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

[magicalarchaeologist]

A mischievous spirit then. Would you say you share that quality?

[ Istredd is not generally the smoothest with flirting and he's not with dancing either, he can be a little too stiff and proper, but the masks being worn in a way helps. He can pretend his uncertainties don't exist, for now.

When Jaskier puts his hand on the chest, he'll be able to feel there that it seems like very soft fabric underneath the swirling lights. The secret to the ensemble is it is more or less a full body suit with no discernible colors, a plain black so that it is an easel of a kind, painting the visuals onto it with his glamors.

With some of that confidence allowing him leeway he places his hand over Jaskier's and then takes it in his own as he leads him to the dance floor. It is then that a strange message flickers across his eyes, a suggestive one at that, and if his expression could be seen, it would be slightly shocked. He blinks it away. His dancing is formal and proper but he does seem well-practiced now as he moves them into the music. ]

Have you had many successes at the game of the night yet?

[cointosser]

[Honestly, he's not doing too bad. Jaskier gives him a polite laugh.] Me? Mischievous? Oh, no. I'm as serious as the grave.

[Amell's hand is at least very warm, and he knows the proper way to hold a lady, all polite and soft where Jaskier is feeling a bit handsy (but still polite. Thank you, Yennefer.)

Ah. And he knows how to handle his feet.]

Not to brag -- [He says, before he brags,] but I am well-learned in the dealings of men. Watching them, you know? For sport. And I may be quite lucky to say that I know much of our current company. Even if they're wearing some elaborate costumery. [He lets his eyes settle on Amell's mouth... or where it should be, anyway. What should they have? Thin top, a thicker bottom? Both thick, pouty lips? Or perhaps they have no mouth at all and the mask is only a reflection of what could be found underneath.

An interesting prospect. How does one scream a name without a mouth?] But you... [His hand draws across the chest presented to him.] I fear I may not know you. Yet. And not merely because you lack a face.

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Jaskier does manage to get a laugh out of Istredd, soft and low, for the 'not to brag' bragging. That is probably the first clear indication it's a man, outside of general man-shape, because it goes past his voice filter to sound identifiably deep. He thinks this person may be high above him on the flirtation skill as he's getting a little flustered.

Whatever he is about to say back is interrupted in a way that both of them accidentally become distracted by. Many things happen all at once. Istredd gets frustrated that he's being distracted by sexual messages about Yennefer. Jaskier reacts to a stranger unsuspectingly ending up on a filter, and thus there is someone else from the continent there. Istredd realizes that they are dancing together, as does Yennefer, and then so does Geralt.

This is very confusing to him too as he really would have thought Geralt, Yennefer, or Ciri would have mentioned someone else. Especially Yennefer, considering she's calling him husband, and they are going to definitely have a talk about that later. But with Geralt making it clear by putting a hand on his shoulder, he truly thinks for a moment about how he'd like to knock his mask right off his face.

Istredd clears his throat and gets rid of the voice modifier entirely so Jaskier can hear his true voice. ]

I didn't know there was someone else from the continent here either.

[ As if their shared ignorance maybe means something. This is a very awkward situation and what he's not good at is awkward, which is unfortunate as he's always experiencing it. Istredd's understandably embarrassed and confused, and the clothing is masking his flush. ]

To summarize. [ He still dances with Jaskier, his body remembers the movements. ] Yennefer and I grew up together, we were in the same class, I'm a mage. I've been in Thorne for almost a year. I'm a monolith expert that Geralt consulted about the one in Cintra.

[cointosser]

[It is one of those moments where Jaskier is unconventionally, and yet so intrinsically, reminded that the world, no matter what world, can so easily be turned against him, and that the true Lady of Destiny is a complete and utter bitch, and perhaps she has picked this particular moment to spite him specifically because of who he has named himself after.

He pictures himself doing a rather good job of holding a smile while his angry, bewildered messages are sent out, one after the other; while he's reading the responses splashed across Amell's lips.

It is only when Geralt comes by and Jaskier's entire body tightens while he decides the positives and negatives of jumping upon the Witcher and attacking him in the middle of a ballroom that he sort of.

Gathers an understanding.

Jaskier's gaze slowly returns to the face in front of his own. The chickadee Geralt returned to him sits upon his shoulder, hiding its face under a wing, a tiny wisp of the magic Jaskier has gained.]

You're... Istredd. I. See.

[Jaskier stares out at the crowd around them over Istredd's shoulder, gritting his teeth. His nails may be digging into Istredd's skin where he's holding onto him without truly noticing.

Remember, Jaskier. You are the Gem of the Phoenix. And you have survived much worse.

A monolith fucking --

He's going to piss on Geralt the moment he least expects it. Or get Roach to do it. Even more fitting.]

It is not an excuse, simply a statement of fact, when I say I did not have any idea, and thus would not have -- included you -- in a rather specific string of messages, to whom you were not the intended recipient. [He breathes.] This is a lot to take in at the moment. I didn't realize she... had friends. In Thorne. Or at all, if I'm being honest.

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ This is very strange for both of them. And since Geralt and Yennefer did have this information, and the two of them are far more indifferent than capable of shame, they aren't having the reaction that Jaskier and Istredd are. In truth, Istredd just doesn't know what to make of all of his. He's never seen Geralt playful with anyone. Yennefer's affection for Jaskier was more than he's seen from her with anyone else, it's very shocking.

He is attempting to block Lucifer at the moment so he doesn't have to worry about this, just a reassuring I'll explain soon so Istredd can focus on what is actually happening. This is really not his sort of experience, this is absolutely the first time he has been involved in such a conversation. ]

I believe you, and I appreciate it. I should have spoken up sooner but I thought it was a mistake on the network.

[ Istredd had no real reason to think it was somehow specifically aimed at people from the continent. He rarely is on the network at all! He usually blinks away messages unless it's from specific people. Now that he's witnessed some of Jaskier and Yennefer's conversation, and the two of them have spoken on their bond, he finds his attention firmly on Jaskier. Not that it can be obvious with his face masked, but maybe Jaskier can feel it. ]

Yennefer is my oldest and closest friend, and she does have others, in Thorne and at home. She just has a very difficult time letting people in. But once she does, it's for life.

[ Even with how he betrayed her, decades later they have put that aside and managed to build something both new and old together. Their love for each other has become something familiar and soothing. Istredd sounds very serious and sincere now that it's his voice. ]

I'm glad she has friends outside of Thorne, in truth.

[cointosser]

A reasonable assumption. [Simply because Jaskier would never have, on the other side, assumed there were others from the Continent. But he cannot help but feel a rather dire sense of betrayal at the whole thing. It would be different if Istredd was some Continent peasant none of them knew.

But to be Yennefer's old and close friend. And for Geralt to know the bloody mage as well --

Well, in fact, he's a bit insulted for Istredd's behalf. Neither of them thought him worth mentioning? And neither mentioned Jaskier in return? Bloody shitholes, both of them.]

Color me surprised she has never one made mention of her oldest and closest friend after I've known her a decade. [He does not know how to explain their friendship has only recently blossomed, however; for the most part, Jaskier hoped she stepped on very sharp rocks all the time. And even deeper, he hoped she would not break Geralt's heart.

So much for that.]

She is a very tough nut to crack. An impossible one, you might say. [Jaskier finally meets his face, pausing as he looks into that shifting void. It would be rather polite if he could remove the mask, but it would ruin the point of the masquerade.] Are you in love with her?

[Gods, he hopes not. Not like that poor sodding elf, Chireadan. Because the only people he's ever known who speak well about Yennefer are either lying, have fallen for her particular brand of seduction, or are truly in love. And to top it off, that nickname? If Jaskier ever called her that, he wouldn't have limbs with which to play his lute with anymore.]

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Istredd on the other hand isn't really surprised. He and Yennefer are complicated and while everyone in Thorne is very aware that the two of them are extremely close, he doubts she brought him up with everyone else she knows. Wanda didn't know, for example. Yennefer likes keeping things that are 'hers.'

What he's more surprised about is that Yennefer, Geralt, and Ciri never said a word. It's not as if he's close with the latter two but they have spoken several times now, and it seems like the type of thing that might have come up. But Geralt's statement he doesn't even think about him was carelessly hurtful, so he is suspecting that's the real truth. Istredd doesn't have healthy self-confidence so that sort of thing stings.

But he's not going to let it distract him from what's actually important. His ego will survive. ]

No, she wouldn't. Triss did to Geralt, that's how he came to me for the monoliths, but we mages can be ... very insular.

[ That is a drastic understatement and Jaskier might already have a guess at that. The mages do have a tendency to keep to themselves when it comes to trust and loyalty, changing the world through influence and manipulation. Even Istredd, who has admitted that he barely pays attention to the world while in his books, can stick to the Brotherhood.

Triss is another name he's uncertain if Jaskier knows, but in that case, she's not here, and Istredd suspects in that moment that Triss would have mentioned him. ]

At the risk of sounding like a romantic fool, as she likes to mock me for, I've loved her almost from the moment we met.

[ There was something so vulnerable about her, so scared, that made him use special portal magic to try and rescue her, send her home before Tissaia could come snatch her. When she found him again, something snapped between them, a connection that has never truly been severed. Broken and frayed, but still intact. ]

We were barely more than children when the Brotherhood took us, but we leaned on each other during those years.

[ Istredd knows all of Yennefer's dark traits. He's always seen her in all of her ugliness and all of her beauty. But no one else has seen her like him either. They'd never know the way she looked at him, tears in her eyes, when he taught her telepathy. ]

She cares about you. [ Istredd turns his head away from where he's scoped out Yennefer, of course he knows where she is, sharing thoughts in their bond, and looks back at Jaskier. ] I know she can be difficult, but ... that says a lot about you. In a good way, at least to me.

[cointosser]

[Oh, mages, insular? Hiding secrets from each other and everyone else? Oh, no, of course not. Nothing Jaskier has ever noticed. Especially with his dealings mostly being with Phillipa, who is absolutely the most trustworthy of all mages.]

I know of Triss, but I've never had the pleasure. [It is a bit funny to him that the Witcher has all the reason in the world to never trust a mage, but he somehow finds himself imbedded with them so deeply anyway. But that just lends to the idea Geralt was not being an ass on purpose when he said he doesn't think of Istredd -- it was quite literal. They are not, ah. Friendly.

Which he can almost wonder if it's as simple as being Yennefer's fault. As most things are.

Ah. As he suspected.]

Well, I won't lie to you. You are a fool. But I can admit you would have a perspective of her that I lack. [He follows Istredd's gaze. It's not hard to miss Yennefer. Or to suspect she's listening in. Jaskier absolutely would. Listen in.

Though that is true of himself. Perhaps she also went to Istredd when she lost her magic, but Jaskier remembers those moments intently. The desperation, and the loss. Of holding her as she turned to nothing in the Horizon. And the words she spoke to him in the dim of a ship full of elves.]

We've had our moments. [He smiles, a huff escaping.] Truthfully I thought her an utter demon for most of those years. But I met her in Gors Valen when she was in... trouble. We shared an understanding. [Is that all it takes to be in Istredd's good graces? Such a empathetic mage indeed.] I would be a poor poet if I could not understand others' hearts, after all.

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Friendly, no. Tolerable, mostly. They only had the one strange adventure on the continent, and a few notable interactions since coming here. Istredd and Geralt did save each other's lives in the Pit and ... well, it doesn't matter. He's putting it out of his mind. He is trying to focus on this and also on not worrying Lucifer with his confused flickering of feelings. ]

You wouldn't be the first or last person to say so.

[ The two of them on paper wouldn't make much sense. The fact they bonded and fell in love so young, and that they essentially kept many of the traits they loved well into adulthood, those are all details not obvious on the outside. What Yennefer would have in common with an isolated scholar obsessed with monoliths seems a ridiculous idea. Istredd loves difficult people who others have a hard time seeing through their prickly exterior.

Istredd thought of himself as a fool for certain, all those years. Desperately waiting for her to reach out, to find each other again. The timing was constantly off and their feelings not in sync. Abraxas has given them what they couldn't have in the continent. Same as everyone else, really. ]

I'm glad you were there. I was in Cintra, hoping she'd find her way there, but I know things ... became very difficult for all of you.

[ Jaskier might remember that Yennefer did plan on getting to Cintra. She has since told Istredd her original idea was to get to him, but things became waylaid and then they went very wrong. Another time the two of them just couldn't find their way. What he's referencing could mean a whole lot of things, and while Istredd doesn't know every single detail, he knows more about Ciri than most. Something she loathes and he's still struggling with making peace about. ]

I'm sorry this got awkward. It was nice talking to you, before.

[ When it was casual and maybe a little flirtatious, but it was unsettling for both of them for certain for it to turn this way. Istredd's not the best at adapting to sudden intake of information and feelings. ]

I really do love that song. If you ever want to talk again, my Horizon is a giant library tower, based on Tor Lara, actually, if you've heard of it.

[ The mages and Tor Lara are obviously always linked and well known, but it might not have connected until now. He may be asking Lucifer for a rescue, but he wanted to say that first.]

[cointosser]

[He's hardly one to blame. Plenty of people have said similar to Jaskier for his closeness to Geralt. Not so much here, in Abraxas, of course... but when he was still a nothing, a nobody, he was only a fool, a pup, adopted by a Witcher for a piece of bait.

It may have been one of the most awkward bloody meetings of his life, but Jaskier can't say it hasn't left an impression. And now Istredd is a mystery to figure out: how he fits into Yennefer's life (a lover from before she was a sorceress, even?), and Geralt (mysterious meetings with mages in and out of Kaer Morhen?), and... well, Jaskier's never exactly had issues with scholars when he considers himself one and the same. Simply with a different skillset.]

Oh, please. Don't worry about it. If anyone should apologize, it's Geralt. [What? Like he'd blame himself? Still, Jaskier can determine well enough by the man's responses that he may be looking for escape. Which is a shame, because his flirtations weren't awful.]

The Tower of the Gull? Of course I know it. [But one thing. Jaskier's smile lifts as he removes a pin and places it on Istredd's chest -- making sure he's gathering fabric in his hand first, and not skin, once he pins it.

It may have been a strange way to figure him out, but he certainly did. And Istredd earns enough points by flattering him. Jaskier feels he's mopped up the situation as best he can, at any rate.] I'd love to talk again. [He pats where the pin lays.] By all means, do not let me steal your whole night.

[Jaskier will leave him to his next partner. He's still won the game.]

yoink

[thedevilwhorose]

[He slips in, seamless as the way of the dance floor--Lucifer is always with less grace but graceful. There's no concrete thoughts or feelings involved. It's just an extraction, obscured by the speed-dating-esk rules, an exchange of partners after some undisclosed amount of time. Enough to maybe take a guess at who your partner may be.

There's a mere headtip to Jaskier, for acknowledgement of the switch, and then just as easily the two of them are drawn away.]