WELCOME TO SOLVUNN!

[abraxasmods]

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.

Comments

Nero | Drakengard | The Devil

[extremethirst]

[ The first thought that Nero actually had when he saw Solvunn is -- Fuck! Everything about the country gives him a visceral reaction as he recalls his own past living with his own kind. Even the way that everyone treats one another is reminiscent to what he escaped.

Though, he probably shouldn't think "escaped" since he was actually banished and branded a pariah to his people. But whatever!

He has the feeling that he has been tricked, but it isn't that at all. It's his own fault for just going along without a single thought in his head. Besides, he might have come to Solvunn on his own eventually to see what everything is all about. He might as well soak everything up now, right? Right. ]

[ Nero decides that he would be better off in the tertiary settlement and locates himself a house that appears to had the ever-loving shit kicked out it by time and elements. He doesn't mind it all that much given all the sleeping he's done outdoors, and he doesn't know shit about repairing a house. But he acquired it with the agreement that he'll attempt to always contribute what he can to the community.

But what can he contribute? He can contribute murder. Well, it isn't murder of the locals, at least. It's murder of pirates that he's heard the people mumbling about every so often. So, he disappears on his own hunting trip. He brings back the contraband that the "ruffians" were plundering, and hands it off to the Solvunn traders to do with what they want. Nero doesn't need the wealth or glory; he just enjoys his craft.

So, one can find him carting along bags of unknown items on his back to the town market to hand his goods off. Blood splattered over his face, arms, and clothes; he whistles as he works, because really, a person always should have a smile on their face and heart as they do what they love.

... Sadly, he's only able to do that a few times before the pirates travel too far out from him to be able to chase them down.

So, he's back to making a minor pest out of himself at the taverns. He speaks kindly enough to the pretty local girls, but they don't seem particularly interested in him. It might be the tales of how he has been wandering around bloodied that are keeping them understandably at bay. So, he's found lying, halfway on a table, staring at the wall and loudly sighing. Not a drink in hand, but thoroughly broken-hearted. ]

taverns

[baltimores]

[ The tavern is already practically a second home for Amos. Between claiming an abandoned shack that's borderline uninhabitable (and slowly working on fixing it up, just on his own; he's got the know-how but damn, is the tech here lacking) and trying his hand at fishing (with moderate success; enough to earn drinking money, at least), it's not like there's a whole lot else to do. He's been mostly keeping to himself, not really knowing anyone out this far, wanting to buy into the idea of community but between not understanding people and the whole gods thing finding a really tough time of it.

He recognizes the guy who gave him decent clothes at the execution, though. Isn't wearing them now because, you know, you've gotta wash stuff, but still, thanks for them. Also pretty easy to notice the guy who's been rumoured to be covered in blood sometimes forlornly lying halfway on a table.

Amos, who very much does have a drink in hand, pulls up next to him. Takes a seat. Studies Nero for a second. ]

Kinda seems like you want something.

[ Or, you know, hello. ]

[extremethirst]

[ Nero rolls his eyes up to glance at the man -- acknowledging him sitting down. He studies his face for a second before recognizing him as one of the prisoners that he gave clothes. His chin dips a little in greeting, but he doesn't rise out of his prone position.

The pretty girls in the bar continue to shy away from him. He can hear some of their whispering that they think he's a creep and disgusting. His head lulls as he rests his face firmly against the surface of the table.

Here he thought sweeties might be impressed with how many pirates that he killed, but it seems like they are less awed and just troubled that he chose to support Solvunn through murder.

When the man speaks, he rolls partially up. Here Nero thought that the ex-prisoner just wanted to use the portion of unused table to drink and eat on. ]

I thought a sweetie or two would appreciate my skills, is all.

[ He casually replies. ]

[baltimores]

[ Amos watches Nero sulk. Looks out at the bar when he mentions sweeties, the way the girls might look over in their direction before turning away immediately, hushed whispering and talking behind their hands. Yeah, that's never a good sigh. Back at Nero. ]

Ah.

[ He takes a swig of his beer, waits a moment for it to go down before actually following up on that. ]

Yeah, in my experience, people don't usually like it when your skills end up with other people dead. [ And he is indeed speaking from personal experience. ] Guess that applies to girls too, huh.

[ Though why wouldn't it? Killing people definitely isn't a route Amos has ever taken to impress anyone. ... Not that that's something he's really ever tried to do, either, in general. He shrugs. ]

I ever get the urge, I just go to a brothel. Less fuss there. 's easier.

[ Shit, is there a brothel here? He's probably gotta take some time out of his day, find one for future reference. ]

[extremethirst]

Yeah, yeah...

[ Nero rolls his head so that one ear is pressed firmly against the surface of the table. He remembers decapitating enemies and showing off the heads to pretty girls in his world.

They didn't like it then, either, but he did like the way they screamed in horror. The issue with the girls of this world is that they don't seem scared or troubled by him; well, they're troubled but it is more that they are disgusted and dismissive of his existence. They're protected by the community of Solvunn and the Gods so they are allowed to ignore Nero and feel safe in ignoring him.

Bleh. ]

Brothels. My brother, you have a nice face... you could get anyone you want. [ He reaches his hand out to lightly pat the top of the stranger's. Pat, pat. Nero doesn't attempt to roll off the table to make things easier for them to talk, of course. ]

Don't go buying when you can get it for free.

[ Isn't he supportive? ]

[baltimores]

[ Amos stares down at their hands when Nero pats his. His expression is blank, body still, like the action registers but there's nothing to be done about it. Just. Nero sure did that for some reason, didn't he. ]

Thanks. [ His voice is dry, maybe faintly amused. ] But like I said. 's easier.

[ For a... variety of complicated reasons. Sex is one of those things for him where like. Sometimes you just gotta get it out of your system. And then it's out. And you're good for a while. Not something to chase so much as a countdown clock to reset.

He knows his way of approaching it isn't the norm, though. So while he can't empathize with Nero's apparent heartbreak — whatever may be behind it, good or bad or what — he understands that he at least has some.

Tilts his head to look down at Nero, not at all bothered by the way he's still half-lying on the table. ]

Maybe you're coming on too strong. It true you go into town sometimes covered in blood?

[ That's also something that doesn't bother him; the question is purely academic. Like, hey, if you want girls to like you... ]

[extremethirst]

[ His eyebrows lift. The motors turn in his head for the reasons why the man is willing to buy when he could scout for what he wants free of charge.

No answer comes to him, but his expression settles to something like understanding. His lips quirk into a sideways grin that reads not as compassion -- or god forbid sympathy -- about the man's stance on sex. It is just simple and honest acceptance that is what he wants to do.

"Okay." The look says with a warm, friendly smile. "Say no more."

And the conversation slides to the next topic without any grand bells or whistles, because as vulgar as the elf is, he accepts others easily. He accepts them and the only shame that they'd feel in his presence is the shame that they force on themselves. ]

I do, I do. [ His head bobs up and down. ] I just like hearing girls squeal too much. [ His eyes close in resignation to his nature. ] I used to present them with decapitated heads.

[ A slight pause follows. ] Not here, of course. And it really only works when the head's fresh. If you're carrying around a decapitated head, it loses its impact. [ There is a tone to his explanation, like it isn't so much that it would lose its impact -- because it is a decapitated head -- but that he was told specifically not to drag body parts around to terrorize others. ]

[baltimores]

[ Say no more suits Amos exceptionally well. Whatever this guy's deal is, it looks like they've at least got that much in common: just accept others for who they are, whatever their reasons may be. Chances are, it's really nobody else's business.

... Although he can't help but frown at the notion of freaking girls out using decapitated heads. The way he says it, like it's still something he wants to do. That's a new one, even for him. ]

Yeah, [ he starts slow in his response, hints of what the fuck in his voice, his expression, ] that might be your problem. Not not giving them decapitated heads. Don't think most people like that. [ Why would you ever have heads to begin with?? ] What about after they squeal? Does anyone even go along with you after that?

[ Amos knows shit all about properly courting somebody, but even he thinks he's got a better handle of it than Nero. Also, starting to become evident why he ended up with nice clothes from him in the first place. Dude has an. Interesting. Probably immoral. Approach to life.

... Not that he can really judge; that'd probably be some pot calling the kettle black stuff. But it's still not great, he's pretty sure. ]

[extremethirst]

Oh, yeah.

[ His chin gives a few small bobs. Pretty girls did still go along with him afterward, because they had the notion that if they didn't, he'd do something similar to them.

There is a viciousness in his stare. One that says, he isn't courting or giving gifts to these lovely women; he's forcing them to decide what they cherish more -- their bodies or their lives.

It lasts just for a few seconds before his expression shifts back to tired and self-pitying. ]

I never ask them, though. [ Nero carries on. ] They make the decision for themselves.

[ Because if they cherished their bodies and dignity more, he would accept that answer. Much like how he isn't chasing after the pretty girls in the bar; he would always let them go. It's just that they don't realize that about him; they have to take a chance and they have to believe nothing will happen afterward.

In a way, that speaks a lot about Solvunn. To Nero, it's a backwards little country that kneels and sucks Gods off at the ready, but its people take the chance on everyone without fear, without hesitation. It says a lot about their inner strength and confidence in the world they live in.

And that is something it has over Thorne, at least. ]

That's probably why I feel so out of place here. This place is safe.

[ It holds all its people close and loving. Even if the Gods won't love them, won't save them, won't protect them; Solvunn itself will. ]

It'll take a few centuries for that all to fall apart. [ But it will. It always does. ]

Anyway, how did the clothes do for you? [ And just like that, the conversation shifts. He smiles; it's a smile that says he's happy to be honest with the man not because he considers them friends -- not yet -- but because he hates deceiving people. ]

taverns

[coerthantorment]

[It's a while before Estinien arrives in the Tertiary Settlement, wanting to get a lay of the land. His first day is spent delivering mail and finding his way around, but he figured that if he was going to make the trip, he may as well spend multiple days there. That means the next night he's looking for a place to stay and a play to eat, with enough coins to get both done.

When he comes into the tavern it's just to see what they offer, and he's already at the bar before he notices his not-so-beloved cousin. He cringes inside, seeing him dramatically laying one of the tables, objectively making a scene. He stares at him for a moment, but decides he isn't going to say anything. Not yet, at least.

But he also doesn't want to leave. He's not going to allow himself to be chased out of a bar by this fool. He lingers, waiting for the barkeeper's attention.]

[extremethirst]

[ What's his problem?

Nero returns the stare with a raising of his eyebrows. The man just turns away to go sit like a lonely virgin at the bar. Not a dick nor tit in hand to ease whatever frustration is building up in the elf's heart. It breaks his heart a little.

Does it really? No, not really.

But he can imagine that Estinien is feeling very much like a man who got hold of prime real estate but wasn't able to plow the land. After all, the High Mage was all set to be killed but his dear tall cousin wasn't able to do it. To be honest, Nero is disappointed.

Mostly in the fact Ambrose wasn't killed, but that is just because he looked forward to the shitshow that would occur after.

One of the people summoned killed the High Mage? No matter where any of them went, they would be hunted by Thorne. No one would be safe. Everyone would be treated with hostility and strung up to make examples of; blood and death would run across the entire world until all those summoned were dead or Thorne was descimated.

Is Nero 100% sure any of this would happen? No. Absolutely not. It's just what would happen in his world.

There is no justice, no mercy, no kindness, and no forgiveness.

It all eventually turns to rotting shit that no one can stand.

Nero tucks and rolls off the table. He lands on his feet with ease. It's an unnecessary acrobatic move and it doesn't impress the pretties already in the bar. His hands tuck into his pockets as he saunters over to where Estinien sits. Those pretties that he has his eyes on move out of the way. It isn't really out of fear, but the same disgust and dismissal as Estinien has for Nero.

The elf gives him an easy smile. ]

Still sad you didn't get to kill your mark?

[coerthantorment]

[Here it comes. Estinien braces himself as soon as he hears Nero roll off of his table, in a sort of clownish gesture. He keeps his eyes withdrawn despite the fact that Nero is looking at him - this would be the perfect time to hide behind a book, but he doesn't have one on hand.

Despite his disinterest, Nero's question still makes him bristle.]

'Twould have simply saved me some trouble down the line. Even so, my efforts forced those willing and able to defend their master to assemble. A list of faces to remember, if nothing else.

[extremethirst]

[ Nero gives a few small nods; his lips purse a little as he takes in the answer given. It really seems like Estinien is wanting to hunch in the corner like some sulking cat.

He lightly pats the man on the shoulder. There, there.

Sure, the elf's aware that his entire existence is something of an irritant to the other. Estinien remains someone interesting to him; the man has a high probability of bringing destruction in his desires for revenge and justice. It'll be a pleasant sight to see, and he is quite looking forward to that, too. ]

Is that all that they are to you? Faces to remember? Do you think they're traitors to you? To us? [ He sits down next to him, crossing his legs at the ankles. His tone shifts to something sincere and curious. ]

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien is not a fan of the shoulder pats, which really just gives more truth to the 'sulking cat' impression. He won't make a big deal of it, though, mostly because it doesn't last long.

His follow-up question is on point enough that it at least causes Estinien to pause and hesitate. He has reason to believe that it may be more complicated than that... but that does nothing to sate the acidic resentment that has lived in his gut ever since.]

They can hardly be considered traitors when they cared for nothing beyond their own ambition in the first place.

[His eyes narrow.]

Some of those men... I never saw them do a single thing to help those of us in the dungeons. As for that witch... she was a prisoner herself.

[And he even thinks she is connected to some of the other people he met, who all seemed against Thorne's rule.]

I can only attribute her actions to a lust for power or madness.

[extremethirst]

You always say the most fun things, cousin.

[ Nero laughs off the deep resentment that Estinien has for the people that protected Ambrose. His laughter is bright and melodious with a sharp nasally sound to it; thankfully, the irritating noise doesn't last for that long.

His nature is just that he doesn't mind what other people do sans one thing. He has no moral high ground to stand on top to judge anyone; he is a degenerate and a lover of murder. The most he ever does, or can do, is poke at the morality at others like a rat nibbling on a corpse's foot -- he's a creature that can't hurt someone who is above the gnawing bites. ]

I'm sure that they're thinking the same thing about us.

[ That, too, is just how it is. ]

So, that's what's eating you right now? What are you going to do in the future? Right now you're just licking your wounds until you go back to kill everyone?

[ The bartender shows up, then. By this time, the man is used to the manner in which Nero talks. His gaze is not tired as much as "oh, it's you, again;" the same dead stare a person gives to someone that they simply have to endure. But like the pretty girls of the tavern, the people feel safe and comfortable in Solvunn. They aren't afraid of whatever Nero says or could do, because the Gods and community protect them.

Should the elf act out of line, they are of the mind that someone -- something -- will deal with him. It may not be immediate justice but justice will come to Nero if he acts poorly. That is enough of a shield and comfort. ]

Emrys, can I please have some more -- [ The bartender ignores his question and fixes his attention on Estinien instead. ] -- aw.

[ It isn't that Emrys doesn't want his money, but just doesn't want Nero to stay any longer than he must -- attempting to shoo him away like a diseased mongrel. Of course, the bartender will let him back in after a few days; Nero does, after all, still does what he can to provide for the community and people. They can't fault him completely, but they can give themselves breaks from him. ]

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien is happy to ignore Nero's question in order to pay attention to the bartender, finding his cousin's observations particularly banal. To think 'ah, but aren't we all the same in the end!' applies on occasion, but this is not one of those times. After all, the prisoners were never in a position to help the guests, and escaping a place when you're been sentenced to life in prison is much less risky than the alternative.

He could argue that point against Nero, but it doesn't seem like a rewarding effort. It's obvious to him, and he doesn't really care if someone as disjointed as Nero agrees. Maybe he'll start caring about his opinion when he actually does something Estinien considers smart.

He looks to Emrys, nodding his head in silent thanks.]

If there's a kitchen, I'll have whatever your most popular meal offering is. [Read: whatever is easy, on hand, and probably decent. He doesn't care to think about it more than that, right now.] And whatever is on tap. 'Tis my first time visiting this settlement.

[It's only once that's dealt with that he'll turn his attention back to Nero.]

Right now I am simply finding satisfaction in being outside of Thorne's gaol. The future will depend on what Solvunn requires of us, or what opportunities this place presents.

[extremethirst]

[ Emrys offers a nod to the order. The expression that the man gives isn't so much sympathetic as much as kindly; it's the look that someone would give when they see someone giving alms to the poor -- Estinien is doing charity in dealing with Nero.

The elf in question gives him a bemused look before opening his mouth to attempt to request a drink again but the bartender has already left. Nero has shown up one too many times covered in blood for the sake of sensationalism and Emrys is not a fan.

Nero lets out a sigh. ]

And, that's it? [ He gives him a pointed look. ] Enjoying your vacation and going with the flow until, then? [ Hey, THAT doesn't sound like murdering people in the name of justice and peace and world stability. ]

more tavern visitors !

[sanc]

[ Taverns still make her a bit wary, but since she's on a venture to the tertiary settlement (probably in the tow of someone she's familiar with), she doesn't feel so worried about entering one. It's not like she's so young that she feels like she shouldn't be there. She's just not good in casual settings. Crowds at formal parties? She can fake her interest through years of practice at being polite and quiet. Casual affairs? That's out of her league, in a sense.

She can't help but notice the very deflated Nero draped on a table in the corner of the room. He's the one who'd given her the dress she has stored in the barn loft where they're all residing right now.

She... had promised she'd tell him what happened to her. She doesn't have any reason to back off on it and he doesn't seem to be drinking. It might be the ideal time with the noise to mask her talking from the locals.

She approaches him and bows briefly as she greets him. ]

Are you doing okay, Nero?

[extremethirst]

[ Nero draws his eyes away from the wall to fix on Relena's face. It's not unlike grabbing the attention of a sleeping beast. But this beast is, as he told her, on her side. The despondent expression doesn't fall away but there is an odd friendliness to it. ]

Hey, sweetheart.

[ He greets her with no smile but instead a tired voice. ]

I'm just a little sad. [ His arm reaches up to gesture for her to sit in the chair that is immediately in front of him. He doesn't rise to get off the table, however. His mood is just not yet there to roll off its surface. ]

What brings you here? [ The tone is mildly curious, mildly interested, like if it is something that is worth his time; he'll help her with it. ]

[sanc]

[ For a moment, Relena is concerned. Perhaps she's actually disturbed him here. She doesn't really want to give him any issue, but he does seem receptive enough to her company when he greets her.

She doesn't have any reason to question why he looks so down. In this world, there are countless opportunities to be blindsided by your own frustrations or anxieties.

She offers the smallest of smiles all the same and takes the invitation, sitting down across from him. She folds her hands in her lap under the table, watching him carefully. ]

I'm trying to get familiar with this place... with the people here. Even though it's a nice community, after all that's happened, I guess I want to be as aware of my surroundings as possible. In case something happens again.

[extremethirst]

Very smart but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[ Nero offers her a smile, finally. It's one that is pleased with her caution in the new country that she finds herself. There's no guarantee that Solvunn and its people won't betray them at any time; it honestly wouldn't surprise him if they did even if they were the most mildest, self-sacrificing guests they ever had. ]

Solvunn has to look after its people. If for whatever reason we end up threatening it, it's obvious who the council is going to sacrifice. So, there's no use looking over your shoulder. [ His smile remains, easy and accepting. ] You'll just make yourself sick like that, sweetie.

[sanc]

You're not wrong, Nero, but I do like to be prepared. I'd feel a little foolish if I was blindsided again.

[ Her mild smile remains in tact but her hands worry together under the table. She is the type that does believe in the good in people, but she's seen enough of what pain can cause, too. Desperation is dangerous, that wasn't wrong. While things are comfortable in Solvunn, Thorne still exists as does the mystery of the Singularity. Things could turn over at any time. Being too settled would be wrong and she's certain her companions agree. ]

All the same, I'd like to understand the people here if I'm going to live with them for now. Besides, there's things I can learn here that will be useful along the way. I won't act like my life wasn't pampered up until now. I don't want to be a burden on the people who have been helping me since I arrived.

[extremethirst]

All you need to do is figure out how to get out of here when they betray you. Can't expect a portal to open every time shit hits the fan. So, that's really all you can do. The rest is just sailing along until it happens.

[ His finger jams in his ear, digging around. He feels there's no reason to feel blindsided if she accepts that anyone and everyone could betray her at any second. Nero believes there's comfort in knowing that truth; it doesn't mean he won't like or trust the people around him, just that he doesn't expect any lasting alliance.

The elf closes his eyes. There is only one alliance that has lasted decades, and his summoning betrayed that one. His smile turns viciously amused; yes, even he can't be trusted to hold onto his word forever.

He opens his eyes to look carefully at her face. ]

So, you're hoping to learn survival and all that? Want to learn how to kill someone, too? [ His voice is casual. The elf honestly wonders if that is something the peace-loving Relena wants to learn. He can't help but breathe a huffing laugh out his nose before his expression returns to curious. ]

[sanc]

No, I can't. That's true.

[ And Relena doesn't want to depend on a hope for Oliver to help her again. That was a chance meeting and he might never see him again, as much as she'd like to speak with him and learn more about what he and his partner were and what they knew.

Outside of a few people in particular, she knows not to blindly rely on others anymore. Even Heero is a person she doesn't want to lean on forever. She'd rather he lean on her now more than anything else. Whether its her fellow summoned or those native to this world, she has but a few she's decided to truly trust at this point and those people are the ones she hopes she can assist in running if they all need to bail out of this settlement.

No. I'm trying to ease into the idea of having to fight, but killing I just can't do.

[extremethirst]

The tertiary settlement is close to water. [ Nero lifts his hand up to gesture over his head toward about where they are. ] Figure out how to get a boat and how to get to the Free Cities from here.

[ Not that he believes the Free Cities would be better but it's really the only place that they can run to if shit hits the fan in Solvunn. ]

If it comes to it, I'll cover your escape. [ These words, these plans, probably would sound better if he were not lying on his side as he's talking to her. His pointed ears give a small wiggle before he offers a slight smile. ]

You might not have a choice, sweetie. But, if you only want to learn how to fight, then it seems like I can't help you.

[ Nero finds it funny that the girl that spoke so much about peace is thinking of learning how to fight, of easing into the idea of violence. It just affirms for him that all things eventually go to shit; a person can't continue to believe in peace without a bloodied weapon in their hand. ]