☆ 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

[usurpers]

[ tch, they mutter and click amongst each other. after a moment of thought, of looking between the witch, the chimera and the placid dragon, before the head of the trio cocks his head. a signal for the others to follow him.

their eyes drip with the venom of equal disgust, and words mumble from their lips— bitch, mutt, demon, whatever else can insult and color one’s imagination, it’s probably there. to eren, it falls on deaf ears. he does keep an eye on them for a moment more before they head back into the bar. something tells him . . . ]

Might be best to take a walk. [ a headbob, to kaede— to the witch as well, but mostly to the monster that he could even call friend in his thoughts. the dragon stands, the bob a continuation of a thanks, before throwing his weight on his crutch, and faking his limp-infused walk. ] These legs won’t own themselves.

[ he says it sarcastically as the small little crowd that had begun to form around them whisper amongst each other and disperse. thanks, though, ladies. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[This close, there was no chance Kaede wouldn't hear those words. Her mouth twitched into a grimace, but stopped short of baring her teeth again. They'd better be for her. Kaede was used to hearing the things. But if any were meant for Chariot--

A cool pulse of calm tugged at her thoughts, and reminded her of where she was. It wasn't the forced tranquility of an Order--she could choose to listen, or not to.

This time she did. A bristle of her crest was all the irritation the Chimera let through. The men had dispersed, and the patrons had gone back to their tables and bar seats. Perhaps a bit further away from the three of them, this time. Kaede was still on edge, in case any approached again, but a quiet note of gratitude drifted back towards Ursula.

Her eyes did widen marginally when Eren stood--and limped. What had happened? There was no pain in his voice and he was nodding like nothing was wrong but there must have been. Shock and then worry prickled through the Bond like needles, and she jumped to the Dragon's side. The sudden movement made an uneasy murmur go through the crowd.

Kaede silently raised her eyes to her Bonded, asking what didn't need to be asked. They should leave. Where should they go?]

[beariot]

[ Ursula definitely would have missed anything unusual about Eren's condition if not for Kaede's worry and concern spiking through the Bond, casting a glance at Kaede before she looked back at Eren. They definitely needed to get out of there... ]

I've lost my appetite for wine. Let's head back to the coven. [ Through a three-star graced tunnel, preferably, but no one else had to know that. ]

[usurpers]

[ if they’re falling for it, then eren can only assume he’s doing a good job. oh, kaede. if only he could sneak a head bump in, but they’re still so close to chatterbugs and whisperers. he acknowledges her glance, and murmurs quietly to her: ]

I’m supposed to be a little ill in the head, [ knock knock ] but that’s a lie, too. [ oh, bingo. bingo bingo bingo, the coven was one of the places he wanted to get into. ] Do they have a change of clothes for an old thing like me?

[ he ain’t even old but pls humor him ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[An act?

The Chimera's ears stayed pinned back, and she rumbled a fussy, gravelly noise, not fully convinced.]

We'll find one. [Her voice was a low, if raspy whisper.]

[She tugged the Dragon forwards by the shoulder, after Ursula and away from this crowd.]

[beariot]

[ Ursula kept the conversation at that, leading both of them out of the establishment and into the streets. She kept a proper distance with them, asserting ownership but also asserting that she wasn't going to hear anything about the lack of leashes or straps. She followed the now familiar three-star symbol when she could spy it, taking Kaede and Eren both through back alleys and covered walkways until they reached the tunnel in question, where she finally let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding, turning back to Eren. ]

Are you alright? [ Her first instinct was to assure he was fine, even if he seemed to be doing mostly okay on his own. But something had to have lead him to that situation in the bar... ]

[usurpers]

I am, thanks to you. [ already implying the both of them. his hand goes to kaede’s shoulder. she’s even tinier, now— but he thanks her, nevertheless, and the way the dragon in him had wanted to initially: head down, horns to antlers. a short little bump against them. ]

They weren’t supposed to recognize my eyes, [ he says, with a bit of a huff. ] I was looking for too long.

[ allowing them to see in the first place. oh, and the crutch! he’s just holding it now, both perfectly healthy dragon legs on the ground, no dragging about necessary. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede followed Ursula quietly, the picture of an obedient Monster helping along a damaged part of her master's property.

Until they crossed into the tunnels, and Eren abruptly didn't need her help. The Chimera turned when he touched her shoulder--and their horns clacked together. Kaede made a startled little "er"--loud enough for even Ursula to hear. It was--a lizard thing, a comfort. Strange but not bad--

--uh. Shit. Her composure didn't break just then, no one saw that.]

What--were you looking for?

[Some of her voice's seriousness had been knocked off, and was still scrambling to get back in place.]

[beariot]

[ Ursula didn't miss that little gesture, and the bubbling sensations that came through the Bond over it. Huh... interesting... ]

We shouldn't pry into his business, Kaede. The important thing is that he's safe.

[ But she had to admit, she was just as curious as to why he was out there on his own, despite knowing the dangers... ]

[usurpers]

[ eren saw it.

and how about he ignore that order, miss witch???? let kaede’s curiosity be free. ]

The same thing you guys are. [ . . . ] Answers.

[long_live_the_queen]

[excuse you that's her morality support Witch

But, also witnesses, smh]

Did you find something?

[...nevermind that this trip was more "keep Kaede from heckling the guards too much and/or committing a felony." The answer made the Chimera's ears lift marginally, but her claws tightened around Eren's shoulder too. Sorry again, Ursula. Kaede's obedience training ended once strangers weren't looking at them.]

[beariot]

[ Well, she supposes she's in on this, now. She's not going to hold Kaede back so long as she's not in immediate danger, and the young man seemed perfectly willing to talk about his struggles, regardless. ]

I've been investigating the situation, yes, but I'm afraid I haven't any significant discoveries to share... [ There was a defeated tone to her words. She really had hoped to have more impact... ]

[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.

[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.]

[beariot]

Maria, Elliot, and myself came to similar conclusions. Morgana has managed to do something to not only erase any history of this city from prior to her coming into power, but even suppressing the memories of almost every citizen, monster or otherwise. The magic is active, too, with a continuous power source.

[ She hadn't discussed her findings at length with Kaede, mostly only with Fang, to keep the girl from worrying too much... ]

[usurpers]

[ the tiger-bird-deer is out of the bag now ursula 👀. ]

It has to do with the walls. [ he thinks, for a moment, ] In the basement.

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede's brows knit together, a ripple of concern--and a spike of something disgruntled--echoing through the Bond. She pieced things together quickly, as out of the loop Kaede had been. That Maria and Ursula were on speaking terms at all was its own surprise.]

Maria said something like that to me too. That the whole city's a cage for everyone in it.

[The Chimera's ears twitched slightly in interest.]

Those doors beneath the Coven?

[beariot]

The room they took the infected to...

[ And here came something else Kaede wasn't privy too ] Fang and I went there. Fang purposefully infected herself so we could see inside. But some magic impacted how we perceive our memories of it. I can barely recall the details. But I know it wasn't just treatment of the Cwyld happening in there... There was still something going on in there. Something... horrifying.

The walls are merely conduits. The source has to be deeper.

[usurpers]

[ eren blinks wide, then. that was something that he hadn’t done and wouldn’t think of doing. dragons are far too sensitive, he couldn’t risk an infection that could spread as wildly as it does. he couldn’t risk death, not here.

but everything she says . . . certainly adds up. ]

The people.

[ he’s been down there, he feigned far more than infection, but a rather scattered mind that didn’t know what was up or down. it’s what he saw, even if it was too fast or too detailed. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

You--

[Kaede's ears stiffened, and she let go of Eren to turn and look at Ursula. There had been a blank space in the Bond, a lapse in the emotions Kaede had grown used to feeling if she sought them out. At the time, she'd thought they'd simply gotten too far apart.]

Did it--happen to you? Did they take something from you?

[Surely--they were just visiting here, they wouldn't steal from their guests. But with this place being what it was, and Kaede's mind poised to take the worst possible reason, she couldn't dismiss the idea. Fretting worry roiled through the Bond as the Chimera reached for Ursula's shoulder instead.]

[beariot]

[ Ursula took Kaede's hand in her own, passing on uneasy comfort along to her. She and Fang were fine, at the end of the day. They'd been subjected to something... she couldn't really put words to, but Ursula was still there, and still had all of herself together for the most part. Only her mind...

She turned back to Eren, face steady. ]

I performed an astral consultation afterwards, to use the stars to try and piece together my own memories. Here's what I'm able to recall...

[ She begins to describe what they discovered, though in much more vague detail than the linked description. ]

[usurpers]

[ that was— odd. so god damn odd. the telling more as it is less, vague but . . . informative. eren shifts where he is, finding a pang when a part of him wants to pull away, and the other, the social dragon, wishes for the same care they both represent.

he’s been a shitty bond and a shitty friend, and how much was worth it was a little dubious. kaede’s shoulder earns weight, eren’s clawed hand upon it to steady her doubts. ]

Why were your memories influenced?

[ did the witches know—? ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[This time, Kaede's worrying didn't abate; as she listened, her ears stayed pinned back and her mood unsettled and fussy. Ursula was here now, but where had she gone?]

I couldn't...feel you, when you were there. Like you were somewhere far away.

[A touch at her shoulder made the Chimera start, briefly stirring her out of the distressed spiral her thoughts had been going down. The end of her tail twitched, but she didn't shrug or flinch away from Eren's touch. It was a distracting blip amidst all her fretting, but it wasn't an unwelcome one.]

[beariot]

Something about that place... I don't doubt it's the same magic that impacted our memories that kept Kaede from feeling us through the Bond, that made monsters terrified to even go near that place...

[ Kaede was just going to have to deal with the Ursula/Eren sandwich as Ursula pressed closer to her, wanting to keep her comforted, and knowing full well she really should have told her all of this sooner, but... she was already in such poor sorts just being in the city. She hadn't wanted Kaede to worry... ]

[usurpers]

[ wait he did not sign up for a sandwich!!! but sort of just stands there for it anyway. kaede gets a firm squeeze, one of both reassurance and realization. ]

You know what to expect, now. [ it’s over for the time being and now they’ll have more room to investigate. ] All I remember from being down there are the glows. The witches would touch the walls after touching the people they took care of.