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

[takeatrip]

I like to think I wouldn't be the cause, though it is true that I can't state with certainty that a friend might not be.

[Sure he's only got like, two friends, but still. He's very curious, as well as wanting to offer her a chance to talk about something bothering her, but doesn't necessarily want to push either; he hesitates another few moments before adding--]

Considering both our anonymity, if you're vague in your descriptions, it's unlikely I would know who you're speaking of.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda isn't quite reassured now that she's on guard, but the click of her tongue is in jest. ] 

You should have a little more confidence in yourself. I'm sure that you'd be able to figure it out. 

[ But also if it is Crane, she hopes that isn't the case. Their leisurely walk could lead them towards the balcony, but Hilda purposely leads them deeper into the throng of people. There were more ears, sure, but there were also more voices which meant more background chatter to cover up who they might be talking about. ] 

They're an academic, of sorts. [ That sounds about right, doesn't it? ] And their profession is helping those around them, but it's difficult for me to say if their intentions are meaningful or not. 

[ Hilda's eyes flit towards them. It's impossible to tell what they're thinking with the mask, but she watches for a shift in body language, anything that might deem them getting uncomfortable. ] 

[takeatrip]

[He laughs again at her first comment, agreeing immediately.]

Oh, I'm certain I could, I just don't believe I have in the past few days. Hopefully not, at least.

[Because if so then he didn't notice doing it, which is always way worse. He allows her to lead them back into the crowd without protest, curiously glancing at people as they pass, still taking in the costumes and the bustling activity of the ball. Of course he's been places this active and crowded before, but the energy of this event is very unique, and he's still trying to decide if he likes it or not.

But his attention is still mostly on Hilda, and even more so when she begins to explain after all. He nods, the little icicles on his mask shifting with the movement, and a few possibilities come to mind at her description; a profession that involves helping others is vague enough that it could apply broadly, and Jayden knows there are several Summoned whose professions that could apply to. It could even apply to Jayden's.

Of course, Crane does come to mind as a possibility, but more because of what Blake had told Jayden than because of anything else. He's not sure how many other people might have suspicions, and Jayden barely knows any of the other Summoned that this could be about, so it's just not possible to narrow down quite yet. Not without more questions, at least.]

Meaningful in what way? Are you suspicious of their intentions?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Jayden's reply has her falter momentarily, running through their conversation that they'd had moments ago in her mind. Her head tilts, looking a lot like a curious wyvern faced with something that they've never seen before. ]

What exactly have you done?

[ Did that have anything to do with their conversation about a mysterious someone that had ruined her experience in the Listening Tree? She mulls over what she says next, still trying to carefully gauge the reaction of the masked cloud. Their manner of speech isn't similar to Crane's, but that isn't indicative of much at a masquerade. Her own voice had been changed with the work of some crafty engineering and magic after all. ]

Meaningful as in they aren't intending to harm anyone through that help. Which I supposed goes hand in hand with their intentions.

[takeatrip]

Nothing particularly noteworthy, or at least nothing bad? I don't think so, anyway.

[Now he's second-guessing himself, going back over his previous activities and interactions, but aside from the awkwardness with the rooming issue he doesn't think he's upset anyone. He's pretty sure he didn't. He hopes he didn't?]

Ah, yes, that would be a worrying issue. Has this person done something in particular to make you doubt them, or is it more of an intuitive concern?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Well that certainly didn't clarify anything for her. Hilda tilts head a little more to the side, amusement sparking in her voice. ] 

Are we talking about the same thing? 

[ Their next question gives her some pause. ] 

They haven't yet, which might be why it's concerning and putting me on edge. I received a warning about them from a friend who shares the same world as they do. 

[takeatrip]

...I haven't the faintest.

[He really has no idea at this point, but the amusement in her tone turns his anxiety into something more like a humorous awkwardness. He's about to attempt clarifying, but then she explains more about the person she's concerned about, and hm. Well. It's always possible that there could be another identical situation, but--]

I suppose I should apologize. You were likely right to be concerned about this giving you away, although if it's any consolation, if I'm correct then you'll surely be able to guess my identity as well.

[He's making a few leaps to connect the situation--which he's pretty sure on--with who Blake might've confided in, but between the likelihood of the pool being very narrow and the general sense of the person he's been speaking to, Jayden feels confident enough in making a guess.]

Hilda, is it?

[theidlemaiden]

That depends who's asking.

[ Although the awkwardness might give her a bit of a hint, albeit an inkling of one. Would it be better to wait and see if they provide more of a clue as to who they are? Or should she just go with her gut now that she's putting the gloomy, but enchanting, cloud and awkward humor that feels like an incredibly familiar dynamic?

After all, she'd had a similar conversation about the doctor in question with Jayden earlier that week when they had been racing snails. She hadn't mentioned the run in with Crane because she hadn't felt the need to at the time, but if they were talking about it now and it was actually who she thought it was then... ]

Jayden?

[takeatrip]

Correct.

[He doesn't drop the accent, because if he switches out of it not only will other people possibly hear but it's also hard to get back into it. So it stays for now, and with it the phrasing and word choices.

But the acting drops, at least to an extent, and he remarks lightly--]

How fortunate it was you, as I only know the names of about five people.

[He's kidding, he knows more than that, but still.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Relief floods her and it shows on her face and the way her shoulders relax. She gives him a little shove with her shoulder for good measure and he can probably tell now that she's definitely smiling from underneath her mask if the glint of her eyes are any indication. ]

Oh, please. You also know Maple the horse so that at least takes that list up to six.

[ Suddenly it feels like she can breathe easier - but that doesn't stop the slow movement through the crowd. The more they keep moving, the harder it is for someone to eavesdrop - not that she has any reason to believe that's a thing. ]

But now you know. I thought it was supposed to be relaxing! I want a do-over.

[takeatrip]

Magic or not, there is no possible chance I would've believed you were a horse.

[So Maple is out as a candidate, but he certainly means that as a compliment. He's also relaxing a lot now himself, both because there's no need for second-guessing or overthinking in terms of hiding his identity or trying to figure out hers, and because it's Hilda. Out of everyone in this world, he feels most at ease around her.

But speaking of being at ease--]

The effects of the tree weren't enough to counter your concerns? Was it weighing on your that much, or did something more specific happen?

[theidlemaiden]

You know what, I'll take that as a compliment. But then again, I don't quite have Maple's bone structure. Or long face. 

[ Had he said that she did though... well. That probably would have resulted in her deliberately tripping him or giving him a rather painful jab in the side. 
She sighs at his question, mostly because she isn't sure that she wants to reveal that she had been reticent to go inside the tree in the first place. ]
 
Well, I don't know if it was really working or not. Meditating to get into the Horizon is easy enough, but that tree felt alive, you know? 

[ It's entirely possible she would have enjoyed it more were she not on edge already, but there's no way of knowing now. Not unless she found some time to try and go there before they left for Cadens. ]

I guess that part was already making me nervous. 

[takeatrip]

She is quite statuesque.

[But okay, diverting from talk about the horse and any comparisons to Hilda before he gets into trouble.]

It was indeed unique. I would not be surprised if it were alive in some sense, but that was bothering you?

[He thinks that's what she meant, but he just wants to be sure.]

[theidlemaiden]

Maybe? Probably not? I know that all plants are kind of alive, right? So that wouldn't be so difficult to imagine or accept.

[ It's hard to put a finger on what had been bothering her.

Maybe some of it had to do with the fact that being there made it all the more apparent about the people she wasn't experiencing it with, and the person she had encountered in the Listening Tree hadn't technically been her first choice of company.

Or maybe it had been something else entirely. After a moment she lets out an annoyed huff that is aimed more at herself than anything else before blurting out - ]

I just didn't really want to be alone with my thoughts.

[takeatrip]

Understandable.

[Not wanting to be alone with one's thoughts is something he can very much relate to, and it's part of why he's so good at repressing things. He's alone with his thoughts most of the time in his life, and so he's gotten good at making sure the only issues that come up are those he's okay with dealing with.

He'd found that the Listening Tree had helped in that, quieting his often overacting mind a little, taking away some of the constant mental pressure without any sort of terrible side effects. But he also knows that sort of thing affects people differently, and perhaps for Hilda other factors outweighed any positive ones.

Of course, she'd also said alone, a world he never really associates with her; she always seems to social, like she wouldn't be on her own if she didn't want to be, and so he has to ask--]

Were other friends unavailable to accompany you?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Jayden's question doesn't throw her so off guard that she doesn't know how to react and there isn't any Fey wine in her yet to slow her response time down. She's grateful for the mask that covers half of her face, but her gaze follows up to the illusion of the night sky above them all the same. Her voice is measured and light like nothing is the matter as she kind of side steps the question. ]

I thought some alone time might be nice. [ She realizes a beat later what she had said about not wanting to be so alone with her thoughts that she had almost avoided the Listening Tree all together. ] Obviously not that much alone time - but you know what I mean.

[ There's no need to fill Jayden in on the troubles that had been plaguing the loft. ]

Maybe if you weren't being a snail racing star we could have gone together.

[takeatrip]

[He is not even slightly convinced by the attempt to catch the incongruity, but he does allow the deflection, if only briefly.]

I'm attempting to secure reason to apply for a work visa.

[And stupid joke made, he realizes she probably won't get it since visas are likely not a thing in her world, but it's still hopefully easy enough to understand the overall idea. Besides, moving on--]

But I would've accompanied you should you have asked, although I doubt I was your only choice. I would hope I not, at least.

[theidlemaiden]

[ As if on cue she asks - ]

What's a work visa? [ She can only assume it's something from Jayden's world. Work is straight forward, but visa? ] Is it like a pass or some sort of permission to stay here? 

[ Her eyes glint teasingly at this statement. ]

What if you were? Would that make you feel special or would that just mean you'd be more sympathetic towards my lonely plight? 

[takeatrip]

[Of course she did, though he doesn't mind explaining, especially when she already basically guessed it.]

Yes, essentially. A visa is required for travel to other countries in my world, and although most are very easy to acquire for short trips, if you plan to stay for an extended period of time for the purposes of work, a work visa is needed.

[Not that Jayden knows anything about that, having only been to Canada for international trips, but whatever. And as for her next comments he shakes his head slightly, sending the icicles swinging again.]

I think I'd be incredibly concerned by your lack of better options.

[It's mostly a self-deprecating joke, but also he means it. And he also noticed the deflection, but he'll bring them around to the actual topic again soon enough.]

So I would hope it weren't the case.

shall we wrap soon? 💕

[theidlemaiden]

Huh. Sounds like a ton of paperwork.

[ Unfortunately that seems to remain consistent between worlds. ]

But if it means you can go somewhere else, why not? Work might not be so bad if you're doing it in a totally different place, especially if it's the Feywilds.

[ She scoffs at the self depreciation, giving him a light elbow to the side. ]

Don't worry there were other choices. But I do enjoy your company, Jay. Even if it sometimes involves stuffy talk about paperwork.

[ The topic still lingers dangerously around things she doesn't want to discuss, but thankfully there's plenty to distract. They had wandered closer towards a small little stag and semi-circle of people surrounding it. ]

Oh! They're doing a little performance over there – should we go check it out?

sounds good! we can call it here c:

[takeatrip]

Any amount of paperwork is too much of it.

[Although he generally overplays his dislike of paperwork--it's fine in small doses--the general sentiment is still very true. Paperwork is boring and only weirdos enjoy it.

He's not sure if he's reassured that Hilda insists there are other choices; he normally would be, but he's just not completely sure he believes her. There's obviously something going on, but as she continues to dodge it and suggests they go watch a performance, he decides to let it go. She'll talk about it when she wants to, hopefully.

For now, they can just enjoy the extravagance and otherworldliness of the ball.]