off, mind turning a moment. It's so difficult to know what he may be overthinking, but a dead end is just another route to understand, isn't it? And if it wasn't a dead end, any leads they get might be useful in dismantling the hypocrisy of this place.]

Make me suspicious that monsters aren't the only ones feeling compelled to agree with such orders.

[rollfordiplomacy]

[Everett's a man who often jokes with the truth, so he's both very much making a joke, but it's at his own behavior. The Captain could attest...]

Do you prefer titles, Sir Scamander? I'm always keen to meet other with the formalities they find comfortable. [He's mostly Everett, to the people he's met so far, but he prides himself on being proper! And the proper thing is always what makes his company most at ease]

And yes, I did so jumped at the chance! [he's really stoked to be here, downright enthusiastic, this is his wheelhouse!]

[rollfordiplomacy]

Better some twisted metalwork than a twisted ankle. I was warned those are common for my sort, the fauns. Perhaps that's only a worry when I lack for human legs and feet... [Everett's not exactly looking forward to that shift. He's not sure how it will interact with his love of climbing. He's hopefully it will actually further improve his skills, being a mountain goat and all.]

I do apologize if I startled you into falling. [let's not linger on that....]

Are you doing well, otherwise? Sea travel can be quite the challenge.

[rollfordiplomacy]

At all times, practically. A Springtide holds great significance in their gloves. [Everett is patient, he'll wait for Dazai to be comfortable and sink in his teeth. He's good about not squirming, when it happens, a subtle wince crossing his face but he can breathe through that kind of pain. His heart pounds quicker in anticipation, so there's no shortage of blood rushing through his veins.

Everett enjoys being fearful, even if this is a rather small dose of the uncertain thrill]

[rollfordiplomacy]

Oh! [Everett's eyes sparkle behind his glasses, clearly enthused by the possibility.]

Yes, yes, that would be ideal! I can tie some rope to them so they cannot get away from us. [these are very odd balloons, but go on, Everett.]

I prefer to climb, but if you wish to float to the top, I suppose that would be quicker? [the buildings are all closed up tight and while Everett had no moral issue with breaking in, getting caught doing that would not look good on the dignitary team... Best to just silently scale the side of the building]

[belligerentwarrior]

Yeah. Never was one for bein' told where not to go. [Rules were made for breaking, etc.] I want to know what the hell they're doin' in there to make me feel like that... just for even getting close.

[Fang turned her gaze from the Wilde, meeting Chariot's eyes, a beat before her next words.] I'd rather go in with someone to watch my back.

[It was a hell of a daunting unknown, down there, and given how vulnerable Monsters were under Dorchacht's hand...]

[fromjapan]

[The SQUIP foresees the gesture, senses L's intentions even before he begins to move; of course, with their shared Bond, it would've been difficult for it not to. But it plays it off, curling its fingers lightly where they're held between L's; it's a moment before it glances up at him over the edge of its book.

The book is set aside, carefully set open on the floor, and then the SQUIP looks up at L expectantly, smirking.]

Yes? [It's certainly aware of the possibilities in his mind, the "favors" L is considering; and whether it's in response to the thoughts themselves, or its position of power here, of being the one worth pleasing, its own thoughts warm in turn, dancing over the possibilities lightly, as though skimming its fingers over a store's selection on the shelves.

But it doesn't choose. It wants to see how L decides. After all, he should know, by now, what it enjoys.]

[rollfordiplomacy]

I've never intended to stay here, Lady Daenerys. The plants I am growing are one and the same, with my ideals. Carefully and boldly as I've chosen what seeds to blossom, I've chosen my words and actions as a diplomat. They both may yet thrive in this harsh environment, without my care. [he looks to the rose bush he'd grown to bar them from the street, plucking a few more roses and beginning to stack them in the crook of an arm, piling up a bouquet as he speaks]

It is the responsibility of the locals, to see their value and cultivate what I've sprouted. If they are unwilling, then the ideas I've brought will wither as much as my flowers will.

[he bundles the roses and ties them with a ribbon at their stems, covering the thorns with a few layers of the fabric, so they do not poke through]

Change is most lasting when it is not forced, but inspired. [he bows his head and offers the bouquet forward with both hands. That should be more befitting of a Queen]

[wiggleon]

[He glances down at his pocketwatch, which he's learning to use despite himself because it's the easiest way to communicate in this place. And then he nods with a hesitant smile- he's trusting, sometimes a tad naive, but a stranger calling out to you would get anyone a little on edge.]

Indeed I am. How can I help?

[wiggleon]

“Oh! Oh that’s- that’s quite brilliant!”

He’s, apparently, absolutely comfortable letting her take the lead. He always is. He’s hardly a coward, he will take a stand whenever it’s needed, whenever he feels like it’s the right thing to do. But he has a harder time making the hard decision when the situation is les white-grey, and more leaning towards darker shades of morality.

Luckily for him he’s apparently found someone with imagination and a good head on her shoulders.

“Do you think- the shackles, would they be vulnerable to fire? It would be easier to move them without them, once they are asleep, wouldn’t it?”

But they don’t have all the time in the world to argue, so he’s already reaching for the blade Hiccup made for him, the one that can turn into a flaming sword.

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale perks up rather quickly at the mention of recipe books, only to turn into a wince when the mirrorbound elaborates.]

That's... that's quite unfortunate. [For lack of a better word. He always does try to sweeten the blow and see the best in every situation. It's just extremely hard to remain positive in a place like this, in a situation like this.]

Would you mind showing me the recipe books? Sometimes there's little clues here and there- how they lived, something they may have seen as trivial but gives us some information?

And four eyes do see more than two.

[wiggleon]

It would take more than one single bad meeting, one single bad moment to rip the compassion out of Aziraphale. He decided being compassionate, kind and actually good was more important than doing what was supposed to be the Greater Good on the Garden of Eden itself, and he’s never looked back from them. Plus as an angel the irony of (what he assumes is) a human explaining faith and hope to him doesn’t escape him.

But he still appreciates the other man taking the time to try to calm him down, considering their situation.

“That’s… that’s a beautiful sentiment.”

He smiles at him- hesitant, and it doesn’t quite reach his eyes because it’s hard to mean it considering what they are doing, what these monsters went through, what these monsters will go through if they don’t come bac-

No. Until they come back. They will. Aziraphale isn’t leaving them behind, and that’s a promise he makes to himself.

“Let’s- Let’s save the ones that actually want to be saved right now.” And then, he turns to address the butterfly. “I truly appreciate your help, Tink. It will not be forgotten.”

[moustre]

Unfortunately, damaging an auction site will just cause the vendors to hurriedly pack up whatever wares/people they have left and scatter. These vendors know the city and all its back routes, the sewer tunnels, etc. very well and it will be difficult to follow them, plus characters will have to deal with the aforementioned obstacles. These guys are quite hard to deter and will just pop up at different sites later, with more security.

[freeing]

[ As the scene begins to disperse a bit, Daenerys finally closes the distance between them – hands clasped tensely in front of her and eyes shooting a concerned glance. ]

It was a nasty fall, ser. [ With a bit of wryness in her voice, she tries to play casual in case anyone pays too much attention to her. ] No, that would be unfortunate.

[ Her heart beats a bit quicker, eyes barely moving in the direction of where the scene seemed to move. ]

Have you been here before? Sampled the wares or – ... caved to pushy sellers?

[ There's a bitterness in her voice, there. ]

[usurpers]

[ you’re . . . a very feisty shoulder cat. ]

A lot of pieces, but not even close to the bigger picture. [ he supposes he has to gather the rest in conjunction with the others, of course. ] From what happens to the infected to the magic they use here. Compulsion is the smallest when they’re altering memories.

[tryhard]

[ Waver has no reason to expect Caster might be messing with him, so he takes the warning seriously. And the worry makes him even more testy. ]

Then keep a 'close eye' or whatever. What am I supposed to do?

[ He can't help being small... Really, he's actually built a little muscle since coming here, okay? Not that he's not still short and scrawny. Turnskin powers didn't help him much with that in this form. At least not visibly. ]

I'll tell you if I feel light-headed. [ He sighs, resigned. He really was trying not to complain. It's a favor, after all. ] I'm fine.

[ He distracts himself by looking up at Iskandar trying to enchant the ink, and wishes he could still sense magic the way he's supposed to. ]

The rune itself manages the spellcasting. All you need to do is pour your magic into it so it'll have something to draw from when activated.

[ Hopefully, Caster doesn't mind Waver butting in. He's more aware of Iskandar's ability, having been coaching him alongside the Coven lessons. ]

Imagine the warmth flowing from your palms into it. The longer you hold something, the warmer it gets, right? Same concept, but you have to concentrate on it, like you're trying to warm up a really cold piece of candy because it's too hard to eat.

[freeing]

[ A vague topic turns heavy quickly, sinking Dany's heart. It was a reminder of why they were here – what the dream had shown them so plainly. If not the strongest clue to their own allegiance and desire to find allies, they work in the shadows to get one step closer to making a different, she hopes.

Intently, her eyes shift to the companion – then to Sokie. ]

Mmm. Agreed. Children deserve to run free. [ Plainly, without regret and pretty on the nose. ] I do not know what else is out there in this world for them, but chains should not be in their future. It can not be.

[hallucinogem]

[she could answer honestly. or she could lie. or she could turn it around on... this person. gods. she'd given her her real first name. fucking moron. way to go. her body weight shifts to her back foot and her head tilts upward slightly.]

Depends on why you're asking.

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede likes to be tall.]

Memories?

[Hm. She really didn't like that. The Chimera's tail stilled, and her ears angled back against her head.]

[boneofsword]

Why, thank you. [Archer chuckles quietly. It feels like home, with familiar teasing and the presence he can feel again.

It's even better with his Bonded sitting on his lap. To perform that feat Caster has to work around his long skirt robe, and that surely ends uncovering at least one of his legs. Something Archer definitely appreciates. He rests hand on strong thighs. Caster favors high stockings reaching to mid-thigh, something he finds surprisingly appealing. Archer strokes the hem, knowing how will it end anyway. It's been far to long to keep things proper. Not that he wants to.]

One hour and forty minutes. I don't think we'll be done so soon.

[usurpers]

[ “what lord u ain’t god” — eren. but he’ll keep both titles in mind, repeating them in his head enough to sound natural when he must say it.

eren’s teeth click before his tongue does, brows furrowing as he continues to skim through them— but find nothing too deep. ]

Morgana works with this sort of magic— but the better books are in The Coven. [ he’ll have to find a way in. ] They’re too basic and too numerous for the Resistance to not know anything about it.

[futhark]

[ Dorchacht magic dulls the Bonds. But close like this, they can experience it again. With draining and oppressive the city is... getting lost even in a short moment of warmth is a welcome respite. It's not just a physical need, even if it might seem as so, with how open Cú is with his affections. He lets a pleased hum when the strong hand rests on his thigh, fingers wandering curiously.

How long it was? Less than two weeks. ]

You've booked this for two hours? [ He proceeds to clean the spot with a clean fabric before he even starts with the needles. ] You must have really missed me...

[ Who knows, maybe the stockings happened because he knew whom he will be meeting today hmm? ]