[OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet

[aquaveiled]

WHO: Anyone in Solvunn!
WHAT: Mingle Meet & Greet for new and old Solvunn Summoned!
WHEN: Early February
WHERE: Primary Settlement: The Gardsbruk Farm

[ ooc; This is an open log so feel free to jump in and make your own top-levels! You do not need to have CR with Himeka, Wanda, or Nero to stop by the farm, but you are free handwave a word of mouth. ]

i. Gardsbruk Farm




On the roads between the Primary and Secondary Settlements sits Gardsbruk Farm. A once thriving homestead servicing the community and housing several generations of the Gardsbruk family had fallen into disarray. Left to the care of Maeve and Declan Gardsbruk, the twins had initially hesitantly allowed the help of local summoned in their efforts to restore the farm, but now they are active and grateful supporters of the Summoned in the community. In recent months the farm has been seeing a burst of activity and vitality in the surrounding farmland, finally looking more and more like it once had in generations past.

Green pastures in the height of summer are sprinkled with some brown grass during droughts, but these rarely last more than a day or two. A few crops may be planted for family use, but the main stock of this farm is sheep.

And there are sheep! You may be greeted by up to two dozen sheep when you enter the grounds, though not all of the livestock may welcome your presence. There are a few rowdy goats that are wandering about too, and a large brown goat named Eli seems to be particularly discerning of residents. Be careful you don't upset him. He will be seen all throughout the events of the next few days, inviting himself unannounced to follow along any guests. He may be bribed with carrots.

There are a surprising amount of monitor lizards wandering about the farm as well. "Don't worry about it" seems to be the prevailing mood.


ii. Day One - Farmville

You're not here just to enjoy the scenic landscape. Maeve and Declan are eager to greet the new Summoned in town and equally eager to put them to work. They understand that many may not be ready to take on farm life so what is better than first-hand experience? Maeve will show how to shear sheep and Declan shows how to butcher livestock, both important skills no matter where you end up. It's a good opportunity to network as well, given the success that the Gardsbruks have gained in welcoming Summoned into their homes and their growing revered status amongst the community, a Summoned with a resume will do well.

But their own Summoned residents are just as happy to show what they have learned as well. Wanda shows how sheep wool is woven into thread and yarn and how sheep milk is turned into cheese. Samples of both are given to any Summoned or locals who decided to participate, and given that Solvunn is primarily a battering society, getting what supplies you can is useful even if you're not cold or happen to be lactose intolerant.

Nero is overseeing a petting zoo which includes several of the most mild-mannered sheep on the farm, a shrieking weed named "Meatloaf", and a particular monitor lizard who won't leave him alone. Eli also makes appearances when he sees fit.

Food is provided...if you work for it! By Nero's surprising popular request, Himeka will lead the group in making pizza. Pizza is not a Solvunn specialty. In fact, it's never been heard of in these towns before. But what is pizza but carbohydrates, cheeses, sauces, and toppings? Using the supplies from the local baker, the meat from the local butcher, vegetables from a neighbor, and cheese from Gardsbruk's own sheep, together they will make "a better pizza than that guy".


iii. Nighttime Activities

Later in the day there is a friendly sparring contest held in a cleared out field. The locals like to put money on these kinds of things, so it's not only an opportunity to test your strength but also earn a bit of coin or notoriety. It seems like arm-wrestling is a regular contest at the local tavern and you may be invited to join in later if you participate.

For dinner, the community comes together to enjoy the warming weather with a potluck-style barbeque. You are welcome to bring your own ingredients if you can, but there's no need--anyone can help out in anyway. It's also the perfect time to sample the local meads as a few barrels are taken out of storage to share. During the dinner, there is a lively performance from a local band to welcome the new Summoned into the fold.

As the day turns into evening, a large bonfire is lit. Everyone still on the farm will be welcome to gather around, share hot ciders and ale, as well as roast some tasty treats on sticks. Food is always better on a stick. A time to wind down, share stories, and thank everyone for joining and being a part of what Solvunn has to offer.

You don't need to go back to your own abode if you're planning on staying for the following day. The barn (normally Nero's room) will be made ready to accommodate guests for the evening. The sheep and Eli have a separate barn, don't worry, though the cow Agatha sleeps there as well. She's very kindly if a little smelly, but you get used to it.

(If you happen to be the kind of person who can't go out in sunlight, any activities, discussions, and interactions are happily held at night as well!)


iv. Day Two - Summoning the Summoned

The second day is less dedicated to integrating to Solvunn, instead focusing on what it means to be a Summoned. The day will start in the barn with a quick breakfast before the welcoming committee will invite everyone out to pasture along with the herd of sheep. Away from prying eyes and ears, they can discuss in earnest.

Himeka will step forward as the sheep are ushered to graze, turning to address her comrades, new and old.

"Thank you for joining us today," she begins. "You've surely got questions and we...well, we may have answers, but truth be told there are many questions we're still asking ourselves. But what we do know is that we're important--not just to Solvunn, but to the star as a whole. What we have, what we can do, we don't even know the extent of it. It makes us valuable and it makes us dangerous, and it also makes us a target. But if we look out for one another and work together, we may yet come to understand it."

There will be discussions of the Summoned's known history and "purpose" in Solvunn and Abraxas, touching on the impact of the Old Gods, the suspicious rumors now surrounding Josselyn Creed, Solvunn's relationship with Nocwich and the other factions, and more. It's the perfect time to get to the nitty gritty of the mess you have been summoned into. Ask questions, get answers, and open new avenues for discourse.

As Summoned you may find that you have new and strange abilities or that your usual powers are returning. It is the perfect time for a demonstration of magicks! Wanda and Himeka start off the show with demonstrations of their own but are curious to see what others bring into the table.

Towards the early afternoon the sheep will be brought back in and, hopefully with new knowledge, the Summoned of Solvunn can face the days ahead. And if there are those who still need a place to stay, well...all you need to do is ask!


xx. Gift Baskets!

Anyone who participates in this log receives a gift basket from the official "welcoming committee!" Throughout the first day you will receive a small woven basket from either Himeka, Wanda, or Nero which contains:

• Pleasantly smelling soaps, shampoos, and candles from Wanda, guaranteed to keep you smelling better than the farm itself.
  
• A little sack of spices and herbs with a hand-written recipe for goat stew and small bottle of fruity liquid from Himeka--mead that she has been "trying to make herself". It comes with a note, "In case of emergency". If your character doesn't drink, they can receive a tasty pastry instead.
  
• A small sheep knit from sheep wool from Maeve Gardsbruk.
  
• A small collection of cool rocks. They aren't magical or rare. It may be misleading as they come in a nice velvet bag. They are just cool. Nero thought they were cool.
  
• And most importantly, an expertly drawn brochure explaining all you need to know about Solvunn in minimal detail, by the local acclaimed artist Nero.

Comments

CONTENTS OF NERO'S VERY IMPORTANT BROCHURE

[vengeanceinside]

INFO-SHARING & GROUP DISCUSSION - DAY 2

[aquaveiled]

[ ooc; This is for people to pose question or topics for info-sharing and gathering! This will include thread-hopping and will have the assumption that everyone in attendance is able to listen in and participate.

You are not discouraged from having similar discussions in your own top-levels! Please feel free to have as many private one-on-one discussions as you'd like. ]

re: old gods;

[desolation]

And what of these Old Gods?

[ morgana speaks up her question amongst the group. it's quite a point of interest for her since magic and gods all intertwine together in her own world. as a high priestess, it's valuable information to know how she might come to be affected here. ]

How do they correlate to our purposes here? Is it them we serve?

[aquaveiled]

[ It's a good question. The Old Gods are mentioned so often, woven into every aspect of life in Solvunn that sometimes it's easy to forget that they may not simply be. That they're something else.

Himeka nods to Morgana. ]

Indirectly...the Council and really everyone in the Commune believes in them wholeheartedly. They believe they're responsible for the good, the mundane, and the ills we see day-to-day. They believe that we're here because of the Old Gods. So...you may be approached Solvunnites who see you as an extension of Them, or a blessing.

[ It can be awkward at times if one isn't ready for it. ]

That we be in Their favor is important to them, which is partially why they think both Thorne and the Cities have fallen by the wayside.

[ It doesn't seem there's much if anything spoken about them outside of Solvunn, based on the questions she's gotten from fellow Summoned across factions. ]

But, directly as well...should you want to try to make contact.

Himeka Sui | The Fool

[aquaveiled]

i. Welcoming Committee (Day 1)

[ It had started out as a way to simply supply the newly Summoned with a few wares, but putting together the gift baskets has become something she enjoys. Thinking up of a new (usually edible) treat for their neighbors new and old is a nice thing to focus on for a bit. And this time Himeka has taken up her newest hobby of fermenting her own mead to the masses.

She approaches a fellow Summoned with a big smile, tail wagging behind her not unlike a dog who is very pleased to show off the stick it just found. ]

Thank you for coming and welcome to Gardsbruk Farm!

[ She holds out a small woven basket. ]

ii. When pizza's on a bagel... (Day 1)

[ It's not difficult to talk Himeka into making something. Truth be told, whatever she's done for these little get togethers has usually involved preparing food or taking part in some sort of consumption-related contest. But when Nero had a very specific request, she was equally excited and confused.

Why pizza?

She's got nothing against pizza. Despite the fantastical nature of her homeworld she does know what it is--seen a couple varieties, in fact! But Nero has never once brought it up before and was suddenly very insistent that not only they make pizza but that it's better pizza, she has to wonder what else is going on.

Or maybe he just really misses eating it? She can relate to getting homesick for food. Foodsick. But not the nauseous kind.

Either way, bonding with others while cooking is one of her favorite things. She's slicing up several varieties of cheese as she looks over to her current assistant. ]

The dough is looking good, great job.

[ Don't mind Eli standing. Right next to the table they're working on and staring pointedly. ]

iii. Would thoust like to live deliciously? (Day 2)

[ Magic is extremely important all throughout Abraxas. It's been a major mover in her own life even before arriving, but the connection they have with the Singularity makes it something else entirely. As such, Himeka has devoted a lot of her time trying to tap into the High Magicks of the commune, as well as working on her own.

Not everyone has a basis to begin with, however. She's happy to share a few more spells of her own. If your character seems to want to learn, she'll ask... ]

Have you any experience with Conjury?

[ But more than showing off what she can do--since she knows that much already--she's much more interested in seeing what YOU can do. If your character is already magically inclined, she will gladly wait for a demonstration if they're up for it. ]

So this is a bit of an old hat for you, is it? May I see?

I.

[beautifullies]

[ Having never met anyone with a tail before, Claire can't help but notice and blink in surprise. Still, she quickly recovers and her smile is gracious as she accepts the basket. ]

This is lovely, thank you. And the farmland is beautiful.

[ She means that, a certain longing in her eyes and in her voice. Introducing herself, she offers a hand politely. ]

I'm Claire.

[aquaveiled]

[ Pleased to see pleasant face around--even if being here isn't exactly something for everyone to celebrate, being torn from their homes--she is always gladdened to see a newer Summoned at least in better spirits. ]

Thank you! Maeve and Declan would be glad to hear you think so, too. It's their family's land after all.

[ Though she's been there for over a year, she knows the history of the place weighs more heavily on their hosts. Something that mayhaps this Claire can relate to, given the candor of her response.

At the hand, Himeka happily takes it and gives Claire's a hearty shake. ]

It's a pleasure! As much as being ripped from one star and forced upon an other can be, right? I'm Himeka.

[ A little uncouth but it is the truth. ]

How have you been settling in?

Claire Fraser | The Empress

[beautifullies]

ʙʀɪɴɢ ɪᴛ ᴏɴ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴛᴏ ғᴀʀᴍᴠɪʟʟᴇ - ᴅᴀʏ 1

[ The time Claire spent at Lallybroch in her younger days wasn't long, but it was enough to get used to the work of a farm. She'd taken to it, though she'd never, ever, managed to learn to knit, or come close to being able to do anything useful with a needle other than sewing other people closed.

It's with enthusiasm that she gets her hands dirty, though she never has shorn a sheep, so she pays close attention, having what she considers a pretty good go of it for her first time. She likes talking to the sheep as she works once she has the hang of it. ]

There you are, that must feel better, hmm?

[ She also makes time for watching the butchering, though she is familiar with that. If there's a chance to learn something, she's eager to, especially when it comes to handling sharp objects.

When she's worked up an appetite, Claire makes her pizza and sits alone to eat. Not for any reason other than an empty seat is available. She's perfectly content to share the space and meet someone new, after all, that's what this is all about. Though, she can't help thinking that Jamie would love this, and that ache in her heart is the only thing keeping her from feeling truly happy. ]

ɴɪɢʜᴛᴛɪᴍᴇ

[ The night is harder than the day when there's less to occupy the void in her heart left by her missing family, but she still finds herself enjoying the camaraderie of the atmosphere despite her longing for her loved ones. She's met other people, kind people, and so she's tried to accept that for however long she's here, she has to find her place with them. She did it in nursing school, again during the war, and yet again in Scotland.

And so, she's mingling around, doing the best she can to look open to meeting others. The food is good, and the bonfire is nice. The mead isn't bad either, and as she reaches out for another drink, her hand lands on the same handle as another. She offers a smile, withdrawing. ]

Sorry, please, go ahead. It isn't as if I haven't had plenty.

ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪs ᴛʜɪs ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ? - ᴅᴀʏ 2

[ Throughout the meeting, Claire stays in the background, taking in information and letting others ask questions. Most of them are questions she has herself and she tries to determine how she feels about being dragged into another place's political issues. Tired mostly. It never ends. She might be frowning to herself lightly as everyone disperses, but she doesn't move. She's thinking about being on the road collecting taxes and the secret Jacobite meetings, lost in thought.

Later, she's curious about the magic, what ability she may (or may not?) have. It's darkly funny that once she was labeled a witch and nearly died, and here she is in a world where magic is real and accepted. She watches both Wanda and Himeka in fascination, but can't imagine herself doing anything of the sort. It's with humor, and to no one in particular, that she speaks. ]

I feel like a confused old woman, depending on someone young to help me muddle my way through.

[ She does smile, at least, to show she's only joking. Mostly. She doesn't consider herself old. ]

Day 2

[familysucks]

[Michael hasn't always been the type to take a back seat in these types of affairs, but life among people isn't life among angels and observation serves him best in this setting. Besides, he has no showy magic to put on display like the others do. None that wouldn't melt the eyes out of all present, at least, and he'd feel at least a shade guilty if he ruined Wanda and her friend's event. It's supposed to be a night to welcome newcomers.

Doing his best to be sociable, he turns and gives Claire a nod. He takes the comment for what it is: a way of saying she's out of her depth, rather than a real complaint about her age. Anything under a thousand is pretty youthful in his eyes, anyway.]

A common sentiment among new Summoned, as I understand it. Wanda is a patient teacher, if you feel so inclined, though you must have some skills of your own to share.

[Not necessarily magical, but they never summon anyone useless, do they? He gives her a somewhat expectant look.]

[beautifullies]

[ With her arms crossed loosely across her chest, Claire has to at least admit he's correct. ]

I'm a surgeon. A healer, I think they'd say around here. But I'm well-versed in plants and herbs, their uses. And my husband's family lives on a farm. I'm sure of myself in those regards, but...

[ She looks at her hands, as if something is going to happen. She isn't even sure where t begin or how to learn, but it isn't the most pressing thing on her mind. ]

...I suppose I'll be building on those skills. If it helps, I can't say I'm opposed to the idea.

» what is this magic;

[mobezon]

{ magic — he hadn't considered it, especially with the way it had been split in new orleans. there was vodou, but then there was the catholic sentiments. he fell into the later, or some can even say that it was the winner's religion that laid its claim to his ancestry. it does not matter, it was what he had to be under, be it colonizer's plight or destined to be as some might put it. he still resigned it forcefully in 1910.

his gifts could be considered magic. he acknowledges them only when he has to, which makes his frown lines deepen when he finds the magical demonstrations plainly clear. it's unbelievable, but it shouldn't be when he's experienced his own undead life that isn't public, that most wouldn't believable in his world. how can he question magic when he has his own vampirism to carry the weight of? he only notices the woman nearby when she speaks, too distracted by the demonstrations. }

I find the world has been moving too fast. A bullet train seemed impossible in my day. Do you think an old dog can learn new tricks?

{ the last bit is a hint into the acknowledgment that yes, he had heard the joke in her statement. }

[beautifullies]

[ When Claire laughs, the sound is rich and deep. It's the first time she has in a little while, she thinks. ]

I'm hoping. Magic isn't anything I'm familiar with. In fact, it can be dangerous to claim to be able to wield. I've never seen anything like this, let alone had the tools to learn.

[ She's turned to fully look at him, still smiling. Circling back, she agrees with his statement—things do seem to move too quickly. ]

I was sailing from Jamaica to Scotland; anyone used to a train, and a bullet train, at that, would find traveling by boat a snail's pace in comparison. Unless they aren't in a hurry and aren't prone to seasickness.

[ Smiling, and with another laugh, she extends her hand in greeting. ]

I'm Claire, an old dog.

kai parker — solvunn — the fool

[cobrakais]

01 SHEEPS

( okay, he's a sheep whisperer. that's the only explanation for the fact that he's suddenly surrounded by a throng of sheep when he makes his way onto the farm. it's not surprising because he's a likeable guy so why wouldn't sheep like him too?

maybe they recognize him because he's been to the farm before or something. he's never been too up close with the animals because he'd always heard that they could sense the bad juju that someone might carry with them and he just hadn't wanted to chance it.

but looks like that was a much bull because these sheep love him. laughing, kai twists in a circle to get a look at all of them and then holds his hands in the air. )

Time to train you all to do my bidding. Every man's gotta have a sheep army, right?

02 NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES

( if you're looking for kai, you will not find him anywhere close to the sparring matches. he's not a fighter. not like that, at least. there's some intrigue on his part to see who is the fighter but instead, he stays back and partakes in the potluck.

he even brings something to eat (nothing too crazy, just a simple dish of pancakes because that is something he taught himself to make in the prison world) and once that's down, he grabs a glass and tries the mead.

it's — strong. he coughs a few times and waves a hand in front of his mouth. )

What's in this? I think it's poisoned. Did I just get poisoned?

( what a loss for solvunn that would be. )

03 WILDCARD

( feel free to throw anything else at me! )

nighttime activities

[aquaveiled]

[ Feeding people is one of her favorite things to do, as well as eating food shared by others. Himeka is eager to try the pancakes provided but is definitely munching quietly while keeping an eye on the particular brand of mead he's decided to try...

Notably, hers.

She's never made mead before, so it's kind of a test batch. And what better to test on than your neighbors?

When he coughs, she can only tilt her head to the side. ]

Poisoned? Hmm...do you not like cranberries? They can be a little sour.

[ It is absolutely much stronger than it needs to be. ]

[cobrakais]

I don't know if I like cranberries. That's a good question.

( has he ever had cranberries? he doesn't think he has but he frowns in thought, trying to remember. )

Is that what this is? I'm not poisoned, just tasting a fruit?

02.

[desolation]

[ morgana is only here because wanda had insisted on it, though she still intends to mind her own and avoid too much of the mingling chatter, sitting aside upon a log as the others take more advantage of the festivities. she does, however, try the mead, even if she'd spent years more accustomed to high quality wines, but she's also learned to simply accept whatever she could get her hands on. and right now, a drink is something she could use.

she even handles it any trouble, letting the strong flavor travel down her throat with ease, unlike the scene she sees nearby as kai coughs dramatically after tasting his own. ]

Would you prefer that is poisoned? I could fix that for you.

[ making poisons come easy to her and perhaps it'd make for some nice entertainment tonight to watch him drink it. ]

[cobrakais]

Ooooh, feisty.

( and curious. he wonders if she's just saying stuff because she can or if that's true. he doesn't ask her just yet but he's still curious. )

I didn't know that was a viable career path, honestly. Making poisons and all. Does that pay a lot? Because I could see myself doing it.

» nighttime activities;

[mobezon]

{ he's not far off down the table of laid out food when he hears the the cough. louis had been mostly staring at the way it had been plated, as if there were some form of care. he gets a sense, while at the same time he's still left confused by how accepting everyone around has been. it almost makes him wary if he'll stand out. he's almost grateful the cough lured him out of his thoughts before he became too entrapped within them.

he's truly not that far off, since he can hear the stranger plainly. then again, his vampiric hearing could just be coming back. }

Are you not used to strong alcohol?

{ it's a genuine question, but the way it sits in a neutral tone, it could be read all sorts of ways. }

[cobrakais]

Uh, yeah yeah. Well —

( kai peers down into the glass and then makes a face. he's not going to be able to get away with a lie like this if he can't really drink more than a few sips without feeling like his throat was going to burn up.

he coughs a few times. )

No, no I'm not. I've had a few wine coolers. Does that count?

morgana pendragon | the tower

[desolation]

DAY ONE, ANIMALS ; [ morgana, no doubt, carries an air that has little regard for other human beings. since her arrival, she's been cautious, sharing little information of herself too casually before she can peel back a better understanding of the people she's been forced to ally herself with. but there is a moment where the hardened look of her eyes softens to one bearing a more caring nature, when she finds herself in the company of some of the animals in these lands.

while she may have formed a mistrust of most humans, the same can't be said of her opinion towards creatures, after all. though that may simply be the part of her that dreadfully misses a particularly dear dragon friend.

she lowers herself onto her knees, pinching her dress to kneel carefully, raising a carrot to welcome in one of the sheep towards her. except as one draws in closer, so does another, trying to catch a nibble of the vegetable in her hands. she nearly laughs, something honest for once rather than cunning, her fingers tracing against the wool.

if she isn't spotted with the sheep, though, morgana might be seen peering curiously at the small shrieking weed, intrigue in her eyes as she kneels low to study it from a short distance. ]

You're a peculiar little thing, aren't you? [ like the kind of rare magical creatures she's come to encounter in her own world. there's something almost sorrowful as she speaks softly to it. ] I do hope they treat you well.


NIGHTFALL, SPARRING ; [ for someone raised in gowns, practicing the proper etiquette of a lady of the royal court, morgana knows fairly well how to handle herself in a fight — even without use of her magic. after all, how many times had she bested arthur himself, unmatched champion of most tournaments held in camelot?

of course, the locals don't seem too impressed, not convinced of a woman of her build to actually win a contest, but it doesn't differ much from what she's used to. she hardly bats an eye as she spins the stick in her hand as she would a sword, as she peers around. ]

Is there no one willing to take up the challenge?


NIGHTFALL, BONFIRE ; [ as the music plays out and there's a jolly atmosphere surrounding the burning fire, morgana can't swallow down the melancholy that blossoms in her chest. her fingers wrap more tightly around the cup of mead in her hold as she sits upon a log that earns a brilliant view of the blazing fire, the reflection of it against her eyes making it appear as if they burn within.

she simply hadn't imagined coming face to face with a sight like this, to be within it, simple folk with little to their name save for the lands around them that they live on. her natural instinct is to scoff and think the naive idiocy of peasants, but she can regretfully recall a time she longed for this, when she'd watched the druids attempt it, when she wanted this life for herself. ]

Quite a sight, isn't it? [ she says quietly, with a nod of her chin. she speaks of the locals mostly, their enthusiasm for their work, their drive in maintaining their livelihood. there's a desire to look at it with spite, but within, she's aware there's something else — envy, perhaps. subtle as it may be. ] With the desperate call for our assistance in this world, you'd think it'd all be burning. Even if it were, where is our obligation to save it?

[ though her tone doesn't bear any scoffing sharpness, but rather, a pondering one, her eyes unfocused and lost in thought. ]


DAY TWO, POWERS ; [ there's an unquestionable thrill as she watches the performance of demonstrated magic, from the flash of red of wanda's spell to the swirling wisps of blue and gold from himeka's staff. perhaps it's the lack of secrecy in it, the openness of such inner abilities, but any disinterest for this mission that's been forced upon them seems to shrivel away for the moment as she observes the capabilities within the group.

there's a sense of doubt when it is her turn, not out of any lack of confidence about what she's capable of, but rather the style of it. how long since morgana had cast something that wasn't malicious in some form? she considers herself before she makes a few attempts.

the first has her bringing out the brochure that was given to her the day prior. she flips the page until she settles on one of the drawings, snickering briefly before she lets the entire paper levitate from her hand. she hovers a pair of fingers over the drawing of her choice, the elk, muttering an enchantment. after a moment, a manifestation of the elk springs out from the page, looking less like ... a real version, and more an enlarged animation of the blue sparkling drawing, the animal prancing circles around the group.

when she mutters another spell to bring the elk back into the page, she then asks for a volunteer. smiling almost mischievously when they stand before her, she speaks another spell, words of another language, her eyes glowing gold. soon, the volunteer's body matches the glow briefly before their body shifts in its shape, followed with their transformation into a small rabbit. ]

Cute, aren't they? [ she snickers, picking up the rabbit into her hands and caressing its fur gently. all mere tavern tricks, of course, with nothing that demonstrates the real danger of those spells nor ones she doesn't choose to show off in this moment. ]


DAY TWO, WOODS ; [ don't go into the woods, it'd said on the pamphlet. several times, in fact, which only seemed to work at heightening her own curiosity of it further. she can sense it, the magic beyond it, the possibility of all that lives in there, hinting by the scribbled drawings on the page.

she has no weapon on her person, nothing but a small bag of fruits and herbs, as well as a few quickly concocted potions from what little she's pulled together. but she stares at the trees like she's more than ready — and she is, since every spell in her memory is prepared on her tongue to defend herself if necessary.

there's no fear in her eyes, but instead a sense of anxious wonder. she doesn't even turn away from it when she hears a set of steps behind her. ]

Are you coming to try to warn me or to join me?


WILD CARD ; ( hit me up for different options from the above! open to varied scenarios and spicing things up. for the transformation option, feel free to either be the volunteer that gets transformed back (she wouldn't leave them as a rabbit — this time around) or just a witness. )

Day Two - Woods

[familysucks]

[Michael wanders over to the edge of the woods with plans to act on neither of her proposed options. He's merely an observer of human behaviour. New arrivals don't generally hop to do the very thing they've been cautioned against, so she stands out as a bold curiosity among the newcomers.

He looks even less ready for a trip through the forest than she does: empty hands at his sides, light day wear, and not even a bag of provisions at his belt.]

You read the booklet they gave out, didn't you? You've already been warned. [He says it with a level, unconcerned voice. It's not his job to stop her. If she feels she's ready for it, perhaps she is.] Besides, life in the commune is not for everyone. You wouldn't be the first to make your home in the woods.

Is that your aim, or are you hoping to find something?

[This close to the farm they're unlikely to be surprised by anything dangerous barreling out from between the trees, but there's a potential in the quiet and shade beyond the tree line, as if the very forest is holding its breath.]

[desolation]

[ she'd hope for him to choose neither, since she'd rather not have anyone trying to command where it is that she is or isn't permitted to go nor is she really is the mood for company, since she carries little trust for anyone she's been thrown alongside with the assumption that she's meant to ally with these strangers. it's a relief when he doesn't persistently jump on either choice. ]

Yes, the scribbled drawings by children really accented the danger that's ahead of me. [ she bears a heavy weight of sarcasm in her words, though she does believe the warnings. it's only that she doesn't think of it as enough to stop her.

with his question, she scoffs a short laugh. ]

No. I've no interest to sleep upon leaves and dirt. [ not that her sleeping conditions here are any better, she doesn't say. instead, her eyes peer ahead again to the trees, pensive once more. ] But if there is magic in these woods, I intend to see it for myself. You can say ... that it something of a duty of mine.

Bonfire

[beautifullies]

[ Claire's sitting space is being shared, and she's been fine with the quiet between them. She's been good at pushing off the homesickness while there's something to do, but now that she's still, her heart feels like it's trying to squeeze out from between her ribs. It isn't just that she misses Jamie. It's that this time, she's sure the hurricane swallowed him up, breaking apart the ship and dragging him, Fergus, and Marsali into the depths of the ocean. Claire as well, but instead of being dead, she's wound up here.

When her company finally says something, it shakes Claire out of her thoughts and she glances over. ]

I've been in two wars and survived another that had nothing to do with me. At some point, it isn't just them you're trying to help and protect. It's yourself, and the people you've unwittingly started to care for.

[ Her gaze moves back to the fire. ]

If we're here long enough for the latter, in any case.

day two; powers

[aquaveiled]

[ She's seen levitation, she's seen some level of manifestation of thought...

But goodness, there's something about seeing one of Nero's drawings come to life that is the most delightful thing she's seen in ages. Himeka readily claps at the show, considering asking if Morgana can do Eli next. (Only hoping that is own devious personality wouldn't be translated so readily, lest he turn on the group for a siege of headbutting.)

Before she can, she sees one of their comrades become much more...fluffy.

Goodness--Morgana reminds her quite a bit of Y'shtola already. That thought makes her smile. ]

There are certainly worse things to turn into.

[ She tilts her head to the side, regarding the rabbit. ]

Is it...a glamour? Or did you actually turn them?

» wild card;

[mobezon]

{ the thirst came in small waves. it was manageable as the days passed, but eventually he felt the side effects as his strength begun to return. he didn't think it would be possible to feel the strung out motions he held onto when he first got turned. it's only thanks to his decades of learned control that has kept him from finding the nearest person and giving into his thirst. instead, they were told to gather for activities, and louis figured he'll find a way to deal with it. he's always been resourceful when it came down to it. it wasn't until the bonfire that it truly hit.

louis joined when the sky was beginning to darken, and he could safely walk around. he largely avoided people at first, unless he had to be hassled into small conversations. those he can deal with, but the longer he stood around, the more he could hear one heartbeat, then another. soon enough, the delicacies of a blood flow in his ear were not going to be able to be ignored with alcohol he can no longer actually taste. his sharp nails scratched the fabric of his pants when he realized he'd have to figure a way to feed.

it had to be small enough of a creature that it wouldn't raise suspicion among the folk who seemed to care about their farmland. the goats might be out of the question when he eyed them, knowing they held enough to sustain him for days. the pesky hunger, crawling to the surface drew him to lurk between the alleyways of the farm, where he was able to catch a rabbit having strayed away. he's thankful for his speed. if someone were to see a blur, it would be gone and descending into the approaching woods that they warned him about.

the brochure advised against hunting the elk. the rabbit will have to do. it didn't take long as he only entered the first tier of the trees, enough that he would be obscured and enough that he would be able to bury the creature afterwards. it'll be plentiful for the rest of the night. he must have been gone no more than half an hour and he doubts anyone would note his lack of presence. he's a stranger to them all. therefore, once he's done he walks out of the woods. the moonlight shines upon him and makes it seem as if he were carved from stone if he stood too still, highlighting his inhuman features when he wipes the remaining blood from his mouth. his fangs were still out, ready to retract. he's usually careful, but he didn't expect the gathering. he certainly was not about to allow the witness of his feeding. }