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

[exterreo]

[Ardyn is his brother, Ardyn has always been by his side, Ardyn basically helped raise him. Usually, those things would just be endearing in a normal family but right now all it means is that Ardyn knows exactly the right way to hit him. He clenches his fist until he can feel his nails digging him into his skin- that’s always helped him ground himself, the pain making it easier to focus. Even when dealing with his asshole brother.]

Oh?

[He says, and his voice shouldn’t quite crack in that single syllable and yet, it manages to.]

Harsh decisions? Like not letting millions of people die because you thought yourself too good to deal with the illness engulfing out land effectively?

[scourged]

[ The comment of letting million die gets a smile, the sort that doesn't do anything to soften the mockery in Ardyn's expression. This argument is ancient, almost prehistoric and Ardyn idly wonders if Somnus will ever move past it. He seems determined to be right and history is somewhat on the younger brother's side, but then it relies on the fact that no-one knows how Somnus went around burning villages down.

If Somnus thinks he has some kind of trump card, Ardyn will be the first to point out that he does not.]

The joke is on you; in doing what you did you ensured all but the end of the world further down the line. I'm sure those left behind will be thankful to you for the lives they are spending in perpetual darkness.

[exterreo]

You lie.

[He snaps, even before Ardyn has finished his sentence, snaps as he takes yet another step towards Ardyn. The more he talks the more he can see how he's changed, how the naive, hopeful, frustrating brother he once loved is gone leaving a creature of Somnus' own making in his place.

Ardyn has to be lying. There's no if, there's no doubt in Somnus' mind- he has to be lying. Because no matter what they think of him, no matter what they believe of his motifs he'd always done things for the good of the people, he'd always put their kingdom first. And he'd made so many mistakes, done so many things he'd regret until his last breath- but he had to keep telling himself it was worth it, he had to keep telling himself it was for the greater good.

It can't all have been in vain. He can't have condemned his future descendants when he condemned himself.]

I am the founder King, I was told that much. I know my descendants will have a line of people protecting them, I know there will many, many generations to come. You're lying to me, dear brother.

[scourged]

Why would I waste my effort in making up such tales of fancy?

[ Really. If Ardyn really wanted to he could have weaved such a fantastical story to really raise Somnus's hair. As it is the truth is all that more lethal and he watches as his brother tries to digest what he's hearing. Even as the other takes a step forwards Ardyn does nothing in his defense; there's no squaring of the shoulders or steeling of his self to prepare for any blow. There's simply the smallest, defiant tilt of the chin and and even wider smile.

It almost makes all the suffering worth it. Almost. Ardyn can't wait to see the look on Somnus's face when he hears the same thing from someone else.]

Whoever told you that was right in there would be many generations to come. One hundred and fourteen or so if I'm right, though really, it's hard to keep count of them all sometimes. [ Ardyn leans in, completely unconcerned so far about anyone lashing out as he lowers his voice to a whisper full of venom.]

I can guarantee you it won't go further than that.

[exterreo]

[So Ignis and Prompto’s king, his descendant, the one that everyone has told him looks so much like him will be the last one of his line if Ardyn is to be believed. And once he would have never, ever doubted Ardyn- he was the honest, hopeful, frustratingly naive brother while Somus learned how to brandish his lies like he brandished his blade. But it feels like, right now, their roles have been reversed because Somnus is doing his best to find out the truth while Ardyn hides behind a cheshire smile.]

I did it for them.

[He blurts out, his mind kind of reeling with the possibility that every little thing he did, every sacrifice, every person he lost and every hard decision he had to make were for nothing. That Ardyn and Aera were right all along and all he did was doom everyone even further on.]

I did it for their future, to help the Astrals along with their plan. I didn’t- I can’t have doomed them. You were the one that was turning into a monster, brother, I simply helped everyone see.

[His voice is weaker than usual, it lacks his usual grandiosity and exuberance. But that's because he's aware that if Ardyn is telling the truth, if he really condemned his descendants into darkness... he doesn't really need this place to turn into a monster.]

[scourged]

[ The outburst is enough to have Ardyn blink in mild surprise. Did Somnus still truly believe everything he did was right, no questions asked? He doesn't know if he should be impressed at such a stubborn soul or dismayed; Somnus was meant to be the smarter one. Then again Ardyn knows it took a while to get over the whole Astral thing. Somnus will more than likely be the same and the ex-chancellor is going to love every second of watching that struggle.]

Think what you want, ultimately it is what it is. I could tell you a few more things to get the point home but why should I spend energy doing as such? If you are so keen to call me a monster then don't be surprised when I act like one.

[ Ardyn eventually steps back, giving Somnus a glance over and putting on his most disgusted look.]

I spent so much time waiting for some kind of vengeance, but seeing you here like this? Almost pitiful. That being said I truly can't wait to see what you're going to turn into.

[exterreo]

[He’s so unlike the young, hopeful Ardyn that he once knew, the brother that he once loved so deeply that it feels like he’s talking to a completely different person. He’d thought Ardyn had turned into a monster right in front of his eyes, that he had attacked him and Gilgamesh so viciously because he’d lost any ounce of humanity left in him the moment Somnus had buried his blade in Aera’s chest.

But no, he hadn’t been a monster. Not yet. The monster is right in front of him right now, enjoying his pain.]

How long, brother? How long were you trapped? How long were tales of Adagium told among our people?

[scourged]

How long? My what a personal question to be asking.

[ It would be too easy to tell Somnus, to point out that a few millennia had been spent in that hell hole. Sure, some days had blended into others yet Ardyn had been achingly aware of each and every year spent there once he'd been "rescued", pulled from one captivity to another in a sense. If he told Somnus then the other would have all the info he needed. Sooner or later someone would let the other know and Ardyn has half a mind to let it be the others that mention it.

Oh to be a fly on the wall when that happened.]

Ah ah ah, don't believe for one moment I'll be telling you everything. If you want answers then you'll have to do some leg work, dear brother.

[exterreo]

[And just like that, Somus has a flash. A flash of when they were younger, when Somnus was still a little kid who insisted in learning how to play chess with his big brother even though it as far too complicated for him at that young age. He remembers feeling frustrated, impatient, asking his brother to just tell him where to move the pieces. And he remembers, most of all, Ardyn telling him with a gentle, kind smile that he would never learn if he gave him all the answers, if he told him what to do. That he had to do the work himself.

And suddenly those words become poisonous, twisted, Ardyn using them against him with a sardonic smile on his face so different from the naive brother he remembers.

He’d thought Aera’s death would be the one mistake that hurt the most in this worth ordeal, but maybe that had been a kindness. So she didn’t have to see her beloved turn to this.]

I defeated you once, brother. And I will, once again, no matter what I have to become in the process.

[scourged]

[ What a shame it all is. No matter how angry and bitter Ardyn is over everything even he can see a glimmer of his younger brother in all of this, can remember better times before Somnus had been consumed with a "will of the people" mindset. Which is why it's all too easy to be spiteful to this one, to promise nothing but aggravation and torment. That little brother is gone, replaced with a soldier who has no feelings of his own when it comes to making decisions (or so it seems). Ardyn has no qualms in being dismissive of anything Somnus has to say, especially when it comes to crowing victory.]

Defeated me? My dearest sibling, the last time I looked you were dead and I was not. Locking someone away does not count as a victory and you'd be wise to remember that.

[exterreo]

Neither does survival.

[He says, before he can even stop himself. But why would he, when Ardyn is using his arsenal against him? If his brother is going to throw his weapons at him no holds barred then why should he? The shocked, kind of lost expression has slowly shifted into his trademark smirk because the fastest way to gain control over a situation is to pretend you already have it.]

I will be the one to make history, brother. [And rewrite it. But that's neither here nor there.] There's plenty of ways to survive and I choose the one that truly counts.