Intro Log: February

[faileas]

Intro Log: February

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 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 higher 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, along with those which feel to resemble yourselves in a world-traversing sense: Mirrorbound, they're called. "There's always a right lot of you coming in, aren't there." The woman sets her hands on her hips, with her Bonded casting a glance at those looking confused - newly arrived - and those who may have followed them in to talk to the newest addition of their mirrorbound bunch. "About time for introductions though- 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, or for us to summarize an answer. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly. For those that'd like a more player-based interaction, Aefenglom has its own Welcome Wagon under the same header! These are players who've volunteered for the role, and those that didn't sign up may assist as well if they'd feel their character would -- have fun, and make friends. Additionally, those with notable injuries or sickness will be attended to ASAP by Coven-based witches, and should anyone be curious about what they are - if they have magic potential, or if they swing a different way - then this can be done during this and the general hour or so the new arrivals are within the Coven's grounds. There are ongoing classes on magic, monsters, and Bonding as well, though they take place more during the day than at night - feel free to have your characters attend them at any time!

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 a 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 reads simply the information you've offered up yourself, or that someone might have written up for you, should that be their idea of fun.

IV. Faiolleach From the 1st to the 3rd of Feoveuer is the holiday of Faiolleach, a time of spring-cleaning and purification in preparation for the new solar year, of rebirth and youth. It comes at a fitting time, after the dark happenings of the previous month - happenings that most natives are not willing to discuss, except in hushed, sympathetic voices. It was horrible, you know, best to cast that negative energy out. They won't discuss the details, not being privy to them; that's for Mirrorbound to clue the new arrivals in on. Many who have been here longer, though, will notice that Mirrorbound do not receive such a negative response in the wealthier areas of town as they did before. The vast majority of citizens, wealthy elites included, are, at the very least, polite. Despite the storm cloud of the Rathmores' trial on the 3rd hanging over the city, citizens are trying to put on their cheerful faces to celebrate Faiolleach. Originally celebrating the arrival of the sun, it was represented by a daughter of heaven whose name has been lost to ages - many still leave small offerings of food and drink out to this mythical figure, believing it bad luck not to do so. This is mostly done by older natives; the younger generation brushes it off as superstition. They're much more excited about speed-dating parties set up around the city, and blind dating, encompassing the traits of good luck and fertility traditionally held by the holiday. a. Speed-Dating The popular Faiolleach trend among the youths of Aefenglom is speed-dating, normally held in small to mid-sized gatherings of similarly-aged humans and Monsters both. The parties are all independent, usually held at small restaurants or bars, or other local shops rented out for the occasion, and many try to out-do the others - different themes, costumes or dress codes, and magical gimmicks are present at different bashes. They all hold to a similar mechanic: party participants are encouraged to make the rounds and spend just a handful of minutes with each person, sharing information about themselves in order to determine compatibility, but the level of structure (casual to organized) and the types of icebreaker games differ wildly. Revelers in the streets are out to pull walk-in participation in whatever bash is going on nearby, but they back off easily if the person isn't interested. It's certainly not a required part of the holiday, but they're eager to see people having fun. Whatever a person's tastes or interests, it's probable they'll find a gathering to their liking; some are skewed more toward finding someone to Bond with or making a new friend rather than finding someone to date, while some held in the Red Light District are a little spicier, with lingerie or kink themes to their parties. Participation is all optional, but meeting new people, regardless of how, is highly encouraged. b. Bonfires After dark, on all three nights of Faiolleach, bonfires of different sizes are held, scattered around the city, the flames magically contained in circles of runes (to avoid more possible fire damage, with repairs still ongoing from last month). People gather around them to dance, sing folk songs, and share warming drinks with one another. Like the speed-dating parties, they vary wildly from area to area; some are folksy, all-ages affairs where grandmothers tut and offer hot chocolate to ward against the evening chill. A common children's and young adults' activity at these bonfires are decorating wands of white birch wood with ribbons and baubles, and using them in the group dances to create mesmerizing swirls of color and sparkle. Others, especially those in the Entertainment District, feature beautiful dancers of all species in fine silks and satins, performing dances that are a little more sultry. At the obviously-adults-only bonfires, the favorite drink passed around is alcoholic in nature, and lightly spiked with a potion to help the drinker lose some of their inhibitions and help them loosen up. These effects will be readily disclosed to anybody who is offered a cup, to let them choose for themselves - but hey, where's your sense of adventure? c. Light a Candle The 2nd of Feoveuer brings with it a more minor, but still well-loved tradition. As dusk falls, all candles in the city are lit, casting a warm glow from every window and on every street corner as the dark of night sets in. The flickering lights lining paths and shining in homes lend a more metaphorically-magical air to Aefenglom, bringing with it a sense of renewal and shared joy. Light a candle with loved ones and new bonds alike, and it's said to bring good fortune to your friendship or relationship. As the candles burn, several food vendors can be found selling a particular festival dish, a thin pancake topped with fruits, nuts, and cream, meant to be shared with someone by feeding it to them. For couples (or those pretending to be couples), often the vendors will offer the sweet treats for free with well-wishes for their future together.

V. Inkchanted For some time already this has been hailed as the opening day for Inkchanted, a Mirrorbound led tattoo parlor in the Harbor district that offers… well tattoos, but not normal tattoos: these are enchanted. It’s not a popular use of enchantment school, but it works nevertheless. With the use of special ink, runic spells are weaved into the tattoo’s design, which allows for various effects. For Witches, this can mean instant activation of spells without the need for chanting or gestures. Just run your magical energy through the design and the effect is instantaneous! For Monsters... that’s where things become interesting because Monsters also are granted use of that specific tattooed spell. The caveat is that the tattoo must be charged with Witch magic, or draw on magic stored in a sort of ‘battery’ they also have in the store. Said batteries are made of various jewelry or pendants, ranging from simple materials like copper and glass to more expensive made of silver and opals. Ink in the tattoos does not last forever, though; they will fade away entirely after reaching the limit of their use (which is said to be anywhere between 15-30 hours of continuous use, depending on the design’s size). A cheaper alternative to the tattoos are painted spells, with similar specialized paint to help them stick to the skin. Instead of a time limit, these have a limited number of uses and will disappear afterwards. That’s what it says on the paper, but a keen eye will notice that despite opening on the advertised day, there must have been some complications quite recently. There are signs of fire around the building, and any help with painting over them is greatly appreciated. Likewise, windows seem particularly new, and there are still shards of glass that could be found outside; anyone willing to help with this particular detail will be compensated by an old sailor named William who is renting the space to the young Mirrorbound, If asked what happened here recently, he becomes serious but tries to brush off the questions. When it becomes apparent that new Mirrorbound have appeared, the owners of the parlor scramble to find something for them to do, and thus end up encouraging a simple activity meant as practice for Witches and Monsters, both old and new. They offer a vast amount of magical energy batteries and encourage the Mirrorbound to form pairs, where one person fills the battery with magic, while the other attempts to siphon it out, cycling the energy this way. The only thing they ask is to have the batteries left fully filled. Soon, it turns out that the exercise might come with some side-effects, from getting memory-flashes of another person that used the battery, to sharing their emotional state or even simple thoughts. And should someone try and steal the magical battery… they might find themselves chased by one of the owners or… knocked right into the harbor’s water by a magical ward placed on the entrance if they don’t have a way to counter it! Note: More on this player-run business and its owners can be found on the Locations page! Big thanks to Shuu and Lena and co. for this prompt!

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 February's 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

Sypha Belnades | CastleVania | OTA

[strongspirited]

Arrival

[Sypha was not someone who was particularly concerned with moderating her language, but even she didn't swear all that often. But when she opened her eyes and staggered out of a mirror and into wherever the hell this was, she couldn't help herself.]

Shit...!

[Whirling, she almost fell on her ass when she caught sight of the mirror.]

Fuck...he was right.

[That immediately has her whirling around, looking into the gloom for familiar faces.]

Trevor? Alucard?

[Answer or no, there's a strange person in blue stalking your way...]


Welcome Party

[Sypha stands off to one side, leaning against a wall, uncomfortable with the idea of taking a seat amidst a crowd of strangers for this bizarre, post-midnight seminar. She quietly listens, for the most part, taking in the information while not so subtly looking around the room for familiar faces.

Sorry, she's probably staring, and rather intently...]


The Haven

[Once she's gotten things cleared up, Sypha is eager to get out and explore the city. With a broad grin on her face, device secure in the belt pouch, the Speaker heads into the city proper. Head whipping around, she stares at the buildings with evident glee, not at all looking where she is going.

So, she probably bumps into all manner of people. She's not exactly heavy or tall, though, so it's likely just a bump.]

Oh! Um. Sorry.


Bonfires

[The day following has been long, but after some rest, Sypha feels rejuvenated enough to rise with the setting sun and do more exploring. She'll adjust to a normal schedule with time, but for now she's going to head to the bonfires, settle in, and listen to a few songs while she begins to play with her new magical skills

Flicking her fingers in time with the music, she's doing her best to generate small pops and flashes of color on rhythm with the tune, though it's not as simple as it would ordinarily be. Some of them get quite big, others fizzle entirely, but they at least provide some color.]

...Why is this so difficult?


Wildcard

[If you'd like to do another prompt or want to plot out something else, feel free to HMU at intercession]

bonfire

[cryptsleeper]

[There are no cliches when Alucard sees Sypha by the great bonfire. He doesn't stop and stare, there's no muttering about this must be a dream, none of it. He had awoken from that seemingly infinite time embracing her with a horrid knot of worry in his chest. There was some undercurrent of relief there too, one that grew when he heard that there were new arrivals and he saw hide nor hair of her. Good. Better in Wallachia, he had thought at the time.

Here and now, well, at least it is easy to fall into familiar patterns.

He steps forward with the same silent grace he's managed since traveling with the other two back home, the warm glow of the fire playing against his too pale skin.]

It's a different magic system than you're used to. You'll have to adjust your techniques so that they work here.

[strongspirited]

[She looks up, nonchalantly flicking out another sphere of light that fizzles apart, and sighs.]

I hate this magic.

[Shifting to make room on the log she's claimed as her seat, she smiles up at Alucard, hopefully invitingly.]

But, I'm glad to see I'm not alone. It's good to see you.

[cryptsleeper]

That makes two of us.

[Alucard's eyes remain on the bonfire for a moment more (there's a lot of emotions tied up in fires of this size), but: Sypha.

His hearing isn't what it used to be, so he doesn't hear her shift. Alucard turns instead, and with the seat open, settles down beside her. Hunches over a little, his forearms resting atop his knees.]

It is good to see you as well. Did you run into Trevor in all of your dreams?

wildcard-bonfire??

[quickwhip]

[ Trevor is being FUCKING WEIRD right now.

He'd had that "dream" of Sypha and it felt WAY TOO REAL for his liking. Couple that with the whole going through some traumatic shit on top of the traumatic shit of turning into a vampire and... it's been a grand fucking time for this Belmont here as of late.

So when he sees her near the bonfires, he stops. Stops and stares. Stops and stares like a fucking loser because... shit. She's actually here, isn't she? Wait. Just gonna... pinch himself... yeah. This isn't a dream and yeah, that's definitely Sypha and no, he has no idea how long she's been here. Does Alucard know this shit?? Details to figure out later. For now, he... needs to approach her. Talk to her?? At least stop standing around here like a fucking geek.

But the thing is... he looks like shit. Like... more than usual. He's still got some bandages wrapped around his chest (safe there) and his neck (not safe there) and his fingers still look a bit bruised but... it's also the whole looking a little pale and those dark circles under his eyes that might add to his whole looking a little more shit than usual dilemma.

This isn't how he wants her to see him.

So, he takes a moment to breathe, swallow down whatever apprehension he has...

...and fucking books it. Alucard can deal with this.

Except Trevor being Trevor, he slams right into a tree and yelps with a loud FUCK that it sure does draw attention onto him. Especially when he flops back into the snow because of it. So much for a stealth getaway. ]

[strongspirited]

[Sypha was blissfully unaware of Trevor's presence, frustrated as she is with her magic not working properly.

She curses, flicks her fingers, eventually getting a small bobbing light to stick. Pleased with herself, she starts to laugh, only to have her concentration demolished by the crashing sound of someone hitting a tree, swearing, and flopping into the snow.

With an oath, she jumps up, still somewhat paranoid, and finds Trevor laying in the snow.]

...Trevor? Are you alright?!

[quickwhip]

[ Well, shit. She wasn't supposed to hear OR see that?? But she sure did and now the jig is up. ]

M'fine. Just, you know, thought I'd roll around in the snow for a bit.

[ Even as he gives the "excuse" for his mishap, he pulls himself up into a sitting position and just... sighs, hand rubbing at his head. ]

Don't mind me. Continue doing... whatever the hell it was you were doing.

Welcome Party

[petcromancer]

[Hector is on the opposite side of the foyer, also trying to stay as far back as possible while gathering what intel he can. He has his dog securely held in his arms; a crowded room is a dangerous place for such a small pup.

He looks around, spots Sypha, and blanches. He's just going to start backing up slowly. It sounds like their hosts are beginning to wind down anyways.]

[strongspirited]

[Well, seeing that just makes her start to meander right on over. Like a cat sensing someone who doesn't like cats...she weaves through the crowd without any malice in her expression.]

So I did not dream you up, then. I had wondered if you were real or not.

[petcromancer]

No such luck.

[For either of them. Hector was also hoping everything in his dream was just that-a dream. He's encountered mounting evidence that it was all too real.]

You know Speaker secrets. Is this some sort of illusion?

Haven; why not

[darkcharge]

[ Or perhaps it isn't even a person at all that Sypha bumps into. The Flood makes a hissing noise at her, despite the fact that she had, in fact, apologized. Maybe she should look where she is going instead of allow her head to be in the clouds?

Ironically enough no one really seems to pay the Flood any mind. Not that they should, since most are accustomed to seeing it in the area. Doesn't mean the Unversed isn't going to try to startle Sypha a little. ]

[strongspirited]

[A strange creature on a city street.

A strange creature hissing at her. Well. Okay. Sypha levels her gaze at the thing, giving it the flattest look.]

...And what, exactly, are you?

[She's having a day. Night. Dream...whatever this is. Her hand does flick up, ready to defend herself if need be.]

[darkcharge]

[ Please, please grow more irritated Sypha. That's only going to hold its attention even more. Now it can't respond in anyway that she can understand, but it definitely knows what she's saying.

Oh it doesn't attack at least. Most of what it can do has been taken away from it just like everything and everyone else that comes through the mirror. Instead the Flood slowly starts to circle her, hissing and antennae twitching.

It's master isn't far. But it can have a little fun until then. ]

the haven!

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu is on their way to the forest. They took care of their plants, visited a healer for their injuries and did everything a good lump of clay should have done. Now it is time to retreat to the forest so they can try to make sense of themselves. And of everything that has happened to them.

And...oh...]

Oof!

[They shake their head a little.]

Ah...it is all right. It is busy... [Enkidu's eyes flash from the buildings back to her face.] I take it you have just arrived...? [Did they really summon new Mirrorbound after everything that has happened? They were still busy with preparing the Rathmore trials and this entire city is pretending nothing has happened at all.]

[strongspirited]

[Sypha manages a quick, somewhat impish grin. Then...her face falls as she sees the state the stranger is in. Bandages. It can't be good that she'd run into them, can it?]

...Yes. Just a little while ago.

[Pursing her lips, she looks the green haired oddity up and down again.]

I didn't hit anything sore, did I? I have some herbs that might ease pain, if I did.

WOW I LOST THIS TAG

[enkidoh]

Ah. I should welcome you then, not?

[Enkidu looks around themselves for a moment and nods.]

Welcome.

[At her remark they shake their head.]

That isn't necessary. The wounds are healing and they have told me that I will be getting new fingers as well.

Welcome Party

[finesseblade]

[ Turns out, Felix did wander back in to listen to Nessa and Mhairi's lecture eventually, though he's hovering near the back of the room, idly thumbing through the notes Edelgard gave him on the Cwyld and frowning while he does.

A pair of eyes on him a little too long, though, and the hairs on the back of his neck start to prickle. His head snaps up abruptly, swiveling toward the woman against the wall, eyes narrowed. ]

Do you want something from me?

[strongspirited]

Not particularly.

[She'd been pondering his ponytail more than anything, and the outfit in general. It was familiar. Warm. Much, much more sensible than so many of the people here.]

You're just one of the few dressed like anything resembling home for me. But you are not Wallachian, it would seem. Not with that accent.

[finesseblade]

And you're not from Faerghus, judging by yours.

[ It's utterly unfamiliar, not like anything he's heard from back home, but then he's getting used to that. From the mix of faces and styles of dress here, he's guessing there are more worlds out there even than the two or three versions of his own he's had the mixed pleasure of being introduced to.

He snaps his book shut and looks her up and down briefly. ]

What are you, a priest? You may as well pick up a new trade, and get used to this place being different. None of us are at home anymore.

bonfires

[seductless]

[ It's the flickers of magic that catch Grace's attention, flashes of color at the edges of her vision. It pulls at something in her that feels the echo of where her faith should be, brings her closer without thinking. Close enough to catch the tail end of the muttered comment, and Grace can't stop herself from responding. ]

Are you alright?

[ As she pulls up by the woman's side, she gives her a look of genuine curiosity. The magic seems to have succeeded, though Grace isn't actually certain what it's doing. Or what it's meant to do. For all her spells, she's never understood the Art the way others seem to take to it so easily. ]

I'm so sorry, she's a disaster RN

[strongspirited]

Fine. Just trying to make a stable ball of weyrlight. I can't...[She tries again, more sparks that don't quite come together for more than a few seconds.]...fucking...get it.

[Growling, she throws up her hands in irritation and stops, blinking up at Grace.]

Ah...Hello there.

[You, lady, are very pretty and have wings...]

[seductless]

[ She may not know what a weyrlight is, but Grace can read that frustration easily. It's something she's felt herself a time or two, whenever she reaches for the power that should be there and...isn't.

The smile she gives in return is half-friendly, half-understanding. ]

Hello. I'm sorry to interrupt. But the magic here is...strange, isn't it?

[ To put it mildly. ]

As sorry as I am for your difficulty, I am a bit glad I'm not the only one.

Haven

[yesdoubt]

[The man she bumps into isn't all that tall either, but he is fairly solid, so he doesn't do much more than sound a little surprised at being bumped into. Still, it's enough to turn his head, offering Sypha a cheery smile that reveals the ends of pointy canines.]

It's fine, it's fine. Are you in a hurry or just ready to get out and explore this place?

[He can kind of relate to the latter, honestly. He doesn't like sitting around when he could be doing something else, so while he'd needed the information they were offering at the initial meeting, he's more than ready to get out here and figure this place out in person.]

[strongspirited]

A little.

[She doesn't really have a problem admitting that much. She had hoped to find Alucard and Trevor first, but it seems she's missed them. Or they're off bemoaning their fates somewhere. Or that was all a dream and it sucks.]

Oh. A little bit of a hurry I mean. I haven't seen a city this large in my entire life.

[yesdoubt]

Really? [Momo actually looks surprised about that, but at least he clears it up pretty quickly, seeming to come back to himself and waving a hand a little apologetically.] Ah, sorry, the city I came from is one of the biggest in my world, so this feels pretty small for me. But this is probably more like average for the size of a city in my world, since I'm kinda biased.

[Coming from bang in the middle of Tokyo automatically makes any other city look tiny and quiet by comparison, bar a few other ridiculous examples. He can't say he doesn't kind of like the emptier skyline, though - usually he only sees that kind of space when he's shooting overseas or in rural areas.] Do you mind company? I'm just getting into this place myself.