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

[sageprincess]

[He can get away with it for a while, as it turns out. The young woman seems to have a single minded focus in staring at her reflection as she plays, and hasn't appeared to have noticed that she has an audience.

... Whatever she's trying to do, it isn't working, of course. The mirrors aren't affected in any way by her music. But she tries one more time regardless, a hint of desperation ringing around the edges of the notes as she cycles through the six brief melodies again, praying-- begging for some kind of answer in her song.

The last note of the Prelude of Light echoes through the Looking Glass House, and then there's silence. The girl brings the small blue instrument away from her lips, looking down at it with no small amount of disappointment herself, the corners of her mouth turned down in a wavering frown.]

... Can you even hear me at all? [She asks the air.] Do you know where I am?

[Given there's no visible change to her mood, it's likely safe to assume those questions have remained unanswered.]

[keepscalm]

[Unfortunately, England does not have a free hand, because his other hand is holding the second half of the banana skewer. So he can only growl and duck away from America's invading hand.] God, you're such a prick.

I didn't do this, you moron. I came through the same mirrors as everyone else.

[keepscalm]

As the details come back to him, England raises a hand to regard the skin on the back of it. It's normal now, but as he tilts it this way and that, he remembers the shimmer of scales. "I did, yes. I assumed it was because of my connection to the fae from my homeworld."

When he assumed it was a normal dream generated by his own subconscious, of course.

[futhark]

[ Like a hound that smelled fear--- okay not that bad, but the sheepish smile just makes Caster want to tease the guy more. He resists the urge (for now) and grins ]

Let me tell you, I love that kind of old-fashioned! [ Have a one (1x) friendly punch on the arm. He's not nearly on the same level of drunkenness, but he's definitely at the cheery, friendly stage. ]

But between magic and fire? They're not really that different. You can tame either to an extent, but- bah, accidents happen, don't they?

[keepscalm]

[This moment is becoming a bit personal, and it feels wrong to refrain from announcing his presence any longer. Though he understands what she must be feeling. He's been reaching fruitlessly for his nation since he got here.

He clears his throat. Politely, of course.]

[reenforces]

Surely that can't be everything. I've traveled too, and I feel like I know less than when I started.

[Mikleo watches how Toothless murrs and bumps his tamer, and he can't help feeling a little charmed, even if a not-small part of him is terrified of dragons. It's... only natural, really.

He's awkwardly quiet at that question, even fidgeting with a sleeve.]

It's-- not a nice topic of conversation. I doubt you'd want to hear it.

Want to take a walk? It still smells like burning over here.

praise be :’)

[usurpers]

What do you want people to think when you say “bubbly breeding”?

[usurpers]

[ “wait” he says. wait! what absurd word is this! eren knows it but lord if he has listened to it at least once in his life, i would gift you. ]

When more people can get stuck in there?

[ a disapproving— sort of hissing sound slips past his lips as he shakes his head and keeps walking, pushing past a few witches that don’t quite like how urgently he’s going through them. hey! they say, some yelping watch it! but eren jaeger is on a mission. bye to your reasoning. ]

[boneofsword]

[Funny because Archer is definitely not into the lavish side of the bath, and would happily ask for one without all the fancy touches, if it was possible. Luxury, however, is included by default. THere's no sense in demanding the simple.

From his seat Archer has a perfect, front row view of Caster's charge. He braces for the splash, and- well, it happens, even if not exactly as planned.

Caster plz

Seriously, that's a bit of an overkill.]

Your luck is as bad as ever. [thanks for ruining his hairstyle. There's at least one petal in his hair now, or a few.]

[catasstrophy]

...

[He really isn't sure. Ending up here is just another question to add to the ever-growing pile of them: he has no idea if this is truly real, or if it's something the demons did, or if Leaks is somehow responsible.

Then again, if it's happened to so many other people from so many different worlds, can it really have been the demons or Leaks? And if it's someone - or something - that got in their way, can it really be bad?

Even if whoever's responsible did something positive, though... that's not proof that Konoe isn't cursed anymore.]

At least the demons are gone.

[Whether they are in this world or not - and Konoe is pretty sure he would have noticed them in the mirror house! - they are no longer inside of him. That much, he knows.

He's pretty sure.]

[reenforces]

[Mikleo nods. Strange but it lines up with Izuku's remarks on how there aren't many differences beyond abilities or looks. Almost everyone has something.

If it's a biological thing, it makes even less sense than taking away magic. Mikleo's made of the stuff! Water mana and a soul.

He taps his chin.]

How could we lose the things we're born with? I don't know of any spell that can do that. And no one is visibly sick, so it isn't something that can be cured with medicine.

Maybe something happened when we passed through the mirrors.

[ua_duibhne]

[A Servant. Diarmuid can only stare at him at first, bewilderment and then suspicion flickering across his face, but the more he thinks about it, the more inclined he is to take his claim seriously. It wouldn't benefit him any to lie and, as much as he searches for any sign of deception in his face, he seems sincere. Not that his own judgement has ever been that solid. For now, though, he's willing to accept it.

No, the part that troubles him is what it all could mean. Is this a sign of the Grail's involvement or have they moved beyond even its awesome reach?]

... this only complicates matters. [The only immediate sign of agitation comes in the way he tugs on his hair, twisting a lock around his finger and releasing it as he talks.] I met a Master I'm already familiar with earlier but he was by himself- and had no access to his abilities.

[He won't speak for himself. If it's the same for Mozart, he'll understand and if not- well, he's going to keep that close to his chest.]

Multiple Servants and a Master in one land with no War to fight. How bizarre.

[1019]

Hey you never know!!
If you ask me then it always pays to get one step ahead anyway! Hell, there could be stuff that they don't THINK is important but that could wind up making a big difference.
You wanna miss out on that?

[subruo]

At least the demons are gone.

[He repeats, because that's true in his case too. He lets out a slight sigh. True, there are no demons to deal with, but now they have to deal with that blight or whatever that Miss Nessie was talking about.]

[He folds his arms.]

So, if this all doesn't turn out to be a dream, would you be okay with that? Being here?

[catasstrophy]

Being here is fine. Wherever this is, it's just a place to be.

[If he sounds a little sulky in spite of what he's saying, it's not because he's lying. He really couldn't care less where he lives, blight or not; his own world had something similar enough.

No, his mood is for other reasons entirely.]

But I don't like not being able to go back. [It feels too much like being trapped here, and he objects to that just on principle.] And I guess... there are people I wouldn't mind seeing again.

[Not that he misses his friends or anything. They're barely even his friends!]

[fifty]

I've been fine so far! [And he's certainly done enough jumping.] There's little charms and stuff over there if you want. [America gestures vaguely in the direction of where he got his rune-etched necklace. He still thinks of it as more of a good luck charm than anything else. Like a fun souvenir!]

[1019]

Hey, I'm a people person!

[Debatable.]

If there's a party happening on here too then who am I not to jump in??
I fucking love talking!!!

[Hey, you said it, not me.]

[defendure]

I mean, Kacchan, it's not like being a "witch" is the only option...

[ He's hurrying up after Katsuki, although he reaches out with one hand to tug his sleeve, gesturing the way Izuku has to go to turn in the cat. ]

[belligerentwarrior]

The Dead Dunes are no home.

[She says it firmly, one of those steely tones that allows for no argument. Silence falls between them, and Fang drums her fingers on the edge of the pool. Home... was a tricky concept to her. She knew what this other woman was asking, really, if she wanted to go back to her own realm, but that felt like an incomplete answer. A borderline lie, really.]

[Home wasn't a place. Not since Oerba turned on her. It was a people. A family. And her last state of her family...]

[Eventually, Fang answers, and this time her tone is light and casual, not matching the gravitas of what she was talking about a bit.] Guess I haven't had one of those in a long while—a home. [A breath, borderline sigh.] Still gotta find a way back. Got something I need to do.

[interlucere]

I never said that I was an expert!

[ She lets out an airy laugh. Why are you huffing at her, Eren. ]

But I do know of at least one dragon who walks among us back home. That's why I said that it depends.

[defendure]

I...really want to know if all those mirrors were always there or not...?

[ It's possible they weren't, after all, and they appeared, right?

Or maybe they were just...

Hm. He doesn't know! ]

[sullenstallion]

[Having his own words turned back against him...it's not wrong. That's exactly the attitude he has about his amnesia, about being one of only three people to be turned from a monster back into a human.

But this time, when he'd said it, it had been a sort of olive branch for how rude he's been. His ears droop a little, and his tail curls just slightly against his leg. They're such small signs of movement, but they're there, expressing himself because he can't do it on his own. He's disappointed that Konoe's response seems to be telling him to...mind his own business? He was happy to tell this cat to mind his own business, but now for some reason he feels awkward. Why the hell is that?

Is this how awkward he felt when the Earthmate, when Meg and the others started trying to be his friend? Bah.]

Yeah. That's...what I'm going to do. [His face doesn't show any emotion.] That's why I said it. [A lie.] I'm getting good at it.

[defendure]

i mean, i like helping people? i'm not really sure why you're this against it?

[belligerentwarrior]

[Loquacious kid, wasn't she.]

[Still, despite her vague description, Fang took that as a confirmation. The vehemence and her likeness to the beast-lady seemed too coincidental.]

Yeah. Them.

[worst_greatest_one]

"Simon," I reply, taking one of the forks and plunging into the pile of - whatever it is - pushing it into my mouth without worrying overmuch. I'd eat a stick of butter if you put it in front of me, I'm not finicky.

I try to finish chewing before speaking again, but I've never been good at that. "You fall through an enchanted mirror, too?" I ask around a second skewer. "That's a new one for me. The falling through part, not the enchantment part."

[oh keep yours! it's all the same reading to me, but for some reason I just prefer writing prose]