With so many avenues already exhausted both by Ozymandias and the other mirrorbound, Ozymandias finds the market to be the next place worthy of assessment. Marketplaces really tend to be the heart of any city regardless of the era or location. Whether they are busy, barren, or somewhere in-between, it's always an excellent place to gauge what it is the city is feeling and predict its next actions.
He hasn't been surprised to find that the worst offenses of cruelty have been sequestered elsewhere from the main thrust of the bazaar. If one is not a local, it seems it requires at least a small amount of effort to find the auction block. At least when one is a Witch in any case. He would hazard a guess that information is far less forthcoming if one presents as a Monster with any notable features. Interesting that they do not entirely close it off from their prying eyes, but after a little further thought, the decision makes sense. It is not as though the mirrorbound are unaware of its existence. Hiding it would be pointless.
In any case, Ozymandias intends to go to that place again eventually, but not just yet. He is curious as to what exactly Dorchacht finds to be an acceptable face to present to their visitors. He doesn't imagine that it will take long before their anti-Monster sentiments begin to color the market and he's quite unfortunately proven right. Whether it's arrogance, propaganda, or a little bit of both, Dorchacht still lets it be known how they regard the Monster portion of their population with no sign of seeking change.
At least that is until the blast of wind strikes.
Initially, everyone in the crowd seems to move as one as they turn away from the potential shrapnel, shielding eyes and heads. Some shield bodies beside them as well while others seem to have no problem using those at the end of a leash as their shield. It's only when the flashes of fire start lining up the street that the panic sets in and whatever fragile sense of camaraderie dissipates. Almost immediately, Ozymandias finds himself jostled as people roughly push past and bump into him in their blind attempts at escaping the chaos and perceived attack. Occasionally, it's a struggle even for him to maintain his balance, but he tries to hold his ground as much as possible as he tries to find the source of all this.
His eyes settle on Waver just as he's grabbed and pulled along, and there is less thought and more instinct put into it when Ozymandias moves toward him. It's difficult to tell if there are others trying to take advantage of this chaos likely brought on by the resistance efforts or if panic has complete control over Waver's predicament, but Ozymandias isn't keen on the idea of using Waver as means of figuring it out. The press of the crowd hasn't quite yet solidified in any one direction, reducing the amount of impediment to his progress, but it's not enough to get there before Waver hits the ground. Ozymandias picks up the pace the best he can to yank Waver back up to his feet and keep him from being trampled.
But Waver lashes out and he has to let go. Though his lashing out is obviously blind, panic and turnskin strength is not a combination that one should take lightly. He moves back half a step for good measure before reaching out for him again, trying to prevent any further connection between the ground and Waver, or the crowd sweeping him away.
no subject
He hasn't been surprised to find that the worst offenses of cruelty have been sequestered elsewhere from the main thrust of the bazaar. If one is not a local, it seems it requires at least a small amount of effort to find the auction block. At least when one is a Witch in any case. He would hazard a guess that information is far less forthcoming if one presents as a Monster with any notable features. Interesting that they do not entirely close it off from their prying eyes, but after a little further thought, the decision makes sense. It is not as though the mirrorbound are unaware of its existence. Hiding it would be pointless.
In any case, Ozymandias intends to go to that place again eventually, but not just yet. He is curious as to what exactly Dorchacht finds to be an acceptable face to present to their visitors. He doesn't imagine that it will take long before their anti-Monster sentiments begin to color the market and he's quite unfortunately proven right. Whether it's arrogance, propaganda, or a little bit of both, Dorchacht still lets it be known how they regard the Monster portion of their population with no sign of seeking change.
At least that is until the blast of wind strikes.
Initially, everyone in the crowd seems to move as one as they turn away from the potential shrapnel, shielding eyes and heads. Some shield bodies beside them as well while others seem to have no problem using those at the end of a leash as their shield. It's only when the flashes of fire start lining up the street that the panic sets in and whatever fragile sense of camaraderie dissipates. Almost immediately, Ozymandias finds himself jostled as people roughly push past and bump into him in their blind attempts at escaping the chaos and perceived attack. Occasionally, it's a struggle even for him to maintain his balance, but he tries to hold his ground as much as possible as he tries to find the source of all this.
His eyes settle on Waver just as he's grabbed and pulled along, and there is less thought and more instinct put into it when Ozymandias moves toward him. It's difficult to tell if there are others trying to take advantage of this chaos likely brought on by the resistance efforts or if panic has complete control over Waver's predicament, but Ozymandias isn't keen on the idea of using Waver as means of figuring it out. The press of the crowd hasn't quite yet solidified in any one direction, reducing the amount of impediment to his progress, but it's not enough to get there before Waver hits the ground. Ozymandias picks up the pace the best he can to yank Waver back up to his feet and keep him from being trampled.
But Waver lashes out and he has to let go. Though his lashing out is obviously blind, panic and turnskin strength is not a combination that one should take lightly. He moves back half a step for good measure before reaching out for him again, trying to prevent any further connection between the ground and Waver, or the crowd sweeping him away.
"Waver, it's me! Stop!"