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

[purpose]

[ She doesn't move to apologize. As far as she's concerned, she's said nothing that isn't true, no matter the poor timing and delivery of it. If he is hurt by it — that reminder that he had been a monster in her eyes not so long ago — he shows no outward sign. In turn, whatever small sting of guilt she'd faced fades.

He isn't croaking. That part seems more important above all else. Remembering the instructions, Rey raises it to her lips just a moment after observing his throat work to swallow the first few drops, draining it in one gulp impulsively.

It does nothing to soothe the permanent, burning hunger in her throat. A thirst she hasn't been able to quench, no matter what she has devoured and drank. It's hardly anything new, but the bubbling of sensation is. The effervescence of his magic potential, she thinks, buzzing through her however distantly.

Heady. Addicting. Less than she had thought it would be, an echo of what they had once shared — but then it's only temporary. Rey's eyelids flutter only minutely from the warm haze as it washes through her system, clearing her throat to regain her grip. ]

How do you feel?

[warfares]

Like ㅡ ( he pauses, seemingly unable to collect himself beyond swiping a gloved hand across his mouth.

it's not like the liquid had tasted unpleasant. it hadn't. it hadn't tasted like much of anything, truthfully — though it had left a tingling in its wake, which had eventually settled into ...something. there's a slight burning in the back of his throat, an ache in his teeth. phantom pangs that has him turning to study rey like this is the first time he's seeing her. )

Thirsty. I feel thirsty.

[purpose]

[ She knows that look.

The one he's given her when his interest has been snagged, facing her with a studiousness so calm it seems to suggest he can stare right through her if he looks long enough. As though it will prevent him from puzzling her out as he has each and every time, Rey's eyes dart away, taking an unreasonable amount of interest in the empty bottle in her hands.

Trying not to focus on her hunger pangs only makes them clearer, sharper, but she staunchly works to suppress them. ]

From the potion? [ She knows better than that. But it's still true, partially so, for how it has given him that insight into her. This, apparently, was a mistake. Already, her anxiety is brewing, even as she fixates and squints at the empty bottle. ] It'll fade in a day. That's what they said, didn't they? That it's only temporary?

[warfares]

Maybe.

( but it's clear that he doesn't think it's that ㅡ she's deflecting, he realizes. shying away from whatever unpleasant truth she isn't ready to confront just yet.

chewing on the inside of his cheek, he surveys the room and the couples assembled. they all still look human enough, but does that really mean anything? particularly when the changes were meant to be gradual.

his attention shifts back to her and he nods to the flask. )

How are you feeling?

[purpose]

[ Hungry. Ill. Afraid.

True as they are, she doesn't admit to any of those. Not here. Not now. She can scarcely confess it to herself, let alone the confidant she had once found in Ben. That caginess causes her to tense in preparation at his maybe,, a note of doubt that has likely found her out, but —

But his concern over her is nothing she had expected. Rey's gaze snaps up to him, bewildered. Aside from Finn, no one has cared to ask her. The people here are even less inclined with their wariness, giving her a wide berth once she speaks — fixated, instead, on the sharper edge to her incisors. ]

Warm, like I've gotten out of the cold and into the sun. [ She pauses, teeth raking over her lower lip. ] And... [ How does she even say this. ] Tingly?

[ This must be how he feels, she thinks. It's nothing like the pain that's been crippling her, the way she tires so easily, the way the sun almost stings and aches down to her bones. ]

I feel better. Not as sick as this place has made me.

[ That's her only explanation for it — some kind of cold she can sweat off as she had on Jakku, just a phase she'll overcome. ]

[warfares]

( kylo continues to study her a moment longer and then nods ㅡ accepting this explanation for now. the shadow pangs of her hunger seems to be settling, though the ache in her teeth remains a persistent throb. )

Have you given thought to who you might choose?

( an awkward segue but the lesson makes it easy. he's more interested in hearing her answer than he is in thinking about it, himself. a situation that is beginning to sound like less of an if and more of a when for those of them remaining. )

[purpose]

You.

[ Rey's eyebrows furrow. They've come here together, from the same galaxy, and endured the same bond. Automatically, she had assumed that meant he would choose her in return. Now, confronted with the possibility that he would find a connection elsewhere, she has to wonder if that night — the warm glow of a fire, the brush of fingertips — hadn't held the same weight for him as it had for her.

Her face falls, but recovers rapidly as she presses her lips together. ]

It's not so different from the Force connecting us.

[warfares]

( a quiet exhale. eyes closing against a wash of relief so sharp he can practically taste it. he'd missed this, he realizes. had missed her. )

Yes.

( his eyes are open and he's searching her face for something, an inkling that she could be anything less than serious. all he finds is her puzzled expression undercut by that same wary hope she'd reached for him in that hut. )

Yes. I want that.

[purpose]

[ She hadn't prepared for that level of sincere eagerness. Rey's eyes widen, taking him in — and though the Force can scarcely be accessed here, a faint flicker in their veins, she doesn't need it to realize he's genuine.

No one has ever wanted to be so affixed to her. To Rey, it proves her point true; light still exists in Ben Solo. It only needs to be fed, fanned, nurtured. The easy way in which he seeks out a connection between them reaffirms it for her.

The corners of her eyes and lips crinkle in tandem. It isn't quite a full-blown smile, but the hint of it is there, what it could become. ]

We have more control over it this time. We get to choose.

[ And, with the conviction in her voice, it's clear that it's important to Rey. A meaningful distinction. ]

I didn't think I would want it back, but I feel ... [ Empty. Disconnected. She says neither of those things, but what she does admit is no less true for it. ] Strange without it.

[warfares]

Like a missing limb. ( not to be too melodramatic about it or anything. the phantom pangs they experience certainly call to mind the stories he'd heard as a boy, watching his uncle peel away the synth-flesh from his hand as he fiddled with some mechanism or other.

this new connection isn't the same. will never be the same, but. it's something. something of substance even if it's the wrong sort of substance. )

We can ask about making it permanent, if you like? I imagine there's some way to do so.

[purpose]

Like something is missing.

[ She agrees, coming awkwardly after a considerable pause. Comparing it to the loss of a limb feels too grim, but ... he isn't wrong. In only a few days, she's grown used to having him there, unsettled when she's found the tether that binds them missing — like a limb that's been taken from her, never having considered the loss of it before it was gone.

And, now, learning to function without it. Having tried, at least, but if she doesn't have to suffer it alone, if it brings him closer to the Light — ]

There are. [ She blurts out, and then presses her lips together. ] There are ways to make it permanent. Vows to take. The Coven talks about it all of the time.

[warfares]

( well, let it not be said that the man doesn't have a reputation to keep up. and an aesthetic. it's difficult to be a tortured byronic hero when you're covered in nothing but pastels and good cheer. )

I've clearly not been paying attention. ( or, more accurately, has been too busy at his side hustle to have caught more than just the vaguest hints. he'll have to do something about that, going forward. evidently what he's missing is a lot. )

All right. Do we wait until the temporary bond dissolves, or ㅡ ?

( he isn't exactly sure of the protocol and if the temporary bond might in some way impede the cementing of something more permanent. things he might have considered if he hadn't known that this was an actual possibility. )

[purpose]

I don't know. Aren't you supposed to be the expert?

[ Ben Solo, forever the academic mind. even if there's a hint of flickering amusement in that question. More the point, he's taken to their lessons with a finesse Rey has lacked. Vividly, she remembers how he'd summoned that protective shell around himself, glowing; she hasn't so much as been able to summon the simplest of spells. ]

You should ask them. I don't think they like me very much.

[ If the pitying looks from today were anything to go by, she isn't exactly welcome or encouraged to keep attending their classes. ]

[warfares]

Your faith in me is heartening. ( the corners of his mouth tick upward briefly, amused. he'd walked right into that one, though it doesn't make it any less true. he can feel it, too. that exasperated fondness that undercuts her impatience with him. )

I'll make inquiries. Until then ㅡ ( he extends a hand to her. ) would you like to go?

[purpose]

You've used magic before. I've seen it.

[ She points out, as if in defense of her comment. It doesn't change that his statement, however amused, isn't far off from the mark; her faith in him had encouraged her to confront Skywalker, to leave Ahch-To behind for Ben. Here, that hope in him has only been nurtured by what he's done for her. What he will do for her, in terms of the bond.

Her eyes skip down to his outstretched fingers, thinking back on that night. It still doesn't feel anything less than surreal to slip her fingers between his, but she takes his offered hand, interlocking them with a nod. The chill of her hands hasn't faded, the heat of his skin stark against her low temperature. ]

Let's go.