Event Log: January, Return to Dorchacht

[faileas]

Event Log: January, Return to Dorchacht

I. A Tarnished Reality The teleporter to Dorchacht becomes operational by the 4th and the ambassadors return to their city with the first open, ceremonial operation of the device - along with any Mirrorbound who wish to join them, and Theodore Rosethorne and Sowilo, who make the trip as representatives of the Coven to ensure that all is well. Those who missed the first teleportation, never fear! Now that both waypoints are functional, Mirrorbound and others may travel freely between Aefenglom and Dorchacht at any point they choose to. Notably absent from the group, though - most of the Dorchacht refugees originally smuggled into Aefenglom. Only three or four are going back with the ambassadors, and they're primarily Witches. The rest have chosen to stay. Upon return to Dorchacht, it's obvious that some major changes have been made with the new regime. The sky is overcast, but it's merely fault of the weather at this time of year - the oppressive fog that used to hang over the Black City is gone, along with its effects on the natural lunar cycle. The auction blocks, damaged in the fires of the event the locals now call "The Rising", have been fully torn down, not a trace of them left to sully the streets. Where the triple stars of the Resistance used to be worn in secret, a majority of citizens now bear them openly (and in many cases, proudly) on pins and on clothing. In fact, any Witches who do not display the triple stars on their person somewhere, are generally regarded with suspicion, disgust, or fear unless they're recognized as Mirrorbound Witches - careful not to be mistaken for a Drummond sympathizer. The Monster citizens won't be outwardly cruel to any Witches, but will be somewhat fearful, hurrying their children along or crossing the street to get away. Recognizable Mirrorbound, those who were there during The Rising and before, are treated a bit like celebrities on the streets, though any Mirrorbound are given a warm welcome, albeit a little less warm for Witches. Storytellers share tales of how diplomats treating one another, Witches and Monsters alike, as equals so publicly and openly within Dorchacht gave them hope that such a life is attainable, or how a band of Mirrorbound snuck into the city under the cover of darkness and helped give their Resistance a leg up in the good fight against Drummond's extremists. Others share stories of being rescued from burning buildings or cruel Witches during The Rising by brave heroes. Many of these tales are shared in the form of song, as homage to those Mirrorbound who brought hopeful music to Dorchacht through the radio, which is still operational and playing a selection of music with a little more variety. Still a bit soft, their speakers and songs are, but as time passes, they grow a little more experimental, branching out from the lullabies that used to be played. Overall, the Black City is much less black these days, a little greener and brighter from the plants left by Mirrorbound before. Where the old Dorchacht could take your breath away with its feeling of barred oppression, many of those barricaded windows have been opened, reinforcements on the doors broken down. Though things are never perfect after a revolution, and it's clear that the work continues. Armed Resistance guards patrol the streets in trios, normally two Monsters and a Witch, to keep the peace. Their first priority is the protection of Monsters, many of whom still seem anxious and scared as they go about their days - not of the guards themselves, who they often greet with smiles, but of the Witches and humans they pass on the streets. In some cases, keeping the peace means breaking up fights between their own and those humans and Witches who do not want to accept Monsters as their equals, and in some cases it means putting Drummond sympathizers in their places with intimidation and force. While they do their best to keep skirmishes out of Mirrorbound sight, it's clear that despite the improvements, Dorchacht is still no utopia, and the road to a true peace is fraught with speedbumps. As noted, characters are free to travel between Aefenglom and Dorchacht by teleporter as often as they'd like! The waypoints will remain open even after this month and travel will be unrestricted; we will note if this situation changes in the future. Dorchacht quests are also now available ICly!

II. A Few Alterations a. The Coven Major changes are still underway. One of the biggest that Mirrorbound will notice is that the new administration of Dorchacht have moved the Coven. The old building is in a state of disrepair right now, doors and windows wide open, the interior stripped of trappings. The library has shed its books to somewhere else. The basement where so many horrors took place is abandoned. Instead, a sign has been erected outside it, stating that this center of Drummond's operations will be turned into a museum to remember their unpleasant history, and to memorialize those who lost their lives fighting for freedom. It's still a work in progress, and not high on the priority list when survival and care of the citizens have to take precedence, but inside, characters may still find small shrines set up in various places to Resistance members who died there. Instead, Dorchacht's new Coven is currently based inside an old manor located just a handful of blocks from the town square, and it's a much more informal affair. Magic lessons have continued with Resistance Witches, though the subject matter has changed instead. They experiment with different types of magic based on their own interests, but many are studying plant magic, medicine, and defensive spells that can be used out in the Wilde. Anything that will prove to be practical going forward. Lessons are also open to Monsters now, so they can see what their magical brethren are learning (and know that the compulsion and control spells that Morgana loved so much are no longer being taught). With the Coven being moved, visitors from Aefenglom are offered places to stay either within the manor of the new Coven, or in various empty houses around the city. Stay as long as you'd like, they say, and apologize that the accommodations aren't nicer - reconstruction is still obviously ongoing all over the city, repairing damages from The Rising and the fighting that happened afterward. They don't really have anywhere as nice as the rooms their ambassadors were given in Aefenglom. b. The Walls One of the biggest on-going projects in Dorchacht right now is removing the Monster control spells from the set of enchantments on their city walls. High on the list of priorities is making sure that Monsters can feel safe again, secure in their own minds and bodies. As the spells are made visible, particular sets of runes have to be ground down and smoothed over. A spell is either cast or provided to soften the stone temporarily, and then it's basically going at it with magitech-powered sanders created by Hilda. The particular runes that need to be gotten rid of will be provided on reference sheets - please don't touch the others, they chide! Those are to protect from the Cwyld, and are still very important. While help is welcomed with open arms and enthusiasm at most sections of the walls, those guards posted at one particular small district, guarded with trios of Resistance members at each entrance and warded with alarm magic to warn of escape, turn Mirrorbound away; these runes are being altered, not removed, to help contain unruly Drummond loyalists, they say. The people who now live in that guarded district are all human, whether they're Witches or no, and all refuse to bear the triple stars. "Troublemakers," the guards will explain grimly. "We have to contain them for now. It isn't a perfect solution, but they've hurt people, or tried to hurt people, since Drummond was run out of town." c. Bond Lessons Bonding is a bit of a tricky subject in the new Dorchacht. Many Monsters are afraid of the idea, as it was once used as one of the collars around their necks, but the Circle of Three recognize it as an important way to wean citizens off the lullabies and calming draughts that prevent going feral during full moons. As part of encouraging others to form Bonds, partnerships at the very least the way most Resistance members describe theirs, there are demonstrations and public seminars that pop up around Dorchacht on the regular. They may be as informal as a circle in what's going to be a park or as official-seeming as a talk held inside a shop or lecture hall, but they have one thing in common. Many of the citizens are keen on getting Mirrorbound in on it -- mostly by dragging them in, asking if they have a Bonded, and if they do, they tell the Mirrorbound to talk about their Bonded. They're interested in the ups and downs (but mostly ups) of having one in order to show that if the Mirrorbound are into it, you should be too! They accept all stories but prefer the happy ones - the aim is to encourage their Monster citizens and help them be less afraid of taking that step with Witches. And for those who aren't in a Bond, or decline to talk -- well, they get what amounts to a "flour sack baby" in the form of a Dorchacht citizen of the opposite role of their own (a Monster would receive a human/Witch, a Witch would receive a Monster) that they must hang with for a day, ensuring no harm comes to them, bound by one of the temporary Bonding potions so popular in the Wilders' ranks. (As a note, for the second option, you have free reign of the NPC; do the personalities you find fun, be they cooperative or mischievous, shy or loud, abrasive to your character or someone they can genuinely get along with. They are all willing - no one is being forced into this. No Fae or Dragons allowed for Monster NPCs, unfortunately, as they are still very much not about.)

III. Ahoy Mateys! With Dorchacht opening up again after the last few months of closed off internal fighting, plenty of trading ships' Captains are ready and raring to go build business relations with the new regime and find a new market for some of their wares. There has been increased interest in finding a shorter route to Dorchacht by sea - the teleporter is useful for small groups of people, sure, but it can't handle much cargo. The only problem? Ships are being turned back, barely halfway there, with significant damage to their hulls. Brave individuals looking for a seafaring adventure are asked to come aboard and help the crew navigate tumultuous waters, hopefully figuring out along the way what's causing the damage to previous ships. It's a three day trip to Dorchacht if the waters are kind, and characters can simply teleport back home once there. On board the various ships brave enough to return to the sea, Mirrorbound find the problem halfway through the trip: a colossal squid that's made it home at this point, thrashing ships that come too close to its den. While uninfected, it does have injuries on its body, which may be the source of its lashing out. The ships are able to bring themselves close enough for longer ranged attacks, and the Harpy on board are careful not to be captured by the churning waves caused by the thrashing, but there's others who want to seek a less violent mean to end this surf and turf conflict. Killing, healing, subduing, or relocating it are all valid options, but getting in close to do any of those will be difficult, as it has a tendency to ink up the waters around it and reduce visibility to nothing. Be careful of any creatures swimming around that are interested in the weakened squid as well, such as various carnivorous fish, sea-plants, and things that appear alike to Merrow, but rely only on instinct. The Merrow cannot be spoken to, nor are they infected; the Captains of the ships will explain that they're "wild", and refer to them as distant cousins to the Merrow that sparsely populate Aefenglom itself.

IV. Back At Home Back in Aefenglom, the stir caused by the Circle of Three's arrival takes time to calm. It's the talk of the town for days - many seem happy about Morgana Drummond's apparent demise. "Good for them," is the general sentiment in the residential areas more populated by Monsters and the Harbor District. They're glad to know that things are on the way up there. Others think this is a boon; should anything happen, now Aefenglom has an ally city to stand with them, one in their debt. Others still don't really care either way, and go about their lives as if nothing's happened. The refugees, in their neighborhoods on the far reaches of the Haven, seem happy to hear news from home and find The Dragon/Starlight/Fafnir freed, and while a few of them choose to return to Dorchacht, having never put down roots in Aefenglom, more still don't wish to leave the homes and families they've formed here, or the Mirrorbound who have helped them so much over the months. Some even doubt that things are as good as they say, and choose to remain for that reason - slavery and ill treatment from the upper class in Aefenglom instilled in them a sense of (well-earned) paranoia regarding the intentions of Witches, especially those back home. They hear that things have changed, but don't necessarily want to find out for themselves. Even still, the mood is upbeat, with a general consensus that if Morgana is really gone, that's at least a solid step in the right direction. In the Aristocratic District, though, the atmosphere is sour. The general sentiment is that they wish the refugees would have left with those ambassadors. The kinder ones think Aefenglom should focus on its own citizens - the people from the Outer City brought in to weather the blizzard have never left, after all, still living in the neighborhoods with the refugees. Those who are more vocally outspoken about the Mirrorbounds' presence in the city think they should have all left to Dorchacht. Let another city shoulder all the misfortune they bring with them! Many of the people grumbling about that are ones who were directly affected by the Mists back in October, either through temporary changes themselves or through being attacked by ferals. Some of the more hot-headed young people try to spread this message - through graffiti, on homes and businesses in the Haven and the refugees' district, though if caught, they're quick to run away and not willing to enter into a confrontation. The graffiti is wholly mundane and not particularly difficult to remove, just unpleasant, telling Mirrorbound and refugees alike to "go home" or "go back to Dorchacht", in so much colorful language. Seems there's still some work to do at home, as well.

Welcome to your establishing post for the current situation in Dorchacht! This log takes place through the entire month; characters can come and go as they please. As always, you can direct all your questions HERE. This month we're also putting up a City Tracker for PC actions, both in Aefenglom's plot later on and Dorchacht's log here. Let us know what your character is doing, good or bad! The cut-off for the tracker is February 3rd.

Comments

[futhark]

This sounds almost like a business arrangement— or more like an arranged marriage in this case. The latter being a staple back in his times.

"Sounds like a plan— your efficiency is commendable." Cú means it. Not everyone faced with Soren's situation could analyze it and look for solutions and strategies with calm such a calm head. So he gives praise where it's due. Both of his Bonds started for practical reasons, even though there was a foundation of friendship, respect, and/or rivalry. It's different from those people who Bond easily out of passion.

On the other hand, Bond is still a union of souls. It's private and it can be intimate to a terrifying degree. Passion compliments that well. "My curiosity compels me to ask who this special someone might be, but I know better than expect it to be indulged."

He lets a breath of a soft laugh, his own nosiness has to be kept on the leash. Perhaps, there is a sliver of advice or suggestion he can make though.

"But while you are considering options, have you looked into temporary-bonds? That will stave off the symptoms for a while"

[silentsavant]

Soren nods, focused more on the tail end of his response. "I have resorted to them in the past, but they are what they are: only temporary. A real, more permanent Bond is much better to have." Dark thoughts cloud over his mind, casting shadows across his face as he keeps his eye contact reserved for his clawed and scaled hand resting on the table. He curls his fingers. "...For something like me, especially. I don't... want to find out what I'm capable of when I reach the full extent of my transformation on a full moon cycle. I've already experienced it in doses." His voice softens even more. "Left unchecked, I might become a tremendous threat to Aefenglom. I need to count upon Witches capable of calming me down. Or powerful enough to restrain me."

The deep-seated fear rises to touch the quality of his bated voice. He has a terrible feeling about what sort of Dragon he's shaping into. Whatever comes, Soren knows one thing: he is going to need help. He can't keep trying to do everything by himself.

"I don't want become a savage beast lost to madness."

[futhark]

Cú reaches out and covers Soren's hand with his, giving it a good squeeze. Clawed and scaled it might be, but he doesn't mind— he never minds.

"You won't." It's said with utmost confidence and faith. No stumbling over condolences, sorry for your beasthood, no look of sympathy that could be mistaken for pity. "The Moon songs are hard to resist, but you got this under control, you're taking all the right steps. And soon you will be safely out of their influence."

He meets the severity of this situation with the same grim acceptance as any tragedy or loss. Refocusing what lies in the future, rather than on pain here and now. Doubt can be poisonous, but just as fear it really is unavoidable. Being given support and comfort in a moment like this— everyone needs that, no?

"So what do you seek in someone you'd want to Bond with?"

[silentsavant]

The hand secured over his washes him in soft surprise, pulling him from the drudge of his unpleasant thoughts to look Cú in the eyes, listen carefully to the conviction soaking his voice through and through. It's enough to make him believe past his current doubts, if only for this moment. He takes a few to recover from the impact of his firm comfort, the kind he'd really been needing. Something about the way his table partner looks right now, be it a trick of the light, a trick of his heart, or the clout of his bearing manages to strike Soren like the scrape of a match.

"Let's see..." he begins, to work himself out of the mental stutter. The contact tingles somewhere between comfortable and uncomfortable, a bit distracting, but he keeps his hand there for as long as Cú decides to reach for him, like an animal deciding not to bite the hand that feeds him. He starts off businesslike and composed. "Ideally, they would be strong. Mentally and emotionally stable. Serious about the conflicts we find ourselves trapped in. Above all, someone I can rely on."

The memory of Ike fills him, mind, heart, and soul. He cannot have that here. Nobody could be him, no matter how closely they fit the vast, empty shape he left behind in Soren. He casts his gaze to the screen that partitions them off from the rest of the pub, slightly affected by the turn of his feelings.

"I want him to be honest and straightforward. Genuine and loyal to his friends and allies. Kind, perhaps... and not just when it's convenient for him." He shakes his head as though dismissing it all, knowing full well where his description is treading, expression wrought with lines and furrows as he undergoes a severe pang of heartache. He returns his full but weary attention back to Cú. "I can't be that picky, though. I just want someone I can be confident will support me, and I will support them in whatever way they need of me in return. That's all I can really ask for."

[futhark]

Cú listens and allows his expression to soften. Hand still lingering, maybe a little heavy, with fingers too long and hints of callouses, but also warm— much warmer than that of a normal human would be, a mark of a fire-witch in a sense.

"That's not being picky, Soren. You've got your values, and you won't compromise them, that's integrity." It's admirable how clearly Soren can communicate his needs and wishes. It's not easy, but those things are never meant to be easy. The emotions that arose, he interprets them as longing— perhaps to the Bonded lost? Hm.

"Each Bond is different and important, ensuring it is forged with someone you want to be Bonded with is crucial. I'm not going to say that I understand completely how it feels to lose one though, but taking your time to figure what you truly need, looks to me like the wisest choice"

Suddenly he taps his finger at the hand underneath his. Tap. Tap. Tap.

"Time to figure out when people like this have the highest chance of hanging out, and throw yourself there, no?" Because while this kind of knowledge is great to have, Cú can't help but imagine that anyone who self-describes themselves with words like the ones used here, are either incredibly self-aware but also arrogant, or anything but what the description says. "Or perhaps you'd prefer a recommendation?"

There are a few who he'd sing praises like that to.

[silentsavant]

"Time is of the essence here," he contests, withdrawing his hand in spite of the luxurious and comfortable warmth to settle it into his lap, softness of his exposed emotions retreating behind stone-faced gravity. "In an ideal world, I could afford to mull over my prospects for the 'perfect match'... but this is my current reality. While I have no Bonds at all, I'll take what opportunities I can get. That said, if you do have recommendations for me, please let me hear of them."

In the meantime, the waitress arrives with a smiling face to deposit their order between them. Soren acknowledges her, but doesn't mind the intrusion on their conversation; he appears ready to listen to what he has to say at any moment.

[futhark]

"That's why I mentioned temporary Bonds but— yeah, fair" Cú nods twice, conceding as he runs his head for people that would fit the requirements. Not to mention— the stages of worsening conditions are different for everyone, and Soren the best knows on which stage he is now.

He takes a sip of the mulled ale. In the end, the recommendation would still necessitate being introduced, the time required to get to know each other better— but it's still stepping forward towards helping Soren achieve his goal. And he... he likes the Dragon, and don't want him to fall towards this darkness he fears.

"There's a man named Lancer, hailing from the same land as I do—" he starts speaking of Diarmuid and doesn't even try to hide wistful fondness from his voice. And here comes the class monicker again, if only because he isn't sure how to open about his name Diarmuid is "An honorable knight he is, noble and loyal—" well... at least he wants to be, but things in the far past of their legends are a long time over "He offers his kindness and honesty not only to his friends. Without doubt, he is one of the most radiant of ours"

Another sip, feeling the spices warm him up, adding the pleasant aftertaste to the ale.

"That's the first." And he got more. Zelda comes to mind, from people he had known since the beginning. Then there is Iskandar.

[silentsavant]

"Lancer..." mulls Soren as he cradles his cup in his hands, the heat a nice substitute for what he lost when he pulled back. The spark of recognition glints. "Ah, I've met him before. It was the first night. Or, well... you could say I met his spear before I met the man." He brings the ale to his lips; it buzzes fragrantly on his tongue. He gulps it down, trying not to wince too hard at the sting of alcohol. "We were all a little wound up that night. ...Since that's probably not his true name, would it be too great a leap to assume that he also participated in the same war that you did?"

[futhark]

"Aahhh... So he already left an impression, I see." And what a different one! Cú shakes his head and lets a small chuckle before taking another sip of the ale. There's always something in the combination of the spiced warmth that makes him relax really quickly. Though a wince on Soren's face might be indication that ale is not his first choice. There are other drinks to try another day, perhaps.

"That's right, the same type of 'war'. They happen every few decades so we must have missed each other" Both pity and a good thing at the same time. Now that ale makes him more chatty he drifts momentarily into the subject with a clearer explanation. "Well, it's got a 'war' in name but it can be misleading. It's more of a ritual, really. Where the mages participating call upon souls of those who left a mark on the history. Then command them to battle"

For a cup. For a poisonous, wish-granting cup. It's all rotten and selfish but a trace of honour could be found in there once.

"We never met during our lives, centuries apart they were— but he had inscribed the story of his great deeds and tragedy upon the same island I called home. His name can be heard in songs even to this day—" So is his own, but what hero crows about his own accomplishments? It's Diarmuid that is the focus now. "Not saying you have to give him a chance, but he's definitely someone that could surprise you in a good way— have you two fought that night?"

[silentsavant]

"No, but we almost did," he answers. "I walked in on his lodging and found a spear pointed at my throat for it." He'd brought his magic tome out to defend himself, too... before knowing its power had been completely stripped from it upon entering Aefenglom. The ancient language evokes no power when no forces here can comprehend it. He shakes his head. "Needless to say, I chose not to sleep there that night."

The odd temporal discrepancy makes a little more sense when he explains how mages summon people from beyond, but it's still a lot to take in. It certainly alters his perception of who Cú is, how he must relate to the world around him if he is a heroic figure made manifest by a magic ritual, a man whose days were supposed to be left far behind him but now stretch before him here in Aefenglom. Hadn't he heard something similar before? About mages summoning the spirits of heroes from past ages to fight in some war over a magical relic? He still doesn't quite understand the contextual bulk of such a custom, but he's grasped the gist of it while falling asleep by the fireplace, right next to another monster who used to be a mage like himself. A connection clicks.

"I think I'm beginning to understand something. You and Lancer are what is called a Servant, aren't you? Heroic Spirits. I now know of three people here who were summoned to fight in this ritualistic battle, and one Master. Waver told me that he summoned his Bonded, Iskandar, to fight for him in one of these wars." He takes another sip, more acclimated to the bite this time. "It was to fight over some powerful, highly sought-after relic. I don't understand much else... For example, why they need to bring heroes back from the dead to do it. They're mages, aren't they? Why don't they fight their own battles?" A tinge of annoyance colors his tone. "This is starting to remind me of our current situation..."

Even he is starting to get a bit loose in the tongue, and more free to express the grievances Cú is already well aware of by now. He glares at the Sisters beyond the roof, but only for a flicker of a second, which looks like a dramatic eyeroll. But familiarity with this sort of process might shed some light on how they got here and why. It would help to explain why Cú seemed to grasp all the ideas and leads he had before with such ease.

[futhark]

Diarmuid can be very intense, and Cú can't help but wonder- was he protecting the place or rather someone dwelling inside there? Doesn't matter, it still was a hostile welcome. Perhaps it would be a good moment to segue into the other recommendations but that's the moment Soren mention "Servants" and "spirits of heroes".

It's incredible, truly, seeing Soren connect the dots so swiftly, tearing open a complicated riddle. Clever, so clever. Cú's body language shifts slightly, from surprise, with eyes going from pupils blown wide into thin slits by a second of wariness (someone knowing that much would normally be a threat, old habits die hard) to more relaxed posture and a shadow of a smile playing on his lips.

"I see you've got bits and pieces already- never seen anyone work it out so quickly." Of course, Waver is a source of information better than any of the Servants would be. With the Inkchanted business and casual camaraderie it's easy to forget this boy was a Master too. "Mages back in our world seek knowledge first, but they do not shy from battle. The answer to your 'why' is 'every magecraft has a price'..."

Swap 'magecraft' with 'magic' and it's Coven's tired and repeated adage. Familiar in its functionings.

"Relic they seek has a power to grant a wish, any wish no matter how stupid or impossible it might be. But it needs fuel to pull that off." Or rather a sacrifice. "At least six of the seven summoned spirits needs to die to activate it properly, and since only one of the mages can lay a claim on it- turning it into a battle made the most sense."

Even the dead needs reason and goal to interact with the mortal world. And so many of them have simply unfinished business or wish never fulfilled. The true workings of the ritual or the dangers it brings are never advertised. And a lot of shadows and muddy answers are placed to obscure its true nature. As magi often do.

"But the system they tinkered with is much older. The mages warped an ancient safeguard. If the world is facing a calamity of no previous precedence it can call forth those souls as a last bastion of defense." That was where the lead-up was going to. Back to Geardagas, back to their role in Talam. It's just a theory, only a theory, but from his point of view always made the most sense. Funny because it ties back to first conversation they had with Soren, ages ago on the summons meeting. The purpose and direction. "Now you see why I'm inclined to believe that we, the Mirrorbounds, are a similar line of defense."

This world is summoning exceptional individuals, those with impossible potential and those with skills and knowledge necessary to push the healing process forward. Or there is bigger threat than just Cwyld right behind the corner. It reeks of belief in destiny-

-but one prophecy defined Cú Chulainn's life, if anything it taught him is that defying fate is meaningless.

The next swig he takes of the mulled ale is noticeably larger one.

[silentsavant]

Judging by the fleeting transformations of the witch's face, Soren can sense how grave these grounds are that he's treading upon. He's seen that look enough times to tell that he's gone too far and knows too much. But Soren places enough stock in his table partner's ability to recognize that whatever secrets needed to be guarded don't hold as much meaning in a place so far removed from that old battlefield corrupted my magi. What harm could he possibly do with information like that? Open old wounds, perhaps, is the extent of it.

The mood between them has plummeted. Soren is to blame for pushing the conversation in this direction, but he came out of it with a small cache of knowledge. Even with the faint cloud of tipsiness drifting in, the dragon absorbs every drop of the explanation, his curiosity satisfied.

"More than ever," he replies with a curt nod. "You're more used to this sort of thing than I am. Thankfully, I don't think we were all summoned here to fight one another. It seems more likely that we should be working together. Forming Bonds that bolster each individual piece, a network of these connections that reinforces the whole." He takes another light sip and rests the cup on the table, his chin on his laced hands, eyes pinned on Cú. He ought to change the subject, reel it back a bit from these depths. "Forgive me for turning the focus on you so abruptly like this, but I would like to know a little more about the man across from me, if you don't mind. He seems interesting." A suggestive gleam catches in his eyes, the subtlest of smiles lifting at the corners of his lips. The tip of his tail curls. "Would you ever recommend him as a partner?"

[futhark]

That momentarily catches Cú off-guard, as if a heart skipped a beat. It takes a second or three to have it sink who exactly Soren has in mind. A different kind of surprise painted on his face, the speechless one before it transforms into a... short, radiant laugh.

"Smooth Soren, that was so smooth." It was a flawless execution, he's only giving credit where it's due. But it also proves to be a hard bargain. Once again he mentally recounts what Soren seeks in Bondmate, but ends abandoning it. There is no way he can talk about himself in lenses of them, it reeks of arrogance to him. There is a difference in pride and confidence and well, that. So instead, he chooses to just tell it as it is. What he can be confident in, is who he is. Another sip of the ale to clear his throat before he starts.

"About this man, I can tell you that he lived and died, holding close to his heart values similar to those you hold dear. Given word? Sacred. Ultimately, his kin and king, their well-being and wishes always come first. As he never shied away from a battle and was set to live his life in a way that would let him die without regrets" Like a candle burning from both ends. Did it succeed? Almost entirely. Not regrets left but... remorse for some of the things that happened. A resigned one, and this brief silence is telling. Now though, time for some brutal honesty. "That man would not tell a lie, but as you've noticed he is not above omitting things. What he would call bold, others often called reckless. Here, his Bonded are the first true allegiance he has, but Mirrorbounds as a whole come right next— what is there to be made from this 'new life' remains to be seen."

Is there a purpose to be found. It's close to admitting vulnerability and doubts to someone he barely knows. But honesty is a requirement in the subject they are speaking about. Cú sighs, resting his chin on the palm of his hand. Fingers tapping his own cheek, once, twice. It's kind of uncomfortable to present himself this way. Long gone are his teen years where he would challenge world-weary men with a loud yell 'I am Cú Chulainn' to prove himself in rage— in few years from that, he learned what's behind that weariness as well. It's loss.

"Now, does it sounds like a recommendation to you?" A smile returns on his lips, curious one, but also just a tiny bit sheepish.

[silentsavant]

Smooth? How does it feel to be flirted with, Cú? My, the turns certainly have tabled!!!

It wouldn't have mattered much how well Cú fit the criteria laid out for him. All Soren had been seeking in asking this question was more of a sense for who he might have been once upon a time, who he is now that he's given a chance to live again on different terms. If he hopes to tie his soul to another's, he would at least like to know who it is he's bound to.

None of it really impresses Soren: heroes don't, not really. He never grew up on tales of chivalry or bravery, loyal knights or plucky adventurers. For too long a time, he never knew that concepts like valor nor of selflessness even existed, that those were traits people could carry. There is only one hero who could turn his head, and it has nothing to do with how many battles he won or how many kingdoms he's saved. Way before people started calling him things like Patriotic Hero; Radiant Hero; Hero of the Blue Flames, he had been Soren's before any of that. Most importantly, he gave him what he wanted more than the life he had already given up on: to be spoken to like another person. Make him feel like somebody out there wanted him to keep living.

Unattached, he can appreciate admirable qualities for what they are worth, even if he gets the impression of a hot-headed warrior who thrived off of fighting if it were for a principled cause. ...In truth, Ike had been like that. Reckless, especially when he was younger. Always fighting, always driven to seek out worthy opponents with whom to test the sword hand he inherited from his father against. But he always had strong principles that he adhered to. Based on what Soren professed he would like in a Bond, Cú fits pretty well. But again, this was never a test to score how many 'Ike points' someone has. The fact of that matter is still that nobody can replace him. But he needs to open his stingy heart to others if he wants to keep his mind. And so, he keeps locked on this one, who seems like a nice catch, all things considered. It also helps that he seems to take well to Soren — enough to invite him to spend time with him. He's not good at making people like him... which is another reason he can't be incredibly picky, either.

The dragon had already bared the most volatile part of it to him before, back when he'd bared his skin for him, too. The smoldering embers within his icy shell prodded at to flare with furious passion all his own. And right now, he can see some of Cú bared helplessly before him in turn, the way his smile has been affected in a way he doesn't usually see of him. Like he should be afraid of falling short of his expectations after presenting himself to him in summary? Soren isn't sure what he feels beholding him in this light, but it's probably all the ale swimming inside of him with no food yet.

"He seems worth my consideration," Soren replies on a breezy lilt, his forearms now folded over the surface of the table. "Do you think he's open? He seems like he must be pretty popular, after all. Why, just on the way here, a harpy was falling all over him, and I doubt it was just his good looks she was swooning over. Still, I thought I should at least ask."

[futhark]

Time to get that fast recovery and flirt back, clearly.

Mention of Henrietta though... that brings some thoughts to mind. The harpy might be the first person who seemed to want to Bond with him not out of necessity for survival, but simply because— she would want to, and she would want to do that with him. If not for them being so far apart, and Cú having no desire to move to Dorchacht, would he consider agreeing? A good question.

Ultimately, the natives of this world had been Witcher or Monsters for the whole of their lives. They learned how to successfully manage and navigate with alternatives to the Bond. It's definitely a strong boon for them, but clearly not as of dire importance as it is to Mirrorbounds. So he puts these questions to rest.

"I just heard he might be..!" Cú's fingertips brush the glass on the side. "His current Bonds are to a certain resolute chimera and shrewd dragon. That would leave his third spot open and since a man of your charm and cleverness is hard to ignore, he would definitely be willing but—"

Yes, there is a `but`, unfortunately. In cases like this, he opts for direct honesty, so he says how things are. He taps the glass once, twice.

"I heard while he doesn't have a third Bond yet, he is in a spot that he can't make it available just yet. For he has promised a friend, a witch, to keep them safe. Right now it means trying to make them meet another friend of his, a chimera who just happened to lost her Bond. They would be good for each other, but he can't decide whether it works out. But as he treats that promise seriously, and if that arrangement he is trying to make does not work out— I'm sure you understand."

Witches bonding with Witches isn't bad per-se, but for Enkidu it would be their only Bond. Which is why he is pushing for them to find a Monster, like Caren who is in the same problem with his. But as he said it earlier, the word binds him. Should it not work out, he will Bond with Enkidu to keep them safe as he promised.

His open to your proposition Soren, but he can't agree just yet, as unfortunate as it is.

"I will keep you updated on those matters, should you want to be"

[silentsavant]

"I understand. His given word is sacred, after all," he replies, succumbing to a soft and tipsy smile. A fuzzy, numbing warmth fills him down to his fingers and toes, helps to shield him from feeling any bit disappointed about the tentative rejection. There's still hope, after all, and he's right on his way to sealing the deal with another Witch. He's not in a bad position, really. His elbows rest on the table; his pale chin over his charcoal-colored hands, and with a slight cock of his head, adds, "But anything can happen. Should he be inclined to take yet another 'shrewd dragon' to his side, he'll know which one will be awaiting his hand in Bondage." His smile turns wry.

This little lightweight has really loosened up quite a bit.

[futhark]

"Bondage is... a very curious way to put it." Cú can't help but point it out, before taking another sip.

Alcohol does make some things easier. There are idioms and saying about that, probably in every world. Or at least, in every world it exists. And Soren is right in that it's not an outright rejection but more of 'matters are kind of complicated right now'. Though Cú can't help but wonder— if was he Bonded to three Monsters, would it really upset the balance if the fourth Bond was a witch? Because that's what would happen should he accept Soren readily, and his promise to Enkidu needed to be taken to the Bond level.

There is too little known about the potential side-effects, really.

"And the dragon is not only shrewd, but also very smooth" And that's when Cú reaches to run the tip of his finger on side of Soren's hand, exactly where the scales are the blackest— checking for his own how smooth exactly that hand is.

[silentsavant]

Even with his inhibitions lowered, his reaction time slowed, and his mood warmer and fuzzier than his everyday wear, Soren tenses as the hand draws near. Before Cú has the chance to lay a finger on him, Soren snatches it.

"A little too eager to take my hand, aren't you?" he quips with a sigh, then sets their linked hands down on the table to let him go. "Promising, but..." He shakes his head, maintaining a more lighthearted mien that decorates how serious he is about it. "I'm afraid I'd prefer that you settle to look rather than touch with such wanton abandon. If we Bonded, on the other hand... I might cultivate a different attitude about it."