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

[clickclickbang]

Nope again.

[That sounds way cooler than "best friend dragged on a road trip from hell" but also kinda lame. Primula seems to be calmer now and starts to try and wander over to inspect Fordola. Prompto quickly pulls her back.]

I'm just a guy trying to survive the end of the world.

[haillenarte]

Wh — oh, good heavens —

[francel nearly collides with the chocobo, as he's not watching where he's going, and it's just sort of there in front of him very suddenly. he halts, staring at it in surprise.

is... is this a chocobo?

yes — one of a slightly different breed than the standard ishgardian rouncey, with a less rounded head and more magnificent plumage around the crown, but a chocobo most certainly. confused, francel looks about for its owner, even as he has mechanically begun stroking the chocobo's neck.]

Do you belong to someone, boy? ...Or are you a girl? I suppose you can't tell me where your rider is.

[reenforces]

[Mikleo basically bounces off the pansexual pony, which would be funny if his pride didn't hurt. He swats right back at the tail instinctively, only to realize something.]

... You can see me?

[He gets to his feet with a wary look. He can't sense any malevolence, but he feels like he's blind right now regardless. Where are his powers?]

You don't look like a seraph or a hellion. What's going on?

[fordola]

[ Fordola sort of. Does kneel for the chick, before it was pulled away. Frowning a little. ]

And I'm just a lady tryin' her best to do what's right. Not with any Chocobo wranglin' involved, though.

Mirror

[clickclickbang]

[Okay, his own disorientation and what-the-fuckery can wait, there is someone screaming and crying right next to him and that takes priority. Prompto kneels down next to the woman, wishing he had a potion or something because that hand wound looks nasty.]

Hey, hey, hey, calm down, yeah? I dunno who Thomas is, but you're just gonna end up hurting yourself if you keep beating on the mirror.

[usurpers]

(that’s because mhairi is a good bean)

eren will agree to show her in a place that isn’t so crowded eventually, given he’d have to take his pants off and reveal his thigh that’s . . . probably perfectly fine. it was just a dream, but their notable concern is enough to have him comply without any resistance (just really big, curious eyes). they know more about their own world than he does.

(he also can’t believe they’re married, but. he’ll keep that to himself)

and if anything else, he presents motivation to help if it meant he could return to where he belongs and push back his own enemies, but one more thing— where does he fall where witches and monsters are concerned? he’ll go on to mention that he’s human and can turn into a giant. sort of.

[actuallyadork]

[The squawk sounds far from friendly. Cloud puts his hand on the hilt of his sword, trying to figure out what just tried to attack.]

We got company.

[And it's..... a bird? Of some kind?]

[veilfires]

[He means to answer smoothly, but finds himself hesitating instead. He is hardly well, and would ordinarily not blush at being forthright about that – but Francel’s gladness at seeing him seems so warm and sincere. It makes a part of him shrink, as if from the light. He musters himself back from that, and goes for the usual ‘wry’.]

As well as one can be when stranded in a world at once alien, strange and hospitable. I imagine you know a little of that.

[He casts his gaze over Francel’s book trolley with interest.]

Has the Coven put you to work here, then?

[clickclickbang]

[She's not quite a chick, but she sure as hell acts like it. Hence the pulling away.]

Yeah, we were trying to get them all somewhere the daemons wouldn't get them. Gotta make sure there's chocobos for whenever things get back to normal!

[He smiles, but it's a little strained. This is so freaking weird.]

...weird request, but can you. Like. Pinch me or something to make sure this isn't a weird ass dream?

[actuallyadork]

[With how she's laying there? Yeah. Cloud could believe it. Sudden change in environment could be tiring.]

Might have wanted to pick a corner for that.

[Attempt at tired sarcasm noted. He moves to help her, offering his hand.]

Do you need me to call a doctor?

[wylderrant]

Not in a drink like this, no!

[ Iramaat responds brightly and then settles herself down on the bench next to him with a smile, leaning right over into his personal space as she takes a long drink from her cup. ]

No, I haven't! But I want to - will you do it with me?

[ Her eyes glint with a bit of mischief and quite a lot of enthusiasm. ]

[clickclickbang]

[She just kwehs and ruffles her feathers as the petting starts. A+ human.

Of course, her human comes running up a few moments later.]

There you are. Y'know, why couldn't this dream or whatever it is give me gyshals, that would make everything so much easier--

[Oh whoops, there's a person.]

Sorry about her, we're still working on things like "don't run off when Prompto goes to the bathroom" and "no stealing people food".

[actuallyadork]

[Prim? Oh! Cloud looks rather interested as the chocobo approaches.]

Didn't think anyone else had a chocobo with them.

[Where had his gone off to? Who knows. She'll come when whistled for.]

I don't think you want to eat this, Prim. It's got meat in it. [But...] I haven't seen anyone selling greens around here...

city wandering;

[lonewanderer]

[ Closed buildings were familiar, and quieter than the bustle of the streets with the festival going on. Lex had found this particular theater and started poking around it, and it's when she and Dogmeat reappear from the back that she spots Akechi and hears him. ]

No clue. [ She's dressed in the Coven robes, but there's an old hiking backpack over them. Now that she's not dying of radiation sickness, it doesn't feel as heavy. ] Weird though, isn't it? Seems like it's all of the theaters.

[clickclickbang]

You would be amazed at what she will try to ea--wait, "else"?

[Someone else has a chocobo!?]

[mislike]

( arrival )

[None of this seems possible. Her breathing is heavy, but for the most part Sansa stands still. She needs to process what this means. Staring at herself in the reflection just leads to an almost empty looking young woman. She doesn't look scared, but resolved. Her jaw is tight as she turns to look at the others, giving one last look at what feels like home. Others have appeared alongside their mirrors, many with a similar look as her own.

The room is big, but she tries to keep to herself. No one looks familiar, and if she is here, there is no telling who else has stumbled their way through this strange place. What sense of safety she held in Winterfell, even with Jon gone, feels momentarily broken. Whether or not she's back in the Lion's Den remains to be seen, but with her arms crossed, she doesn't look the most personable.

What she needs is answers. She is the Lady of Winterfell and while Bran and Arya have returned, their people need her. She has no allies here, no bannermen, no armies. It leaves her far more open and vulnerable than she cares to be.]

( coven )

[Magic isn't a new concept for Sansa. She knows of its existence, though mostly in stories growing up. Old Nan liked to regale the Stark children in mostly morbid tales. She knows the darker paths of magic, what lies beyond the Wall. The house itself seems teeming with it, and it's hard not to stop and take it in. She is still mostly quiet with her hands clasped in front of her.

It is strange, but not unpleasant. Mayhaps this place is not as bad as it seems, but her mind keeps drifting of home, of making sure she is sure of her surroundings and of those around her. When someone seems to be standing close to her, staring at the brooms moving on their own accord, her smile is subtle, but she does not look as hard and unmoving as she did.]

Magic is rare where I am from, but there are tales of warlocks in Essos that can do great and terrible feats.

( coven; closed to hiccup )

[Not knowing where else to stay and with the invitation open to stay, she finds herself eventually making it up to one of the rooms. She moves slowly, the sun just starting to peak over the horizon. It's been a long night, and she is starting to feel it. Sansa is wary of staying here especially since it seems to be mixed company.

She sees someone who seems familiar to her, though she does not actually remember meeting him. He cannot be too much older than her, but she stands at the end of the bed as people seem to be pairing off.]

Is someone else joining you?

( boaltinn bonfires )

[The preoccupation with fire makes her even more hesitant, reminded more of the priestesses of Essos. She knows about the other religions, the talk of the Lord of Light. She wonders if she has somehow made her way east, but none seem to know the places she mentions.

So she stands around the Eastern Bonfire, off to the side. They tell her to jump through, to cleanse herself by fire. And while the idea of ridding herself of the previous men in her life seems appealing, she takes a step back. This is still too foreign and strange for her even with the assurance that they would keep her safe.

Putting her hand out, she shakes her head.] I- I can't.

( boaltinn impulsive compulsion )

[It seems this place is not just imbued with magic, but it has given her some as well. At first it feels strange, like she can reach out and just make it appear. She tries to ignore the impulse, but eventually it's too hard not to. Her extends, and it's like a sudden light comes from it.

She stares for just a moment before her hand retracts, and she quickly looks around to see if anyone has seen her. It's hard to miss the bright light, but she knows others have talked about not using magic during the festival. The festival itself means nothing to her, but somehow she's been able to do this.

So she tries one more time, just to make sure it's real.]

[catasstrophy]

...!

[While Konoe took no offense to being randomly accosted with pointless questions, that changes immediately when insults start flying around. His tails puffs out, and after a second to process that this guy is really, actually being that rude, Konoe snaps back:]

I know you're an idiot, because only an idiot would think I'm a Monster!

[The obvious response to being called an idiot? Calling the other guy an idiot twice!

Honestly, Konoe should be glad that he's not recognized. He kept a low profile when everyone arrived, hiding his ears under his hood, and generally trying not to attract attention until he knew what was going on (which he still doesn't, much). He's definitely seen Dylas before - but then, he's seen to many weird people here that even a giant periwinkle nag has faded to the back of his mind.

Except the tail. The tail is the only thing he remembers for sure.]

iii.

[lonewanderer]

Internal mechanism to what?

[ She's been released from the infirmary, but Lex still looks pale. She has her watch, though - and she has a bulky bracelet that she's comparing said watch to. ]

[fordola]

Uh, only if you explain what in the hells a daemon is.

[ She's gonna pinch him anyway. Dream, huh-- she shakes it off. ]

[reenforces]

I'm glad you're all right. My magic isn't working properly, so...

[Mikleo isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. He's feeling everything at the moment, does that help? But the longer he stands here waist deep in water, the more he feels like he's about to cry. It's silly, it's only been a human lifetime, but there's possibly a thousand years ahead and he just isn't that strong. He's not the stoic one by any measure.

He breathes in shakily and looks away, hand obscuring his eyes and the surprised tears he doesn't want to acknowledge.]

I'm fine. I just realized you're wearing your birthday suit, so you might as well get in before the entire festival sees you. We can talk here.

[veilfires]

We all generally like to flatter ourselves such, yes. [It’s a bit of a problem – much as this woman has increasingly become in his eyes.

He does not come near to matching Iramaat’s bow in exuberance, but he does have the emotional energy to add a sarcastic little hand flourish.]

Solas, from the Order of the Thoroughly Discouraged.

Shall we see what secrets lie buried in wait for us to uncover, Knight?

[haillenarte]

[francel follows solas's gaze, suddenly reminded that he has a job to do. he's paid by the trolley, of course, so it doesn't exactly matter how long it takes him to do it, but a task is a task. he waffles for a moment before deciding that solas doesn't seem the type to wait on pleasantries, and probably will not take offense if francel continues to shelve the dusty tomes.]

Yes — more or less. I've been told I am no Witch, but I thought it only prudent to be helpful so long as I am using the lodgings they have provided. They were hiring cataloguers, and while I cannot claim to have ever held such title, it seemed not unlike organizing the books in mine own personal library, so...

[he shrugs, hefting a heavy volume between both hands, and gently slides the tome into place among the other books.]

[actuallyadork]

I have one, too. She walked off a while ago. Doesn't really sit still well.

[Which makes sense since his is a racing chocobo.]

She looks different from yours, though... not as fluffy.

c.

[lonewanderer]

Doesn't seem that way.

[ Lex isn't staff, of course, but she overhears. She's pulling off her backpack, easing it down to the side. Dogmeat is sitting at her side, happily panting. ]

Anyone tries anything, though, and I'll make them regret it.

[ She knows how it feels to have to watch your back, to be wary of the intentions of anyone who passes by. She knows how it is especially to be a woman in a strange place where you have no idea of the intention of everyone around you. ]

[wylderrant]

Let's just say you owe me a favor for later, hmm?

[ She pats Justine's shoulder in a rather kindly (almost patronizing, really) manner. ]

There's no point in worrying about that now, is there? Not until we have you taken care of. What's your name?

[ She changes the subject. She's not really sure what she wants from Justine just yet, anyway. She just knows that she's interested and that she'll want something eventually. ]

I'm Iramaat.