ǣfenglōm (main comm)

Name: Howl (un: galdorleod)
Date: Aereuer 1st
Format: text

My bonded is gone. Part of the recent exodus home that myself, and those reading this, have not had the luck to be selected for thus far.

So, I am in need of a new bond. My name is Howl; I own a wizard's practice and pawnshop in the Entertainment District called Pendragon's. I have been in Aefenglom for almost a year and I prepare and perform numerous spells and potions per day.

I need a Monster (or Monsters) who can help with cycling large amounts of magic on the regular. I may be willing to offer compensation in some form, depending on the compatibility of our Bond and how effectively we work together. Respond to this message if interested.

I have a second inquiry as well; another opportunity for those ambitious and interested. I am seeking a Mirrorbound whom I have not spoken to in months and may no longer be among us. From what I remember, his name was "Crowley" and he claimed to be a demon expert or somesuch in his world. If you know how I can contact him or his address, please respond to this message.

Name: Steak. un: steak
Date: 1st April
Format: Video

( you'd be forgiven for believing the man on the screen is some type of early monster, given the prominent horns jutting out from his skull and the bright red eyes, the same colour as his hair, which pierce through the screen. despite the stern expression on his face, he's obviously a handsome young man, the kind which would drag attention from all but the most ethereal of beings.

unfortunately, that beautiful appearance doesn't always extend to his words, so we're sorry in advance. )

I'm looking for new fighting partners. People with good skills in magic or combat. You must be familiar with the Wilde and looking to eliminate the monsters there.

( although he wouldn't be opposed to training up newbies, come to think of it. )

This will be for sparring as well as in the Wilde, if you're good enough.

( you cocky little— )

Name: Sora; un: keybladehero
Date: March 28
Format: Video

[It’s been kind of a long time since Sora has used the network to make a post. A really long time! But today is a special day and that’s a better time than ever to do it.]

Hey everyone! I’m Sora! I hope you’re enjoying the new Spring air right now! And Spring means that it’s my bondmate's eighteenth birthday! Happy Birthday to Vanitas!

[His long rabbit ears twitch.]

Actually- It’s my birthday too. We’re both eighteen today! I think in some places eighteen is a big milestone birthday, right? Are there any other birthday traditions you guys have in your worlds? I’d love to hear about them!

Vanitas hasn’t gotten to have a lot of real birthdays of his own before so make sure to send him a ton of birthday wishes for the birthday boy! This might be his second one ever? Huh, now I don’t know if I should give him a two-year birthday card or an eighteen-year birthday card. Either way, he's getting a birthday hat on his head.

With how great he is, he deserves eighteen years' worth of birthday wishes today. And a ton more after that. I hope you can help me out!

[Sora out here embarrassing his bondmate out on the network! It just means he cares.]

Name: Ozymandias
Date: backdated to 3/10
Format: text

I know that I recently put forth the project that was given approval by Parliament, but I thought perhaps I might propose another that is more for our own sakes.

I believe that each of us--regardless of whether we have been here for years or mere months--have managed to forge meaningful relationships with our fellow Mirrorbound. And as is quite an unfortunate consequence of making such strong impressions and marks upon one another, we have also likely all experienced loss of equal measure when they are returned to their worlds. Which it is then only made all the more unfortunate we have no real way of honoring those that have come and gone from this world and their contributions both to us and this world.

Therefore, I was thinking perhaps it might serve us well to have a place to preserve those memories. So that their legacies might continue on as well as provide a place within our own Haven to share in those memories.

[He attaches an image of a physical model. Although naturally the Watch's limited color capabilities somewhat does a disservice to the granite marble, it's perhaps not too much of a stretch to imagine that it would shine brilliantly in the sun, with a black base and white body with visible veins, and pure white capstone creating three different tones. It's certainly in-line with the King of Construction's usual ostentatious aesthetics, that's for sure, even if it does not seem to be directly serving his ego. Too much, anyway.]

I was thinking that perhaps something like this might prove a suitable monument by engraving the names of those who have left us upon it.

It could serve other purposes as well. If it were made hollow, then perhaps an observatory of sorts or some means of tracking the lunar cycle could be installed. And there could certainly be room for other things with the land, too, if others felt it suitable. This part of the city lacks in greenery after all. Perhaps a community garden of our own could be planted or a park of some sort.

I am curious to know what my fellow Mirrorbound think, and if such a project would be of interest.

((ooc: this is an ic post to be attached to this player plot suggestion! as mentioned there, i asked the mods if it'd be in the realm of possibility and then fielded the idea in the discord a couple months ago and there was some buzz of potential ideas of what else could be done. feel free to run with this in whatever way y'all see fit :]))

Name: aerith gainsborough ; un: flowergirl
Date: mar 20, late evening
Format: text

Hello! I don't know too many of you yet, so we can just call me your Resident Gardener A.

I've been waiting impatiently for the weather to get better - I know there are some old orchards here, and so I was curious... Is the fruit in this place similar to what you knew, back where you came from? Anything different? Exciting?

I was thinking of trying a little bit of everything, but if you have a favorite - describe it to me!

Or something that tastes awful - also describe it to me! Tell me about what your tongue likes~

Name: ursula callistis chariot du nord
Date: early march
Format: video

[ The video starts off with Ursula sitting on the sofa in her apartment. She's sitting by herself, wrapped in the sari that Fang had given her some time back. On her neck was a new pendant she had not yet been seen wearing before, the sparkling symbol showing off the union of the Ursa Major and Southern Cross asterisms. On her hand, placed over her wine glass, is a new ring.

Those were probably important.

She took in a deep breath and let out a small, anxious laugh, giving a small wave. ]

So... a few things.

Firstly, my duties at the refugee and orphan schools I preside over are going to be, at least for time being, are being turned over to some friends I have in the Coven who've graciously volunteered to take up those duties because...

I am about to be a little busy.

[ Another deep breath. She holds it for a moment, her eyes hardly able to focus on the camera, but... Okay, she can still manage this. ]

I'm... getting married.

Here, I mean. To three people, actually, which is still something I feel like I'm just flying blind into, but Aefenglom is just like that, I suppose... ha ha...

[ Good lord, she was nervous. ]

To my bonded, Kaede, as well as to my significant others Ozymandias and Croix. Everyone is on board with this and I'm currently working out the finer details.

I-I'll have a date announced soon! It will be this month, at least...

[ She pauses for another moment, quickly finishing off the glass in her wine... then reaching to refill it, and then finishing off that glass. ]

And also... I'm officially changing the records here for my name.

You see, if you met, and knew me, under the name Ursula Callistis, well... that's not my real name.

[ Her therapist had guided her through this process. In the end, it was probably well more important, on a lot of levels, than even announcing her engagement(s). She took another breath. ]

My name is Chariot du Nord. That's my real name, the one my mother gave me. If you want to know why I kept a false name all this time... I'll be happy to give you the story.

So... I am Chariot du Nord, and I'm marrying the three people I love most in this world...

[ She can't help another laugh, this one so much more energetic, and just... stretching her smile as wide as it could go. Well. That was one thing out of the way. ]

Name: Asriel Dreemurr (un: CrimsonSword)
Date: Backdated to the last Full Moon
Format: Video

[There's a... goat (?) monster on the network, who has a problem. There's a large ring of fur, an impressive yellow mane around his neck.]

I'm growing fur around my neck! How do I make it stop?! Why is this happening?!

[And he grabs his tail, which is a long, white lion's tail.]

And my tail grew! I mean, it kind of looks cooler now. B-but! It shouldn't be growing at all!

Name: Tsutha (un: tdfsh)
Date: March 7th
Format: voice
Content Warning: intoxication


[ It takes an impressive amount of alcohol to intoxicate a half-orc. They are naturally resilient, with stronger than average constitutions just on principle.

And yet, Tsutha is hammered. After only just one drink!

She would be impressed, if she wasn't more concerned by the other odd side effect of her sudden drunkenness. ]

.nrevat goD ylS eht ta ela eht htiw gnorw s'gnihtemoS

[ Wait, what? ]

!egnarts gnidnuos tuo semoc gnihtyrevE .thgir klat t'nac I

[ There's an audible groan and a soft thwap! sound, as of someone smacking themselves in the face, trying to sober themselves up. ]

...nwod eil ot deen I ebyaM .ynnuf leef I ?lleps a siht sI

Name: Steak (un: steak)
Date: 4/3
Format: Video

( hey, Aefenglom, long time no see. Steak isn't much for using the network — it's time he could much better use practicing his fighting skills or helping others — but today is a bit different, as he has an announcement to make to the Mirrorbound at large.

and Red Wine may or may not be here too. )

Ahem. ( it's a bit different announcing things like this rather than through word of mouth and flyers, isn't it? )

I am Steak of the Canaa— ( hold up, this is already a shitshow. he levels a glare at someone Red Wine behind the camera and breaks off his sentence to utter a very firm; ) We are the Knights of the Holy Sword!

( hmph. returning to the topic at hand. )

White Day is approaching ( he’s talking with far too severe a tone for this topic, as though he’s announcing a declaration of war on the city rather than the actual contents of the cue cards from which he’s reading. ) and the Knights of the Holy Sword will be providing deliveries of flowers starting at 1800 cunes. 

If you wish to order a bouquet — ( hold up part two. ) You think I can’t pronounce that?! ( huff. he is not going to punch Red Wine. yet. ) — a bouquet, for yourself or someone else, you can call myself or Red Wine on our watches. We will fulfil any order you desire.

( he thinks within reason goes without saying, and so he doesn’t say that. )

Thank you for your attention.

( Steak out. )

Name: Myr Shivana (un: mshivana)
Date: Mareuer 02, evening
Format: Video (!!)



[Somehow, this is a video post. Myr must've toggled it accidentally in trying to get to voice. The angle's awful, with the camera halfway covered by one of his hands, but what's visible of the Faun looks--

Well. He's seen better days. His face is hollow with sleeplessness and his hair's coming out of its usual braid. Even his blindfold seems mussed, pulled up a little on one side so there's a hint of scarring visible.]

We're accustomed to saying someone who's left us through the mirrors has "gone home". [Hello to you, too, Myr.] Like our time here in Aefenglom's the same as a trip to the Orlais countryside--a temporary jaunt and then home we go, with only the memories to keep.

Except we haven't got any evidence that's the case. Mirrorbound from the same world don't remember each other going missing or coming back with strange stories to tell. Those of us who've gotten new memories from home don't leave and live out their lives and return, they go to the Looking-glass House and see something in their mirrors.

I don't think we're who we think we are. [He shifts, tucking his chin toward his chest and covering the camera a little more. The charms on his antlers rattle against each other.] That is--I think the best explanation is we're not the people we remember being, taken physically from our homes in an eyeblink and returned the same way.

Back home, spirits in the Fade--our realm of dreams--will often imitate what they see in the waking world, or pick out of someone's memories. Some of them are very good at it. I wonder that we're not the same kind of thing--some product of Talam's dreams, created from magic and given memories of our homes, with the mirrors as our binding focus to keep us here.

And when they take us back--we die.

Name: M; UN: Deneuve
Date: 3/1/21
Format: [Voice]

[There's a short blip of silence; Mello knows that even his voice can be identified if needed and traced. But he remembers the pain in his chest. The swirling of the delivery truck's mirror, and everything after that, well — ]

[A sharp clearing of his throat. It's so dry.]

I know what I've been told.

[Everything is bullshit until proven otherwise.]

And I know what I'm expected to believe.

[Definitely lies. And for one: he knows he's died. It doesn't take a previous heart attack in his situation to recognize one when it tears at your chest and throat and breath like a visceral assault. Besides, he was always due for one: wasn't he?]

I don't expect honesty from anyone. [And yet here he is: reaching out. Because what else can he do?] But a Witch?

[Or so he's been told. How appropriate. Another pause; another breath.]

Is this Hell?

[He's seen nothing that leads him to believe otherwise. The mirror with the objects and reflections from home. The things that just don't make sense. Maybe someone will honestly reveal that yes, he's earned this. Maybe not.]

Name: Lahabrea; UN: username
Date: March 1
Format: Text

I have been spending a bit of time with these.. little devices of late. They're rather primitive, are they not?

All these bland sepia tones. Little true utility.

As it seems no-one else has bothered to see what they can do with them, I've decided to put them to the test and see if some upgrades are possible and see what they're capable of if their limited technology is pushed to its limits. A small test should be enough to find out if it's possible; I intend to see if these things are capable of producing and recording true color.

Now I know everyone must simply be exceedingly fond of the sepia coloring it forces on everything and everyone, but surely your lives are much too short to render everything depressingly brown forever.

I suppose, when I succeed, I will allow for suggestions to be made on further changes. What DO your precious little hearts desire by way of improvements to these devices?

Name: Xingchen
Date: feoveuer 28
Format: video

[After awakened at the coven and he has a lot of information being explained to him, he's been encouraged to find a place of his own, but not without some help getting there to one of the houses, needing a guide. He's not sure where to go, what to do, or where to start. Life is difficult when the last one is full of cruelty, and furthermore, he is blind, so to him, it's going to take a lot of adjustment.

After a while, when he's calmer, he just needs to start his life somewhere and get back on track. So this is a start. In the video, he appears to be a man with a fair face, long black hair tied up with a ponytail and a hairpin, and a white blindfold around his head to cover his eyes to suggest the man is blind. He's speaking into the device, his voice soft, polite and there's a subtle fragility in his manners]

Greetings, this is all very new to me. I've been told I'm a witch, so there is much to learn. Life isn't easy when I could not see and the world is dark.

My name is Xingchen. It's nice to meet you. I'm taking things one day at a time. In the meanwhile, I heard about bonds. I will need a bond soon. Being unbonded for a long time can be dangerous, I've been told. I think maybe...we can think of living arrangements. I keep bumping into things and couldn't find my keys, but finding my meals isn't difficult when I ask. It's also quiet whenever I wake up in the morning, but couldn't find my way around.

[despite everything, he sounds appreciative] I hope we can be friends if there is anyone out there.

Name: Yuki
Date: 2/27
Format: Video
Warnings: Mentions of death, recent event

[Yuki's wearing a plain, off-white shirt that leaves his neck exposed, where the spots of color shift gradually throughout the video, like a tell of his moods. He tries a faint, idol-like smile at first, before he settles into playing the guitar he holds. The tune he plays is soft on solo guitar, but with a hopeful central rhythm that it keeps coming back to. He sings along with it, familiar words for some, but for others they'll likely be new.

When he finishes, he puts the guitar down and folds his hands between his knees.]

Greetings, everyone. This is Re:vale's Yuki.

It seems like a lot of things have happened lately, and a lot of them weren't... good. I hope everyone involved is recovering well, and that no one has been seriously hurt. Mm... Even if that's too much to hope, I want to say it anyway. [He flashes the smile again.] I had some small trouble of my own.

Because of that, I'm actually looking for some advice. Since I know there are some garden shops and horticulturalists around, does anyone have recommendations for easy-to-grow native plants that thrive indoors? I'm thinking about getting something new.

[There's a bit of shifting, and he takes a breath before launching into the second part.]

Not to alarm anyone, but my second request is a little sensitive. If you're easily upset, please end the video here. [A pause.] Can anyone tell me about people who have left? About their last days here. Was anything unusual? Was it sudden? I'm not... I'm sorry, before anyone asks, I'm not going to pretend to have answers and I won't figure anything useful for anyone else out from this. It's just... something I need to hear right now.

[He loathes being vulnerable, so just ignore the deep blue color on his spots and the way he avoids looking toward the camera.]

Certain reasons.

Ah, anyway. Thank you to anyone who made it this far. This is Yuki, signing off for now.

Name: Mettaton
Date: 02/20
Format: video
Warnings: mention of death (he's better now!), talk of the recent event (Cwyld, kidnappings)

[Propped up against a plain pillow in the Coven's infirmary is Mettaton. His manner is languid, slow, and his rabbit ears are in such poor shape that they no longer stand anymore, sore-ridden and flopped over. Cradled against his shoulder and chest is a man's head, dark haired with a shock of white at his bangs, fast asleep.

Ears aside, his hair... is perfect. He flashes a photogenic smile otherwise interrupted by rabbit-like teeth.]

Hey there, beauties! It's Mettaton again, coming to you live from the... infirmary. [Not very glamorous, suggests his flat tone.] My sincerest apologies to those of you who've encountered me over the past few weeks. I haven't been in my right mind!! And not only that, but I was infected with the Cwyld. It was horrible. Terrible! Disturbing! To clear things up: I don't actually endorse contracting the Cwyld. In fact... Oh my. I died, thanks in part to it.

In the end, I was offed by one of you lovely darlings, before I... Before it got too bad. I was told it was a duo! [Mettaton tilts his head.] If that encounter sounds familiar, get in touch, gorgeous! I want to thank you personally. I promise I don't bite much... Haha.

[The idol pauses heavily, stuck with a smile. This is the more taxing part of his broadcast, and there's a flash of remorse in his gaze. Mettaton is a practiced face, however, so he's able to pull himself together with startling ease despite the overall tone.]

I'm sure many of you know Mikasa Ackerman. It seems... she's departed all too recently. I looked for her. Everywhere. Trust me. [Mettaton sighs; it's clear he's trying to remain composed enough for conversation, but he allows a measure of genuine sorrow to soften his expression.] She's... one of my best friends. She's a remarkable human who never fails to entrance me, no matter how quiet and stoic. She's powerful, protective, and fierce, and you'd know what I meant if you've met her. She's amazing enough to dazzle yours truly!!

...I tried to tell Eren about Mikasa, but I couldn't reach him, either. If anyone knows where... if he's still here, would you be a dear and let me know? He still owes me money!!

[Mettaton smirks playfully, but it fades as he continues.]

Well. Ahem. As some of you may have known, Mikasa and Eren live in a perilous world. It didn't sound... [Mettaton glances aside, disturbed.] I can't help but wonder if she... If they'll be all right.

[A surprisingly thoughtful silence follows, but Mettaton's quick to shake off his reverie with a quiet sigh and a hard blink. He puts his best face forward and continues, addressing more the rest of the Mirrorbound.]

Speaking of perilous... After a week of disappearances, sickness, and kidnapping alike, how are you all doing? Talk to me, darlings. You aren't going this alone!

I'm seeking a permanent bond.

[Another one of those posts, though they don't normally come from someone who looks just like a cat. Mogget has done this before, though little came of it the last time and the person who had been temporarily bonding with him is no longer around.

Mogget shifts in place, his small paws planted together as he sits in front of the camera.]

I'm a witch. Familiars have suited me until now but I would prefer not to risk my magic becoming unstable.

[And that's it really. He doesn't want to explode, thanks.]

Respond at your leisure. I'm not looking for a friend. Think of this as more of a business proposition.

Name: Midousuji Akira
Date: 2/16
Format: text; UN: HOTARU☆KUN

---

hello.

So I’m a witch. Apparently.

[what a shitty cold open.

Midousuji still feels unconvinced that this is real. in fact, this feels stupid, but he’s not about to let his mind become idle if he can help it, so he may as well throw his entire will into...something. failing that, he’ll just lay on his side until he wastes away, and maybe he’ll find out about that old saying that you can’t die in dreams. it’s lovely to have options.]

I’m an athlete back home, but I’m pretty sure my specialty isn’t possible in this place.

So for now, I’ve been studying since I got here about all this magic nonsense, and I don’t particularly desire interacting with the people at the Coven face to face more than I have to. It gives me a gross feeling. I felt like it would in some ways be more strategic to talk to other Mirrorbound, at this stage. And I’m sure these kinds of posts pop up here all the time, but I don’t care

So: practicing Mirrorbound witches, what are your magic specialties? What was your experience with learning magic?

Considering that we all have a late start, how long does it take a novice with up to at least a decade in handicap to achieve mastery?

And monsters, if you care to share: are the transformations horrible? Do you feel less human? Do you feel ugly? Do your instincts at times go against your perilous polite society ethics or whatever? What’s all that like?

[Ferran has had some thoughts about the fallout of the Circle's experiments, and how he wouldn't have been able to do much to help that night even if he hadn't been occupied with something else. He's lucky that neither of his bonds were hurt in any lasting way, but... what about the next time danger shows up? Is he just supposed to cower at home and wait because fairies are a fragile species, especially against the Cwyld? It doesn't feel right to him.]

I'm looking for some suggestions on learning to fight. Long-range, if at all possible. I can't use magic, and none of the powers I have access to can be used offensively.

[He'll get some ideas on that later, but it's not really a weapon, per se.]

I was thinking about archery, but I don't know how easy it would be to pull a bow out in an emergency or anything. Do they have collapsible bows here? [Better not ramble too much on his thoughts, though.]

I'm basically a beginner with any kind of weapon, but I'm willing to put in the work. If anyone has ideas or can point me to somewhere I can learn, I'd appreciate it.

Name: Lan Xichen
Date: forward-dated! 2/20
Format: video


[ Lan Xichen is resting on a rock beside what appears to be a calm lake. For those that frequent the Forge, they might recognize it as a nearby landmark one can pass on the route. He greets the network with a seated bow. ]

I apologize for the interruption, but I wonder if I might ask some questions to those who have time?

If you have a Bond, what prompted your decision to choose that person? I know Bonding is highly encouraged, but finding a suitable match might be complicated, and one cannot necessarily be trained in choosing a good partner. With only my own experience, I must assume not many other worlds have a custom like this. It's not the same as choosing to marry or finding a cultivation partner.

How do you know if you have made the right choice? Or, if you choose not to Bond at all, what are your feelings on such a connection?

I'm afraid I have based most of my judgments on the partnerships I know from my own life. Up until now, perhaps I have misunderstood the relationship that forms.

Name: Croissant
Date: 2/12
Format: Video

[The man in the video is blank faced, with pale hair and pale eyes, and just in frame are pale feathers. Croissant was taught about how the watches worked, but he's not sure what use it will be. He tilts his head, and a halo dips into frame for just a moment, and when he speaks there's no inflection to his voice.]

I've recently arrived and was informed I'm considered a monster, now, and would be transforming soon.

[Into what, they could not say, but Croissant won't bother himself with that.]

But more importantly, I would like to know if any of my compatriots are here. I'm looking for a Food Soul named Weisswurst, or...

[There's a moment of hesitation, and there's finally an expression on his face - his brow furrows, before his face goes blank and cold again.]

Or a Food Soul named Roast Lamb. If you've met either of them, please let me know.

[There are others he could ask for, but... Weisswurst is the most practical, and Roast Lamb is, well. Important.]