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

2

[allweather]

[Reim allows himself to be shuffled off to a spare room easily enough; as much as falling into some kind of mirror-intensive realm is... not the oddest thing he's ever done, even recently, he does appreciate the quiet moment alone to sort himself out. He only needs a moment, so by the time someone else is sent into this room, he's actually starting to feel restless without something to do— so, company is a welcome distraction.

Company is also bleeding, unless he imagined that before she covered it with her hat—]

Oh! No, it's alright, it's— I don't suppose this is my room, all things considered, so - never mind it.

[....anyway!!!] I'm sorry if this is a probing question, but are you alright?

[nemuru]

[ And he will, using the hand to cover up a yawn instead. Ahhh, really, now that the rush of being off stage is leaving, he's getting tired... Even though he's still on edge about this place. ]

Then yep, it's real. [ Not that he paid attention if things hurt in the other... dream... "dream"? ] Hmmm~mmmm... This kind of thing only happens in manga though, right? Gettin' pulled to another world, probably to save it... The ones I've read have harem elements too - y'know, a bunch of girls falling in love with the main character or whatever...

[ ...Which Ritsu isn't interested in really, so he waves it off. ]

I'm just sayin' this kinda thing's not possible usually, yeah?

IV

[allweather]

[Food and festivities are perfectly alright by Reim, and honestly, this whole thing hasn't been terrible so far? He's gotten the impression that he's one of few who thinks so, so he's content to keep to himself besides the times he's ever-so-gently pushed into sharing his food or his space with someone else.

All things considered, he doesn't mind! He doesn't even mind the sudden theft of food from his plate, or at least, he doesn't look like he does - but after a moment he clears his throat pointedly.]

'May I try some of that?' Certainly! Please help yourself.

[Stare.... where are your manners, sir.]

Kai Gracen | OTA

[halfbloodhatchling]

I. Arrival

Kai doesn't have very much time to consider the circumstances he's in or what the hell he's doing in this place, because he didn't arrive here on his own. Instead of having time to take in the new environment, he's dealing with a clawful of extremely pissed off cat.

Newt makes a swipe at Kai's leg before he takes off. The cat's an ugly thing - a notch missing from its left ear, one leg shorter than the rest, fur a mix of browns and grays. Kai, on the other hand, is a little prettier, with purple hair, delicate features, and pointed ears.

He takes off after the cat. "Dammit, come back here."

III. The Coven

It takes Kai some time to wrangle Newt into his arms, and there's a fatal flaw in this plan, that it leaves him without the ability to easily draw a gun. Right about now, Kai's feeling that regret pretty strong, almost as much as he's feeling the fact that Newt isn't happy to be held.

"This is all a bad dream," Kai says, more out in the air than to the cat.

"No, not that bad, nightmares don't usually start like this. But still a dream, because it's definitely not real and I'm not ready to break with reality like this."

IV. Boaltinn

Dream or not, Kai still isn't willing to stick around the coven. The place gives him the creeps, like too much magic and too much history and that always means not enough common sense.

Staring at the world around him, Kai is starting to think this place might be real.

The monsters aren't the sort of thing he would come up with, the racism is familiar but also not, and he can't decide if he fits in less with the humans or the monsters. He does decide to join the humans, because he's used to that kind of response and because he's considered himself human no matter how many people have spat in his face for being elfin.

He turns slowly around, looking for someone. "Do you have any idea where I can get a strong drink?" He doesn't necessarily have any money. "I'll work for it."

[justbeingknife]

A knight?

[ God this night was going to be a weird one, but you know what ]

Man. I'm half-expectin' to run into a samurai next. Nice of ya to lend a hand, though. You don't... have any pressing business back home?

[didnotlaugh]

I guess there may be a lot of things that are possible, but we just don't know about it because it's never happened to us. If we're here, then it has to be possible, right?

Uh, but what were you saying about my mirror being plain? It's the only one I've seen with people in the decorations.

[justbeingknife]

[ Wow, Justine really didn't have an issue with baring it all. Majima didn't stare, and in fact looked politely askance when she lifted her leg, though her question made him quirk an eyebrow. ]

It's not often someone asks me that.

[ For better or worse, Majima tended to make an impression. Mostly for the worse. But all the same... ]

...you do seem familiar. But I don't know why that should be. I only got here today.

[justbeingknife]

[ He laughed, then glanced at the... picture... ]

This has gotta be a joke, but as long as they're payin'. Okay, I think this is the river here.

[ There was a little brown rabbit that perked up its ears in alarm as they approached; it darted away as they got even nearer. ]

Yeah, it's a city. My hometown, ya could say. A lot bigger than this place, and a lot more crowded.

[justbeingknife]

Well, ya look about two steps from it, even if you're not. Here, lean on me and I'll get ya back to one of those... wizards.

[ Witches. Whatever. ]

I think they oughta be able to patch ya up. Better than limping around, right?

iii. un: srogers

[strengths]

What's a manga?

[ishisstrength]

Me too.

[Her head cants to the side as her eyes slowly map the tattoo on his chest and the curves of his frame. She isn't conscious of the fact that she's naked and in a bath with this man, too focused on the lingering familiarity she feels nagging at the back of her thoughts.

It's like a hazy memory, like something that Thomas might intentionally pluck from her thoughts.] We've met before. [She shifts a little closer and then hesitates and retracts back.]

I must be imagining it.

[Maybe the hot water is getting to her.]

[justbeingknife]

Really? Sure, I like flowers. Who doesn't?

[ Granted, that probably wasn't what Justine was getting at here. ]

I dunno, I just feel like if I don't keep myself busy, I'm gonna flip out.

[ He turned his handout around. ]

Even if it's memorizin' forget-me-nots or whatever. What about you? Why're you here?

[actuallyadork]

[Never having seen what would be considered normal rabbits, he watches it scurry off with some mild interest.]

That's all that matters. [Time to look up and down the river to see if the flowers were as easy to spot as the picture made them seem.]

Sounds like Midgar.

[ishisstrength]

[Her expression softens as she inclines her head in a gentle nod.]

It's the same for me. Distractions... help. [Going crazy is a very real fear for her and she'll do anything she can to stop it.] Looking and learning. Maybe for a job. I don't have anything to wear except this robe. The witches at the Coven gave it to me.

When I saw the flowers.... [her voice trails off as if she's focusing on something distant.] I had to stop. I like plants. There's something simple about them.

[horkbajir]

I imagine Toby might be be mistaken for a dragon - how will that affect her initial reception?

Will anyone insist she wear clothes?

Rose

[oceanschild]

[Aeto is happily submerged under the water, though she'll swim over towards Paris again to give the new woman more room. Unfortunately, Paris is having a lot harder of a time just ignoring their company, and not just because he's the one she's talking too. His freckled face is pretty damn red already.]

Ah-- um. Yes. It is nice... [How does talking to people work oh god.]

network

[topslug]

[ A girl in her late who responds, opting for the more expedient route of answering via video feed rather than text. By now, she's dressed in one of the robes the Coven has provided for new arrivals, face pink from having scrubbed it. He may or may not recognize her among those who'd arrived with him, who didn't seem to have much of a visible reaction to what was happening except open curiosity and a faint concern. ]

I arrived at the same time as ... a lot of people did, just a little over a day ago. I was on a plane when it happened.

The mirror did remind me of home, but everyone else's looked plain to me.

england ♛ hetalia ♛ OTA

[keepscalm]

1. arrival

[It's not the mirrors, or the strange company, or the falling through to somewhere else that unnerves England. He is familiar with all these bizarre things to a certain degree. He's a land of magic, after all!

No, it's something else that happens as he comes out the other side of the mirror. Something inside of him that changes as he leaves his world and enters this new one.

His nation stops moving.

He grimaces, gripping his chest as he stumbles into the room of mirrors with less grace than he'd like. He releases the fabric that crumples under his fingers and stares into the palm of his hand like he'll find the movement of his country there. But it doesn't flicker back to life as he hopes--it's just frozen at the very moment England left his world.

He feels his stomach turn. With a scowl, he turns back to look at his mirror, his question rhetorical and frankly, rather cross.] What is the meaning of this?


2. guy fawkes whomst?

[He asks his questions, receives his watch, and promptly sets out to investigate further. While his suit is not exactly period-appropriate, it's close enough to men's fashion of the time that he chooses not to wear the rather unflattering Coven robes.

Point being, however he's dressed, he won't find answers from staying inside. But answers don't seem to be the priority of the night, as he finds out quickly. People seem to be far more focused on...fun. Which is not England's area of expertise on a normal day, and especially not when he's all antsy from the various things inside of him that are no longer working correctly.

He observes for some time at the Eastern Bonfire, watching as people grab onto some sort of magical object and then jump through the flames. His arms are crossed and his expression is sour. After a while, he finally speaks out loud, to no one in particular:] This is absurd.


3. tea for two

[England is still very determined to not have fun. But it has been a long...day, or night, or whatever it is now. And lunch was hours ago. And he's hungry.

So he approaches one of the vendors handing out food. But as he reaches out to take it--he's informed that he's expected to share. Doubtlessly the vendor catches sight of England's indignant expression, because he's told to make a friend! and then the next person in line is being served.

He grimaces as he regards the large skewer of what appears to be fried banana. He can see now that there are two sticks--ah, he's intended to break the whole thing in half.

He does so, and then very awkwardly holds it out to the nearest person. His expression is grudging and a little embarrassed, a slight flush to his cheeks as he offers the food.] I've been informed that we're supposed to share all of this. So.

[Please take it.]


4. aromatherapy?

[He's drawn by the pleasant floral smell that wafts down the street from one of the establishments. He's expecting to find a shop, perhaps selling flowers or tinctures of some sort--not a bathhouse.

Were circumstances not so strange and suspicious, England might be more willing to partake of the baths. As it is, he's in full stick-up-the-arse mode, and so he's caught just outside the establishment, trying to turn down the employee extolling the benefits of the rose baths. He's a little flustered.] Er, I don't really...


5. shake it off

[Wandering through the entertainment district is a bit less stressful for England; people are expected to be spectators more than participants in a lot of these performances, so he's free to watch without looking like a wet blanket.

Though he still sort of looks like one as he watches a small musical performance from across the street, the dregs of some sweet drink lingering at the bottom of a cup he holds. A few people dance to the music being played. He can't help but watch the kids, who find unabashed joy in dancing along.

He may be playing the wallflower, but there's a ghost of a smile on his face this time.]


6. wildcard

[Hit me with a different prompt! Feel free to contact me at ceesawaseesaw if you'd like to plan something!]

[immortalrose]

Graphic novels? That has a very nice and mature ring to it.

I was never into such material myself but I always loved looking at the illustrations in fairy tales.

francel de haillenarte; ffxiv; monster (dragon)

[haillenarte]

prompt iv.
[this is the most boring toplevel in the world and i apologize, but anyway:

boaltinn is beautiful, in a way, with its roaring bonfires and the locals happily preoccupied with their celebrations — but francel doesn't seem pleased by the festivities. he does not partake of the food; he does not play any games. he spends the evening gazing wistfully into the crackling bonfire, as though perhaps it reminds him of home, or perhaps he simply means to throw himself into it.

bizarrely, the young lord looks absolutely miserable, as though the happiness of the city is utterly incapable of touching his lonely heart.]

wildcard, city-wide quest i.
[if for some reason your character has cause to visit the undermael college library during morning hours, they may find francel, dutifully organizing the library's books for meager part-time pay. given his considerable reach, the librarians seem to have left the top shelves to him. he doesn't seem to begrudge the work at all, however — indeed, he's taken to it far more than he ever took to being a military commander in a frigid outpost far from home. if he catches you watching him for perhaps too long, he will turn to you and raise a brow.]

Yes? May I be of service?

wildcard.
( ask for a starter if necessary! )

we were Hoping For This tbh

[fearolc]

[ Mhairi knows when she's being watched, has had years and years to hone that sixth sense out in the Wilde with her companions, where it could very well save their lives. There are all sorts of eyes on her, now. Speaking with some of the people here, it becomes apparent that many have never seen someone like her before, come from worlds where she's simply a story.

This is different. It makes her hackles bristle. ]

Ness, love. [ She reaches and brushes the back of a large hand over her cheek from behind. ] The question is one that should be asked, if she has reason to worry, for herself and these people.

Though the phrasing is one that is... unfortunate. [ Offensive. ] Speak your concerns, Miss.

Rose

[ishisstrength]

[If it had been any other time, she might have tensed when she saw a manta-ray like creature gliding beneath the surface of the water but the bath had relaxed her beyond her usual cautious uncertainty.

She glances up at the boy sitting across from her, her lips parted as she inhales a slow breath.] Is that creature yours? It's very cute. [From what she can see of it.

Justine watches Paris curiously and wonders if his flush is from the hot water or her.]

[wylderrant]

"What would that entail - becoming one of 'yours'?" Iramaat asks with actual curiosity. She's not terribly big on swearing oaths to mysterious organizations, but she will, if she feels it's worthwhile or gains her something. She mostly just wants to learn at this stage.

"I'm sure I'll get along famously with everyone I meet, anyway. I usually do. I'd just like to learn more about your Coven, honestly!"

[wylderrant]

Oh, not really. I'm an errant. I go where I need to go and help people. And I usually make sure that their problems are taken care of.

[ For a given value of 'taken care of', of course, but that's neither here nor there. ]

What's a samurai? I don't think I've ever heard of those.

arrival

[topslug]

[ The girl beside Mob is doing much the same thing, looking over her mirror with more honest confusion than anything else, but when he speaks up it seems to shake her out of her daze and she glances over. ]

What do you see?

[ To her, his mirror looks plain and unremarkable -- much like hers probably looks to him, even if in her eyes, it's a riot of different shapes, hard to focus on any single one. ]