[ this is merrin's first time to the outer city - the slums, they call it. she never saw a reason to venture out too far from the safety of the inner city, and wonders now if that was too small-minded of her. the thought that anyone could live in such poor conditions when there is clearly so much resources is draining. she cannot fight with her magic so limited still, and it is frustrating to accept that, but she can still help. ]

I. The children (three responses max, specify child in subject)

[ a growing number of young are going missing. it isn't like them to take a long time, worried parents she speaks with explain, and with everything going on they fear the worst may yet come. merrin receives information on three children -- blessing, livia and hazel -- who went to fetch water from the stream when the sun was still high in the sky and have not yet returned. she will need help however, as the situation could be dangerous, and will not be shy about approaching even those she is unfamiliar with.

her ask is the same to anyone who will listen -- ]

There are children who have not yet returned home from their duties. Please, if you may come to assist me... I can pay you another time, should you need incentive.

[ ooc: i have a general set-up of the fate for each child in mind, the long-short being blessing and livia will be found, while hazel will not. what happened to hazel will be left ambiguous but the search will end on a dour note. ]

II. A patrol, of sorts

[ as the atmosphere of fear turns oppressive, people begin to rush into their homes for safety. it's a good enough plan as any she figures, and so she goes down streets to check for signs of life. a scattered few remain and merrin approaches them - only they immediately turn and rush away. well, so long as they are rushing to get indoors? she does not know why they hate the mirrorbound, but she doesn't think it really matters. she knows not take it personally, but it still stings.

along the way she slumps against a wall and lets out a tired sigh, putting her hood down to relax a little. wound up with anxiety, there has been little time paid attention to rest. however she still pays mind to the area and if she sees someone, familiar or not, she will call to them- ]

You should not wander the streets. Everyone should stay indoors to their best ability.

III. The figure

How could you say such things? People's lives are in danger, we are only here to help. [ the harsh tone that reverberates through an alley of the slum is merrin's, directed to a man who walks away from her without head to her words. she quickens her steps to get around him, getting in his path, and glowers. ] Do you have nothing to say for the fear you spread to others?

[ the man scoffs- ] I am warning people of the danger they are in, because of you and your kind from the mirror! You just come here to play savior when it suits you and then act like you didn't bring the danger with you!

I don't know what you -- [ and then the man pushes past her, causing her to stumble back. he's about to go off, but merrin turns and snatches his arm. he tries to pull away, but she keeps a strong hold. ] How dare you. I will not let your actions and words go unpunished. Your words are poison, and your warnings a wildfire of chaos to the madness of this place. You cannot be allowed to continue on.

[ the man continues to struggle, but now he begins to panic and calls out for help - get away! help! - as she deliberates what to do with him. ]