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

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka definitely does not hail from a world like Eddie's, but that doesn't make the performance or the songs any less enjoyable. The sounds of his enchanted guitar are not entirely foreign, if for the fact that the bards in Eorzea inexplicably can mimic a similar tone. She is more than happy to support a fellow Summoned in their endeavours no matter their skill level.

But Eddie is clearly no slouch! He plays energetically with the execution that speaks of someone who enjoys what they're doing. Passion speaks through the work of an artisan and as far as she's concerned, making music definitely falls into that category.

When his set is finished, Himeka offers a round of applause. Water may not be enough so she's happy to offer Eddie her drinking horn once she manages to catch him.

Don't worry about what's in it. ]

What a fantastic performance! I had no idea you were a bard.

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie is parched enough to not work about what’s in Himeka’s drinking horn. He merely reaches for it when it’s offered, downs a good gulp, and makes a puzzled face when he realizes it isn’t watch. Maybe he should have asked, but it’s too late now, and he thinks he trusts his fellow Solvunn enough not to poison him.

When she labels him as a bard, however, he lights up. It was always been a struggle back home to be seen as anything other than the devil incarnate when all he ever really aimed to be was a bard. ]

Are you kidding me? Literally all my life.

[ He grins, sweeping into another flamboyant bow as he hands her back her drinking horn. ]

I mean, to be fair, most of them weren’t my songs, but…may as well get the word out, right?

[ Iron Maiden and Metallica technically probably don’t need his help, but not everyone is lucky enough to have them in their home worlds. They would be thanking him if they knew just how far he’s extended their reach. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ It's definitely a dubious concoction of something she's been coming up with on her own--a home brew, if you will--but definitely not poison. She takes back the horn with a smile. ]

No? Well, you could have fooled me. But some songs belong to everyone, don't they? And they're passed on through repetition and whatnot.

[ If not they're forgotten. That's just how it works! What is copyright, anyway? ]

I really liked the one about midnight and explosions! It sounded like something that you would want playing while fighting Titan or Ifrit or something.

[ You know, giant godly monsters with proper battle tunes. ]

Is this a family tradition or did you strike out on your own?

[satanicpanics]

Exactly!

[ He claps and points to her, a gesture of confirmation. If his face weren’t already shining as bright as the sun, he only lights up even more. It’s nice to find people who really get it. Solvunn may be a weird cult-y place, and he may not ever grow to love the constant goat smell, but he feels more understood and accepted here than he ever did back home.

Then, he bursts out laughing at the mere mental image of his uncle up there on stage in his place, head banging and playing the guitar like he’s been possessed by the devil. His uncle has never been a square, but in his mind, Wayne Munson was just sort of born old, and their styles have never exactly coincided. It makes for a pretty glorious picture, though. ]

Nah, it’s just me. I mean, I raided my old man’s record collection as a kid, but the whole uh…troubadour thing? Definitely a solo act.

[aquaveiled]

Ah, so you're an innovator! Following your own path.

[ She nods in understanding. So they're of similar kind, in that sense. It's a shame he has ears rather than horns because she's certain he'd find listening to his music with how they resonate in the cartilage to be particularly pleasing. ]

Troubadour? I did feel a bit at ease...

[ That's a complete misunderstanding, but not a bad one. ]

What inspired you to take this path, if you don't mind me asking?

[ She takes a drink from her horn and offers it to him again. It's definitely the sort of drink that...builds. ]

[satanicpanics]

Innovator, huh? Yeah, I guess that’s not a bad word for it.

[ He snorts and…yeah, sure, why not? He reaches for the horn to take another drink of whatever it contains, still not daring to ask just in case he doesn’t like the answer. He’s definitely consumed worse. As he hands it back to her again, he pauses, considering her question with a slow sort of seriousness. ]

Have you ever, like…seen or heard something that hits you so hard that you literally feel like you're going to explode if you don't do something about it?

[ It’s probably hard for anyone to say when they first started listening to music. For most people, it’s always there, but Eddie remember his lightbulb moment; the first time it really clicked for him. After all, music quickly became an important form of escapism for him, right up there with fantasy novels and D&D. ]

When I was a kid, my old man had this killer record collection. Honestly wish I knew what happened to it, but, uh…there was this one song—The Ballad of Tom Joad. It wasn’t complicated or flashy or anything, four chords max, but when I listened to it--really listened to it, it was like hearing someone's whole life story packed into six minutes. I didn’t even understand all of it back then, but it was still the coolest thing I’d ever heard. And, I dunno, it felt like if I didn't hear more and start to writes stories the same way, there wasn't any point.

[ There's clearly a lot of love for the art of music in that statement. Too much, really, so he grins and sums it up a bit more simply: ]

Or I just really like music. Your choice.

[aquaveiled]

[ If anything, sharing unnamed drinks with one another seems to be well-received in Solvunn. No sense in shaming such a hallowed tradition, right? Once he's done, Himeka happily takes the horn back and another swig of her own.

But what he shares is a story--an important story, one of an artist. She would say that everyone likes music, or most people do. But it hits different when it's from a musician, someone with passion. Of course she doesn't track the references, but the feelings he has...when that moment that things just click and you feel like you know your calling? That she does get.

Her smile widens, even more so as his own grows. ]

Can it be a little of both?

[ In some ways she's a collector of life stories, but she will never grow tired of listening to people speak so fondly of what they deem important. ]

Something doesn't need to be complicated to be meaningful. I remember when I first had the Bismarck sandwich...such a simple thing! But executed to absolute perfection in a way that your taste buds will never be the same. And then you know that you would do anything to try and make something just as wonderful someday.

[ Himeka is looking a little wistful herself but quickly comes back down. It's hard not to when thinking about that sandwich that literally changed her life. ]

Sort of like that, yes?

[satanicpanics]

Well…

[ He begins slowly, like he’s weighing non-existent options, because he already knows the answer to the question. Of course it’s a little of both. ]

Because you asked so nicely? Yeah, it can absolutely be both.

[ He laughs, and as absurd as Himeka’s sandwich comparison may seem, it really does makes complete sense. You eat something delicious and you automatically know it’s something you want to taste it again in the future. You come across something you love, and you know you want to keep doing it. ]

You know, I really don’t know what a Bismarck sandwich is, but yeah, just like that. Must be a pretty fantastic sandwich.

[aquaveiled]

If you know what you like and you can make what you like, it's the best combination, isn't it?

[ It's what really makes an Artisan an Artisan. Not just the tools they use but the love of the craft and the pride in the creations that they make. ]

Oh, it's such an amazing example of how something can be so clean and simple and yet terribly delicious. If I had the same ingredients I could recreate it here for you. I feel everyone should get a chance to try it.

[ Or maybe she'll just make her own Solvunn-style variant? That could be fun. ]

But...tell me about your star! You seem to fit in well here, so is it much like Solvunn?

[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?

[aquaveiled]

[ It does interest her greatly to hear where everyone is from. It always has, before when it was just about leaving her own home town to see what the neighbors were like. Then across the sea. Then to the other side of the world and beyond. Even if they didn't ask to be in this situation, it seems like a waste not to get to know what it's like elsewhere from the people who've lived it.

She does have to chuckle at the comment about Nanaue. She thinks he's sweet, if a little eager to chomp on things he maybe shouldn't, but who hasn't done that?

As for not fitting in...that's certainly a story that's not uncommon amongst the Summoned, isn't it? ]

I grew up in a small town myself. Much smaller than the Settlements here, actually. No goats at all.

[ A beat. ]

And our sharks were also very much swimmers. Norishio--that's my shark--has decently long fins but I don't think he could walk if he tried.

[ She had technically seen bipedal sharks in the past, but...that's a whole different issue to go into. Eddie doesn't deserve that mess. ]

But...finding a place here is nice. Even if it wasn't what you may have expected. What is your star called, if I can ask?