ᴛʜᴇ ᴋᴇʏ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴏʀᴛʜ | sᴀɴsᴀ sᴛᴀʀᴋ (
kindlymeant) wrote in
aefenglom2020-07-22 02:08 pm
Entry tags:
video | un: alayne
Name: Alayne
Date: 22/7
Format: video
[ there's a moment - a few, really - of fumbling, arranging; signs to a canny eye that Alayne is very much unfamiliar with such a device, or at least using it in this way. soon the mirror is set and angled to show her seated, neat and prim and just a little chagrined as she huffs, speaking softly at first: ]
I half feel I'm speaking to myself, how strange...
[ but there is so much strangeness going on, at least as far as she's concerned, and if she can take the rest in stride she can manage this, too. so she tells herself, anyway.
she fixes her gaze upon the mirror, raising her voice. ]
I thought it may be prudent to introduce myself, if these devices are widely used. [ her trepidation at the oddness of this does not show. courtesy is courtesy and this, at least, she knows well, and her smile is amiable. ] My name is Alayne Stone, and I am newly arrived, though - I have memories of being here before, briefly. If there are any who remember me or who, perhaps, have experienced the same, I would be happy to hear from them.
[ she hopes, desperately -- but there's no sense in thinking too long on that, and she curtails the beginnings of said hope shining on her face swiftly. ]
I was hoping, also, to speak to some... better experienced witches, or those who - who perhaps know more of Bonding. [ her mouth opens, about to ask more, but she seems to think better for it. ] I promise, though I have amassed quite the pile of questions I will try to keep my onslaught to a minimum.
[ briefly, her head dips, fleetingly shy before she nods to herself and looks to the mirror again. ]
And I have little notion of how necessary such a service may be, but I thought I might offer my talents with a needle and thread to those in need. [ Alayne smiles again. ] Perhaps not the most exciting of abilities, but I am capable enough should you need things mended or embroidered. [ though the idea of working for money is near as strange to her as anything else, really, but she could use both the coin and the distraction.
that said, that hesitant, unsure look passes across her face again, because she's really not certain as to the etiquette involved in ending a message like this. in the end, she settles for dipping her head in an approximation of a curtsey, and leaves it at that. ]
((ooc: for plotting, or if we had a fourth wall thread going, feel free to hit me up via pm or
ikanas!))
Date: 22/7
Format: video
[ there's a moment - a few, really - of fumbling, arranging; signs to a canny eye that Alayne is very much unfamiliar with such a device, or at least using it in this way. soon the mirror is set and angled to show her seated, neat and prim and just a little chagrined as she huffs, speaking softly at first: ]
I half feel I'm speaking to myself, how strange...
[ but there is so much strangeness going on, at least as far as she's concerned, and if she can take the rest in stride she can manage this, too. so she tells herself, anyway.
she fixes her gaze upon the mirror, raising her voice. ]
I thought it may be prudent to introduce myself, if these devices are widely used. [ her trepidation at the oddness of this does not show. courtesy is courtesy and this, at least, she knows well, and her smile is amiable. ] My name is Alayne Stone, and I am newly arrived, though - I have memories of being here before, briefly. If there are any who remember me or who, perhaps, have experienced the same, I would be happy to hear from them.
[ she hopes, desperately -- but there's no sense in thinking too long on that, and she curtails the beginnings of said hope shining on her face swiftly. ]
I was hoping, also, to speak to some... better experienced witches, or those who - who perhaps know more of Bonding. [ her mouth opens, about to ask more, but she seems to think better for it. ] I promise, though I have amassed quite the pile of questions I will try to keep my onslaught to a minimum.
[ briefly, her head dips, fleetingly shy before she nods to herself and looks to the mirror again. ]
And I have little notion of how necessary such a service may be, but I thought I might offer my talents with a needle and thread to those in need. [ Alayne smiles again. ] Perhaps not the most exciting of abilities, but I am capable enough should you need things mended or embroidered. [ though the idea of working for money is near as strange to her as anything else, really, but she could use both the coin and the distraction.
that said, that hesitant, unsure look passes across her face again, because she's really not certain as to the etiquette involved in ending a message like this. in the end, she settles for dipping her head in an approximation of a curtsey, and leaves it at that. ]
((ooc: for plotting, or if we had a fourth wall thread going, feel free to hit me up via pm or

video; network name: "Stiles"
[ A rueful grin greets Alayne as he sends a return video feed. While Stiles generally prefers to text, he has a feeling that might be a bit beyond her comfort zone right now; Alayne definitely gives off "medieval time period" vibes. And yet, despite that... ]
Stiles, in case you forgot. So, question. Fair's fair, after all – and I answered a ton of your questions last time. [ He pauses. ] ...Do you know what a hoodie is?
[ His last seamstress has since left Aefenglom. This Arachne teen needs his sweatshirts altered for his new spider limbs, sweltering summer heat or not! ]
no subject
[ is that alright to say? she hopes so, hopes it doesn't seem as though she'd wish him forced from home. Stiles is clever, she assumes he'll understand.
she, however, does not - the word is clearly unfamiliar to her - but she replies gamely: ] I can learn! [ it can't be that hard, she reasons. ] Is it... something from your homeland?
video - un: jaeger
I might have a job for you already. [ work is good! and he'd gladly send his miserable torn poncho to a starter tring to settle in than one of the established shops. ] I can help with Bonds, too.
no subject
Here, I’ll show you.
[ The camera is set down on his nightstand as he crosses his bedroom to the closet. Alayne will now be able to see what was hidden by close proximity before: Two Arachne legs have ruptured from his shoulder blades and are folded tight against his body. While he’s turned, one of them – a furred tarsus – waves merrily at the camera. Stiles returns with a modern, red hoodie, which he holds up for her to see. ]
This is called a hoodie. Sometimes, we call it a sweatshirt. Have anything similar in your world?
no subject
she's not particularly perturbed, though - she can make out enough of his face to be quite sure he's no-one she knows. mostly his chin, but she'll work with what she can. there are glimpses, maybe, of more monstrous features, and her eyes linger, scanning between them. but the view isn't clear enough to be certain and it's rude to stare, so she endeavours to put it from her mind.
she brightens, anyway, offering a smile even if she's not... sure that he can see it? ]
I would appreciate that. On both counts. What can I do for you?
[ seems prudent to cover that first; it'll set her in good stead and is also liable to be easier to take in than everything else. ]
no subject
there's a disconnect here, for Alayne. she has seen the monstrousness of fair humans - well, humans she once thought fair - and now she sees a monster that she knows to possess kindness, kindness that was shared with her. it's jarring. her urge to recoil from the sight is tempered by the fact that Stiles has been decent, and very helpful.
so, when it comes to it, she recovers - made easier by the distraction he gives, Alayne studying the strange garment as well as she can in the limited view she has. ]
No, [ she says, shaking her head. ] Nothing quite like that. But - it doesn't look complicated.
[ magic and monsters and all that aside, she can be confident in this, at least. if anything, she's finding she relishes the idea of turning her hand to something known, but new. ]
I'm certain I could work with such a thing, if that was your wish. Is it damaged?
no subject
Nope, not damaged. But I recently got these suckers in – [ a thumb jerks over his shoulder at the Arachne limbs, looming about him like overcurious puppies ] – and now I can’t wear it. If I could get some, uh… I don’t know, flaps or holes or whatever, I’d be all set. Just something I can stuff the legs through. Does that make sense? And I’ll have another three pairs coming in over the next few months, so I’ll need more alterations in the future. You game?
video, un: dagwood (I have only garbage to offer this queen.)
I could potentially find a job for you, but it seems as though others have already offered.
[Employees shouldn't be this difficult to come by. He might not have the brightest of personalities, but it's a simple enough job.]
I run a toy store and am a little understaffed at the moment. You can always look me up on the network if your other offers fall through. My name is Eli Dagwood.
[Which is also an alias, but most of his names are so it works just as well as anything else.]
un:ma voice
Most people here could answer your questions on bonds, though I can't say anything about how witch magic works. [Being a monster, that'd be something she'd never understand.]
I know someone who is looking for people who can sew. She offered me a job a few weeks ago. I'll ask if she's still looking for people, what kind of things do you make?
video; un: cherrypit
[The faun on the video looks chipper enough, if a bit tired. They brush their bangs out of their eyes, the way their hand bumps their curling horn perhaps testament to how unused they still are to their changes.]
Unfortunately I can't help much with Bonds, but... I think more people might need help with mending than you'd think - or perhaps alterations. Sudden changes means a lot of things need to, well... Be changed.
[Their lips quirk into a wry smile, well aware they could have worded that better.]
But... I'm more interested in the embroidery... What sort of stuff do you do? Like the patterns.
no subject
Yes! I'm certain we would be able to find a solution that suits, once I'm able to better study it.
[ and, she supposes, him, but that's a bridge she'll cross when it comes to it. ]
Do you... are they there all the time? [ she asks, a little tentative as she glances at the arachne legs. although there's a gangliness to them, they're not ungraceful when they shift and move. another oddity of this place. ]
erhwhdshfaiuh OPENS ARMS
still, it's a swift thing, and she bows her head to him, eyes a little wide. this isn't something that has occurred to her before, clearly. ]
I appreciate your offer, though I confess I had not thought to be a merchant. [ she resists a wince. Alayne comes from merchant stock, after all, maybe she should know more about it? but she reassures herself that she was raised in a sept anyway, and it's not like he knows. ]
What might be expected of me? [ despite it being something of a foreign concept, she's intrigued. ]
voice.
[ unseen, she tilts her head, considering. ]
Is... are bonds truly so commonplace here?
no subject
For the last half year, all eight of them were only present on the full moons. [ A wry, vaguely unhappy twist of his mouth. ] Seems like my time's up, though. These two are permanent. I have a feeling I'll be getting another permanent pair next month too. Sucks, but I've had time to come to terms with my transformation.
[ Not that he necessarily has come to terms with it; Stiles still struggles with many aspects of his Monster species and transformation. ]
How's your magic treating you? Still a Witch?
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she wonders if Margaery is well, and wonders why it should matter to her either way, and then puts the thought aside entirely to focus on the message. ]
That is true, and there are those that fight, or hunt... I imagine they must be in need of repairs often. [ she brightens, however - she likes sewing, but embroidery is a greater interest. ]
I could do different designs, if someone wanted. I have... [ a momentary rummaging out of view and she holds a piece of fabric up to be seen; it has been stitched with a delicate pattern of leaves. ]
I only did this to pass time, [ she admits, drawing it away to reveal herself again. ] And I haven't many luxurious threads to hand. It's a simpler work.
no subject
she's drawn from it by the question, however, and nods. ]
Apparently so, [ she replies, eyebrows raising in a small show of lingering disbelief. in spite of the proof, Alayne still struggles to believe it's all real.
(that, more than anything else, probably holds her back for the time being.) ]
It's strange enough having lessons again. [ the admittance comes with a quirk of her mouth, though her expression softens as she looks at him, thinking., and speaking up again after a moment: ]
We'll ensure your hoodie fits you as well as it ever did. [ a paltry offer, it feels like, but she wants to offer something. ]
no subject
[Tataru was like that. Making all kinds of things, Mikasa had no idea how she thought of some of them.]
I only have one, so I can't say much about them....They're annoying, especially with how everyone makes it sound. [The likenesses to marriage, the mental link stuff.] The only thing I can say is that you should attend the classes at the Coven, then get one once you've learnt how to block your feelings from going through.
no subject
but the talk of bonds is of more interest still. ]
Is that... very difficult to do? [ tentative; she can’t help but feel like asking is prying, the whole notion of a bond strikes her as so very intimate. but this woman clearly has a pragmatic approach, which is reassuring. slightly. ]
no subject
Sounds good. You have a residence yet? I can swing by to drop off the hoodies, [ yes, there are multiple, ] and show you where on them the, uh, spider legs will need to come through.
no subject
Certainly - I’ve taken an apartment in the Haven, it’s [ and she’ll give the exact address I don’t know yet I’m at work and blameless.
the mention of multiple is not lost on her, and she feels a burden of trust with it. she’d best not mess any of these up - especially when Stiles gave her so much advice. ]
Is there a time that best suits?
no subject
[An attractive young woman would at least make customers feel more comfortable than a cranky looking snake-person, that's for sure.]
I don't sew, but I have some individuals who make things like stuffed animals for the shop. I give their products visibility and they get a good chunk of the final sale price. If that's more your style.
[Her style of speech and the fact that she uses the word "merchant" does clue him in to at least a little bit of what sort of place she's from - specifically one less modern than his own time.] I'm sure this world takes some adapting to.
[He knows it does, because he's still working on it.]
no subject
Now? I usually sleep during the day and work at night. It’s, uh…a spider thing.
[ Curious, he squints past her shoulder as if trying to discern details of her room. ]
Unless now’s a bad time…?
un: khaleesi - video
...Is that selfish? To wish for her dear Missandei or even the familiar face of Daario despite their last encounter?
She pushes it aside. ]
You've returned and seem to be in good enough spirits to send your questions into the world. [ A tiny bit of amusement there. ] I hope I can help you.
[ Briefly, she offers a smile. ]
What do you know of Bonding? Let's start there.
un: priestess – video;
alas. ⟫
I believe we share the experience of having been brought, returned, and brought here again.
⟪ and she is making peace with that, in her own way. ⟫
I would say it is a pleasure to see you again, Alayne Stone, but such pleasures are tinged with the truth behind our unfortunate situation. Most I have spoken to on the matter suggest that this time, leaving once more may not be possible so swiftly.
no subject
That depends how well you can control your emotions. It's...Hard to describe. [She'd once been called asocial, so the boxing off emotions, putting the walls up had come naturally to her.] You just focus.
video; un: f*ckingusername
Name's Hank Anderson. Been here more than a year as a witch, so ask the questions way.
no subject
Is it possible?
video | un: andal
[ leaving and returning to a place like this has to bring many mixed feelings into the equation, and Jorah surely empathizes. their exchange from before was short and he didn't learn much of the girl past her name and perhaps bits and pieces of her background. now's as good of a time as any to try and pick that up again, while hopefully answering any questions he can. ]
I am no Witch, but I can offer my knowledge on bonds. Perhaps what not to do, since I know better than most. [ still no bond with a Witch. a shame, really. ] And there is plenty to be mended here at the farm I am on if you require something to busy your hands.
no subject
[There's no saying how long they're going to be here, after all.]
Oh! It still looks good, though. You can't really go wrong with the classics... Do you do anything on like, pillows for display or anything? I wouldn't mind having some stuff to put around my room.
[Which is... Currently rather plain. Not necessarily out of any feeling like they're going to be leaving soon, so why personalize their home, but more because they just... Simply haven't had the time or idea over what to do there. Back home it was easy, with their roommate providing most of the furniture and decorations in the apartment, and now...
Well. They would appreciate having something.]
no subject
she considers. ]
Not a bad time at all.
[ she faces a little trepidation at the notion; being alone in such a setting with a man is a twofold concern. on one hand, it's not proper, and on the other, Alayne has reason to be untrusting. but the former seems to be of less issue here and as to the former, Stiles has been kind, she reminds herself.
she wonders if being awake at night is terribly lonely, and feels a sting of sympathy. ]
Shall I expect you soon, then?
no subject
It... hm. [ she tilts her head, making herself focus on the poncho, thinking. the damage is considerable. ]
It is hard to tell precisely, over this, [ she nods to the mirror. ] I believe I would need to add some new fabric, it... likely would be clear that it had been repaired. But it would be wearable. [ she brightens. ] I think I could manage something that you would be pleased with.
no subject
she looks down briefly as she considers, but as Eli goes on she looks up again. her smile is chagrined, but not troubled. ]
Is it so obvious that it is very strange to me? It has proven quite a challenge.
no subject
but she sobers as she considers the rest, quiet a few moments. ]
So you just focus, and they... can't feel anything? Or less, at least?
no subject
What sort of design appeals to you?
no subject
[Not in his world. He'd only had a small introduction to the supernatural, though he feels like he's in the minority among many of the mirrorbound. And here it's practically everywhere.]
Anyway, it's an option to keep in mind. Even if you decide not to help with the shop I can provide a few crafting materials. I even recently purchased a large worm that spins silk. [He shifts to the side slightly so they she can see a cage on a nearby table with a rather large grub looking thing inside.] ...Well, technically it can't spin it yet - it's still young. But it should be able to eventually.
no subject
[ If she allows that trepidation to cross her expression, Stiles doesn’t notice; he’s already grabbing a rucksack and stuffing the hoodie into it. ]
I’ll be there in like, five minutes. See you soon!
[ And then the video feed ends.
About ten minutes later, there’s a knock on her front door. Should there be a peephole for her to peer through, Alayne will find Stiles dressed in modern clothes outside, a rucksack hanging from a shoulder and a potted plant in his hands. The two tarsi are lazily fanning the air around his face, the sweltering summer heat visible in the beads of perspiration collecting at his temples. ]
no subject
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Less, it all depends on control. If you're good at that and not easily surprised then you'd be able to block everything...But if you're startled or feel something strongly, it'll go through. [Did that make sense? It did to her, just about, but she'd had some time to think about it and get used to the magic of this place and it's oddities.]
I...You might be better asking someone else. I'm not very expressive to begin with. [There wasn't as much to control.]
no subject
she checks some scribblings in a notebook that sits before her. ]
Hm... I will give you an exact fee when I am certain of the work, but I estimate around [ and she'll give a modest amount - it runs low to what the norm is, but she reasons she's just starting out. ]
Would that be agreeable to you?
no subject
[ she thinks a moment. ]
I know that it is recommended - necessary, even. I know that the consequences of foregoing it can be terrible, and that having one - or more - is beneficial to both witch and monster... There's a great deal shared between them, being able to feel moods, even - even memory and the like, if a bond is strong? But, I've heard one might temper that, if they are careful? And... there's a ceremony.
[ she glances down as she speaks, the worrying of her hands not as hidden as she thinks it is. ]
Basics, I suppose.
no subject
but even in that, Alayne isn't sure how reassured she really is. the woman gave her the knowledge that magic yet lives in her own world.
though, she supposes that it should be unsurprising that these stories, also, are lies. ]
It seems that way, doesn't it? [ sympathetic, at least; the woman unsettles her a little, and it's not just what she represents but the strangeness of her.
better her here from home than so many others, though, so Alayne tells herself. ]
Have you been well? Both - in our time away, and our time returned?
no subject
I thank you. I wonder if - [ pausing, considering. ] I do not wish to overstep, but I wonder what you might now of the repercussions of going unbonded? Are they as dangerous as is said?
no subject
I’ll leave half with you when I drop this off. [ a gesture to some of the fabric as he flips it while sitting back down. she’s new so maybe— considering the post, she might even need it for her next meals. ] What can I help with?
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[ She admits, narrowed gaze less of a judgmental type and more akin to pity. It feels so long ago, but the feeling of loneliness and bitterness had almost consumed her. She wished not for the girl on the other end of this to feel such a way. ]
You have been paying attention to what the Coven tells you, then. [ That was good, even if Dany had her reservations initially. ] There is a benefit of choosing a monster/witch bond, but multiple can prove useful for your own growth. Magic courses with you, the dreadful sort that can be like a pot over an open flame, daring to bubble over if not careful.
[ There's caution in her voice: ]
With a ceremony and an agreement, also comes power. Protection, if you allow it.