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

execution

[unwings]

[ cas doesn't leave an offering either. they aren't his gods, he isn't asking them for anything, and he doesn't regard them as much more than the demigods of pagan religions from home. even the norse deities were pretty killable by angel standards. by virtue of shuffling crowd, and perhaps some innate instinct to gravitate towards kin, cas finds himself stood between lucifer and michael, hands tucked into coat pockets, watching the unlucky sheep being skinned below. ]

This is considered a ceremony. [ Cas murmurs to correct Lucifer on human traditions, like the one guy who actually read the travel guide before showing up in a foreign country. the joke's gone entirely over his head. ] A party generally requires revelry, dancing, and snacks.

[ there are no snacks present, brother. ]

[familysucks]

As well as a dress code and a curated guest list.

[Michael is not thrilled to see either of them, on the off chance they misinterpreted his silence as an invitation to talk. This is definitely not a party.

He turns a judging eye on Castiel. Lucifer's threadbare grace is no surprise, but while Castiel had been in rough condition the last time he saw him, he'd expected him to be on the mend by now. He should look better, not worse. Truly Castiel possesses unparalleled self-destructive tendencies.]

What happened to you? You look atrocious.

[Michael casts a glance behind him, always aware of the ever-present sensation that he's being watched. Sure enough, there's Jo, doing her best to bore a hole clean through his head with her glare. He pays her no more mind than he did the first time, gaze zeroing in again on Castiel.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[He directs a scoff towards Michael.] What do you know about parties? [Lucifer's unfortunately "had to" attend a few in Thorne whenever they get new Summoned. It's the best way to get a read on them before they've had a chance to settle.

But don't give him the chance for revelry. He will here. Don't tempt the devil, Castiel.

A glance at their younger brother and Lucifer makes a face and shifts just a little as though to avoid risking brushing against his brother.] I cannot for the life of me believe I'm saying this, but Michael's right.

[unwings]

[ uncertain if that question was directed at him or michael (feasibly, could be either), cas looks vaguely affronted, and mutters the credentials of his education. ] Dean and I watched Animal House.

[ there really wasn't any hope in hiding his current state from his older brothers. if michael wanted to, he could've crushed him at any moment, full grace or not, and lucifer's made it clear he isn't interested in fighting. may as well be honest about it.

but cas sure as hell doesn't want Jo overhearing it and panicking. so, he swaps to angel radio, voice begrudging and grumpy. ]

Metatron happened to me.

[ no, he doesn't want to talk about it. ]

[familysucks]

[Michael knows the comment was aimed at him and shrugs it off. He doesn't even like parties, and he doesn't need to have watched Animal House to know it.

(Adam had been more of a horror movie fan, funny enough, despite the whole death-by-ghoul thing.)

In a rare display of emotion, his expression turns surprised—baffled. Castiel is gullible even for a lower angel, but he's a capable combatant. How'd Metatron get one up on him? He answers in the same fashion, silent to bystanders.]

Metatron—the scribe? The bookworm? You were bested by an angel from the clerical division?

[Also, he thought that guy was dead. And, well, by Michael's time...

Michael glances at the display continuing up front, pointing at the sheep's hollowed-out carcass while looking back at Castiel.]

That's you.

[Both in the 'led to the slaughter' sense and the 'scraped clean, just skin left' bit.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[Oh, so that's where--or rather, when--Castiel is. He was always missing that tidbit.

He feels a sense of satisfaction at having that answer.

He turns a completely pitying look on Castiel. Michael won't get the context of his comment but he will get the tone of it.] Sorry, Castiel, I don't have any croutons for you. [How's it feel now, bud????

That's what they call KARMA. Applies even to angels.] Broken wings and low grace. Well. Now who's in the worst state? [Not Lucifer, ding ding ding!]

[unwings]

[ These two chucklefucks right here. it's not like he was expecting sympathy, but that may be the first time he's heard michael manage some level of comedy succinctly, intentional or not. instead of cracking a smile, his head swivels to narrow an unimpressed gaze on him. was that fucking necessary? ]

He didn't best me, I was tricked. [ so 'best' probably still applies. ] He spent so much time with our father, I assumed he harbored pure intentions towards Heaven.

[ then, to lucifer, spoken in the tone of i am not your aunt: ] They aren't serving salads here.

[ the latter, he ignores, as it seemed rhetorical anyway. the amount of times castiel's been bitch-slapped by karma, you'd think he'd have learned by now. and you would be wrong.

right, they each should be able to see what's left of his wings now, violently burned away, some scant feathers left clinging, singed crisp at the edges. called to attention, cas abruptly feels entirely too exposed between them, and it has nothing to do with being weakened to nearly human around two archangels. the loss of his wings cut nearly as deep as his grace. one, he might someday get back. his wings, though, are likely damaged forever. he'll never fly again. ]

[familysucks]

[Was it necessary? No. Was it satisfying? Yes. Michael isn't one for shit-eating grins but on the inside, in the invisible space beyond the impassive expression on Adam's borrowed face that no one except maybe Wanda can see, he's indulging in one.

There's a quick look between Lucifer and Castiel. He has no idea what the salad comments are about. Bizarre younger sibling in-jokes. Gabriel used to be the same way, and Michael handles it the same way he handled Gabriel: he ignores them.]

Yes, that's what I said. Bested you.

So being in the company of our Father makes an angel righteous, but following His commands doesn't. I don't follow your logic, Castiel.

[He gets the impression it has nothing to do with logic and everything to do with Winchesters. Still, he's sour Castiel was apparently so easily led by the likes of Metatron. Would've made his last ten years a lot easier if Castiel had been so compliant in the face of Heaven's orders.

In a minor show of mercy, Michael has nothing to say about Castiel's wings. Though it brings Castiel closer to the beings he seems to so admire, it's sad to see an angel grounded—though the bulk of Michael's pity is for the rest of the Host.

Well. Most of them are dead now, so at least it's no longer troubling them.]

[thedevilwhorose]

You sweet, dumb angel. [The words come with that syrupy sickness of his. Complete sarcasm, as though his pity could actually level up.] You still think our Father harbored pure intentions towards Heaven.

[He puts one hand over his vessel's heart and the other to wipe away a fake tear, sharing a "commiserating" glance with Michael that might be ignored but if it's not that will be the most telling read Lucifer gets in terms of Michael and their Father.]

[unwings]

[ michael does actually, frustratingly, make a good point, and doesn't that just suck. cas blinks rapidly, shakes his head, and tries to formulate a logical reply but it really just draws out the point too well. in that, it wasn't really why he went with metatron. one of the merger justifications he fed himself, but not the root of it.

not the winchesters, though, no. this stupid mistake was entirely his own foolishness. sweet, dumb angel indeed. ]

He offered a way to make amends. To... fix Heaven.

[ fix what cas broke of heaven. and cas trusted him because he wanted so badly to believe it was true, still so hung up on penance. and what good has any of that recompense done him or heaven?

somehow that saccharine, half backwards compliment feels worse than the croutons bit. fucking sucks when lucifer's right, doesn't it? ]

I'm fairly certain our Father isn't listening anymore.

[familysucks]

[Michael's expression sours at Lucifer's comment, but for once it isn't directed at Lucifer. He's quiet a half-second, then he pointedly looks back at the ongoing ceremony, watching as they finish portioning the sheep's organs into jars.

He doesn't really want to discuss their Father right now. Not in this company. Lucifer's had eons in the Cage to digest their Father's true nature but the revelation is still a recent wound for Michael. Still, he doesn't defend Him, which is an anomaly comparable to water being dry.

Stick to criticizing Castiel's poor decisions. That's comfortable territory.]

'Fix' Heaven. Less than a dozen angels remaining and not a single archangel left to keep the lights on. Yes, you successfully trimmed the fat from the organization.

[thedevilwhorose]

[He'll take half a second. It's far more than they should have ever gotten. And the lack of response is icing on the cake. That's progress.

Besides, he doesn't need to discuss his constant hatred of their Father, but he will pat a weighted hand rudely to Castiel's back in "reassurance", if only because he wants to see if Castiel will fall over.] Don't worry, you wouldn't really want him listening, anyway.

I mean, you killed how many angels? Or did you lose count? What did Metatron think he was going to do, anyway? I never did get that story. [Because it was boring and he didn't care and he shoved Castiel in a corner of their shared vessel and mostly tried to ignore the nerd. Actually, it's still boring.] Never mind, I don't care.

[unwings]

[ the passive aggressive pat to his back forces another rough, gross, grace sicknessy fit of coughing out of cas. a couple solvunn mages below look up at whoever this rude fucker coughing up a lung in the middle of their sacred ceremony is, and cas raises a hand in apology. sorry. carry on.

But he's now turning away from Lucifer entirely to center on Michael, because what the actual fuck was that number? ]

Less than a dozen? No. The Leviathan [ a glare tossed back at Lucifer ] slew many of our brothers and sisters, but there were still thousands left. What do you mean less than half a dozen?

[ Cas is Upset. Not that it looks like anything but an angry chihuahua to his brothers, but there he is anyway, glaring up at Michael with brows knit. as always, the fact he's way out matched means nothing to his attitude. zero archangels his fine, trench coated ass. ]

And if you care so much, why weren't you there?

[familysucks]

[Great, now they're making a scene. Michael looks back at them both with a don't make me turn this car around sort of frown. He can't take you two anywhere.

It's Michael's turn to reach over, now, putting a firm hand on Castiel's shoulder and shoving a bit of energy into him. Rather than anything from home it's Abraxan magic, a little parting gift from Koth, but Castiel doesn't need to know the details. It's also a paltry amount of vitality—maybe the lifeforce of a small orange—but it should stop him from keeling over before the end of the ceremony and embarrassing the name of angels everywhere.

Any more so than he already has, anyway.]

I mean less than twelve. [It's not what's being asked, but it's the only answer he has.] Perhaps if I hadn't been in Hell, I could give you a better explanation.

[Or, you know, could have prevented it. As to why he hadn't gone back to clean up his little siblings' collective mess—]

Do I strike you as the sort of person who makes decisions based on emotion? By that point, my presence would have made no difference.

[Sure, he might have kept them afloat a little while longer, but it would've been like trying to bail out the Titanic with a single bucket.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[But Mikey, look at this pathetic, frail excuse of angel? How can he not mess with it at every turn?

And yet he drops his hand with only an eye roll.

Some things, apparently, don't change. That's awfully disconcerting if he thinks too long about it, which he will not.] I know you're not looking at me, but... [Which is a really childish method to make them look at him. What.] But also in Hell, thanks for the help there, Castiel, and then in another world. [As though he'd have actually tried to help 'fix' the labor shortage. They both very well know he would have tried to do something though, all for his own gain, of course.]

[unwings]

[ his brother shoves a sliver of energy into him, just enough that he stops hacking up a lung. in thanks, cas shoots him an annoyed glare - he didn't ask for your help, michael. his concern about less that twelve angels total is taking up far more attention ]

How? When? [ this is like pulling teeth, and his expression flattens when hell's brought up again. ] I won't apologize for intervening when you tried to kill billions of people.

[ if michael had pulled his head out of their father's ass for two seconds, he wouldn't have been there. castiel has zero pity for either of them, after they had full capacity to stop the prophecy, and still decided to end the world over a personal feud. if they can't see how selfish and morally bankrupt that is, there's really no point in discussing it further.

and there's lucifer popping off with some other nonsense. at this point, it feels like they're both just dropping pieces of the future on him, and cas should stop taking the bait. clearly michael's not willing to give any further context, and lucifer is terminally unhelpful. ]

An overpowered Cupid would've been better for Heaven. [ a single brow arches at another world. other than abraxas? huh. ] You sent to another world is possibly the best news I've had today.

[familysucks]

[Michael nearly rolls his eyes in return. Lucifer in close proximity to Castiel is like a bored cat batting around a wounded animal. At least wait until the execution is over to have your fun.

He looks down at Castiel again, bored, unmoved. The Apocalypse is so ten years ago.]

Does it matter? A dead angel is a dead angel. Only you two have ever proven an exception to the rule.

[Funny how that works. Perhaps there's a theory to be built around the type of angel the Summoning ritual latches onto. Maybe, for Michael, the future is not as much a dead end as he believes.]

Those billions of people would have gone to Heaven. Instead, they and the rest of humanity were eradicated. In the end, you saved no one.

[Castiel is on the receiving end of a lot of bad news at the moment, but Michael can't bring himself to care. He'd had the awareness of their Father's true nature gavaged straight into his thoughts courtesy of this very same angel, and he'd survived. So will Castiel.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[He bristles just barely at being put into the same category as Castiel, not only due to the ugliness of the words, but now Castiel gets to be aware of the fact that Lucifer died. Some unknown stretch of time to all of them except Michael.

But that's--

Freakishly, currently, less important, as he runs Michael's last sentence through his head and blurts, out loud:] I'm sorry, what?

[tobeclosetohim]

As if they weren't the most obvious children in the world already (exchanging looks, changing facial expressions, posture shifting in response toward and from each other this whole time) while it was dead silence all around since Mich The Fucking Feathered Asshole in Funerial Black asked his biting question about Castiel's condition, and all went quiet

which seriously isn't going to work
with her much longer for Cas

Lucifer's suddenly verbal retort shatters a tension that was probably only hers, and Jo throws a sharp look toward the three of them. She'd like to not give any fucks about being expressly excluded, but there's a goddamn sandpaper on the skin, child table regulation feeling that's purely pissy at Castiel doing it, too as well as....

[unwings]

[ and now castiel's certain all this cryptic doomed future crap is just meant to fuck with him, and the angel rolls his eyes. Lucifer's clearly been left out of the loop just as well, and with his outburst, Cas is sure nothing productive will come out of the rest of this conversation. He turns back to Jo, oblivious to her offense at being sidelined, and jerks his head toward the exit from the execution grounds. ]

Perhaps we should move on.

[ He's interrupted by inhuman, horrific screams from the captive being folded into a sheep's skin, Cas snapping abruptly back to the noise with alarm, brow arched high. What the unholy fuck is going on right now? He wrinkles his nose down at the massacre occurring below. ]

Seems excessive.

[familysucks]

[Between Lucifer's surprise and Castiel's indifference, the average response is curiosity enough for him to explain. But then there's screaming, and Michael doesn't care enough about convincing either of them of the future to miss what he came here to see: not the slaughter of a farm animal, but the punishment of those who truly insult the old gods. He turns back to the scene before them, watching as the sheep's skin pulls and crushes Josselyn into the shape of its former bearer.]

You haven't seen what they do to punish their own.

[This is right on par with what Michael expects of Solvunn, now that he knows they cut pieces from one another to right their wrongdoings. Castiel might not find it excessive either if he knew what they were like day-to-day.]

Reminds me of the first time I took a vessel.

[Michael mutters, frowning, more at the memory of compacting his essence down to human form than at the cracking of bone.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[Excuse him for assuming the world was still spinning after his presumed-death. For all Lucifer was constantly willing to burn humanity off the gem off a planet and/or rule and be worshiped... one of those options needed people to control.

But if the first option didn't have people...

Eh.

If there's anyone left on that planet it's not going to be anyone he wants to associate with. Bunch of flightless angels, dregs of demonkind, maybe a handful of whining monsters.

He rolls his shoulders, wincing.] Feels like my vessel now. [It's a mutter. Not quite a slip up. More of a reveal than he'd usually give, but even his brothers might be able to see how more bound into his vessel than any angel should be. It can't be that surprising, not that he expects sympathy from either of these two.

He scoffs and turns away, oddly the first of the three to be done with this morbid performance piece. Or maybe he just has better things to do, like be a nuisance to other people.

That is, oddly, the first time he actually spots the blonde girl, blinking owlishly at her before walking off.]

[tobeclosetohim]

Honestly?

Michael's comment makes it better.

Shown by the disgusted indifferent glance that slices toward him.
And then Lucifer, making the statement about it being not then, but now.

The better isn't the torture exposition going on in front of all of them, but the fact she can squint at the contorting body and screaming woman and for a moment be incredibly petty and envision it's Lucifer, be glad Michael's inconvenienced by his own idiocy. Even if there's a oily slick part of her stomach that turns over thinking about the people all three angels right next to her decided to put themselves inside.

It doesn't stick long, though, and what with the screaming and bone cracking and that fact she's not sure she would wish this on her worst enemy, she missed Lucifer's first few steps away. There are so many ways to have made this quick, clean, and over. That other set of words plays over when she winces a little, holding her shoulders and spine stiff enough they don't move still.

Jo doesn't want to know what this sadistic little backwater does to its own or why Michael's content enough he's long term stayed in the compound of them, working people among them. Or maybe it's that it makes a lot more fucking sense that he does. She was fucking idiot to have believed any of it.