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

[halfheartedmagician]

[It's dangerous territory for the both of them, but Ilya's always terrible at avoiding danger and Asra isn't feeling much better himself lately, and something in the air tugs at him and whispers that a bad habit might be easier right now than anything else, and at least this is a dance he knows.

None of the reasons are good but it doesn't stop him from tilting his head just close enough to exhale against the captive doctor's lips.]

Why don't you find out?

[And then he lets go of him, a few broken strands of red still tangled around his fingers as Asra turns and walks away.]

[ishisstrength]

[Just as she thought, he has very pretty eyes.]

I'm sure.

[Nudity isn't something that Justine felt awkward about. There are moments when she finds herself embarrassed or suddenly uncertain but they're few and amply spaced apart. She hadn't always been like this but her service with the White Court for the last five years has a way of desensitizing a person.]

And if you're ever uncertain about something... [She pauses and then leans back against the lip of the bath.] You can ask me. I don't know.

[She might not answer him but she doesn't mind questions.]

[veilfires]

[His brow furrows. There are two answers for two worlds. In his minds eye he sees each of them stretching out before him, and he hesitates at which path to follow.

What can be done with magic in the world he’s just left? Simultaneously much and precious little. It is as the calm waters of a dam that sustain a country town. You can do much with it, but it’s always contained. But if you collapsed that dam, flooded the town, and restored the natural flow of the river... what can magic achieve then?

Each word with measured, careful emphasis:]

In extraordinary circumstances, one can reshape reality.

[Then, to lighten that:] Though not with regularity, one imagines.

Its day-to-day applications are, of course, far more mundane. Elegant, but mundane. Healing, warding, flashy flinging of fire. Likely not dissimilar to what this world's Witches and their Coven can accomplish.

But do not underestimate magic's true potential from that. Physical laws and all their limitations may appear ironclad, but - if enough magic is brought to bear - know they can be rewritten.

[ishisstrength]

"It is cold." Though that might be because they're both wearing the free mage robes that the Coven had offered them.

Justine lightly rests her palm on the back of his hand before pulling herself close to his side. "Let me warm you." Her cheeks were tinted a light rosy hue that slowly began to spread across the bridge of her nose. She shouldn't be embarrassed but she couldn't completely clear her thoughts either.

With Harry so close, it's easy to forget all the weight and guilt pulling ta her.

"I remember something but I don't know if it was a dream or a memory." Justine's voice was soft, whispered to Harry as if she's offering him a secret. "We were in a fairy world but it wasn't the NeverNever. The Fae made me fall in love-" Her dark eyes turn towards him though she's careful not to meet his gaze directly. "-with you."

[lovebiter]

[ Cain stood there looking thunderstruck for a long second, before he nervously twitched his hands together in front of himself.

He wasn't exactly known for his gentleness, and after successfully meeting a talking wolf, he was pretty damn desperate to make a good showing. So he crooked his dusky fingers, and brought them with focused slowness up to the snake. Hovered almost an inch beyond touch for a stretched moment, eyes wide, before he drew the backs of his fingers gently beneath her chin. ]

Whoa... She's... smooth, almost like... like metal, I guess. But... cold? Is that why she's... y'know, cuddled in?

I guess it'd be pretty hard to find a jacket in snake sizes, huh?

[rowdyraven]

[He feels it, the soft susurration of Asra's breath against his lips, and slowly he exhales, eye falling all the way closed. He ought to have concerns, reservations, should think more deeply about what this might mean, about the apprentice and the relationship Asra has embarked on with them, but he's hazy with drink and the disorientation of everything that's happened tonight. Starts to lean forward, towards the whisper of Asra's breath--

--then he's abruptly released. Stumbles, straightens, as the magician begins to stalk away into the milling crowd. There's only a fractional moment of hesitation before he begins to stride after him. The fire and his death-defying leap temporarily forgotten.]

Asra. Wait, I...what do you mean, why don't I find out?

[veilfires]

[Of course. A natural thing to be curious about. Still, he hides a trace of dissatisfaction that sneaks into him. Even in this world, his pointed ears will stand out as his most notable feature to many.]

A fair question.

[The tip of his index finger touches the tip of one of his ears.] These are the pointed ears of ‘the elven people’: they mark me as an ‘elf’.

[He moves that finger to curl at his chin. He thinks to explain that his world has several races, and that he is not himself unfamiliar with humans such as she. But from their little vantage point, they watch the alien diversity of the newcomers coming and going. It reminds him of the folly of such assumptions.]

Now I must ask you a question about your people, in turn. What do they call themselves?

[ipseite]

( discretion is the better part of valor; she thinks it would be impolitic to share how she had speculated, that she had imagined perhaps the product of magic...? it is his nature, not a thing done to him. she would be abashed, if she'd not already had to steel herself to ask. )

Men, most frequently. ( nevermind that it describes but half the population. ) My origins are Lamorran, by nation, and Sulleciel is everything beneath our sky.

( there is so much here that she would never have known. there's fear, yes, a great deal of it—but a large part of her that doesn't want to be afraid, that finds the wealth of opportunity suddenly at her feet breathtaking. she should miss her home.

it seems so small, from this vantage point. so easily left behind, again and again and again. )

The notion of any peoples but my own there are naught more than whispered myth. I thought to divine for myself with my new understanding what was...a remnant of truth, and what was only wishful thinking. It seems arrogant, now. All of these things I'd not have imagined.

[lovebiter]

[ Oh fuck, that's just goddamn gorgeous. Cain stared for just a second as the tall man flopped down on the bed, laughter lighting him up like a comet streaked across the night sky.

There was just... so much joy there, gorgeous and effervescently bright. A significant change from how they'd begun the night. It lit a curl of heat, warm and slow, right through his body. With a laugh of his own, he leaned right in, set a knee on the edge of the bed between Julian's thighs and nuzzled up his chest with closed eyes. Breathed in the scents of hardwood smoke and his sweat, kissed across the skin of his chest and neck when he reached the older man's open collar. ]

Shit, I both kinda hope so but I also don't wanna fuckin' miss out on anything...

[ One of his hands, a dozen shades darker than Julian's pale skin, slipped up beneath the hem of his shirt. Just to touch, to feel more of the body beneath him. ]

[halfheartedmagician]

[A laugh bubbles out of him at Ilya's voice and Asra immediately picks up the pace, footfalls quick as he darts through the crowd. He glances back to shoot the taller man a challenging look over his shoulder, then takes another abrupt turn away from the fires and towards the stalls of food.

It's a game that reminds him of his childhood around the docks, staying just out of reach but always within sight, looping back sometimes to flash Ilya a teasing smile or tug lightly at his shirt, encourage him to continue the pursuit through the crowds.

He aims to lead him far enough away that the bonfires are forgotten for a time, but beyond that he's curious to see how Ilya reacts and if the lanky redhead is fast enough to catch him.]

[catasstrophy]

[Oh. That was... definitely more successful than expected. Konoe was glad to get away safely, but seeing someone fall because of him still made him feel guilty. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, but didn't draw it just yet. Demon or not, there was no need to be overbearing when the person was already on their ass. That would be the same as bullying an already-defeated cat: it just wasn't done.

He shouldn't feel guilty. This was a demon and he shouldn't feel guilty, dammit! He tried to be angry instead, remembering all the things demons had put him through recently. He still wasn't entirely sure he'd escaped them - and now this!]

You... You're a demon, aren't you?

[fordola]

Huh? I see... myself. And you. [ She wasn't going to comment on the frame - seeming to fight between being proudly Ala Mhigan, chained in Garlemalds' grip. Though her gaze was on the frame only she could see, fingers hovering above it. ] Did you expect something deeper?

[fordola]

[ A slight sigh. ] Yeah, th'one I came out of... well, it was ornate, that's for sure. [ She didn't want to mention what it was. But she snorted a little. ]

If they're thinking of me, it's probably people keepin' an eye on me. Wanted criminal, managin' to run and not get killed? [ ...She feels like he knows she's a prisoner. A faded memory, deep in her head. More like a dream, trying to surface. ]

[catasstrophy]

You can't call me an idiot just because you do like it!

[Does that... even make sense.....? He's not sure - but he stands by it regardless! Konoe may not be nearly as big as Perry WinkWonk, but he's not even a little bit intimidated. Letting himself be intimidated would be the same as losing willingly - and he's in the right here, dammit!]

I got ears and a tail because I'm a cat. Every cat is born with ears and a tail!

[And then, belatedly, a rare moment of logic, only applied when the instinctive lashing-out is over:]

You have ears and a tail, too!

[halfheartedmagician]

[Asra shakes his head at the offer, although the trick alone is enough to earn a soft laugh from him.]

The display is payment enough. Besides, no others here expect payment, would you suggest they deserve it less than I?

[Truthfully he doesn't have much of a concern for money and payment normally either; he's used to bartering his skills in return for what he needs, and while sometimes trinkets are useful to pay for something when that isn't an option, it's a little difficult to figure out the value of a gifted comb encrusted with jewels or a handful of marbles carved from lodestone and decorated with runes is worth when compared to a loaf of bread.

But the question is understandable, although the mention of the man's previous experience earns a raised eyebrow.]

Or consider the story of how you met this master of the cards as payment. But in the meantime... what do you wish to ask of the cards?

[shepherds_pie]

[Sorey tilts his head curiously at that. It's not that he hasn't felt that 'something else,' but...he gets the distinct impression that Mikleo knows exactly what it is, going by that mysterious smirk of his. The brunet pouts slightly at the seraph.]

I don't know what it is, but I've felt that it's always been there.

[That question actually makes him frown a little, looking down at the water. He hasn't...really...thought about that, honestly.]

If you mean here, I'd like to explore as much as I can! Not at night, though. But if you mean back home....

[Sorey shrugs slightly.]

I dunno, but I'd probably find you first and then see what happens next.

[rowdyraven]

[Cain leans in and Julian's laughter gives out around a slow and easy smile, his face free of all that earlier tension, unwound and undone by drink and a night as wild and free as any of the very best he's known back in his own world. That this isn't his world, that he's trapped somewhere strange and unfamiliar, it's a knowledge that deserts him right now, or perhaps simply ceases to matter when there's a warm body bearing down on his, dark hands on white flesh, lips to skin.

He makes a low, contented sound, body loose and languid beneath Cain's, and as the younger man's hand slides beneath his clothes he arches into it, his long body pliant and supple as warm clay. He feels cool to the touch despite the night's exertions, but his flesh soon starts to warm beneath the movement of the other man's hands.]

There's another night of this festival to go, I heard. So perhaps you'll get lucky and the whole city sleeps, only to wake again onto another night of rowdy fun. Now that's something I can get behind.

[rowdyraven]

[At first there's only confusion in him, thick and heavy as the night, when each move he makes to catch up with the magician only ends in Asra being further away. Julian's stride is longer, but Asra moves with fluid grace whilst the redhead feels unsteady from drink, clumsy and slow.

Confusion then, at first, but it soon gives out around something else as he realises the shape of the game-- there are feelings in him, high-wheeling inebriation, a recklessness so bright it glows, and if he'd had reservations a moment before, they give out around the thrill of the chase now.

Soon he's laughing, whirling, led astray, the heat of the flames left behind him as he chases Asra through night-glimmering city streets, between booths and the scattered crowds. And then in the end, emboldened, he pushes himself to move faster on those long legs of his, to make a grab for him for the darting form before him, trying to stop Asra in his tracks.]

[catasstrophy]

Thanks.

[Part of the deal or not, Konoe appreciates this guy sharing the food - and he appreciates him not making a big deal of it even more, really. Even if Konoe is still kind of embarrassed about the whole thing, his crooked tail manages an excited swish as he takes some of the food and immediately starts eating it.]

... This is pretty good.

[He's pleasantly surprised. Considering the lack of cats here, he wasn't sure there'd be anything to his taste.]

[wordsinthesoul]

As it was for me. It's most curious…. Though it would seem to mean we could identify them…

Ah…. [That does stir something and he shakes his head, trying to pull the memory loose.] …you said something like that, before. Didn't you?

[rowdyraven]

[Julian allows his arm to be pressed back down by his side with perfect, pliant ease, and if he notices anything untoward in the touch, it certainly doesn't show. Instead he just blinks, a moment of confusion making itself plain around the angles of his face in the wake of the other man's words, and he glances down at the hand pressed back to his side, then up into the empty space that just moments before contained a person he had almost struck.]

Oh. Oops? But um, you're right, of course. Now, watch carefully. I'll make it across, you'll see!

[He takes several long paces back, then makes a rush towards the fire. Leaps, quite heedless of any encroaching danger and as the flames lick around his clothes and up around the unruly tangle of his hair (yet, somehow, fail to touch him)--

--he makes it across. Lands with perfect poise and grace on the far side, arms outstretched in a showy flourish as he spins on his heel with a grin flashing bright across his face and...abruptly trips over his own feet. Stumbles, crashes heavily to the ground just centimeters away from the flames.]

[rowdyraven]

[Julian sees it there, the raw-looking wounds on the other man's bared thigh, injuries barely begun to heal. Quite unconsciously, one hand begins to life from the rose-scented water--

--only to fall back again as he recalls with quick and startling clarity that he can't do that anymore. For three years, he'd had that magic in him, the ability to take other people's wounds onto his own body with a touch, where they would promptly heal. But it's been over a month now, since he lost that gift. Subtly, he frowns.]

Well, the water should certainly do you good but um...what happened to your leg? That's some injury you've got there.

[He's still a doctor, even without the Hanged Man's healing seal. Though he doubts there's all that much he could do for a half-healed injury like that besides give advice to keep it clean.]

[catasstrophy]

[Looking up, Konoe pauses mid-lick, tongue still out - though not for long. He's kind of baffled by the reaction (gosh, it's like she's never seen anyone groom themselves before!), but equally intrigued. A female... There are so many of those here, compared to where he's from. He's still not all that sure how to act around them.

Still, a person is a person in the end, right? The whole people-not-being-cats thing is weirder, when he thinks about it.]

It's fine. I'm just grooming.

[And he absolutely expects her to do the same, before sleeping.]

[halfheartedmagician]

Asra nods, not terribly surprised by that question, and shuffles that cards. His eyes half-lidded, he offers the stack to the other man to cut into three stacks, then has him select one and fans the cards out. Once three are chosen, he turns the first over to be revealed.

"The Sun, reversed. A darkness in the past, setbacks and shadows that stop you from moving forward." His gaze flicks up to the other man, steady and unreadable. "Your past or theirs, I wonder?"

He doesn't wait to see if there's an answer, instead turning the next card of the three.

"The seven of wands, reversed. Feeling overwhelmed and lost, another battle on top of those you've fought before. You seek guidance, that much is clear, but the battles are not over yet."

His voice continues, quiet and soothing as the third card is revealed. "The Fool. A chance for a new beginning if you are willing to take it, a fresh start here, and a chance to put the past behind you."

Asra sits back then, leaving the cards as they lay and allowing the man to consider them if he wishes. The reading is interesting for himself as well; usually he could hear the voices of the arcana as though they were speaking to him directly, their meanings still requiring interpretation but the connection feeling more solid. Here, there is just himself and the cards and while he still has faith in their guidance, it's faintly disturbing to find only silence from them.

[lovebiter]

Gimme an inch, sweetheart, and I'll take a mile.

[ Cain kept his hand on the back of Corsair's neck, warm, and toyed with the russet ends of the curls along his nape. Led him like that, and rarely slipped away from arm's reach. ]