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

[1019]

[Ohh, c'mon, now, all accents are ultimately created equal!

...You know, maybe not in terms of, like -- universal intelligibility, but! All are beautiful.

That said, though... pff -- what's that look for... A little... glaze over his look. One last clap - slow enough to... thoroughly self-muffle - and a hold of his hands halfway together...

...Ohh, though, is that a challenge -- ! With a scrunch of his nose and a li'l flare in his chest, Lucas jerks out a little "hyeeh -- ...!" sound.

Ooooooh, this should be good...! -- You challenging an invincible man to jump through the freakin' fire -- ?!

(Caaareful, there, boy.)

Either way! He -- takes one step crossing in front of the opposite leg. A -- really friggin' intense brightness openin' up in his face as he speaks...!]

Caaaan do!

[Edged with a tuned sort of... alleycat-yowl of a quality. Still half-walking and half-sidestepping in meter toward what he's... designated over collection of data as the right liftoff spot.

A little wag of his head. Projected to a lofty point from more of a swell in the middle of his throat.]

-- Show you a li'l fire ain't nothing to be afraid oooof!

[Extra-boosted:]

-- IIII play with it all the TIME -- !

[...Said in the manner of someone talking about, like, a goddamn genuinely-harmless snake - "go on, you can pick him up if you want!"

Still, his eyes go... bigger and blanker on that. He's. He's not kidding.]

We're the best of friends!

[Noooooow you know you're just talkin' for the sake of... the effect, here, don't you.]

[silentsavant]

Kind of an off-the-wall question that is trivial in the grand scheme of things, and as such I don't expect that this is a worldbuilding aspect of Aefenglom (or Geardagas as a whole) that has been considered by the mods before.

Do facial or body markings hold any special significance to the populace? Do they have any preconceived notions about what they might mean or be associated with? If so, how might they react to someone who bears marks?

It's a broad question, since markings vary so much in patterns and positions, but my character has a marking that looks like it could be a type of rune or character smackdab on his forehead. In his canon, it is either associated with mages who have made a pact with a spirit in order to increase their magical potency (at the price of their soul) or with a "brand" signifying that someone is a child born of a taboo coupling between the two major races. Therefore, I was curious whether there could potentially be any associations with any kinds of facial markings, particularly of the magical sort among circles of witches. Or hey, maybe there's a monstrous connection?

Thank you for your patience... I don't need a swift response, but the question popped into my head as I was brainstorming prompts.

[ishisstrength]

There are a few reasons.

Cherry blossoms are lovely but also strong. They embody empathy. It has a name but I don't remember what it is. [Laura Raith has an affinity for Japanese histories and styles, and it's because of her influence that Justine first fell in love with kimono's and cherry blossoms.] I've never actually been to Japan.

I like roses and hearts but... I'm not sure if they suit me.

[Sometimes Justine wonders if she has a heart or if those little voices have eaten away at what's inside of her.]

[wylderrant]

Wonderful! That sounds perfectly agreeable!

[ She is absolutely happy to take the lead on this. Maybe the blame. They'll find out. ]

Shall we?

[ And without waiting for an answer she ducks into the next hallway, looking for a door to try. ]

III

[whomthebelltolls]

[Well, the upside to just sitting around wallowing in her Resurrection Sickness is that people are willing to share food. She's not particularly keen on trusting it, but if it's mass-produced then maybe it's less dangerous.

... She does keep a wary eye on the Monsters more than the humans, though. That almost-fight she got into with Mhairi and Nerissa was a thing. Maybe Cloud even remembers her from it.]

Mm... I see, they want you to share? [She gets it by now. Maria reaches forward to grab one of the pancakes - just the one, and bring it back up to... nibble at it, really.]

[honoraboveall]

[Symon had paused merely to fold his shirt as he shucked his clothes off and gave the man a bit of a half-smile. As he continues to strip down, it reveals a deep, barely scabbed over wound on his thigh, clear bite marks both on the front and back of his leg, deep, with the surrounding flesh heavily bruised.
His clothes soon make a neat pile, and he slips into the water, utterly unselfconscious of his nudity.

A low sigh slipped past his lips, the water was perfect, just on the right side of hot, and it seemed to sink deep into his bones, releasing an ache from the wound on his thigh. This place is luxurious far more than any public bath in Korvosa. He feels an odd easing in his chest, and sinks back even more. ]

You certainly weren't lying. Water's more than fine, I'm worried I'm might drift off right here.

[wolfcorgi]

The hell-- Ricchi?!

[ surely, a familiar face does ease some of koga's concerns, as well as it... worsens them, in part. they're classmates (NOT friends), and despite koga's unwillingness to make friends and become familiar with those he spends an entire school year with, he knows ritsu and his condition too well. and he's worried, unfortunately enough. this sudden shift in place, atmosphere, the people and everything else... really, it's infuriating that he can't help but wonder how ricchi is taking it all.

good thing this fool's words are bold enough to snap koga out of it. faint red rises to his cheeks, and he pushes (gently, dammit!!) ritsu away. ]

Hah?! As if I'd do somethin' like that with ya! We gotta share a bed, right? Well, good thing I got Leon over here. So our bed's already taken, go find another yourself. I ain't interested!

[ but godfuckingdammit, he's worried for sure. isn't forehead around to keep this kid in check?!?! ]

[honoraboveall]

He didn't need to say anything, they never did now.

His own arms wound around Lyr holding him tight, keeping him pressed close as he could, breathing in the scent of his hair, the feeling of his lithe body flush to Symon's own. His eyes pressed closed and he just wanted this moment to hoard it greedily to preserve it in amber.

[reenforces]

[Mikleo tries so hard to stand tall on his own, but he's not so prideful that he can't see when he should depend on someone around him. He mostly tried not to burden Sorey with what he saw as selfish things, and worked quietly to improve himself; he asked the other seraphim for advice, following their guidance... But he doesn't have the other seraphim now. They only have each other.

He can't help a roll of his eyes and an exasperated sigh.]

I almost can't believe it, but... you're not wrong. When we armatized that first time, I had no idea what to do but it all just came naturally. I thought maybe it was because we've been beside each other our whole lives, but I suppose there's something else to it, too...

[He doesn't elaborate what that extra something is. He just gives Sorey a mysterious quirk of his lips and moves on.]

Have you thought about what you want to do?

[1019]

[UGHHHHHH IT'S LIKE HIS SKIN'S CURDLING DON'T -- FUCKIN' PAT HIM LIKE THAT -- LIKE, HE PRACTICALLY SHUDDERS INTO ANOTHER BIT OF A... TUG AWAY...!

Yet he's... keeping astride! For a moment looks forward like wait shit where is this fucking minecart even going is there - hitting a little ducking with his stance like -- she'll somehow not notice him anymore and leave 'im on his merry way! Breath starting to pick up oh my god you have a lot of GODDAMN NERVE -- ]

Oh --

Ohhhhh, you got questions... -- ?

[His voice is practically needling.]

I'm game -- ! I'll tell ya all there's to know about little ol' me!

[Injecting a... little upper snarly edge...! A little crinkle holding in his nose...!]

-- So long as you get your hands OFF -- !

['NOTHER LEAN FOR A PULL-AWAY! A bit more... abrupt and pointed than the last...!]

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat finds it quite comforting, really. Or rather, she finds it a worthwhile talent. It means she gets to enjoy some rather pleasant company and the warm feeling of having another body pressed alongside her. She brings them to a halt outside the clothing shop and glances down at Justine with a curious little flicker of her eyebrow. ]

I'm afraid I can't get in your head, dearest. Tell me, though...

[ Her voice lowers and she leans in, as if she's going to tell Justine a secret. ]

What do they say to you? Who are they?

[honoraboveall]

The man's voice has an odd, sibilant quality, strange to Symon's ear. A careful glance, and under the shadow of his hood, Symon can glimpse the flash of fangs against lips.

Fascinating.

But that cool mask doesn't shift, "Lessons that hurt and ones likely not forgotten." He counters the point, firm and quiet, his eyes trained on the other man, though he takes a moment, to think, pondering the question given to him. "Well, I think it very much depends on what lessons you've already had." He says after a moment, "But I think it's important to remember that half of the lesson lies in your actions." A shrug, "How you act, how they react, or vice versa. It's hard to predict what we'll be taught."

[long_live_the_queen]

[So things from storybooks, then. A bit like she was supposed to be. And in the light of all this, and the sluggish fog in her head, it didn't seem so outlandish for a dream.

Kaede gave a noncommittal grunt as an answer; she'd consider it, but. Effort.

It didn't take any effort to address the feathery golden elephant in the room, though.]

You know there's a giant bird following you?

[It seemed fairly tame and calm for the moment, though that beak looked formidable.]

[honoraboveall]

"There's no need for that." Symon said, sitting up a little, looking at the young man. The darkness hid Waver's almost tears, luckily. "There's plenty of room here, and as you said, the rest of the rooms are filled. "

[nemuru]

[ ritsu, ever the baby, whines and gets his revenge via leaning into koga's pushing away. deadweight motherfucker, it's one of his marketable skills. ]

Coooo-oooooo-oooorgiiii-iiiiii, who raised you to be such a brat? Anija doesn't train you right, does he? [ maybe he isn't making the best case for staying together, and he... does not stop being deadweight, but he stops whining, Sort Of, and sounds more serious, Kind of. ] ...C'mon, Corgi, we don't have to share.

[ yeah how's that, ritsu- ]

You can sleep on the ground with your mutt, like a good puppy, and I'll take the bed. ♪

[justbeingknife]

[ While Lucas was chewing the scenery like there was no fucking tomorrow, Majima was just kind of holding his hand out to the bonfire barker mid-conversation like he was waiting for Lucas to literally burst into flames at any minute. The man shoved some kind of wooden thing into his hand, and Majima just sort of... put it in his pocket? While watching Lucas yowl it up.

Where the hell was this guy from...... ]

Uh. Yeah. Right. I'm gonna jump now, I guess?

[ So as it turned out: when Majima wasn't busy grousing, he was a pretty good athlete. He took a running jump toward the fire, and though it crackled and roared, he stuck the landing on the other side the way a cat might end its leap, soft-footed and clean. The firelight gleamed off the tip of his steel-toed boots as he turned to Lucas and the dude running the show.

You know... he kind of felt better? He wasn't sure how, exactly, but -- ]

Whatcha waitin' for, huh? I kept up my side.

[honoraboveall]

"Neither did I." Symon whispered into the dark fall of Lyr's hair. "I saw you in the mirror, and it was so hard to tear myself away from it, I thought it would be the last I would see you."

The corner of his mouth curled up at Lyr and he forced himself to pull back, "What do you mean?"

oh no.... trust me, i love him

[littlemperor]

[what the fuck

like, he thought some of the people at his school were weird, but this guy takes a whole cake. that said, very good questions... that he doesn't know the answer to. uhhh hhh h, time to best guess and vague most of this.]

he's perfectly trained by yours truly! [kind of by him.] he's a healthy weight, we bathe him every other week, his nails are fine, and i don't know when the last time we checked his ears was but i can do it now.

[topslug]

"They had a lot of them on hand, so someone must wear them," Yako muses. They'd called them Witches -- was that it, then?

But Lex's obvious technical difficulties with her robe are a more pressing matter. Yako takes a few steps closer, holding up her hands.

"Here, let me help you with that -- could you stay still for a moment and keep your arms raised?"

nobukatsu oda | fate/grand order | witch | OTA

[nobunagastan]

(1) Arrival: Mirrors

[Nobukatsu has simply never been around so many mirrors before, and he’s quickly entranced by the funhouse effect of reflections reflecting reflections – until his cape snags on one and without thinking, he yanks it free. The error in his ways is revealed only a few moments later when the mirrors wobbles and falls.

Directly into a mirror. That hits another mirror. Which slides into another and…

Five mirrors in one second of absolute spook isn’t a bad start.

Nervously, he looks around to see if anyone’s coming to see what the noise was. Please… maybe he can just walk away.]

(2) Boaltinn b - Snacks

[Out of all the food on offer, Nobukatsu could go for approximately all of it. It was an assault to his senses that he couldn’t just go and get some – but every time he’s tried he’s been shooed away and reminded that none of it is meant for just one person.

The obvious solution is to bother someone who’s already gotten their food, then. The next person he sees holding one of those pancake wraps gets a face full of Oda.]

You’re supposed to share anything you get, right? So does that mean you’ll share that with me?

[What follows is his most winning smile. While the effectiveness of a smile varies depending on who it’s directed at, Nobukatsu’s smile does have the benefit of making him look mild and unassuming.]

(3) Boaltinn c - Impulsive Combustion

[Magic this, Coven that, that’s about all that Nobukatsu has picked up on since arrival. He’s never had any affinity with magic, nor ever thought of it, but somehow, he just can’t help himself.

What is magic other than some weird words and hand gestures and words anyway? It’s mind over matter, and what’s usually on his mind is…

A flame ignites in his palms. You’re a witch, Nobukatsu Oda. He can’t not cheer for himself in glee.

But oh crap it’s hot. He drops the embers to the ground immediately and starts to try and stamp it out when he realizes that he’s not alone.]

Um… is it alright if you didn’t see that?

(4) Wildcard
Throw whatever you want at me. Alternatively, find me at horsemancer, or pm me here.

IV B

[whomthebelltolls]

[She'd thought she had come at a quiet enough time. Public baths aren't really... a thing where she's from, but she's still feeling sick and shaky from the way she... arrived. Or something about how she arrived, and the things she is noticing are different about herself now.

It's the dog that grabs her attention. Dogs weren't used very often in the early days of the Hunt, but they could be useful for ferreting out the Beasts that hid in the corners or tried to melt in the Shadows, and their noses were usually even better than humans' to smell the corruption of Beasthood before it manifested.

She's bent over in the bath, a comfortable distance away, sunk down up to her chest to hide that under the water because there is a bit of embarrassment, but... well, it feels good to soak in the floral waters. She's been surrounded by the rank stench of blood and rot and fire for too long, and the musty, dusty wood of the Astral Clocktower, with that hint of grease from the clock mechanics] ... You've never even seen a rose?

[She was going to just ignore everyone else, but that catches her attention.]

is this a good time to ask how majima's singing voice is...

[topslug]

[ Majima's rock hits its mark rather handily, but it stubbornly clings on Yako's arm, though the shock of the impact so close shakes her out of her daze enough to try and tug her arm out of the plant. It's stubborn, though -- the robes she's changed into provide plenty of material for the plant to stubbornly cling on to, the slippery hooks along the pitcher's 'throat' less conducive to yanking her arm back out. There isn't any pain yet, but she can feel the fluid pooling at the bottom already soaking into her clothes. ]

I'm ... I'm all right! [ She manages to get out, shaking her head. Ugh, if only she could do something about that smell. She tries yanking harder, but at length, she has to admit the obvious. ]

... I'm stuck.

[halfheartedmagician]

[Asra hasn't tried much beyond a little of the filling that spilled out onto his fingers, deciding that the spirit of sharing was to wait until there was someone else to try the dish with him. He's pleased that it's sooner rather than later he finds someone interested, and offers her a steaming roll.]

Vegetables and spices, some nuts perhaps. [It's a bit of a guess, since he hadn't asked much himself. what are food allergies] It tastes delicious.

[iminthebook]

"Yes, it's me, Justine." he reached out for her, and touched her arm gently. "We are not. I was in the hospital, and okay, recovering. I am pretty sure we are alive." He shifted to face her.

He squeezed her hand. "I'm here." he remembered faint touches, then heavier ones. Or did he? His skin flushed red.

[halfheartedmagician]

Which would you prefer?

[The utter confusion on the other man's face is somewhat entertaining, and Asra's never been particularly good at discussing matters in a straightforward way anyway.]

There are drinks throughout the festival, but you might find the cost to be unexpected.