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

[activatingcombatmode]

What? Wait. Hallucinations?

[Zack finally returns to the present moment and immediately starts for Cloud. When he reaches the blond his hands clap down on his shoulders.]

Cloud, don't tell me you're still seeing things? How are you feeling? When did you get here? You hurt?

[Hi, hello. Zack Fair here. Thinking that Cloud is from the same time as him where he was woozy and still recovering from heavy mako-addiction. But weird... He doesn't look so green in the face like he usually does. He actually looks pretty good. Healthy.]

[oceanschild]

[Oh Connor. You assume Paris has had enough education to know things like that.

His brow furrow as he thinks, Aeto swimming over to sprawl across his lap. He feels like he heard some announcements in the city...]

I think... 1289? [Something around there, anyway.]

[activatingcombatmode]

[Try and rough up an innocent little kid and this conversation will be very different. Zack shrugs at the other and huffs.]

Dunno. But like I said, he doesn't talk much to strangers. Like good kids shouldn't.

[Zack decides to ease up a little.]

From what I gather we're in some place called the Looking-Glass House and we're a long way from home.

[interlucere]

It's all right. No need to apologize. None of those places sound familiar. I'm sorry I can't be of any help.

It seems like all of us are stranded here for the time being. At least we are all more or less in one piece. Sometimes small victories like that are all we can hope for.

[plasticasshole]

[Connor seems pleased to have helped, giving the chocobo a little pat.]

Hello, Sunshine.

[Looking back to Cloud, he sits back down.]

So are they common where you come from? Chocobo?

[Chocobos? What's the plural?]

[reenforces]

[Mikleo bites his bottom lip. He takes a moment to slip his arms through the sleeves of his shirt. The fact he doesn't answer immediately probably tells Sorey all he needs to know, though.]

I feel empty, Sorey. [He slowly and determinedly works on the zipper of his tunic.] That connection I have with water just isn't there anymore. There's something else instead, and I think it might be whatever magic they use here, but it's not the same. I feel like I'm having to navigate without one of my senses.

Everyone can see me, I can't use my artes, and I got hungry a couple of hours ago. I... might be human.

[activatingcombatmode]

Huh. Never heard of it. Some backwater place?

[Is he still thinking the blond is talking about his own world? Maybe... a little.]

Anyway, here. You can have the first bite. [He offers the kabob.]

[actuallyadork]

[The hallucination speaks. Cloud squeezes harder and tries to ignore whatever magic made this. If he's a witch in this place, he can do that, right?

With hands suddenly on his shoulders, any delusion he had about this being an illusion is thrown waaaaay out the window. The blonds eyes snap open to look up at his supposed to be dead friend. His mouth goes dry as he tries to figure out what to say. Nothing wants to come out no matter how hard he tries.

So he stares for a moment longer before reaching out a hand to thump gently against Zack's chest. The last time he'd seen his friend there was bullet holes all over the uniform. Not seeing or feeling them... what is going on? Brain and heart are both in agreement that this can't be real.]

[princessences]

[ She sees the injury and frowns. Not something that is outwardly jarring, but it could be indicative of further head trauma underneath. While the Castle had taken care of most of the medical attention the Paladins needed when it existed--that she still needs to think of the Castle that way hurts--she is capable of first aid. Allura pushes the matted hair back with her thumb, not bothered by the blood that gets on her glove.

Hm...perhaps not too deep. ]

No, but it's possible that we had not repaired the rift in space as well as we had hoped.

[ The sacrifice could not have been for naught, could it?

His concern gets a small huff. Allura nods, offering what she intends to be a reassuring smile. ]

I'm fairing better than you, at any rate.

[ If he's exhausted she should be able to replenish his quintessence, shouldn't she? She just needs to concentrate. ]

Fair enough to help you. Just rest for a moment.

[ Allura exhales, placing her hand on the top of his head fully and closes her eyes. Doing this after transferring Shiro to his new body should be nothing in comparison, right? Easy. Simple. Just enough to get Keith upright so they can properly asses the situation. She concentrates.

But...nothing happens. She doesn't feel the normal surge inside her well up nor the tingling of quintessence rising to her skin. ]

...

[ She...must be tired too.

When Allura opens her eyes, she's frowning, gaze settling on Kosmo. ]

...Passing through time and space must have taken enough out of the both of us.

[holybeasts]

Mm, I'm a hunter along with my family.

[Brother? Brother in law? She isn't sure how she should term Richter really. None of them are blood related but that matters little.

Back where there supposed to be. Her expression mulls some.]

I wonder if we would go back to when we were plucked away if that was the case.

[Because if she didn't go back to mere feet from that cliff side, would she regret it? She would accept the consequences either way but it would be a bitter pill to swallow.]

[plasticasshole]

[It's Connor's turn to be surprised, eyebrows raising.]

It was 2038 where I come from. I'm 749 years ahead of you.

[That's kind of incredible to think about.]

[haillenarte]

[it is a joke, francel realizes — aymeric is trying to engage him in lighthearted conversation. preposterous. ridiculous. again, this is absurd. he wonders to himself whether this, too, is not a dream; it seems even more fanciful than his vision of the faes.]

...I do not consider you a holy man. But you are infinitely accomplished. And now, in a feat that has your name inscribed in the annals of history, you have helped end a centuries-old conflict.

[if francel has any remarkable skills, he has one in the way that he can drape a man in effusive praise and yet deliver it so flatly that it does not feel at all like a compliment.]

I am nothing and no one — no storied soldier, no noble legislator, not even a common maid who has done no wrong in her life. Indeed I am of Ishgard, but so too are lawless blackguards. And I can do you little service... thus, none would reasonably expect you to be of use to me — not even here.

[...well, he has certainly... laid out an argument...]

[ipseite]

Rather, the beast and I are frequently in firm agreement that we had best be elsewhere, and not tarry.

( the number of times that marius has regretted allowing petrana to train with his own warhorse, finding himself obliged to find a substitute mount when she has fled with the animal most familiar with her methods-

it is only stubbornness that he doesn't surrender archbishop to her and find himself another, and have done with it.

her expression remains mild enough. if she finds herself amusing, it's hard to tell past steady earnestness. )

[juzubeads]

Hm?

['Cat'. Of course even that gets Kyo's attention, given the number of times Yuki uses it (usually preceded by saying 'stupid') to refer to him. So Kyo turns, glancing and noticing the waving movement of the other's arm.

Oh. It's that other redhead guy. He vaguely recalls it, so he gives a shrug, trying to shift a bit in getting a little closer.]

A dream? I don't know.....

[scaling]

[ The gratitude is met with an answering smile, subtle but enough to soften his expression.

He's pretty sure the owner won't let them continue to talk while doing nothing, though, so Akira moves to pick up the half-consumed tankard the customer left behind, nodding as he does so. ]

Yeah. [ He casts a glance around the room. It looks like something out of a movie; never a reality he thought he'd be living. ] ... We're a long way from home.

[oceanschild]

[Oh. Goodness.]

...That's... a lot.

[admittedly he's not great with numbers after a certain point but he knows that much.]

[holybeasts]

[The blonde gives him a quiet, soft smile.]

You're not. There's no shame in missing people.

[That said she'll take his attempted lightening of the mood, more than happy to store such thoughts away at the moment. Kosmo has very nicely settled in the middle of the bed and Maria more or less emulates the wolf, flopping onto her stomach a brief moment before she rolls to her side to ruffle the fur between his ears once more.]

As well he should. This is an impressively soft bed!

[No seriously, if this weren't some foreign place that had drug her away in the middle of things, she could totally see herself spending tomorrow face down in this bed.]

[juzubeads]

You're going to lecture me about stranger danger?

[He's not some little kid anymore, he's a teenager. But also, he doesn't see a single familiar face in all of this. So of course everyone here is basically a stranger to him. That and Zack is talking to him, but probably that doesn't count. Zack is definitely a little older than him at least.]

Looking-Glass....wait, you mean the mirrors?

[plasticasshole]

It is.

[Connor leans forward a little though.]

What was life like for you? I can't imagine the world without technology, or machines.

[Well, maybe because he is one, but that isn't the point.]

[ipseite]

( there's something rueful about the way she glances down at herself; ill-suited for this, and for the heat generally, and yet: )

I think I could not have balanced it as needed without them. I know their weight, I fear I'd misjudge otherwise. ( she'd have to relearn her entire center of gravity, attempting some of the things she has always done dressed as she has always dressed.

it isn't an answer to his question. perhaps it slipped her mind. )

let's go bonfires

[wordsinthesoul]

[He's done what he can, but- it isn't much, honestly. He's very thankful that the Coven has provided some clothes,- it might not be what he'd pick himself, but it's a step up.

He's not expecting to be addressed, so there's surprise on his face as he turns towards Aymeric- looking equally surprised to see Aymeric before he offers a smile.]

Ser Aymeric! I hadn't expected to see you here. I am glad to hear that- and hope that we'll be able to help each other. I fear I've only been here a little while.

[holybeasts]

Exactly. It would be rude not to.

[Perfect! She points things out to the vendor and thanks to being with another person, they're more than happy to dish out all of the treats.

With a plate in one hand and the rolled up crepe tucked into a bit of wrapping to make it convenient to carry, Maria is positively glowing.]

I feel like it's been forever since I had so many sweets at once!

[actuallyadork]

[Sunshine looks rather pleased with this outcome and the patting. A soft "kweh" is her way of saying hello.

Cloud nods as he resumes rinsing the newly named Sunshine down before he deems her ready for the bath.]

Chocobo run wild on pretty much every continent. They're used for travel, but Sunshine here is mostly a racer.

[topslug]

"It's similar to something I had from home," Yako explains. Keeping her watch balanced on her lap, she pulls her flip phone out of her pocket to show him the pink casing, then opening it so that the screen lights up. It's rectangular rather than round, and the characters aren't something he'd recognize, but the layout is roughly the same, with small icons that are obviously in the shape of envelopes, stylized people, and a few others Dylas probably wouldn't be able to identify. She gives him enough time to look it over before she goes on.

"It's just that the keys are part of the screen, instead of separate." She taps the keyboard on her cellphone, then points at Dylas's watch. "There are a few other things that are different, too, which is why I wanted the practice. They're really handy for sending messages to each other."

[interlucere]

[ Even if she isn't sure how he might answer, that isn't the response Lux expects; and while the smile doesn't slip from her lips, it's met with a curious tilt of her head. A bit self-deprecating, and she isn't sure if it's meant to lead the conversation elsewhere or just a casual brushing aside of his own concerns. But it's impolite to pry, and he's a stranger, so instead her smile briefly shifts into something more measured and wry.

He says it's a shock to him, so she needs to take that at face value. ]

Don't worry about me.

[ Really. She doesn't want to trouble anyone, especially right now. A beat as she looks over the now mostly deserted room, and; ]

I don't imagine you know where we are, do you? Or how we got here in the first place?