MINI-EVENT: CODA - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Mini-Event - Coda

OOC event plotting

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Mid-April, you receive two formal invitations. They arrive separately in two distinct envelopes and do not appear to be precisely related.

◎ The first is from Solvunn, signed and sealed by the Solvunn Council. It informs the reader that on April 18th, Josselyn Creed's fate will be publicly carried out according to Solvunn's traditions with the Old Gods. The location is in neutral territory, a safe distance from the Singularity's crater. The Council expresses deep regret for the actions of one of their own and invites you to attend as an observer if you wish to find closure. Portals are provided. The proceedings will be in the morning.

◎ The second is from your respective faction. The letter is less solemn and invites you to attend a weekend gala on April 21st - 23rd. It acknowledges that recent times have been difficult and that faction officials and locals wish to repay the Summoned for their contributions. Portals to each location are provided.

Divine Judgment

In the weeks leading up to Josselyn Creed's execution, many of you were allowed to question Josselyn. Now that you've received the answers you're seeking - as much as you were able to - officials have granted you the chance to gain some closure and witness her execution.

The factions will warn the Summoned that Solvunn does not take angering the Gods lightly. Her death will not be quick and will likely be sacrificial. They advise anyone who may not have the stomach for it to remain home and enjoy the festivities at the end of the week.

Attending her execution is optional and open to all. New arrivals are welcome to watch...though they may not want to. All characters may skip this portion of the event.

Participants of Event #12 are still welcome to speak to Josselyn. This section will close on April 30th.

Last Rites

CW: Disturbing imagery, animal death, ritualistic sacrifice, body horror.

So that all can attend, Solvunn will perform Josselyn's last rites in neutral territory. Anyone who attended the Peace Summit last year will recognize the area, though the colorful tents are gone. In their place are some plain stone benches and a temporary altar. Thick mists roll into the valley, bringing a chill to the air. As you arrive, you see Solvunn mages instructing volunteers to right certain stones as the last touches are added. Present to represent the other two factions are Jolene Sybell of Thorne and Reva Hym of the Free Cities.

The stones are arranged in spiraling circles, with twelve arches that span them. Carved into the ground beneath the arches are each of the Major Arcana. Find your matching Arcana and leave an offering if you want. You're told the gesture will appease the gods and ensure the "cleansing" is successful.

The Moon, Josselyn Creed's Arcana, has been carved into the center stone. If you share her Arcana or are The Emperor or Justice, Solvunn mages will approach and ask you to write your name in charcoal into the stone. If you bear any of the other signs, you can also do so, but you won't be asked directly.

Preparation

Soon, a hush falls over the crowd as Isar Hart comes forward with a black sheep in tow. Several Solvunn Elders flank the sheep as it's placed before the altar. They paint large winding lines and runes on its wool and face. Winifred Bordeaux turns to the crowd. She states that the wrongs born of the commune are always made right by Solvunn's hands and seeks forgiveness. The gods may cast judgment as they see fit.

Mages begin a haunting chant in an ancient tongue. With a large bone knife, Winifred kneels next to the sheep and slices its throat. As warm blood flows over the ground, it fills each etched Arcana sigil. The sigils glow a faint red upon contact, and the grass around them withers and blackens. Once fully drained, the Elders carefully skin the sheep. Its organs are placed in jars as it is hollowed out. With the skin removed, the Elders lay it on the altar and declare that those who stray from the gods must be brought back into the fold.

One of the stones vibrates, releasing Josselyn Creed into the hands of waiting Elders. As she's dragged to the altar's center, she decries Solvunn for being blind, accusing them of turning away from the truth. The old ways have long stopped serving them, she declares. The Old Gods are no longer listening.

Penance

Holding her in place, Rowan March places the skin of the black sheep upon her. The wool stretches outward to envelop her limbs, covering every part of her in the pelt and muffling her shouts. As each bone bends and snaps loudly in the silence to take the form of a sheep, her body collapses with anguished cries. Finally, a mass of quivering wool and human sinew is left, the sheep's face ajar on her broken skull.

The chanting reaches a crescendo, then stops abruptly. The mist thickens, swirling towards the altar. Your surroundings darken. From the gloom comes a massive bird-like silhouette. Its enormous wings shadow the sky, blocking out the sun. Though the figure's form is obscured, the dozens of vultures that descend are visible - and so is the feast that ensues.

Through the fog and shadow, you glimpse blood and flesh tearing. Slowly, the mist begins to clear as each bird takes its fill. The silhouette above withdraws. What remains before you is a pile of bones picked clean...and the recognizable head of Josselyn Creed beneath the sheep's mask, the only part of her uneaten.

Immolation

The Council allows all in attendance to confirm Josselyn's identity and her fate, ensuring that the factions and the Summoned are satisfied with the outcome. A ritual fire lights up on the altar. Her head is placed in first by one of the Elders.

The rest of her bones are in the sheepskin. No blood or flesh remains. The pelt is startlingly clean for such a gory display. You're invited to paint your Arcana on a bone and place the bone into the fire as a gesture to the gods that you've accepted the punishment they chose for her.

The atmosphere is solemn. Winifred offers her thanks on behalf of the Council for allowing Solvunn to make amends for Josseyn's misdeeds. They deeply regret this was necessary but promise they'll take steps to ensure it never happens again.

A few remain to watch her bones finish burning. You may join them if you like or return home at once. A harsh silence fills the ceremonial grounds as you step through the portal.

Weekend Gala

Several days after the execution, the cities prepare for the feast and gala. On the day of, portals will open up in the main hub of each city: Castle Thorne in Thorne, the Primary Settlement in Solvunn, and Cadens in the Free Cities.

You're welcome to arrive on the first day or skip the speeches and arrive on the second day for the main dinner and event. Everyone will be sent home on the third day (April 23rd), though the factions would be happy if you'd like to volunteer to clean up and take down decorations before you go. Not to worry if you'd rather go home - they have plenty of staff and locals for the job.

Each city will provide a place for you to stay for the weekend. They'll choose their best inns for you, except Solvunn. Solvunn will offer a comfortable communal tent for all attendees to share.

Thorne (Hayle)

The first evening, the King and Queen will gather guests into a grand hall at Hayle University. The King formally welcomes and expresses Thorne's gratitude for everyone's safe return. He heralds the Summoned and those involved in the terrible incident for their fortitude and bravery. The Queen follows afterward, adding that she is glad justice has been served and that they can be assured Josselyn Creed can never harm anyone again. She acknowledges the formation of the Summoned Conclave and promises Thorne will always serve those who are steadfast in their loyalty.

In a rare moment, Ambrose Rhett and the Duchess, Anastasia Rhett, can be spotted standing side by side in the background. Jolene Sybell is also present. Ambrose, however, will not be seen past the welcoming speech, returning to the Castle after.

Gifts

As a resident of Thorne, you'll receive a gift bag containing:

◎ A sweet dream potion that grants the user happy dreams and a good night's sleep. A basic spell, these potions were made by schoolchildren in Hayle as a thank-you gift for the Summoned. The custom label on each bottle has your name handwritten and decorated by the kids. If you're known around the Castle, it might contain a drawing that represents your reputation - for example, a flower if you have a green thumb. They've been told a bit about the Summoned by officials and their teachers.

◎ A jade turtle that, when placed in a bowl or pool of water, is enchanted to swim around. A novel decorative piece that calls back to the giant sea turtle which came to aid you and your friends on Thorne's shores.

◎ A soothing galaxy orb that displays the starry night sky within. When placed in front of some light, it'll cast a pretty sparkle over your surroundings.

Surroundings

Located far north, Hayle is most famous for its beautiful crystalline architecture. The weather is warmer now that spring has arrived, but relatively cool with temperatures dipping at night. Vast mountains are in the distance for a breathtaking view.

Hayle bustles with vibrant energy and a diverse population. Where Castle Thorne closely follows the formal traditions of the nobility and traditional Academic Magic, Hayle is trendier with innovative spellwork, the newest designs in fashion, and a vast library of knowledge.

◎ Arcana Deck Exhibit
Expensive custom-crafted Arcana decks are under glass cases like fine jewels. One notable attraction is an exhibit displaying one-of-a-kind decks designed by famous artists or enchanted by renowned mages in Thorne's history. Some boast intricately painted designs and real gold, while others use precious gems embedded in the cards themselves. One preserved deck is carved entirely on pinewood.

◎ Boutiques
Boutiques sell tailored clothes and fine jewelry that include Arcana-inspired accessories. Luxury magical tools are also available such as gold scales for weighing potion ingredients. Some bookshops specialize in signed or antique copies. The contents are nothing special, but editions are considered collectibles. Though most aren't for sale except to the wealthiest individuals, you're free to look.

◎ Makeover & Performers
Street performers occupy every corner around Hayle: stories told through illusions, musician-less instruments, and juggling acts that incorporate impressive balls of colorful light. You can get your portrait drawn by an enchanted paintbrush or volunteer for one of the illusionists to give you a temporary "makeover." The makeover will grant you one or more features of your choosing that will last 24 hours: a new hair or eye color (including unnatural shades!), translucent illusory wings (they won't get in the way), or decorative nails.

Personal shopping and styling assistance is also offered by Lenore and Natasha Romanoff.

Banquet

The banquet takes place on the second evening, held in Hayle University's finest ballroom. Decorations are delicate and elegant. The chandelier above drips with crystals and gold.

Although you'll have an assigned seat to start with, there's no need to stay where you are. Guests are encouraged to mingle and wander around. Make friends, meet new people, and introduce yourselves!

◎ Food & Drink
A formal multi-course dinner will be served throughout the night. The wine flows freely and food is abundant. Thorne is known for its exquisite cuisine, and Hayle is no different. With the harsh winter over and farmlands slowly recovering from the attack last summer, the nation is no longer struggling as much with supplies. Dishes include stuffed duck, delicate fish, rare nutty cheeses, soup, and plenty of cakes and biscuits.

◎ Entertainment
Formal entertainment involves music, dancing, and magic shows. You're welcome to take the stage yourself, of course! If you're not good at what you do, the citizens won't boo you off the stage, but you'll feel an awkward atmosphere begin to build, and word might spread about your act. The nobility in Thorne has exacting standards and a penchant for gossip.

Musical performances include original compositions on the violin and piano by Lestat de Lioncourt and elvish songs by Elrond, while Lord John Grey will recite some poetry and music. Magical displays include illusory lights featuring the Arcana signs by Istredd, flashy divination magicks channeled through a tarot deck by Urianger, and a light-based display of intricate mandalas Stephen Strange - whose third eye may be glimpsed beneath his hood when he casts his Eldritch magic.

◎ Night's End
The banquet runs late into the night, though you can leave any time. A carriage will be waiting to take you back to your inn. You can stay for one last social breakfast in the morning before returning to Castle Thorne through the portal.

Free Cities (Libertas)

The first evening, the Prime Minister will gather guests by the mosaic sculpture in the Willow Memorial Park. Prime Minister Marlo expresses her gratitude for everyone's safe return and apologizes for the atrocities that occurred under her watch. The bravery and fortitude of those involved will be remembered. Fortunately, justice has found those responsible, and the city can begin to march forward. She acknowledges the formation of the Summoned Conclave, promising that her government will make sure nothing like this ever happens again to its people. The Summoned are, of course, people of the Free Cities regardless of where they came from.

Quilleth Kaur takes the stand afterward, addressing the tragedy that struck Libertas not long ago and personally thanking the Summoned for their help in rescuing survivors and rebuilding the city. This includes the construction of the park itself, led by two of the Free Cities' longest Summoned residents. She bids everyone to enjoy the festivities. They deserve to relax and feast after a harrowing experience.

Gifts

As a resident of the Free Cities, you'll receive a gift basket containing:

◎ Tickets to a special comeback show by one of Libertas' most famous acrobatic troupes - their first since the city's destruction. The envelope includes a letter which addresses you by name and thanks you for your help. If you've made an impression on the citizens of Libertas, the letter will mention noteworthy things you've contributed, such as volunteer efforts or donations. The tickets grant you the best seats in the house and a free drink during intermission. Performances are held throughout April and May, so you'll have plenty of time to attend.

◎ A kazoo, best used to annoy your friends or heckle anyone you find disagreeable, though beware that the people of Libertas won't hesitate to brawl on the street over insults.

◎ Luxurious bath crystal balls that fizzle and give the water a beautiful shimmer. Infused with medicinal properties, they'll alleviate aching muscles and lingering pains.

Surroundings

Located far south, Libertas is most famous for its subversive attitude and colorful architecture. With winter on the way out, the weather is warm but not scorching hot as it can be in the summer. Rare spring rains have caused flowers to bloom and sprout around the desert.

Libertas is diverse and lax in social norms. Where Cadens boasts the best research and technology, Libertas' focus is on advancements in free thought, art, and knowledge. Following the art walk not long ago and the long-term portal to Libertas, some of these attitudes have filtered into Cadens.

◎ Artist Alleys
The collapse of the city's buildings has caused street art to greatly flourish. Winding alleyways between homes and shops contain paintings, written poetry on the walls, and musical performances. Sculptor Axn Kade, famous for his pieces made of reclaimed metal and his activism for mining safety, has added a new sculpture to the city's streets. The plaque contains a dedication to the Summoned who helped clean up the mining equipment a few months ago, having used the scrap metal gathered during that process.

◎ Gambling Halls & Brews
Rejecting government oversight, Libertas is home to several gambling halls of all types. If you have the money, you're sure to find a spot to suit you. Beware of loan sharks and play at your own risk. Taverns around Libertas are rowdy. They often have an open floor for art performances, poetry readings, and philosophical debates. Always open to new ideas, many places in Libertas host tastings for brews created using innovative flavors and techniques.

◎ Market Square
Though not as large as Aquila's market, the Libertas market square is still a sprawling maze. Anyone with something to sell will have squeezed a table or a stall into the area. Enterprising merchants will give you a demonstration of some of their products, most powered by New Magic: a comb that changes your hair color upon use, eye drops that give your irises an enchanting colorful glow, and disposable crystal accessories that take on the illusion of precious jewels for a short period - invented to undermine the value of gems. Any changes to your appearance are temporary, lasting 24 hours.

Before the feast, simple dance lessons are available from Caitlyn Kiramman.

Garden Feast

The feast takes place on the second evening, held at the Willow Memorial Park. Glowing orbs of light have been hung from the willow trees while vases made by a local potter feature flowers from the park's wildflower meadows. More details about the park are available under Locales for Libertas.

Provided by Viktor (and Jayce Talis), the center of the garden contains a revolving armillary sphere modeled after the astronomy of Abraxas, casting an atmospheric starry light over the area.

To start with, you'll pull your table number from a hat to receive your "assigned" seat, but there's no need to stay there all night. Guests are encouraged to mingle and wander around. Make friends, meet new people, and introduce yourselves!

◎ Food & Drink
An eclectic array of dishes line a large table at the park's center. Help yourself to what you like in any order. No one will bother you if you start with dessert! Wine, ales, and hard liquors are as plentiful as the food. Dishes include grilled fish and pork, dips and spreads, puddings, sweetbread, cakes, and seasonal fruits common to the desert climate, such as figs and oranges.

◎ Entertainment
Formal entertainment involves music, dancing, and poetry. Artists have been invited to unveil new pieces or showcase old favorites. You're welcome to take the stage yourself, of course! Performers won't be judged on talent so much as passion. As long as you're creative and genuinely enjoy your craft, you'll have the support of the locals.

Jaskier will put on a lute performance, including a ballad of Spyndlveiss containing themes related to the recent disappearances. Diana Prince will recite a short portion of The Iliad, in both Ancient Greek and common. A "blade dancing" display using a painted stave by Obi-wan Kenobi will take place, as well. Finally, Hilda Goneril will draw and paint quick "fashion sketches" to commemorate everyone's style - available to both small groups and individuals.

◎ Night's End
The feast runs late into the night, though you can leave any time. A wagon is available to bring you back to your inn, but most locals prefer to walk, creating a drunken parade of people through the streets while singing cheerfully. You can stay for one last social breakfast in the morning before returning to Cadens through the portal.

Solvunn (Primary Settlement)

The first evening, the two remaining members of the Council, along with Isar Hart, address the gathered, apologizing for the sheep who strayed from their flock. They're especially disappointed with the heretical actions of a trusted community member, whose name they will no longer acknowledge. The gods have cast their judgment, and now the community can come together to heal. The Council promises the newly formed Summoned Conclave that they are vital members of the commune and that Solvunn is here to aid them in whatever they need.

Isar Hart reiterates that his position on the Council is temporary until the seat can be filled, though the Council does not give a date for when this might occur.

Gifts

As a member of the Solvunn Commune, you'll receive a gift bag containing:

◎ A clay mug, handmade by children in the settlements. Each mug is customized for the individual based on what the children have managed to learn about you, painted with what they believe to be your favorite colors, flowers, patterns, or animals. How accurate the kids are about you varies depending on your interactions with them, but they've tried their best. The bottom of the mug is signed by the child who made it for you. If you run into them afterward, they might ask if you like your mug.

◎ Thick and comfortable knitted socks made from the wool of Isar Hart's sheep farm.

◎ A few sachets of herbal teas to help you get a good night's rest and restore your energy. A small thank-you note accompanies the teas, signed by Lorelai and Esmond, who are grateful for the chance to return home.

Surroundings

The southernmost of the settlements, the Secondary Settlement boasts vast sprawling farmlands and a beautiful shoreline overlooking the ocean. Skies are sunny and clear throughout the gathering. Wildflowers bloom across the flat plains, orchards are starting to bear fruit, and fish are plentiful once more.

The Secondary Settlement is sparsely populated but maintains a tight-knit community. Where the Primary Settlement is a hub for schooling, craftspeople, and artisans, the Secondary Settlement is focused on agriculture and livestock: sheep, goats, horses, and fields of crops fill the area. Many families take pride in supplying the commune with produce and materials like wool, eggs, milk, and grains.

◎ Farms & Livestock
Farms are open with fences solely to keep out any predators or pests. You're free to visit the fields and orchards. Pick apricots and cherries, pet the sheep, play with the baby goats, and gather eggs for the evening's potluck. Isar Hart will be pleased to show you his prized black sheep, whose majestic horns are greatly admired. Smaller gardens filled with flowers and herbs are also available to explore. If you'd like to put together bouquets for the evening or make flower wreaths to decorate, you can help yourself. Finally, you can fish to your heart's content in the nearby pond. Bring your catch to dinner!

◎ Shrines
After recent events, shrines around the Secondary Settlement are full of offerings to appease the gods and seek guidance. These offerings consist of animal bones, harvested fruit, and wine. You can add to the shrines if you like or simply visit them. Many shrines hum with magical energy and all previous signs of corruption over the past few weeks have faded. You can ask for blessings of health, luck, or abundance for yourself or others.

◎ Neighborly Help
Although Solvunn doesn't place much emphasis on extravagance, the evening's affair is an important one. They'd like to look their best. Members of the commune are all around the settlement to give you a hand to get ready. You can have someone style or braid your hair with ribbons, color it with natural dyes, or lend you some clothes and accessories if you don't have any. You can help them in return, as well. They're also happy to trade items with you.

Louis de Pointe du Lac will temporarily alter your clothes or appearance for the night using illusory magic.

Potluck

The potluck takes place on the second evening, held outdoors in one of the Secondary Settlement's spring meadows. Decorations are rustic and simple, consisting of fresh flowers and candles.

Mud-clay sculptures and masks are available from Nanaue, though they are not very sturdy. Nero will hand out colorful brochures.

There are no assigned seats. Tables and chairs are placed tightly together, along with natural seating created by tree stumps and boulders. You're encouraged to mingle and wander around. Though a sober hush lies over the gathering, the atmosphere is hopeful. The people of Solvunn look forward to better days.

◎ Food & Drink
Solvunn's potluck feast consists of dishes and drinks brought by everyone in the commune, including members of the Council. There are hearty stews and soups, freshly baked bread, butter churned that very morning, and a variety of Solvunn's famous goat cheeses. You're invited to contribute anything you like! Simply add your dish or dessert to the table. The centerpiece of the potluck is a pig roast. Mead and ale flow freely.

Wanda Maximoff will bring sečenica, propeć (both cheese and egg savory baked goods), and traditional fruit pies of plums, cherries, sugar, almonds, and vanilla sugar. Claire Fraser will provide a unique loose-leaf herbal tea blend.

◎ Entertainment
The people of Solvunn will sing, dance, and make music together. On occasion, there are pauses for someone to take the spotlight, but overall no one's center stage for long. Instruments are passed around, and guests are encouraged to join in. Due to recent events, many songs are subdued, speaking of honoring the gods. Later in the night, stories are exchanged around the campfires. One particular folktale is told by Rowan March about Spyndlveiss, a figure who captures wayward sheep on their way between the settlements. From these lost sheep, he makes sheepskin suits for hungry wolves to wear.

Eddie Munson will hold a lively musical performance.

◎ Night's End
The potluck runs late into the night, though you can leave any time. Large tents are nearby for you to rest and spend the night. In the morning, you can join in on the communal breakfast before returning through the portal to the Primary Settlement.

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Comments

[godshattering]

The floor. Oh man, Gautier. We're really in for it now.

[ There's a gasp preceding this dramatic proclamation as if Hilda's said she's going to make them sleep out in the desert or something that would be actually befitting such a reaction. ]

That's even worse than the hallway! Especially when you think about a nice bed being right there and in plain sight when it's so close and yet so far. That's just cruel.

[ And other such silly protests, all one thousand percent undermined into being something meaningless given that Claude's already kneeling down in anticipation of Hilda hopping on. If there's people behind them he hasn't noticed (and there are, given the parade) they'll just have to go around since he's getting a head start on carrying her. ]

Sylvain's got more pressure on him anyway with holding onto our snacks. What's the plan if he drops them or the tea or both, we send him back to that cafe to replace everything?

[ He's just going to keep the side whispering going and now talk about Sylvain like the man isn't standing there. ]

[itookashot]

He does feel better holding Wylan's hand. "The tall one is a blacksmith, he makes a lot of weapons and tools, the weird one is working on all kinds of things. You'd have to ask them. Inej has gotten I think all her knives there." So have most of the Summoned! They're supporting their own people, that's all.

"I'll give you the address. Viktor's got a strange accent and a cane, he's very serious. Reminds me a bit of Matthias that way." The accent and the seriousness. Viktor also has a sense of humor, considering the sexy people book is his, but overall he seems pretty dry. "They're good sorts though."

[theidlemaiden]

[ As soon as Ciri halts, so does Hilda. Although it's more like a skittering halt in an attempt to remain hidden behind her. Her thighs are beginning to burn a little from the squatting so she straightens up, flaring out Ciri's cape a little bit as an afterthought.

The knowing grin almost gives Hilda some pause as she cocks her eyebrow curiously. There are actually several ways that she could tell a man she isn't interested, but Ciri looks so pleased with herself right now that it'd be a crime not to let her finish the thought. ]

And that is?

[ Is it a kiss? Because she wouldn't be opposed to it. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Bets have to start somewhere, right? And this isn't exactly the venue for a sword fight - not that that's stopped people she knows from doing that in the past.

Her mouth drops open in a pert 'o' but the determination in her eyes is evident. ]

That's awful. But you really know how to motivate a person.

[ She places one of her hands in his and the other along his arm - sign of her readiness and that it's a challenge ehe's clearly accepting. ]

[catholica]

Dark stuff.

( not that he wasn't use that sort of thing, doing what he did, but he knows that it can have an effect. )

I don't know if there's a line for that kind of thing here, yeah, but there's definitely crime and such. There's a need for it, just not sure where to point you to start. This place has their own seedy underbelly.

[bealufull]

[ A brow arches at that and Kaz considers that possibility before giving a nod. ]

You bring up a very good point. Does anyone know of any that have been here a significant amount of time? Or been amassing those magical abilities?

[ Not that he has any desire to be a "god" in any shape of the word, but Kaz won't lie to himself that he hasn't considered gathering such abilities himself.

He's young, younger than he pretends to be though he sometimes looks it as well, but there has been years of studying all of how a person says something. The way they say it, and the look in their eyes. Though his own isn't like helpful either. ]

I wish I thought that was true. I always wish that it might not mean more loss making the harder way work. Wishes don't get us far though, but for the sake of others I hope you're right.

[ There's more that live, imprisoned and he doesn't trust if they're released. ]

[carmesi]

[—suppose that's a fair point, though, yes, the humor doesn't quite land. wanda frowns for a moment, turning to him in thought—interested instead in the surface-level of something different from this young man. his thoughts are quite... unlike much of anything else she has ever prodded into, willingly or otherwise.

but it's rude to poke into people's minds, so she remembers: a conversation is taking place.]

I suppose I mean if you are someone who considers your hair precious, cutting some of it would be a good offering. But, you're right, I'd be unimpressed with it otherwise.

[wanda finds herself unable to draw away from her curiosity, though. arms crossed, not quite thinking that a handshake would be reciprocated.]

We've not met before. I'm Wanda — from Solvunn.

[theidlemaiden]

We, like werewolf we?

[ Her tone betrays more curiosity than nervousness as she turns back to continue tying the stars to the tree.

The Arcanis feels like years ago instead of months, but she hasn't forgotten the assumption she had made about him. The people need to know! (Her. She's the people.) ]

Were they something you had to fight too?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Don't let her find that out, Altaïr. She'll never let you live it down.

Story teller isn't the first thing that comes to mind when she thinks Altaïr. What does come to mind is something more along the lines of, "I'm a really stoic loner. I carry a blade with me and wear a hood but I don't know how hot I am,". Practical joker doesn't really fall into place there. If this is a joke she'll keep playing along. ]

Okay but who decides who the certain people are? Do you decide it yourself? Does someone you work for?

[philancer]

Just for that, I should eat all of them and not let you have any.

[ Sylvain gives a disdainful sniff, as he's being so horrendously slandered right now. But he does shift to stand behind Hilda just so he can divert anyone around her and a crouching Claude, as well as making space for them on what had been his side of the sidewalk.

For all that he's nearly as tipsy as both of them, he at least has managed to keep a rather firm hold on their late night bounty. But his hands are full now, so he has to hope Claude can handle Hilda on his own well enough. ]

Besides. I'm not sure that cafe will ever want to see us ever again.

[sorser]

[Ah, things work a little differently on earth, obviously. A doctor of renown is expected to play hospital politics. (A doctor of renown made money, and Stephen always spent it nearly as fast as he earned it, the serpent eating its own tail.) Not exactly traits he'd like to dip his toes back into, but at least the skill of dancing has stuck with him over the years. One of the more innocuous things.]

Not at all. I was going to, anyway.

[Wow, presumptuous! But he says it with a good-natured smirk, clearly teasing. Thancred should be used to that by now.

So, he offers him his hand. And moments later, he's leading them to the dance floor, settling into position. He waits for the next song to strike up, which should be soon enough.]

Dancing is a skill you have to cultivate when you're trying to impress just enough people to boost your reputation during a regional hospital gala, by the way. Climbing that social ladder and everything.

[By way of explanation.]

[itookashot]

"The own place might take a little while, a job pretty easy, so they're both possible, yeah. Good starts. What kind of job are you thinking?" Jesper has multiple jobs. He helps Nadine, he helps out in other places like the Old Public Hall restoration and Mags. But his real business is his own, often selling right open in the market here in Cadens. And he probably will start testing it out in the other two.

He gasps dramatically and clutches his chest. "You wound me." It's obviously for show though as he smiles moments later.

"I'm fairly certain the only drinking game we do is who can get drunk the fastest." And that is by just guzzling down glass after glass. Pretty simplistic. When you can drink whenever and there are no rules against it, mostly it's just grabbing one. "You really should talk with Julie, she probably knows those games and will put them in her next party if you want."

[itookashot]

A lot of the Grisha did believe in the cause, they were raised in it, proud to be soldiers. Maybe it was more comforting to believe than not since you couldn't escape it.

[ He doesn't think it's the same of the Solvunn cultists or true believers. He doesn't know if they could escape without dying, but he doubts every person in Solvunn is a believer. The Grisha were essentially prisoners, but so many of them didn't feel that way. Jesper knows this is all from his point of view, as an outsider. ]

I don't know what it felt like on the inside. Did you believe in it before?

[ So he is trying not to judge the Grisha who did what they had to. Maybe it gave them something to hold onto, to believe in the cause and fight for a reason. Jesper has his own reasons, more selfish and specific, his friends. Loved ones. He was loyal to the Dregs as his gang, but it's also because they were his friends. He's never believed in something bigger to fight for. Not even the Singularity, like she does. But he would for her, any day.

He smiles wryly at the question and takes the joint again before handing it back. Sharing one seems appropriate right then. If they have to leave with images of this experience, let it be with a buzz. ]

Hell if I know. [ He's being honest at least. Not trying to pretend he has the answers. ] Before all that happened, I would've said we could protect ourselves. That it would be stupid to fuck with us.

[ Jesper still does feel that way, it would be stupid. They did end up getting their people back in the end, but it wasn't quickly enough. Not for Dean, the only death of their own, and countless other natives. ]

Even if we all got much better at magic and defense, which I think we should anyway, it didn't save Geralt, the biggest badass I know.

[ Still, Jesper does think getting everyone armed and dangerous would be something. Not a whole lot, but better than nothing. He's not going to suggest it though, everyone's going to live the way they want. He has gone more intensive. He's been able to do things with his abilities he's not sure if other Durasts knew was possible. ]

But the Singularity couldn't stop it from happening either. That's part of why I wish we did execute all of them. So it was clear there would be no mercy if anyone tried again.

[theidlemaiden]

We'll have to see what's salvageable or not. All the more reason not to drop them or me then. Or eat them in retaliation.

[ As Sylvain slips behind her, Hilda shoots him a warning look in passing. She doesn't have that short term of a memory where she's forgotten that he's the one who paid for half of the pastries in the first place, but they're still her pastries in her mind.

She shimmies her dress a little further up her hips again before climbing onto Claude's back. It's not completely inelegant, but it definitely doesn't look as graceful as she might think it does in her mind. Her arms slip loosely around his neck as she continues to prattle on. ]

Why not? We tipped them really well, didn't we? [ And then to Claude - ] Okay, I'm on. Don't fall over, please.

[godshattering]

[ He hears softball as soft ball, something which gets a blink out of him since that's not a phrase he's heard before even among the others he's been introduced to. The rest of what Steve says offers plenty of clarification with no overthinking necessary, and he nods since that's what he meant. Time to file that phrase away for use another time; same goes for asking where it came from for his own curiosity. ]

Something like that. Better to start with something everyone finds reasonable and then work our way along from there. It'll give us a good idea of what to expect from the government here based on what they say, too, which will prove plenty useful in many other ways. We'll get it all figured out together - the three of us, but also all the Summoned here, too.

[ And those ways might be something, say, like making sure none of them are eligible for a draft the next time Thorne (or the Free Cities themselves) does something suspicious to raise the tensions again. They're low right now thanks to the supposed mediation - and probably the aftermath of everything far more recently - but Claude would be surprised if they stay that way forever or even long.

That is a topic better left for another time when there's a celebration going on around them, and it brings to mind something else from the past that's related and puts a smile on his face. ]

I have to say, being here and talking about this also reminds me of having to do the same once upon a time. Some of the lords I dealt with were rather persistent so I used to make a game out of avoiding them at parties to keep myself entertained. This is far nicer.

[ Considering Steve is, after all, a friend and pleasant company. That's much different. ]

if it helps, I only noticed one

[aquilus]

[It's strangely easier to share these facts, even if she may believe them to be part of a joke. Perhaps sharing as much as he had with Claude broke a dam of sorts.]

My brothers and I must abide by our creed and our conscience, but there is always a master. Was.

[His expression doesn't change, but the traces of amusement seem to fade anyway.]

He was old.

[This is the first lie by omission. But it's not a story he wants to tell, not this night.]

[gynvael]

[ Werewolf what? Geralt frowns. ] I'm not a werewolf.

[ In true Geralt fashion, he also does not clarify what he is, instead adding one of the paper stars to a lower section of the tree. This is the second person who's mistaken him for a werewolf and he truthfully cannot even say it's unexpected.

In any case. ]

Yes and no. [ He shrugs a little. ] Clashed with their soldiers here and there. But it wasn't my war.

[takeatrip]

You could say that.

[It's just faintly amused in tone; he's not offended by it being put that way, even if he wouldn't have done so himself, and it's not as though it's inaccurate.]

Yeah, crime's unfortunately pretty universal, I guess. Literally.

[Since, you know. Other world and all.]

[monomachy]

The soft cloth falls away, pooling at her feet, and she allows him the time to look. Diana stands before him with no shame, no hint of bashfulness in her expression. She's spent most of her life living in close-quarters in the barracks on Themyscira, and had long ago left her timidity behind. There was no room for it in a soldier's life.

The corners of her lips tilt upwards at the comment, and one hand slides down her thigh to run her fingers over the hilt of the blade. "I always am." Since the day she had enough money to buy her own weapons, she's always had a blade on her, no matter where she'd gone. It was part habit, part uncertainty about this place.

All things considered, she's glad that she hadn't broken the habit today. The heat in his eyes is mirrored in her own.

She watches him remove his bracer with interest, head tilted slightly. She's seen it before, of course, but that doesn't make her notice it less. "I'm not the only one," she muses, smile growing a bit. And, since he's started to disarm, she bends slightly to begin slowly unstrapping the sheath from her leg.

[techmaturgy]

[True, there's no reason why they can't be soft, but Viktor is thinking of durability. Much more straightforward, to build something out of steel than to try and find a suitable squishy substitute.]

We would have to research the material. Even if it's...bouncy, it may still be prone to tearing in a way that steel is not. Then where would we be?

[satanicpanics]

My—? Oh, you mean the place I’m from!

[ He snorts, casting a scrutinizing glance around the area. He never really knows how to describe Hawkins anymore. Once upon a time, all he knew it as was a boring, small town with boring, small-minded people. Now he recognizes it as a boring, small town with boring, small-minded people who still think he’s guilty of murder and multiple gateways to an alternate dimension. He doesn’t really love thinking about it. Solvunn with all its goats isn’t exactly his ideal place to be, but he still would rather be here than home. ]

Uh, you know, not really. I mean—there’s a lot of farms, so kind of? Not as many goats, though. Way fewer bipedal sharks.

[ He’s literally never going to get over Nanaue. ]

But, honestly? I never really fit in so well back there, so…maybe goat city was just my calling after all. What about you?

[everybodysterrible]

"I don't fucking know," Abby edged into whining but it was mostly just angry at life. "I guess at a clothing store, I'm okay at modifying my own clothes. Even if I'm not supposed to do it to Free City Military uniforms. Getting a job is new for me, just like interdimensional kidnapping. But as long as I'm not wiping down tables or fielding drink orders I'll take it."

The annoying thing about charismatic larger than life people is that it is very easy to smile around them. And check them out. Also Abby is bad at hiding the latter, in spite of what she just said a moment ago about charming handsome people.

"Julie's world is like mine, we probably have the same drinking games. Beirut, Never have I Ever, Checkers but all the pieces are shot glasses." Most of them should be easy enough to devise, although she isn't sure she can get a ping-pong ball for Beirut. "But she would probably help me teach the rest of this world some more fun..."

[catholica]

I think it's just a different type of crime here. I don't hear about a lot of murders and violent stuff though it happens.

( he'd seen enough of it during his nighttime activities. )

But, robberies, simple assault, that kind of thing, it's pretty common even here. The soldiers probably don't help curb crime.

you still saw my shame

[theidlemaiden]

[ There's such thing as stories that have kernels of truth. She watches the way the flicker of amusement dims as they continue to step around the room because she's subtly taken the lead (he was, she concludes, mildly hopeless at dancing) and her brow furrows. ]

I'm sorry for your loss. If he's gone what does that mean for you and your brothers?

!!!

[beautifullies]

[ Claire laughs heartily at that, head going back a little and eyes crinkling in the corners when she does. ]

Alright, consider me compromised. I'll be happy to help. [ She pauses, smile not quite fading, but lessening. ] That is, if we're both still here. I wouldn't mind going home, but I like having something to look forward to with a friend. [ She smiles again and adds cinnamon chips, her final ingredient with the tea leaves. As he speaks, her expression turns softer and a little angrier at the world as she thinks. ]

There's something sad, really, in the idea of living so long and seeing hate remain more or less the same. What's something that's changed for the better in your time?

[ Hate hasn't gone anywhere, it's just evolved, but she still wants better for her daughter, for her grandchildren. She was still scorned and ridiculed at Harvard for wanting to dare to be as good or better than the men studying to become doctors. And Joe was still forced to sit segregated from everyone else—she always sat with him until laws changed and they could sit anywhere.

Laws change, people haven't. And yet her hope remains. ]

It must be exhausting to be intolerant, but at least here, I can say I've not run across anyone who seems to have an ugliness for those different from them.

[ Perhaps that's the beauty of Abraxas, the one single (barest) hint of a more perfect society. ] As for the factions, I'm with you. It seems unnecessarily restrictive and set up to cause more discord. The Berlin wall certainly didn't last forever, people want to be connected. With the Horizon, I suppose that makes it somewhat better.

[ The mention of someone from home is always a reminder that yes, in fact she does have a person here she recognizes, and Claire nods. ]

Not when I first arrived, but right at the tail end of all the missing being brought home. I don't know him well, but apparently, we're quite close. [ Ahem. If she had a relationship status it wouldn't just be 'it's complicated.' It would be 'I think I'm married to the man who's in love with my husband, but I'm too afraid to ask.' ]

He's in Thorne, so we've only met in person once. What about you, anyone from home?