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

[hearthebell]

[L rather considers his job dragging out other people's skeletons and exposing them. Not that he doesn't have his own, and not that some of them weren't lawfully problematic... but when it was for the greater good, who was really keeping track? At the end of the day, the only people trying to get to L were the bad ones, and in his cynical experience, bad people far outnumbered good ones in the wide world.

Maybe it's different here. Maybe it's all just people that circumstances will push to do good or bad things, depending. Time will tell.]

How are you acclimating? Have you found a job yet? I realize that not all skills translate well to the kinds of mundane occupations that are immediately available to us.

[boneofsword]

[It's really ironic that Archer's opinion on humanity isn't that much different. He's too old and too jaded to believe otherwise.]

So far the Coven has been very helpful. I haven't started looking for the job yet, but I'm lucky to have some mundane skills. [it's a half-truth, actually. He's even surprised that he can still use skills from the time he was alive. Not that Archer's going to share this tidbit of information.] How about you?

[boneofsword]

[Archer's eyebrow twitches. He's starting to doubt his decision but he does follow the instruction (and poke.) At least for now.

Here's one floating Archer, his expression much softer than his typical scowl. It makes him look a bit younger.]

[rowdyraven]

Oh. Hah. Well that's ah, that's quite something.

[A morbid, ugly thing. It sends a sick twist of feeling through him, to think that people like Asra could be treated in such a way, discriminated against so fiercely. The vague suspicion and distrust that some in his world have towards the magically inclined hardly compares.]

But I wouldn't worry too much about what you call him. He's never been the type to care what other people think of him.

[hearthebell]

Right, it's early to be thinking about that.

[And it assumes a level of permanence that many may be uncomfortable accepting at this point. Possibly including L himself.]

I don't have a job yet, or any leads for one. I've been trying to gather more information about how to succeed here as a Witch, which is why I'm interested in speaking with people who have histories as magic users.

[Bringing it back around to the reason they're here, ultimately.]

I know that it might not be the same, but it was the stuff of fantasy where I'm from. I think that's making it somewhat more difficult to accept as commonplace... but I need to. The alternative is failing to accept reality, and that's what most would define as insanity.

[bloodyuseless]

Oh! Okay.

[All too easily, Mary lets go of the last thread of tact he possesses. If this guy says he doesn't need to worry about it, then he won't. At this point, he'll probably just call him "Eye Patch Guy's Ex."]

That must be nice. Having someone you know here.

[futhark]

[ Doing something, like attempt at drowning him maybe, could even be funny. But seeing that Mr. Scowl actually gets into this and successfully starts go relax... nah, that would be like kicking a puppy.

Caster lingers, probably longer than he would admit, and eventually swims away to different area. Before Archer stops his relax sessions that's it ]

[fortunyx]

[Ryoji stumbles backwards a bit when Minako suddenly hugs him. He slowly wraps his arms around her, hugging her back as she listens to what she says. He doesn't know what to say. Or think. He just doesn't know what to do. It completely interfered with the happy ending he wanted everyone to have. Especially her. She deserves it, after all.

He holds onto her a bit tighter.]

I'm sorry...

[If he knew he never would have brought it up. Especially since it upset her so much. It upsets him too, knowing this information. He wants nothing more than to just hold her in his arms forever so she wouldn't ever be sad. But he knows that wouldn't be possible. The least he can do is be a bit hopeful.]

But you're here now. Maybe it means something. Maybe things will be alright for you after all...

[rowdyraven]

[Julian nods, just once, because whilst he and Asra's past may be messy and tangled and dark, filled with the horror of a time that caused them both to be less than healthy for each other, things have changed, or had begun to, and when far from home, anything familiar is better than nothing at all.

Besides, he'd be lying if he said the magician meant little to him.]

It's ah, there's something reassuring in it, certainly.

[bloodyuseless]

[If Mary fully understood the meaning of the word "ex," he might have chosen to say something else instead, but as long as he's stuck here on his own, the thought of catching even his worst enemy in the crowd sounds all too comforting.]

Mmm, yeah. [A matching nod. A shift beneath the fragrant water.] This would all feel a lot more real if Maria were here.

[boneofsword]

I can understand that.

[It reminds Archer of the times almost forgotten, when he barely started his lessons.]

You can liken it to learning a programming language that allows you to alter reality. [he suggests a bit dryly.] Humanity has always been trying to recreate miracles from the tales of old.

[hearthebell]

[Comprehension lights up L's dark eyes for a moment. It's an effective comparison that he can relate to, though Archer's familiarity with the concept of programming languages is surprising to him.]

Would you say they've succeeded in your world? I imagine with technology and magic at your disposal, there isn't much you can't do.

[boneofsword]

[Archer lets out a quiet chuckle.]

No, not really. Magecraft in my world isn't as strong or as commonplace as the magic here, and the mages are often averse to modern technology. [there are exceptions here and there, but not many, with Archer himself being one.] You can't create something out of nothing, all requires equivalent exchange.

[Suddenly his voice turns a bit bitter.] Besides the humanity isn't much different - people still die, wage wars and kill each other while cities are full of poor and homeless.

[hearthebell]

I imagined that given the difference in philosophies and disciplines, there might be some discrepancies.

What is your role in your world?

[What L is really asking, in his cloaked way, is how Archer himself deals with the things that he is so perturbed by, so cynical about.]

[complementing]

[It's almost funny how he's the one trying to be optimistic for her now, where he used to be so easily depressive before. The laugh that comes out of her is quiet and humorless, more like a little exhalation of breath than anything else. She wishes that living here could be the happy end she's wanted. That being here with him would be enough. But any place where she's away from her friends wouldn't be home. Any place where her life wasn't given to save them isn't one she wants to be in. And her duty as the Great Seal...if she's not there, there's no way things are safe back at home for anyone.

But she doesn't want to upset him more than she already has. She can't tell him all of those doubts. Minako places a tiny kiss on his forehead and sighs softly.]

Maybe. I hope so.

[boneofsword]

[Archer's reaction, however, isn't the one L's hoping for; his eyes narrow and darken slightly, as if those words bring unwanted memories. He's silent for a moment too long.]

I've been an idealist when I was your age. [odd. While he physically looks to be in early thirties Archer does make it sound as if he's much older.] Believing in using my abilities to fight for ideals rather than myself. That's closest to the role I can think of.

[hearthebell]

[It seems like a simple enough question; L himself has learned to deal with it by simply lying, since it's unlikely that anyone could call him out on it without having a certain familiarity with him. That number was paltry and rare; every single one of them are individuals L could hold hostage right back with information about them.

So it's odd to him that Archer looks, and answers, the way he does.]

That could mean a lot of things. I can speculate, but I would prefer not to disrespect a matter you treat with this kind of gravity that way.

[rowdyraven]

A friend of yours?

[He asks it with the subtle rise of one thick, auburn brow.]

[boneofsword]

[Archer is more insincere than dishonest; omitting part of truth instead of lying works well for him. It's how he is and how he grew up.]

I've choosen to uphold the ideals of justice and benevolence. [those were the ideals that he's been following to the very end. While he's not as bitter about it as he once been, there's no pride left.]

[hearthebell]

[Dealing with anything but the perfectly pure truth is dicey business, regardless. It's a lot to memorize, and keep track of, and it's never a certain, just how trusting or shrewd another party will be.

He cants his head, interested by what's simultaneously very vivid and still on the vague side. Justice is defined by the winner, after all, at least in L's world.]

It's a noble objective, to be sure. What changed?

[boneofsword]

[It's both the simplest and most tricky question. It's definitely refreshing to talk about it with someone, even if Archer isn't sure if Linden will understand.]

My perception of humanity did. All it does is trying to destroy itself. [it's perhaps not as important what Archer says as how he does it. He simply sounds tired, like he's talking about a fact that's been proven countless times. Like he's seen it again and again.]

[hearthebell]

[That's one of the top factors when it comes to how much someone will open up, unsurprisingly: whether or not a person actually wants to talk about the issue at hand. L counts himself lucky that even if the topic is a sore or sensitive one, Archer does come across as someone who has something to get off his chest. And in Geardagas? It might just be safe to tell a relative stranger things like this.]

What do you think it stems from? Pride, naivety? Stupidity?

[L has his own opinions on the matter, of course, and a somewhat similar experience witnessing disappointment in his race near constantly... but he wants to hear Archer's take. He wants that perspective.]

[boneofsword]

[It is indeed a relative safety in unloading this weight off his chest. Archer spoke of it only once, before finding himself in Geardagas.]

Most often all three. Naivety in thinking they're going to survive. Pride in their accomplishments. Stupidity in not really thinking it through.

[He's still careful to keep things rather vague, without facts that could hint at the details of his perspective. There's one thing in saying how his opinions changed in time, but another to explain why.]

[hearthebell]

[He nods; it's not far off the mark, he supposes. Nothing is ever so simple. There is nuance, and complexity, and shades of grey in all things that concern human beings.]

And... were you, yourself, a human being? If so... how did you reconcile your feelings about the species with your personal efforts, and how they might have succeeded or failed?

[A pause.]

If you weren't human... I suppose I'd like to know why you came to believe they could be saved in the first place.

[fortunyx]

[His eyes close at the feeling of her soft lips against his forehead.

He hopes so too. Gosh, he hope so too. Things have to turn out alright for her. He refuses to believe that she'll die. Or at least stay dead. If there's one person that deserves to live a good life it is her. He opens his eyes once again, giving her a warm smile. He doesn't want to see her sad. He loves her, after all, and no one ever wants to see someone they love so sad and upset.]

Until then, let's just be happy that we're here now. There's some things that we can enjoy. Like--

[He glances at the milkshake that's melting quite quickly.]

Our milkshake...