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

[horkbajir]

By now Toby's tried enough twigs and extended her elbow, cut into the trunk, and used the blades closer to her wrist to slice away some bark. She's not unaware of the consternation of the humans around her, but at this point she's decided that if they're not saying anything, she's going to go ahead and eat something.

It's not a tree she's familiar with. The bark is on the thin, dry side, but it's more robust than birch. Not much in the way of sap beading. It's a decidious tree, a hardwood, which means it's denser and has more calories than something with needles.

Finally someone speaks up. Toby raises her head and turns, moving deliberately so it's harder to mistake any gesture as threatening. Her voice is deep and guttural. Without asking it's very difficult to decide that she's female.

"No, I wasn't aware. It doesn't seem so ruined yet." The tree will probably survive, with some scarring.

[scaling]

[ As to be expected, Akechi's analysis is thorough and, as far as he can tell, completely correct. There's plenty to dig through and comment on there, his own thoughts to be shared, but something sticks out far too much not to be asked about first. ]

... Personas? [ Plural? ]

[rowdyraven]

[The man is right-- it does feel more real. It feels solid and certain as the streets of Vesuvia, and where in that other place there had been a feeling of unreality, of some dream-like quality despite the lucidity if it all, all of this, for all its strangeness-- he doesn't doubt for a moment that they are, now, somewhere else. Some magical realm, most likely, though it holds no resemblance at all to what little he's experienced before.

The man is talking though, asking a question, and Julian tries to settle himself down around it instead of on the noise in his own head, the crackle and jitter of his concerns, the fear like a seed at the centre of his chest. Slow-blooming, threatening to grow.

He takes a breath. Festival. Right.

Cautiously, he nods.]

Better than staying here, I suppose.

[And he casts an uneasy glance back in the direction of the Coven, shivers softly. The brooms, they've unsettled him.]

[rowdyraven]

Can it really be said to be taking, if a man is prepared to give it?

[He says it with the flash of a wily smile, does nothing to free himself of that possessive, steadying touch. Allows himself to be led away into the smoke-scented, fire-lit night.]

Divination

[wordsinthesoul]

Oh? The tarot? [He decides to take a look- ah, the cards aren't particularly familiar, but he's still curious.] Do you deal in any particular sorts of questions?

[topslug]

Oh. I see... [ She doesn’t entirely, but his steady reaction is a relief, then, that she hasn’t intruded on something that’s supposed to be private. Still, she just doesn’t come from a place where people groom themselves with their tongue! Slowly, she turns her head back to him and blinks, taking the sight in properly. The thought crosses her mind, inanely, if he’s stereotypically cat-like in any other way, but brushes that away as she comes over to the empty side of the bed, toeing her shoes off. ]

People don’t usually do that where I’m from. [ She offers. ] Not with our mouths, anyway. We’re usually more likely to get into a bath or brush our hair.

[ Hmm, now there was an idea. She thought she’d seen signs around advertising special baths during Boaltainn, but she’d wondered if they were actually baths or baths. ]

[halfheartedmagician]

[Faust's tongue flickers in the air and brushes fleetingly against the man's skin, and she places a bit more pressure against his hand, muscles moving beneath her smooth scales and clinging to him as she investigates a bit further up.

But that's enough for Asra, and before Faust has the opportunity to decide she might want to wander further up the stranger's arm, he gently tugs her back and resettles her against his neck.]

Snakes don't create body heat like we do. She likes to warm up against me or in the sun. [Or just about anything else that radiated heat given the chance.]

What is your name?

[rowdyraven]

Hah. Well, yes. I suppose you did.

[There's a touch of apology in his voice as he says it, though it isn't something he's going to dwell on. His head is a mire, a tangled mass of confusion, and finding that someone he'd though to be a dream companion seems as solid now as he does himself, is just one small drop in the ocean of strange occurrences going on here tonight.

Softly, he shudders.

But the younger man is asking what they should do, and there's something in the tone of his voice, a quiet indication that his concerns are as big as Julian's own. So for the moment he sinks himself into that, into someone else's worries. It gives him something to focus on that exists outside of himself.]

We ought to look around. See what's going on out there, in this city. The kind of thing we're facing, here. Who knows, perhaps we'll learn something.

[And a festival was mentioned, wasn't it? He can hear it he thinks, the sound of revelry in the air. And where there's revelry there's usually strong liquor, gods knows he could use some of that, right now.]

[halfheartedmagician]

[It shouldn't feel as nice as it does, darting through the crowds with Ilya chasing after him, whirling past surprised and amused faces, feeling light and delighted as the twin moons light their path and stars flicker above.

He can sense when Ilya pushes forwards to reach for him, and Asra turns on his heel to face his pursuer as the fingers catch at his clothing. His foot slips from under him but he grabs for Ilya and drags him down as well, both of them ending up in a heap on the grass under the brilliant night sky.]

Hah- those long legs are good for something after all.

[lovebiter]

[ Cain felt that contented noise pass through him, and thought for the thousandth time about how willing Julian had been to be dragged away. Felt how he arched up into the crook of his palm, a rolling wave of warming skin. A shiver passed through him.

He wet his lips. Dragged his nails lightly down Julian's abdomen. ]

Fuck, like anybody could fucking sleep with something gorgeous as you in their bed...

Take your shirt off for me.

[ishisstrength]

I bet I would.

[Her expression briefly fell before she shook her head, banishing the sad thoughts.]

I'm not sure if I will but I'll try. [Justine enjoys seeing the world but she doesn't know how much of a future she'll have whenever she wakes up from this dream. Either Thomas will kill her or Thomas will be dead and another member of the White Court will kill her for that failure.

Water ripples as Justine moves, sitting comfortably next to Majima.]

Can you tell me more about Japan? [Just in case she can't get there.]

[ishisstrength]

I see.

[Justine is rather calm talking about her own death. It's a very stark contrast to the young woman he'd seen clawing at the mirror to return home.

She glances back at the ornate window but there aren't any clues there. There is only dried blood and a truly lovely frame.] We should leave. There aren't any answers here. [Justine closes her eyes, focusing on the rise and fall of her chest while banishing the cruel voices echoing in her head.]

Prim and... [She looks at Prompto.] Did I get your name?

[Everything has been to hectic for her to remember but she wants to remember this.]

bed buddies

[justbeingknife]

[ Majima motioned with his hand as he spoke, moving it in front of him as if to divide some invisible space. ]

It's kinda half that, half takin' in all the stuff ya got. You're not plannin' to sleep with all that, are ya?

[ Legit question as far as he was concerned, some of y'alls were weirdos. ]

[ishisstrength]

That's all I want. [She whispers softly.] To keep them quiet.

[Her shoulders relax briefly and then tense a she gently pulls away from Iramaat to inspect the contents of the shop they've found themselves in. It's as she'd guessed, they're open because of the festival.

Thin delicate fingers reach out and trail along the soft fabric before finding something that suits her. It's a deep royal purple, matching the dyed streak in her hair.] I like this one.

[rowdyraven]

[His hands close on the magician's shoulders and his lips part around a cry of triumph, one that abruptly gives out around surprise as Asra falls, takes him with him. His back hits the cool damp of the grass and the air rushes out of him with a soft oomf, face turned up towards the glittering and unfamiliar stars.

Then he's laughing, a sound like molten gold, and for one bright moment there's no sign of clustering darkness, or heaviness in him. Only the lit-up recklessness and intoxication of a brilliant festival night..]

Now there's a backhanded compliment if ever I heard one.

[He says it, but his voice is free from bitterness.]

[veilfires]

[Humans, then, and he had thought as much. Sulleciel, he thinks, and tries in a flight of fancy to imagine the open sky of Petrana's world.]

That is not arrogant. [He asserts with certainty, and sudden feeling, then hastily tacks on to make that certainty less strange:] Or so I think. Arrogance would be in the refusal to accept that one's wishful, hackneyed mythology has been flawed all along.

To only strive to remember them as they truly were - that is wisdom. You could have declined to hear even those whispered stories. Want them to be forgotten, so that there would be no trace of any but Man having ever walked on Sulleciel.

...If all that remains of them is that remnant of truth, then grasp it tight, and treasure it. For them, perhaps.

Boaltinn- Readings

[justbeingknife]

That's how it is, so how about ya let the lady on her way?

[ It wasn't so much the wording as Majima's general appearance that made the would-be diner shuffle backward a smidge; he wasn't a monster, certainly, but he was tall, dressed in formal black, had an eyepatch, and a pretty solid case of RBF. ]

It was an accident, it happens.

[starseedling]

He wouldn't be that offended if she did touch it, but he appreciates her restraint.

Otherwise, it looks like it's all a big mystery. She seems like she's really trying, though, so he assumes that's the best that can be done for the moment. He apologizes for her having to deal with all of this craziness, and thanks her for her help. This is the warmest welcome he's ever gotten from an alien society!

At that point, he'll let her get back to her business. There's a lot of people to deal with.

[rowdyraven]

Mmmm...

[He makes the sound, low and warm and with eyes fallen closed as he feels the press of nails into skin, a small but glittering ache. The command comes, and softly Julian smiles.]

Sleeping's overrated anyway. Tricky business. Who needs it?

[He says it as leather-clad fingers begin to dance over the buttons of his shirt, the material parting at the push of hands, rolling it slow off his broad shoulders. He wriggles and shifts to pull it out from under him, pushes it unceremoniously over the side of the wide bed. Lies there then, pale flesh bared, the light dusting of auburn hair across his chest, the scatter of it from navel to somewhere below the waistband of his tight-fitting trousers.]

See anything you like?

bonfires

[justbeingknife]

Hey, nice job. If I tried that in a skirt, I would've fallen on my face.

[ Majima had a small charm dangling from his pocket -- or rather, looped over one of his fingers, which was currently housed in said pocket. ]

Feel any better now that ya made the leap?

[reenforces]

[Mikleo snorts at that. Never underestimate Sorey's density. Because even if he knows he doesn't really know... They haven't talked about it, and Mikleo doesn't want to put pressure on him.]

All those books and you still haven't figured it out?

[He did get awful close to telling him that one time, and chickened out at the last minute. Hopefully Sorey won't ask until they're both ready.]

I meant here. If that means exploring or learning magic or something else, I'll support you. It's not like anything has changed just because we fell through a mirror.

[Oh, Sorey. Mikleo bumps his shoulder harmlessly.]

I'll be there when you wake up and we can go exploring all over again.

Mrs Mittens

[bombingking]

Deku!

[Katsuki had been sitting around the sitting being a little bitch sulking and doing a little bit of exploring. He knew that there were things to do in the town but the idea of helping any of these assholes really didn't appeal to him. He may be open to more mundane tasks of heroism now but he had a grudge here dammit!

And to make matters worse, here comes Deku dropping out of the sky as if sent from heaven above to annoy him.]

[bombingking]

Then throw it in the trash, I don't give a shit.

[Technically... that's still sharing, right? It doesn't matter if Cat Ears eats it or not.

Still, he's gonna drop down beside her and just glare out at everyone. Like a brat.]

[immortalrose]

Ah, so there's different courts representing the seasons.

[That's interesting. Maybe the faeries of Sidhe operate in a similar manner? Augustine isn't very sure but maybe. He hasn't met many faeries, so excuse him if he seems so intrigued with her right now. Iramaat is the first faerie to talk to him, so he's a little excited.]

Why did she move to the Winter Court if she was meant for Spring? Sounds disastrous if you ask me.

[Her comment makes causes Augustine to smile some. For better or for worse, Iramaat is winning him over.]

So you understand the need for duality. That's...refreshing. In my world, everyone is too busy waging war on each other for being different.

[haillenarte]

Truly? Never?

[that surprises francel enough that he stops in the middle of reading the spine of one particularly overblown volume: the elements of scrying: a complete guide to divination by the one and only sorceress of worldwide renown — it goes on for several more lines caught beneath francel's thumb.]

Were there no such libraries in your world?