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

[wolfcorgi]

Why the hell are you thinkin' about sleepin' outside, dammit? Your brain stopped workin' or something?

[ he! positively! hates! this! dammit!!! he won't push ritsu away, because he can tell if he did, this kid would probably just fall on the ground right there and probably hurt his face or something, but also he won't stay quiet? he doesn't want to do this? be here?? ]

Ghhhhrrrrrrr, dammit! You're so goddamn annoyin', even here! C'mon, wake up! I'll let ya sleep with Leon and I, just don't sleep in the middle of the damn hallway! Move!

[holybeasts]

Ah, I see. Well at least in my case you're completely correct!

[She walks on over to the stall itself, peering at all of the choices. There are these thin wrap things that seemed to be filled with other sweet things that really catch her eye. Mostly for the cream stuffed into them too.

Yeah, she's all eager and bright-eyed now. Sweets, yo.]

[littlemperor]

[.......... okay shigeo's fine in his books.]

You've never had one before?

[grakraka]

[Akechi has no qualms with pouting over it. Some adults, even very prickly ones, can fall to his charms if he persists. Well, possibly not to his charms so much as because he wears them down but it evens out to the same result, so that's fine. He can handle this.]

Ah... But you know, people can only eat together. So it would be troublesome if you walked off now...

[He tilts his head.]

Though, if you prefer something savoury, I'll help you get something to eat if you help me get some dessert.

[nemuru]

[ he wins ♪ he doesn't wanna wake up, but he kind of does... at least opens his eyes a little, shaking his head like a little kid. ]

Too tired. Carry me, Maakun's not around to do iiit...

[ cmon cmon, ]

[galrad]

[ He supposes there's no real reason for him to keep standing around in full Paladin armour minus his helmet- it looks a little silly, anyway. Not that the space suit underneath is going to be much better, but at least it's... well, somewhat more modest. Kind of.

Stepping away from the bed, Keith began dismantling the pieces of plate with a sigh, while Kosmo hopped up on the bed beside Maria, already folding his paws over themselves and dropping his head down, making himself comfortable with the flick of one dark ear. Pulling the breastplate over his head, Keith paused at the question, looking at her for a moment, before giving a somewhat stiff shrug of his shoulders. ]

As well as I could hope for I guess. The witches here did a pretty good job mending the worst of it. Just sore, now. And tired. [ Keith wasn't one to tell all about what ailed him, though. He was probably still a little concussed, but he wasn't going to worry about it, so why should anyone else? ] I've had worse.

[grakraka]

[He smiles a little, though it isn't really much of a smile.]

Yes, that is what I believe. But it can't hurt, can it?

[whomthebelltolls]

[Or Maria is the delusional stranger, which she very might be, because she still doesn't understand how she can be in the Waking World. She's dead, and she knows she's dead. And the only thing keeping her spirit moving on is the Hunter's Nightmare. Outside of that, she's been lost to history... almost entirely. So she can't comprehend how she got taken out of the curse, brought back to life when her body should be little more than so much bone and dust, and... there's no reason for it.

Cape, blood-stained cravat, outer coat, and she folds them up neatly next to the bed, on the floor, cape-first.] Yes. A nightmare. A curse. I don't think there is any other way this could be like this, if not.

[grakraka]

[Oh, a dog. He can't help looking interested in the dog but he doesn't presume to pet it yet.]

That is very strange. I thought something was missing. I did pass a music hall but that's rather different from plays.

[Without more information, he can't really speculate. But it's hard for him to imagine censoring only one outlet of artistic expression so severely while allowing the rest to be free.]

Breaking in on the first day would probably be inadvisable.

[haillenarte]

[in truth, francel would not really care to walk with aymeric — it's just too absurd, too awkward, when francel feels both unworthy and unwilling — but the lord commander is just another man, and there is no polite way to refuse when the alternative is merely to stand among strangers for another few bells.

pausing briefly, francel nods.]

...You do me honor by the mere invitation. Let us hence.

[it's an easy enough thing to slip away from the new arrivals, since nessie and mhairi have more or less dismissed the otherworlders to explore the city as they please. soon, the only strangers that can eavesdrop on aymeric and francel as the two elezen make their way through the enchanted building are the coven witches, who have largely decided for the time being to mind their own business and focus on research.

francel supposes that there's no point in maintaining the pretense.]

...Was there aught in particular you wished to discuss?

boaltinn

[littlemperor]

[stuff like this -- divination, looking for guidance in a deck of cards -- is the work of shady people, but

tori's fascinated by how pretty the tarot cards are in the hands of the locals, and even moreso in asra's grasp; it's like he's playing an instrument, the finesse something possessed rarely by others, and when he realizes he's been caught staring he turns his face away rather obviously, holding tighter to the collar of the golden retriever beside him. the dog, by the way, seems curious as well.]

N-No way. That sort of thing's all smoke and mirrors, right? It's just a bunch of cards.

[not to say he isn't curious about them, given how he'd been watching asra and others work, but. tori's not gonna say it. and he's also a little wary of the snake on the other's person too, but it seems friendly enough..?]

[grakraka]

[Akechi watches him recall it with a curious expression before he gives a soft laugh. Well, he could lie about it but he supposes there isn't much of a point in that for now. It might lead to questions but he doesn't have to answer anything if he doesn't feel like it.

Besides, if they all experienced that, Akira will just find out he lied much sooner rather than later and that would be a pain.]

Unfortunately. [He would have much preferred if it had been just that.] I'm glad you didn't wind up stuck as a fairy's pet, though.

[defendure]

We didn't say you needed us to, but you know, we're going to anyway, Kacchan...

[ He's definitely always been this way, although he didn't used to stand up to Katsuki about it -

Although he always reached out his hand. ]

...But it's just the three of us here, we need to look out for one another!

[andernach]

This is a worry they've heard before too - from Mikleo - and between all of this, and what the rest are saying... Nessie's bubbly demeanor isn't quite ceasing, but there's a bit of a crease between her eyebrows as she answers that she can't say if it is or not. See, she explains, she - they - were of the thought they were simply from another area of Talam, the world here. Perhaps a city on the other side of Geargadas, or across the ocean, or such, and they just teleported here?

But it's becoming clear that isn't the case.

Nessie bows her head with an apology - she really doesn't know, and she doesn't know how to find out. She understands deeply the worry and distress that comes with a world in danger - her own is obviously so, as she and Mhairi both have explained with the Cwyld. She wishes, with all her heart, she could give her an answer; that she could give all of them the answers they want.

[givemewings]

[Mukuro tilts her head at him.]

If that’s the case, then you shouldn’t be passing it off on someone else.

[She takes a step closer to the roaring flames. They’re not intimidating. To her, nothing is intimidating. Well, almost. But the fire certainly isn’t what she’s thinking of. Even so, there’s something about it that bothers her. It’s not like she has any bad relationships...

Haha......]

Or you worried about what might happen?

[halfheartedmagician]

[He honestly isn't certain if he's missing something about the significance of snakes in this realm - or wherever the other man is from - but the display isn't threatening for all that it's strange. Asra's still watching him but relaxes somewhat, although he frowns as Faust hangs off his shoulder to flick her tongue in the air near the stranger. Even if he can't hear her, Asra can tell what that means and he's a bit reluctant as he continues.]

She'll let you stroke her if you wish.

[littlemperor]

What do you mean, "aquarium?" [with the same questioning lilt.] Have you never been to one before? I mean, neither have I, but that's only because I just haven't chosen to go to one, not because I don't have anyone to go with.

[... oh, he can probably invite hajime and the others actually... would they be interested..? well, he can't ask them now, but hm.]

It's a water zoo.

I think this thread will be a whole lot of -ish.

[iminthebook]

Harry squeezed her hand, and nodded, eyes on hers. "Of course. Absolutely. I would like that."

He reached out his other hand and touched her face, unsure and felt himself redden. "Its a little cold here."

He said it as she spoke, then blushed and shook his head. "Sorry, what were you saying?"

pika.......

[kaowont]

[ Fine, fine. Shove your way right in. Still, to see someone so indifferent to his childish behavior right away... normally this might be more than a little off-putting, but right now the words given to him just settle in his chest like lead.

Ignoring his stance and then cordially opting for the floor like that? Hah... way to make him look petty. Kaoru slides fingertips along the dust-covered back of the door and then turns to face his strange roommate... uh, strange handsome roommate with a wry smile. ]

Hah. That was a pretty strong push, actually. I get the feeling you could probably just toss me out, so... why bother putting up with the floor?

[wolfcorgi]

I ain't gonna carry you, dammit! Use your goddamn legs before they lose their purpose!

[ ok, he says this but... you know how koga is, despite all. he worries! despite how he doesn't want to. and at least he just has to drop ricchi on a bed or something, right? so fine. just this once, JUST THIS ONCE, he'll turn around and crouch a little for ritsu to get in.

this is just because this place is weird, ok??? don't get wrong ideas. ]

C'mon, I'll carry ya to my room. You better leave me the hell alone after this, got it?!

[ipseite]

( the rune is still clutched in her hand, a fine sheen of perspiration giving her a glow in the firelight that would look healthier did she look less worn, beneath her fine things and tidy hair. she catches her breath, managing for wry: )

When one's landing is neither bolting nor panicking, it's a simple enough thing only to jump, no?

( trickier when you're aiming for a horse. anything after that is easy. )

[grakraka]

[Akechi follows, making it obvious to the vendor that they're together.]

Oh, do you want to try those crepes? The ones with fruit inside are especially delicious.

[littlemperor]

Do you know anyone we can try it on?

[because tori doesn't. they need turnskin friends fast. and to learn laser pointer magic.]

[defendure]

[ KACCHAN, EVENTUALLY - but: ]

Well, no. I get the feeling I have magic, given our dreams - but maybe that's a trick? - but I'm not sure if anyone we know might be a turnskin...do you suppose there's a way to tell until they, uh, turnskin up?

[ Everyone still seems pretty human, even if Nessie was talking about some of them maybe being witches and the like. ]

[nemuru]

[ koga's always saying one thing and doing another, just like a real tsundere...!! ritsu gladly gets on, patting his head right after. positive reinforcement with puppies. ]

Corgi's got a soft heart, huh? Juuust like Secchan... [ fufufun. ] Good boy, good boy. Be gentle with me, okay? I'm ooold.