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abraxaslogs2023-04-16 08:54 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxaslogs2023-04-16 08:54 am
Entry tags:
- !event,
- abby littman; the lovers,
- aloy; the hermit,
- altaïr ibn-la'ahad; the magician,
- anakin skywalker; judgement,
- caitlyn kiramman; strength,
- claire fraser; the empress,
- claude von riegan; the wheel of fortune,
- dante; the devil,
- diana prince; the empress,
- eddie munson; the devil,
- elrond; temperance,
- galadriel; the hierophant,
- geralt of rivia; the hanged man,
- henry creel; the hierophant,
- hilda goneril; the lovers,
- himeka sui; the fool,
- istredd; the high priestess,
- jayce talis; the magician,
- jesper fahey; the wheel of fortune,
- jo harvelle; strength,
- jonathan crane; the magician,
- julie lawry; the wheel of fortune,
- kyle; the hanged man,
- lenore; the lovers,
- lestat de lioncourt; judgement,
- lord john grey; justice,
- louis de pointe du lac; the lovers,
- lucifer; the devil,
- michael; the emperor,
- nanaue; the fool,
- norman jayden; the hermit,
- obi-wan kenobi; death,
- reno; the chariot,
- sabine; the empress,
- sephiroth; the tower,
- steve rogers; the hierophant,
- thancred waters; strength,
- viktor; death
MINI-EVENT: CODA - IC EVENT LOG
Mini-Event - Coda
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
no subject
But it doesn't matter. Not really. Because he always had Rhy. Kell can't imagine how it must feel to not have anyone like that. He can't imagine himself without Rhy. They don't have to be in the same room even. He feels better simply for knowing Rhy exists. That he's somewhere where he can always come back to. To never have someone like that? It's cold, lonely world. It's terrifying.
"I'm happy you two found each other. I ... "
Kell stumbles for words and on his feet with Istredd abrupt stop that's well matched by his own growing terror when he realizes what Istredd is looking at. Vivid memory of that one scene he stumbled upon in the mountains flashing before his eyes, silent plea to the Saints on his lips even if Kell is that further from being religious. Begging Kyle to please don't stab Lucifer in front of everyone at the official gala. Before the reality of what is truly happening gets to him leaving him more confused than relieved.
He has at least enough sense in him left to steer the away from the center of the ballroom. For all the distress he feels radiating from Istredd, Kell decides it's better they take a break. It will give Istredd some time to calm down. A clearly very needed time. Otherwise someone might just cause a scene. The evening is already memorable without it.
"Are you sure?" It's not even a question.
Somewhere underneath his own shock and confusion is tiny sting of inappropriate and completely unfounded envy that Kell is very quick in burying as deep as he can, so he doesn't have to think where it came from. Instead, he takes it upon himself to make sure Istredd is really doing fine as he says.
"Come, sit down with me for a bit."
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He'd never had anyone close to his heart. No one he felt like was his until now. He and Lucifer have a bond metaphorically and literally that no one else can touch and he's been confident in that for awhile, at least as confident as someone with his occasional self-esteem issues can be.
That Kyle would attack or stab Lucifer has never even entered his mind for a moment. Istredd would have been confused but aggressive immediately, causing conflict in this ballroom right away. Lucifer is strong and inhuman, but it doesn't matter. An attack on him is an attack on both of them. But that doesn't occur to him, Kyle would never hurt Lucifer, in his mind. Especially not in public.
So that is why he fixates on the intimate touching, on the kiss, forehead or not. He smushes down his streak of jealousy as fast as possible so Lucifer doesn't know that it lingers, although he can guess. They'll talk about it later, for now he just feels completely thrown off.
"Yes, I was just startled. It looked ... like something else for a moment." It still looks like that something else in his opinion. Since when are they the type of friends who Lucifer would allow that closeness? It isn't fair, he understands that, but if feelings were rational, he would be a happier person in general.
Istredd is glad to get off the dance floor, he'd probably be too distracted to do well at it now. He wants to stay out of the way of the others right then. He can sense that Lucifer is confused and feels nothing else about it. Istredd may be getting an intimate experience of how it might have felt for Lucifer to feel his surge of lust with Yennefer before the bond closed.
"We're not ... technically exclusive." Istredd has the freedom to occasionally be with Yennefer. He just didn't think it was something he'd have to worry about, which is pretty damn selfish and foolish.
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There are things beyond Kell's comprehension, but he also has been steadily growing in his certainty that he and Lucifer are at least a little alike. And if they can share destructively fiery temper, and occasional (in Kell's case) or habitual (in Lucifer's) callousness around other people getting caught in the cross-fire of their exploits. They can as easily share the same laser focused obsession over that one single person that managed to drag them out of their dispassionate shell.
Lucifer is an inhuman being of magic and power. That's how Kell sees him. He'd say he's beautiful and terrifying with the same breath. Though not to Lucifer himself, never to him. Because the teasing would never end. Kell knows it wouldn't if this was him hearing it about himself. An Antari is nothing, and everything, like an archangel. Kell knows he's so far from Lucifer's level. Antari, blessed or cursed, are still human, but there are strands of shared qualities. And it's a new and truly exhilarating experience to know a being like this. It might be what has drawn Kell to Lucifer in the first place. So he feels just a little justified to have an opinion on the matter.
"But I would have been viciously jealous myself. It kind of comes with the territory when loving someone."
Kell had never spoken so openly and honestly to another living person about his not exactly commendable feelings. Not a single one other than Rhy. But this is Istredd and he matters. With Istredd, he can feel safe enough to bare his soul. The other side of it is that he desperately wants to keep Istredd from hurt. That's love too, isn't it?
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It just mostly didn't seem possible. They're still navigating all of this. Istredd knows that no one will ever be what he is to Lucifer. Even if that changes slightly down the road, their relationship remains secure. Istredd is his best friend, the first person he's ever wanted to be with. He just cycles that in his head as a reminder.
Lucifer is inhuman, no one except for the other angels really knows to the extent Istredd does, who has seen his true form (while protected). But it's still hard for him to think that he could keep the attention of someone extraordinary. Istredd doesn't hate himself, he generally thinks that he is a talented and decent mage. He's just not important. He's not special. Except to one person.
"It's not my first time being jealous in general. Yenna -- Yennefer -- is often admired and she has other lovers. For a long time, I was sick with jealousy, until we worked out where we stood." It really took them breaking down into that jealous and possessive rage and getting back together. It took reigniting that long-term trust between them, reminding themselves of the friendship that mattered so much once upon a time. Now they're back to being in a good place without any jealousy.
He doesn't know how much Kell is aware of Yennefer outside of how she stands in the Thorne Summoned. It's not a secret that the two of them are from the same world and close.
Istredd takes in a deep breath and lets it out, focusing on Kell entirely now. Trying to shake off those feelings still. "I think I forgot what it was like, to be newly in love with someone. Yennefer and I, we've been attached since we were children, over seventy years, although most of that was apart." His love never ended for her, but it's not the same exact love as this, it's not fresh and intense and sometimes ugly.
He rarely speaks about Yennefer to anyone other than Lucifer, so Kell is now in the club of knowing a little more about their history. Not to mention so few know how deep his attachment goes. Istredd is surprised he's talking about this at all with anyone. "I've loved him for months and sometimes I feel insane, like it's too much. I can't be rational."
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Kell might be third of Istredd's age, or less, but he's been in love, and he's been jealous. Murderously, obsessively jealous. If ever there was a sliver of hope he could reason his way out of it he'd have lept at it like a starving man at a slice of bread. There never was a way. There could never be. No feelings are ever logical.
Yennefer, is another subject altogether. Kell has always had a lot of very careful respect for her. He's known her for an alchemist with apprentices of her own. Quite scary, if to believe the gossip. He never got enough courage to approach her. To hear her spoken about with affection ... is new. But then he was aware about her and Istredd. That they knew each other, and that they were - are - close. It just didn't connect in his mind until now.
It doesn't matter what he thinks about her, Kell can relate to loving somebody so long. So long it's your whole life. He thinks about Rhy when he looks up to catch eye contact with Istredd.
"Because it's love. It's madness. It's never rational. "
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Being with Lucifer in general has been consuming lately, but even more so tonight. Their first official 'date.' Dressing up for each other, dancing together. It's the kind of romance he didn't expect for them in that it is genuinely romantic. He never really got to have this kind of relationship, and he knows Lucifer hasn't. He's already come this far talking to Kell so apparently this is going to be vulnerability time for him, stretched out a few more minutes before he comes back to his sanity.
"In the decades without her, I couldn't really open myself up to anyone new. People tried, good people, men and women that probably were better suited to me in interests and temperament." Intellectuals like him, kind and soft-hearted, smart, hard-working, calm, basically him as a type. Istredd tried though. He would shrug it off for awhile and then be lonely and try with someone new, rinse and repeat, and it always ended because of his closed heart. And his ambitions were work, not for anything else.
"Then I get kidnapped to another sphere and I meet an angel. And he just ... knocks me right off my feet." Istredd laughs, in that bubbling sort of incredulous and emotional way, and he hates it. "This wasn't supposed to happen. For either of us. It should be impossible."
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But there's one thing so like Istredd and yet so wrong, so logical and well-meaning and yet so utterly misguided, that Kell just can't keep quiet about it.
"Maybe you didn't need another you. Maybe you needed an angel."
Kell decides to do something crazy. Something to prove the point he's about to make. He scoots closer, leans in resting his head against Istredd's shoulder. It's easy, Istredd is so much taller than him. It also feels oddly comforting - not something he has time to concentrate on now. Only something he notes to think about later.
"Let yourself love, and feel all the messy emotions that come with it. Don't try to force it to be logical."
He's not being logical right now. Not a single bit.
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Not everyone has the kind of lifetimes where they can rattle off sixty years of experience as more like six years, but for his kind when you have six hundred years ahead of you, it does feel different. The depth of his relationship with Yennefer is truly complicated and it's not over, it'll never be over. That's the point. Istredd loves forever. That is what he knows about himself now. He doesn't stop loving.
He jumps a little when Kell rests his head on his shoulder. Not because he's against it, more out of surprise. Apparently both he and Lucifer aren't used to close personal touches. These are the types of details they're similar about. Istredd doesn't really know what to do at first, but he lifts a hand and gently touches his hair. A silent benediction, indicating he is fine with this, strange as it feels.
"Don't tell anyone what I said about Yennefer. She is very private and for good reason. She has a reputation here to maintain." And it's serious and important for her and for all the Thorne Summoned. She has a direct connection to the queen. She did give some of it away when in public, so probably the queen is aware now of her closeness to him.
"I don't really know how to do this." He gestures between the two of them. "My mentor Stregobor is a narcissistic cruel-hearted ass." Istredd's hate of him comes from a place of bitterness from being betrayed in a dozen different ways. "But he is, for all intents and purposes, the only parent I ever had."
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Kell doesn't know how much their experiences can even be compared, but his own hurt and fury had kept him from pursuing any meaningful relationship, romantic or sexual, away from what he couldn't have. At some point you just give up to cut your loses and avoid more pain. He can get that.
The privacy of their conversation was obvious to him from the start. It's raw, person, not something you're supposed to casually blab about. If Istredd's feels the need to ask, though, then apparently it was not all that obvious to him.
"I would never," he assures. "I figured out that what you told me is very private."
Yennefer is a public figure. It doesn't mean all of her matters are up for scrutiny. Kell has been a prince - in name only, but a prince still - for fifteen years, he knows how it's like to have almost no life at all to call your own. All the time in the public eye. He wouldn't want this for anyone. Rhy might thrive on attention, but he? With his one black eye singling him out in any crowd? Most of the time he just wanted to hide. He doubts Yennefer is anything like him. Still, she deserves to keep her secrets no matter how much her ambitions make her center of attention for many.
But it's not about her, for Kell, Istredd deserves to keep his private life private even more. Kell considers himself lucky to be able to have them talk like that at all.
It's only because they are, he's able to do what he does. Thing is Kell doesn't like to be touched. He's more similar to Lucifer in that regard. A polar opposite to Rhy. So now he's acting right across his ingrained habits on vague hunch, merely a shadow of some yet before unfulfilled need, that it feel like a right thing to do.
He can't help but chuckle hearing Istredd description of his mentor. Well, what do you know? Because King Maxim was a kind and loving parent... Seriously, Istredd has done more for him in those three weeks they were locked up that his adopted parent did for entirety of Kell's life.
"Then you're very good at using him as example of what not to do." Kell pauses thinking carefully how to phrase it right. "I don't even know who my real parents were. I don't know if they wanted me and I was taken from them, or they feared me and were happy to get rid of me. I only know that my adopted father ordered his own court mage, my future mentor, a priest, to wipe my memory from before the adoption. With magic that's technically forbidden. But pesky little details never really bothered him. I know that both of my adopted parents couldn't be bothered to treat me like a person, and only behaved to keep up appearances. Because I was useful for them. I was only there so in future I could die protecting their precious heir and kingdom, if either were in any kind of danger. That neither would have lifted a finger to save me if that meant any risk to them at all.
But you? I am of no use to you, but you were willing to die back in that cave if only that got me and Wilhelm out. So honestly, Istredd, you have no competition or insufficient skill to worry about."
Excuse him getting a bit agitated. He feels very strongly about this particular subject.
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"Lucifer is a safe subject." They aren't hiding their relationship. They aren't in the same vulnerable position as Yennefer. Safe in terms of he has no plans on lying about his partner. He is proud to be with him. Lucifer is difficult and many people have warned him, even more warnings to come, but it doesn't change how he feels. And how certain he is that they may be right, but it doesn't apply to him. What they have is too real.
"It's fine." This time it sounds sincere that he is. The initial panic is gone. "I know Kyle surprised him too." He felt the confusion on their bond. "We'll talk it out." They never do though. It is an adjustment they're still working on.
Istredd moves his shoulder but only so he can put his arm around Kell's shoulders and allow the boy to rest more comfortably against him. It allows him a sense of security in a gesture of affection too. He listens to his story about what he went through, how his parental figures failed, and it's difficult not to be afraid to end up on that list. He'll just have to refuse to.
"The Brotherhood takes us as children too. They pay your family off or just take you. I don't know what happened to me, I have no memory of before them." Istredd doesn't know if he had parents who cared or were all to happy to put him onto the shoulders of someone else. His world is a hard place to live in. "They don't see us as children. We're tools. It's why when Lucifer jokes about teenagers to me, I don't understand. We were never teenagers or children. We were raised to use magic or die, use magic or be turned into eels and used to fuel everyone else's magic."
The fear was constant, the requirement to be driven to succeed all they could do. The eels thing will always be strange to others. For him it was just a driving force of why to be ambitious. "Then once you graduate, you serve them for the rest of your life. Hundreds of years. I refer to Stregobor as a parent only because I had no one else, but they don't see us so familial, we're investments. He thinks one day I will return to the Brotherhood from my research and be a fitting heir in the future."
Kell might remember from the memory shared before how Stregobor still treats Istredd as special. Still treats him as his protege even with all the space between them. His chosen one and Istredd wants none of it.
"I'm only saying all of this to explain that I don't know what family feels like." Kell has Rhy. Istredd has never had a family. "I am assuming that is how I feel for you right now, protective and proud, but it may take time before I know how to do this properly."
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"Doesn't it mean you can make it feel whatever you want?"
Kell has Rhy, he can share some expertise... then his whole mind screeches to a halt. Protective is something Kell got just a little used to by now. As in it doesn't send him into a fit of shocked euphoria all the time.
proud
It's progress that he doesn't question it. Kell learned to trust Istredd when he says things. Unbelievable as they might be. So there's no dramatic display of shock. Just a wave of warmth spreading out of his heart, like a little sun lighting up in his chest.
Then he remembers...and Kell's mood tanks. Yeah, quite the thing to be proud of. His whole worth was always tied to how good his magic was. He had no need to worry before. Now, when he really wants Istredd to be proud of him. Just like he said he does. Now, that he's really invested. Now, Kell found something that was able to stop him.
"Just because you don't know how I'm failing at my alchemy studies. There's not much to be proud about there."
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"I suppose you are right. Whatever I'm feeling is just natural. Maybe having nothing to compare it to is a good thing." The comparison to Stregobor is flimsy at best. He doesn't want to mirror it here. It means Istredd has no real expectations of this. He's dealing with it as he goes.
His eyebrows furrow at that. "So? You practice until you get better or you choose a different discipline. Not everyone is good at everything. Magic takes patience." Istredd is very experienced in magical training, he went through a ruthless experience. This is very logical to him. They had to learn enough of all magic to get by, but there is a reason some found a leaning like he did.
"Look at how compassionate and supportive you've been to me tonight. How you protected the others as best as you could while escaping. Magic is something you can do, it's not who you are."
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"But it is who I am," he protests quietly.
Kell lifts his hand palm up so that Istredd can see well. A clear sphere of water coalesces right above his fingers hovering effortlessly in the air. Small flame burning in its center. Thin layer of air separates the elements letting them both exist in this seemingly impossible combination. Kell smiles. He loves tricks like this.
"This is mine," he states. "I have no problem with it. I can feel it. It speaks to me and I can understand it."
He closes his fingers around the sphere. It disperses as easily as it has appeared. Not a drop of water falls to the floor.
"I hate Abraxan magic. With its rituals and sacrifices to foreign gods or dumb rote memorization."
Kell shudders at the memory of most recent ritual he's seen, and the vulture entity that was clearly its intended audience.
"I'd loose my dinner if had to touch anything that's connected to the gods. And breakfast, and supper from the day before. It's gross."
He's pretty sure he would literally vomit. He actually did, back in the murder cave when the Acolytes tried to feed him the mushroom goo. It doesn't help that he still can't get rid of the wilted flower from his Horizon domain. A ghastly reminder of the encounter with the Herald of Decay.
"But it's not all that better with Thornean magic. I've been studying alchemy for a year now. Subject on its own is fascinating, but the way they teach it? The books on it? Half of the time I need to fight the urge to fall asleep on the lectures. And that's before attempting to understand any of it."
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"Chaos is in my blood. Only people born with it can become mages." That is more or less true here too, it's just that everyone is born with the ability. Some stronger than others, if they study, if they work hard. "It's why I will live hundreds of years and still look like this. I'm made of magic." He didn't change the way he looked like because he didn't need to, but he genetically is fundamentally different after. He won't age anymore, at least not for a long time. His body is framed with Chaos magic now.
"I wouldn't mind learning High Magic. Mostly so we have a chance at counteracting it next time." Istredd doesn't really care about the divine though. He believes the gods are supernaturally powerful creatures. He thinks it is unnerving what Solvunn does in order to use it, but he's not above doing the same thing for logical reasons. If they had known how to use High Magic before, they might have been able to combat their kidnappers better.
"It may not be the right magic for you to learn here. Try another for a time, see if that suits you better."
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"But I don't want another one. I want this one."
It is rare of him to want something and have a chance at getting it. Once he does, it's almost impossible for him to give up. He'd rather bang his head at the proverbial wall than admit defeat. He doesn't actually have to admit it just yet. There's one person who - and everyone he asked for opinion agreed on that - could help him break out his impasse. He just need to find the courage to ask her... and that's where the problem lies.
But asking Istredd feels a lot less intimidating.
"D-do you think you could ask Yennefer to teach me?"
Never has been a sentence spoken so quickly on one breath. Kell braces himself for the inevitable no. With all the talk about caring and being proud, and Kell does believe Istredd is genuine when he says that...but still, asking for something like that does feel like going too far.
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Technically Lucifer was thinking of just that when he decided to take him as a placeholder roommate. Of potential use with Yennefer. Little did either of them know where that road would lead down.
He pats Kell's head though so he can know that he is simply teasing. "Yes, I can, but trust me when I say the best I can do is a foot in the door. Yenna is a hard teacher and difficult to impress. You'll learn a great deal from her." Istredd might make her agree with some reluctance to the idea, but from there Kell will have to impress her on his own. She's not going to waste her time. He thinks Kell seems to understand that though.
Yennefer doesn't currently have access to her Chaos, they're still working that out, but she has excelled in Thorne using their magics, including alchemy. Kell won't get a better teacher in terms of someone used to using a different magic forced to learn this world's instead.
"Don't suck up to her. Be real and respectful. And work harder than you're used to."
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"That would have been the most stupid thing ever."
Is he calling out Lucifer? Nope. He has no idea.
"I don't care about her political clout... no, I do. I know she used her influence to help start Thorne's part of rescue operation. I don't want to sound like a complete ingrate, but ... it's not that. It's that... well, she is a bit scary."
A lot. From the impression he got when Mat talks about her. A whole damned lot.
Kell simultaneously shifts away and leans into Istredd's gesture. He's not a child, but also it feels nice. Habit warns him to move away. Affection was never genuine, nor it was ever free. With Istredd, he knows it's different. But he has year of experience to fight with. It will take time.
"I never sucked up to anyone, so no danger here."
Kell's shoulders slump. That's the thing. He was always the best by virtue of being born an Antari. It helped that he liked it. But he really didn't have to push as much as he did. He could beat all other apprentices with is eyes closed. Without trying. He grew pretty arrogant on that.
Then he met Holland... who completely obliterated his own sense of genius. It doesn't help that, many years later, Kell was able to defeat him. He wasn't alone, and he had cursed magic at his fingertips. So the doubts, the first cracks, remain.
Kell doesn't voice any of those doubts. Not because he doesn't trust Istredd. Quite the opposite. It just feels saying them out loud could make them actually true.
"I've been told I'm a good student," he says instead. "Supposedly to the point of obsession."
And yet he struggles with mid-level spells of not especially complicated branch of magic. Kell feels confident in his own magic. It's the learning part that stresses him out. What if all this genius talk was just a lot of air? What if he cannot learn anything he wasn't born with?
"I've been also told I'm a genius."
Kell doesn't remember, or rather he doesn't consider it important, to mention that outside of magic, he blazed through any topic he was given. Not great at foreign languages, that required too much human interaction to be better, but anything else? He tore through it all. To the point that Rhy complain it's unfair he's good at everything.
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"That's why I'm not reassuring you she's not that bad. But as long as you're not lazy and simpering, it will be fine." Istredd will ask her to be patient if it turns out he's not doing well, but he isn't going to interfere from there. Alchemy is not his strong suit. Like any trained mage from his sphere, he knows how to make potions, but she excels at it.
Istredd is also a genius which is why he simply nods. "We geniuses tend to be very good at learning skills and knowledge, but not always good at the rest of life." He is obviously speaking from experience, that is why he said we. There are any number of ways he has had to learn to be better here. "Intellect without wisdom can do more harm than good. Believe me."
He thinks that accounts for a lot of his worst mistakes. He's very smart and he thinks a great deal. Researches, makes opinions, theories. But it's tunnel vision at times. Too much in his head, too much exciting about learning, to think about the consequences.
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"I'm definitely not lazy. Most of the complaints that I've ever got was about how I can't sit still for more than five minutes. I had to learn to focus, and it was long and painful."
It's also equally painfully obvious that Kell hangs on any and all compliments he can get. Especially from Istredd. He practically beams when Istredd says we geniuses. To be included in anything, let alone by an older, more experienced magician, is a completely new feeling for him. But he does agree with the rest of the statement. Too much in their heads, prone to tunnel vision and making very bad decisions because you're blind to certain aspects of life and so sure you're smart enough to avoid all the traps all this while walking right into one. He knows that all too well.
"I know," he replies quietly. "I did the worst things when I was completely sure I am right and have everything under control."
Maybe can wrap on yours! we can do something newer
Istredd can see in Kell the same way he was at his age. Hungry for approval and to prove himself to his teachers, to the world, to himself. Over time he's been kinder to his young self in his memory. When first disgruntled by Stregobor and the others, he hated how wide-eyed he'd been, but he understands it now. And it's giving him sympathy pains for Kell right then.
"Myself too," he confirms. Istredd had been so positive telling the elves about Ciri was the right thing to do. She was destined to be their savior and they were suffering, they were being killed. Surely they deserved to be saved. Now all he can see is his mistake.
"I'm not interested in getting back on the dance floor, but how about a drink?" He ruffles Kell's hair gently.
Yes, perfect :)
It's a difficult balance, but it's blatantly obvious to anyone paying attention that Istredd checks both of those conditions perfectly. As much as he likes to think about himself as powerful mage, Kell is very young and most of what he has is potential. He has some spectacular feats, and blunders, on his account, but all those were under pressure. Not something readily translatable into regular practice. He hasn't been given a chance to learn from his mistakes so he keeps making new.
Kell springs to his feet right after Istredd's suggestion. Clear evidence to the fact that I wouldn't hurt for him to learn some patience too.
"I'd love to."
It's hard to say if he means meditation, a drink or both. Probably both.