EVENT #14: ANOMALIES - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #14 - Anomalies

OOC event plotting | Coordination Post | Wrap-Up

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Over the last several weeks of summer, leading up to AUGUST 20, the appearance of rifts, and the subsequent creatures, has become a disturbingly common appearance. The average citizen has taken the changes in stride. Some have even integrated these creatures into communities as pets or beasts of burden. Nonetheless, these unprecedented appearances have resulted in rumors. Is the cause the Summoned? Have they carried a dark curse back from the Feywilds? Are the Old Gods offended?

A Coordination Post will be available for communications between mods and players. Report notable actions and events, or track Developments. Though we encourage you to take advantage, using the Coordination Post isn't required to participate in the event.

Anomalous Threats

Dubbed Anomalies throughout Abraxas, suspicion and curiosity turn to terror when much greater threats - called Anomalous Beasts - begin to fall through large rifts. Where did these creatures come from? Why have they arrived? And is this only the beginning of something far worse?

Arrival of the Beasts

The Anomalous Beasts tumble through open rifts that appear in set locations throughout Abraxas. You won't know where those rifts are at first, but it steadily becomes obvious as reports from locals come in. The beasts won't stay put, either. At random intervals, the rifts will suck the Anomalous Beast back through it and spit it out at another location somewhere in Abraxas. It might be in another city or in another faction altogether. It appears these beasts are not limited by borders.

Fortunately, each rift area only holds one Anomalous Beast at a time - so you won't have to face multiple threats at once.

Tracking the Beasts

Soon, you discover that the rifts are in stable locations. The beasts can go into one rift and out the other, but the area where the rifts appear doesn't change. You can use this to your advantage. Officials will set up portals to identified rift locations, allowing you to focus on an individual area - even if you can't predict which Anomalous Beast arrives from the other end.

Many of these locations are important to the locals. While confronting the threat, you'll want to minimize damage and casualties.

If you're tempted to try and go through a rift, you'll get a nasty shock that sends you flying back. Of course, if you happen to witness a native Abraxan attempt the same - whether out of fear or by accident - you might not want to try yourself: upon contact with the rift, any native Abraxans will be vaporized in front of your eyes. You should probably stick to travel via portals.

Arcanum Effects

Each Anomalous Beast bears a glowing Arcana sign on its flank. Be careful if you match its Arcana - you may begin to take on the beasts' animalistic traits, absorbing its aggression, hunger, or fear. These sensations can overwhelm you, causing you to mimic its behavior. Is your will strong enough to resist? Or will you succumb completely, becoming one with the beast?

You can get help from another Summoned of a different Arcanum. They'll feel compelled to make physical contact, absorbing some of the effects into themselves and lessening its severity by sharing it with you. This effect will remain while you're near the Anomalous Beast - as long as it's alive - but with effort and help, you can mitigate it and overcome the powerful sensations.

Types of Beasts

The types of Anomalous Beasts arriving might be familiar to you. Maybe you heard stories from another Summoned. Maybe you remember seeing it from your home world.

If you know what it is or its weaknesses, you can share this information using the Network or by word of mouth to help others defeat it. As for the beasts you believe have no way of being defeated? That may be true to your world. But you're in a different world now with strange powers, abilities you've never heard of, and spells you might've never seen before. These factors can change much. No matter the beast, there will be a way to defeat it.

To review what characters will be facing and each beast's Arcana sign, see the List of Anomalous Beasts on the OOC Plotting Post.

Faction Assistance

While the factions have asked for your help given the overwhelming number of threats that arrived at once, the factions can hold their own in many battles. They'll be able to assist you, and familiar officials may even arrive on the battlefield. General NPC actions are outlined below. You can assume they'll come to your aid based on those descriptions as needed.

Portals to each rift location will also be established within the first 24 hours. While the portals won't take you directly into the fray, they'll be near enough that you'll have the chance to arrive on time to mitigate damage or confront the threat.

You can request more significant aid or resources from an NPC using the Coordination Post.

There is no influence requirement to make a request, but influence and your character's relationship with faction NPCs will be taken into account to determine the outcome.

Thorne

In Thorne, assistance will come from the following:

◎ Jolene Sybell. Jolene will arrive at the front lines as needed. She has offensive spells but specializes in healing and medical magic. If you're wounded, she can mend you quickly or stabilize any grievous wounds so someone can take you to the infirmary.

◎ Soldiers & mages. Thorne's soldiers are concentrated in Borrel, while Castle Thorne has skilled mages. They'll be able to offer shields, offensive magic, and wards to help in any battle.

The Free Cities

In the Free Cities, assistance will come from the following:

◎ Marlo Reiner. The Prime Minister is as much a soldier as she's a politician. A former military captain, she'll direct the soldiers under her command on the front lines. She can provide cover in a fight or strategic advice. Her weapon of choice is a sword and a sidearm.

◎ The army. The Free Cities has the largest army in Abraxas. They'll be out in full force, providing combat assistance, protecting citizens, and offering medical aid. Any soldier will readily give you a hand on the field. If you aren't sure where you're needed, they'll direct you.

Solvunn

In Solvunn, assistance will come from the following:

◎ Isar Hart. Deeply devoted to the commune, the newest Council member will arrive with his ever-present companion Skaldi. A fierce and protective herding dog, she will fend off any threat. He's also followed by a few sheep that cast an unusual shadow. When attacking, they grow powerful ram horns and sharp teeth. Their muzzles elongate, resembling a wolf in sheep's clothing. Word is, Isar has a pact with Spyndlveiss, Guardian of the Flock.

◎ Elders and the Gods. Solvunn may not have a strong army or powerful mages, but they do have the Gods on their side. Elders will lead offerings and sacrifices - and the Gods will answer. While facing a threat, you might find something invisible blocks a blow or a wound suddenly appears on the beast. Though no physical presence arrives, you nonetheless feel the helping hand of something.

Ending the Threat

Resolving the threat involves not only defeating the Anomalous Beasts but also closing the open rifts. Fortunately, accomplishing the former will contribute to the latter.

Defeating the Beasts

Taking on the Anomalous Beasts is no easy task. You'll be faced with several obstacles while you fight them that might prevent you from defeating the beast: the rifts might suck the creature away before you can finish the job, you might be overwhelmed by your mind merging with the beast's, or you simply lose the fight.

In the end, one team will successfully defeat the beast. If you're one of the victorious, how you approach and finish the job is up to you. Take advantage of your surroundings, seek help and knowledge from other characters, and make creative use of your environment and skills.

And remember - defeating it doesn't mean killing it. The beast only needs to be subdued as a threat, whether through death or capture. Of course, once subdued, what happens to it may be out of your hands...but there's a chance that not all of them will be put down.

Requests for a victory roll will be accepted until AUGUST 23 at 11:59 ET. Only characters who win the roll can kill or defeat the Anomalous Beast. Please see the OOC Plotting Post for more information.

Closing the Rifts

With each Anomalous Beast dispatched, you'll notice that the rifts in the world start to shrink. The effect is subtle at first, but with every victory, it's undeniable that the key to closing the rifts is to bring down the Anomalous Beasts climbing through them.

Not every beast must be killed, but the majority of them should be for the rifts to close completely. By the end of the event, all of the rifts will have closed.

Across the Rifts

Each rift opens in a particular area. Each Anomalous Beast will have a "first sighting" at a specific location. Reports will surface as rumors, victim statements, and witnesses. Regardless of how the information comes to you, it likely catches your attention. Perhaps you hear a description that sounds chillingly similar to a monster you've encountered in your past. Maybe you're worried that the area has innocents who need to be protected. Or, maybe you're merely excited about a potential new species.

The beasts will move from rift to rift - not by choice. You might catch the one you're chasing when you arrive, or you might find yourself facing something unexpected. Your task isn't just to kill the beasts - the areas will need protecting, too. You'll have to work with others to do so. You could, for example, decide to have someone distract the beast while you evacuate an area.


[ Click the image for a larger version. ]

Each location is assigned a number that corresponds to an area labeled on the map above. Characters will have access only to their faction's territory on the rift map.

Kingdom of Thorne

◎ Castle Thorne (1) | IMAGE

Security in Castle Thorne has always been paramount. The thought that something could get within the castle walls is unheard of. Fortified by the kingdom's military and strongest mages, and boasting the host of the majority of Thorne's Summoned, it should be ready for any threat. That is, until something monstrous appears right outside the city's borders. Locals claim it slinks by on large tentacles with a single massive eye and a sense of foreboding.

◎ Frostwurm Tunnel (2) | IMAGE

Located northeast of Hayle, the snow-covered peaks are the perfect habitat for the Giant Frostwurms that provide valuable healing crystals. They burrow deep into the rock, creating a labyrinth of large tunnels. While the last time the Summoned were in those tunnels was not by choice, this time, you're asked to help protect the Frostwurms from what witnesses are claiming is a dragon or a very large wyvern. Except...dragons haven't been seen in Abraxas for many decades.

Due to the crystal's hallucinatory properties, the Summoned will be provided protective shield to prevent them from breathing in the air. The shield is invisible, causing the air around them to shimmer slightly. Be careful not to damage it in any ensuing fights.

◎ Whitehill Village (3) | IMAGE

A quaint village, Whitehill is an insular community established for many generations. Well-read despite their economic class, residents of Whitehill pride themselves on their magical knowledge used to help cultivate the Snow Petal, a rare flower that blooms only in their valley. Highly sought after for potions and elixirs, a small garden patch has already been destroyed by what appears to be a corrosive substance left behind by a large black wolf or wildcat. Residents fear this strange blight could devastate the elusive Snow Petal.

◎ Dukewood Lumber Mills (4) | IMAGE

Deep in the forests east of Nott sits Thorne's most profitable lumber mill. The sparkle of magically powered saws keeps the mill running at all hours. Although the land is owned by an aristocratic family, its residents are working-class. They earn a meager living for their families and fear not only for their livelihoods but their lives. Whispers of a shadowy figure with sharp claws spread through the workers, who remain on guard as they try not to let superstition get the better of them. Unfortunately, a few may be too far gone. They're even beginning to insist that the figure is...wearing a hat?

◎ Southern Farmlands (5) | IMAGE

The rolling hills east of Borrel are some of the most fertile land in Thorne. With harvest season drawing near, fields of green turn to amber for the most plentiful of crops: wheat. However, an unexplained fire in one of the fields has raised the alarm. Talk has arisen of a strange silvery creature wearing a crown. Witnesses claim it sits on wagons and anything that looks remotely chair-like. Or perhaps...throne-like? What could it be? Does it have anything to do with the fire?

◎ Southern Mountains (6) | IMAGE

This winding path between the peaks is an important trade route that cuts towards Borrel for those unable to cross the waters. While dangerous, many seasoned merchants will take this path to save precious time. Lately, though, the dangers seem to be much greater. Injured men stumbling out of the mountains claim their friends were torn apart by a multi-limbed insect the size of a full-grown gryphon. One describes black horns, while another insists it had hands grown over its torso. Whatever it is, it's hungry.

◎ Fishing Docks (7) | IMAGE

Home to dozens of fishing boats and trawlers, the docks and its nearby fish market are the lifeblood of Nott. These fishermen are skilled at traversing the lake - so it's unusual that one of them has gone missing. Whispers say the man was dragged under the waters by lurking black tentacles. Many are afraid to venture out again, claiming that something in the lake is watching them.

The Free Cities

◎ Fomalhaut (1) | IMAGE

Though the port city is a fixture in the Free Cities, no one is granted permission to approach the heavily guarded barricade that leads into Fomalhaut. A large sign reads NO TRESPASSING! Official Travel Only Beyond This Point! Another reads Deadly Force Authorized. A third states simply DISEASE. Fortified walls and barriers protect the valuable machinery powering the shields that enforce the quarantine. Lately, tensions have heightened due to heavy bipedal tracks and reports of a moving metal statue. A breach in the shield could devastate not just the Free Cities but all of Abraxas.

◎ Northeastern Mountains (2) | IMAGE

These sharp peaks span past most of the Free Cities' territory. The smaller mountains near Aquila are popular for mountaineers, geologists, and engineers looking to test their newest inventions at higher altitudes. Finding abandoned equipment is not uncommon. Recently, many travelers have fled the mountains, escaping an invisible entity that haunts the area. One scientist who returned injured insists that he doesn't believe in spirits but says that "an unseen force" caused him to slip and fall.

◎ Andromeda Bay (3) | IMAGE

A popular destination for rest, the waters of Andromeda Bay are a welcome reprieve during the hot summer months. Except, the crystalline blue waters have grown tainted with a pungent stench. People are fleeing the shores, warning each other that the a tentacled swamp-fish with a gaping maw has overtaken the bay. Locals fear this disruption to tourism will impact their livelihoods. Meanwhile, biologists are concerned the foul waters will disturb the delicate ecosystem.

◎ Cadens Barracks (4) | IMAGE

The barracks are familiar to most of the Free Cities Summoned. Now, the usually bustling and tightly run military hub is in a state of high alarm. Few soldiers are out in the open. Barracks and rooms feature hastily boarded windows and doors. Here and there are splashes of blood. Any soldiers out and about have their weapons at the ready. Injuries appear to be bites and vicious claw marks. There are ominous whispers of, We can't even see them.

◎ The Badlands (5) | IMAGE

With frequent dust storms, difficult rocky terrain, and extreme heat, the Badlands are the last place you want to be. Most know better than to venture towards its heart. Bandits occupy only the more habitable edges around the area. The few souls who brave the landscape are hardened survivalists or soldiers on patrol. You should take their grim reports of a new fearsome creature seriously. They say it bursts out of the ground and spits deadly acid - melting one individual to the bone. Though the Badlands houses some of Abraxas's most dangerous beasts, this one appears to be new...and it might be coming closer to the city.

◎ Farhill Mining Camp (6) | IMAGE

The Farhill Mining Camp is the largest mine in operation. Rows of cheap housing are pressed together with little care, sitting dangerously close to the mines and the fumes that come with them. Jagged hills of varying height and stability make traversing the mining area tricky. Citizens of all ages work the mines daily, with children able to quickly squeeze through small crevices. The ground often shakes with the rumbling of machinery, but recently something else burrowed beneath has been sending quakes throughout the mine. Unusual dragonfly-like insects, glowing green, have also swarmed the area. With operations refusing to cease, a collapse could be disastrous for everyone involved.

◎ The Red Path (7) | IMAGE

Named for its iconic red sand on the surrounding hills, the Red Path leads to and from Libertas. Known for being relatively safe, merchants, travelers, and hiking enthusiasts frequent the Red Path for its beautiful scenery. When reports of frequent animal attacks begin to surface, word spreads quickly. Merchants now take the road warily, and many refuse to hike it. Surviving witnesses say the creature's enormous white bulk stands out starkly against the red landscape. Most injuries consist of burns, and scorch marks mar the area.

Solvunn Commune

◎ Tertiary Settlement (1) | IMAGE

The Tertiary Settlement is a rough place to make a living, but skilled fishermen have learned to thrive. Rundown wooden houses dot the shoreline as boats row out in the hopes that this day's catch will be the one to feed several mouths at once. Lately, the fishermen claim that an unusual leviathan has been spotted in the waters, something massive and grey. Unlike most leviathans, its teeth are blunt, and it doesn't seem to dive deep under the sea.

◎ Shrine of The Maw (2) | IMAGE

This wooden path lined with dark runes leads to a foreboding tree on a hill. This tree sprouts no leaves and sheds no bark. At the base of its trunk are lit candles. Old and new wax alike stains the tree's roots. This tree is the central shrine to Dyvoraetiir, Herald of the Maw. Dyvoraetiir consumes hopes and dreams, sending those who offend into despair. Intriguingly, the reptilian rock-like creature spotted here is not the threat it should be. Instead, witnesses say it's sluggish and disoriented...and other beasts who arrive through the rift will exhibit similar symptoms. Commune elders fear this is a sign of an angry god. They're desperate to protect the area from further disruption.

◎ The Offering Grove (3) | IMAGE

East of the Secondary Settlement is a popular ritual site. A winding spiral leads to the grove's center, where a large offering bowl sits. Offering bowls are common in Solvunn, but the Offering Grove hosts the largest bowl. Made from sanctified metals, it never rusts or erodes. Many travel to this site to make crucial requests or as a show of penance. Because rituals may take several days or longer, many are reluctant to undo their work and refuse to leave the site, despite the glowing pink light that shines from the shadows.

◎ Mountain Ritual Site (4) | IMAGE

Halfway up the cliffs is a small rounded platform. Crafted to divine truth and one's true path, this is where many seek their answers. The mountain air is said to provide a person with clarity and even visions. Elders have grown concerned by returning visitors who say they've glimpsed the face of a new God, a hulking figure with a decorative mask of hanging tassels.

◎ Forest Shrines (5) | IMAGE

Several shrines make their homes in the Solvunn forest, dedicated to Gods you might've encountered or heard of. The most popular shrine caters to all Gods of the land. Sacrificial bones rest beneath the arched altar, bones that locals whisper are moving. Elders fear not only upsetting the Gods but damaging precious and ancient shrines that served the commune for centuries.

◎ Feintak Ritual Site (6) | IMAGE

If you were here last June, you might've taken a journey to the hills just outside the Primary Settlement into a small wooded area that hosts a plethora of unsettling statues. Called "Feikinstaftaka" in the old tongue, locals refer to it as "Feintak" to avoid invoking the power of its true name. Used to remove high-level curses, performed only under the guidance of the Solvunn Council, this sacred area keeps a tight lid on dark magic - magic that could spell disaster should it be unleashed. Unfortunately, that might've already happened: a walking figure shrouded in shadows has been spotted in the area, and no one knows what it means.

◎ Abandoned Settlement (7) | IMAGE

A popular trading route skirts the edge of this swamp. Well-worn and overgrown, the few homes still standing are in disrepair. Despite its foreboding appearance, the swamp hosts small creatures said to be servants of all nature gods. Playful and harmless, they emerge to seek treats from visitors. They might be recognizable to a group of Summoned who undertook a delivery quest several months ago. Locals say the spriggans won't come out anymore, as if they're hiding. A small pile of crushed pebbles suggest a few have met an unfortunate end. Witnesses report stomping and a disturbing growl from deep within the swamp.

The Horizon

The world outside is not the only realm in chaos. Anyone who enters the Horizon, whether to retreat, recoup or connect with allies, will find unwanted visitors. Anomalous Beasts will appear here as they do across Abraxas. Their presence might damage your domains or cause unwanted environmental changes that you must contend with.

Unwanted Visitors

The Horizon is an unfamiliar landscape to the Anomalous Beasts. Unlike the Summoned, the beasts won't have the sentience to understand it. Their entrance is involuntary. They won't know how to leave on their own and will wander through the domains as if those spaces are real, reacting how they normally would to any sudden appearances or threats.

Of course, as the Summoned, you have full control of the Horizon. As you observe the Anomalous Beasts that appear, reports from outside begin to make one detail clear: when an Anomalous Beast is active in the Horizon, they're asleep in the real world - and will stay asleep unless they "die" in the Horizon or are disturbed outside. Maybe you could use this to your advantage?

You can use the Horizon however you wish, but some possibilities are:

◎ Coordinating with teams outside the Horizon to keep the Anomalous Beasts occupied and asleep in time for an ambush.

◎ Killing the Anomalous Beast in the Horizon will force it to wake abruptly. If done correctly, this will be advantageous, but if done incorrectly, it might cause more chaos.

◎ Studying the strengths and weaknesses of the Anomalous Beasts in a contained environment before approaching it in the real world

The Domains

The arrival of the Anomalous Beasts will impact your domains as they travel from place to place. Important fixtures or buildings might be broken or torn. Created animals or pets might be crushed or injured. Ominous wisps of malice linger like a foul friend amidst the wreckage.

Direct damage is not the only possibility. The Horizon is constructed from memories and influenced by emotions. As a result, the presence of the Anomalous Beasts can cause unwanted shifts and changes to your carefully constructed space. You may find a once peaceful area of your domain has grown twisted and dark from a hellish Anomalous Beast. Maybe a beast associated with fire has manifested pools of magma.

As is the case under all circumstances, any involuntary effects on your domain will cause a sense of unease, and you'll feel compelled to fix it. If you have a weaker connection to the Horizon - either because you don't go in often or don't create much inside it - you'll find these changes harder to mitigate.

On the other hand, if you have a stronger connection to the Horizon, you'll have an easier time retaking control of your domain and reversing the damage.

This aspect is optional. Impacts on your character's domain, if any, are entirely up to players. Characters can also help each other rebuild their domains.

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Comments

b!

[theidlemaiden]

[ When Finn had asked her for assistance visiting the Horizon, she hadn't hesitated in saying yes, of course. As new arrivals, all of them had that shared experience of entering the first time and there were probably a myriad of feelings wrapped up in that.

The moment Hilda arrives in his domain she finds herself faced in similar environment to that which they left. For a moment she wonders if she's somehow done it wrong, but no. There's no city as far as the eye can see, just sand dunes and rocks. And she knows for a fact she hasn't learned Warp from Linhardt or any other kind of teleportation magic so there's very little chance to somehow teleported them into the desert surrounding the city.

But if she's here, then where's her newly appointed charge? Surely not by the large creature. ...Never mind he's by the large creature. Why is he by the large creature? Hilda quickly learns that trying to get him away from said large creature is a bad idea and suddenly she's running as fast her legs will carry her over the sand - which is to say not very fast because when does she ever find herself running in heels in the sand? Her surprised screech unfortunately happens to catch the attention of the creature and soon she's got Finn, and whatever this thing is running after her. ]

Finn - stop! This is completely the opposite of what a first visit to the Horizon is supposed to be.

[hatejakku]

[ The thing with Finn's name is that it wasn't always his name. He's only been going by 'Finn' for about a year or so now. However, hearing it does ring a bell, and he realizes that she's referring to him, but it's a startling realization.

She knows him. His name is Finn. He has a name.

Unfortunately, he's not a fan of surprises at the moment. The good news is, the sand makes him even less coordinated than he already is. With the additions of his confusion and unfounded rage, it slows him down significantly. Not enough, though. He's still pursuing. Still gaining. ]

Who are you!?

[theidlemaiden]

[ That is a fair question that she can't fault him for considering this is quite literally his first foray into the Horizon. Just because it's fair doesn't mean that she has to like the tone of that question very much, never mind not understanding why he's suddenly so livid. Unfortunately it's difficult for someone to sound annoyed or even despairing when they're trying to suck enough air into their lungs so they can continue running away from a hulking creature and a person she just met. ]

I'm Hilda.

[ She almost says, 'Remember?' but then realizes no. He wouldn't remember. A whine of frustration leaves her mouth and she almost stumbles. It gives both Finn and the creature time to close some of the distance. But her training with Steve had paid off somewhat - she's able to catch herself before stumbling and she takes off again, kicking up sand in her wake. Over her shoulder she shouts at him over the pounding rumble of footsteps. ]

I know it's a really weird time and you're really confused but if you just give me a second to explain and we can find a place to talk - preferably without a big creature chasing after us - I promise it might make a little more sense!

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's not particularly interested in giving anyone a second, though he's also unsure why he's chasing after her at all. She's running away, that should be good enough. Whatever she's talking about certainly seems to be leeching out some of his anger, though, allowing him to even acknowledge these things.

But still. ]

If you want to talk, why are you running?

[ The rancor seems to angry, roaring behind him, but it also isn't really built for endurance racing. It slows its pace, seemingly content that Hilda is out of its "territory." Finn has no such intentions, unfortunately. ]

[theidlemaiden]

Great question! [ This entire conversation is ridiculous so much so that she can't help but splutter a humourless laugh out as she continues to race across the desert. ] But maybe we could answer why you're running after me first? I just got here! 

[ A quick glance over her shoulder fills her with some level of relief - the creature that had been running after the both of them seems to have lumbered back the way it came which leaves just Finn. Maybe she could chance it and try and not run anymore? Maybe that was the problem here? Unfortunately all of her instincts are still dissuaded by his furious tone.

Hilda's pace begins to slow as she turns around to face him. Her feet are still moving and she's gasping for air but at least she's not in danger of being eaten anymore. A small blessing, really. ] 

What if on the count of three we just stop running? 

[hatejakku]

[ Finn begins to slow down as she does but still doesn't stop yet. He only slowed at all out of the sheer confusion she's putting in his head, something dipping dangerously close to frustrated. But it does get him thinking about why he's chasing her, even if he hasn't actually answered the question. She doesn't appear to be threatening, after all.

His eyes scan her from head to toe a few times, still clearly looking angry but not exactly on the attack. Currently, at least. ]

Fine. But you're going to answer my questions.

[ He has plenty of those, and maybe it's more productive to let out his anger with words instead of fists. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Slowing is a good sign, she thinks. A very, very good sign. But her feet are still moving backwards trying their best not to trip over her own feet which would be easy to do with the sand dunes and how fluid it felt beneath her. 

The breath she lets out sounds like it's meant to be somewhat of a relieved laugh at his agreement were it not for the fact that she's trying to catch her breath at the same time. She holds up her hands innocently to show that there really isn't any need to be more than slightly annoyed at the turn of events he's found himself in. Annoyed, she can tell with. Full tilt angry running? Not so much.

As the distance between them closes, she can't help but feel an odd urge to reach out to try and steady him like that would somehow ground him. That urge is quickly batted away. Somehow she got the impression that that would be an awful idea right about now. ]

I'm happy to answer whatever questions you have. Maybe at the count of three we could stop moving? [ She tries her best to look as pathetic as possible. ] I'm a little out of breath and answering questions when you're out of breath is kind of difficult.

[hatejakku]

[ At this rate, if they really are going to slow to a stop, Finn's more than okay with putting distance between them. Anger is still licking through his veins, but he's having a hard time figuring out why his instincts have her pegged as an enemy. As such, he's paranoid as hell.

But he does stop without even the need to count. ]

Where are we?

[ It comes out far more as a demand than a question. At least he's still willing to wait for her to catch her breath.

And there's a stupid part of him that still wants to close the distance, probably to tackle her or something. He wants some form of contact. Maybe to give him better control over the situation. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ To say she's relieved when they finally stop is an understatement. But she's still wary, ready to run at a moment's notice again. Really, the smarter thing would be to summon Waffle to fly her out of there - but maybe Finn could fly too? Questions for later when.

She turns to face him, holding her hands up slightly. Looking at him face to face now she feels the urge to reach out again reassuringly in some way. Instead she stays stock still where she is. ]

We're in a place called the Horizon. I know it's going to sound super unbelievable, but you asked me to bring you here. Neither of us are in our worlds right now.

[ Hilda continues to give him the abridged version of what he had probably been given at the family dinner if he had attended. They had been Summoned to a world called Abraxas that is in the middle of a war that isn't theirs, no there is currently no obvious way home for them, and the current state of events which includes whatever creature that had just chased them way. Oh, and he probably wouldn't remember any of this when they got back to the Sarstina but that's what she's here for.

When all is said and done she gives him a somewhat wary look. ]

[hatejakku]

[ ... What. Finn stares at her in disbelief, his anger very slowly evaporating with every word and explanation she provides. None of it sounds believable, it all sounds absolutely crazy and like the worst cover he's ever heard, but she is telling the truth. He knows she's telling the truth.

Well, as much as she believes it's all true.

At one point, he even glances back to look for the rancor that he'd seen for a moment, but it isn't there now, somewhere lumbering about behind the dunes. So he turns back to her, still a little bit stunned. ]

You said your name's Hilda.

[ He doesn't sound as aggressive and demanding, and he still wants to approach, but Finn stays where he is. For now. ]

I'm... sorry? [ Is he?? Should he be?? ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Her eyes watch as the coil of anger in his body slowly begins to unravel, but it's his apology that makes her body almost sag with relief. She'd have no way of knowing if the outrageous tale she had just delivered to him had landed but it's nice to see that it seemed to be making some sort of headway.

The urge to step closer is still there and she finally gives in, taking slow and deliberate steps to close the space between them. She's always been a more tactile person, quick to give little arm pats or hugs if she felt like the person was inclined and comfortable with them. A hug might be out of the question right now but she does at least reach out giving him a hesitant little pat on the shoulder along with a lilt to her voice. ]

Normally I'd say that you're not forgiven because I hate running - but considering the circumstances are a little weird right now, it's no harm done.

[hatejakku]

[ Finn tenses when Hilda steps closer, but he doesn't move away. Instead, he stands there, muscles coiled tight, ready for anything. Even when she reaches out and every instinct is screaming at him to break her wrist, Finn does nothing.

And even though he saw it coming a million miles away, it's like the contact surprises him. Not just in how he jolts just a little, a tiny flinch, but the fact that it's so... calm. Hardly a second passes and his shoulders begin to relax, the anger leeching away into confusion and maybe a little wonder.

As such, a long beat passes before he finally says something. ]

You run good.

[ For someone who... hates running... He's just saying. She's good at it. But he just tries to dispel some of the awkwardness and let's out a sigh. ]

Thank you.

[theidlemaiden]

[ There's still tension coiled in her body as she waits for his reaction to her touch but when it doesn't come, she can't help but feel like whatever angry spell had overcome him is now gone. ] 

I run good? 

[ That's inherently meant to be a compliment and she knows it, but a laugh splutters past her lips all the same. She's unable to help herself because well, the absurdity of this situation dictates that she has no other choice but to laugh. It's either that or cry and she's had her fill of that over the last several months for reasons completely unrelated to this. 

She looks a far cry from the panicked mess she had been minutes before. ] 

I can't say that I've ever been told that I run well before. Not exactly the kind of thing a girl wants to hear but I'll take it. 

[ The smile on her face shows that she's only teasing. ] 

You're welcome. Although I'm not sure that I really helped you accomplish whatever it was you wanted to do here. 

[hatejakku]

[ Whatever tension is left manages to leave him when she laughs. That's better. He still doesn't have a clue what's going on, but this seems like a step in the right direction. Even if he's not well known for giving the best compliments in the world. ]

I-... [ He wanted to do something here? Well, of course, he must have if he was asking for someone to take him here. Unfortunate that she doesn't know either, though. ]

Well... you're not mad that I tried to chase you down. That deserves a thank you, in my opinion... I don't know what I was thinking.

[ Scared and confused? Concussion? Probably all of that. ]

we can probably wrap soon? 💕

[theidlemaiden]

[ A hand is waved to show that it really isn't that big of a deal. There could have been worse things that could have happened. They could have been chomped whole by a creature as a snack. ]

Oh, well who hasn't chased someone down before because of a little misunderstanding?

[ And besides, she can't really hold anything that the Horizon might have done to him because she's assuming that's what happened. She brightens, making a concentrated effort to try and move past it. ]

And if anything it'll be a funny story to tell about the origins of our friendship later on. [ Because that's obviously what they're going to be after this. ] Maybe next time you could show me more of your domain sans big creatures and running?

works for me!

[hatejakku]

[ Who hasn't... chased someone down... Well, Finn can't say this is his first time in such a situation, so why not? Even though he's a little concerned there at first, a genuine smile comes out when she says they're going to be friends. That doesn't sound half bad.

But, oh, he surprised again. ]

Domain? This is mine?

[ He looks around, thinking that it just figures he'd get a desert. But the more he looks, the happier it makes him. He's not sure what the hell's going on, but he sees opportunity here. Weirdly enough, he knows everything will be okay. ]

Yeah. I think I'd like that.

[theidlemaiden]

Yup! Every last grain of sand until it touches the border of someone else's domain is all yours.

[ Even after all this time here Hilda isn't certain how there could be something with infinite, vast amounts of space. Thankfully a good way to know is by physically seeing that you've butted up against something that clearly wasn't yours. ]

But we can talk about your decorating choices later. [ Cheerfully she extends a hand towards him. There's no actual need to hold hands in order to leave but for some reason it just feels right. A real token of understanding and forgiveness as it were. ] Why don't we head back to the Sarstina? All that running made me hungry.

[hatejakku]

[ Every last grain of sand. Wow. How lucky... Maybe he can do something with all this later, though.

For the moment, he has no idea what the Sarstina is, but he already trusts Hilda quite a lot. And food sounds like a great idea. So he smiles and takes her hand, unsure what's about to happen but unafraid. ]

Sounds good to me.

[ He's not even bothered when the world begins to fade. ]