☆ 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

risky rendezvous [closed to Newt]

[thisisamazing]

[Halfway through the month, unable to tide himself over on just glimpses of feelings through the bond anymore and wanting to get caught up with each other, Hiccup finds the niffler in the midst of delivering a letter into Toothless's saddlebag. He sends one back with the little guy, along with a shiny coin as a thank you.

The letter is just an address, written in Hiccup's blocky, straight-edged script, signed with his emblem of a curled night fury. Time and date will be left up to chance; they'll be able to feel the other drawing closer through the bond, no doubt, and this way, the letter is more likely to be useless if intercepted.

The address turns out to be a small, out of the way cafe off a side street, not terribly easy to find to begin with, and the wooden sign hanging out front bears three small stars, etched into the underside where it's difficult to see. The tables inside are tightly packed, but the few patrons inside are spread out. Hiccup is seated at the back, his back to another close-by table. On the surface, he's got his sketchbook out, working on something, and a cup of cooling tea next to him, but his eyes keep subtly drifting toward the door.]

[newtralize]

[It's a bit of a whirlwind with Newt. The spikes of panic or the constant anxiety as Newt involved himself in things and situations that could surely go terribly wrong if caught or the slight distress as he tended to the poor state of Monsters they saved. There wasn't a lot of good feelings coming from the other. If there were, they were sparse. Freeing Monsters was probably the few times he seemed elated.

It's the first time he's been truly away from loved ones since his travels across the world. The difference was that he was more than happy to wander the globe with his case of creatures. He didn't feel lonely then. But with just Pickett and Harry as companions and knowing there were others here that he couldn't converse with now bothered him.

Maybe it's partly the bond. It wasn't satisfying enough to feel Hiccup through the bond. Not seeing the other was taking its toll a bit. Touching the other. Such a simple thing as just fingers brushing against skin and it was honestly affecting him more than he thought. He had vaguely paid attention to things about bonds, but didn't particularly invest much of his time into it and perhaps he should have.

Perhaps Hiccup felt the sudden jump in mood when Newt received the letter with merely an address.

Newt had become rather acquainted with all the nooks and crannies of the city and locating the cafe wasn't too much trouble. He gently presses the door open and shuffles in. He could...look better, but he isn't so badly off. The basics like showers and what have you aren't denied to them in anyway, but Newt is also weary. The sleeping situation far from the most comfortable and long days and nights, but that didn't seem to bother him at the moment. Newt seems excited. He scans the room and his eyes seem to go over Hiccup, but the way that elated feeling seems to jump is enough indication he has taken note of where Hiccup was.

He shuffles through the busy cafe and takes a seat at the table next to Hiccup's; placing the batter case down next to his side.]

[thisisamazing]

[It's probably no easier for Newt, getting Hiccup's spikes of anger, frustration, determination, and downheartedness these last couple of weeks in Dorchacht. At least the horrible, pulling distance is gone, though it leaves other things in its place. Hiccup hasn't read up much on bonds, but he imagine it must be the reason he still worries for his friend, still feels the urge to check up on him and be close for a little while. Or maybe it's simply the fact that he's picking up on all kinds of feelings from Newt that don't scream 'things are going great'.

None of it is going great, though, so that's really no surprise there. When the bell over the door dings, even its ringing tone dreary in this city choked beneath the darkened skies, he feels a wash of relief to spot Newt. He barely looks up from his leather-bound journal, scratching away at the paper with a stick of charcoal, but Newt can probably feel his smile, just as he feels the other's elation.

He waits for the waitress to stop at his table, bring him a drink or whatever he might order, and then once they're both individually left alone, he says lowly, still pretending to focus on his journal,]

How are things going?

[newtralize]

[It's hard. To act like strangers in the busy cafe.

Newt is still warming up to the idea of physical contact with others. He wasn't very comfortable with it. Even with Theseus, he could be rather awkward with even things like hugs. Yet, he found he somewhat craved it from Hiccup. He can only assume it must be something with them being bonded. He really had to look into that later. Mostly so he didn't make this Weird between them either.

He orders a cup of tea with a side of honey and milk. He folds his hands over his lap. He tries not to smile a little as he hears the other speak. It had been a bit since he had heard Hiccup. The last time was over the devices and that was far from pleasant.]

Could be better. [Newt absentmindedly digs through the pockets of his coat. The problem with expanding his coat is remembering which darn pocket has what he's looking for.] I've never missed a good night's sleep as much as I have now. Work has been rather exhausting, you could say.

[thisisamazing]

[It takes a lot of self control right now not to join Newt at his table, reach out for his hand, try to reassure him that everything will be alright. That they'll make a difference here, do some real good for the people of Dorchacht. Except he isn't sure if he believes that himself, at the moment. They've both had their share of frustration the past couple of weeks.

Still, something tense inside him loosens, even if just a bit, when he hears Newt speak. They're here, they're okay. A little worse for the wear, but okay.] Yeah, I bet. [He says, not without warmth, and those three words say a lot more - they're acknowledgement that he's felt the things that Newt has experienced, the rare highs and the many lows.] It isn't... much better on this side of things. No one wants to hear us out.

[newtralize]

[Newt can't help but smile to himself. It's not exactly a happy smile, but one full of understanding. A lot of investigating has yielded so little, yet so much. So many more questions with very few answers.]

I don't think they know anything but what they've grown accustomed to. [Newt had tried to find as much information as possible.] I truly think the people here think this is all they've ever known. [The history books are lacking and the books themselves felt...limited. Ignorance is rather bliss, is it not?]

There is. Well, I feel like I know something worth your time looking at if talking seems to be a waste of time. Make the best of your vacation, I suppose. [Vacation isn't what this is, but might as well keep this conversation sounding a little less like snooping.]

[thisisamazing]

They only- think this is all they've ever known? You mean they don't remember anything else? [Either way is kind of a horrifying thought. What else is going on here besides slavery and inequality, and magical control over Monsters?

He keeps sketching, the stick of charcoal scritching over coarse paper. It's hard to pretend he's not having a conversation with the man at his back, to pretend he's otherwise occupied. His sketches are just half-assed doodles of whatever comes to mind.

A quiet, thoughtful hum.] Yeah? I've got lots of time. What should I go check out?

[newtralize]

Gossip on the street makes it sound like they've never known a Dorchacht before the current witch in charge. I don't know if it's an exaggeration or not, but I found that the history books to be terribly short too. It's a young history for a city that feels so old. [And he found that rather confusing. The buildings really speak a much older history than how lacking any of the history books he had read.] The library I had access to also just didn't seem to hold much in terms of variety. I was hoping to find a bit more for some leisurely reading.

[Newt absentmindedly stirs the contents of his tea cup to give his hands something to do. Fidgeting was always a bad habit of his.]

I don't want to say out loud. [Which is fine, because Hiccup will feel something crawling up his leg. Please don't be too surprised to see Newt's niffler being the perpetrator.] It's...It's rather, uhm- [He found what he had heard in the pubs and taverns to be a bit distressing.] The Coven is really quite something else, but I fear that I don't think I have the time to peruse such an impressive location. [More so, he fears that it would be too risky and dangerous to try and infiltrate the Coven in particular.]

[thisisamazing]

There isn't much in the Coven's library either. Not that I could stay long. [He got whisked out pretty quickly and there are only so many times he can pretend to have 'gotten lost' looking for the rest of the group.] They, uh, they don't lend out books, I guess. I know what you mean, I could use some reading material.

[He's not surprised at all to see Harry, and he reaches down to pretend to scratch his leg, but really he's just stroking two fingers over the niffler's back fondly. Harry has been carrying letters, he's been a good boy, and Hiccup is thankful for any kind of communication he and Theseus can have with Newt. Harry and Toothless make it possible.] Of course. It's- It's definitely something else. So much to see. Since I'm there so much, maybe I can find a tour guide.

[newtralize]

I don't think you'll find anything particularly stimulating. Unless you want to try your hand at the cuisine here. [Which might honestly be the most informative books out of the bunch. Unfortunately.

Harry sniffs at the other before tugging a neatly folded piece of parchment out from the pocket on its tummy. Obviously, Newt had intended to send another letter before Hiccup decided to make this rendezvous. This letter was longer.]

To my Bonded,

The libraries are dull and the word on the street equally so. There doesn't seem to be much to read around here. The history books feel new. Terribly new. A strangely young history. I would have hoped to have been able to read more on the architecture given how old and grand they look, but I couldn't really find anything about them.

The city is all in a tizzy about the dignitaries mostly. Though, the way the speak of Morgana is so highly. As though she were the only one worth noting in whatever line of Witches that preceded over this city.

I did not come here to bore you with chit chat about the lack of reading material and sub par gossip though.

I've only seen Monsters of age about on the streets. It's quite a queer sight to behold. No young children to disrupt your day as you go about. It makes for getting things done easier. How well behaved these children must be. I'm sure the Coven is to thank for that. I've heard among the rift raft while having a drink or two that the Coven handles things very well when it comes to anything pertaining to the Monsters.

You could say that they're practically bred for it.

Perhaps you could learn more about the Coven practices. It would be good knowledge, I think. Surely, they are a wealth of knowledge about Monsters, since the city folk seem less so.

I'm sure I have exhausted you with this talk for learning and you probably much rather enjoy the city. I hope you are taking care.

-N.S.

[Newt sips at his tea for a moment.] Nothing is allowed out of the city, but nothing is really allowed in either. A completely safe city. [As though to imply that everything had to be done in house.]

[thisisamazing]

I'm going to guess the cuisine is... particularly exotic. [Particularly disgusting, more like. He hasn't delved too deeply into that, because it's sickening to think about. Hiccup takes the letter between two fingers, and slides a shiny cune coin out of his sleeve into his palm as a gift for Harry. (He's a good niffler. Shut up.)

It takes him a few minutes to read it, having to subtly integrate it into the pages of his sketch journal so he can read without arousing any suspicion. His frown only deepens as he reads between the lines to figure out what Newt is suggesting; the thought is horrible, but he wouldn't put it past them.]

Completely closed off, completely safe. [He echoes, distractedly, his end of the bond mostly a profound discomfort.] How safe it must be for their kids. [An indication that he understands, and that he'll look into it as much as he can.

A little quieter, then,] Business aside, are you okay? Is there anything I can get?

[newtralize]

I've had worse, if I'm going to be honest. [Though, he certainly has had better too.

Newt watches as Harry tucks the coin into it's pouch on its tummy and crawls away. Hopefully, Harry won't get into too much trouble. He's been better about it, but that still doesn't mean the creature won't get distracted by something shiny.]

The city is very safe, isn't it? Doesn't seem to have any troubles. It'd be nice to know how they do such a good job. [He sips at his tea.]

Nothing that you can get me at the moment. [He'd like to go back to Aefenglom if he were honest. Just the idea of a warm home and a nice bath and bed sounds very alluring. Dorchacht wasn't like his travels. Roughing it wasn't a problem. This wasn't enjoyable though, he can easily say. He won't stop trying to assist, but he definitely was starting to feel weary.] Thank you though.

[thisisamazing]

We'll be back to familiar cuisine before you know it. [He isn't sure if Newt knows how much longer the dignitaries are going to be here; it isn't more than a couple of weeks now. He's surprised Morgana hasn't kicked them out of her city already.

Hiccup glances down and watches Harry go, subtly folding up the letter, tucking it between the pages of his journal.] I think it has something to do with the spells on the walls. It's, uh. More impressive than the Bright Wall, don't you think? [Hiccup's heard whisperings about the enchantments on the walls, how the compulsion spell may be tied into them.

He knows the feeling. He wants to return too; as much as he'd like to do more good here in Dorchacht, he misses his house, he misses the city, he misses being able to walk freely with Toothless.] Well, you- you know how to reach me if there is anything. Are you sure you don't- at least need some money? [He worries about Newt, okay.]

[newtralize]

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

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

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

[thisisamazing]

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

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

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

[newtralize]

I'll look into it. [Or try to at least. Information has kind of fell to the side with trying to help assist The Resistance.]

I'd like that. [Newt, who had been scraping by since being in Dorchacht. He wasn't one to indulge, but he could make exceptions. Especially when he knows that something nice once in awhile wasn't so bad. And living as he was in this city was far from glamorous.]

I suppose that we should get going for now though. [Finish up their drinks and part ways. The thought leaves a physical ache in him. This was far too short and he is sure that the little physical contact wasn't enough for either of them, but they would just have to endure.]

[thisisamazing]

I'd like that too. [It'll be good to get away from here. He can only imagine how Newt is having to get by, and Hiccup... well, he isn't wanting for food or shelter, but the oppressive atmosphere of Dorchacht's Coven, and this mostly-separation from Toothless, is wearing on him emotionally.

Just like being away from a new Bonded. It's better than the distance but he's aching to reach out and just touch his arm or hand, but he can't be seen with someone who isn't here officially. This place may be unofficially Resistance-friendly, but that doesn't make it safe.

He keeps his eyes on the page of his sketchbook, lowers his voice a little more.] Yeah, I guess so. You can go first, we shouldn't leave together.

[newtralize]

[Newt finishes his tea and leaves money on the saucer with the now empty tea cup.

He falters though for just a moment when he stands. He thrums his fingers against the handle of his briefcase and the other surely could tell how much he didn't want to leave.] Yes. I- Take care.

[A moment longer before he finally tears himself away and makes his way to the entrance. He spares a glance, as though looking around the place to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. His eyes linger on the other just long enough before he finally departs back onto the streets of Dorchacht and leaving Hiccup in the cafe.]