EVENT #13: FEYWILDS - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #13 - Feywilds

OOC event plotting | feywilds setting | NPCs | bestiary

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On June 10, a few days before the portals open, the Summoned will receive invitations delivered to their doors. The ink on the magic scroll reveals itself as you unroll the parchment.

◎ The scroll invites you to The Vermilion Court, to join the Fey during their Masquerade celebration and to meet the King and Queen. They've heard of the exploits of the Summoned, as well as your unique connection to the Singularity, and wish to host you as guests.

◎ An accompanying letter from your nation's officials assures you all details have been closely examined. Their advice is for you to accept the invitation, to prevent any political fallout, but suggest you bring a personal weapon or defensive spells - which the Fey will allow - and to take the provided portal stone that will let you portal immediately back home in an emergency.

◎ The letter also requests you to bring back information you can obtain or observe - anything at all. The Feywilds are unknown, and officials would be immensely grateful if you could help gather details. They stress that you should avoid offending or stealing from the Fey as that could be critically dangerous.

To prepare, local services in all factions such as tailors, seamstresses, jewelry makers, and similar, are instructed to provide a discount to ensure you arrive looking your best and at your finest. Even Solvunn will do away with their plainer styles to help you piece together more detailed clothes for the week.

Although very little is known about the Fey, one thing that precedes their reputation is their elaborate appearances.

The Vermilion Court

The Vermilion Court resulted from the union of the Seelie Court and the Unseelie Court after the Fey emerged from hiding. The palace and most of the Fey reside in the City of the Vermilion Court. It's here you'll be staying while you're a guest of the Fey.

The Fey's isolation means their home isn't designed for outsiders. Doorways are low. Be sure to duck if you're taller than 5'6", or you'll smack yourself stepping inside. Ceilings, while also low, will allow someone of average human height to stand straight, though if you're much taller than 6'0", you'll need to be careful not to bump your head against any hanging lights.

As for furniture, fortunately, the Fey prefer to use stumps, rocks, and the ground itself as seating, so chances are you won't have to squeeze into any too-small chairs or embarrass yourself when you break their stool. Just pick a boulder and sit! Beds, however, are on the smaller side.

Making an impression with the Fey is key! Doing so will grant you some IC rewards that'll help your character with their Masquerade outfit, plus contribute to how receptive the Fey will be towards the Summoned in the future.

Further, characters will have a chance to meet two NPCs after the welcoming ceremony.

Welcoming

As the very first guests of the Vermilion Court in history, your welcome will contain a bit of fanfare. Admittedly, things do seem very structured and flashy, as though the Fey are demonstrating only what they want you to see. Nonetheless, there are no signs of maliciousness afoot. Rather, the Fey don't want to reveal all their secrets yet.

Royal Procession

You'll gather in the courtyard of the Vermilion Palace. Here, the same floating lights seen last month will announce the arrival of King Jaqod and Queen Rekhantra - current rulers of the Vermilion Court. Fey archers stand on opposing sides to create a pathway, then draw back their intricately carved bows - demonstrating incredible accuracy as arrows strike each other mid-air to form blooming fireworks that fill the sky.

Behind the archers are the disciples of Faerie, the faith followed by the Vermilion Court and upheld by the High Priestesses. Dressed in ceremonial garb, their illusory wings glow and shimmer as they perform an enchanting whirling dance. Each one carries an orb of light in their palms. The orbs resemble the full moon and are used as a prop to create shapes and designs through the air as they move.

At last, the King and Queen will arrive to welcome their guests. They assure you they're delighted that you've accepted their invitation and promise a week full of wonders - culminating in the Masquerade.

At the end of the procession, you'll have the opportunity to greet one of the following NPCs:

• The High Priestess Lady Cospraila, who is devoted to the Faerie ways
• Mestr Lord Kythros, who has a thorough knowledge of the Vermilion Court tracing back several kings

To have a short interaction, reply here to the NPC you wish to meet.

The Fey aren't aware of, and thus don't recognize, any influence characters might have throughout Abraxas or their respective nations - so there is no rank requirement.

The Cascading Boughs

Once the ceremony concludes, Fey guides will lead you to The Cascading Boughs, so named for the waterfalls that spill over its branches. High above the ground, The Boughs is one of the few locations where the sunlight is more substantial.

◎ Room Assignment

The Fey do love a good trick. Before you enter, the only thing they'll tell you is that the rooms will choose you. What does that mean? Step through and find out as the whirling portal door spits you out into a random room. Your roommate will follow through with no choice of their own.

You can somewhat fool the door in return by stepping through together initially, forcing it to assign you and your companion to a room together. Otherwise, you'll have to get along with whomever The Boughs has chosen to room with you. Switching is not possible - there's only one entrance into the lodgings wing, so what you get is where you're staying.

◎ Amenities

Luckily, The Boughs have plenty of communal spaces to spend time together: lush gardens, beautiful ponds, and an array of food and drink for guests to enjoy every hour of the day.

Need to freshen up? The baths offer warm waters which give your hair a temporary luxurious shimmer while your skin takes on a healthy, sparkling glow.

For a meditative space, you can visit The Listening Tree. Said to hear your deepest thoughts and feelings, The Listening Tree seems to be constantly humming in a low tone. The sound is soothing and almost mournful, like the call of a great whale. Speak to it if you wish, out loud or in your mind. Though it does not answer in words, you sense that it understands in its own unique way. When you leave, you'll feel surprisingly refreshed and calm, a feeling that will leave you in a gently pleasant mood for the rest of the day.

Exploring

The Feywilds is vast, but much of it contains dense woods, twisting vines, and towering mushroom caps. Lakes, ponds, and rivers run through the territory, while jagged mountains stand tall in the east.

Only within the City of the Vermilion Court will you discover more to explore: shops, taverns, and eateries populate the largest town in the Feywilds. Compared to other Abraxan cities, though, it's notably smaller - closer to a village than a city. Shops don't have prices displayed anywhere. Some citizens seemingly receive goods for free. Others receive them in exchange for an agreed-upon favor you can't understand. Theirs is an isolated society, firmly entrenched in ways that are much different than the outside world where, despite established borders, intermingling between cultures often occurs.

Nonetheless, the Fey are welcoming and curious. Some are hesitant, including the children, while others want to know who you are. Though mischievous, the Fey don't intend any harm. They'll be pleased to show you the sights: glittering lakes, beautiful gardens, many strange oversized creatures with an unusual amount of teeth, and The Duskwoods.

Shopping & Currency

Unlike the rest of Abraxas, the Fey don't accept gold or silver. Instead, they've declared that there's a unique currency you must use to make purchases. Not all of the Fey seem to participate in this type of currency. You have to wonder if they're playing a trick, but if you want to buy something, you'll have to do as you're told. To the Fey's credit, they're happy to make a fair exchange in return.

Currency options are:

◎ Candied honey pellets from the hives of a giant bee creature. They can be smoked out or put to sleep, but have a vicious sting that will itch fiercely for 12 hours.

◎ Sparkling pearls, easily obtained where they wash up on the shores of lakes and ponds, but cause you to forget one memory while they're in your possession. You must spend (or discard) all pearls to regain the memory. The memory is typically minor like forgetting your favorite food or that time you fell down the stairs, but some may find themselves forgetting a major event or even their own name.

◎ Something only the character can give. This can be anything, but characters should give genuine thought when making an offer. It could be a lock of hair, a feather from a pet, a kiss, or a valuable possession. They might have to try a few offers before one is accepted.

Each shop will want a particular currency from the list above. It might change from shop to shop, or even from hour to hour within the same shop - so act quickly! If you're having trouble getting the currency by yourself, you can grab a friend to help you with the task. Try to strike a bargain if you want. You could get them to lower the price or change to a type more suited to your skills.

As for the shops, there are boutiques with unique stained glass ornamentation for masks and attire that offer special glamours such as fine sparkling dust or a glowing aura. You can obtain last-minute additions to masquerade outfits with various shimmering enchantments. Small trinket-like weapons can be purchased, such as a pretty glass knife. You can also get larger prop-style weapons meant to accompany a costume. However, genuine weapons are off-limits. No matter what currency you arrive with, shopkeepers insist your money is no good here.

The Duskwoods

The Duskwoods refer to the deepest parts of the surrounding overgrown woods. A thick canopy of trees shadows much of the forest in a perpetual dusk-like state, lending to its name - though sunlight does stream through rare spots between the leaves. At once beautiful and foreboding, the Duskwoods encompass the aura of the Fey: mysterious, full of hidden secrets and dangers, and yet wonderfully rewarding for those who respect it and its inhabitants.

Here, you'll find berries and mushrooms, large insects to collect, and creatures to hunt. Nothing in the woods is off-limits. Hunting is a favorite pastime of the Fey, especially their foot soldiers, and you're invited to participate. Just be sure you know the way. The Fey won't be there to guide you, so you're on your own if you get lost in the tangled maze-like forest. Heavy mists and darkened trees can trick you into going dangerously off-path if you aren't careful.

Though the Fey prefer to hunt by bow and arrow or with a spear, you can take your personal weapon into the woods. Note that firearms will be frowned upon and are likely to get you removed from the area due to the excessive noise. The Fey won't tolerate anything that disturbs the natural state of their home.

For a list of wildlife found in the Duskwoods, see the Bestiary.

One or two personal weapons are allowed in the Feywilds, but don't overdo it and show up with an arsenal. Flora and wildlife should not be removed from the area.

Making an Impression

Unused to outsiders and isolated for centuries, the Fey are watching you closely to determine whether they wish to pursue continued contact. Some preferences can't be helped - they're wary of anyone large in stature, as most have never encountered individuals much taller or larger than they are, but the Fey are drawn to animal-like traits such as wings, horns, or sharp teeth. Other aspects, however, are in your hands, and you'll be able to show off a bit.

You won't be told upfront, so it's up to you to observe what's around you and use social instincts you possess to impress - if that's your goal. On occasion, if a Fey happens to see something they like from you, they'll give you a useful item.

To earn an item, submit a thread of your character performing the tasks below for approval. Threads can be in pairs or groups of any size. Threads do not need to be completed, but should contain a couple of tags from you before submission.

Once approved, we'll RNG from 1 of 3 items for each favor a character earns and provide you with the result. You can use the items to enhance your character's disguise for the upcoming Masquerade. All 3 items can be earned if you submit 3 example threads.

• A transformation potion that will grant and/or remove up to 2 appendages of your choice, such as horns, tails, or wings. For example, you could remove your horns and add wings, add a tail and hooves, or so forth.


• A perfume that hides your scent with delicate floral notes and provides you with a light charm that enhances your ability in one aspect you aren't normally good at. For example: words, confidence, musical talent, mimicking accents, or dancing.


• A powerful dye that will turn one feature of your choosing a different color. The dyes are only available in rainbow pastels or bright shades such as pinks, greens, purples, or metallics like gold and silver. They can be applied to your skin (become pink or blue!), hair, or eyes.

Tasks

The Fey can be difficult to win over, but they have a range of interests and love a good show! You'll have several chances and methods to make a good impression, even if you may stumble in other areas.

◎ Hunting Skill

Hunting is a vital aspect of life. Their hunters prefer bows and arrows, but they'll be pleased to see a skilled demonstration of hunting using any method, including magic. The Gargantuan Viper Hydra is tough to fight one-on-one. Attempting to kill one alone will surely draw the attention of onlookers. Meanwhile, the Daggermaw Slug nests in dangerous areas in the Duskwoods full of poisonous flora and toxic spores. Successfully retrieving a handful of these toothy (and tasty!) critters will prove your competence in navigating the most treacherous of environments.

◎ Physical Uniqueness

You might notice the tamed creatures around the city have decorative jewelry or painted designs on their horns or tails. If you possess horns, claws, tails, or wings, you can impress the Fey by enhancing these elements on yourself with similar delicate gold chains or paint. If you have bright, colorful hair, you can achieve a similar effect by styling it in special ways, for example by adding flowers or beads.

◎ Mount Handling

The Fey have a few peculiar mounts they use. They'll be happy to teach you how to handle one or even all of them - and the quicker you learn, the more they'll acknowledge your talent. Mounts include:

• The Pearl-Eyed Leaper, an oversized lizard ideal for moving through dense treetops. It leaps from branch to branch at great heights, so handling the Leaper requires a solid grip and a steely stomach. Additionally, the Leaper can sense nervousness and will slap you with its sticky tongue if your approach lacks confidence.


• The Luminous Greatshell, a massive snail that travels quickly over flat ground and across lakes, leaving behind a slick shimmer. Its intense speed makes handling difficult. Greatshell races through the winding Misty Rivers are an excellent chance to prove yourself. Just be careful to navigate obstacles, or the snail will stop abruptly and send you flying off.


• The Grinning Longhorn is the most challenging to mount. You must be swift and agile getting on, or else it may kick, gore, or bite from impatience. Wooden replicas are available for practice, but if you're bold, you can greatly impress the Fey by forgoing any practice. Once mounted, the Longhorn is the most versatile and easiest to direct, following your wishes through an unexplained intuition. They can traverse steep, near-vertical surfaces.

◎ Magical Demonstration

The Fey love flashy magic. Show off your spells all you want, deliberately or as a part of your daily life. Conjure items, use magic as a tool to accomplish a task such as hunting or combat, or put on a fun show to entertain the Fey children. The more flash and color you include, the more the Fey will enjoy it.

◎ Consuming Food & Drink

Some dishes in the Feywilds are familiar, but others can be more unusual. The insect-like Daggermaw Slug is a delicacy, for instance, roasted over a fire or poached in citrus-scented leaves. Large bugs can feature in many meals served, while the liquor is exceptionally potent. If you clean your plates or drain your cups, the Fey will be pleased.

◎ Conversational Storytelling

As a close-knit community, the Fey love to chatter and love even more someone who can spin an entertaining yarn. These tales are conversational - anecdotes that arise naturally when having a drink or a meal. They're less interested in stories that feel rehearsed or stiff. If you like to be at the center of attention at a party and know how to embellish, you can win over some of the Fey listening.

The Masquerade

The Masquerade takes place on the final night. By now, you're expected to have your costumes and masks prepared. Spend the afternoon adding any last touches before the big event. Carriages arrive once the sun goes down, and they won't wait long for any stragglers.

This part of the event involves two aspects: a guessing game to try and identify your dance partners and the opportunity to meet one of several mysterious NPCs whose identity you won't know.

There's also a maze to enjoy for guests who want a break from dancing. The food and wine might be a bit strange, though not necessarily unpleasant.

Preparation

It's not taboo to be seen by a select few! You're welcome to choose a close friend or two who can help you get ready for the night. The expectation is that you won't be participating in the guessing game amongst each other.

If you're particularly secretive, private enchanted dressing rooms will be provided to truly obscure your identity.

Outfits & Glamours

In the days leading up to the Masquerade, you'll see shops with masks, outfits, and accessories. Examine what's popular among the Fey to build your look to fit!

The Fey prefer avant-garde fashion, elaborate hairstyles, and intricate accessories. Where a simple ball elsewhere might involve a flowing dress and a tiara, the Fey attending the masquerades will adorn themselves with detailed headpieces, overly stylized hair, and thematic costumes.

Seelie magic has an equally important role. Illusions are used for more than changing one's hair or eye color. The Fey will cast transformative effects that alter the shape and look of their very physical forms. They might add additional limbs, give themselves tails or horns, or elongate their already spindly bodies into something insect-like.

Don't be afraid to get weird. While beauty is an aspect, the Masquerade is also about transformation. Characters are welcome to play it safe if that's what they prefer, but those who break the mold will best catch the eyes of the Vermilion Court.

Masquerade Night

Outside the Cascading Boughs, golden carriages await at sunset. Climb on in. The ride is less than an hour long, and you'll have the opportunity to meet your mysterious companions on the way to the Vermilion Palace. Small refreshments of berries and sparkling wine are available inside the carriage.

Upon entering each carriage, you'll be handed three butterfly pins, to be pinned on guests whose identities you uncover during the masquerade's guessing game.

The Vermilion Palace

As the carriages draw near, the whimsical spires of the Vermilion Palace tower over you. Some stand tall and sturdy; others twist like tree branches, adorned with windows or small balconies throughout. The palace shimmers a faint silver in the moonlight. A light reddish mist hangs low on the grounds, giving the palace its name. The mist is cool and refreshing to walk through, and leaves no stains or traces on clothing.

The stairs leading up to the main entrance appear carved from geodes. At the top, two-story tall doors inlaid with the same silvery filigree give the palace its shine. As you walk through the doors, the red mist surrounds you for a split second. Then you're instantly deposited into the main ballroom.

A disembodied voice announces you based on your chosen pseudonym or title and your appearance rather than your true name. Though you're positive you just walked into the palace, you can't tell whether you're inside or outside. The domed glass ceiling floats above the dance floor. The walls appear to be halved or missing entirely, leading to a sprawling landscape of forests and gardens. Don't stare at the ceiling for too long - you might give yourself vertigo or a falling sensation.

The Ballroom

The ballroom consists of the main dance floor. It's flanked by several seating areas with tall tables and chairs, each with a different flower motif tying them together. The lighting is gentle as the moon's glow filters through the ceiling, broken into a colorful prismatic effect. A masked orchestra plays on a rotating stage throughout the evening, playing the most popular songs in the Feywilds. As one piece flows into the next, the colors of light shift with the changes in key, pulling excited cheers from the Fey guests in attendance.

Attendants carry bottles of Full Moon Wine. The Fey never turn down a refill, and there is an expectant air that the Summoned should also accept. Strangely, the wine's taste changes after each glass. The flavor seems to be entirely dependent upon the recipient and varies from a sweet soda pop-like mixture to bubble gum left for several weeks under a table. But it would be rude to make a face if it's not to your liking, wouldn't it?

Food is much more familiar. Hors d'oeuvres make their way around on platters, and full meals are available upon request. Unlike typical hors d'oeuvres, which are small dishes meant to be eaten in a bite or two, the Fey's version is notably large. Further, no matter what you partake in, the item appears ever so slightly ... off. A deviled egg with a blue yolk, a cracker that is delicious but weirdly mushy when you bite into it, a vegetable skewer that tastes like a sweet dessert instead of savory. Like the wine, the Fey watch expectantly to make sure their guests are enjoying the cuisine.

Rose Garden Maze

Want to do more than dance? Stepping outside into the greenery will send you into a rose garden maze. Filled with the same red mist, the rose garden maze is as beautiful as it's disorienting. No dangers lurk to hinder you, though giant butterflies flutter and overgrown lizards scale the hedge walls. Their sticky tongues might steal a piece of your outfit or any food you're holding, so be careful!

Finding your way out is a bit tricky, but not overly difficult. Small orbs of light will guide you from point to point if you're feeling especially lost. The Fey like a bit of mischief, but they don't want anyone to be miserable at their grand party. You might even run into some of your mysterious companions. Maybe you can finish the maze together? Be sure to keep up your hidden identities while you do!

Completing the maze will lead you back to the ballroom as if you had never left, and you'll have the bonus of smelling like a bunch of fresh roses.

Guessing Game

Socializing with other guests is a game from the start. Fully masked and disguised, you never know just who you are talking to.

Remember those butterfly pins given to you in the carriage? Hold onto them since getting rid of all 3 is the goal! Talk to your mysterious companions, ask them questions, and deflect their suspicions yourself. Any guest you can "pin down" receives a butterfly pin from you placed on their costume.

Although concealing your identity is important, the masquerade is equally about having fun. Provide a few bizarre clues or lean into your costume (maybe you'll only communicate in a single word or a howl!) if you want to help your partner slowly figure out who you are...if they can!

Of course, if you're not very good at it, that's alright, too. It might just be obvious you're you in a mask, and you'll end the night with many pins in you. The point is to enjoy yourself. As long as you're having a grand time of it alongside the Fey and you're giving it your best efforts, your hosts will approve.

Getting rid of all 3 pins will earn your character a glowing orb activated by moonlight. During clear nights when the moon is bright, set it on a windowsill to watch a beautiful scattering of lights cast over the walls and ceiling.

Mysterious Meetings (NPCs)

During the night, you might find yourself with a dance partner or a companion who isn't one of the invited Summoned. Who are they? Well, that remains to be seen. You probably won't find out right there, though you can make your guesses. Maybe you'll get it right!

To receive a brief interaction with a mysterious NPC, fill out the form here and reply with a link to your character's top level in the event.

Only one character per player can sign up. Dances are short, so there won't be a lot of time to chat. Give your questions or responses some thought!

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Comments

[cointosser]

[He spins them slowly to the rhythm of the music, though he's endlessly amused they have managed to combine a dance with a conversation of man's morality. Amused, but hardly surprised. It is them. Though Alucard is young, it's not as if Jaskier shares such philosophical conversations with most other Summoned.]

You raise a very important point of the nature of man singularly versus men in groups. [He does not have a very good opinion of people in groups, either, after he watched how quickly they melded together with their treatment of the elves. How easy it is to convince the people, as a whole, to bleed out their scapegoat.

Jaskier softens, moving a bit of Alucard's hair out of his face so it doesn't tangle into his maskslashcrown. It's all very overly complicated to him, but he certainly appreciates the effort.

But what can he say? He's wearing a corset so tight he's created cleavage.]

Oh! Yes, I think that's it. That Christmas stuff, with the martyr. I'm not sure if the demon is also the martyr; to be honest, it was all quite confusing. I find cults much more straightforward. [He huffs. Alucard would think so.] If his thinking was not in line with large swathes of the Continent's population that led to Witchers getting threatened on sight for a time, then perhaps he would have been fun. Beyond all the drinking, and the death by plague.

[Jaskier sounds rather light still despite it. Perhaps his uncle did not support his bardic pursuits.]

[cryptsleeper]

I think we've both experienced that difference first hand a few too many times.

[Another spin, and the nest move demands they move so they are pressed close against each other. Tiddy to tiddy, such as it is. Alucard's tone is light, but there's that littlest note of exhaustion too. They've both been through such shit, haven't they?

To the movement of his hair, Alucard huffs slightly.]

I probably should have tied it back a bit more. It keeps getting caught in all the little curves on this thing.

[Look, the cleavage is good. Very convincing.]

I...I'll find out. I think this is going to bother me otherwise. And we are in total agreement about the cults here. They're smaller, there's no giant hierarchy behind them, just a few people in charge. I'd take that any day of the week.

[He said fun in a sarcastic tone!] Like I said. Fun in that exact awful, exhausting way. And it never ceases to exhaust me that all monster hunters run into that problem.

[cointosser]

[Oh, without a doubt. Of course Alucard's dealings were much more personal -- and much more devastating -- but Jaskier learned long ago that plenty of men would attempt to turn a crowd against him for a bit of fun. If he had not long taught himself how to control the roll of a crowd himself, he would not be where he was now.

Jaskier busies himself with admiring Adrian's pretty lips as he speaks -- only because the lack of distance and the masks hardly gives him room to take in much else.]

Ah. Did your little monster hunter run into the same? [He can still recall the sight of the third man in Alucard's memories. The one Sypha seemed to have eyes for.] All the time I've spent with others here, and the one thing that never ceases to amaze me is the similarities that run across spheres... and how they typically appear to be negative things.

[cryptsleeper]

Oh, you know. His family served the Church for centuries in service of ridding Wallachia against the night things, only for his generation to be called witches and sorcerers and accused of summoning those things into the country in the first place. [Alucard sighs tiredly, even as he manages a lively twirl as a part of the dance.] Family home set alight, noble title lost, and he was the only surviving member of the whole clan. He was young when it happened and grew up moving from town to town, hiding his own identity.

[Not quite what happened to witchers, but the themes repeat.]

Only now can I appreciate how fires and the church destroyed both our families, given that his ancestor moved to Wallachia to hunt my father centuries ago.

[cointosser]

[He must give Alucard his dues; he can be so depressing but still keep to a livening tempo, which is honestly impressive in most men, but especially those with this level of melancholy wrapped around them. Quite literally.]

Churches. Am I right? [His smile only lingers a moment. It's not as if churches were required to turn people against Witchers. Just enough bad words and the right people saying the wrong things.]

"Hurt" seems a rather nice way to phrase what I think you mean. [Monster hunters, vampires... there is a correlation there.] I do strive to learn the nature of man, and yet I remain in awe of our ability to fear and hate superficially those who aim to help us.

[cryptsleeper]

[What can he say? It's a gift.

And of all the comments to make, the am I right? gets a real and genuine laugh out of the dhampir, even if he's careful with how loud it is. For all the outside world knows, this is some flirtatious thing not...talking about some of the most miserable stuff possible.]

Geralt and I managed a talk about the parallels between hunters and prey. It was a good talk, and no one's feelings got hurt. [He very much remembers asking Geralt for advice when Sypha showed up and how bad that went.]

I think the question becomes when do communities become something that does harm rather than help? What is the turning point?

[cointosser]

[Alucard's laugh can be infectious in that it is so rare, so perhaps that's the reason Jaskier laughs as well. (And because he knows he's hilarious. Of course.)]

No feelings hurt? Are you sure that was Geralt? It could have been a shapeshifter. Or maybe it's simply one of those very beautiful miracles of life.

[But he is glad for it. It's always awkward to have friends who do not get along with your other friends. Specifically because the first friend has hunted the same kind of the second friend.

They've found their pacing with each other. So to speak.] You may call me an optimist, but... I have always believed as long as there are those that are downtrodden, who are in want or need, there will always be reason to find them enemies. It is, unfortunately, the easiest means of control.

[cryptsleeper]

Smelled like Geralt. I don't know if shapeshifters are generally advanced enough to know how to mimic that. [Maybe they are??? Who is to say?] There always comes a critical point where hunter and prey are confused for each other with monsters, it seems. One of those awful things that pop up in every sphere.

[It isn't great, but it has been nice to share those observations with someone who gets it. Especially when under normal circumstances, things might be very different indeed.]

I don't think that optimistic at all. [The statement is even handed, like Alucard is observing the weather.] I think that's a realistic observation based on civilization and how life deals inequities. There's a human impulse to categorize and make sense of things and assign responsibility for things, good and ill.

[Even he seems to realize that this is miserable conversation. The dhampir shakes his head, admonishing himself.] One day I'll be better at less miserable conversation.

[cointosser]

[All right, a fair point. It's far more realism than it is optimism. The optimism is in the hope that one day humanity will calm the fuck down and stop being a bunch of greedy bastards, but considering how expertly history turns itself about in a wheel... well, Destiny makes fools of them all.]

It's not even only humans. Any sentient, thinking species, it seems, with enough time to build a civilization. [If what history he knows of the elves is true, it certainly is not only humans.] Sometimes we may have even been better off staying poking at walls in caves.

[At least then, the day was wiled away creating art. And... uh, killing things to eat them. And other things, probably, he doesn't know.]

Well. Worry not, Adrian. [It is a dangerous attempt, but Jaskier is an expert at maneuvering, and even better at flattery. He takes Alucard's hand in his, raising to kiss the back of it, and even manages not to get his mask caught on anything.] I find you a fine partner no matter the conversation.

[cryptsleeper]

Perhaps. It'd be a harder existence, but for different reasons.

[Alucard's pretty sure that there would still be problems, even if they were in caves. He'll not argue that particular point though, as it is too depressing even for himself.

There's a very small grin as Jaskier takes his hand, the music ending for this particular dance.]

You know, I believe I'm supposed to be ending things in that manner, if we're pretending that corset's illusion is real.

[cointosser]

Well, obviously. For one, who's going to bathe while in a cave? I imagine the stench in them could be strong enough to knock a grown man out.

[Yes, of course Jaskier's concerns are mainly centered around hygiene, thank you. He's lived on the Continent long enough. There is such a thing called plumbing, magic or otherwise, and the universe can pry it out of his cold, dead hands. If he never has to shit in the woods again and have to pray the local flora isn't full of toxic spines, then he has lived a privileged life.

Jaskier looks up through his lashes.] Oh? Is that how it is? I won't stop you from kissing my lips instead.

[And excuse you. The corset is quite real.]

[cryptsleeper]

What, you've never seen thermal baths inside of caves?

[Alucard grins, smug because this is the best dumb argument they could have after such a heavy discussion.] I'd be more worried about how to replace plumbing. Imagine walking in the dark and finding something fresh and steaming.

[Jaskier plz. Those eyelashes won't work, Alucard's become immune thanks to Hilda.]

Hm. That goes against courtly manners.

[He meant the tiddies. Which are good but not as good as his.]

[cointosser]

[He pauses, a bit of a frown between his brows.] Actually, I have not.

[He hadn't even thought about whether that was a thing, actually. He has been lucky enough to sample a hot spring, as they called it, once upon a time, but it was certainly not inside a cave. Ooh. Wouldn't that be horribly muggy?

He raises his brows.]

Destiny hardly cares about manners. [He takes a lock of Alucard's hair and gently runs it through his fingers. He is being utterly sexy, you beast, how can you deny him? (Not that he would ever push Alucard farther than this.)] Ah. I suppose this lady will live with her disappointment.

[cryptsleeper]

Hm. They're nice, actually.

[The music seems to have paused fully for the time being, the performers needing a break and more food about to be set. That means that Jaskier's little hair stunt is taking place with no one looking, and--

--there's a smile on Alucard's face that is rare. It is smug with too much mischief in it.

He says nothing. Instead he leans in and puts his lips against Jaskier's. This is spite and because Jaskier's egging him on. He wants to know what happens if he takes the bait, even if the kiss is perfect chase and fleeting.]

Will she now?

[Incapable of subtle or acting other than he feels, there's a smugness in Alucard's voice rather than a still polite sweetness.]

[cointosser]

[Spite or not, Jaskier is getting exactly what he wants, so who is really winning here?

However, he will grant Alucard this: the widening of his eyes as his brows raise (at least one of those is visible behind his mask), and surely the dhampir can hear the quickening in his heart and the gentle intake of breath; not deep enough to be a gasp, but close enough.

Oh, but it was butterfly-soft.

Jaskier slowly traces his own lips as if to repeat the sensation.] Who knew she could still be surprised after so many years?

[cryptsleeper]

[Oh. That was actually a very sweet reaction, he feels slightly bad about being smug now.]

It's only been two, going on three. [But a heck of a two years.] Do you want to go for another round, or should we go be baffled and exhausted by the food?

[cointosser]

[Jaskier slaps his shoulder in the manner of exasperation.] I mean it as part of the roleplay! I'm not going by my usual name, you know. [Or as himself at all. Clearly.

But his reaction was very... Jaskier. Himself. Genuine.]

Of kissing? I wouldn't call that a round, exactly -- a bit short for my tastes -- but you know, I clearly am not in a position to turn you down.

[cryptsleeper]

[Damnit, he didn't realize he offered low hanging fruit.

Alucard offers a very gentle nudge against his dance companion's foot, as elbowing a lady would not do at all.]

I meant dancing and you know it.

[cointosser]

[It's still a very rude gesture, if you ask Jaskier, simply because it is not another kiss in answer. A dashing gentleman, Alucard is -- well, not entirely. Dashing, yes. Gentleman... depending on the circumstances.

The movement in Jaskier's lips may be a pout, which he will not admit to.]

I have no idea what you're talking about. But if I must answer that question, then yes, I think we should take a rest. I can't entirely exhaust myself at the beginning of the night.

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard is good at pretending to be and terrible in practice.

He's going to be polite and not mention the pout.]

Of course not. [Jaskier pls.] Am I allowed to act as an escort, or should I abscond and try to make it look natural?

[cointosser]

[Don't Jaskier please, him. He's not listening.

Being the charitable gentleman Jaskier is -- whether or not he is accompanied by magical breasts and a corset -- he does lightly offer his arm.] There's no need to look natural about anything. You are welcome to be my escort simply because you enjoy my company. More than even I realized, [He licks his lips,] my friend.

[The smug era has begun.]