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

[rowdyraven]

[It's a comment that has Julian's thick brows furrowing, just a touch, his one visible eye turned Mary's way.]

Oh. Well that uh, that sounds ominous. I certainly didn't get the impression that anyone back at that er, that Coven, had the intention of doing us harm. But um, that does beg the question, what happened last time you were somebody's guest? If you don't mind me asking, that is.

[rowdyraven]

Ah, well...my home? It's ah, the thing is, I'm the sort to get itchy feet whenever I stay anywhere for any length of time. Bit of a wanderer, me. So um, the place where I grew up, for example, I haven't been there in a while. Though I've been meaning to go back and visit, when work allows. I'm from a place called Nevivon, or at least, that's where I ended up, after the shipwreck. My sister and I, having lost our parents to said wreck, we were brought up by the village grandmothers, collectively, with a handful of other orphans like ourselves. Landed on our feet, really.

Nevivon is a seaside town nestled among the saltflats of the South, dreadfully cold in winter, enough to make food scarce and leave people freezing to death in their homes if they're unlucky. But um, it's also famous for its hot springs, and people travel far and wide for our Nevivon bath salts. Great little place, on the whole. We had quite the upbringing, in the end.

[He gestures then, to the bath they're currently enjoying.]

It made me excited to see this place, let me tell you. Like a little taste of home! Though ah, whatever they've put in the water here, nice as it is, it doesn't quite compare with Nevivon salts!

[halfheartedmagician]

[Asra smiles at the younger man's interest, noting the cautious curiosity and how he'd been largely hanging back in the celebrations so far. All the more reason to wonder if there's something in particular that's motivated him to try and join in now.]

The arcana offers guidance, sometimes answers but more often questions and the tools that you can use to find that solutions in your life yourself. Sometimes people like to ask for guidance in love, or what they may need to be cautious of in the future, or what fortune might await them. You can ask anything you like, but it's usually better to ask the cards what you should consider instead of an outcome.

You might not like what they have to say otherwise.

[ishisstrength]

Thank you. You're very kind, Majima. [She follows him towards the table to find a rather conventional spread of sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables and finally pastries for desert. Her dark gaze glance up at Majima, in his apparent confusion, and her delicate thin lips twitch into an amused smirk.]

It's mayo and some spices. Chicken is usually prepared this way so that it isn't dry after being over cooked.

Try it. You might like it.

[She grabs herself a sandwich and then fills the other half of her plate with strawberries and a small glazed pastry.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine nods her head gently before reaching out to grab a floating rose petal, teasing the silky texture between her thumb and forefinger. It really is lovely. Everything about the bath and its company.]

I agree. [Doesn't everyone want to be a cat?] I think I remember where I met you. It was in a dream but not a dream... [She bites gently at her lower lip as she turns to look at Majima.] The Fea were there and you were turned into a cat.

A cat with only one eye and looked as if it was wearing a suit.

[She reaches forward and lightly places the rose petal in the water in front of him.] I remember it clearly now. [At least that part of it.]

[subruo]

[It's a confusing run of emotions that he feels from that line. His first reaction is to laugh, because really, why does he have to justify his choices to an absolute stranger? She doesn't know what he went through. She hardly understands what he did, what he had to do to that wretched, doomed world.]

[But before he can react, a burning sense of resentment flashes in his chest, a feeling that wants to make him spit and say do you really think I had no obligation to anyone even with my kind of role, huh, you idiot? But no, no, he can't show his metaphorical teeth here, even though the offense hits deep.]

[He opens his mouth. Closes it. Then opens it again, eyebrows tilting upwards. His voice is quiet.]

I can't.

[And that's the truth of the matter.]

I care about my friends very deeply. But I was given - no, made - to hold this role on my shoulders. To stand back, to do nothing, that...that wasn't a choice I had.

[Even though his face is caught in shadow, his eyes are bright.]

Besides, to save the world, to make sure that my friends would experience a world free of suffering and pain - why would you consider that anything less than an obligation in and of itself? What, should I have let them live in misery?

[How could he? He would rather kill them a hundred times over to save them from an even worse fate. And he did kill them a hundred times over. He did.]

[ishisstrength]

You're sweet.

[It's unclear if Justine means that as a compliment or not. Over all she likes Prompto but she doesn't want someone taking advantage of his kindness, someone like her.] And thank you. I like having you nearby. You and Prim both, if I'm being honest. [It's sad that the large bird has to stay outside, even if it's also understandable.

Justine follows the thin line of traffic towards a small room to the side. It appears as if some of the others had arrived in worse shape than Justine and were being treated accordingly. Her cut was shallow but uneven and needed to be bandaged and wrapped so it could heal. The process is simple, except that the Coven witch who rose to help her did... something to Justine's palm.

She glances up at Prompto, her confusion knitted between her eyebrows.] She said that it will heal faster. I've never seen magic like this.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine is all too familiar with those who have power, human, witch or monster, abusing that power. Or perhaps its because she's always been forced into the role of the helpless. Lost little lamb. That's what Laura had said to her once.]

I don't know. We wait and see if we can learn more.

[She lifts her shoulders in an exhausted shrug as her hands delicately skim the surface of the water.] That's all we can do.

For now.

[It's a very depressing notion.]

[upinthesky]

[It's more showy than Clark is generally used to. Superhero or not, he's still a more reserved person who doesn't advertise his strength. He knows he should get used to it, but he never does. Just like he never gets over liking root beer floats and visiting the farm house. But it doesn't seem like the stranger is actually doing anything with the lance, so it should be fine, right?]

I... guess so.

[He doesn't quiet agree, but one could make the argument.]

A little, yes. Where did you come from?

[grakraka]

[It amuses him that somehow he managed to make Akira seem like the asshole in this situation but he can't think of a way to explain the complications of it all without getting into the less savory parts of it all. He really does not need to do that and no one needs that information anyway. But it definitely makes this situation hilarious in the worst ways.

Oh well. He'll apologise to Akira if it ever comes up. It will probably be fine.]

I appreciate it. If anyone gives you problems, too, please let me know. I don't know how I could help but I will do my best. [Too bad there is not Mementos here.] Akechi will do just fine. I'm glad to have an ally.

[Oh. Before he forgets:] Fishing might be fun to learn, too, by the way. I've never been fishing.

[Though he prefers more active things, fishing would also give him a useful skill, so it's a win.]

[upinthesky]

[Clark looks at the open watch Hiccup is studying. He really looks, but is surprised to find he can't look inside the gears or between the small mechanisms. It's a startling feeling, and he tenses instinctively.]

Wha-? Um, can I see that?

you're all good. I am slow to tag at the best of times.

[ishisstrength]

[Her eyes lock onto the rune in obvious fascination. Justine has seen people carrying such objects but never this close. She reaches out and then hesitates, pulling her hand back a few inches as her gaze flicks between the man and the odd stone.]

May I? [Only after getting his permission will she touch the rune, tracing the pad of her finger delicately across the etched stone.]

I don't think I could make it over the fire. [Her lips pressed together in an amused smile.] These aren't the kind of physical activities I excel at. [It's a private joke at her own expense. The White Court likes to keep their food as docile and compliant as possible, and while Justine has been taught basic skills, she's never learned to do anything like this.

Even if she doesn't burn herself, she'd only step through the fire and test the charms potency.]

[ishisstrength]

Oh. [Her tone falls and for a fraction of a second confusion pierces through the panic and chaos raging in her thoughts. Justine has seen many things in this world but not kindness. She doesn't know how to face it or what this boy might truly desire in return.

It's uncomfortable.]

Yes. It called to me. I guess. [He brow furrows in concentration as she attempts to recall exactly what had happened.] I can't explain it. I'd been leaving the bedroom when something in the mirror caught my eye. A light or something. I walked towards it and then I was here.

[ishisstrength]

[She glances up, her gaze steady and delicate as she gently releases the long strands of wet dark hair to once again cling to her shoulder and neck.] Justine. [Her voice is sweet and inviting as she turns to give Connor her full attention.]

Have you really never been to a spa before? Or gotten a massage?

[There really is nothing more relaxing or enjoyable though Justine supposes some people prefer not to relax too. It isn't a train of thought she understood but that doesn't mean it isn't easy to accept.]

[upinthesky]

What do things look like where you're from? Are there buildings?

[Clark smiles when Dylas questions him. It doesn't take super-hearing to sense the doubt he has.]

I don't want anything. I just think it'd be nicer if we found a place away from the docks. You cant really judge a place on one part of it. I'm sure it has its brighter sides too.

Did you want to stay here?

[Really? Clark might be teasing a little, but he's also really asking.]

[upinthesky]

Study it, huh? [Well, he would do that if he really knew how. But since he doesn't, Clark scratches the back of his neck, looking at the pendant that hangs from Petra's hand and the woman herself. There's definitely spirit there.]

I'm curious. I just wouldn't know where to start.

[Magic is a mystery that he turns to others to answer for him. But what Clark does recognize is more grounded.]

I hope it gives you some answers. It's still a mystery to me. Can I get you some water?

[She might not be burned, but she still looks like she needs to rest after that ordeal.]

[scaling]

The same thing happened to me. [ Well, not so strictly that scenario, but he can recall a similar compulsion, suddenly being consumed by a need to inspect the glint he saw in the window.

So there's that, at least. Akira has no idea what it means, but it's a start.

Removing the gauze, he sets it aside (the floor is covered in a layer of dust anyway, whoever owns this place can deal) and inspects the wound. ]

It's not that bad of a cut. [ He dresses it with a fresh piece of gauze and makes quick work of wrapping it, the motion familiar. ]

[upinthesky]

Clark is, or tries to be, polite even when he doesn't necessarily have to. The effort is still there no matter what world he ends up in, and he can't help bringing that country boy heart into the party now. But he still has the problem of making sure everyone is provided for.

"All right. If I can find you some other branches would that work?"

As long as she gets to eat, there's no problem, right? It seems like a perfectly fair deal to him. He can find edible trees for her. It'll be fine and no one will get offended.

[haillenarte]

[francel takes up the pauldron where aymeric left it, pulling its strap loose and setting it — there are no more pieces of furniture within reach — upon the floor. he starts on the second pauldron, unbuckling and releasing it deftly; this, too, is set upon the floor. then he unclasps the sash wound about aymeric’s chest, pulling and folding it in his hands with one smooth motion, elegant as some dancer from distant thavnair. for someone who claims not to be a squire, his hands seem unusually practiced, as if he has rehearsed these movements before, in his mind if not in practice.]

As well I could, I suppose. What did you think of it?

[aymeric stands in his inner layers, his heavy pauldrons and neckpiece cast aside; his gloves and surcoat lay on the dresser, and his sash is still in francel’s hands. there is nothing left to remove save perhaps his sabatons, but the young lord mechanically reaches for the hem of aymeric’s blue shirt, as if to remove that too.

his hand pauses upon aymeric’s waist, then withdraws as if he has been burned.

his gaze falls to the floor; he murmurs a faint apology.]

[littlemperor]

[tori himemiya, who has an honest heart that he can't hide, who tends towards emotions and is easily goaded into giving up information to those just a little wilier, tricked many times before?]

As if.

[(yes.)

but he stares at the cards again, then looks away as he plays with the sweater beneath his school blazer.]

There's someone that I admire a lot, that I really, really love, but they're graduating this year and leaving me with a lot of responsibilities... Well, I want them to, so they don't worry about things after they're gone, but I haven't really been able to do a lot for them... And the thing I did try sort of flopped.

So, um... I guess what I'm asking... is if I'll be able to support the things they love, that they left behind, so they can smile without anything to worry about.

[lonewanderer]

"Food sounds good," Lex agrees, and Dogmeat wakes his tail in turn. "If it's anything like the rest of this place, it'll probably be the best food I've had in a while."

Not two hundred years old. Not irradiated. She wonders, briefly, if the radiation adds or subtracts from the flavor.

"And I probably won't have any idea what half of it is."

[littlemperor]

Mm-mm... King's my only one, and he's the only one I need.

[but

tori is starting to feel a little lonely, seeing king have fun with someone else, so he's coming closer to steal his dog away... this is his to cling onto.]

Do you have any? Or are you just the sort of person that gets too attached to other peoples' family?

[pets.]

[lonewanderer]

[ There's a low whistle. Yeah, that's quite a while. ]

Huh. [ Really, just. Huh. ] I guess I never thought a... dog-rat would be interested in teaching. Unless jobs are assigned to you?

[lonewanderer]

[ The water is hers from home, and Lex thinks that it should still be clean, despite the amount of radiation she was exposed to. If nothing else, more radiation from water isn't going to hurt too much in comparison - and it'll help her throat feel less like garbage.

She takes careful sips, alternating the bottle between her hands until she feels strong enough to sit back. ]

Thanks, [ she manages after another few sips. Dogmeat closes the distance now, and she buries her free hand in the fur around the scruff of his neck. ] I'm probably going to need to find a doctor.

[littlemperor]

[hm............ this guy isn't bad.]

I've decided. Someone like you is befitting company for someone like me, so let's be friends. I'm Tori, only son and heir of the noble Himemiya household.

[LIKE, HE'S FIGURED OUT BY NOW THAT HIS NAME? MEANS NOTHING.

BUT FORCE OF HABIT.]