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

IC QUESTIONS

[moustre]

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.

[topslug]

I'll keep this to OOC questions for brevity, but over the course of their interaction Yako probably would have interjected with the following questions besides the expected 'where is this/how did we get here/can't we get back':

1. It seems like their arrival is a surprise because of the timing, but not totally unknown -- does this mean something like this happened before?

2. Why would it be significant if all the new arrivals are Witches? More to the point, Yako's pretty sure she's a perfectly ordinary human, so she's sorry to let them down, but she doesn't think she can help them if a Witch is what they're looking for...

[moustre]

1. Neither Nessie nor Mhairi know exactly - teleportation isn't something that's uncommon, and that's primarily what they're thinking this must be. A whole group of witches, teleporting from somewhere unknown! How exciting. (To Nessie. Not so much to Mhairi.)

2. Nessie herself is a Witch, so she's simply excited to have the opportunity to have more under her wing. Or cloak, as it were! Robe. Besides, the more manpower to drive back the Cwyld, and the more minds to put ideas about how to do that, the better; and it's fine if she's ordinary. Most of the city is the same way: full of magic potential, but not willing to undergo the training to become a Witch.

IC thread, please!

[fifty]

[There are many, many questions America could ask. There's a lot of important things to figure out! There's a lot of things that Nessie and Mhairi said that sound pretty weird to him. There's the fact that he feels half frozen in time, with his connection to his nation having gone into some weird stasis.

Instead, he gapes at Mhairi and says:] Why are you a wolf?!

IC thread, please!

[wylderrant]

"Look, I'm sure you didn't mean for this to happen, but this is terribly inconvenient," Iramaat says with a wave of her hand, "Are you sure you can't just... let me go back? Normally I'd just find a doorway or something, but I already tried that and it didn't seem to do a lick of good..."

[starseedling]

Steven will ask the standard questions like "where is this" and "what the heck" and/or listen to other people ask those questions and get their answers. It won't be until after he's been out in the city for a bit that he thinks of something he needs to ask.

First off, he'll say hi and introduce himself, because that's polite. The rest can be summary style to make this easier on y'all:

1) He'll tell Nessie or Mhairi about the dream he had before arriving here, which he's now just remembering the details of. That basically they were at some sort of meeting between faeries, who were picking on them, and also some of the people he's seen around here were there, but looking more like the monster folk in the city. He'll ask them if that information helps them know what's going on at all, and if so, what they think it might mean?

2) He may have gotten this sense from some of the people in the festival, but if Steven will ask either Nessie/Mhairi or random festival NPCs what the deal with the monster people and human people cold shouldering each other is.

3) Also he'll just report that he hasn't been feeling well since he arrived, in case that is important? Also he usually has powers, and those aren't working at all either. He thinks he might need his powers to live so he's a bit worried.

ooc response

[usurpers]

general questions out of the way, eren will (gruffly, but mostly out of alarm) ask these:

— he’s really running out of time and needs to get back home before he dies, in like five years, please fix this he needs to go back now

— he dreamed of this place, but most importantly: he was different in those dreams. he was a beast that spit fire and flew one minute, then covered in rough fish skin the next with monstrous fingers that he couldn’t tie fabric with. was he here before? was that real?

— where’s your military unit?

Nessie handwaving!

[reenforces]

Mikleo will definitely be asking Nessie questions once he realizes he's visible and also really, really disconnected. His questions will be curt but polite as he's freaked out by being humanish!

- first questions first: he will be asking how everyone can see him, even the humans!
- he'll want to know what cut him off from his innate magic and inquire as to how to get that "back"
- relatedly he will mention a dream where he was using a different kind of magic and ask if she knows what that's about
- he will also ask if anything is in danger at home since Sorey is here and he is supposed to be taking a nap that's vital to the survival of the world
- also, he will thank her for her hospitality and generosity but really he needs to to back home, thaaaaaaaanks.

ooc

[tinyfood]

The first thing Entrapta wants to know is what the deal with magic is here. Since her own magical ability isn't working even though it's not powered by an elemental connection to a Runestone, she can deduce that the magic that they're talking about has nothing in common at all with the magic, and the ancient technology that taps into that magic, that suffuses her own planet -- so what is the source of the magic here? How do people harness it? Is there any way she could hack it to replicate the effect it had on her in her own world, because she's had to deal with not being able to pick stuff up with her hair for like a couple hours and she already hates it

She also has a lot of OTHER questions, no concern for whether these questions are immediately relevant to the current situation, and zero inclination to try to not take up people's time with them. To save time, should I just assume that the vast bulk of inquiries about, like, the Geardagas equivalent of complex physics would be brushed off as something she can find out more about later?

[ipseite]

handwaverily, petrana would like to (quietly) ask for medical attention as she's concerned she might be knocked up (she isn't; she's ~late~ for other reasons of stress and physical strain making her irregular, she'll be fine if she ever eats or sleeps normally again).

IC - I'd apologize but a hoonter must hoont

[whomthebelltolls]

[Yes, she has some questions, and she steps out forward of the crowd, heavy boots thunking on the wood. Her pale eyes are fixed pretty firmly on Mhairi and don't seem to stray much; it's not a friendly gaze, but while wary, she also seems rather curious. Beasts where she comes from don't retain much of their faculties after a while.

It's easy to spot Maria, at least, as she steps out of the crowd - she's taller than almost all the other women and probably most of the men, as well, which means the werewolf's size doesn't intimidate her. She takes up position somewhere between the two crowds, as much as possible, as though to protect the ones on her side.

Even though she feels awful, and has to concentrate very hard on just keeping her feet moving, and the earth beneath them, she's ready to stand her ground in a fight, it seems.]

And the Beasts? They behave here? You all just... live together?

[A+ start.]

ooc

[pech]

hi thank you for the great log/game and everything!

1. are they safe here from the threats they faced back home?
2. is there a way to gain back memories that were lost before coming here?
3. can magic take words out of someone's mind?

[kaowont]

[ All of this is beyond wild, like strangeness is suddenly vital and a necessity, and honestly? He isn't sure he likes it, heartbeat nervous and cold against his chest. Still, he takes a seat all the same, ready to play off these anxious feelings. ]

Get familiar? Hahah... now it's starting to feel like an interview. This is the part where I'm supposed to ask questions, right?

[ And there are so many. So, so many questions. But first... he shrugs his shoulders lightly. ]

Hmm, so... if this is all just a dream or whatever, do you think you could wake me up faster this time? ♪ At least I got to meet a real beauty before waking up, though. Maybe my luck's finally starting to change?

Handwave!

[veilfires]

Solas' outward manner is calm, open-minded and polite. (Outward.) He introduces himself to the pair of them before speaking.

- He asks Nessie to extrapolate on what she meant by ‘the Veil being thinner’.

- He too went to a realm of dreams when he last slept, but not the one he is accustomed to. Do they consider that realm as a distinct place, and what do they call it?

- Who created the mirrors?

- He asks Mhairi what this 'Parliament' is - their people's government? What is the political opinion on having them burst into their world like this? Distrust and suspicion, or an eagerness to throw strangers into the frontline in the fight against the Cwyld?

Finally, he describes himself as eager to help the Coven however he may. He states he is possessed of exceptional magical expertise - in his own world, at least.

(He would also be wondering about whether people routinely come through the mirrors, about what the corruption he encountered was etc, whether this is another dimension/world, the SOURCE OF MAGIC THANK YOU ENTRAPTA, so he sits through the entirety of the Q+A listening carefully! :’o)

ic me!!!

[littlemperor]

[listening to everyone... miss nessie seems kind, if sort of like nazuna, and while mhairi's appearance is inherently scary she's like, a big dog, which is sort of comforting in a way. and she seems nice too. if gruff.

king, the golden retriever that'd come through just after and now sits dutifully at his master's side, seems to want to greet mhairi too, but tori's keeping a grasp on his collar so he doesn't go off on his own. it is sort of obvious that tori's more curious about the turnskin though.]

Um~, is it... okay if I pet you? You kinda remind me of something I dreamed about, I think.

[this isn't like, helpful at all the the general populace, but he is just a boy of sixteen who fucking loves big doggos. and it's easier to focus on that, and his own pet, versus the hundred odd people (most of whom are strangers, he's seen some fellows from school) that surround him as a crowd now.]

And King wants to greet you properly too, M... Mhairi-san.

ooc;

[complementing]

As soon as she sees an opening to talk with Miss Nessie and/or Mhairi, Minako would like to ask them, with obvious worry, if her home is safe. If she's here, then she's not guarding the gates of Erebus, and everyone she loves is in danger right now.

OOC

[fordola]

I'll be asking this OOCly, because she will have questions. Some of them... very rude. (I am sorry in advance.)

1) She will ask for somebody to examine her red eye (which is the remains of her Resonant power, inert but leaving a physical mark. She doesn't know that, though.)

2) Is it common for Beasts (as she calls the monsters) to just roam around here? (She will sound insulted at suggesting it. She's trying, okay?)

3) She will also ask if there's any way she can get employed as a guard, like. As fast as possible, if she's going to be sticking around.

IC thread I'm so sorry

[lonewanderer]

[ Lex manages to get to the room with some help, practically hanging onto one of the walls. Dogmeat is at her side to support her, whining softly every time she pauses; it may very well be that the encouragement from her canine friend is what is keeping her walking. She's still nauseous, and pauses punctuate her slow slide into the room and then up to the pair in charge. A chair becomes something to lean on rather than sit, and Lex covers her mouth with one hand, holding back- well. Something.

Once there's a moment, though, she manages to speak up. ]

If I'm dead, I kind of thought it would feel less like ass.

OOC

[lovebiter]

Cain'll be excited as fuck and ask to touch Nessie's fur. He's never touched a real live animal (or monster) before so he'll be excited as fuck. Best. Day. Ever. He'll ask a couple questions.

Do they have to leave if they don't wanna? Fuck space.

How do they learn magic?

Can they get jobs, earn money, move out like normal people? Would she draw him a map of the city so he can explore and know where he's at?

That Cwyld shit is fucked, where does he sign up to help drive it back?

IC!

[1019]

[Throughout the whole dang... Q & A, for the most part, Lucas is slumped at his reluctantly, gingerly taken place at the table. Castin' glances sidelong up and down it with every word out a new person's mouth, leaned over the surface with hands laced, elbows out, hood up.

When the subject starts turning to the local beastie population, however, lips start liftin' away to show a... slightly too-pointy grin, not that he's noticed that...! Wigglin' a little in shift of weights and not-quite-intent-to-straighten in his seat, just some... energy sparkin' up...!

Eventually leans forward and twists to prop 'imself up on an elbow. Tone kinda... bobs as if it's around a swallow in his throat as he addresses Miss Nessie.]

-- Hhhh, so what kinda monsters we got stompin' these grounds -- ?

[His grin bites and eyes narrow for a sec before he... kinda flops out a wave toward Mhairi. Eyes rounding again, voice reeding up higher in a... faux-lightly inquiring singsong...!]

Ya got vampires and zombies and ghosties and all that, here, too -- ?!

[Ohh, you scoff at the whole whole setup.]

an IC thread if you dont mind!

[honoraboveall]

Symon's face is a smooth, polite mask as he looks at the two odd companions. Witch (with substantial powers) and what appeared to be a werewolf by her side. Outwardly calm and composed, his hand rested almost idly on the hilt of his sword.

"Miss Nessie," A polite bow of the head to the witch, a pause and then another bow to the wolf as well, "Miss Ainsley," His voice is precise and cultured as he continued on, "I appreciate the chance to ask a few questions." Manners were a type of shield after all, a safe port when you've been tossed into the sea. "And as you say, I have several. It appears that my being summoned here was not a purposeful occurrence, seeing the reaction of that boy. But, I saw several other mirrors in the hall were I was summoned. Does that imply that many others here have been summoned? Either recently or before? Do you understand if there are any limits to my time here? Will I suddenly be sent back?"

Handwave!

[hearthebell]

OOC handwaving is fine since I know this post is POPPING and you guys must be working really hard to keep up! But L would want to talk to Nessie after her cordial address, and it would essentially come down to:

1. "I've lost my uncle. Is there any way you could help me make contact with him? It's very important." (He kind of needs to rule out being able to link up with his handler or the police in his world.)

2. "What is the veil, and what is Boaltinn? Has nothing like this really happened before?"

3. "How could I personally make contact with parliament?"

Overall, L is polite, but there's maybe something a little rote and forced about it. He's impatient and frustrated and it shows through a bit. He's also drenched and sopping wet and shivering a bit, and if he's offered dry clothing (or a tip on where to get it) he'll hesitate but accept.

ooc handwaving

[warfares]

1. What is the purpose of the Looking Glass-house?
2. Inside he saw a number of different mirrors, some of them broken. How might that have happened and what does it mean if your mirror breaks?

OOC response~

[shepherds_pie]

Sorey is going to be equal parts bewildered and excited! He'll ask (and comment on) these first:

*Is there a library that they have access to that can give them historical information about this place?

*He hopes he can be as tall as Mhairi someday.

*On the Fae, he'd like to know if there are any books about the Fae and their history.

*Can they leave the town?

OOC answer!

[futhark]

Alright, sorry to be so late. Going OOC questionnaire route.

Caster would have a few questions, especially with how familiar some things are (runes, name of the festival- it's odd...) However his first 1) inquiry would be- were there any mangical phenomena happening recently? It could be something small but still unexplainable. In his (limited alas) experience, Big Magic Weirdness is very often preceded by Smol Magic Weirdness.

2) Second is about the Coven- he's not the one to refuse hospitality so he is going to accept it and stay on the Coven grounds but in that case- what are the rules? Are they treated as refugees or rather new apprentices? Also, that's a lot of mouth to feed, that must be a concern. How, as guests, they could make it easier on the hosts (a mere courtesy it might be, but hey, there are the rules to this kind of things. That's his way of asking how they can be of help)

3) He would also confirm that he is similar to some others are saying- his magic isn't really working as it should be, but he would keep it rather brief, and try to not give much information about his true nature, unless asked directly (since it's an exchange of information, he would be inclined to answer the questions). But if they're still considered magical, can the magic of this world be learned (where can he find more about the runes, okay, asking for a friend)

4) Assuming he heard others questions earlier and some answers about the Cwyld he'd be curious if there is the information of how long was it happening? Like is it a recent development or has it been battle going on for centuries?

Please don't let him flirt at Nessie...

Also just wanted to say, thank you for all your epic work mods!