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

[theidlemaiden]

[ Running the scenario from yesterday back in her mind, Hilda realizes, with some dismay, that he isn't lying and her previous statement is now defunct. This does nothing to dispel the furrow between her brow. ]

You said as much just a couple of seconds ago. I knew I shouldn't have left you alone after we finished shopping.

[ There's something akin to a whine and more betrayal in her voice. But as it stands, she realizes even in her buzzed state that she has no leg left to stand on and she hadn't the faintest idea that the blade had been there until just now. Thankfully before she can concede her defeat, her hopeful suitor notices her at the same time Hilda spies them out of the corner of her eye. ]

Oh shit - for lying to me you owe me a dance!

[ She's already got a hand on his wrist tugging him towards the dance floor whether he protests or not. ]

retconning my tailor-mention forgetfulness as he rly wants to drive home the relevant point to hilda

[aquilus]

[Her complaint is both nonsensical in its fact — unless she planned to stalk him at all hours, she'd have had to leave him alone eventually — and ridiculous in tone and, Altaïr realizes with some dismay, it is exactly what he expects from Hilda. It seems he's getting used to her.

A sobering thought.]

Wha—

[She actually manages to catch him off-guard then, an impressive feat, but he doesn't resist once he regains his bearings. Fine, they will dance. He's not awful at it.]

I wasn't aware dancing was such valued currency.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Stalking him for hours probably would fall into the realm of things that Hilda might absolutely do if she were determined enough to do so. Thankfully they'll never have to do know if she would have done it because she had found out about this after the fact.

She's casts a surreptitious glance over her shoulder towards her now crestfallen suitor and bite back the relieved expression on her face as she and Altaïr arrive in the middle of the dance floor. Success. ]

I guess it depends where you're from. Dancing back home is as much a social thing as a status thing. Is it not very common in your world?

[aquilus]

[Altaïr wonders idly whether his apparent attractiveness may have contributed to driving off Hilda's unwanted would-be dance partner, but decides it doesn't matter. She's not going to let him go until at least one song has passed anyway.]

It's common. It's just not something I've devoted time to.

[Which doesn't show in the way he moves. He won't win any ballroom dancing competitions, but that's the worst thing anyone could say about his current performance.]

I had more important work to see to.

[theidlemaiden]

[ He's right about that. They're on the dance floor already and them leaving would be rather noticeable - not to mention rude to the live band (although in reality, they're too focused on their jobs than to notice one couple exiting the dance floor before they're done).

That, and it might give her suitor the wrong idea. It's called being committed to the role. ...Even if he isn't the best dancer she's danced with before. Good thing she's been known to take the lead if she gets annoyed enough. ]

Work that involved wearing hoods and wearing hidden blades?

[aquilus]

[That gives him pause. So, Claude hadn't told her of their lengthy discussion in the Horizon. He's not completely surprised — the other man has already shown himself to be capable of discretion — but he had wondered, a little.]

Among other things, yes.

[Such as climbing and scouting and murdering and...]

[theidlemaiden]

[ There's a number of things that Claude hasn't been telling her — this is neither here nor there however. She'd be completely unsurprised to hear that Claude has learned things about Altaïr that Hilda hasn't for a number of reasons even if she might act wounded if she ever found out.

She raises an eyebrow, both in challenge and curiosity, nudging them out of the way of an oncoming couple. ]

Care to share with the class? The class being me, obviously.

[aquilus]

[Altaïr considers it for a moment, not letting the uncertainty affect the smoothness of his dancing. He knows from experience that not all the Summoned will take a dim view of his vocation, especially removed from his world. He also knows that to many people, murder is murder, and his status as a master Assassin isn't something he especially wants to advertise.

Quirking an eyebrow, he leans in and smiles.]

What would you say if I told you I was a professional killer?

[theidlemaiden]

[ When Hilda poses the challenge, she isn't sure what to expect. Altaïr thus far had been a fairly secretive person not unlike Claude. It was entirely possible he was going to avoid the question completely or give her something curt and dismissive like it wasn't any of her business.

She doesn't expect the smile or the answer. As Altaïr leans forward she leans back an inch, eyes searching his expression. To her credit, she doesn't miss a beat with her steps. The corner of her lips twitch. ]

You're kidding right?

[ Has he ever cracked a joke around her? ]

[aquilus]

[No he has not. Not before, not now.

Whether she believes that is up to her, though. He chuckles and tilts his head on a motion that isn't quite a nod, isn't quite a shake.]

I was just curious what you'd think.

[Also the truth.]

Where I come from, it pays to be well-armed regardless of one's vocation. War affects the land far beyond the boundaries of battle.

[theidlemaiden]

[ It's clear that she isn't certain what to make of the news still. In fact she's getting a little weirded out at the fact that he's chuckling. At her. He's never done that.

Had he had a little too much to drink? Is that where this was coming from? She's approaching this with an iota of caution as if she doesn't want the rug to be completely pulled out from under her. ]

So if you're a professional killer, does that mean people pay you to do that?

[aquilus]

[He rarely chuckles at all. To anyone. Perhaps definitely Hilda is rubbing off on him, despite his best efforts.]

Absolutely not. I am not for hire.

[He doesn't sound particularly rankled because it's a question, but he absolutely would be if it were an assumption. He is not a hired knife, and almost no one could afford him anyway.]

But sometimes certain people need to die, and someone has to do it.

[theidlemaiden]

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

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

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

if it helps, I only noticed one

[aquilus]

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

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

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

He was old.

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

you still saw my shame

[theidlemaiden]

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

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

[aquilus]

[The unabashed sympathy does little to draw out emotions Altaïr doesn't want to delve into right now; if anything, he pushes them farther down, to be taken up again and examined alone at a future date, if ever.]

We'll carry on. Be what he trained us to be. But someone will have to take his place.

I suspect it's going to be me.

[He does not sound thrilled by this. Resigned, maybe.]

[theidlemaiden]

You?

[ As skilled as she can be at hiding her own feelings, there's no need to here with someone she's familiar with. The expression on her face however is less disbelief than it is surprise. ]

I mean can't you just say you don't want to if that's what you really don't want?

[ Filling the shoes of someone like that sent a phantom prickle of anxiety up her spine. If she had been in Altair's position, she would have absolutely turned it down and tried to pass it off to someone else. Thank the gods for Holst. ]

[aquilus]

[He imagines this would be the expression of a number of his brothers, whom he could not blame. And yet.]

No. Not if we're to continue on without fracturing. No one else has the knowledge.

[Of what Al Mualim had done, of what the Apple can do, of what dangers the Templars truly present.]

It isn't that I don't want to. More that — [he pauses] — it should not have come to this.

[Their master should have embodied everything he taught them.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ The information is met with a beat of silence as she mulls it over in her head. Her eyes flit over Altair's (hoodless) features for a moment trying to do a mental calculation of his age in her mind.

Sure he was grumpy and acted like an old man, but he didn't look it. Unless he was lying to her about that too. Was she still bitter about his apparent betrayal? Not at all, don't know what gave you that impression. ]

So you were sort of raised as the successor to your Master then? That sounds a lot like how some of the children of nobles are expected to take over for their family once they're of age or their parent is ready to step down. Which sounds like way too much responsibility if you ask me.

[ The music swells for a moment and Hilda drops the hold of one of their arms - hopefully a clear enough sign that Altaïr will have to spin her in a moment. ]

What do you mean? If he was going to die [ Because every human died eventually, right? ] wouldn't this have happened eventually?

[aquilus]

I was his best student, and then his best man. It's not the same.

[If he'd thought about it at all, he'd thought Al Mualim's successor would come far in the future. The old man of the mountain had been, well, old, but nothing close to decrepit. He could have died of age many years in the future instead of with Altaïr's blade in his chest.

These very thoughts are the answer to Hilda's question, but he chooses noit to voice them. For now.]

He never spoke of future plans. It happened quickly. And I don't wish all our efforts to unravel come to nothing.

[For a moment it seems like he'll ignore the cue, oblivious to her intent, but then he moves her into a rote spin. Already he's better at fitting in with what's expected.]

[theidlemaiden]

That sounds like the pathway to becoming his successor if you ask me. At least that's what it sounds like he had planned.

[ She had seen plenty of lineages both literally and proverbially so she feels like she can say that with some level of confidence even without knowing his former master.

As she's spun around a pleased expression flickers to her face for a moment before joining their hands together again. Hilda knows that what they're talking about has to be inherently true to some degree (she still really isn't sure about how serious he is about being an assassin), so the teasing has more to do with her trying to lighten the mood than make fun of him.

(But there was plenty of time to do that later.) ]

So there is a heart underneath all of that grump. It's weird seeing you be so serious about something like this. Not to say you aren't serious about other things but that usually has more gruff mixed in, you know? [ Amidst the teasing she gives him a sincere smile. ] I can tell you care a lot about them.

[aquilus]

[Altaïr supposes it isn't very surprising that Hilda would take the most optimistic view of his master's intentions. She doesn't have all the pertinent knowledge because he hasn't given it to her, but it is also just her way.]

Perhaps I have layers you're only just discovering.

[A faint smile appears to match her sincere one. She isn't wrong.]

It's been difficult these last months, knowing what I left behind. Not knowing what could happen when I'm away. But I can't change where I am, so I must turn my attention to what's before me.

[Easier said than done, of course.]

[theidlemaiden]

You mean like an onion?

[ It's a silly response, one that someone at home had said to her that she had immediately taken a shine to despite how ridiculous it was. (Why couldn't it be a cake? Cake had layers, tasted better, and usually didn't make people cry.)

But then she spots what she thinks has to be a smile because what else could it be? Is this the first time that she's seen him smile? A part of her genuinely can't recall because up until recently he's never spent any extended amount of time without his hood off. It feels disingenuous to tease him about that now when he's clearly sharing something that she's certain is true, so it's best saved for a later date. ]

You know, you're a bigger softie than I thought you would be, Altaïr.

[ That too is said affectionately as the song begins to come to a close. ]

[aquilus]

Something like that.

[It's not a metaphor he would have chosen, but he sees what she's getting at.]

Believe it or not, it's a new development.

[Until very recently, none of his brothers would have believed it for a second. Maybe they still wouldn't.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Maybe there's hope for him after all if he gets that metaphor and doesn't question it. ]

Wait a minute you were worse than this before?!

[ It's clear that the gasp she gives him is overly dramatic. Now that they've gotten the sentimentality out of the way, she can go right back to poking fun at him. The last part of the dance involves her doing spin around his body, and by the time she steps back into place, curtseying, and looking back up, there's the usual cheeky look to her face again. ]

Don't tell me you started getting more soft because you've been hanging out with me.