abraxaslogs | [OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet

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[OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet

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.

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[ Himeka nods. She'd figured that if the Gods were so important to Solvunn, then it's best to investigate if they were real. And, well...the proof is in the holy pudding. ]

It may take some time, but I've made contact with a couple now. They don't exactly speak the way they do, but they are very real and have an influence on this world, for good or for ill.

{ whatever magic occurred to bring him to solvunn was great enough to take away the hunger that came with being a vampire. it seemed to be a relief at first, but then he'd experienced his withdrawals when it started to manifest again. it reset him. it was akin to his first drink in the beginning of his fledging days, when his senses were hyper focused on sedating from nourishment.

although his tongue craved the forbidden to the taste of human blood, he didn't have the choice in solvunn. he had his arrangements in dubai to feast without killing upon the willing, if one can call it such. louis wasn't about to find some unsuspecting person to munch upon in a commune where many were strangers and he had nowhere to go. he barely wanted to give any signal of his true nature if he can help it. at least until he can control how to approach its reveal.

his sharp senses were off when he fed. louis wasn't on alert when he finished consuming blood. he craved, he needed, and he provided. his careful ease was all he had left. apparently it wasn't enough, considering the comment. louis finds a woman not far off. they're at the edge of the woods, of which they were warned not to play nearby. she's bold, and it foretells enough for louis to consider the lack of fear. he cannot smell it. her heartbeat alone indicates a fortitude that speaks her own story he isn't aware of. some part of him wonders if she'll guard it as much as he has. he refuses to pry into her mind. after all, he's trying to keep a low profile.

louis is about presentations. he has yet to figure which one to give at solvunn for the sake of his own protection. he stands, at a respectable distance and after a considerable pause, he responds as he slowly lowers his arm down to his side. her smile nearly catches him off guard. }

I could have a bigger appetite. { although it can be read as a threat, it is not, and the infliction in his tone is meant to indicate it. it's truth he's chosen to live by, of which involve the diet of animals on purpose. he has no formulations over the brazen woman, but he can gauge in conversation as he steadies his gaze upon her. } Were you also set on educating yourself about the forbidden woods?

I should probably be more concerned that I've landed in a place that makes a habit out of snatching people.

{ he's partly serious about it. he's not sure what to think about his situation, and it's not as if the life he left behind was a walk in the park. trading in one delusion for another. }

I hear you. I'll always be a city boy. I admit, I'm not much of a connoisseur of television.

{ there's a brief spike of proudness to the mention of someone knowing where he comes from. nola will always remain with him, deep in heart and mind no matter the troubles it brought later on. if he didn't have to leave it, he would have remained. regardless, they were starting to notice his immortal presence and being called a devil's spawn could only be ignored for so long. yet, it was dangerous to travel within states that deemed him less than. }

I didn't get to travel to our neighboring states. You'll have to tell me about Boston sometime.

{ louis has yet to form an actual opinion on solvunn when claire seems set on hers. he rarely takes to changes. he isn't sure if people around him would accept his true nature. he listens, and maybe it's the ease in her giving honest information that compels him when he speaks. }

I've only ever known the bayou, until my daughter wanted to travel. { it's the lightest way he can put it. } I think I'd like to garden, or grow my own vegetation to share. All I wanted for a while was to read my books and garden, but I wasn't given the opportunity. It wasn't fit for a man in my time. Much of what I wanted wasn't. I had to be the provider for my family. If the goat decides it doesn't like my face, I'll catch it.

{ in other words, he's willing to try. }

I was more into music and books.

( he'd been forced to be into music and books since the prison world only showed the same television shows and there was only so many times he could watch the same movies.

books were, at least, plentiful. )

What city are you from? Anything interesting? Making a list for when I get out of here and can travel the world.

I normally don't say anything.

[ She says this coolly, glancing at the other woman. Since Geillis, Claire is more on guard about the people she meets and hands her friendship out to. ]

Don't mistake my personal values for caring. I'm a healer, and I take that seriously. I swore an oath, and I don't care who the other person is, I was trained to fix others, and that's what I intend to do.

[ Claire's gaze turns back to her. ]

Ridiculous or not. As for those I do care for, well, I'm not all medicine.

Edited 2023-03-01 23:23 (UTC)

I'll tell you more about Boston, if you tell me more about New Orleans. Admittedly, I didn't get to stay as long as I would've liked, but the history of the city is something I would've loved to dive into. I've always been drawn to old things. I think that's why I wound up in Boston. The U.S. is so incredibly young, though.

[ She says this as both the former wife of a historian and niece of an archaeologist, but also as someone who'd planned to settle down in the UK and an accidental time traveler.

When he mentions a daughter, Claire perks, and his list of interests might as well be from her own. ]

How many children do you have? And if it isn't rude to ask, what time are you from?

[ For all he knows he could just as easily be from the future as the past. ]

[ Magic is something so woven into her own world as it is here in Abraxas, sometimes it's easy to forget that that the stars others hail from are not built the same. She wouldn't ever expect someone who practices it so fluidly as Morgana to come from anything but.

Himeka will stop petting the rabbit, soft as it is. ]

Oh? That makes sense. You just needed the right teacher, yes?

[ Which leads her into her own answer with a smile. ]

It's the same for me. What I was able to do was accidental or passive. Magic really needs to be directed, doesn't it?

[ Grown now--though Himeka does have to smile a little at the red hair comment--that does make it easier than leaving behind a literal child. But she knows now how much her own mother and wished for the years they spent apart to not have been in total silence.

An ocean is a great expanse. But not an impassible one, even for those born on the land.

Himeka nods, her expression turning more empathetic. ]

Sure, everyone is missing someone. But that doesn't make our own hurts any less.

[ Just a gentle reminder, even if she understands where Claire is coming from. My situation isn't any different, we're all in this together. ]

We're not a replacement for family, of course, but you will find the community here is pretty close.

[ She motions for Claire to walk with her further into the farm. ]

If there's ever anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. As Summoned we're here to help each other out. Though Solvunnities now think that the Summoned are here by will of the Gods, as blessings of sorts. Don't be too surprised if total strangers approach you because of that.

[ Great band name?

It...would be, wouldn't it? But that's far from the point.

This is where Himeka pouts. She's not upset, more-so confused. Has he never had any sort of alcohol before? Even she had fermented seaweed and rice wine down in the ocean. ]

Is this your first time having mead, then?

I am pretty sure that...yeah, it's the first time.

( not a big drinker, this one. )

I don't know if I like it. It's interesting and not terrible but also...strong.

[ Claire can't help but smile softly; wise words, and she's glad for the reminder. She begins to walk beside Himeka and has just thought to confess she's sure her family is lost, and that to know she isn't alone is exactly what she needs. Before getting to say as much, the topic of the Gods arises. ]

I'll be sure to pretend I'm...honored. Is that how they believe we should feel? What does one do when approached?

[ This is mildly concerning to her, given her faith is shaky already with one God, she has no room for another. ]

{ he was a social creature that wanted to be left alone on occasion. his own dilemma, but the books will always be a comfort. it rises a brief hint of a smile back onto his face. }

Books are a great choice. I'm a New Orleans boy at heart. I did my fair share of traveling before I settled in Dubai for some time. If you make it to the bayou, try the food. The nightlife is better. { a pause, careful in the calm sense. } Do you think we'll get out? Solvunn doesn't seem like a prison, but I don't know what the purpose of it is yet. I'd hope this isn't a blink twice situation. Would be a shame.

It's young, alright. Immature to learning from its past, but the people truly make it worth it. It did once. Fair trade, Miss Claire.

{ he's lived through the time it was illegal to both have relations with the same sex and with another of one's race. that part he didn't miss when he left it. instead of simmering in it, the recollection of what did make him lively no matter her ruthless appetite, resurfaces his smiles. }

I won't ever have another. She became my daughter after she was left without a family. Just fourteen when I met her. Smart, capable. { he pauses, considering what to reveal. it's really about having the means to do it on his own, therefore it's easy to say. } I come from the year twenty twenty-two, but not originally. I was turned into the immortality I hold in nineteen ten. I've seen two turnings of a century. Which one are you from?

Get out of this place and go somewhere else in this world or get out entirely?

( though, he doesn't really know the answer either way. he wants to hope they get out of her because being stuck in the same place is going to be reminiscent of another time but on the other hand — )

I don't know. Telling me you don't like farm life?

[ She chuckles lightly with that. It's a fair warning to give, she thinks, especially because it wasn't always this way. Solvunn has been a little more welcoming in the fact that anyone who contributes to the community can stay, but their status has certainly elevated over the last year to something much more.

And it can be a little odd if someone you've never met is asking you for a blessing. ]

I'd say just be...open? They seem to understand we may not understand their gods, even if we're supposed to be sent by them in some way. If anything they may just believe that your presence is a gift and want your blessing for good luck. Or invite you to meet their new calf for good fortune.

[ There's a lot to process in what he's said. She can relate to the adoption; Fergus, after all, is as much her son as Bree is her daughter. The thought of him, newly married and at the bottom of the ocean tries to creep into her thoughts, but she pushes it away.

It's easy to do after he says he's immortal, and Claire looks at him in surprise, though maybe she shouldn't be. On this star, she's finding anything is possible. Opening her mouth, she changes her mind and takes a long drink to gather her thoughts, then decides to be as casual as he was. ]

I was born in nineteen and eight. But when I arrived here, it was seventeen sixty-six.

[ His math is a bit easier to do, and she smiles with a small upturn at the corners of her mouth. ]

It seems we've both seen our fair share of different times.

[ Christ, she can't imagine giving anyone her blessing. She'll mumble some old Catholic prayer and be done with it. At least she can entertain herself. ]

Thank you for the advice, if I'd been caught off guard, I have no idea how I might have reacted.

[ Oh, oh! His first...how lucky that her drink be the first, in that case. ]

Well, that's an easy enough fix.

[ Give her a moment to mix the mead up with a little more sugar and juice. Once it's combined enough to her liking, she hands it back. ]

How about this?

Well, let's see —

( kai takes it, lifting it in a toast and then takes a sip. he can still taste the undercurrent of the meade but it's sweeter now, almost like strong lemonade.

though with a different kind of bite. )

That's not bad. Actually, that's pretty good.

{ it puts it into perspective considering the year she was born. he'd been an ambitious young man. he nearly finds he's transported. there are memories that will fade, even with his sharp memory skills. it's the nature of his kind, to loose what they once were.

the proceeding date is also close in ways he didn't anticipate. 1766 is closer to when lestat had been growing up in france — it was his time. just a coincidence, and often they are funny little things. he decides to finally take a sip of the mead in his hand, but it only tastes like nothing and it goes down with no burn. }

So it seems. I went forward and you went straight to the past. You'll have to share your travels if you don't mind, some day, when we're not settling into a new existence. { the unsaid is there. it doesn't need to be said. traveling through time is a curious concept if that's what she's alluding. he couldn't ever go backwards, but just as his books when it was all he had for years - he'll look into another's story vicariously. } I do wonder how it had been in the date you've mentioned.

[ There's a warmth of recognition that sparks in her chest; another person who knows what it's like, seeing and living through moments in history they never should have, for supernatural reasons. For that alone, she smiles and gives a soft nod of her head. ]

Perhaps we could meet in the Horizon, once I've managed to finish wrapping my mind around that. As for the past, it was dangerous. When I was much younger, I was treated to my very own witch trial. [ It's funny now, and she offers a smirk. ]

Just before I found myself here I was sailing from Jamacia to Scotland with my husband. It's where his family is. Politics there are tense; under British rule it's still against the law to wear tartan or speak Gaelic. In fact, Jamie's still a wanted criminal. [ She frowns a bit. Oh, right. ] I suppose we both are, for having been Jacobites. But it's beginning to ease up a bit.

[ Claire has no idea how versed Louis is in history, but she won't over explain. She assumes if he has questions, he'll ask and she'll be happy to go into more detail. ]

And your future time? What's that like?

Ah, that. I have heard of it vaguely. I'd like to. { once he gets into it, he'll find he'll like it more than he should. to be able to create a space. perhaps there will be more than one vintage touch. they may be from different timelines but there's a cross-section that can faintly be seen. in times of past, being a woman and a black man didn't hold as much weight, no matter the riches louis did acquire eventually. there's a pause before he ends up laughing. it's not malice, rather it tickles the bizarre of having arrived to abraxas. }

Pardon. I'm sure a witch trial isn't to joke about. I had been called a Devil before. The occult follows our journey. I admit, I didn't do right for a while. My business back then was in the red-light district. Sex work. { he decides he might as well be upfront about it. } Then a club. I can't say I know much about the Brits, unless they were writers and they did contribute to some nice poetry. France is what had its influence in Louisiana. It continued to fascinate me afterwards. As for the future? It's still another politic's gain, but there's equality in some form. Anyone can connect on a device to speak across to one another without being in a physical place. It's called "the internet". My partner enjoyed being connected to it. Sorta like the Network here, except far more bandwidth to offer.

[ There's much to unpack and Claire isn't sure where to start. France, Louis being called a devil. The sex work is what it is, she'd only ever ask if someone felt safe. But internet? Bandwidth? She lets her face do the work to convey how much she understands. ]

I have a feeling we won't run out of interesting topics soon. Nous pouvons en faire une journée. [ Her French is rusty but there; she's had no reason to speak it in over twenty years. 'We can make a day of it' she suggests with a smile. ]

Edited (wow will this auto translate in game? oh well, she said what she said in french!!) 2023-03-20 14:37 (UTC)

[ She laughs lightly again, but it's good-natured. Solvunn can be A Lot even if you're used to the more rural life-style. ]

Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Besides, it's a good day if you're suddenly gifted with a pie or something! Or mead, that's the best.

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[OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet

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