Intro Log: June

[moustre]

Intro Log: June

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. You're certainly not the only ones here, however. On the first floor, with the doors wide open behind them in the foyer, is a small group headed by two individuals. As people begin to arrive, to come from the highers floor, they're waiting - and they're waiting for you, and your questions. Explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in, or proceed to the foyer? Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is faintly cloudy, but the stars are dim in the face of two moons, even so close to the new moon as it is. 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. THE WELCOME PARTY Whether you've decided to find a way out of the building you've arrived in, 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. "I suppose you were right again, love," the wolfish one says, voice a low rumble in the quiet night. The woman looks particularly pleased with herself, hands on her hips and elbow nudging at her companion, a quiet eh, eh under her breath. She goes ignored as the werewolf (?) lifts her head to assess the arrivals with her one eye. "Although the excuse of Boaltinn is absent, this time." "Just begs looking into then, doesn't it?" The woman gives her companion an even brighter smile, a little tighter around her eyes, then turns to those gathered in front of them. "Well then, no sense in keeping secrets! This here's Mhairi Ainsley, ambassador to the Parliament and my Bonded, and I'm Nerissa Bell, head Witch of the Coven - but you can just call me Miss Nessie, you can," she adds, winking. "The lot of you must be as tired and confused as the last batch - hullo to those who've joined us, too! - so just a moment, dearests, I'll set all you right up—" With nothing more than a wave of her hand, rows of seats are summoned; despite their wooden nature, they're all sturdy and comfortable, filling the foyer and spreading out a ways into the lawn behind them, making room for all of the new arrivals as well as the previous batch. After all, they'll find this just as interesting. The Witches and Monsters that accompanied Nessie and Mhairi move to make room, and some disperse into the building itself to see if there's anyone who needs tending to. Mhairi steps forward as the chairs materialize. "Please, those who are able, join us for a moment. There are many questions that I'm sure you have - we will do our utmost best to answer them, and you may take any that we can't as a promise to find some sort of solution or answer." 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 HAVEN 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, it's time to make a trek to where you'll be staying while Nessie and Mhairi continue to search for a solution to the situation. As you're leaving with a few Bonded for guides, 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. They can even do it as they make their way out of the Coven's courtyard and to the Haven. Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in an program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches put together a little roommate finding service, on a smaller scale from the grand opening of the Haven. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a kind of amplification magic. It seems like the prank previously attached to the spell has been fixed now, at least, so it doesn't read rude descriptions anymore - simply the information you've offered up yourself.

IV. CLASS ACTS Once is happenstance, and twice is coincidence - but Nessie won't take any lip about it, especially given some of those who arrived aren't turning out to be Witches, but the other half of the spectrum: Monsters. It's one thing to grow up knowing what you are and what you'll look like, and it's another entirely to be thrown into a world and have to deal with it without any idea of what to do. In the days following arrivals, Nessie gathers her best Witches and Monsters, and gives them a simple task: figure out who is what, and give them a little help. On a volunteer basis, of course; anyone who doesn't want to be tested for magical potential (or a lack-of it, signifying being a Monster) will not be forced to be, but they will be encouraged to check out the classes offered regardless. a. A LITTLE BIT OF HOCUS Those exhibiting magic potential - or who are interested in magic or Witches, regardless of if they were tested or not - are brought out to the Coven's courtyard. They're given a quick primer on magic, the different classes, and taught a few entry-level spells and concepts before they're set free to practice their new magic (with supervision, naturally). Try your hand at conjuring candy, evoking a little fire, teleporting a few feet, tossing a few enchantments on others or inanimate objects - get those flowers singing! But be careful: inexperience is a Witch's greatest enemy, and these spells might just end up going a little haywire. Your simple light spell might end up as bright as the sun, or maybe instead of a nice breeze you bring in a major windstorm - effects are either big or small, with nothing in-between. b. A TINY BIT OF POCUS Those exhibiting a lack-of magic potential - or those who are simply interested in Monsters and Bonds, regardless of if they were tested or not - are brought to the Coven's basement. Despite its below-ground existence, the area is well-lit and feels as open as the main room above. They're given a quick primer on Monsters and transformations, the full moons and their effects, and a key part in keeping them from going too wild: Bonds. Those attending are encouraged to form temporary bonds, which is done by the two characters simultaneously drinking a tasteless silver-colored liquid from the vial provided to them. This Bond will last up to a day and has the same effects as a real Bond, though lessened in strength and muted in feeling.

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 new characters will have to get settled in, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the June 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

[redheired]

"My thanks."

[Now that she's gotten the initial drenching out of the way, she's able to smooth her voice over completely.

...Granted, it's still a carefully measured voice, but still. She also takes the offered towel, and begins drying her face.]

"Curious. So you had an aptitude for it originally... Perhaps my obstacle has the same root."

[She looks over the edge of the towel, measuring him up.]

"Perhaps I should clarify; I was used to handling the ice element, originally... Water isn't drastically removed, but still different enough."

[That said, she folds the towel across her arm.]

"Introductions are in order, as well. I'm Mitsuru Kirijo, third year at Gekkoukan High School."

[It's such an automatic thing to say, even though the status of being a student feels dubious right now.]

[fiddlestick]

Oh no, you don't have to thank me. It's my fault anyway...

[But wow, what a noble way of talking. It reminds him of Laura or Jusis in a way. He wonders if she's a noble...probably not the time to ask]

Really? That could be true...I mean, where I'm from, water and ice are part of the same element. But I usually like working with liquid water more than ice, so maybe you're onto something?

[Gekkoukan High School...he'd never heard of that one. It almost sounded like an Eastern name.]

Oh, nice to meet you! I'm Elliot Craig, um, second year at Heimdallr Music Academy.

[redheired]

[She doesn't recognize the name; then again, the fact that he spoke so freely about using magic was also a clue. That doesn't keep it from intriguing her, however.]

"...Music Academy? I know those exist, but I've never met someone attending one. Then again, the notion of practicing magic in the open is also a new idea."

[She needs to keep her focus on that, Mitsuru reminds herself.]

"Two sides of the same element, as you said. But for all that, it feels difficult to focus and direct it... At least through will alone."

[And there's the problem; that's what she's used to. A mental command, a brief flash of focus. Those seem to have deserted her; leaving just practice and study, until she figures out the right approach.]

"...Would you be willing to try that spell again?"

[fiddlestick]

[He clasps his hands together, looking a little confused]

Is it? Did you have to learn in secret?

[Was she part of a clan? Or some secret group? Huh...]

R-Really? You want me to? I don't want to dump more water on you.

[redheired]

"Something to that effect. It wasn't a... A widely understood phenomena."

[She's being evasive. Mitsuru knows that... But it's a hard habit to kill, even with recent memories flashing across her head.

'You lied to us?'

She tries not to give them much mind, focusing on what's immediate.]

"I'm not made of the sugar, so the risk of being doused should be minimal. It's more important that I understand how this works."

[Besides, she's prepared. She has a towel.]

[fiddlestick]

Ohhh, okay. There's some groups like that back home too. Secret techniques and stuff...

[So...he gets it! ]

Well when you put it that way....okay! I'll give it another shot.

[he takes a deep breath and focuses on the magic again. Just like before...but maybe not so splashy? ]

C'mon c'mon c'mon... [He's definitely struggling a little at manipulating the energy. But it pays off, as another bucket-worth of water forms, this time at eye-level next to them. And like before, it hovers for a moment before falling to the ground and splashing their feet. ]

[redheired]

"My gratitude. I'll observe, in that case..."

[She trails off, taking care to note everything. She can't rule out voice as a component, as well as composing oneself-

And that splashing remains a definite factor. She flicks water off her boots with a quick kick, making a thoughtful noise in the back of her throat.]

"So speech is a factor... And control seems to fade once it's summoned. That mirrors what I've experienced."

[The fact she has another layer of water on her is inconsequential, in light of that.]

[fiddlestick]

[He meanwhile himself is a little more reactive to being wet. He makes a face as he kneels down and squeezes the fabric of his pant leg to get the water out] Ngh...

[He looks up when she starts vocalizing her observation]

Oh, you think so? I wasn't really thinking about what I was saying...I just have a habit of talking to myself.

I wonder...

[He makes a "hm" sound and stands up, hand now to his chin]

I wanna try something.

[redheired]

[Mitsuru pauses as he wrings out the cloth, wondering why her reaction isn't quite the same. True, she can credit her training with a composed expression for part of it... But the fact remains, the splash of water still doesn't bother her.

Maybe it's just the heat in the air, that makes the splash feel refreshing, in comparison.]

"Indeed? What do you have in mind?"

[She lifts her head, interest clear in her voice and eyes.]

"And is there something you'd have me do?"

[fiddlestick]

Um..not yet. Just if speaking helps, I want to see if...

[oh well, might as well do it. He clears his throat and starts to concentrate again. This time, instead of speaking, he hums a simple tune. Nothing special, just a song he knows from back home.

Like before, the water appears, but this time it's quicker and hovers for longer, even starting to form into an actual shape. It's not perfect, but it's a lot better than it was before.

It's only when he's done humming does the water fall back into the ground. Elliot clapped his hands together, and looks positively gleeful]

Haha, Hey! It worked!

[redheired]

[She also trails off, standing back and keeping her eyes trained on their surroundings. Mitsuru crosses her arms as she watches... The fact that lets her tap her fingers in time to the rhythm is purely incidental, of course.

This time, she can almost feel it; a shiver that runs along her back and prickles at her arms, and her eyes snap to the water right as it forms.]

"There has to be a verbal component to it."

[As factual as her voice is, there's also a definite note of eagerness to it. They're getting close to a clear theory, she's certain of that much.]

"I'd... Like to make an attempt as well."

[Granted she's not much of a singer, but there has to be something she can do.]

[fiddlestick]

Yeah, I think so too. I always focus better with music than speaking, so that's probably why it was easier to control it when I hummed.

[Musicians man. He can't fault her for her eagerness. It was pretty thrilling to know they were starting to make headway on this whole magic thing]

Oh, sure! Be my guest! I'd like to see it.

[redheired]

"Very well then..."

[Mitsuru trails off, considering how to go about this. She focuses on the droplets of water scattered around the ground, frowning.

She needs to be honest to herself; she might listen to music often enough, but she's no musician, and doesn't have any real talent for the art. And since it isn't perfectly balanced, Mitsuru wouldn't even inflict her humming on anyone.

So what's left?

Apparently, poetry. She tries to speak it in French, mimicking the flow she's always felt in that language.]

"The roses blew away. All blew off to the sea, borne by the wind, carried to the water, never to return..."

[She trails off, focusing on the droplets as they coalesce into a bubble. Now that she has momentum, she tries to will it into hovering, like what she'd seen before-

Instead, it bursts apart in a torrent, and she's likely not the only one getting drenched.]

"..."

[Her only response is to mutely hold out the towel, in case anyone else needs it.]

[fiddlestick]

[Oh wow, poetry. Elliot wasn't much of a poet himself, but it was a cousin of music, so he listens intently to the words.

Buuut any enjoyment of the poem is quickly curtailed by having a torrent of water dumped on him.]

G-Gah! Cold!

[Unlike Misturu who took is so calmly, he flails and tries to shield himself, looking like a drowned cat when its through. Though he'll try...he'll try to be good about it]

Ah...Ah...I p-probably deserved that.

[He'll take that towel to dry himself, burying his face in it first.]