abraxaslogs | WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

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WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

Welcome to Solvunn! Bright suns and merriest of welcomes to you! The portal opens in a vast field on the western side of town surrounded by cattle, with a distant view of the bustling marketplace. The first impression of the settlement is one of idylic, country charm. There are no looming structures or crowded streets. Instead, there are cozier houses on wide streets and community buildings made of stone and wood. A gentle breeze rolls across the field and the sun is high in the sky.

There's not as much magic here as in other locations, but it's there. No one will be stopped from entering Solvunn, though suspicion will be cast upon new arrivals. Citizens will be friendly and welcoming, but curious about their new visitors. It isn't often that they welcome new folks- especially not so many at once!

With tensions between the other communities, Solvunn will not be keen on ratting out those who fled Thorne, but with the knowledge that sanctuary will not be given for free. Everyone does their part, whatever that part may be.

Asking questions will result in being told to find Rowan March, one of the council members, somewhere in the marketplace.

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He is. I imagine he's lived a life where he has to be.

[ That's par for the course for fighters, she's seen. It's another point where he reminds her of her brother, or at least what she knows of her brother. For better or worse, it's a bit comforting. ]

I think here, it wouldn't be impossible... Estinien has been rather... scaly more than once.

[ She is still not used to the dragon state he comes into, but time around Himeka has at least made it less jarring. ]

Oh, no, I'm sorry too. I'm Relena Darlian. It's nice to meet you, Martin.

"That's true, it does. I'm not sure why... I guess it's rewarding us? But what does it gain by it if that's true?" Relena asks, though she's not sure how aware the Singularity is. She knows Oliver is its disciple, but that doesn't say much. Her curiosity about it gets worse as the days go forward.

That curse makes her worried as she looks between Estinien and the sheep. She hugs the leg more firmly to her and watches the sheep for any squirming.

"Is it okay?"

[ Food is something that brings everyone together, no matter the place or circumstances. That is something Himeka will never miss an opportunity to advocate for. Maybe they should get a snack? She is ever in the mood for a snack.

To his question, she nods, seeing it for what it is--a clean end to this conversation so they can be extracted from the requirements of social interaction. Himeka is perfectly content to entertain most chats with friends to strangers, but this has turned more into a mission to show Amos around than fully integrate with the locals. And she is perfectly fine with that. ]

A few more, yes.

[ She turns her attention back to the two women and gives a wave. ]

Enjoy your meat!

[ That's a totally normal phrase.

She motions for Amos to follow as she starts off down the street. Once they are a suitable distance away, her eyes narrow with mirth as she looks up at Amos. ]

I think they were hoping you would be their regular delivery person.

[ Nero lets his face break into a wide, unhinged smile. His shoulders shake as he quietly laughs at his own joke. Of course, there are those that came from the same world here -- he assumes that if push came to shove, they'd abandon the "friends" they made here for the lasting connections they had back home.

But who knows? People are acting in such hilarious ways that they might actually sacrifice themselves for someone they only knew a few months.

His smile pulls back. He can think of someone who would do that without question. ]

Did you know? That man? Jon was willing to die for all the prisoners? You owe him a lot. Be sure to thank him for being willing to sacrifice his life for yours, eh?

[ He gives a small nod. ]

Not my people, either.

[ Nero rolls his head on the table so that he looks back to the man. ]

How about that? I agree with you. Kids shouldn't be killed! People who kill kids are real scum.

[ That's why he doesn't have any moral high ground to stand with anyone. He's murdered quite a few over the decades; he always comments on it to his companion, however, since he didn't want him to forget that they were committing atrocities.

He breathes in deep and let out a long sigh. His eyes unfocus for a second as he looks at some point above his head. Lifting his hands off his chest, he violently slaps the air in front of him with both hands. ]

Got it.

[ His hands remain frozen where it is. ]

Amos. [ Nero repeats. ] No way.

[ His mouth falls open as he starts to laugh. He turns to look at him properly and laughs even harder. Eponine had been complaining about Amos; she called him a murderer and was going to try to pin Julie's murder on him, too. She said something along the lines about how he already killed so what's one more death on his hands. ]

Oh my god. [ Is what he's able to say through his laughter. ] That's hilarious.

[ His Nero-ness, hm? She's seen a bit of it and she can see why it would rub someone the wrong way. Open-minded as she is, she hasn't entirely written him off yet, but she would really be A Fool to not take note of his penchant for trying to seem off and apparent enjoyment of violence.

Reminds her a bit of someone else she knows...if decidedly more lewd.

Which leads her to believe that said Nero-ness may involve one of those two: violence or lewdness. But she supposes if everyone is consenting adults then Martin is well enough on his own. ]

I can handle myself.

[ She says easily, but looks more amused than anything else. ]

Though if that doesn't sound like even more reason for a drink, I don't know what would.

[ He would never say no to a snack, for whatever it's worth. Prison hadn't been nearly as bad as it could have been because Amos found the food amazing. He didn't mind that it was the same day in and day out; he's used to a utilitarian lifestyle. But it had all been natural. For him, that was a luxury. Here, with so much more variety while maintaining, surpassing the quality in cases? Holy shit.

He mimics Himeka as she waves at the women, his a far more awkward one, like waving at people isn't a thing he does. (It isn't.) A soft huff of amusement at enjoy your meat, though. He gets the sentiment, but also... heh.

Amos needs no prompting to follow her, comfortable in the pace she's walking at. He looks down at Himeka, kind of surprised by her statement. ]

Really? [ His brow furrows. ] Why?

[ It's a genuine question; he's never been the kind of person others actually want around. Managed to carve out a little hole for himself back home, but it took thirty-some years to figure it out. For the most part, people want him to stay the fuck away. He doesn't blame them. That anyone would want him to visit on the regular is... huh. ]

You already seem right at home, doing stuff like this.

The sheep does kick its foot a little as Estinien cuts at the bottom of its hoof, but thankfully, with Relena's help, it isn't too difficult to keep hold of. Estinien lifts his shoulders, squinting at the area like he's still trying to determine the answer to that.

"It has a sore on its hoof - surprising as it may be, cracks or punctures to the hooves can develop infections, much as a wound to the flesh would. If left untreated, it can even begin to rot, causing the creature significant pains.

He slices away a few more strips of horn. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to be unearthing any deeper cavities of infection - though, the area surrounding the blackened hoof does bleed a bit. The sheep bleats softly.

"The solution is to cut away the damaged horn, cleansing what is left behind."

This is one of those things that felt relatively intuitive to Estinien, but now that he's presented with someone who finds it less so, he's not how to explain it. He was already familiar with concepts of meditation and accessing energies that lay outside of his body. In some ways, connecting to the Horizon had been like connecting to the Eye.

As such, he looks a bit puzzled. Is it something he'd be capable of teaching, even in a context more convenient than a tavern?

"I accomplished it through meditation," he explains after a moment. "But I was already familiar with the practice, so I'm not sure if you'd have the same experience."

Amos doesn't sound that eager about it, so Estinien isn't even sure if he'd want to learn, but it also feels like an incredibly valuable tool.

"'Tis possible to meet those who fled to other locations in the Horizon - currently tis the most secure method of communication we have. 'Tis worth attempting, if you haven't already... even if it takes some time to learn."

[ He really, really doesn't get what's so funny. ]

Never met the guy. He wanted to sacrifice himself for everyone else, that's his business. I don't owe anyone here shit.

[ So, no, he doesn't care about Jon. Amos had been gearing himself up to probably do something stupid, probably get himself killed as a way to get out of prison, before that guy with the portals showed up. (Is kind of still in that place since he'd never gotten a proper means to dispel that aggression.) Hard to think he owes someone else for potentially giving his life to save the lot of them when he'd been ready to throw his away at a moment's notice.

Not that he's unfamiliar with the concept. Sacrificing yourself to save others is a total Holden move. Only difference is he knows Holden, likes Holden, would die for Holden. Someone he doesn't know? Not a chance.

And if Nero's implying he actually has people then it doesn't matter, does it — it doesn't matter to either of them, because none of their people are here, and they certainly aren't about to become each other's people. Yet another similarity that Amos wishes he didn't know.

He raises his eyebrows at the idea that Nero does have standards, though. People who kill kids are scum, indeed. Good word for them.

So, it just kind of slips out, ] You and I've got a little too much in common.

[ As in, shit's probably going to turn bad at some point. Probably not in the middle of a tavern, not in this moment, at least, but. At some point. Kind of feels inevitable.

And, again, he has no idea what's so fucking funny. But this time it's apparently really, really fucking funny. Amos stares at Nero. Waits for him to get it out of his system. ]

How's that. [ It's barely even a question. He's never known anyone who just laughs so much. ]

Edited 2021-09-25 08:09 (UTC)

Estinien's pause, his apparent befuddlement are noted, but not a whole lot Amos can do there. He glances at his empty mug he'd set down on the tabletop when he'd finished his drink, idly wonders if he should order another before Estinien speaks up and gets his attention back.

He considers everything he says, thoughtful look on his face, before giving him a nod. "Dunno who else I'd meet up with," or why, "but secure communication's good. It's probably worth it, yeah."

He hadn't needed a whole lot of convincing. Point out the practicality of something and Amos'll probably go for it. Which just brings up his other problem: meditation's never been something he's seen the value in. He's already pretty naturally laid back; generally does a good job at keeping his anger at bay. (Except it's still there. Getting out of jail had been as simple as stepping through a couple of portals. There's a part of him that's still itching for a fight.) That comes more from being detached as a person than anything spiritual, though. Or anything remotely productive.

"I've never meditated," he follows up his previous acceptance of Estinien's pitch. Good idea, absolutely no clue as to how to execute it. "I know some people were able to get back there. Probably explains why I haven't. Do you just... like, sit there and think about it?"

He's probably capable of that. Maybe. Shit, hopefully.

[ With his focus on scooping up worms so she doesn't have to, Link misses that moment of hesitation before she sits. It's simply a given to him that he should be the one digging in the dirt, he's been doing it so long... and Relena has hands like Zelda's. Small, unworn by domestic work or the handling of a weapon.

Whether by instinct or just coincidence, Link already has her pegged as something of a 'princess.' The shake of his head is deferential. ]

It's my fault. I shouldn't have startled.

[ He wears a small frown that suggests this is embarrassing to admit. ]

Estinien is already trying to think of how to phrase things, so when Amos comes upon the simplest description possible, he can't help but chuckle. He certainly isn't wrong.

"Meditation usually means clearing one's thoughts of all other distractions, often to focus on a singular purpose," he says. "So... more or less."

He shrugs his shoulders, smiling slightly as he pauses to take a long drink. He learned the basics so many years ago it's hard to remember a time that it wasn't just reflex.

"I had past experience directing my mind to draw from a power source exterior to myself... but in this case, I think the most important thing is focusing on the connection to the Horizon that you already have, and allowing yourself to be guided towards it."

[ Well...she supposes that's a fair enough reason as any when you don't have enough information to really weigh the pros and cons of their available options. "Anywhere but here" seemed to be the general consensus of most of the prisoners. If they hadn't already had an inkling based on their discussion with Anatasia, Himeka may have vied for Solvunn specifically for it's neutral stance.

Of course, she takes it less on the stance of the locals and more of the fact that country life may not be suited for everyone--which she assumes is where Nero is going. ]

Not a fan of goats?

[ Even so, there are those who are much more without than here in town. She is of mind to venture out to the Tertiary Settlement anyway when she heard it was the best place to do a little fishing, one of her favorite pastimes. ]

Then I'll be sure to pay him a visit.

[ If he doesn't need much then maybe there isn't much for her to do, but she would be remiss not to offer if she has the capacity to help. But she won't force herself on someone that doesn't want it, either. ]

Well...I'm not sure if I should say "best of luck with your pirate hunt", but I figure I may hear about it anyway.

He blinks, moderately surprised if that's really all it takes. Clearing his thoughts shouldn't be too difficult. Neither should focusing on a singular purpose. It's just... the sitting there part that might prove to be the biggest obstacle. Usually, when he's got all of his attention focused specifically on one thing, he's actually doing something. Like ship maintenance. Or fighting.

Still. The idea that he already has a connection to the Horizon... alright. So he'll have to identify that. And maybe he can go from there.

Shit, it's more than he had to go off of five minutes ago. Amos nods, claps Estinien on the shoulder. The smile he gives him in return is only a little empty, only a little off.

"Guess I got plenty of time to practise here," he says. Shit, yeah, he's in a good enough mood; he'll get another drink, waves down a waiter. And, that taken care of, "You been back there a lot? What's it like now?"

Amos had mostly kept to his own domain the first time they'd all been there. He'd also had no memories, which both does and doesn't change things. Still... it's kind of been a while since then. If the lay of the land's changed, it'd probably be better to know about that going in, especially if he's going to have to work to get the hang of it at first.

[ Link can understand a heart that is partial to food. He doesn't even have to ask questions - it'd be stranger to him if she didn't immediately devour such a delicious sweet bun. ]

There was one just like it in the old house I'm staying in. It must've been abandoned for years, but it works like new.

[ Not that a pot has to do much - but there's something to be said for durability. ]

[ The gods are only as fickle as their creations, their temperaments changing like the weather. That's nothing uncommon to them, at least. It's why they celebrate as they do, offer tributes to their gods and uphold those deeply-set traditions.

Little anyone said could sway their beliefs.

Rowan listens, nodding his head once Nero has finished. It's not the worst thing he's been told, and at least it's honest. ]

If that's the case, then we can certainly put you to work. Keeping the roads clear between settlements can be quite a task.

[ A beast is a beast no matter its biome as far as Solvunn is concerned. The more help, the merrier, and it seems their new transplants are all eager to get into it. How the gods have blessed them this day. ]

Then we'll put ye to it. No one will deny an extra hand with the help, I can tell you that!

[ The question is surprising, if the look on his face is anything to go by. It's a thoughtful one that he hadn't anticipated outsiders to ask. Most think of Solvunn's worship of the old gods to be archaic and frivolous. They certainly know how Thorne thinks of them.

Rowan smiles. ]

Aye, we certainly like to think so. There are plenty of customs within our own settlements and all together as a territory. Everything we do here is to earn their graces. They don't need to talk to us personally to know they're speakin'. [ He gestures to the market around them as proof of how they thrive. ]

[ Rowan shakes his head in disgust. ]

Treated ye worse than animals is what they did. I wouldn't even keep my goats in such a sorry state!

[ As loathe as he is to think people went to the Free Cities, at least it wasn't Thorne. Realistically, Rowan can concede that if there were many more, it would be more difficult to handle all the new arrivals. ]

I'm sorry to hear what they've done, but rest assured, you won't be gettin' the same here.

Talk to the smithy, he may be able to at least get you started with something. Modest as it may be at first. Though, I wouldn't go alone if I were you. The beasts that stalk at night are crafty.

[ He'd hate for Link's first trip out to end in disaster. Not that he knows about his skill level, but he knows what the roads are like. ]

I've heard of others wanting to take on the same task.

Neutral is putting it too simply. We feel that their meddlin'- wanting to destroy the Singularity or wanting to feed it are gonna cause a damned apocalypse. That's all they're doing, bringin' on our unmaking.

[ Being positioned so far from the Singularity makes things difficult, but hopefully their newcomers are just as invested in letting things lie they'll lend a hand to their cause.

Things they've done in the past haven't worked in their favor, but with all this outside experience, maybe things will shift if the gods will it so. ]

[Well, Estinien can't argue with that - both options sound pretty terrible so far. On the bright side, that does sound like interfering, with either or both parties is on the table, though right now, Estinien has his eyes set on one in particular.]

The High Mage seemed to believe that the Singularity was faltering... doing some manner of damage to the many worlds connected to it. Does Solvunn have a different perspective on that phenomenon as well?

[ Link's brows rise in interest. Unfortunately, it is less to hear that he may have potential allies on the roads than for the thought that these beasts may be clever. He's glad to hear the job won't threaten to be monotonous.

Let the others talk of politics and all the confusion surrounding the Singularity. Link now knows exactly what he needs to: where to get a sword and somewhere to make himself useful with it. ]

I'll be in the smithy's debt, then. Thank you, for your help.

[ He gives the man a polite bow of his head. ]

Aye, and may the gods bless your journey. If the smithy gives you any trouble, tell 'im Rowan sent you.

[ He gives Link a two-fingered salute. ]

All I can tell you is that it was put here for a reason, aye? Gotta wonder what that reason is. If the gods willed it to stay put, it was meant to. For all the good they do for us, they could do equal destruction.

[ Rowan doesn't pretend to be an expert on the subject. Winifred would know better than him, and one of their mages could help impart better wisdom. ]

[While Estinien isn't exactly a huge fan of that line of reasoning, he has to admit, at least part of it was that he assumed the Singularity predated the gods. Gods, in the sensibilities of his world, are beings created by the world itself. The Singularity felt so old... it's hard to imagine anything being there before it.

But, Rowan isn't necessarily the one with the most nuanced opinion on the topic. Estinien knows the type, he thinks. Personally, he's never been satisfied by simply trusting in the gods' judgement.]

Are there teachings of a time when they did? There seemed to be little talk of them, in Thorne.

[It's not a judgemental question, at heart. After all, his own nation had a patron goddess that was respected but also feared.]

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WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

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