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

[halfheartedmagician]

Which would you prefer?

[The utter confusion on the other man's face is somewhat entertaining, and Asra's never been particularly good at discussing matters in a straightforward way anyway.]

There are drinks throughout the festival, but you might find the cost to be unexpected.

[lovebiter]

[ Which would he prefer? What the fuck kinda question was that?

But, y'know what, also kinda hot, maybe? Maybe. This guy's just sitting there like he's got all the answers but might shell 'em out if Cain's real nice about it.

But he'd been staring and silent for too long, and gave himself a shake to restore his attention. ]

I'd prefer, if I had to pick... knowing the answers but not giving 'em. Total bitch move, but like... a hot bitch move, right?

And I'm not worried about the cost! I traded a riddle for a noble elven knight. If you're smart enough, you don't need money to get by. And...

[ His voice dropped to a trembling, excited whisper. ]

...hold the fuck up, is that a snake? Like, a real live actual fucking snake?!

[ He gestured to Faust with a forefinger, but all his confused reticence had gone up in smoke, and left him looking as excited as a fucking kid at Christmas. ]

[halfheartedmagician]

Hmm. I wouldn't know. [His lips curl in a teasing smile, amused by the description but certainly not about to let a poor attempt like that fluster him. He's gotten worse from Ilya.

But before he could continue, the stranger points at Faust and Asra's gaze narrows slightly. The other man looks excited more than upset or afraid, but he's feeling more than a little protective of her right now and finds himself bracing for a fight or an escape if it comes down to it.]

Yes. Her name is Faust and she's my familiar.

[lovebiter]

[ Wow, first meeting faerie people and knights and seeing trees and tasting real fresh fruit, but a live snake, that pretty much took the fucking cake.

Oh shit, this was an introduction, wasn't it? And hadn't some other animals talked? The snake was a familiar. Whatever that meant. Cain tried to think of the mannerisms of his tall elven companion, cleared his throat awkwardly and set a hand to his chest while he dipped in a haphazard bow. ]

Izvinite, Faust! I, uh. No snakes live in the world where I'm from. No one would believe me if I said I've met one! I'm, um. Call me Cain.

[ Yeah he was just stammering away at the fucking snake, as if expecting it could have a conversation with him. ]

[halfheartedmagician]

[He honestly isn't certain if he's missing something about the significance of snakes in this realm - or wherever the other man is from - but the display isn't threatening for all that it's strange. Asra's still watching him but relaxes somewhat, although he frowns as Faust hangs off his shoulder to flick her tongue in the air near the stranger. Even if he can't hear her, Asra can tell what that means and he's a bit reluctant as he continues.]

She'll let you stroke her if you wish.

[lovebiter]

[ Cain stood there looking thunderstruck for a long second, before he nervously twitched his hands together in front of himself.

He wasn't exactly known for his gentleness, and after successfully meeting a talking wolf, he was pretty damn desperate to make a good showing. So he crooked his dusky fingers, and brought them with focused slowness up to the snake. Hovered almost an inch beyond touch for a stretched moment, eyes wide, before he drew the backs of his fingers gently beneath her chin. ]

Whoa... She's... smooth, almost like... like metal, I guess. But... cold? Is that why she's... y'know, cuddled in?

I guess it'd be pretty hard to find a jacket in snake sizes, huh?

[halfheartedmagician]

[Faust's tongue flickers in the air and brushes fleetingly against the man's skin, and she places a bit more pressure against his hand, muscles moving beneath her smooth scales and clinging to him as she investigates a bit further up.

But that's enough for Asra, and before Faust has the opportunity to decide she might want to wander further up the stranger's arm, he gently tugs her back and resettles her against his neck.]

Snakes don't create body heat like we do. She likes to warm up against me or in the sun. [Or just about anything else that radiated heat given the chance.]

What is your name?

[lovebiter]

Shit, can't make bodyheat? That's... fucking rough.

[ The atmosphere and resource-rationing on Mars is intense enough that he's never seen any live animals, period. They're the province of the ultra-wealthy. He's never been taught about cold-blooded animals even when he wasn't being a fucking truant, and never really had a need to learn. He rubbed his fingers together when his hand fell away, as if trying to pin the sensation down in his memory. Something important. ]

I'm called Cain. What should I call you?

And, uh, I dunno how long the day-cycle's like on a planet like this, but they've got all kinds of magic stuff. If you look around I bet you could find some kinda magic thing that could help keep the baryshnya Faust warm?

[halfheartedmagician]

[Asra lifts his shoulders in a shrug that's surprisingly fluid, and Faust takes the opportunity to climb into his hair and raise her head towards Cain again. She can't smile, but somehow her face gives the impression of one as her tongue flicks out again.]

Asra.

[He hesitates for just a moment at the suggestion. Usually he wouldn't need anything other than his own magic, hasn't since he was given the tiny egg that Faust nosed her way out of one day. But he hasn't the same power here and while body heat helps, he will need other options.

Asra nods and the cards are carefully collected and disappear into his clothing.]

Would you join me in searching then? We can see about finding you that drink as well.

[lovebiter]

[ Cain must've said something wrong, because the little guy... just looks so fucking crushed. He shifted uncomfortably, but was reeled right back in again by that fucking snake.

She was so cute! And she was cold to the touch. He couldn't fucking leave a pretty young lady out in the cold, his grandmother would spin in her fucking grave. And Anna...

He cleared his throat and smiled, waved Asra toward him. ]

Hell yeah I will! Can't leave a baryshnya cold. And, um, hey...

[ He fished under his belt, where he'd stuffed some folded papers. Withdrew and started to unfold them. ]

The lady wolf drew me a map of the city, with... a copy, in case someone needed it. Would you...?

[ He proffered up one of the drawn-charcoal maps. ]

[halfheartedmagician]

[Rising to his feet, Asra picks up the blanket and folds it away as well, leaving nothing to show he'd been set up here as he turns back to Cain. He's a touch hesitant to get too close to the other man, but he does seem friendly enough and the map gets a curious look.]

A lady wolf...?

[It's a nice offer, but Asra shakes his head, the enigmatic smile returning.]

I prefer to explore on my own, and if we travel together tonight, you'll have your map. You should save it for someone else who might need it.

[lovebiter]

Yeah, back at the Coven. A gigantic lady wolf! [ He reached up to try and indicate the right height, towering over him. ] And she was beautiful as hell, even let me touch the furs on her arm!

[ He smiled and put one of the maps back, flicked a glance down at the one remaining in his hand. Turned a little, oriented himself to a larger guildhall, and then tucked it under his arm. ]

You got it. So, this is the trading district, we should probably skirt along the shopfronts, some are probably still open with all this traffic, or put stalls out in front?

[halfheartedmagician]

[Cain's obvious exuberance about getting to touch the fur on a werewolf's arm earns a soft laugh from Asra, and some of his distance melts away in a smile as he watches the other man focus on his map.]

Is it only snakes you're not familiar with? [He's guessed that there might be a number of animals unfamiliar to Cain, although he's not certain how far it goes.] Maybe there are places we can go that you can see other kinds.

[He shrugs at the suggestions, not really minding where they travel. He's hardly been one for needing to go places in a hurry.]

Wherever you like. [Faust wiggles again, determined to make her way along his arm towards Cain and Asra sighs. Even if he can't hear her, he knows what she wants and gently offers his arm to the other man.] Faust will let you carry her, if you like.

[lovebiter]

[ He blinked up from the map, which he began to fold again. His grin was white and fast, like a streak of summer lightning. ]

Oh! Uh... it's everything, pretty much. I'd never seen any live animal before. Mars, right, where I'm from is like... a, uh... [ How does he explain fucking space and lack of atmosphere. He scratched the back of his head, talking while he walked. ]

Like... a magic desert, I guess. Red sand and rock stretches forever, nothing can grow or live there without a ton of work. Even water's gotta be imported. I´d never even seen any fuckin' plants before this!

Except for, um, once. Commander had a little tiny leafy one on his desk. So, this place has plants, and animals, fun festival parties, and like... good witches with giant wolves give us a place to stay even though we're strangers? There's a fucking ocean, even, somewhere on the city edge, can you fucking believe that? All that water... so much you can even see the end?

We've gotta be in paradise, solnishka, I'm telling you.

[ He grinned, leading their route with the kind of easy confidence in a strange place that either only the boldly, unshyly curious or truly fucking stupid could ever manage. But at the offer to hold Faust even his dusky skin went red and bright, like roses set in bronze. His flush streaked from the top of his hairline all the way down his throat. ]

Bozhe moy, I´ve only even pet her once, I can't! What if I hurt her or drop her or... I´ve got a mouth on me, at least you know how to cover her ears when I cuss. If snakes have ears. Do they have ears?

[halfheartedmagician]

Never any animals at all? [The surprise is clear; Asra can't imagine growing up without seeing animals or even plants at all. It sounds cold and empty and lonely. He resolves then to try and help Cain have contact with as much of the living world as possible.]

I grew up by the sea, if you've never seen it, we should go some time. It's difficult to describe if you've never seen that much water before.

[He keeps up with the pace relatively easily, although it's interesting to see how Cain can be so confident to lead in a strange place but worried about hurting Faust. Asra laughs softly at the concern, particularly the latter part.]

You won't drop her. And she does have ears, but don't worry about covering them. That'll just make her want to know what you're trying to stop her from hearing. And...she can't talk in a way you can hear anyway. She won't be repeating anything you say to everyone.

[lovebiter]

No animals! None. Just pictures.

[ Unless you counted algae from the oxygen-farms. He'd snuck with some other truant brats to see them once, and it had been boring as hell. Just greenish goo in shallow vats. Nothing like a real tree.

He grinned, every step practically bounding with excitement. ]

Yeah!? You grew up by a real sea? Do you know how to swim?

[ At the rest, though, he slowed down, made an offering gesture with both hands. ]

Will you show me how to do it right? Hold her, I mean?

Especially if she can't tell me when I'm doing it wrong.