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

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.]

[justbeingknife]

[ Look Justine, please stop undressing him with your eyes! Okay, he already was undressed but it was very distracting, watching her watch him, and it made it much more tempting than it should have been not to return the favor. Bath etiquette, though. ]

Well, considerin' all the magic floating around, guess anything's possible. So... I'm Majima.

Pleased to meet you.

[ishisstrength]

[Her mouth curves into a warm smile.]

It's lovely to meet you. [She remembers something then, the soft pressure of warmth and an ample supply of wine. Her lips part and her brow furrows in worry.] Fairies...

[She shakes her head and refocuses on Majima. He's unique and handsome, she doesn't think that she'd forget him.] I'm sorry. I'm just a little confused. [Being naked and staring is the last thing on her mind right now.]

[justbeingknife]

Fairies?

[ That did ring a weird sort of bell, but he shook it off. ]

Hey, no worries. I'm pretty lost myself. But I am glad I found this place. A little bit of quiet to get away from all the festivities.

Not that it isn't charmin' and all, but... I wasn't expecting to end up in some kinda crazy fairyland today.

[ishisstrength]

Yeah. [Her voice lowers to a whisper. Justine can feel the calming effects of the water and she wonders if this is some kind of trick too... At the same time, it's quiet in her head and she doesn't want to loose the pleasant feeling of that relaxed silence.]

Neither was I. [Her thoughts briefly flicker to Thomas before shaking the memory away. He'll live. She has to believe that much or she'll be returning to a world where she'd be completely and utterly alone.]

I like your tattoo. Does it mean anything?

[Maybe she'll remember him if she finds something else to focus.]

[justbeingknife]

Thanks. It took a while to get done.

[ A couple of years, in fact, and a whole lot of money. But who was counting? ]

It's a traditional Japanese tattoo. Plum blossoms are a sign of perseverance and spring. And white snakes, they're supposed to be signs of good luck. There's a goddess, Benten, that uses them as her symbol.

[ He sat back in the water with a sigh. ]

But in Japan, people with tattoos are barred from public baths. So ya see, it's been a while since I've been able to indulge.

[ishisstrength]

[Her eyes map out the different images before lifting to meet Majima's gaze. It really is beautiful and it tells her more about him than any monologue might.] Is that so? Well. It suits you.

I was born in Chicago. There aren't things like public baths but I've been to other places with them. [Nothing as innocent as what he's describing but she will carefully leave that part out.]

If I got a tattoo, it'd be a cherry blossom.

[Justine can't shake the nagging feeling that she knows Majima but nothing he's said has summoned forth any other memories.]

[justbeingknife]

[ Well, that was a little unexpected. But unexpected or not, listening to Justine talk was oddly soothing. Maybe it was the rhythm of her voice. ]

Mind if I ask why?

Not that ya particularly have to have a reason, I just thought roses or hearts or something'd be more popular in the States.

[ishisstrength]

There are a few reasons.

Cherry blossoms are lovely but also strong. They embody empathy. It has a name but I don't remember what it is. [Laura Raith has an affinity for Japanese histories and styles, and it's because of her influence that Justine first fell in love with kimono's and cherry blossoms.] I've never actually been to Japan.

I like roses and hearts but... I'm not sure if they suit me.

[Sometimes Justine wonders if she has a heart or if those little voices have eaten away at what's inside of her.]

[justbeingknife]

Sakura. That's what they're called in Japan.

[ The end of his hair had found its way over his shoulder, and he moved it aside. ]

I don't know why ya feel that way, but you should definitely make a stop sometime. The food's great, people are pretty decent to for -- tourists, and we've got a ton to see.

I bet you'd love it.

[ishisstrength]

I bet I would.

[Her expression briefly fell before she shook her head, banishing the sad thoughts.]

I'm not sure if I will but I'll try. [Justine enjoys seeing the world but she doesn't know how much of a future she'll have whenever she wakes up from this dream. Either Thomas will kill her or Thomas will be dead and another member of the White Court will kill her for that failure.

Water ripples as Justine moves, sitting comfortably next to Majima.]

Can you tell me more about Japan? [Just in case she can't get there.]

[justbeingknife]

[ He moved aside a bit, to make sure she had room. ]

Well, when most people think Japan, they think of Tokyo. Uh, it's actually a chain of islands, though. Tokyo's in east Japan. There's Hokkaido up north, the Kansai area to the west, and a bunch of tropical islands like Okinawa down south.

[ Majima was tracing out the general layout of the islands as he spoke, in the water. ]

Dependin' on where ya go, people can have pretty strong dialects, too. It can be tough even for a native speaker to figure out what the hell they're sayin'.

[ishisstrength]

[She'd been hoping to get closer, to figure out why it is that Majima felt so familiar but he moved away. Perhaps it's only her? Some trick of her mind telling her something that isn't true.

Justine worries at her lower lip but listens as much as her focus will allow.]

It sounds beautiful. I love islands, at least, being able to visit the beach. I grew up in Chicago and all we had were lakes. [She really loves the ocean and sand, it's a magic combination.]

What part of Japan are you from?

[justbeingknife]

[ Well, a couple inches, anyway. It was rude to hog space in a bath. ]

That'd be Tokyo. Specifically, Kamurochō. Ya could say it's a little rougher around the edges than some of the rest of the city, but I've gotten to like it.

I bet you'd really like someplace like Okinawa or Kyushu. Would ya happen to like cats, perchance?

[ishisstrength]

[Her lips curve into a sweet smile as she reaches for one of the rose petals drifting across the surface of the bath. It's silky to the touch and curves around her finger as she brings the petal to her lips.]

Some of the best things are a little rough around the edges. [She glances up at him, her hair falling over her shoulder as she spoke.]

I do like cats. [Justine is a fan of all animals though its a passion she generally keeps to herself.] Are there a lot of cat's in Tokyo? [Her voice is light and teasing.]

oh! cute icon

[justbeingknife]

[ Something about the way she asked the question, and the subject of cats in particular... ]

In Okinawa, there's an endangered critter called the Iriomote cat. I, uh... bet you'd like 'em if you got to spot one.

[ Why was he suddenly feeling flustered? That sense of deja vu, though. ]

...Maybe we have met before.

Its new!!!

[ishisstrength]

[Her lips part and delicately form the first syllable of what she is about to say when she suddenly hesitates.]

Oh? Um... you feel it too?

[She smiles, feeling a soft pink blush spread across the bridge of her nose. Justine isn't easily flustered but there is something about the uncertainty between them that makes her a little unsure. She has no idea where she stands with this man.] I would like to see the Iriomote cat. [She pronounces the word perfectly.]

If you ever find a picture of one here. Maybe you can show it to me.

[She doesn't think they'll see a cat like that here.]

[justbeingknife]

Something about cats? And you... I dunno, your voice seems familiar to me.

[ She was cute, too, Justine -- but that was why he should remember her. Dark hair and eyes, a sweet-sounding voice...

He had to get it together, though, and not let on that it had gotten under his skin. ]

Y'know what? On the off-chance that happens, I won't leave ya hanging in the cat photo department. Those are pretty slim odds, though.

[ishisstrength]

Cats?

[Once again she felt as if he'd stolen the breath from her lungs.] I remember a cat. [Her smile softens.] I thought it was a dream but maybe it's this place. I had seen it being teased and it was awful. I scooped him up and he scratched me a bit but it was fine. He was a really sweet cat.

[Justine looks up at Majima but for some reason the flush doesn't fade from her cheeks.]

Thank you. I know it isn't likely but in case. It'd be nice to see.

[justbeingknife]

Is... is that so?

[ Something about this was sounding very familiar indeed, though why the mention of said cat should bother him was unclear. ]

...somehow I feel like I need to apologize. But I'm glad he didn't scratch ya up too badly.

Are you an animal lover, by chance?

[ishisstrength]

[The delicate arch of Justine's brow furrows as a light frown touches her lips.]

You have nothing to be sorry for. It was my choice and it was worth it.

[After Justine makes a choice then it's on her. It's just how she is. She isn't from a world where choices are readily available and they mean a lot to her.]

And I do. I could never have a pet but animals are more simple than humans. They don't lie or pretend. They are what they are. There is something simple and sweet about them, don't you think?

[justbeingknife]

That does kinda highlight their good points. I like people who live true to themselves.

[ Being manipulated, lied to, and forced to work a civilian job, though -- that he didn't care for. ]

I like cats 'cause they do whatever they want. But dogs're pretty good, too, I guess.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine nods her head gently before reaching out to grab a floating rose petal, teasing the silky texture between her thumb and forefinger. It really is lovely. Everything about the bath and its company.]

I agree. [Doesn't everyone want to be a cat?] I think I remember where I met you. It was in a dream but not a dream... [She bites gently at her lower lip as she turns to look at Majima.] The Fea were there and you were turned into a cat.

A cat with only one eye and looked as if it was wearing a suit.

[She reaches forward and lightly places the rose petal in the water in front of him.] I remember it clearly now. [At least that part of it.]