sonnestark | aefenglom sample post

( prompts drawn from the fourth wall event )

i. boaltinn

a. bonfires

[Bonfires have often evoked pleasant memories for her, and these are no different. For as strange and chaotic an experience as coming into this world has been, there is something universally comforting about a bonfire, and so she gravitates towards them shortly after arriving to investigate the Boaltinn festivities.

People of all sorts are gathered around them, witches and monsters alike, and it helps her to feel just a little less self-conscious about the stray feathers she's found mingled in with her hair and in small patches along her shoulder blades. It's said that monster transformations are meant to take some time, but the rules seem to mean little this time around— along with arrivals being out of the ordinary in and of themselves, newcomers seem to be experiencing changes at a rapid rate. It's worrisome, but for tonight, she's inclined to let herself enjoy the festivities— for awhile, at least.

She pauses near the East Bonfire, just in time to see someone else leap through the flames, and a curious smile pulls at one side of her mouth as she looks to whoever might be standing nearest to her.]

It's supposed to be cleansing, isn't it? Do you think you might try?

[Flames with the power to burn away poor relationship experiences... well, she has plenty of those. It's tempting.]

b. rose baths

[This isn't her first shared bathing experience: she had warmed up to such things during her time in Japan, and the soft scent of roses reminds her of Lucia's talent for aromatherapy, something she hadn't realized she would miss until suddenly it wasn't available to her any longer. All of this has been a great deal to process, and so the chance to unwind is a welcome one. She exhales softly as she sinks down so that the water is up to her chin, leaning back so that her head is gently resting against the edge of the bath, the heat pleasant against the sore spots where feathers have begun to grow.]

This is awfully considerate of them... do they always do this for new arrivals, or are these strictly a part of the Boaltinn festivities?

[She sort of hopes it's the former. She could get used to this.]

ii. wilde hunt

[The moons' effect on her is much stronger than she'd expected, even having been warned. When the opportunity is offered, she heads out to the area of the Wilde that has been barricaded to allow new arrivals to test their new abilities and forms without the risk of harming passers-by. There's no guarantee that they won't hurt one another in the process, but given they're all going through a difficult adjustment period, she wants to trust that they will all do their best to look out for one another.

The talk of Shades out among the trees has piqued her interest— she has yet to see one for herself, but she would like to see evidence of the Cwyld up close if she can, be able to recognize it for what it is and see its effects in person. She's left behind the games of cat-and-mouse to venture deeper into the woods themselves, sword drawn as she advances, wings now fully-developed and folded against her back. Balancing on what she thinks are shaping up to be talons isn't so different from walking in heels, and actually makes picking her way through the forest a bit easier. All things considered, though it is difficult, she's doing her best to take these changes in stride.

A low growl from within the trees ahead draws her attention, causing her gaze to narrow and the grip on her sword to tighten, but her attention is quickly drawn elsewhere— the rustling of brush somewhere to her right, the space between the trees too dark to make out if it's a Shade or another Mirrorbound approaching. Either way, her wings flare as she raises her blade, prepared to defend herself if necessary, taking up a ready battle stance.]

Show yourself.

[It may not mean much to a Shade, but another Mirrorbound would respond, she assumes.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Sora laughs and agrees with her with a quick nod. This world is full of all sorts of people so seeing everyone so engaged in what the festival has to offer is nice in on itself as well. And that's also why Sora tries to be as kind a she can to newcomers. He knows it can be quite a lot to take in.]

Just take it one day at a time. And don't be afraid to ask questions. That's how I got through my first few months.

[Thus why he seems so comfortable in his fur and cotton tail.]

I think it's been about half a year for me. Sometimes it feels like way less than that.

I'll be sure to do that— I've already had plenty. For the most part, people have been helpful.

[She's grateful for that. It wouldn't always be the case.]

You must have been kept busy if it went by so quickly. And— the changes you've gone through, they've progressed through all that time?

That's great!

[Luckily every single mirrorbound knows what it's like to be lost and unsure so it's best if everyone helps everyone. For the most part.]

Yup, the first change I ever got was my ears. [Sora points at his long brunette-furred rabbit ears.] It was a headache when they were growing and it was really weird waking up to have my normal ears gone but...! I'm pretty used to them now.

[It was a literal headache- Sora was in pain for about three days.]

Having a bond with a witch really helps with the changes too, though. It makes it way easier to get through.

[Less painful...]

Your ears... how long did they take to grow?

[She sounds just a bit tentative, but he had told her to ask questions. She worries about asking anything too personal, but all things considered, it's only natural to be curious. She'll be going through some more drastic changes sooner rather than later, by all accounts.]

I heard about bonds. They're vital to surviving in this place, right? That seems like— an awful lot of trust to put in another person. How are you even supposed to choose someone?

[Luckily for her Sora doesn't mind answering questions no matter how personal they might get. He just wants to help.]

It was about three days give or take. [He reaches up to tug on them.] You know how you have growing pains as a kid? It was like that but way more often.

[He laughs a little sheepishly. He doesn't want to scare her, though.]

But yeah, my bonds made the growing pains a lot easier to deal with. It might be a scary idea to bond with someone but if it's a friend or someone you trust there's nothing to be worried about. Both sides of the bond take care of each other, you know? Pick someone who can do that.

Edited 2020-06-22 01:31 (UTC)

I suppose that makes sense.

[Of course, she's heard that there are people who have found people they know here— she guesses they must be the lucky ones. She smiles a bit, appreciative of his perspective.]

I think that's going to be easier said than done when you don't know anyone at all, but I'm sure that won't last. I'll figure things out.

[One way or another. She always does.]

Trust can be hard to come by, sometimes.

[Sora gives a quick nod but he smiles warmly at the woman. His rabbit ears give little twitches as he thinks or talks.]

You seem really nice, I don't think you'll have trouble finding a bond that works for you!

[He would offer to help her himself if he didn't already have four bonds. Four- one over the recommended limit. Sometimes Sora struggles with that feeling. But he won't alarm her with that.]

But take your time, the stronger the bond the strong the monster and witch.

[She can't help noticing the ears— for being a 'monster,' she has to admit that a number of the traits she's seen other people take on in this place are awfully cute, and almost none of them compare to what she would think of as monstrous. It's all about perspective, she supposes, but even sweeter than the puca body language are his sentiments.]

That's very kind of you to say. I hope you're right— I'm anxious about making that kind of commitment, but I know it's important.

[Vital to survival in this place, as she understands it, at least if she's here for any length of time. At his reassurance, she nods.]

I'll choose carefully, in any case. It sounds like you found bondmates you're happy with.

[He knows what a huge thing bonds can be for people and why someone would be nervous or anxious about figuring it all out. He doesn't fault anyone for being careful or scared at first. Sora was too just because it was so different from what he's used to.

Sora's shoulders lift a little as a tiny fond smile warms his lips.]

I got pretty lucky. Some of my best friends are here. And there's someone else I really care about now.

[It's quite obvious Sora adores them.]

[Her expression softens, and she can't help smiling in response to the warmth in his voice. He's practically beaming.]

They sound like they must be pretty special.

[She remembers how that feels very well.]

aefenglom sample post | monster (harpy)

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