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

[topslug]

“Yes, that’s how you’d set an ordinary watch,” Yako answers. Most watches from her time are digital, so they don’t need winding at all, but she suspects mentioning that will only confuse Dylas more.

“You have to turn it on first,” she prompts gently, showing him the magically illuminated panel on her own ‘watch.’ She’d been listening enough to the explanation to understand there are ways of getting it to handle writing for people who don’t know how, but it won’t do Dylas much good if he can’t get the hang of getting it turned on. She demonstrates by turning off her own watch and then swiping at it to wake the screen again.

Should Dylas do the same, once the device actually wakes, it’ll have a set of keys and a prompt for the user to enter whatever name they want to use on the network.

[givemewings]

Oh.

...I thought you wanted me to take a bath because I smelled bad.

[Her eyes look away awkwardly. And the fact that Ryoji can even pick up on any semblance of awkwardness from her is kind of incredible.]

...I don’t bathe with other people.

II. I HAVE ARRIVED

[sing_for_me]

[ It wasn't just Izuku experience a laundry list of unlucky coincidences after a reading, and really, Alex could very much blame that for the milkshake that is now splattered on her clothes.

The poor boy looked so disappointed too...]

S-sorry, I wasn't looking properly..! I can go get you another one if you'd like.

[ It probably didn't look like her day was going very well either, what with the bandages on her face. But at least the milkshake wasn't the worst of it? ]

[actuallyadork]

[Mercenaries gotta hoont too for the gald.]

All of the new people at least. I think a lot of the people with robes and old style clothes are from here. Easy way to tell us apart for now.

[Cloud... will be loathe to wear Victorian style clothes unless he can fight in those tight looking pants.]

[justbeingknife]

Ya sure about that?

[ Majima glanced over at the owner of said ruined food. ]

I couldn't help overhearin' that ya didn't have any money, so I thought you were getting the shakedown. If that's not the case, though, I can butt out.

[actuallyadork]

If you give them greens when trying to catch them, they're less likely to run. Only works if you have a Chocolure.

Newt Scamander | Harry Potter

[newtralize]

I. Arrival
[It's a bit chaotic, isn't it? People arriving in bunches and filling up the space.

Wouldn't it be a shame if an elephant-sized creature of some kind also wanted to share the same space with all the people arriving? A creature that very much didn't enjoy being confined in any sort of space.

Well, that's exactly what's going on. There's a loud roar and a large feline with a long, ribbon tail thrashing a bit and seemingly very panicked about finding itself in a very unfamiliar place. At the very least, it seems someone is attending to the large cat. A tall man in a blue coat is slowly calming the creature down.]

Come on, now. You're fine. It's quite alright...

[Perhaps, you're around when it initially appears or perhaps after it has calmed down. The same man in the blue coat is basically the creature's cuddle buddy once calmed and he looks a little exasperated.]

You- You wouldn't mind helping me a smidge would you?

II. The Coven
A
[Newt isn't particularly bothered by the enchanted brooms that dust them off as they enter. Magic and enchanted items were honestly the norm in his life. While he certainly wasn't where he should be anymore; he also didn't feel completely out of his element either. If anything, he mostly fit in, although he was feeling very off. He hasn't pin pointed what exactly, but it was there.

He doesn't pay too much mind as he fusses with the device that they had been given. It was far more complex than anything he ever worked with and he had never really interacted with Muggle technology and wizards didn't really use technology in any capacity. He's definitely at a bit of a loss even with instructions.]

These things seem unnecessarily complex... [Newt was used to sending letters via owl or interacting with each other through floo powder or just being in person or enchanted objects that can be used for communicating. Those were far more simple than the watches though.]

B
Oh, you- You can have the bed. I'm quite fine... [He wasn't very comfortable with even hugging his own brother. There's no way he was comfortable with sharing a bed with a stranger. Absolutely not. He's kind of sitting in the corner of the space with his briefcase propped on his knees and it seemed he had been writing into a journal of some sort. He's using a quill with ink. Boy is that a bit antiquated. Newt does look comfortable though, but that might be because the man has a large feline creature curled up in the corner around him. The creature seems to be dozing off, but purring a bit. It sounds a bit like a motor going.

Okay, so maybe it's not really the corner of the room but a chunk of space being taken up. But hey, there's still room, although the space might be a tad more cramped.

He has definitely slept in worse conditions without any trouble, so it isn't as though he's bothered about figuring out a less ideal sleeping arrangement if it meant he didn't have to sleep in the same bed with someone. Newt could possibly be convinced if only to not make more of a fuss and he's quite tired though.]

You really don't have to worry much about me. I insist.

III. Boaltinn
A
[Newt can be found at the Eastern Bonfire, but he wasn't exactly looking like he's enjoying himself. He looked troubled if anything, and he seated himself fairly far away from everyone else. The large Zouwu was sitting behind him obediently and he was watching people jump through the bonfire's flames and enjoying themselves aplenty. A large furry mass also seemed to be resting in his lap.

It was hard to enjoy himself at the moment. His case, he had found, was just a normal case and there was certainly something similar to panic that had bubbled up in his chest. All his creatures were gone and all he had left was Pickett and his niffler and, for whatever reason, a Chinese Zouwu. He's not quite sure where the Zouwu came from, honestly, but he'll care for it all the same.

The reactions to his friend (whom he's decidedly calling Greg) had been a mixed bag, so he feel like it was best not to settle anywhere to close. That, and he was far from the most social thing right now. Even if he accepted the fact that apparently most of his creatures were gone, it was a hill compared to the feeling of the change in his magic.

Magic was such an integral part of his life and being and he basically felt like everything had been entirely turned on its axis. He no longer could perform any of his spells or apparate or anything and it was probably the most helpless he had ever felt in awhile.

It's why he's sitting off and away (but close enough to observe) as he absentmindedly fiddles with his wand in his hand and looking rather glum.]

That next person isn't going to clear the bonfire. He's not given himself enough of a start for a good enough momentum. [As he says that, someone spectacularly fails to clear the bonfire. Newt was still watching, even if he was being a bit of a wallflower.]

B
[The thing about things feeling like they've been turned on its head meant that Newt also was aware that it was there. While he was far from happy about the circumstances, he isn't also one to not be proactive and do something about it.

Perhaps he'd be a little less impulsive about pushing what he could do right that moment, but he finds that he can't help it all the same. Newt was also very determined to have results of some sort because knowing there was potential was a good enough sign that he wasn't completely detached from magic.

His wand was tucked behind his ear and he seemed to be concentrating on his hands, which looked like they were cradling something. Once in awhile, one might see sparks emit or a flicker of light, like a flame. His brows are furrowed and he isn't paying attention to his surroundings or if people might be watching him as he painstakingly tries to conjure a flame into his hands.

Well, it wouldn't be the first time he got into trouble anyways.]

IV. Wildcard
[If none of these options work, I'm happy to plot things out and write a separate starter that does work, so hit me up! I can be PMed, poked on the OOC intro log here, or on Plurk rakuranger!

[justbeingknife]

[ Well, a couple inches, anyway. It was rude to hog space in a bath. ]

That'd be Tokyo. Specifically, Kamurochō. Ya could say it's a little rougher around the edges than some of the rest of the city, but I've gotten to like it.

I bet you'd really like someplace like Okinawa or Kyushu. Would ya happen to like cats, perchance?

[actuallyadork]

[Spells. Spells might work. Cloud takes another swing at a swooping bird before nodding.]

Let me try some magic.

[He puts his sword away and puts his hands together, thinking of the spells he's learned here. Fire tended to be the easiest to control, so he goes for that, casting as much of a fireball as he can. It's not the most impressive. After being able to use Firaga for so long back home, it reminds him of the fire materia at its basic.

But it seems enough to scare the bird he was fighting off.]

This would be easier with materia.

[sing_for_me]

[ He wasn't wrong. She really didn't have money, nor a plan, which is probably apparent on her face. Admittedly, it felt a little less scary to have someone who wasn't against her there. ]

Would..would any of the free foods be okay? I can go get what you from them..? [ The most she could do was go around and just get what she could for him. ]

How does that count if it's something I can get myself? [ yeah, he wasn't happy with that. ]

[actuallyadork]

[Cloud pats his chocobo with a labored sigh. How did she get here...]

Friendly? [Uh... Well.] Don't pull any feathers out and she won't have a problem with you.

[justbeingknife]

[ Majima sighed, but it looked like he was actually going to go along with this? At least he was picking up one of the sacks. ]

I can't believe this is happenin'. Alright, well... I see some tracks over there. Looks like they lead off to the west side.

[ Somehow, he thought they'd be fighting something cool. Instead they were playing animal control what was his life.

"Good luck!" said the man. "I've got band-aiiiids!" ]

C

[gambolshroud]

[Blake had found the idea of the baths themselves to be appealing, but having arrived to find another split between witches and monsters after her time at the bonfires hits a little too close to home, too reminiscent of an idea she's been intimately familiar with for years.

She folds her arms across her chest, giving Maria a sidelong glance as she voices her concerns. Blake had noticed that, too.]

Seems like they're more interested in keeping the 'monsters' herded together.

[She can't help but take that a little bit personally.]

[justbeingknife]

[ His brow furrowed a little. ]

You okay?

[ He had the distinct impression Justine had been teasing him there, but her frown now seemed genuine. ]

Hell, if you're really determined, I can show ya a thing or two. You'd probably have to get yourself the weapon you want to use, though. Unless you already have one...?

[halfheartedmagician]

[Asra laughs softly, a faint smile tilting his lips.]

Hmm, it's good that everyone has to share it and the portions are smaller. It means we can try more.

[He tilts his head towards the crowds and stalls, people offering foods and others looking for people to share with.]

Shall we?

don't mind at all!

[andernach]

"My, but that is a crop of questions, isn't it!" Nessie gives a polite bow of her head in return, laughing softly; despite everything beginning to wear on her, she's keeping up her mood - if she were to lose her cool completely here, or be out of sorts, well, that'd turn everyone else right-side up.

Best for a leader to keep confident, no matter the situation at hand.

"A right lot of questions," she continues after a moment, "but they've all the same answer, and that's that we don't know. The Looking-Glass House and its mirrors have been here since I was a little one learning magic, and we've never had anything like this happen before, so we're as out of our depth right now as you all are, we are. I'm sorry," she bows her head a little deeper, tone more regretful, "that we've not got a better answer for you, sir, but it's something we'll look into if we can. Nothing stays unknown with enough people poking around about it, after all."

~<3

[boneofsword]

[Archer has been minding his own business and listening to the gossip until the flash of blue caught his eye. Caught and drew him closer to the fire. For a moment he just stares at the familiar-unfamiliar figure of the other Servant. He can feel a prickle on his neck, an eerie feeling of having seen this incarnation already, despite knowing that the last he had seen of the Lancer the other went out in style, in flames.

Huh. Ironic.]

Neither do I. [finally, finally his mouth catches to his brain and he's able to stop staring. Good job, self. Archer straightens, glancing at the bonfire. He's been given a challenge, right.] Seeing you here I as well may give it a try.

[There's no need for enchanted trinkets, no matter his luck. A friendly warning gets dismissed with a scowl as Archer rounds the bonfire, quickly calculating the odds. Finding the good spot doesn't take him long-

and he lands close to Cú Chulainn on purpose. Nothing on him is burning, no singed clothes - so far so good.]

Is it to your liking?

[honoraboveall]

That thing that lingered in Lyr's eyes, that terrible promise, matched the cant and curve of Symon's mouth, his smile, the way that his teeth gleamed in the light of the bonfire. Their hands were still intertwined, the rune stone nestled between both their palms.

He looked at the fire, the flames reflected in his bright eyes. "Well, are you ready to jump?" His hand tightened on Lyr's.

[justbeingknife]

Yeah? What's the biggest fish ya ever caught?

[ Alternatively, Dylas could tell him about the one that got away -- another popular topic in fishing circles, surely. ]

Ya supply that restaurant in your free time, or do they pay you for doing double duty?

[thriftea]

[Bakugo, WHY are you LIKE THIS!]

Yeah! We have to really watch each other's backs, you know? We're a team now.

[Whether Bakugo likes it or not! Anyway, keeping the peace here is her top priority, which is why she claps her hands together and decides to move on to something less, mmm, tricky.]

So why don't we go find something fun to do together? [Like, uh—snacks! The great equalizer! She turns slightly to the side, gesturing over to the row of food booths.] We'll never be able to try all of the food they're handing out, but if we split stuff, maybe we can try most of it!

porque no los dos

[justbeingknife]

[ And Majima, for his part, reached out in case she needed some steadying. ]

Right, okay. Whattaya say we make like a tree and leave?

[ So sue him, he didn't feel like waiting around to see if the pitcher plant caught a second wind! ]

Does your arm hurt? Maybe we oughta get someone to look at it.

IV-B

[gambolshroud]

[Blake, on the other hand, looks downright sullen despite the festivities— they're not enough to even begin to soften the blow of all that's happened today. She's sitting with her arms crossed when Souji makes his offer, and while on a normal day she would offer him a reserved smile along with her thanks, she has a question instead.]

You're not bothered by any of this?

[He stands out from the crowd of natives well enough that she can only assume he's a recent arrival, as well.]

[honoraboveall]

Ahh, [Symon's mouth crimps and he shifts the limb underwater; the warmth actually seems to be doing quite a lot of good for the wound. ] I had to fight an alligator. I cannot recommend the experience, I have to say. [The cant of his mouth deepens personally amused. As he speaks, his fingers drift up almost idly to his shoulder, to the rather impressive scar that mars his pale skin, tracing over its uneven surface.]

[tryhard]

[ Don't worry. He freaked out plenty and vocally for a while at first... the panicking and falling over at tall men's feet comes in waves, apparently.

He reaches out to take the book back. ]

With finding out the details of how so many people from outside this plane wound up here suddenly, no luck at all. But I have been able to learn a little more about this place's magic, in general-- at least, various theories surrounding it.

Doesn't do us much good, I suppose. [ Not to mention what little spark of usefulness he may have had as a third-rate mage back home has been reduced to nil here, which only makes all this more frustrating and unpleasant. ] But it is interesting.

[ The mention of Rider has Waver's shoulders stiffening visibly, mouth crimping into a bitter expression halfway between anger and grief. His arms wrap tight around the book he pulls up to his chest, right hand tucked behind it as if to hide his lack of proofs as Master. He'd given up his place in the War willingly; he'd watched Rider fight and die with honor. He'd sworn his fealty and his life, and he'd meant it all, but still--

Still, he can't help the sour resentment spreading on the back of his tongue like the taste of rising bile, twisting sickly in his gut at the words: Rider isn't with you.

Rider is gone.

But Lancer? For some reason, Lancer is here, and Rider isn't, and it's not fair.

Waver swallows hard, trying to shove down the uncharitable resentment when he knows full well it's not like either of them chose this, and Rider himself would probably scold him for such petty indignation. He lets out a slow, measured breath. ]

No. Rider isn't with me anymore.

[andernach]

WE'RE DOING OUR VERY BEST TO KEEP UP, thank you for the consideration! First things first is that Nessie'd ask if he'd like a warm, dry robe and send someone off to get one before he can say yes or not to it; she's a bit motherly, sorry about that, but she'll be glad once he accepts, hesitant or not.

Second off is his questions.

1. If he has the same circumstances as the rest of them, then it might not be so easy as just sending him a letter or contacting him on the watches or what have you. If this really is some sort of strange world thingamabob (she's very eloquent), then it might not be possible right now.

2. She'll explain the veil the same way as she did to Solas, and give him a brief run-down on Boaltinn à la the festivals page. And yes, she confirms, nothing as far as she knows - either under her watch or when she was attending as a student, or before in what written history they have - like this has ever happened before.

3. He'll have to ask Mhairi for that; Nessie herself is just the leader of this branch of the Coven, while Mhairi's the ambassador of theirs to Parliament.