ǣfenglōm (main comm)

Name: Yuya Sakaki
Date: Sept. 4, morning
Format: Video

[Yuya holds the communicator as far out as he can in his hands, giving people as much view of a stable garden not too far from the Coven--in fact the main building is easily in view.]

Hi! Since some of us are going to be going to Dorchacht soon, I think it's really important that we don't go without being bonded for everyone's safety. So if you don't have one, Abigail--[He turns the camera to the side to put a tall, lanky witch into view. She waves.] Is willing to help with casting bonding spells for anyone who comes down to--this garden.

[A slow pan shot, hoping to show plenty of landmarks.] She confirmed that they can be broken when this is all over, so it doesn't have to be a permanent position. But after what we saw in that dream... we're better safe than sorry.

I'll be here too!

[Mingle Here!]

Name: Nerissa Bell (andernach) & Mhairi Ainsley (fearolc) Date: Septeril 1st Format: Video The video starts focused on a familiar face, close up until a differently familiar hand comes into the shot to set the watch down. Claws click on the outside of the surface, followed by both parties leaning back - then taking a proper step back to ensure both are in view. Miss Nessie looks as chipper as always, evidently still Delighted about this whole watch business, though there's a tightness around her eyes; Mhairi looks tense and decidedly displeased. It's more emotion than she's shown to the group at large, ears back and hackles raised, arms folded with a militant discipline behind her back. "Hello, dearests! We hope today finds you well." Nessie grins a little wider, though it softens after a lengthy pause. "While we'd love for this to be purely for pleasure - believe me, we both would - we've some things to discuss today, we do. After the full moon last month, a missive arrived from Morgie - that is, Morgana Drummond, the head of the Coven over there in Dorchacht - asking about our..." She pauses again, briefer this time, her lips thinning as she continues. "Our 'lost luggage,' as she so kindly put it." At her side, Mhairi's low voice outright growls, "After much back and forth, and discussions amongst Parliament, we've come to a decision that Drummond has... agreed to." Nessie's smile continues to wane, and she leans against Mhairi. "And we're quite glad that she has, considering conflict with Dorchacht is not exactly ideal at the present moment." With a deep breath, the Turnskin pulls back her disdain and focuses on the task at hand. "The Parliament has requested that the Coven send a group of dignitaries to Dorchacht to negotiate, and hopefully deescalate the situation. While we may not be able to immediately bring change, should things be as terrible in the waking world as it was in the dreamscape that you unfortunately faced, our best attempts will be made." She pauses, and displeasure is obvious in the way she lowers her gaze and turns her head to look at Nessie. "... your best attempts. Because we don't know what may happen, or what hand Drummond and the Coven of Dorchacht might turn, I will be remaining here. Those that wish to do the same are welcome to, and I will do my utmost best to assist you and answer any questions you may have." "While my lovely Mhairi does that, I'll be attending the meeting with Morgie - though I'm sure that's not a surprise at all, is it?" Nessie pulls away slightly, stepping forward in frame just a bit to spread her arms. "The dignitary group'll be handling all the real fun stuff - talking, seeing if there isn't anything to be done about this queer little situation that's come up, apologies when necessary, so on... I'd like to ask Morgie myself about how she's running her Coven, thinking on it," she pauses, then lowers her hands and steps back again. "And I know a few of you've been worried about it all, and wanting to help, so if any of you dearies would like to come along and play diplomat - show her things are right as rain and all, that we can all get along just fine even without what laws they seem to have in place - then I won't say no." She pauses again, tilting her head. "Might help, even." "Relations between Aefenglom and Dorchacht are... tense," Mhairi adds, wryly. "Per their insistence and refusal, there's no means of direct transport between the two cities, teleportation included. We've tried to get an alternative up and running, something that has been in the Coven's possession for quite some time. The device is a little too risky for us to consider, however, as it's theoretical in execution. Perhaps a project for the more technologically inclined of the mirrorbound at a later date." "I'd appreciate it, at least. That thing's one of our seven wonders in the Coven, it is." "On the fifth, any who wish to join Ness and a handful of our finest Witches should meet at the port." Mhairi reaches and, finally unfolding her arms, curls her hand at Nessie's elbow. "My best wishes, travelers. Be safe." Nessie returns the gesture, hand settling on Mhairi's; it's a little hard to tell, but she's rubbing the side of it gently. "Take care until next we speak, dearests." NOTE This post will NOT receive any responses from Nessie and Mhairi. You can, however, use this post to interact with one another in the meantime.

Name: Steven Universe
Date: Juril 23th
Format: VIDEO

[Steven starts the video with the composure of someone who has been practicing what he's going to say. It's not stiff or awkward, but it is definitely a pitch.

His pocket watch is settled in front of him, showing most of his upper body. He's in a house somewhere, and clearly a fae. He's got pink antennae and a set of insect wings that are partially spread out behind him. There are little glimmering stars just floating in the air around him, which are illusions, for anyone with the sense for that.]

He-llooo Aefenglom! Or at least the mirror people part of it!

So, I've been thinking! There's a lot of us out there that haven't made Bonds yet. I know it can be hard, meeting new people! But I have an idea that might help you out.

I'm going to be organizing a Witch & Monster Speed Dating Event for the start of next month! If you don't know what that is, it's when a bunch of people get together and take turns breaking the ice with each other. You get to chat for three minutes, and then you move on!

[The little glamour stars you can see turn into soft pink hearts and bubbles now.]

If you like them, you mark it down, and if you're a match, you'll get an invitation to hang out together after the event! I thought I could set it up so there is one set monsters and one set of witches, so that you can try to find someone to form a safe Bond with if you haven't already!

I'm going to start off by trying to organize something big enough for 10 monsters and 10 witches for the first event, and if it goes well, we can totally do it again in the future. I won't be participating, but I'll be the to organize, provide music, and... well, if anyone out there is willing to help me catering then that would be amazing! I... don't have a lot of cash, right now.

Attendance is totally free but if you want to bring something along to share it would be super appreciated! Let me know if you want to come and I'll book you a slot.

Oh, um... I know I said this is speed dating, but it doesn't have to be romantic! You can also just be friends if you like that better. 'Speed Dating' is just kind of a thing back on my homeworld. The Bond potential is what's important!

[OOC: There is going to be an OOC organizational component to this as opposed to it just being a free for all - everyone will be OOCly assigned a few people to tag for rapid fire threads with possibly strangers. It's mostly going to be randomized pairings for your character to get out there and meet, but you can also just tag into whoever you want beyond the ones you're assigned.

Provided there is enough interest to run this event, I'll be doing an OOC post to explain the specifics more completely and get concrete sign ups. There are limited slots, so be sure to let me know if your want your character there! I'll hold a spot for any characters that commit to the event in this post.]

Name: Minako Arisato
Date: July 3rd
Format: Video

[Hello friends, here is a video of Koromaru. He's sitting on a bed, looking as happy and alert as can be, with a sign hanging from his neck that says:

ATTENTION ALL WITCH FRIENDS!
FOLLOW THE WITCH CODE SO YOU DON'T EXPLODE!
CREATE A BOND IF YOU'RE FOND OF LIFE!

Koromaru is patiently motionless for about five seconds, and then he raises himself up to vigorously shake his body, turning the sign around and askew. Minako laughs off screen, a hand reaching out to pull it off him.]

Okay, fine, I'm relieving you of your duty.

[Camera view change! Minako is now the focus, holding the sign with her free hand and offering a jaunty wiggle of her fingers as a hello.]

Yes, I know it's really dumb, but really dumb rhymes help people remember them better! And this is important. If you saw the Coven infirmary during that shared dream last month, I think you'd agree with me. Nobody should-- nobody needs to go through that.

I know it might not be easy for some people to make a Bond. It has a capital B, after all, it's important and telepathic-y and binding and things here are weird and confusing as they are without adding that to the mix.

But remember, you can un-Bond anytime you want! If you don't like your partner, you can find and Bond with a new one you trust later down the line. Putting it off will only worsen how much you're endangering yourself the longer you wait. And for what? Pride? Solitude? Forgetfulness?

[Her eyes go wide with a beseeching look.]

It's not worth your life. Please take care of yourself first. The rules in this world are different, and it hasn't and won't be easy to adapt to them, but this is about your health. You owe it to yourself to be in a comfortable mental and physical condition. If you don't want to do it for yourself, then do it for the people who are waiting for you back in your own world. Think of the promises you've made and the regrets you'd have if you let everything end here, so far away from home.

[She's quiet for a moment, and then huffs.]

So-- here! If you're a Monster and you're willing to Bond with a Witch, reply to this! If you're a Witch and you're looking for a Monster, you should definitely reply to this! Get it done so you have one less thing to worry about while you're on this world!

[A bright, encouraging smile.]

And seriously, if you're trying to find a Bond, take care, okay? The hallucinations and headaches get pretty bad.

Thanks for listening.

Name: Katsuragi
Date: July 2-ish
Format: Video

[ Yako’s going to just to go ahead and cut straight to the point. ]

After Litha, did everyone have the same dream again? Of the city being destroyed?

If it’s not too much to ask, I’d like to know what you remember from it. It might be important to confirm the details we can recall.

Name: Niles
Date: 6/13
Format: Video

[The clip opens with a shot of Niles' chest. It might seem intentional, given how the deep cut v neck of his shirt shows off his chest, but after the picture rotates and tilts awkwardly a few times it becomes pretty clear he's just not entirely familiar with how cameras work. When his face finally is visible and the picture steadies he's frowning, annoyance obvious in the slant of his mouth and his squinting eyes.]

A question to all those who are gaining new parts and features, how do you keep them clean?

[The camera shakes and rotates some more as Niles turns his device to point down at a long, incredibly fluffy, beautifully patterned tail. It's not filthy, but the white shows flecks of dirt caught in it and there's a few small mats starting to form, particularly on the underside near the end. It flicks and twitches a few times before Niles moves the camera back up to his face.]

I've tried combing it like my regular hair- [Which looks clean, shiny, and overall well groomed.] -but the fur is so dense it hardly does anything, and it picks up dirt and grime so easily. I'm used to having a dirty reputation, but I pride myself on keeping that to the figurative sense only.

Name: Mary
Date: 6/11
Format: Video

[Mary stares into his watch, expression stoic, guarded. He immediately ruins this image with the fact that he has a bubble pipe in his mouth and is wearing a deerstalker hat over his cat ear hoodie. He blows some bubbles before removing the pipe from between his fangs.]

What were you doing last month on the night of the full moon?

[This is how you investigate things. Right?]

Oh! And right before you came through the mirror.

Name: Lex
Date: June 7th
Format: text

anyone know how turning into a monster will affect body modifications? or how the modifications might affect turning into a monster?

i think i'm growing claws

Name: Zelda
Date: June 4th, i guess? sure why not
Format: text

[Zelda is no expert in how to use the "watches." She barely knows how to use them at all, actually. But there is no way in hell she's going to be able to keep a stoic face up while giving this message, so after several hours of fiddling, a new post appears on the network.]

i have been asked by miss nerissa bell to forward some information she has shared with me regarding any supernatural, magical, or otherwise extraordinary abilities those of our number might have possessed before our sudden arrival in the looking glass house. i wished to know if she had any theories regarding what has happened to these powers and abilities, and she responded that she did.

the following is an image of the letter in which she detailed her theory to me. please forgive me if it is illegible in any way; i shall transcribe it if necessary, but this form of communication is still very new to me.

[Fortunately it's not terribly unreadable; you might need to zoom in on some bits to pick apart the o's from the a's and so on, but Nerissa's big bubbly letters make it easier than it otherwise might have been. It reads as follows:

( cut for length )

further inquiries regarding this theory should likely go to miss nerissa herself, as i fear my own understanding of this world's magics is still very limited.

Name: Elliot Craig
Date: June 3rd
Format: Text

Hi. I'm Elliot Craig. It's nice to meet you all, even if the circumstances aren't, well, great?

Anyway, I was wondering a couple things and this seemed like the place to ask.

1. Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a violin? If there's a store or a place I could barter for one, that'd be really great. I tried conjuring one, but all I got were recorders. Guess I need more practice.

2. On a related note, is there anywhere I can donate a bunch of recorders?

3. Is there anyone that recognizes the name "Erebonia"? Or "Zemuria"? If you don't, that's okay. I'm just wondering if there's anyone else from my world.

4. And finally, does anyone know how you go about finding someone to make a Bond with? For some reason the townspeople I ask keep acting like it's this really personal thing, but I don't really know anyone here and I definitely don't wanna explode. So what do I do?

Thanks.

Name: dylas
Date: June 2nd
Format: voice

Hey.

[That’s it. One word. Dylas’ voice is low, like usual, but there’s something unsteady about it. Maybe it’s nerves from using the pocketwatch, a device he’s still not used to, or...well.]

I know people have been...changing. It’s, uh. Not great. But...do the changes hurt for anyone else? There’s this spot on... my friend’s arm that’s all grey, and it hasn’t stopped hurting ever since it showed up. Does anyone else have that?

I’m asking for my friend.

[He’s not asking for a friend.]

[OOC; Dylas is infected by the Cwyld after an encounter with some Shades. He’s been hiding it under his clothes, but now his arm is hurting real bad.]

Name: Minako Arisato
Date: June 1st; midday
Format: Text

hi everyone! （⌒▽⌒ゞ I'm Minako Arisato and I just woke up from a three week nap in the infirmary...it seems like I missed a lot of things ( ⚆ _ ⚆ ) so I put this message together to try and get caught up and meet new people! sorry that it's so long!

[ SEEKING ROOMMATES ]
I'm looking for someone to live with. it looks like a lot of people have already partnered up, but if you have space for me and my puppy, I'd really appreciate it (´•ω•`๑) he's a very good, well-behaved dog, and I'm a very good cook, if that helps make the decision

[ PUPPY PLAYDATES ]
speaking of dogs, how many other people have pets from their home worlds here? Koromaru is a shiba inu and needs a lot of exercise, but he gets bored with just me after a while. I was hoping we could get a gathering of animals to play together sometime soon (๑>ᴗ<๑)

[ SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE ]
since coming here I've been feeling exhausted, like really really really REALLY exhausted. the people in the infirmary couldn't help me figure out why...probably because it's a problem that came from my home world. I really hate being so tired all the time, it's not me at all (๑-﹏-๑) does anyone have a suggestion for how to energize myself again? aside from sleeping or drinking a lot of coffee, I mean

[ QUESTS AND MAKING LUNCHBOXES ]
I really want to help with quests, so I'll probably try and do some of the easier ones. (if anyone needs help with one, just say the word and I'm there!) but for the people who are going on the dangerous ones, who might be gone longer, I had the idea of making lunchboxes for them. so they don't have to worry about they're going to eat when they're so far away from most civilization. would anyone be interested in getting those lunchboxes? or making them with me? I don't know if my new witch powers include potion brewing but I want to look into that too, so we can make adventuring starter kits for everyone who's heading into the Wilde. basically, if you're interested in cooking or eating, tell me what you think of this idea??



if you made it all the way to the bottom of this message, thanks for reading! if you scrolled down because you didn't want to read everything, please enjoy this picture of my dog ❤

[Look at how cute he is.]

Name: Yako Katsuragi (un: katsuragi)
Date: May 25-ish
Format: Video

[ The young woman on the watch gives the camera a small smile, though her expression is also a touch uncharacteristically serious for those who’ve met her before. ]

First of all, for anyone who was badly affected by the full moons, I hope you’re feeling better now. If you need any medical attention or want to learn how to help keep others from going feral when you’re not Bonded to them, you should ask the Coven.

[ PSA done, she clears her throat, brushing her hair away from her face. ]

There’s something else I’d like to share. When we first came here, some people mentioned having a dream about being in a banquet in a forest. I had the same dream, too. I don’t know how much other people recall, but one of the the things I remember hearing while I was in it was the name of the place: Dewaint.

Anyway, I did a little looking into it, and it seems like I’ve found it. Or at least, um, something used to have that name.

[ That’s her cue to move, turning the watch to face ... a map. For those who’ve already seen a map of Geardagas, it will look pretty familiar, but it’s large — taking up most of a wall, and Yako has to take a few steps back to take it in its entirety — and it’s clearly old, preserved from being tampered with by a layer of glass. Yako continues speaking as she steps back in closer, panning her camera slowly as she points out areas of interest. ]

The librarians said this map is about five hundred years old. This is where Aefenglom is today, near the coast. And where Dewaint Forest was is...

[ She focuses on the dark spot towards the center of the map, right by the river (since she’s a little short, this takes a lot of standing on her toes, so the video goes a little wobbly before it straightens). The inscription scrawled over it bears a script similar to what might be seen in places around the Coven — and on the protection charms that were offered in the bonfire ceremony when they first arrived. Though the script might resemble Irish Ogden runes in form, for those who recognize such things, it’s clearly a different language. ]

There -- in the center of what The Wilde covers today.

[ Yako pauses, letting the camera linger. ]

To be honest, I’m not sure what this all means. I haven’t been able to find out much else about it, though some books said something about leylines passing through it and called it the heart of Geardagas. [ Although it’s a heart that most people seem to have forgotten. ] All I know is that it doesn't feel like a coincidence.

[ Spiel done, Yako turns the view back to herself. ]

I'm still trying to see what I can learn, but this is what I have right now. I thought other people might find this interesting too. I asked some people about this already, but if you have access to Parliament Records, the librarians and Miss Nessie think they might have more. So if you would like to help with that or with looking through some more books and papers, please let me know! If you’ve found anything related, I'd like to hear about it too.

Name: Iramaat
Date: 5/21
Format: Voice/Picture

[ The wonderful denizens of Aefenglom are treated to Iramaat's dulcet tones - although they're pitched down into something almost like a pout or even despair. ]

This is unacceptable, it really is. [ There's a long-suffering sigh and then she continues. ]

Pulling me across time and space and one thing, but this? Is another. They've changed my ears! My beautiful, beautiful ears...

[ Sounds like someone got their first bit of change since their arrival. And she decides to prove that am oment later with a sepia-toned picture of herself. Her long, pointy elf-ears have been replaced with a pair of ears that more closely resemble those of a deer (and they seem to have shifted slightly up the sides of her head). They've even got that dusting of fur, although it's hard to tell what color it all is. Her expression is incredibly morose and not at all happy. Maybe even a bit overwrought. ]

At least tell me I'm not the only one...? [ Well, she half knows that, but she wants to confirm it. ]

Name: Prompto Argentum
Date: May 11
Format: Voice

[He really doesn't wanna do this, but people deserve to know. Prompto takes a deep breath that can be heard on the call before he speaks.]

Right. So. Uh. I probably didn't meet most of the rest of you so, hey, I'm Prompto. If you see a tall yellow bird, that's Primula, she's a chocobo--yellow, not gold, gold belongs to Cloud.

[He's babbling and he knows it.]

A-anyway. So, I noticed some weird stuff yesterday and went to the guys who helped us when we first got here a couple of weeks ago, figured they'd know best. It was just weird body hair but, y'know, weird place weird shit happening, not like I've got my regular doctor here, y'know? Figured I might as well get it looked at just in case. [A weak chuckle.] Yeah, it's not weird body hair. It's fur.

[A beat.]

It's fur. Apparently there's a chance we're not human anymore and the guys in charge didn't expect it so...yeah. And who knows, maybe I'm just really unlucky and everyone else is just fine but...if you think something's off, go get it checked out.