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

the lone wanderer "lex" | fallout 3 | ota

[lonewanderer]

i. arrival cw: vomiting

[ She had thought that the reflection had been a figment of her imagination, something to fixate on as her body shut down, the purifier activated and nothing else left for her to do. She had not expected to stumble out of a mirror into- this. She certainly hadn't expected Dogmeat to leap out of the mirror after her.

Then again, Lex hadn't expected a lot of things in her life. Why start now?

She feels sick. It's the first thing that hits her, really; more than the commotion, more than the strangeness - the way the air smells fresh, the way the building isn't in ruins. Dogmeat comes up to her whining and she kneels down to pet him, burrowing a hand in his fur - and then blanches. ]

Move- [ she starts hoarsely, and then, louder- ] Move!

[ Her dog bolts, clearing up the line of sight for anyone to watch as a young woman in combat armor with a backpack filled with guns vomits on the floor. ]

iv. b. baths

[ Water for bathing in this amount has never been something Lex has seen before. She thinks it's a joke, the first time she hears about it - but curiosity compels her to go look. The scent of roses is new, but it's water. It's water and it's beautiful, and Lex would find herself choking up if not for the fact that getting in the bath requires her to get out of the Coven-supplied robes and everything else. Practically takes precedence, and she is careful to hide anything strange - her combat armor and her guns, mostly - under the robes. Dogmeat doesn't have anything to hide, but Lex still takes care to get approval for him to join her, settling into the pools where both humans and monsters are allowed.

For anyone who has met her before, her usually serious, reserved demeanor is relaxing with the hot water and the scent of rose. There's no shyness about her nudity, or about the remaining scars from claws and bullets and knives. Dogmeat is content to paddle around the pool and rest on the edge, but Lex leans back against the side and breathes deeply. ]

I've never experienced anything like this, [ she muses, raising her hand just to watch the water droplets run down her arm. ] I've never even seen a rose.

v. wildcard

((ooc: give me some thing random or hit me up via gadgetsandgears, gadgets#7461 on Discord, or PM!))

I

[interlucere]

[ It's jarring, feeling the world shift and sway before unceremoniously depositing you in an entirely new space. It's pure luck that keeps Lux from becoming as violently sick as the woman not a few yards away from her, and while the small blond winces as her stomach lurches in response, she pushes any sympathy sickness down as far as she can. Now is not the time.

With surprisingly long strides, she makes her way towards the other human; careful to make her presence and intentions known to her canine companion. Wordlessly, Lux crouches down before placing a reassuring and firm hand on Lex's shoulder, letting it slowly and methodically move to her back. The younger woman sets her gaze outward, trying not to focus on the sound and smell, but determined instead to reassure her.

She's heard a backrub helps in this particular situation. Hopefully Lux isn't overstepping her bounds here. ]

[lonewanderer]

[ While Dogmeat is immediately on edge, Lux broadcasting her movements has him at least calm enough not to immediately growl. In turn, this helps Lex calm down enough to not immediately panic at the approach or the hand on her back.

It doesn't help her not throw up again, but there's definitely something soothing about human touch, especially after going so long without it. Her father had done this when she had been sick as a child, and with him gone, Lex hadn't thought she would feel it again. Not in the wastes.

But she's not in the waste, and when the nausea subsides long enough, Lex lifts a hand to push stray hair away from her face. ]

Thanks, [ she manages, though she's still resolutely focused on the floor. ]

[interlucere]

[ Lux knows how protective a dog can be of their master, so there's a pointed ebb of relief that rolls off her shoulders when Dogmeat allows her to come in close. Good, that's good. That will make things much easier. A small smile spreads across her lips as Lex manages to speak without immediately gagging. Another good sign. ]

Just take a few deep breaths.

[ Her voice scarcely over a whisper, she continues to rub the older woman's back. Don't push yourself too hard too quickly. ]

i

[fifty]

[America actually noticed the dog first. It's hard not to get excited about seeing dogs, you know? But the dog's attention is on a woman who really doesn't look like they're feeling great.

And then she vomits, which really cements that theory.]

Hey, you need any help?

[lonewanderer]

[ No shame for noticing the dog first. Dogs are the best.

Lex doesn't answer for a moment, trying to breathe deeply and steady herself. It doesn't work fantastically, but at least she isn't currently throwing up. ]

Don't have any RadAway, do you? [ She hasn't looked up yet, facing the ground; her eyes, in fact, are screwed shut. ]

[fifty]

Uh-- [America has no idea what that is, and radiation isn't in the forefront of his mind right now, so he doesn't connect the dots there.] No. And, uh--I dunno where we are, exactly, but maybe there's like, a doctor somewhere.

IV B

[whomthebelltolls]

[She'd thought she had come at a quiet enough time. Public baths aren't really... a thing where she's from, but she's still feeling sick and shaky from the way she... arrived. Or something about how she arrived, and the things she is noticing are different about herself now.

It's the dog that grabs her attention. Dogs weren't used very often in the early days of the Hunt, but they could be useful for ferreting out the Beasts that hid in the corners or tried to melt in the Shadows, and their noses were usually even better than humans' to smell the corruption of Beasthood before it manifested.

She's bent over in the bath, a comfortable distance away, sunk down up to her chest to hide that under the water because there is a bit of embarrassment, but... well, it feels good to soak in the floral waters. She's been surrounded by the rank stench of blood and rot and fire for too long, and the musty, dusty wood of the Astral Clocktower, with that hint of grease from the clock mechanics] ... You've never even seen a rose?

[She was going to just ignore everyone else, but that catches her attention.]

[lonewanderer]

They're dead, [ Lex replies without looking up, still watching the water. After a moment, though, she drops her arm back below the bath. Dogmeat sighs from next to the water. ]

Most of the plants are.

[ It's now that she looks up, across the water to the other woman. Her voice is matter-of-fact, not tinged with any sadness. Lex has never known alive plants save for once, and those were... beautiful, and a shock, and something to aspire to. But they weren't normal. Not for her. ]

The trees are still standing, but they don't grow. Not in most places.

[whomthebelltolls]

[It really isn't the words - it is the nonchalant tone with which it's said. No plants? And here she thought the terrors of the Nightmare couldn't get any worse. Now she wonders if she'll return home to barren wasteland... if it ever deigns to let her back at her Clocktower.

Call her curious, and as much as she'd hate it, but she does wonder about this whole thing...]

... What kind of a land is that, where there are no plants? Surely, no one can survive in such a place...

when in doubt, default to dog

[futhark]

[ Roman built their baths and terms probably in a similar fashion. Probably, because it's not something Caster had seen. Just a word of mouth, when someone from south, with more experience, told the tales. Neither nudity nor coeducation is much of a bother for him.

However-- ]

Eh, buddy, who let you here? [ Yeah the dog brings him here, but he gets to hear her musings thanks to him. With a nonchalant "hmmmmm" he ponders ] Roses? Well, we're surely going to smell like them-

[ Not the point, dude ]

it's the best strategy

[lonewanderer]

He's with me, [ Lex answers for her dog, though Dogmeat does wag his tail at Caster. Yes hello, I will be your buddy.

She shifts in the bath, turning so that she can keep an eye on the stranger and her dog. Dogmeat can take care of himself most of the time, but she won't stand by and let something happen to him, either. ]

He and I haven't ever smelled like roses, either.

[futhark]

[ The first friend to make in this weird place - a dog. How fitting. And what a paddling beast it is! "He's with me" is an interesting new though. There is a slight chance that she just adopted the dog on the street and dragged him here- but that doesn't work like that, right?

(Does it mean there is a mirror for this dog somewhere in the Looking-Glass House?)

Caster hums, as he fixes his gaze on the woman. Less leery, more appraising an opponent before battle (but still definitely could be taken as leery). It's over in a moment and he sinks into the water ]

Yeah, warriors usually don't smell like that. Comes with the profession. [ Cuts, shreds, punctures, some faded, some newer. all kind of scars telling a long story of the battlefield. He points at the claw mark. ] That looks like a story. Something larger than a bear?

[ There's a professional curiosity in that question. (Caster, not everyone want to talk about how they nearly got mauled by beasts) ]

baths

[warfares]

[ the tradition behind the baths makes about as much sense as the bonfires, but, stroking the surface of the water, he can't help but think how welcoming the heat feels against his skin. ]

No? [ idle conversation has never been his strong suit but there's something in the way that says it that gives him pause.

toeing off his boots, he sets them against the side of the tub and then hooks his fingers into the hem of his tunic and starts to lift it up and over his head. ]

[lonewanderer]

[ The baths, at least, serve a purpose. Jumping through a bonfire just seems like asking for trouble. ]

No, [ she confirms. She glances toward him, making sure that there's no immediate threat. Seeing none, Lex's focus goes back to the water, her fingertips swirling the surface. ]

It's a wasteland. I don't know if roses still exist, other than old pictures of them.

[ Her laugh is quiet, low. ] This much clean water doesn't exist for just a bath, either.

[warfares]

What's it called, yourㅡ [ he casts about for a word that isn't "world", because people tend to look at him strangely, and he's meant to be blending in. a difficult enough task when you're pushing six foot three and built like a refrigerator.

his tunic drops to the floor, followed by his utility belt and then finally his trousers. he steps out of these and into the tub, settling back into the water with a soft noise of pleasure. ] Your home.

I

[killmarks]

( The commotion is pretty hard to ignore, especially when the sound of retching fills the air, followed by the distinct smell of vomit. An unfortunately familiar occurrence to trained medical personnel, which means Clarke heads towards the situation, rather than away from it.

Her knees hit the floor next to Lex, already rummaging around her bag to toss some spare cloth over the vomit that's on the floor; not in an effort to clean it up, but to try and keep the smell at bay so it doesn't trigger another gag reflex. Clarke hesitates to try and dig for anything else in her bag, not when she has no idea what the problem is. There are a dozen things she could easily hypothesize out, but- Why bother getting too far ahead of herself when instead she could ask outright.

Reaching into her bag for her canteen, she holds it out to Lex while she unscrews the cap. )

It's just water. ( And, as though to prove it and leave no room for doubt, Clarke takes a quick swig and swallows it before offering it back over again. )

You okay?

[lonewanderer]

[ Water. Clean water, Lex hopes, but if nothing else, the other woman drinks from it. It takes her a moment to lift her hand from the ground to grip the canteen, but once she has it, she takes a sip - careful, not wanting to drink too much at once. ]

Radiation exposure, [ she manages. ] A lot of it.

[ Radiation poisoning, rather, and a severe case. Water helps her throat, but it won't treat the cause.

Dogmeat circles closer, but doesn't growl; he is alert, though, watching Clarke for any moves he considers Wrong. ]

[killmarks]

( Clarke's gaze briefly flits to where Dogmeat stands. That's also new. She's only seen pictures of domesticated animals like this, never in person, so that's something else to get used to seeing. She'll add it to her mental list later. Much later, because there's obviously much more pressing things to deal with at the moment.

Like radiation poisoning.

Wait-

Clarke stares at Lex for a beat, two, three, before her brain actually kicks in, ripping her bag open and rifling around. She knows she grabbed it from Becca's lab before leaving, she knows she has it in here with everything else, it was imperative to her that she get it just in case the people in the bunker grew sick when they let her in. Her hand finally closes around it, a bottle stamped with RAPID-ACTING DELACTIVENE on the label. She starts to talk while opening the bottle. )

Where I come from, the planet is soaked in radiation. These counteract the sickness in humans. ( Clarke dumps two of the tablets out into her hand, and while she can't guarantee it'll work, doesn't know the extensiveness of the radiation, the type of it, she can only hope it'll help to counteract what's happening. ) I'm a medic. ( Well. Sort of. Assistant doctor? Doctor-in-training? Whatever, it's fine. ) My name is Clarke. I know it's a lot, but I'm going to need you to trust me on this. ( She holds her hand out, two small, blue tablets in the palm of her hand. ) Under your tongue, let them dissolve. It's called Delactivene. ( Who knows if it's common in other areas of the world, or in other worlds; Clarke's just running on the assumption it'll work because there's no other option here. )

baths;

[complementing]

That's a shame, roses are very pretty. Maybe there's one on this world you can see.

[The voice comes from Minako, walking over to the baths with a towel wrapped around her middle. A silver furred, red eyed shiba inu is at her heels, yipping in delight before skittering toward the other dog in the pool.]

Sorry, would it be alright if we joined you? I think Korochan wants to make friends.

[lonewanderer]

[ The yipping draws her attention, Lex looking over and laughing as Dogmeat wags his tail and goes to sniff the other dog. ]

That's fine. Dogmeat likes friends.

[ Not that she doesn't, but- well. ]

I've seen pictures of roses, at least. Just never a real one.

[complementing]

[Koromaru is pleased to meet another doggy. Commence the butt sniffing! As for Minako, she's going to make herself comfortable next to Lex.]

It'll happen eventually! With so many forests nearby, there's definitely at least one wild rose you can look at. [She tilts her head.] Did roses go extinct in your world or something?

baths.

[purpose]

Me either.

[ The voice comes from behind as Rey's shrugging off her clothing with the same absence of propriety. Jakku's lacking society has brought a lack of societal standards with it, modesty included. When she slips into the water, the tension in her shoulders is only due to the unfamiliarity of something new, the vulnerability of nudity included. As a result, she keeps a safe distance, keeping her eyes steady on the water dripping from Lex's fingers. ]

We had flowers, but nothing like this. Nothing so ... soft. [ Fragile. Delicate. Jakku's spinebarrels had been as hardy as any of its surviving scavengers, its creatures, and even those flowers had been few and far between. ] I've never seen so much water used for a bath, either. It almost feels like a waste.

[ But it's going to remain a waste whether she uses it or not. Still, it's difficult not to consider it in the back of her mind for how she had been so conservative with her own resources, even as she sinks to her chin with an exhale. ]

[lonewanderer]

[ Both Lex and Dogmeat turn their heads toward Rey when she speaks, but after assessing that it's another person joining the bath, Lex looks away. If someone is going to try and kill her in the bathtub, she might as well enjoy it first. ]

We had... mushrooms, mostly. Some flowering plants, but most of the vegetation back home is dead. [ Everything that wasn't was hardy, fighting for life. And the water was dirty, not something you would want to bathe in for long even if there was an abundance of it. ] It does feel wasteful though, doesn't it?

[ Not that it's stopping either of them. Lex lets her hand drop and scoops water into her palms, bringing it up to splash her face. ]

A whole settlement could drink off this for months.

[purpose]

Some people don't know how to suffer because they've never had to go without. They're the ones who usually waste in excess.

[ And the people that have their wealth and their resources forget those who haven't had anything but their own sense of self. Rey has to wonder if it's true of the world they've fallen into; for all of its pitfalls, they seem to want for nothing, so far as material richness goes.

Rey's fingers dip further into the water, watching some of the dirt slip free from her fingers. It is wasteful, but it will go to waste with or without her in it. She might as well take the time to enjoy it with all of the paranoia of someone that expects it to be taken from her. ]

I've never seen anything like this place. Not just the vegetation and the water, but the people. There's so many of them.

[ It's more than a little overwhelming, though Rey doesn't draw attention to that. She just tilts her head at Dogmeat, paddling. ]

Did your friend come with you?