Entry 1 - 22/01

[xiangthebodyelectric]

So I'm assuming, based on what people have said, that someone can see this? If so, hi. I'm Xiang, I'm new here and I don't really know anyone.

If not, I guess nobody needs to know I'm trying to write to imaginary people in my journal. Ha ha.

Anyway, I got here a few hours ago, and to be honest, I'm pretty lost. It seems like a nice place, don't get me wrong! But it's a lot to take in. Would anyone like to show me around a bit? Especially the town and so on? I promise, I'm really good company!

Oh, and this is kind of a swotty question, I know, but are there any other libraries round here, or just in the castle? All my reading material's back in my flat, and it doesn't look like I'll be back there any time soon, so it would be nice to get something to keep me occupied!

Sorry for rambling. I'm really looking forwards to getting to know you all, though! Especially my fellow apprentices!

OK, I think that's everything. If you actually are reading this, how about you leave me your name and, I don't know, tell me what your favourite thing about this place is? You don't have to, but, hey, it could be a good kick-off for a conversation!

-Xiang Chang

Comments

[xiangthebodyelectric]

Haha, sorry. I get kind of carried away sometimes. I was blathering, that's all. About theoretical magic. It's kind of my thing.

[Hahahaha please don't think she's lame.]

I guess it doesn't matter all that much, anyway. We're here, that's what matters.

[ignisvulpes]

Theoretical magic...

See, either you mean the kind you can get from spellbooks, or we've got to be from different worlds!

[xiangthebodyelectric]

I would guess both. I mean, if they're pulling us across world boundaries anyway, there's no reason to think we'd all be from the same one, right?

[ignisvulpes]

True, true! Just thought I'd outright say it.
See, I'm getting the impression you're the type who likes to have hard evidence.

[xiangthebodyelectric]

Ha ha, I guess you've got me there! I just like to know what's going on, you know? Knowledge is power, and all that.

Shame I'm so predictable!

[ignisvulpes]

Hey, nothing to be ashamed of. ;]

After all, I like being on top of things, myself.

[xiangthebodyelectric]

[well that's just a lie isn't it kaph]

So do I. But you were right, I do like hard evidence.

It's all a bit confusing around here, anyway. The more I can suss out, the better.

heyoooo

[ignisvulpes]

Well, you've probably figured THAT out by now, but this place runs on a very particular kind of logic.
You better keep that in mind.

[xiangthebodyelectric]

I've figured out that it does. But not really what that logic is.

Except that it involves a lot of... "adult content".

[ignisvulpes]

Yeah, that's the gist of it!

[xiangthebodyelectric]

I've heard of worse things. I mean, so long as we're all adults here, who cares, right?

[ignisvulpes]

That's the spirit.
Maybe you won't have such a hard time with this apprentice business!

[xiangthebodyelectric]

Well, I'm told I'm a pretty quick student...

[ignisvulpes]

I'd love to see just how quick.

[xiangthebodyelectric]

Buy me a drink first, pal.

[ignisvulpes]

Any time.

[xiangthebodyelectric]

[Wow. She didn't expect him to actually take her up on that. Not sight unseen, anyway.]

[...And, well, what the hell? It's got to be worth getting to know people. Besides, she's got no money, and rule one for broke witches is never turn down a free drink.]

If you mean that, sure. How about now?

[ignisvulpes]

Sure, why not!

Oh, you should probably know, though, [how courteous of him! how sincere!] there aren't a lot of places around here that I'd call "classy".

[xiangthebodyelectric]

I'm from Glasgow. I can cope.

Where should I meet you?

[ignisvulpes]

[Oh man he is SO GETTING LAID TODAY. That's the enthusiasm he wholeheartedly channels into the directions he gives her, to a pub not too far from the castle.]

See you there?

[xiangthebodyelectric]

See you there!

[Sure enough, she'll arrive at the pub a little while later, asking at the bar after a Kaphlar Kinra. She's not looking her best - a lot of her beauty regimen relies on spells which don't work here and products that she doesn't have - but she's done what she can with what's available to her.]

[Which is to say, she looks pretty but not perfect, so it isn't good enough.]

[ignisvulpes]

[Now, Kaphlar Kinra considers himself a man with pretty high standards. Standards that, he finds, most common women in the village simply cannot live up to, even if it's just because they usually smell faintly of manure. The few female outsiders he's met don't have that problem, but they do tend to have this other problem where they have some kind of beef with him for one reason or another.

All this to say that Xiang has none of these problems, and as such, he is VERY happy to see her.]

Heeey! Over here!

[If it weren't for the green hair, Kaph would look like any other clean-faced east Asian young man.

There's also his lack of decent pants, but that's not his fault.]

[xiangthebodyelectric]

[She looks up, and smiles at him, clearly relieved. It's much easier to relax when you're not actively looking for someone.]

[Plus, honestly, he's kind of cute. That helps.]

[She tucks her hair back behind her ear and heads over there, smoothing down her robe unconsciously with one hand before she offers the other to shake.]

Hey. I'm Xiang, but I suppose you guessed that, huh? Nice to meet you.

[ignisvulpes]

The pleasure's mine.

[For a second, he thinks of taking her hand and kissing it, but hm. That's more corny than charming these days, isn't it? A handshake it is.]

So, got your eyes on anything in the menu yet? [He lowers his voice to a whisper and winks slyly:] Don't worry, it's all regular, non-magical booze. The special stuff usually gets more fanfare.

[xiangthebodyelectric]

[She laughs obligingly, sitting down across from him.]

"Special", huh? What, the stuff with the love potions in it?

Think I can get a rum and coke, or is this a bit too medieval for that?