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

[lifespanned]

[ It's true that it's highly suspicious that Ryuzaki - no, L - was outside in the rain. Not that she really knows what to make of it, or if there's anything she can deduce from that information. Instead, she's preoccupied with coming up with a good answer for him that won't lead to any suspicions of her whereabouts, and she knows she has to remember whatever she tells him. ]

The last thing I remember? Well, I'm pretty sure I was packing up all my stuff from the room I was staying in... you know, where Matsu and everyone was at! You guys were letting me leave finally, remember?

[ As if there is anywhere else she'd be referring to. It's safer to just say something close to the truth than pick something totally off-mark, she decides. She also decides that there is no need to keep her voice down while they talk about this in the open. ]

What does that have to do with this place? Is this some part of the investigation?

[ She highly, highly doubts that, but she never knows with L. And it is pretty suspicious that that's the first thing getting asked of her. ]

[hearthebell]

[There are far too many uncertainties, but L has one valuable thing on his side. After a few months of observing her daily, he can say that he knows Misa Amane, in pieces and as a whole. Even if she's got some acting talent, he has a sense of what she's like when she's telling the truth, and in this case... well, it at least tracks that she isn't in on this.

What's less certain are the details. From his perspective, after all, she'd already left the headquarters and moved out. Criminals were being killed by Kira again. The shinigami Rem was attached to the notebook in police custody... and the physical evidence of the rain that day is still all over him.

He wishes that she would keep her voice down. Even if no one is paying attention to them, especially, in all the confusion, this is sensitive information. She's absolutely aware. She's probably using it as a shield, knowing it will put him on edge. He changes his posture slightly, facing her more fully, using his slender body as a barrier between her and the rest of the new arrivals in the stuffy room.]

It's not part of the investigation.

[His voice, in contrast to hers, is low, scarcely audible above the murmuring din. She'll have to lean in closer to hear him properly.]

I don't know if this will comfort or disturb you, but my belief is that we have the same information.

[Meaning that L, the man whose job it is to have the answers, is just as much in the dark as Misa. It's clear that he, at least, is disturbed rather than comforted by this.]

I know that the day you were leaving, it wasn't raining. And were you wearing...?

[He remembers her outfit when she was leaving the Headquarters, but she has many pieces in a similar style, and the room is dark. He squints at her outfit to get a better look, because while her bafflement tracks? He wonders if she's lying about this, and why she might.

Because there's no way it's possible that she was released, and days passed, and then they both arrived here at the same time. Right?]

[lifespanned]

[ Well... that much is concerning, once she leans in enough to be able to hear it. If it's not part of the investigation, and he still doesn't know what's going on - isn't that really bad? She supposes it's both good and bad; good because at least he won't have the edge on her for now, and they're both starting at the same point in terms of getting a grip on the situation. It's bad because she's so used to him knowing so much that it's a little unnerving to hear from him directly that he's in the dark. ]

Oh! I was going to a shoot later, so I was wearing something easy to change out of.

[ It wouldn't be suspicious at all if she doesn't remember the exact items of clothing she was wearing right before a shoot (she's supposed to be a Normal Person after all, and not someone who keeps intense track of all her activities), and besides, better to say something like that than try to describe the items she knows she was wearing and have that be contradictory somehow. She says this as casually as ever, blinking almost comically nonchalantly as she looks about the room - knowing for certain that her abilities are just gone, and it isn't that L suddenly had a Death Note or something like that. She supposes that's both good and bad, too.. ]

But you're right, it wasn't raining. Misa would remember that! [ As much as she scrutinizes her, she remains as unbothered as usual. ] And I'm pretty sure I'd remember if you were outside! If the rain thing was supposed to be a joke, it's not that funny, Ryuzaki.

[hearthebell]

[L is reminded, swiftly, of all the things he found so very grating about Misa Amane. Foremost is the fact that she plays dumb when he knows that she isn't, at least not to this extent. She always has in his presence and Light's, perhaps to preserve their egos, but no one suspected of being the second Kira could be so genuinely ditzy for so long and actually manage to cover the conscientious bases the second Kira had.

He lowers his head so their gazes are level, dark eyes boring into hers. He's an accomplished liar, himself, but there's something chillingly earnest about his tone when, dripping wet, he reaffirms]

It was raining. On November fifth, not even five minutes ago, I was standing in the rain.

[This is absurd. He's not sure why he's entertaining it, why he's letting Misa of all people make him feel crazy. But in the same way that she's dangerous as a suspect, she's a security blanket, in that she's the most familiar thing in this room, outside of that carved mirror. It makes him feel that keeping her close is fairly important, and yes, that's a goal, moving forward.]

There aren't any answers here. Everyone is just as lost as we are. We should leave.

[The implication is, definitely, "together."]

[lifespanned]

[ She can't hide the way she looks confused over the date and the fact that it had been raining less than five minutes ago... but anyone would be. Thankfully, he suggests that they go someplace else, so she doesn't have to dwell on it for all too long, at least not at the head of the conversation. ]

Wait, so you really have no idea where we are...?

[ Frankly, she sort of assumed that even if L wasn't behind this, he would at least whip up some omnipotent-seeming deduction of where they must be based on, she doesn't know, the shape of the floorboards or something. The concern on her face is genuine as she scans the room again, holding her purse a little closer to her body. ]

How do you even know it's safe to go out, then? [ And more importantly, and more urgently: ] We should look for Light!

[hearthebell]

[Though L usually tries to keep his expression placid, blank, and unlikely to betray much of the way he's feeling about a particular given situation, this current set of circumstances has him well shaken. The apparent dissonance between his perception of the date and hers is something he can't help fixating on, even when they're in a place they don't recognize, surrounded by people they don't recognize, neither certain of their shared safety or sanity.]

If you can think of a reason that I would lie about this, please illuminate me, and I'll do my best to convince you why it's not the case.

[His shoulders shrink inward as another unfamiliar person with inhuman features passes a little too close for comfort. He hasn't been in a room this crowded in... well, years. If ever.]

I don't know if it's safe to go out. But our option is to stay here or venture out, isn't it? Light's definitely not here, unless his appearance has completely changed, and it goes without saying that I want to find him, too.

[Light's status as an ideal motivational force for Misa is, at least, a reliable constant. L's gotten a good look around in the last few minutes, and Misa's the only familiar face he's noticed. He jerks his head to silently and gracelessly communicate "come on", only to stiffen and lurch back after only a couple of steps. Navigating this is fraught. Not only is it crowded, but he's pretty sure he just saw an actual dragon, further challenging and disturbing his perception of reality.

If he's crazy, then they're both crazy. There's some paltry comfort, at least, in that.]

[lifespanned]

He's definitely not...?

[ Her lip trembles when he says all that, eyes tearing up. Despite knowing this is likely the case, she can't help but still look around the room for any sign of him, even as he starts to walk away. She's in a strange place, her eyes aren't working, and the only person she knows here is Light's greatest enemy. It's awful to think about, but... what he says is true, too; L would want to find Light as well, and maybe he's her best bet at figuring out where he is, which has just jumped up to priority number one.

It takes a few beats, but she eventually picks up a few steps so she can trail after him, wiping a tear that was about to well over from her eye. ]

We can't just wander around, Ryuzaki! Maybe there's someone in charge or something...

[hearthebell]

[Turned away from Misa, L's jaw is tense, teeth grinding. Dealing with emotionality is not really his strong suit, whether it's firsthand or he's witnessing it happening to someone else. Misa's always been quick to laughter or tears, vacillating between extremes, and isn't she therefore an odd match for the cool and collected Light? Opposites attract, it's true, but certain incompatibilities just can't be ignored, and L has been struck by this particular one since he became aware that they were together this way.

No, he can't be too openly put-off. If Misa is afraid, or even grieving the loss of Light, it's normal, under the circumstances.]

There's always someone in charge.

[He's moving toward the door, where a man has exclaimed that something has happened, and invoked the name "Miss Nessie." That stands out as a lead like a beacon, to the point where L questions it initially as a potential red herring... but in the absence of other leads, he's going for the bait, and so are some other members of the crowd.

He reaches back for her wrist, catching it in his hand and speaking close to her ear to make sure she can hear him, and only her.]

Two things. The first is that you can't call me Ryuzaki, here. Or anything else attached to the case. Not until we know more and have established some reliable baselines. Since it's clear that we know each other... for now, the story is that I was a classmate of your boyfriend's at To-Oh University, studying Criminal Law, and you'll address me as Linden Tailor.

[He chooses the name for a reason. It's similar to another one that was used to bait Kira, meaning that if someone from their world arrives that he wants to be identified by, it could be easier for them to make contact.]

The second is peculiar. You seem to understand me, Misa, but for the last little while I've actually been speaking French. To my knowledge, you aren't fluent.