Intro Log: May

[moustre]

Intro Log: May, Game Start

I. ARRIVAL Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. A moment later, you feel a tug, and you find yourself stumbling into a dark, musty room. Behind you, a mirror stands ornately decorated with reminders of home wrought in brass and wood: the faces of people you know, and symbols important to you; all things that send a pang through your chest with the desire to return to them. Touching the mirror's surface does nothing but leave the stain of your fingerprints. When you turn turn to survey the room, you find there are hundreds of other mirrors. None of them are as decorated as yours - they're plain and dusty, speckled with age. Then you realize a second thing: You're not alone. Distantly, the ringing bell of a clocktower can be heard. But no matter its distance, the time is clear to make out: it chimes three times, stark, resonating like a pulse of something in this mirrored hall that you and many others have found yourselves in. For those familiar with magic, they might feel the power of the witching hour upon them, though it will feel different from what they're used to - in fact, everything does. Besides the new arrivals, however, there's one more person in the building, and only one. A young teen stands; previously bored and mulish, he's now owl-eyed and slackjawed as he takes in each arrival, either from the mirrors or coming from another floor as you try to get your bearings. In his hands he's clutching a broom like a security blanket, until - "M... Miss Nessie! Miss Nessie, something's happened!" he yells, as he drops the broom and turns tail out of the building. Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is clear, but the stars are dim in the face of two moons, regardless of their waning crescent phases. Follow, or explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in? The Looking-Glass House is rather nondescript two-story cottage made of grey brick, sitting at the edge of The Coven's courtyard; stones which glow as you step on them mark the path to and from the two buildings. While fairly small and plain on the outside, the inside has been enchanted to be the size of a large library, with hundreds upon hundreds of mirrors hanging, standing, and resting inside its walls. Some are broken, some are cracked, and some seem completely uninjured - but all of them are just as plain as the cottage itself, showing age in the silver beneath their glass and in the greening of their metals... Well, all except a character's personal mirror; to characters, one mirror - the one they came through - will be decorated lavishly with metal-and-wood-wrought reminders of home, and the surface will be as clear as a brand-new mirror.

II. "MISS NESSIE" Whether you've decided to follow the hapless young man, or decided to explore the rest of the Looking-Glass House - and perhaps finding a few familiar faces among the crowd - you feel a pull towards the foyer of the first floor. It's like a firm suggestion, as if to take you by the hand and draw you to where it begins, and the source of it becomes quite apparent upon finding one's way to the front room: a tall, comfortably-dressed older woman and her even taller wolfish companion. The woman covers her mouth with a soft "Oh my!" as she surveys those who begin to crowd in, and she turns to the werewolf (?), lowering her hand once more. (The handful of others who'd come with her peer as best they can from a ways behind her with unconcealed curiosity, closer to the door out than not. The boy previously seen before he ran off can be spotted at the very back of the group.) "This is right unexpected, isn't it?" She not-quite whispers, delight and confusion in equal measure in her voice. Her companion makes a quiet noise in her throat, unscarred eye narrowed - it's hard to tell if that delight is one shared by both parties. "Well, they've always said the veil is thinner during Boaltinn... We'll have to talk to James and see if he was doing anything other than cleaning, we will, but for now, we've got a full house to attend to, don't we? Ah, if they're all Witches, that'll be something, it will!" Without wasting another beat - much to the fond irritation of her companion, certainly - the woman turns back to the newcomers of Aefenglom, clapping her hands together in glee. "Well then! I'm certain you all have many, many questions... As do we! First thing's first, though, first thing's first! I am Nerissa Bell, the Head Witch of the Coven - that's where this house is located right now, on Coven grounds - and this is my Bonded, Mhairi Ainsley. Don't worry, she's a right softie despite her looks! You can simply call me Miss Nessie - everyone does, short of those stuffy folks up in the Parliament, but, well, that's just how things are with them, I suppose." She pauses a beat, for breath, before continuing with a wave of her hand; dozens of chairs and stools, all surprisingly comfortable despite their wooden looks, are conjured in an instant, and Nessie smiles wide as she gives a small bow. "Take a seat, and let's get familiar with one another for a spell! The city'll celebrate without us one way or another, and we've already finished our business for tonight anyway. Isn't that right, Mhairi dear?" Despite the onslaught of information and excitement at three in the morning, Mhairi inclines her head slightly after a huge sigh; her voice is likely exactly as expected, low and akin to a growl. "Best to take advantage of the distraction. Let's begin, before I have to report this to Parliament." NOTE: If you wish to interact with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. You have the option of handwaving the IC interaction to OOCly ask what questions your character might have for them, for us to summarize an answer for, or you can request an IC thread. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly.

III. THE COVEN After an hour or two of general chaos, questions that the natives attempt to help with, and injuries tended to for those who arrive in poor condition, a solution is presented. Though they certainly can't answer every question, Nerissa and Mhairi promise to help find the answers, and open the doors of the Coven to all new arrivals in the Looking-Glass House. The walk from the quaint cottage to the imposing structure ahead is lit only by magic provided by Miss Nessie and the Witches accompanying her, as well as the path of stepping stones coming aglow with each step that's taken across them. Beyond the courtyard, with its high, opalescent walls, a city can be seen. There are torches accompanying the flickering light posts outside, and the sounds of life clear even this far from the heart of Aefenglom, something that sounds like... merriment? Festivities are in full swing, even this close to dawn. The rest of the world continues on, even though you've arrived, confused and perhaps missing a few aspects of your usual persons. But while they certainly weren't expecting to spend the festival like this, the Coven has worked as quickly as it can. Their doors, decorated in cowslip flowers, are wide open - welcoming to the public, and to new arrivals as well. The Coven's main building has a surprisingly large front room, compared to its outside; the ceiling stretches ever onward, with stairs of the solidly-flush-against-the-wall variety and floating-ethereally-in-the-middle-of-things variety both. Magic and mundane intermingle as if meant to, with brooms inscribed with runes to clean making quick work of dirt and dust, shadowy figures opening and closing doors as people enter and exit, plates of snacks drifting around as if carried by invisible servers. The brooms are especially attentive to the door as new arrivals step in - they don't apologize for knocking into anyone, and really, anyone particularly scruffy will get swept at until the brooms are satisfied. None of this seems to mind the Witches coming in, with small murmurs of gratitude given to the busybody brooms instead of reprimands. Doors lead this way and that, on higher floors and on the ground floor, but runes glow by their frames in indecipherable patterns. Peculiar-looking devices - watches, the native Witches explain, compliments of Parliament - are passed around to all the new arrivals; they're given a quick rundown on their functions and bid to test them out when they can, and Nessie waits for things to calm before she steps up the floating stairs and addresses the room. "We'll see to it you all have lodgings for a bit, we will, but for now, the festival's still going on - if you couldn't tell!" She laughs a little, hands on her hips. "There's nothing we can do about things right now, so you might as well enjoy yourselves, you might. If any of you want to stay in 'til morning though, well, we can provide - just mind your manners, magic's real particular about them. At least," she winks, head tilting with the motion, "that's how I teach all my classes, it is." Those deciding to stay will be lead to doors that seem to follow no real pattern by native Witches; the rule is "two to a bed," so get cozy with the person next to you. They're the ones you'll be sleeping with tonight. The beds aren't too small - enough to accommodate at least three humans - and they're fairly comfortable too, for their old-looking age.

IV. BOALTINN For those who journey out into the city, they'll be sent off with a word of warning to keep out of trouble from Mhairi, to find everything still quite lively - and still quite unaware of what's taken place. There's very little left to the shadows, with dim light filling in the gaps between the flickering streetlamps and the extra candles and such people have put up themselves. Curiously, small bonfires seem to follow a pattern, culminating into a wide plaza in the center of the Residential District where a larger, brighter one burns, with people dancing around it, their clothing jingling softly with little bells hanging from their hems. The same is mirrored on the direct other side of the city - the only difference is in who's dancing. The Eastern Bonfire has more visibly humanoid beings enjoying themselves, while the Western Bonfire has creatures more monstrous in looks. Regardless, they all seem to be happy- And the reason is this: Boaltinn, a festival lasting the next two dusks. The nights and early mornings are filled with flickering firelight, while the morning and daytime have all but the small fires leading the way to the giant bonfires extinguished; the bonfires, however, stay lit. - and in general, it seems the city is quite happy, quite cheerful, and quite close. a. The Bonfires The main attraction of Boaltinn, as they are with any fire festival, the bonfires on each side of the city are tended to by various Monsters every hour of the day. While much of the scenes are similar - there's plenty of food to be shared, with those partaking in it cowed into sitting with someone else regardless of how familiar they might be, and children of all kinds play together and invite those sitting or watching to come too, in all manner of games, such as jacks, hopscotch, and running ribbons around the tall poles at the bonfires. But there are marked differences, too. The Eastern Bonfire primarily has humans or those that can pass as humanoid in attendance, and they're much friendlier to those who look similar to them; to those that look a little more monster-like, though, their replies are far more curt and their shoulders colder. The area around the bonfire is also littered with trinkets and baubles, all shiny and new and utterly forgotten by their playmates; the ribbon poles are similarly new, made professionally as if by commission. Characters are invited to try and jump through the bonfire's flames to burn away any poor relationship experiences, be it romantic or platonic, past or present; to aid them in this, those at the Eastern Bonfire will give those participating rune-etched accessories to protect them from the fire. Meanwhile, the Western Bonfire has primarily those who are more monstrous in looks, and they're similarly friendlier to those who resemble them, with a similar brusque and cold manner to those who look more human. The area around the bonfire is carefully kept clean, however, and the ribbon poles look handcrafted from lumber and grass, with tightly-woven knots and clumsily-made paper decorations. Those attending here are also invited to jump through the flames, but no such protection is offered; it's simply assumed that, as a Monster, you're likely much better at handling a little fire. b. A Little Entertainment It isn't only the bonfire celebrations that one can participate in, however. All throughout both the East and West Residential Districts, as well as a portion of the Shopping and Entertainment Districts, there's a number of stalls, stands, and stores available for perusal. Take a gander at the rest of the city and find something to do. Of note: Divination readings are available in various stalls, set up by Coven-official Witches as well as homegrown ones, with tarot cards that vary from pristine art pieces that one would almost hesitate to touch to the personally drawn and cut. They offer free readings, enticing all who pass by to join them at their table. Good or bad, the cards seem to bring with them lessons and words of wisdom, interpreted expertly by those handling them... or as expertly as possible; some readings seem a little unsure and muddy. Regardless of belief, those who take part in these readings will suddenly find their day going either exceptionally well or incredibly poor, depending on the overall feel of their reading. Carts and booths are available for one to partake in more food, however there's a stipulation to taking anything from these vendors: one must share this food with others, either in pairs or a group. While relations between humans and beasts seem to be a little frosty, they can be seen intermingling a tad more freely when it comes to this portion of the celebrations, sharing the treats and small meals that are being offered to everyone. The food available all seem to be those easy to hold in hand, not unlike modern-day food trucks; of note, the thin pancake wraps seem to be the most popular, with a bubbly drink similar to a milkshake filled to the brim with drinking straws for best sharing experience coming in second. Flavors are plentiful and varied, though they err closer to the fruits, vegetables, and spices side of the spectrum. Finally, the more pleasure-based businesses offer the chance to relax one's weary feet and take a chance with a little aromatherapy with their rose baths. While traditionally this had its roots in imbuing the bather with good tidings and blessings for the upcoming seasons (or so they'll say when asked), nowadays, it's simply become a luxury treatment for those needing a little TLC. The waters here do have the added bonus of making those who share them friendlier and more talkative with their partner(s) - and yes, all baths are a shared experience. Rather than being split by sex, baths are split by monster and human; co-ed bathing exists for those who don't mind mingling with the opposite species, and if really pressed, they can offer separate baths for different sexes, but their focus seems elsewhere. c. Impulsive Compulsion Throughout the whole festival, new arrivals, particularly those with magic talent gifted to them by the world, will feel like they can do anything and will push themselves to the limit. While not inherently detrimental, those who feel it will become more reckless, their inhibitions lessened and impulses heightened; trying new things is easy as pie, with any thoughts of fear left far in the back of their minds. While magic is highly discouraged on festival days, given their rest day quality, those under the spell of Boaltinn's madness will feel the temptation to try some anyway, regardless of knowing the proper way of performing it - perhaps it's about time to try out what one discovered in that strange dream... Those found doing magic will get a firm scolding, but no actual punishment; it's only looked down on, and they'll be cautioned against using too much. If any property damage occurs due to reckless magic use, however, there are fines; those without any money to their name can be recruited to pay it off by working at the buildings and stalls they may have accidentally damaged, serving people, looks, or whatever else the business might offer.

Welcome to the intro log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. The network system is free to use once characters have their watches as well; information on that can be found at the bottom of the Setting page, while any extra questions about it can be found in the FAQ index. Quests can be picked up now as well! While technically most of them won't start until after festivities, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the May Quest Pickup thread on the Quest Board. Finally, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

[whomthebelltolls]

[She'd say something about regretting it later when everyone else can go home and the mirror is broken for her so she can't, but honestly, that's more energy than Maria has right now.

Slowly regaining her posture, reminding herself what it's like to have gravity dragging on her - and it feels so much worse now. There's something else going on, that's not just her feeling ill. This is an unnatural weakness. It makes her crave a dose of Blood, but at the same time... not nearly so much. Blood had been a problem in the first place, but now she felt like... is this how weak she would be without it? Or without... the Vileblood?

She's pulled out of her thoughts by the assertion and looks over at the other woman for a moment. There is a faint spark of recognition there.]

Yes, we have met at some point... but I can't think of where. [Which makes the whole situation that much more eerie. The ominous bell-tolling in the background doesn't even bother her - nor does she notice it at at the moment. She'd lived in a clock tower. She'd learned long ago how to ignore it.]

[iminthebook]

"It is, yes." He cocked his head to the side as she spoke, and he hmmed. He flushed at her words, and snuggled her close, but something made him hesitate. Especially when she mentioned that dream.

"I think we both had that dream, Justine. I think this place... gave it to us." Harry had encountered those who could do that, before. He looked to her, and nodded. "No matter what, I am here for you. No dream, no world, no nothing, will ever change that."

He nodded again. "I think that this place is messing with us a little, but also is giving us a chance to not be utterly alone, if that makes sense at all." Was he making excuses? Possibly. But he meant what he said, also.

[kattobings]

Yeah, I gotta figure out if Astral got here too. Maybe...I should try that... [ Yuma seems to say it to himself, but it’s loud enough for Souji to hear. There’s another second of him mumbling before he realizes what he’s doing and smiles. ]

Name’s Yuma, by the way!

[1019]

You're a peach. :)
They're fucking prison wardens is why.

[Not literally.]

For the last three fucking years I've barely even been able to get out of the shitty old house and been eating LITERAL GARBAGE!!

[And that... is surprisingly literal.]

So long as I gotta be here then I'm gonna use all the space I got to get to be my own goddamn man for a change!!!
I'm fucking 24, been waiting WAY long enough anyway.
Guess this is providence!!!

[That's, like... half-wryly, -cheekily said. 'Cause, you know... that's still if this is all for real.

His suspicion's... trickling out, though...!]

[kattobings]

[ Oh, Yuma is giving her all of the attention now. How fun! Astral would really like this...especially if the chocobo could be ridden!!! Suddenly seeming surprised, he stopped petting her. ]

Hey! Have you seen someone named Astral? He’s got blue hair and sounds kind of stuck up sometimes.

[purpose]

[ Restlessness creeps into her.

It isn't just her own. Subconsciously, she can sense it — that feeling of dimness, of belonging to someone other than herself. Ben's, she realizes it, but knowing its source doesn't prevent it from taking hold of her just the same. Keeping her awake, so long as he tosses and turns, subtle dips of the mattress revealing how little comfort he takes from the bed.

When she nearly can't take it any longer, the squeaking of the bed and padding of feet has her cracking her eyes open before he's even crouched beside her.

She's blinking back at him the moment his eyes meet her face. Not expectant, but open, curious — an expression that melts into softness at the honesty in that confession. No one that she has known has ever been glad to have her anywhere — simply because she's never had anyone to find relief in her company. ]

I dreamt of you.

[ If she realizes any other implications in such a statement, it doesn't appear to bother her. Instead, it's blunt, innocent in how unassuming and truthful it is. But there's something more in her eyes, searching and raw, just like that hut. A sign that she is trusting him with some part of her, turning to him as she had then. ]

Before we came here. You were in a forest. Was that ... [ Her imagination? A fever dream? ] Was it real? Do you remember?

[justbeingknife]

[ "Not at all, madam," said one of the store owners, beaming at them as he handed them a fresh plate. "All we ask is that ye share! Spirit of the occasion, you know!" ]

Hey, thanks.

[ Majima took the plate; eavesdropping or no, he couldn't much complain about the enticing aroma of the food. ]

Would ya like to do the honors?

[ishisstrength]

Justine curled against Harry, pulling him into the bed with her as she closed her eyes. "I don't think it was just a dream Harry." She felt it in her heart. "It was a choice. One that we made." She pressed a light kiss against his clavicle before innocently snuggling against him.

"I don't regret it." Justine couldn't. If she did then it wouldn't be any different from what Bianca had in store for her. As long as she could make her own choices, then it was still her life to control. Thomas gave her those choices and this was one that she'd made herself.

"Thank you Harry. For always being there. Can we- just stay like this for a little bit." They can figure out what's going on after that. She just needs... someone to help keep her grounded. "It's so loud."

[ishisstrength]

I think I rather enjoy having skin.

[Justine's voice is light and warm though there is a note of worry that slips between its smooth notes.]

It doesn't sound like a pleasant way to live. [She pauses briefly, running the tip of her finger along her bottom lip as she thought.] Do you wish to return home? [Justine honestly doesn't want to think of home but she feels compelled to ask. What kind of world does this woman come from?]

[ishisstrength]

[It doesn't take Justine long to change and when she appears again she's stunning.

The corset that they'd given Justine was a medium brown with a simple paneled design. Over top of that Justine has a light pink shirt that is just thick enough to hide the fact that she isn't wearing a bra beneath it. The legs are black and simple with a belt resting on her curvy hips. She has on the sandals that she'd gotten from the Coven and had tied the pale green ribbon around her neck with a little bow off to the side.]

How do I look?

[ooc: like this but without the leather jacket?]

[justbeingknife]

Is... is that so?

[ Something about this was sounding very familiar indeed, though why the mention of said cat should bother him was unclear. ]

...somehow I feel like I need to apologize. But I'm glad he didn't scratch ya up too badly.

Are you an animal lover, by chance?

[holybeasts]

Mm, she does. She's very kind, I think. Mhairi as well.

[She hadn't known what to make of the wolf-like person in the beginning, more apt to wait for her to attack than anything. And when it never happened it was a momentary surprise. Maria was quick to adapt though.]

boatlinn

[darkbreak]

[The festivities and bonfires around the city certainly had more appeal than sleeping right now. Riku is something of a wallflower and aside from maybe eating (something he's regretting given the size and offered doubles of everything), he's not actively participating in anything really. Merely people watching, though he does get the occasional off look from the winged sword strapped to his back.

That changes when he's thrust a bundle of delicate and ornate items into his arms. Was she a princess of some sort or noblity? The mere idea makes him flush for a split second before he sees what she's doing.]

Uh... S-sure... but wait!

[Please. Please be grabbing that rune they're handing out.]

[holybeasts]

[Oh, the library!]

What a good idea. Surely they have something about the Cwyld there. Maybe even something about the creatures beyond the walls themselves!

[Now that she has a more distinct goal to latch on, Maria just perks right on up. She glances over to the other woman now, all bright smile.]

Why don't we go and see if we can find the library then? If we can't get started tonight then perhaps we can tomorrow. And we can acquaint ourselves with the rest of the grounds here too.

[If they're still there. She doesn't say that much though.]

Ah, wait, first let me introduce myself. I'm Maria Renard.

[tryhard]

Tea milkshake. [ Waver echoes flatly, vaguely horrified. ]

That sounds like a crime against tea...

[ The question gives him pause, though. His frown deepens, and not just because tea should be respected and not turned into some monstrous behemoth of a dessert in a cup. ]

Y-yes. Actually--

[ There have been others. He remembers the dream (dreams?) vaguely, nonsensical, but this keeps happening. It's clearly not a coincidence. ]

Yes. Though I'm beginning to suspect it wasn't a normal dream, considering you're not the first person I think I met... there.

[ Or... here, perhaps? Trying to remember the details makes his head hurt, and they keep slipping away like sand, but he's still sure: they've spoken before, and that was no normal dream. ]

[ishisstrength]

[The delicate arch of Justine's brow furrows as a light frown touches her lips.]

You have nothing to be sorry for. It was my choice and it was worth it.

[After Justine makes a choice then it's on her. It's just how she is. She isn't from a world where choices are readily available and they mean a lot to her.]

And I do. I could never have a pet but animals are more simple than humans. They don't lie or pretend. They are what they are. There is something simple and sweet about them, don't you think?

[justbeingknife]

Really?

[ His grin widened a little. ]

Well, ya seem cool yourself. It ain't often I meet someone who's taller'n me, bein' from Japan and all. But you look like a reliable kind of guy.

And it's a deal. I bet there're all kindsa catches you can make here that ya can't in Tokyo or Osaka. By the way, don't think I caught your name. I'm Majima.

[reenforces]

[Whoops. He's bad at hiding it, not that he was trying, but he didn't want to lead the conversation with it.]

Ah... yes, actually. I'm a water seraph. [He rests a hand on his hip.] Though everyone can see me here so the intrigue is pretty much nonexistent.

Divination

[darkbreak]

[Riku had been highly curious of the whole festival, going from bonfire to bonfire and trying to soak up and learn as much of this new world as he could. It didn't mean participating, but sometimes you learn more as a wallflower than a social butterfly.

Asra has him curious for a moment, and Riku had been watching the older man for a moment or two. He didn't look as if he belonged in the world, and yet to Riku, he was doing something he looked so confident and comfortable in.]

You mean ask the cards something? How does it work?

[Curious, but skeptical. This honestly sounded like a game Kairi and the girls would play back home during slumber parties.]

[comeasyouare]

[ Sonia doesn't reply immediately, as if she's mulling over her options. Then, she shakes her head, laughing quietly. She really wants to press, but... something about Mukuro's tone gives her reasons to pause. ]

That... sounds correct, if not a little bit bizarre. I suppose that is to be expected of our current situation. My apologies.

[ Well, now that's on the backburner, back to the bed at hand. ] At any rate, I insist that you take the bed. I can find elsewhere to sleep.

[justbeingknife]

[ "Oh, I'm sure. Quite sure," said the woman, sporting a triumphant smile. "Ha! Look at that. Your destinies are tied, I declare... to shelving books!"

Majima looked blank. ]

...come again?

[ "Haven't you two ever wanted to experience the joys of creating order from chaos? A fast-paced, public-facing position in the library sciences? I declare that you two would be perfect for the task!" ]

Hold on a second, are you gettin' kickbacks from this library? I thought this was supposed to be a fortune.

I

[darkbreak]

[Unfortunately, that arm belongs to an older teen, one who doesn't seem to be all that keen on having someone grab him. Riku himself had been staring at his own mirror, decorated with shells and stars and wings and the faces of his friends.

The touch isn't Sora's or anyone he's familiar with, and Riku's quick to grab Yuma's wrist with his free hand. Turning to him with a frown and a not so gentle tone;]

Take it easy.

[justbeingknife]

[ Holy cow. Or would that be... holy chicken? Getting into the spirit of things now, Majima offered him another treat -- this time, a pastry with savory meat filling inside. ]

That good, huh?

[ Had Zack just... sniffed that chicken? Surely not, right? ]

[kattobings]

[ Yuma tries to wiggle away from the grip. ]

You take it easy!!! I was just asking a question!

[veilfires]

[He wears teacherly sternness. The sentiment is most agreeable, but the flippancy less so.] We will never master the unknown by merely fearing it. But due caution remains wise and appropriate.

[He presses his lips into a thin line. He’s open now to hearing her out, at least.]

Very well. Tell me about the ‘First Ones’ and their ‘tech’.