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

Majima Gorō | Yakuza 0

[justbeingknife]

Bonfires

[ Majima looked at the man in front of the Eastern Bonfire, then at the flames themselves. Then back at the man. ]

You want me to jump in the fire.

[ "Ye don't have to put it like that, lad!" protested the man. "That makes it sound stupid and dangerous! Look, don't you want to burn away your past sorrows? Make way for new romance?" ]

Uh... sounds kinda violent, actually. Is this some kinda trick bonfire?

Divinations and the Case of the Missing Mrs. Mittens

[ ooc: or alternatively the Internship or Gardening one or maybe some other one, lmk if you want one in particular, basically this is a jumping-off for some quest prompts because those sound fun. ]

[ Majima was tooling down a row of stalls when a woman waved him over, her hands covered in rings and bracelets encrusted with semiprecious stones. "Yoo hoo, over here! That's right, darling! I couldn't help noticing that your chakras are in flux today."

She laughed in such a suspicious manner that Majima honestly couldn't tell if she was being ironic. ]

My chakras. Look, ma'am, I ain't really interested in gettin' my palm read. Can we skip the smoke and mirrors?

[ "Madame Redd does not read palms," intoned the woman, waggling her fingers about. And then pointing right at another passerby. "She reads the cards! Oh, hey! You over there! C'mere for a second and help me do this guy's reading." ]

Baths

[ How long had it been since Majima had been to a public bath? It felt like forever, rose-scented bathwater or no, and at a relatively quiet moment, he'd be slipping into the water of a mixed monster-human bath.

With his clothes shed, some rather extensive tattooing was visible as he settled into the water: crimson flower blooms and white snakes overlayed on his chest and shoulders, layered atop waves of black ink. The image seemed to extend over his back (and lower...?), but that was currently pressed against the edge of the pool. God it just feLT SO GOOD. ]

Okay, this? I could get used to.

Wildcard
[ Also open to Quests and other stuff! Feel free to contact me at Tetradecimal or tetra#2434. ]

Baths

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat is still relaxing herself, long hair trailing in the water, soaking herself in the glorious warmth and heat. She cracks an eye open to examine Majima as he slips into the water and she lets her gaze linger for a moment. She closes her eye again, makes a low 'hmm' sound, and then opens both eyes and gives him a much more obvious look, scooting around the edge of the bath toward him, kicking up some small waves as she goes. ]

Those are lovely markings. What do they mean?

[ Some people would probably think that was rude, but Iramaat is just here to ask questions and entertain herself. ]

Re: Baths

[justbeingknife]

[ You know what? Yes, weird. But considering Iramaat had horns and ears that reminded him of those little Gundam headpieces, Majima figured that this was the least amount of weird he could expect here. So why not entertain the questions, right? Normal rules, apparently, were off. ]

Thanks. They're traditional Japanese tattoos. Plum blossoms're a sign of spring, and snakes are more like rebirth and good luck.

I'm Majima. And I'm pretty sure I'd remember if I'd met you before, Ms. ...?

[wylderrant]

[ Iramaat claps her hands together and nods, wet hair clinging to her skin as she peers up at him from her spot in the bath. She is blissfully unaware that he htinks she has "Gundam" ears or even what a Gundam is. ]

Oh, that sounds lovely. They're quite fetching!

[ Her smile is broad and wide and seems to eat up most of her face. ]

Iramaat! At your service! Pleasure to meet you, Majima.

Baths

[ishisstrength]

[She slips into the rose scented water and for the first time since her arrival, she feels the tension in her muscles ease and the voices recede.

Her lips curve into a small sweet smile as she lifts a slender pale leg from the water. Her hand gently massage at her ankle and calf before sinking the lovely limb back beneath the warm water.]

I agree. This is perfect. [She purrs the word 'perfect' as her fingers slowly massage her thigh only inches beneath the waters surface.

After a short pause, Justine glances over at Majima, noting the intricate design of his tattoos as well as the firm muscle of his frame. Something about him seems familiar but it takes Justine a moment to recall the events of the tea party.]

Do I know you?

[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.

[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.]

bonfires

[dialtones]

Excuse me. If you're not convinced, then I'd like to try for myself.

[Speaking up suddenly, Kurapika steps next to Majima and the man. To be honest, he has no real interest in "burning" whatever it is this advertises. He's more curious about the runes. He's watched a small handful of people jump through the fire now, and they do seem to work...

So he wants to experience that for himself, to see what insight it might hold.]

[justbeingknife]

[ "Having trouble with an old sweetheart, then?" asked the man, nodding sagely like he totally knew Kurapika's life story, yep. "Well, then -- try away! INCINERATE the remains of your forlorn relationships!"

This was sounding so violent...

All the same, Majima took a step to the side, to allow Kurapika easier access to the bonfire. ]

[dialtones]

[Kurapika doesn't agree or deny that weird sales pitch about jumping through a strangely violent fire. He just watches as Majima steps aside and reaches to take the rune-etched accessory he's offered, closing both of his hands around it and focusing, trying to sense what he can of it.

And with a deep breath, and a focused, determined stare... he jumps through the fire!

Ah, there's not even an entertaining mess up. He does it perfectly without falling, landing on the other side and standing up straight, staring down at the rune on the accessory like he's still considering it.

Then he turns to Majima, holding it out.]

It's a real fire, and chances are that these runes are real, as well. Are you going to try it for yourself?

Bonfires!

[1019]

[... -- Okay, look. Lucas don't intend to stay here long! There are goddamn monsters in this good ol' land. They're on the other side o' the festivities - he's got some early field recon to run!

But! -- Pfffff, god, how can he fuckin' NOT stay 'round for a little playing with fire??? A little small-scale extreme sport spectatorship!

He's chillin' at the fires! By now settled to grin like a goddamn shark - show of teeth comin' to points to match in just the suggestion - at the approach of eeeee'rry new contestant lining up, leaning forward with a gawping-wide-eyed "ooh!" at every takeoff - and a gleeful little whooh! on each landing, pickin' up a hard loud clap in time with some unheard friggin' song.

Ain't even with much pause at all that, that clappin' petering out, he half-swings his stance in the direction oooof -- ooh... whadda we have here, someone who DON'T wanna keep it goin' -- ?!

Twangy 'n... harshly-melodic:]

Y'aaaaain't CHICKEN or nothing, are ya?!

[Harsh as an industrial saw hitting concrete on the last notes.

Also, 'ey, dude. It's not like. This is any of your business.]

[justbeingknife]

[ Oh no, it was a DRAWL-OFF.

Except not really, because Lucas's twang had Majima's regional accent beat. He turned to regard Lucas, and now there was something else in his expression: interest. Like yes, he had enough common sense to know he shouldn't be jumping into bonfires, but also yes, it was kind of easier than it should be to talk Majima into things sometimes... ]

Tell ya what. I will if you will.

[ Come on down, you juicy chicken farmer (?). ]

[1019]

[Ohh, c'mon, now, all accents are ultimately created equal!

...You know, maybe not in terms of, like -- universal intelligibility, but! All are beautiful.

That said, though... pff -- what's that look for... A little... glaze over his look. One last clap - slow enough to... thoroughly self-muffle - and a hold of his hands halfway together...

...Ohh, though, is that a challenge -- ! With a scrunch of his nose and a li'l flare in his chest, Lucas jerks out a little "hyeeh -- ...!" sound.

Ooooooh, this should be good...! -- You challenging an invincible man to jump through the freakin' fire -- ?!

(Caaareful, there, boy.)

Either way! He -- takes one step crossing in front of the opposite leg. A -- really friggin' intense brightness openin' up in his face as he speaks...!]

Caaaan do!

[Edged with a tuned sort of... alleycat-yowl of a quality. Still half-walking and half-sidestepping in meter toward what he's... designated over collection of data as the right liftoff spot.

A little wag of his head. Projected to a lofty point from more of a swell in the middle of his throat.]

-- Show you a li'l fire ain't nothing to be afraid oooof!

[Extra-boosted:]

-- IIII play with it all the TIME -- !

[...Said in the manner of someone talking about, like, a goddamn genuinely-harmless snake - "go on, you can pick him up if you want!"

Still, his eyes go... bigger and blanker on that. He's. He's not kidding.]

We're the best of friends!

[Noooooow you know you're just talkin' for the sake of... the effect, here, don't you.]

this isn't the right body of water, but

[sullenstallion]

[Dylas had hoped against all hope that the monster-human bath would be less busy at night. That's how it was in Selphia; everyone took their baths in the day or early evening. He's not exactly in the mood to bathe with a stranger, but the thought that there might be private baths or showers where they're supposed to stay hasn't even occurred to him. No one in his hometown has anything like that.]

You don't have to get used to it. [His unfriendly suggestion comes from across the bath, but it doesn't carry quite the bite that Dylas usually tries to put into his words. Being in a new 'world,' if that's what this is, has him feeling all out of sorts.] The festival is pretty exciting. The Bolton one. You should check it out.

[He doesn't pronounce it right at all. His ears flick back, sending a few drops of water into the air as they do.]

don't put fish in your bath, kids

[justbeingknife]

That right?

[ Majima was in such a good mood right now, he wasn't even going to make a Hometown Hero crack or anything. ]

Festivals are fun and all, but it's been forever since I've been to an outdoor bath. So I'm gonna savor this one.

Bonfires

[whomthebelltolls]

[And from somewhere behind...] The trick is they give you a charm to ward off the flames so you don't hurt yourself. I can at least vouch it works. [Sort of. Being Vileblood meant her rotten blood burned anyway, as it coursed her veins, so she wasn't quite so sure the fire could hurt her much to begin with... but then, she hasn't felt the same since she got here, either.]

... How silly you look doing it, though...

[justbeingknife]

Huh. Well, I think I'd have the leap on lock, at least.

[ Majima didn't quite remember Maria or the others he'd met in the dream just yet, but hey. A bit of friendly advice was always appreciated. He held a hand out to the man running the bonfire. ]

Alright, I'll give it a try. You do have some extra charms, right?

[ "Oh, of course. Here ye are!" Majima had to get in line behind one young woman, but he could deal with that. ]

Thanks, er....?

palm reading to save majima

[guillotine]

[ The corners of her eyes tighten imperceptibly. She could keep walking; she could.

Remembering that breeding good will among the locals is an ongoing effort and not one that lets you take breaks, Nel turns with an appropriately vacant expression at the ready. The borrowed Coven cloak, dark and light, reaches just above her knees. Below that, a pair of very sensible boots are visible. Too sensible for divination. Nonsense. ]

What could a skilled reader need with my help?

[ Her gaze flicks to Majima, cooler than her warm flattery. Another man might feel like a pinned butterfly, still alive under examination. ]

[justbeingknife]

[ "Mostly, I'd like it if you could put up some jazz hands while I do it? My assistant's out today, you see..."

She made a move as if to stage whisper, and Majima leaned in instinctively to hear:

"Dragon pox."

That was an incredibly skeptical look he was handing the fortuneteller right now, but she didn't even seem to care. "Anyway, it's all free today! You're the luckiest! C'mon!" ]

Sure, okay. Let's get this over with.

[ he said, shaking his head. Nel's glance didn't exactly escape him, but he'd gotten a lot of cold shoulders, particularly since he'd started wearing the eyepatch... and a chilly look was a few bumps down from staring down the barrel of a gun. He'd live. ]

baths

[plasticasshole]

[Connor gives Majima an appraising look, eyes on his tattoos. Connor has none of those himself, the only strange thing about him being the LED on his temple.]

It's nice, isn't it?

[Maybe Connor's attitude is partly influenced by his soon-to-be Merrow form, but he would like this regardless. He's been in the water a long time.]

[justbeingknife]

[ Okay, looking was fine, but just please no more touching what even were foreigners. This was Majima's general take on the experience as he tilted his head back just far enough for the end of his hair to touch the steamy water. ]

You can say that again. Not crazy about the roses, but hey. I can deal.

I take it you showed up in that house of mirrors, too?

[ No one else around here seemed to have LEDs -- on their head, or otherwise. ]

divinations!

[lifespanned]

[ Misa looks over curiously when she's called, of course peering closely at the reading table, the woman, as well as Majima to make sure it's safe. Nothing looks too suspicious, other than the fact that that guy totally looks like a bad guy, but— he's getting his palm read by some old lady, so it's probably okay, right? And he seems familiar somehow, plus she has nothing better to do with all this free time. ]

Oh, um... okay, sure! [ With a finger pressed to her chin, she wanders on over, purse slung over her elbow. ] Misa doesn't really know about this stuff though. Are you sure just anyone can do it?

[ She keeps her focus on the lady responsible for the reading as opposed to looking towards him, not wanting to get accused of staring. ]

[justbeingknife]

[ "Of course, dear! I just need you to pick out some cards for me. You know, the old pickeroo."

P...pickeroo... ]

Wait, I don't get to pick my own cards?

[ "Magic," said the woman, beaming at Misa, setting out a spread. "Okay, pick any of these ones on the top row, m'dear!" ]

Divinations

[newtralize]

[Newt looks much like a deer in headlights when the woman points at him. To be fair, he sticks out quite a bit. He's got an armful of a small furry creature and also a large cat looming beside him protectively.

He stares in a way that screams that he would like to be anywhere but there.]

I- No- Divination was never a strong suit of mine when it came to magi- [Apparently those were the wrong words to say, because the woman all but yanks him over at the mention that he seemingly has some magic practice of some kind.] Uhm- Hullo...

[justbeingknife]

[ "Oh, look at you!" said the woman, waggling her eyebrows at poor Newt. The more put-upon, apparently, the better. "So many magitrons!" ]

So many what?

[ She ignored Majima entirely and held a small handful of cards up to Newt's furry creature. "Here you are, dear. Pick one card, please." ]