☆ 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

[belligerentwarrior]

[Fang, however, exercises none of that subtlety. She rolls her eyes with a huff, leaning back against the crates.]

Cheeky bastard.

[She stares back out at the fiery horizon, not continuing until another beat later.]

That's more my problem than the Monster's, you know? [Fang shrugs again, this one more thoughtful.] I know I'm hot-headed. That's not a great trait to wind up in a turnskin, since our lot goes crazy if we get too worked up.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias' expression is a little bemused at being called a cheeky bastard, but chooses to let it be. He seems to be in the habit of making some allowances for the way Fang often speaks to him, seeing it more as simply that's the way she talks rather than an attempt at any genuine disrespect.]

That may be true, but I would say you had good reason to be. If it wouldn't have caused more problems for you, I wouldn't have really blamed you for giving that man more than the scratches you gave him.

[belligerentwarrior]

Oh, I definitely have good reason to. It's not for lack of trying.

[There's a hot thread of anger underlying her voice, the first time her carefully suppressed fury's reared its head this trip. Fang sucks in a breath, letting it out slowly. She was prepared, at least, to take additional measures to keep herself in check from shifting. Even just thinking about it, Fang could feel a phantom of that horrible ring seared into her neck, and tightens her grip on her folded arms to keep from reaching for the spot. That dream, her nature as a turnskin had been as oppressive as the commands had been.]

[...Which, she supposed that was Ozymandias' point about being a Monster. Ugh.]

But if everyone stays in their little lane this go around, there shouldn't be trouble.

[Shouldn't. Keyword. She promised Ursula she'd behave. Hell, Fang didn't even want to be on this damned trip in the first place.]

[fulgency]

I'm surprised you would agree to come along after your experience in the dream.

[It had been risky enough for Fang in the dream, but there was no real clear indication of what any of them might expect once they arrive at Dorchacht. Regardless of what degree Fang felt for the plight of the Monsters within that dark, cold city, Ozymandias finds it difficult to believe that it was an easy decision to reach in returning outside of the dream like this. Especially knowing that Aefenglom's intention was merely to avoid conflict.]

That takes courage.

[He isn't being patronizing.]

[belligerentwarrior]

Hardly had a choice.

[One hand reaches up to run through Fang's tangled hair.]

Don't know how much you know about us turnskins, but part of the deal is we get... attached. A pack, they call it. My Bonded and her other Bonded are goin', and the thought of bein' separated like that... I don't mean like a walk across the city, or a few days out in the Wilde, but the entire month, in that rotten city across the continent?

[Fang shakes her head.] Kinda makes me jittery just thinkin' about it, like it'd be actually, physically painful. I need to go.

[With every fiber of her being, as long as that instinct had a grip on her.]

[But it wasn't entirely the instinct. Chandra had been spot on when she'd said Fang was used to being the "den protector." The instinct just greatly amplified it, wrote it into her being's law.]

[fulgency]

[When it comes to the Monsters here, the majority of Ozymandias' knowledge is centered around dragons. (He lives with two of them after all.) So, he listens attentively as she explains her reason for setting foot on this ship and traveling to a city she would no doubt prefer never to see again.]

[But despite that Ozymandias doesn't know Fang all that well, he wouldn't be surprised if there was more than mere instinct at play here. Ozymandias' own Bonded was traveling alongside him for similar reasons. Though for him it was less of a pack-driven instinct and more one of... Well, possessiveness seems to be the wrong word. But there is something in Arthur's newfound instincts that wants to keep Ozymandias close as though part of his little treasure pile in their borrowed home in Aefenglom. But some of his decision to come was also of his own righteousness and desire to protect those unable to protect themselves. Had Ozymandias not wanted to come, he doesn't doubt that Arthur would argue and cajole him into agreement eventually.]

You still could have chosen to ignore the instinct no matter how strong and suffered through the separation. You must care for your Bonded deeply to deem the discomfort of being back in that city as far greater than being without her.

[belligerentwarrior]

[She wants to roll her eyes again. What a luxury the Witches have, being able to downplay the control that Monster's new natures held over them.]

[But on the other hand...]

Well, you're not wrong, [Fang admits. Caring deeply, at times, could arguably be an understatement. Fang glances up at the sky immediately above them, watching the clouds shift in color, blazing with the setting sun on one side and darkening with the oncoming dusk on the other. The more she thought about, the more it seemed that Witches really did get the better draw between that and becoming a Monster.]

Guess I could've ignored it—suffered through it. Ignoring the instincts like that, though? That's a fast track to feral city. But if we pretend that's not part of the rules for a second, it probably would've drove me nuts anyway, with them out there, knowin' what that other city's capable of.

[fulgency]

[The differences between Witch and Monster have always stood out to some degree to Ozymandias. But only to some degree because, quite frankly, most of the Monsters he knows were either too noble or proud to admit to any struggles, or simply so accepting of the changes it careens neatly into apathy. It is difficult then to see the suffering that others might perceive the changes, but their dream visit to Dorchacht put that in high relief for Ozymandias. He imagines the same is true for others who might have shared in his perspective.]

I'm sure they similarly feel better having you with them. Even though it is coming at great risk, going to a place like that... Having those you can trust nearby makes it a little easier of a thing to do.

[Ozymandias cannot say he entirely feels that way, however, about having his Bonded coming along. Although there is to some degree some comfort to be had in having an ally, Arthur's nobility is something that can lead him to trouble. Ozymandias does not ignore the suffering of others, but he tempers his response to it by considering the larger picture, seeing what else might be at stake based upon his intervention. Arthur sees the injustice, however, and reacts. He's a self-sacrificing idiot in that way, and as much as Ozymandias may at times admire that in him, it feels riskier in Dorchacht than it does in Aefenglom.]

[belligerentwarrior]

[This time, she did roll her eyes, but it was with wry amusement.]

We'll see about that—whether the risk is from the city, or from me. A hell-raiser like me's pretty good at finding trouble. [She chuckles dryly.] Don't you worry, I promised I'd behave. I'm just out here to make sure they don't disappear. I don't want a damn thing to do with kissing up to those vipers.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias huffs a laugh.]

I do not fault you for that.

[Vipers is a very apt way to phrase it. Since the ship set sail, Ozymandias has felt that they were heading straight into a nest. He holds little trust in Dorchacht's motivations for these talks, and hates even more that Aefenglom must come from such a disadvantaged position.]

If the circumstances were different...

[He draws a slow breath. They would be sailing to battle, not a farcical act of diplomacy. There are no two ways around it.]

Well, with any luck, we will all be returning to Aefenglom shortly and be able to put this ordeal behind us for the time being.

[belligerentwarrior]

Shortly. You trying to be funny? [She drawls dryly, but not in a biting way.]

I'm not good with politics, but even I can see when something else's at play here. They're forcin' us to show our cards, and Nessie knows it. [Between her time as a hunter and entertaining some bored-ass bandits, she knew a fair bit about game theory, if not in those words. It's all a flow of action and reaction, of advantage and disadvantage, of opportunity and vulnerability.]

Damned if I know what. Don't know enough about how this world works to make sense of it. ["Magic" in this world seemed to be shorthand for "unreasonably complicated."] Bet you'll get a laugh hearin' someone as old as I am complainin' about a single month, but this'll be the longest month I've had in a long time, just you watch.

[fulgency]

[He shakes his head, straightening up once more.]

I've heard pettier complaints from those much older than either one of us.

[Unlike some of the other Servants around Chaldea, Ozymandias likes Gilgamesh and overall enjoys his company. But Ozymandias must admit that sometimes Archer is wound a little too tight, and it seems that he chooses to complain for the sake of it.]

[He smiles at her.]

Just try not to complain too much within earshot of my Bonded or he will certainly join in. He is close in age to you, and not quite prone so prone to hell-raising as he is to acts of righteousness.

[Righteous acts and associated feelings that will certainly make playing these games with Dorchacht a touch more difficult.]

[belligerentwarrior]

[Fang shoots the Witch an amused look, the corner of her mouth crooking a little. A righteous sort, huh?]

Yeah? And just who am I supposed to be watching my mouth around?

[Like Fang ever censored herself. ...much.]

[fulgency]

This place has made him into a dragon with yellow scales. Blonde, green eyes, and taller than me. If you met him, it's not likely he would introduce himself with his True Name unless you recognized the blade he wields. [Because there's no way one can't identify him if they know they're looking at Excalibur. Only one man has wielded it.] He tends to go by his Servant class instead and tells others to call him Saber.

[Even though he knows there's a high probability that Arthur Pendragon means little more to Fang than the title of Pharaoh, and Ozymandias never obscures his own True Name, he respects Arthur's decision to keep his identity somewhat a secret when speaking of him to others. As far as he's concerned, it's up to Arthur to disclose his True Name or not.]

[belligerentwarrior]

[Slow eyebrow Fang arches over the course of his spiel pretty clearly showed that very little of that mean anything to her, not just his would-be name. He'd explained that Heroic Spirit and Master thing, sure, but... True name? Servant class? It's all fluff, to her.]

Yellow dragon, green eyes, Saber, righteous, groucher. Got it. [She vaguely waves a hand.] Beats me why people get so sensitive about names.

[Fang and Ozymandias were in agreement about one thing, at least, in that they never hid who they were, albeit for different reasons.]

[fulgency]

[Ah, there is that one part about summoning Servants that he left out. The War... It's not something of particular importance to Ozymandias the way it so often is with other Servants. In their fears of death being an end rather than the beginning to eternal life, they wish so deeply to be reincarnated that they are willing to enter into such a bloody affair to obtain it. It's of no interest to him. And he understands now, too, that not even the most noble of wishes could ever truly be granted by the Grail.]

[But Fang is intelligent. She likely understands that one does not summon a Heroic Spirit for their companionship. So, even if he chooses to leave out anything about the Holy Grail War (or even Chaldea), it's not as though she would be missing anything important.]

Heroic Spirits are well-known in our world. If you know a Servant's True Name, you know their strengths, but also their weaknesses. Most Servants are like Saber and refer to themselves as such to protect themselves, but I have never seen the point. [He waves a dismissive hand.] If we are to do combat, I would prefer it to be a forthright battle, but Saber...

[Ozymandias sighs a little. Not tired. Not frustrated. Accepting even if a little reluctantly.]

He holds the same preference in the end. He is far too noble to engage in battle otherwise. But he is a man who carries with him a great deal of regret.

[No matter what it is he seeks to correct, whether it's mistakes of the far or near past, Arthur is unwilling to allow anything to stand between him and setting things right. If obscuring his identity for how ever long he's able might ensure that future, he's not unwilling to mask who he is.]

So, even if I find it foolish, especially here where such things do not matter... As long as it is his wish to do so, I shall protect his True Name as he does. It is not mine to give.

[belligerentwarrior]

[She holds up that hand she just waved, palm facing him.]

I get it—the 'not yours to give' part, I mean. [And Fang supposed she understood the rest some, if Heroic Spirits were well-known. Hell, nothing had been more awkward dropping out of crystal sleep in the Cathedral, and people running up to her and bowing and calling her "Lady Fang." Hope must've really talked them up to the history books.]

[(He did, however, forget to mention what Fang was like. Those Order folk had been in for a shock when they didn't get what they expected.)]

Don't you worry, I won't pry. Saber's good enough for me. [His True Name wouldn't mean a damned thing to her, anyway—just like the other two parts of Fang's name meant nothing to anyone else, without the culture to frame it.]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias smiles and nods a little in appreciation for her willingness to not pry. She doesn't have much reason to try and get at Arthur's True Name, but it's still a choice on her part to accept it as is. Something occurs to him then, his eyebrows raising a little before he laughs.]

It just occurred to me, you know some of my titles, but we've never exchanged names, have we? [He shakes his head in amusement that their paths have crossed this often and yet, he has no idea what to call her and she's been given are titles.] I am the third king of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, the King of Kings, and the absolute pharaoh to which all others aspired, Pharaoh Ramesses II.

You may call me Ozymandias. [Though he has a feeling that will probably not stop the occasional "pretty boy" being used and similar names she's used from still getting some use every now and again.] Although it's my regnal name in another language from my own, it's the name I am most often remembered as by the modern era in my world.

[belligerentwarrior]

[It's a little unfortunate that in most instances, Fang's willingness not to pry about things comes less from respect, and more from her considering things like this needless details—though she still did respect the boundary.]

[As he puffs up and starts to rattle off his names, Fang's hand settles back on her crossed arm. Her smile edges into something amused, her eyebrow arching and finger starting to playfully tap against her arm, as if he's taking too long to get to the point.]

[(He was. And he was absolutely right that this wouldn't spare him from her nicknames. Especially now that he's made such a big deal about his names.)]

Right, [She drawls when he's done, and cocks her head a little to the side.]

Name's Fang.

[fulgency]

[There's obvious and immediate recognition in his eyes at the name she gives, but he still repeats it back to her.]

Fang?! [He makes a small, incredulous sound. A laugh that doesn't quite find its shape or form. If he seems rather delighted and possessing near child-like excitement over this development, it's because he genuinely is. He allows Chariot her privacy, letting her decide what to share with him and what not, but that has not stopped his curiosity about her Bonded all the same.] Don't tell me you're Ursula's Bonded...?

[He says 'Ursula,' but just as he is now Ramesses to her, she is Chariot to him. Ozymandias is willing to assume the same is true for Fang as it seems so unlikely that she could hide her shine from her Bonded the way she does the rest of the world. But willing to make the assumption and being willing to speak on it are two different things; the latter would feel like a betrayal without clear indication it would be otherwise. Just as Arthur's True Name is not to give, neither is the name Chariot du Nord, not even to her Bonded.]

[belligerentwarrior]

[A sentiment of privacy that is shared between them; Fang's exasperation, but respect, with regard to names may or may not have been targeted.]

[She couldn't help chuckling at his surprised noise, since he devoted so much energy to being regal at all times.]

Yeah. That's me. One of 'em, anyway. Guess she's told you about us, yeah?

[fulgency]

[It doesn't slip all that often and it always settles back in (usually in a clumsy manner as he tries to bright right on past it), but every once in a while, the regality slips and something else takes its place.]

[To her question, he nods.]

Of course! She is precious to me. Who and what is important to her is therefore important to me and it goes without saying both you and Kaede are among the most important. Perhaps even more important than any other mirrorbound. [He waves a hand.] But I don't pry into it. My only concern is that she is happy.

[He's quite earnest when speaking of Chariot's happiness, too. He might not say it aloud, but it's safe to assume that he would be willing to do most anything to protect and ensure her happiness always. The world would be far too dark without her shine.]

Beyond that, I leave it up to her to decide what she shares with me and what she keeps between the three of you.

[He crinkles his nose a little before scolding Fang. It's not that serious of a scolding; the usual authority he holds in his voice hasn't quite made its return. Still though...]

But you should have said something sooner! Who walks up to a stranger and doesn't introduce themselves?

[Um, you???? You did that, too, Ozymandias??]

[belligerentwarrior]

[How dare your bracket text beat her to the punch. Fang shrugs lightly.]

You never asked, [The turnskin answers nonchalantly, his half-hearted scolding sliding off her like water from a waterfowl.] Guess at my age, my memory's just not what it used to be—must've slipped my mind. [And now she's just being a shitter, her voice pitching up a little in that airy, feigned fashion.]

'sides, we got by just fine without, didn't we, sunshine?

[His sincerity doesn't go unnoticed, for all her teasing.]

[fulgency]

[He huffs, crossing his arms and rising immediately to that bait she just laid down.]

I have nearly 2,000 years on you. You can't use age as an excuse for your poor manners, alligator brains!

[Yes, we are still focused on what she has done "wrong" and not him. Hush.]

[But Ozymandias seems to remember himself again, finally, and clears his throat. Ozymandias also unfolds his arms. It's cool. He's an adult.]

I would say it's nice to meet you, but I believe we are well beyond that point. In any case, it's nice to have a face to put with the name.

[Especially since Chariot had been so worried for her Bonded in the dream. Had he known Fang's true identity, he would have attempted to bring them together once more. While it still would have left Kaede missing if Chariot hadn't managed to locate her by then, it would have at least been one form of relief. And probably one for Fang as well, if she truly considers her Bonded to be her pack.]

You're not exactly what I was expecting from the way she speaks of you, but I suppose that is to be expected. [Despite how those words could sound, Ozymandias' tone doesn't suggest disappointment or irritation. Whether Fang realizes it or not, Ozymandias likes her and appreciates her company. That it's a little different from how Chariot tells it is of no real consequence to him. In some ways, he's glad he's been able to form his own opinion.] She knows you in a way others, myself included, wouldn't.

[And Ozymandias suspects that despite the way Chariot may sometimes speak of herself and her past transgressions, she always tries to see the good in others. Even if he doesn't think she would be so quick to necessarily ignore or eliminate anything someone might find at the very least abrasive, she wouldn't speak of it that way. She is too kind for that. It's the light inside of everyone that she wants to share.]

[belligerentwarrior]

[She has no idea what an alligator is, but Fang knows an insult when she hears one. Still, it only makes her laugh quietly. ]

Not the first time I've been talked up. The way she speaks of me, huh? What were you expecting?