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]

It wouldn't be a big deal on another Hork-Bajir, whose skin is scaled and leathery, and who have advanced healing themselves. She's not sure how serious this is here beyond non-lethal. Clothing both obscures blood and makes it bloom like wildflowers.

One of her people accidentally cutting another, if it's not so minor to ignore after a short exchange, holds the other's wound closed for the minute it takes to start knitting and scab over. Toby considers a second, and crouches. From the blades on her knees, kneeling can't be a natural posture.

"Here," she says in her low, gravelly voice, and extends her hands, palm up, the blades folded back along her forearms out of the way. She does have claws, which seem undersized, an afterthought compared to those blades. "Let me at least apply pressure until the bleeding stops."

[honoraboveall]

Symon thinks to Zolara's cards, the fiend, the trumpet, the uprising, his past, present and future all laid out before him. It had felt oddly personal and this reading was no exception. The sun, reversed made plenty of sense to him, for his past at least, but here he was free, just as the third card implied to him. He could try again, carve out a path, now with more knowledge, more experience and skill, more everything.

The second card he wasn't so sure about. A slight frown tugged at his mouth but it was quickly smoothed away as he refocused on the other man. "The Fool...does it imply that there is a certain beginning that I should take, or is simply any one?" Not that he needs a deck of cards to tell him what to do, but he is curious at how much one could interpret them.

[littlemperor]

You're joking, right?

[... right?]

A zoo? It's a place they keep animals. For, um... Safety, I think... They have petting zoos too, with small animals you can hold. Where are you even from that you don't know what a zoo is?

[atsumoribiito]

Hmmm.

[Nobunaga looks thoughtful for a moment, even briefly turning the gadget over in her hand once as though that might produce an answer. It doesn't, of course, but she simply shrugs her shoulders.]

Guess it can't be helped--we won't know until we look!

[Satisfied with this plan of hers, she tucks the watch into her pocket and abruptly reaches for one of the brooms busy sweeping the floor nearby.]

How about it, buddy? [Yes, she's talking to the broom.] You know all about this place, where are they hiding the good stuff? They gotta have bigger gizmos tucked away somewhere.

[honoraboveall]

Symon senses that this witch woman had likely gotten a similar variation of the questions he had just asked from half the people that has arrived. Bet she's tired of saying, 'I don't know'

"Thank you for your honesty." Symon replied back quietly. "One more question, which will be easier to for your answer I'm sure. You mentioned Parliament...is that the governing body here? Or is there a ruler who oversees most of it?"

[holybeasts]

[At that Maria frowns. The divisions hadn't escaped her either, though she's still grappling a little with the idea that 'monsters' aren't such a bad thing here. At home the 'night creatures' as she called them as a child were an ever present menace. None of them greeted you nicely... well, besides vampires or succubi possibly. Their brand of nice wasn't what you wanted though.

Here... well, if Mhairi was an example, Maria didn't mind the monsters here. As long as no one attacked her first and spoke after.]

It seems like it. What a mess!

[rowdyraven]

[His own feelings, they're convoluted things. They've lost some of their old edge, in the wake of everything. He's begun, he thinks, to move towards a kind of acceptance. Knows - or thinks he does - that he never had been what Asra wanted and all the different ways they had ripped and torn at each other may still stand there like silent ghosts between them, but three years ago, it had been a strange and difficult time. They'd both been a little younger, both thrown into something bigger, darker, than they'd bargained for.

And all the old longing might still be there, just below the surface, but Asra has his apprentice now - the very thing Julian took from him with the ugly depths of his own neglect - and this is something he can accept.

But to hear him say it-- that he doesn't want to see him hurt himself, that there are people who care like he deserves. Well.

This time, when he laughs, it lacks the golden warmth from before.]

I don't deserve much of anything.

[holybeasts]

Of course!

[Ah, but first:]

I'm Maria. I suppose if we're going to do a bit of taste testing, I ought to introduce myself.

[scaling]

[ Historically, sticking his nose into situations like this doesn't end well for Akira. His interruption redirects the man's ire, and he readies himself to have to block a punch—but the customer's gaze drifts to some point over his shoulder, towards the bar, and suddenly the encounter is over.

Akira watches him storm off before stealing a glance begins (the barkeep gives him a nod and then carries on with his work, and eventually his attention lands on his coworker. ]

You looked like you needed a hand. [ Like it's that simple. And it really is, as far as Akira is concerned. The potential consequences barely crossed his mind.

There's a beat before he continues. ]

Paris, right? [ They've yet to have a proper conversation before now, but Akira is the type to pick up on details. ] Are you okay?

[wylderrant]

[ Look, come along or don't, but Iramaat basically expects him to. So thankfully, it looks like he is. She's lightfooted and seems quite at home out here in the woods. Maybe it's the horns. She glances down and then squats to get a better look at the tracks. ]

That might be their main entrance. They'll have a bolt-hole, though... but that could be just about anywhere close by and it'll probably be hidden. Hmm...

[ She taps her chin. ]

I suppose we should find the main entrance first and go from there, right? Let's go-!

[ She doesn't slow down. Just takes off, following the tracks. ]

[littlemperor]

[anywhere his hand lands then!!! though eventually he'll allow her dignity again, hand dropping to his sleeve to play with it.]

Mmm... I've heard that wolves can be scary, but you seem okay. ♪ The one person that claims to be like one is rea~lly terrifying, even if he's more like a dog than anything else. All bark and no bite. ♪

[or so he can confidently say with koga Away from his person.]

Are you a busy person, Mhairi-san? Do you ha~ve to report us to those Parli-people? You should enjoy the fun too!

[mostly because tori!!! has found someone he likes!!! and therefore wants to start monopolizing their time,]

[rowdyraven]

An alligator, you say?

[His brow lifts high towards his hairline, and his expression, it visibly brightens. And whilst his eye catches on the movement of the other man's hand, draws his attention to the savage scar that decorates his shoulder-- well.

One story at a time.]

It sounds like there must be a tale behind that. Fancy elaborating?

[thriftea]

[Ah, so he's one of those types. Hmm. Ochako gives him a thoughtful sort of look, tilting her head as she watches him, um, struggle with his snack. Do you need a fork, friend... a napkin...]

Maybe it's not how it works now, but it could be how it works one day? This can help.

[She's sat through enough history lessons to know how things were in her world, when quirks were suddenly a Thing and everyone had to figure out how to deal with it.]

You're new here, too, aren't you? I thought you looked kind of familiar. [And now her smile returns to its normal brightness!] So you saw Miss Nessie and, um... Mhairi, I think? They get along!

[HOPE!]

[thriftea]

[Ochako's eyes widen the slightest bit as she takes in that, um, half-empty plate, but it feels like a rude thing to comment on? Maybe? Sliding her own plate away from this bottomless pit also feels like a rude thing to do, but hey, maybe she... should...

...Or maybe she should just follow this girl's lead and try to polish off what she can as she listens. Suggestions for how to improve this lecture, huh... Ochako considers this for all of a second before she's distracted by this thing she's never even considered.]

Magical food? [Her fork drops from her hand and clatters against her plate, because holy SHIT!] Do you really think that's possible?

[Give her a second to process the million possibilities, please, before she sits back with a dreamy sort of sigh.]

I could eat mochi whenever I felt like it... for free...

[Her plate is open, Yako! Go for it.]

[wylderrant]

[ This makes complete and total sense to Iramaat apparently, because she squats down to join in on the "interrogation" of the poor broom, which mostly seems to want to go on sweeping uninterrupted. ]

Yes, please, tell us! What secrets have you hidden away here? What wonders? What treasures? There has to be more than this!

[ Although she does appreciate her tiny magic watch thing. ]

One thump for no, two thumps for yes?

blake belladonna | ota

[gambolshroud]

I. ARRIVAL

[It had all happened so quickly that the actual arrival had been little more than a disorienting blur, but the change in her surroundings is impossible to miss. She turns sharply on her heel, facing the mirror behind her and reaching out to instinctively put her hand against the glass— but there’s nothing, only the smooth, cool surface beneath her fingers, but the decor worked into its frame… it’s unmistakably for her.

Her gaze moves upwards, and she swallows hard as it falls on a replica of her own emblem in the brass. To the right of it, a burning heart, to the left, a rose and a single snowflake. There are other familiar things wrought into the frame, as well, but those— her heart sinks in her chest as her gaze lingers on them, and her stomach turns as she feels herself overwhelmed with a sense of longing, as well as the distinct feeling that the people those other emblems belong to are far, far away.

It’s the sound of other people’s footsteps that draw her attention from the mirror, and her breath catches as she turns to face the room at large, only then realizing that there are countless other mirrors surrounding her, though none quite so clear as her own, and with them, countless other people who appear just as confused as she is.

She exhales slowly, fighting the reflex to reach for her weapon. Calm. She needs to stay calm. She looks to whoever is nearest to her, frowning.]

What is this place…?

II. THE COVEN

[Once ‘watches’ are passed out and instructions are given, Blake examines her own device for a few moments before sliding it into one of her pockets. It looks like it serves the same functions as a scroll, but she’s not sure she has the patience to work out how to use it just yet— all of this is still so surreal that she can’t even begin to think about the practical right now.

As some people volunteer to be lead to rooms where they might stay the night, Blake folds her arms across her chest and glances back towards the entrance, only to be bumped into from behind by one of the self-sweeping brooms. She startles slightly, stumbling forward a step before she huffs a breath, regaining her balance.]

How could anyone even think about sleeping at a time like this?

[Given that it’s the middle of the night, it may not be the worst idea, but the city appeals to her more. More than that, she doesn’t trust this place, and she’s not about to let herself be unconscious in an unfamiliar house— mansion?— full of so-called witches who can do real magic.

It’s just kind of a lot to ask of someone right now, she thinks. She inclines her head towards you, questioning.]

Interested in exploring a little? Seems safer to go together.

[Teamwork makes the dream work.]

III. BOALTINN

[Blake isn’t superstitious enough to put any real stock into fortune-telling, but she can’t help being curious about the long lines that have formed at several of the stalls set up for various readings. Eventually, she gives into that curiosity and gets in line to see what one of the witches present might have to say about her future, preparing to take it all with a grain of salt.

All things considered, with the night she and the other new arrivals have been having so far? It’s not all that surprising when she’s told that her luck is about to turn especially bad. She lets out a brief, humorless laugh, a faint smile pulling to one side of her mouth.]

No kidding. It’s already taken that turn, if you ask me.

[No sooner are the words out of her mouth than she turns and inadvertantly knocks over one of the standing torches beside the stall, causing it to topple to the ground and begin to catch the grass poking up between the stones in the pathway on fire.]

What—?!

[Well… okay. That’s not great. She reacts quickly, attempting to stamp out the flame before it can grow, but overkill wouldn’t be a bad thing in this case.]

Somebody, grab some water!

IV. WILDCARD

[Something else in mind? Toss a starter here or hit me up via PM or at necrofancy to work something out together!]

[holybeasts]

Unfortunately. I think everyone here in the Coven tonight probably was... besides Miss Nessie and Mhairi.

[That said now that she's more awake, she blinks a little at the woman. It's vaguely like with Iramaat and that must mean--]

Oh, I know you, don't I.

[gambolshroud]

[She huffs softly. Blake's own cat ears have been enough to have her classified along with the 'monsters,' and she's only been here a short while— but even with such marked divisions, they seem to live alongside the humans well enough. That's something, at least.]

At least they're allowed to live within the same city as everyone else.

[That would be a lot to ask for, some other places.]

The ones I've encountered so far have been friendly.

[tryhard]

"I'll be more comfortable like this," he insists, only half-truthfully. He'll be more comfortable in some ways, sure, but physically... yeah, he's definitely going to overheat. Not that Waver realizes this yet.

All he can think right now is how awkward it's going to be sleeping next to a half-naked (more like 90% naked) and decidedly attractive stranger. Even fully clothed, it feels indecent. If he were to strip down to his own underwear too...

Good thing the pre-dawn light's so bad. His ears are burning.

He'll at least unbutton the shirt enough that it doesn't strangle him, before skittishly sitting on the edge of the bed left for him.

"Weird question..." Looking over at his bedmate again and trying to chase away the remaining frustration and embarrassment, Waver tries to work up the nerve to actually lie down. Tired as he is, he's half-convinced he might just sleep here sitting up. Maybe it'll be less awkward.

Still, that weird feeling is bothering him.

"Do you remember having a dumb dream about... fairies? And flowers?"

[holybeasts]

[For Maria it's... well. Looking at Blake's cat ears, the blonde is sure she would classify her as a monster. The sort here, not the sort in her own world. Had she ever seen one with cat ears before?]

Mm, it's an interesting change. At home most of them would rather fight me than anything. This is a difference place with a different culture though, isn't it.

[She sounds gently curious. It's completely out of the norm of what she's used to but she's not totally against adjusting to this culture. For as long as she must stay at least.]

[atsumoribiito]

You betcha. Those splinters would have been hell. [She's serious. At least a little, judging by the thoughtful expression crossing her face.]

Might find out sooner or later, though, if we're stuck here for a while.

[She frowns a little at the notion, both because it'd be nice to go home, and it'd be nice to, you know, get her hat back without him getting attacked by cleaning implements.]

You think these witches know any magic hair tricks?

[civicbooty]

[ The question catches him off-guard — he's unused to anyone insinuating that there must be something, as if his presence is to be tolerated only out of necessity. Even his detractors are polite in conversation; even they pretend.

He glances at Francel, searching. ]

If I am keeping you, of course, you need not stay — though I did hope to impress that, so far as I am concerned, we are here together, and if there is aught you need, a way in which I might be of some use, you have only to name it.

[holybeasts]

[At that Maria laughs gently.]

Are you sure you want that? I'll be the first to admit it's not very convenient sometimes.

[honoraboveall]

There certainly is. [And now that that world was left far behind him no need to keep it a secret.] Me and a rather mismatched set of individuals were all tasked with killing this one man, Gadreon in our city. [The words easily roll off his tongue, his voice curling into a rich story-teller's cadence.] Gadreon was a rather nasty man who had a strangle-hold on all the unsavory aspects of our city, but he had holed himself up away in a this warehouse full of unpleasant surprises. One of which was this alligator, who I do believe he made sport with feeding some of his victims too. As we were attacking him, his pet came out to play; not out of loyalty, but the scent of blood. I was the one closest to it, so perforce, [He gestures to his leg.] I got out lucky too. Hurt it bad enough that it slid back into the waters. [He leaves out the part where Gadreon appeared to be little more than a suit of skin stretched over rot that could still move and talk. It seemed a little much for a first conversation.]

[andernach]

1. To house all mirrors - it's a repository. The mirrors themselves have been around for longer than anyone can remember, which means The Looking-Glass House has as well; it's one of the Coven's mysteries.
2. Mirrors are just made of glass, you know; enough force and they'll shatter like anything else. As far as they're aware though, it doesn't mean anything. While students entwine their magic with a mirror that resonates with them in some way upon completing their training to be Witches, if their mirror happens to crack or break in some way it's only a matter of fixing it back up; no harm, no foul. The Witch in question might feel upset for a while, but that's all.