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

Archer | Fate/Stay Night | OTA

[boneofsword]

i.arrival

[It feels too much like yet another Counter Guardian mission at first. A different place-

yet Archer feels oddly hollow. The feeling doesn't go away no matter what, and only now he realizes that instead of just his black armor he's also wearing the red overcoat. He tries to dematerialize it, along with his twin swords, and for a moment feels surge of panic when nothing happens. A familiar mask of guarded indifference shows on his face, but a widening of his eyes and slight furrow of his brows shows he is not as collected as he tries to look. Archer half turns to look at the mirrors.]

That's- unexpected.

ii.boaltinn


[Archer surveys the merriment with a small frown. The whole place has the old-time feel, and the festivities seem a bit archaic. It has its charm, tho, and the bonfires draw him close. After checking both he stays nearby the western one, not minding the cold looks. If anything, Archer seems quite amused by it.]

Isn't that interesting? [his tone is subdued and thoughtful.] Like two sides of the same coin. No matter which one faces up, it's still the same.

iii.boaltinn - a little entertainment


[Archer isn't the one to actively partake in festivities. When he lingers around the bonfires it's to listen to the natives and learn more about the world he's found himself in. So far he's been successful in not being too social, but he can't pass the chance to check the food. Sharing it with others seems like a fair price. Making most neutral expression (hey, at least he isn't scowling!) he offers a stack of rolled pancakes with varied, vegetable filling to the first person showing any interest in food.]

Would you like some?

[If they're really hesitant, though...]

It's not poisoned. [a beat] I checked.

[All said with a smirk. Yes, Archer has a horrible sense of humor.]

iv. wildcard
[Throw anything at me, really! For other Fate/ characters - feel free to recognize him and add to the confusion.

ii.boaltinn

[nobunagastan]

Just like me and my sister!

[Nobukatsu inserts himself next to Archer all too casually, in the same manner as either a longtime friend or an eternal pest. After all, he can’t not bother this weirdly familiar figure – although he can’t quite decide if this is someone he knows himself or someone he only recognizes though Nobunaga’s saint graph.]

Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like both Japanese hero Emimura Sanada and the Chaldea cafeteria man?

[boneofsword]

[It's just another of the overly friendly strangers around-

only not, because the name he mentions sounds quite like his own. Could it be a different timeline, or a Servant from another war? But the way other behaves makes it seem that they're allies.]

No, that's the first time. [Archer commits both unfamiliar names to memory.] I'm afraid that I don't recall such hero.

[nobunagastan]

Huh, you look exactly like the both of them. Maybe you’re related.

[There’s plenty of distractions around, as evidence by how he can’t seem to find any one thing to look at between the fire and the festival-goers, but while he waffles mentally and physically, he doesn’t leave.]

… So… were you talking to yourself a minute ago? I didn’t see anyone else around.

[boneofsword]

[Huh, so it's a different summoning or a different timeline, or rather two. In a way it's good to know that he will be summoned again, no matter the time and place. A reprieve from his Counter Guardian duties sounds like a real blessing.]

oh, just thinking aloud. [Archer waves his hand.] Whom I would be talking to, a ghost? My imaginary friend? Perhaps a summoned familiar?

[nobunagastan]

Exactly!

[Not that it was really that weird to talk to oneself, but maybe it really could have been a ghost, imaginary friend, and/or summoned familiar!

… except that the guy in red had just said that it wasn’t.]

I mean, you’re new here too, right? Isn’t this place a little… weird?

[boneofsword]

[Archer hides his smirk. This stranger is rather amusing, and the irony of such situation isn't lost on him.]

It's definitely different than all the places I've seen.

[nobunagastan]

You agree!

[He seems happy to have found someone else who is also a fish out of water.]

So… did they tell you that you’re a witch now, too?

[boneofsword]

They implied as much. [Archer doesn't quite agree with such assesment.]

Time will tell how much of it is true.

[nobunagastan]

[So the man in red was a witch too… If only Nobukatsu knew what that really entailed.]

Have you tried to cast any spells yet?

[But he was willing to enable someone into finding out.]

wildcarding you with bonfire

[futhark]

[ The familiarity of the festival brings more questions than answers. As if not the world itself was confusing enough, shared traditions just make it more complicated. Besides in comparison of quietness in the coven, the rowdier crowd and atmosphere here... that Caster can sign for. It doesn't take much to make him start drinking and following into a jumping challenge feels natural. Maybe it's the alcohol talking. Or maybe just the living and enjoying the moment thing. Suffice to say, he accepts the trinket, takes off the top with hood and puts it's away on a table, right next to his beer (no touchy).

His jump is successful, though he can't tell if the trinket protected him, or he just performed the jump well (They jumped over the fire with no injuries back in his life, millennia ago, it's not impossible). What, or who awaits him at the other side of the fire makes him pause. A familiar face indeed. One he nearly jumped into, should Archer stay few steps closer, there would be a crash ]

I don't think that's how it was supposed to work like... [ Caster greets Archer, playing with the rune trinket in his hand. Yeah, he is commenting on the whole tradition thing. Burn away bad experiences- bam, jumping right into a dude whom you nearly burned not that long time ago. (Is there a place where they didn't run into each other, seriously?). Then he adds casually ] You jumping?

[ There's nothing antagonizing in his voice, and no dramatic intent to pick up a fight in his posturing. Though he knows better than to leave his guard down around another Servant, especially in an unknown location. ]

~<3

[boneofsword]

[Archer has been minding his own business and listening to the gossip until the flash of blue caught his eye. Caught and drew him closer to the fire. For a moment he just stares at the familiar-unfamiliar figure of the other Servant. He can feel a prickle on his neck, an eerie feeling of having seen this incarnation already, despite knowing that the last he had seen of the Lancer the other went out in style, in flames.

Huh. Ironic.]

Neither do I. [finally, finally his mouth catches to his brain and he's able to stop staring. Good job, self. Archer straightens, glancing at the bonfire. He's been given a challenge, right.] Seeing you here I as well may give it a try.

[There's no need for enchanted trinkets, no matter his luck. A friendly warning gets dismissed with a scowl as Archer rounds the bonfire, quickly calculating the odds. Finding the good spot doesn't take him long-

and he lands close to Cú Chulainn on purpose. Nothing on him is burning, no singed clothes - so far so good.]

Is it to your liking?

[futhark]

[ Look. If he could remember UBW with details, they would probably be talking in a slightly different tone right now. (Just slightly, no Grail, no War here, no business). Only he knows is the Archer from burning Fuyuki (and maybe Chaldea later), and that they just keep running into each other in until just seeing his face became annoying.

For some unknown mysterious reason.

Someone might have shaken their head at Archer, someone else just shrugged. Some people cheered because it was a solid jump, no lie. ]

Nah, too perfect. Needs to fail more. [ Caster takes a swig at his beer. Might be too malty for his taste, but he's not going to refuse a drink. When he's done his expression more serious. He raises the rune-etched bracelet and dangles it on their eye-level ] Look at this- magic.

[ He hides it somewhere in a pocket of his robe. ] It's everywhere.

[ Compared to- well to most of the times they appeared in. Just your casual Servant chat. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer waves his hand. That's their usual, not-really-friendly snark.]

My apologies for being too perfect for you.

[His amusement doesn't last long, though. Of course he's going to stay nearby, being a red nuinsance to the blue nuinsance. That's how it has been not too long ago.]

Magic everywhere around us. [he pauses, keeping his eyes on the flames dancing in the bonfire and the crowd cheering on another challenger. Archer pointedly avoids looking at his companion as he speaks.] What about the magic inside us?

[It may be foolish to show his cards too soon, but so far his trained eye caught too many details - no visible weapon on Caster, blue cape with hood carelessly laying on the table, and the protective rune trinket. It hints to a similar situation that he's found himself in.]

[futhark]

[ Caster barks a laugh. "Too perfect" Wow Archer, such harsh jab, don't exert yourself. Caster turns just to grab his cape and throw it on top of his shoulders once again- he's keeping the hood down for now though. ]

Mmhm, I wonder. We gotta feed ourselves after all- [ Do they really though? Their nature works differently here, that much he started to notice. But it's not something he put much attention. There is this weird intoxicating feeling that- stuff will work out okay. Why would they fall? It's a kind of intoxication that has nothing to do with the alcohol consumption-

Speaking of which he looks at his empty pint. ]

For now, this gets the job done.

[boneofsword]

[This exact feeling is keeping Archer on the edge. It's eerie, a feeling unknown to him. Just like intoxication. Although he rolls his eyes at Caster's comment and the following look.]

I wonder. [he breaks the momentary silence, keeping his voice low.] Neither of us has a Master here, but no one has to stay in spirit form.

[Archer is unable to stop himself from analysing the situation from all the angles and trying to gather as much information as possible. With the temporary truce between Servants he can as well ask.]

[futhark]

[ Judge him all you want, Archer buddy, he is going to get drunk just enough. Maybe you could use some of that too!

Now that his beer is refilled (this one is dry, much better) they can talk business. He tilts his head. The playfulness of his voice subdued. ]

Not sure if you still can. [ The whole, feeling magically dead is one of the weirdest experiences, even if it is subtle. His magic locked, no contract, yet he doesn't feel the side-effect. On the other hand, neither of them is spending excessively. But a possibility that they will simply shimmer out of existence eventually is real one. Not one Caster worries too much though. It's more likely that the magic in the air is somehow keeping them in this state. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer uses the chance to get some food - thin pancakes with vegetable filling, that he offers to Caster. What, it's a custom to share with someone else.]

I haven't tried. [he admits. There was no time, and the constant presence of other people around he's not willing to try. Archer hesitates for a moment before he admits.] I can't dismiss my weapons or my clothes.

[futhark]

[ Ah yes, that he noticed. The sharing of food being important. It's a peace offering if he ever saw one, and he is not the one to refuse hospitality. He bites into the pancake with a content "mmm" but then nearly chokes on it as Archer proceeds to speak. ]

So quick to lose them, really? [ Sorry, Archer, you walked into it. You got only yourself to blame. Instead of following with the joke he casts a quick glance back at the direction of the Coven. It would be good to not lose that sense (of direction), as much as fun the festivities are, he would rather not wake up in dirt somewhere. ] The inhabitants here are an eclectic bunch, aren't they?

[ Definitely not in Kansas anymore ]

iii.

[tryhard]

I- I didn't think it was poisoned!

[ Should he have?! Well. Now Waver's squinting at the offered food suspiciously, suddenly uncertain.

After all, assuring someone something isn't poisoned sounds like exactly the sort of thing someone might say about food that is poisoned. ]

What is it, anyway? Some sort of vegetable cakes?

[boneofsword]

[To be honest Archer didn't expect such lively reaction. This has the chance to become a nice entertainment.]

It's festival fare, easy and fast to prepare, but enjoyable. [he explains and reaches for another one. There's no need to squint like that, food may be a bit spicy but won't set people on fire. Probably.] Similar to spring rolls, with vegetable filling and spices.

[tryhard]

[ This stuffy old man trapped in a youth's body has probably never been to a proper street fair in his life...

Waver considers the food, the stranger, and everything else that has happened so far. He is a bit hungry. And even he's running out of the ability to fret too much when the overwhelming amount of strangeness has been staying solidly at peak levels all night.

After a moment, he shrugs and reaches for one of the snacks. ]

Mm. It's pretty good.

[ It's also... pretty spicy. At least to his weak-ass palate. Waver chews for a few more seconds, the pleasant surprise of the unexpected taste fading quickly to growing alarm as the spice hits him.

His eyes are watering a little bit. He's staring at the rest of it with muted dread. ]

Er- I think-- Do you see any water around?

[boneofsword]

[Whoops, someone definitely is not used to any amount of spicy food. Archer considers the flavor mild, and seeing the expression kid makes-

well, he's not heartless. Nevermind the hint of amusement showing in his expression as he devours his snack without as much as bat of an eye.]

Try one of these. [he tilts his head towards a stall serving milkshake-alike drinks.] Milk neutralizes the spice while water helps to spead it further.

[He's a nerd like that.]

[tryhard]

Oh... Thanks.

[ That makes sense. At least the cold helping makes sense to him, so Waver gratefully takes the milkshake, quickly taking a long sip through the straw. Phew. That's better. ]

I guess I'm not used to these flavors.

[ Waver looks a bit sheepishly at the piece he's still holding, then glances around for a trash can. It wasn't good enough (in his opinion) to keep forcing himself to eat it when it's so overwhelming. Sorry he sucks at eating good food, Archer. ]

Are any of these dishes familiar to you?

[boneofsword]

[Sorry Archer is still amused. He even vaguely entertains the possibility of introducing most of the mirror people to extra spicy mapo tofu. Oh well.]

You'll get used to it if you keep eating. Few sips of milk between each bite help too.

[Don't waste good food, kid. Your delicate palate is no excuse. People work hard to provide everone around with snacks.]

Many of them are. It's typical festival fare, natural food and spices.