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

[interlucere]

[ Lux doubles down as the old man begins to thrash, using her weight as a counterbalance to keep him pinned in place. She forces herself to keep her expression as neutral as possible, and the mask helps, her eyes focused on a single spot on the infirmary wall. At least Akira is quick about this, and for that she is thankful.

But the murmuring seems to do more damage than the injection, and while subtle, Lux closes her eyes with a bit of a wince. She lifts one hand away from the old man's arm, letting the other trail down to squeeze his hand reassuringly before falling back at her side. Even if he's too far gone to understand her, this is important to her. ]

It's all right, we're all done. Try to rest.

[ ...He's observant. Her gaze flicks up toward Akira before she looks down at their patient once more, searching for the words. ]

I guess you could say that. [ Not the needles themselves, but... ] It's just... hard to see them like that.

[scaling]

The patients? [ He slides the vial back into the bag and follows her gaze down to the man.

The soothing words seem to calm him enough that he lulls back into silence. Akira wonders if the medicine will eventually bring the light back to his eyes, if the crusted, shadowy marks on his skin will begin to heal. It's hard to say when this is all so unfamiliar, but he wants to believe that it'll make a difference in his condition. ]

I've never seen anything like this before. [ He's seen different magical effects in battle—friends turning on one another in confusion or being spelled into a blind rage—but this is something else entirely. ] It's... [ Difficult to look at, yeah. ]

[interlucere]

[ Lux nods simply before sitting down once more. He should consider himself lucky, then, never having to experience anything quite like this. Although it was rare for her—she could likely count the instances on one hand—the reason it upset her was more a personal one. Mages who had their magic sealed away, living the rest of their life as little more than a shallow husk; existing physically, but mentally gone. Broken in every sense of the word.

That could have been her. Nearly was. So all of this, from the vacant look in their patient's eyes, to the way the medicine was administered... it all strikes a little too close to home for her. ]

Something that will stay with you, forever.

[ It goes without saying, but is still important that she does. This isn't going away, and she's sorry for that. ]

But that's why we have to do everything we can to make a difference. To find a way to shine a light in this dark place. [ She pauses, her expression softening as she looks back toward the old man. ] Even if this isn't our home, I believe we owe it to them in some way for welcoming us. Don't you think?

[scaling]

[ Akira nods, accepting that fact. It's not like he hasn't witnessed moments of death or near-death before. Shiho Suzui, Okumura… In those cases, he turned a horrible memory into motivation to make sure the same sort of thing wouldn't happen to anyone else. This may feel bigger than that, but it isn't about to keep him from trying.

When she continues, he looks up, happy to find that the tension has melted from her eyes. ]

Yeah. [ It was troubling to discover that while they'd been welcomed into safety inside of the city walls, there were so many natives of this world suffering outside the barrier, at the mercy of poverty and sickness. Something about it doesn't seem fair, but Akira's learned by now that there's plenty of imbalance in the world. This position at least allows him to try to do something to level it out a bit. ] It's the least we can do.

[ He should probably move on to the next bed, but learning that she's also one of the new arrivals strikes a chord with him. ] I'm Akira.

[interlucere]

[ While it might be troubling to Akira, it lights a fire under Lux. Even worlds away from everything she knows, there's a strange sort of comfort that comes from having a clear mission to propel her forward, to throw her everything into. It's reassuring to learn that she isn't the only one that feels that way, and as Akira speaks she can't help but nod emphatically in return.

Nosy busybodies who don't know how to leave well enough alone have to stick together. He's in good company here. She smiles at him warmly. ]

Lux. Lux Crownguard. It's a pleasure.

[ Even if she would prefer they meet under different circumstances. Her gaze slides toward the patient; his breathing has slipped into an even rhythm by this point, his expression no longer frantic and pained. Reaching over to take a cloth from a nearby basin, she wipes his brow gently. ]

Did you need any help? I could come find you, once I know he's settled. I can't imagine what you're doing is easy to do on your own.

[scaling]

[ His gaze warms with a smile as well, tipping his head in a casual bow at her introduction. ]

Nice to meet you.

[ When Lux's focus shifts back to the patient, Akira allows his to follow, only to be jerked up again at the unexpected offer. ]

… If you don't mind. [ It's less that the work itself is difficult and more that having a friendly face around while engaging in a somewhat grim task is a nice prospect. Of course, it'll also be useful to have an extra set of hands if he has to give another shot or if any of the other patients are less receptive. ] I appreciate it.

[ And that's Akira's cue to collect the medication and get back to work, but not before he reaches out to give the old man's shoulder an encouraging squeeze with one gloved hand. Hopefully he'll be able to win out against whatever battle is happening inside of him. ]

[interlucere]

[ His surprise doesn't go unnoticed, and if anything it makes her more willing to be of assistance. He said it himself—this sort of thing isn't something he's accustomed to. It can be difficult to deal with alone. If anyone would understand that...

Lux doesn't look up at him as he reaches over, but a smile tugs firmer at the corner of her lips as he gives the man's shoulder an encouraging squeeze. You're a good person, aren't you Akira? ]

Think nothing of it. I'll look for you when I'm done here.

[ She's glad for that. It makes being so far away from the life she knows a little easier; makes this dark place feel a little brighter.

It takes some time before she makes good on her word. It's difficult for Lux to pull herself away, but the promise to help elsewhere makes it easier than usual to move along. When she does manage to find him, she approaches quietly. A tired look hovers behind her eyes. ]

How are you feeling?

[scaling]

[ With that, Akira moves deeper into the infirmary. Many of the patients seem to be more lucid than the first he encountered. He's able to pass out pills and syrup, and while some seem initially distrustful, a few words exchanged is enough to get them to open up. Even those with family, unlike the old man, don't get much contact outside those involved with the relief efforts—better to bear it and keep their loved ones away from the sickness, after all.

There's a bright-eyed younger boy who reminds him too much of Shinya not to hang near his bedside longer than strictly necessary, listening to stories of past adventures and ones he's planning to undertake once he gets better. But the medicine must have some sort of calming, drowsy effect, because his sentences are soon punctuated by yawns before trailing off entirely.

Akira is watching him drift off when the voice catches his attention, drawing it over his shoulder. ]

I'm okay. [ Although he can relate to the drained look in her eyes. ] You?

[interlucere]

I'm alright.

[ Her answer stumbles out a little too quickly out of reflex, but she doesn't make any effort to stop it. Honestly? She's spent—physically and mentally. But she can be tired once she's away from this place, somewhere where no one needs to see how she's already burning her candle at both ends. That can be her little secret.

Lux waits until the young boy manages to drift off before coming closer. He should be out enjoying the festivities, not stuck in a bed like this. She crosses her arms over her chest as she stands in silence for a moment, choosing her words carefully. ]

How many more do you have to visit?

[ She may have an idea forming in her head. ]

[scaling]

[ Now that's a familiar response—the instinctual reassurance of someone who's used to tucking away their own fatigue to appear strong for others. Akira's usually the one playing that role.

But he only tilts his head a bit, taking up the bag of medication once more. ]

Just a few more. [ He gestures to the last handful of beds leading up to the wall. It's been pretty quick work to pass out medicine to the other patients, even with stopping to chat here and there. ]

[interlucere]

[ Then Akira will probably recognize her intent as well. Looking over the line of beds, Lux turns her attention back to him. Uncrossing her arms, she offers a gloved hand out to him; a surprisingly resilient smile catching in her eyes. ]

Here. I'll start at the other end, and we can meet in the middle.

[ One last push. Dividing the work will make things go faster—as long as he doesn't protest. Not that she's given him room to. ]

[scaling]

[ He only recognizes it the moment before the offer comes, gaze dropping to Lux's outstretched hand. It's true that it'll go faster between the both of them; he has a feeling that convincing her that he's fine to finish on his own would take about as long as just splitting up the work would. ]

You're too nice, Crownguard-san. [ He leaves off the "for your own good." A smart move, because Akira would really be one to talk there, getting arrested trying to help a random woman. ] I owe you.

[ He takes some of the supplies for his own use and then passes the remaining to Lux. ]

[interlucere]

[ Her ears perk up curiously when he says her name. Hadn't Ryoji called her something similar when they met? Were they from the same place? Lux doesn't say anything, but keeps that observation to herself.

Brows knitting as she smiles ruefully behind her mask, she takes the supplies gratefully. He doesn't have to say it in words—just like she doesn't have to tell him that she would find a way to help whether he wanted her to or not. It's a waste of time on both fronts. ]

Just Lux is fine. You don't need to be so formal. [ She's just like anyone else here, and she is more than happy to embrace that sense of anonymity here. It's liberating.

This arrangement does prove to be much quicker; Lux has done this sort of thing before, and there are certain tricks that experience teaches someone. It helps that many of the patients here are in relatively good spirits. ]

[scaling]

Lux it is. [ It was less out of a blind need for formality and more an expression of respect for the kind-hearted person Lux has shown herself to be so far, but Akira is more than happy to adopt a more casual address with her. It does suit him better.

With Lux's help, the task is completed before he knows it. He's wishing a patient well and then turning away to the next, only to find her at their bedside already. Well, then... don't mind him if he watches from a respectful distance, observing the way she interacts with the patient. She's—intriguing, for sure, like many of the other new arrivals he's encountered. While Akira doesn't doubt her compassion one bit, it certainly feels like there's more there.

But they're done for the day, so he approaches once she's no longer conversing. ] Thanks again.

[interlucere]

( Moved to here )