• OPEN •

[carmesi]

Who: wanda maximoff + others
When: september/october
Where: solvunn, horizon, nocwich
What: catch-all for the month! including quest, and general top-levels for solvunn. horizon threads based on request! additionally, she'll be in nocwich teaching high magic basics.
Warnings: blood??

Comments

—SOLVUNN • OTA • SEPTEMBER

[carmesi]

[the rifts have closed and the beasts that once terrorized the commune—abraxas at large—are no more, but for a few that have been allowed to roam and remain. as if they had never been there before, things in solvunn start returning to normal. things ease, the land seems to heal, and, as always, there are shrines that need up keeping.

she can do so much with her magic, it feels selfish to do nothing.]

( A ) AN OFFERING IN BLOOD.

[wanda would be found, then, by the forest groves near and around the settlement, sitting on her knees, hands on the ground and fingers splayed out across ground and roots as she chants in whispers. the trees nearby rustle despite the lack of breeze, seeming to groan as they take in the benefit of her magic feeding into their vitality, small white and lavender flowers sprouting throughout the grass. the least she can do, in the absence of having offerings to give, is keep the homes of these shrines wealthy in health and beauty; a practice she has done often before, sometimes with someone nearby trying to learn how to do the same. she remembers carl fondly... and sends a quiet sigh into the world along with another pulse of magic, hoping that he is well, wherever he is.

after a moment, wanda has to sit back, tipping her head up. lines of blood draws down from her nose to her lips, and it's hard to breathe. there's a pattern here that she's noticed, unfortunately, and it's whenever she's used her magic—ever since the monsters disappeared.

it's frustrating, and so she puts her hands back down on the earth, grass blades between her fingers, and continues. drops of blood join her hands, and she refuses to stop despite herself, despite the contrarian pain she feels that comes from using her magic.

less than a minute goes by, before she's tipping to the side—and falling limp on the ground, white and lavender flowers around her.]

( B ) TREEHOUSE ROUTE.

I'm alright. Really.

[as if it weren't embarrassing enough, she gets offered to be brought back to the treehouse. thankfully it's close enough to the primary settlement, so it's just a matter of lasse bringing the goats and cart over for the trip. she waves off any lingering concern, though finds herself unable to reject the basket with fruits and food given to her.

it's all she can do to usher the kind locals away, and it isn't until their backs are turned and they've turned a corner that she lets a heavy exhale, dropping the basket down to her feet and plonking down on a nearby bench. her head still spins from the overuse, earlier, of her magic and whatever this symptom is that is causing her to bleed whenever she does.

wanda picks up her head at the sound of approaching feet.]

—tell me they didn't ask you to keep an eye on me.

[whoever it is, the intention is written clearly on their minds. the locals are eager to help the summoned, but they know that it is best when they deal with one another.]

I'm just waiting for Lasse and the goat carriage.

( C ) PRAYERS FOR A SHRINE.

[it seems that wanda doesn't know the words 'stay put', 'rest', or 'tell someone if you're going anywhere'. at the treehouse, she's pulled out her horse from the small stable area to get him all dressed up and suited in leather for a short trip.

sometimes, in the treehouse, she and the others have guests that they're not aware of. sometimes, if someone wants to sleep away from the settlement, or got caught out late at night around the area, they are free to stay—or come around for one of the meals. their doors are always open. this is very much the case, right now.

wanda tightens the bridle on her horse, then moves back inside towards the kitchen, to get her bag with some supplies—food and water, that is, not quite acknowledging whoever else might already be there, eating fruit loops with milk, or whatever other assortment for breakfast.]

A - YOUR MOTHER IS WORRIED

[beautifullies]

[ Since the rifts, Claire's found herself gravitating back toward the shrines more often than has been typical for her. Normally, she only makes courtesy appearances to keep the native residents placated, but she's realized the truly sick and/or wounded tend to go where they think prayers will be answered. As a result, every shrine is on her mental list of places to go when she's checking in. It's sheer coincidence that she comes across Wanda. As soon as she sees her hair, Claire's rushing, kneeling down beside her.

Before moving her, two fingers check for a pulse, and when she finds one, makes a safe assumption that there's no spinal or neck injuries, bringing her onto her back. ]

Wanda? Dear, it's Claire. Can you open your eyes for me?

[ Thanks to the various magical lessons others have been helping her through, Claire's sensitivity to magic is more than what it once was. Even without it, it's obvious by the flowers that this is a magical malady, not an attack. ]

[carmesi]

[wanda comes back to slowly, but there's a warmth that keeps her anchored—a voice that pulls her out from the depths of her unconscious mind. for a very, very brief moment, she thinks back to herself waking up from a feverish sleep to her mother reassuring her that she'd get better.

her eyes open slowly, and she finds herself looking up at a familiar face.]

Claire. [she swallows, her throat feeling dry, and trying to push herself up to sit; she's a little disoriented, her eyes not quite focusing, the blood that's dripped from her nose a mess on her skin. in a mumble, wanda offers,] —the sky's spinning.

[beautifullies]

[ Claire is supporting her, cradling the back of her head with her arm. She lets out a quiet breath of relief when Wanda's eyes open, again when there's recognition. ]

Just sit still for a bit, there's no need to move much right now.

[ Sitting fully, she supports Wanda and rubs her back for a few soothing moments. When she seems steady, Claire passes over her canteen of water and then looks at Wanda with deep concern. When she speaks, her voice is still warm, but full of worry. ]

When you feel up to it, tell me what happened.

[carmesi]

[sit still—that's what she tries her hardest to do, closing her eyes in the process with a tight knit of her brow, trying to stop the world from spinning. without the visual information, she's able to process through touch that she is very firmly on the ground, unmoving.

her eyes do open when she hears the canteen of water being passed over, and she reaches for it with hesitant hands, the small sip of water she takes helping the dryness she feels in her throat. she tastes a little bit of the blood that frames her upper lip, and so wanda pools some of the water on a hand, using it to rub it over her lips and chin.]

—thanks. [quietly, wondering if there's any reason why she shouldn't feel up to telling claire — well, anything.] I came here to ... nurture the land with my magic. Like I always do. Except this time, it... started to hurt.

[like she was putting pressure over a bruise]

And then you were here.

[beautifullies]

[ Ever prepared, Claire brings a clean cloth from inside of her pockets, and gently tips Wanda's chin toward her with a soft, questioning look of permission to help finish cleaning her up. Admittedly, her knowledge of magic is still in development, ever evolving as she learns and practices. She may be out of her element, but she does listen. Nothing she's done with Himeka as far as her work on fostering plants has led to pain, but she doesn't have much power, either. ]

Has this ever happened to you before?

[carmesi]

[wanda allows herself to be moved about under claire’s direction, shaking her head at the question. it’s comforting to have someone who knows what to do looking after her.

it’s the small things.]

First time.

[which should be worrying, but wanda doesn’t want to think too hard about it.]

Maybe I’m just — tired.

C

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka likes to cook with the intent that some unexpected guests may stop by--it all gets eaten either way, Rocket and Nero alone can put away more than the average person. But Wanda is very much an expected face to see about the treehouse. She may not have Wanda's telepathy at her disposal, but she's grown accustomed enough to the other woman's presence and aura that her head perks up when she hears the door open.

Looking over her shoulder from the stove, she smiles and absolutely ruins Wanda's attempts to slip by stealthily. ]

You're just in time. It's almost ready!

[ There's no "do you want breakfast" this morning. The expectation that Wanda is, of course, staying for breakfast. ]

[carmesi]

[wanda has no doubt in her mind that himeka is aware that wanda is trying to leave unnoticed, despite her best efforts to not give away what her plans are.]

—I won't be staying for breakfast, Himeka.

[which sounds almost sacrilegious, to deny oneself of himeka's cooking.]

I'll be back by noon, though.

[at least she's honest?]

[aquaveiled]

[ It is sacrilegious and Wanda is usually willing to indulge her ego a bit. That's enough for Himeka to turn away from the stove entirely, resting a hand on her hip as she looks the other woman over from head to toe.

She does look like she's just out the door, all dressed up for...well, being not in the house for a while. ]

An appointment of sorts?

[carmesi]

[wanda shakes her head.]

No, I just… [for someone so short, himeka does manage to make wanda feel bad for doing something she knows she ought to not be doing. wanda knows that she should be staying in, resting, and yet—] I was going to Soris’s shrine.

[whatever is happening with her, maybe it can be fixed with some prayer and meditation.]

I don’t want to just stay in bed all day.

you mean *FOR SOMEONE SO TALL

[aquaveiled]

[ Both of her brows raise then. Ah, yes. She thinks she understands. Though Himeka hasn't made a pact herself, she does visit the shrines regularly. With Wanda, it must feel even more important to keep her relationship with Soris in good standing.

Her suspicion softens a bit as she motions to the table. ]

I'm sure Soris wouldn't want you with an empty stomach. Let me pack you up something to bring with you and for Soris.

[ As an offering. ]

my b

[carmesi]

[when himeka puts it that way, it’s insanely difficult to argue with her; she would definitely benefit from eating, and an offering would always be a welcome thing from any of the gods.]

—if you have any bones, [she starts, by way of acquiescing to himeka’s terms] those are usually more in line with what Soris is about.

[they always have a pile of scraps lying about for one occasion or another. wanda moves to sit down at the table, setting her bag down on the floor.]

What are you making?

B

[leitstern]

Of course you are.

[Jasper sits beside her - with some distance - without invitation. His face is coloured with a cold and thoughtful frown. Did people request him to watch over her? Yes. Is he here for that reason? Not quite.]

The carriage is two hours out. So unfortunately you are stuck with my wonderful company.

[He smiles, sly and wry, in a mischevious manner. One that would have caused his old friend to label him a "brat".]

[carmesi]

[two hours is such a long time to just sit on this bench. with any luck, lasse would be a little more expedite and come around a little sooner instead of getting distracted with something or another out in the fields.

wanda takes a deep breath and leans back.

soon as she feels her strength return to her, she's going to set the basketful of gifts to the side and go about the settlement instead.]

You got somewhere to go?

[why he's waiting for the carriage...]

[leitstern]

Obviously. Such is why we are here, surely?

[Better to believe he has a place to go - a purpose to fulfil - than to realise he has nowhere to go and nobody to visit. He awaits a carriage that cannot come soon enough. People are tiring these days. Give him a break.]

I am returning to the primary settlement. Business has concluded and I find myself growing tired of the countryside. Do you not find it too quiet?

[carmesi]

I might have grown used to it at this point.

[to the quiet, that is. wanda barely notices it anymore, and actually worries when things aren’t quiet.

as it were—]

I’d also argue that everywhere is the countryside.

[leitstern]

[In his mind, there is a difference between a village and a town, a town and a city. His medieval city with a castle and walls. There is no work when things are quiet. But his mind is active enough that he craves stimulation.

So he finds himself desiring a break yet detesting it. He inhales from his spot on the bench. How stressful.]

Is that because the countryside looks familiar to you?

[His words are personal without any intent to pry but the question? That is asked from a desire to connect.]

[carmesi]

I don’t know if it’s because it’s familiar.

[she offers, instead.]

It’s just that Solvunn is a lot of what would be considered countryside. I wouldn’t call any of the settlements cities.

[there’s just nature all over.]

a! m-mom ;-;

[hairington]

[ steve is on his way back from one of his many trips out to the shrines, taking his walk through the tall grasses and flowers as a kind of meditation. there's no telling where his mind is while he's on these walks, no telling what tune he might be whistling to himself, humming or even singing gently, quietly, only enough for him to really hear.

he's not used to finding others out here - or, rather, those he does find tend to have places to go, things they're already doing. sometimes he'll pass locals to and from the shrines, sometimes he'll catch sight of a couple of other teens out in the grasses, on some kind of date.

perhaps that's why there is a brief, momentary hesitation when he sees not only the back of wanda's head - which he does recognize pretty quickly - but also when she seems to collapse to the ground. he doesn't know what's happening, and he should probably be a little more careful and check his surroundings, but as soon as the moment passes he is sprinting out through the grass as quickly as he can. ]

Wanda? Wanda! [ he all but dives to his knees at her side, probably crushing a couple of those flowers she'd just been working so hard to grow. he doesn't even realize he's done it, his hands going behind her neck, turning her onto her back. ] Wanda! Hey- are you okay? Can you hear me? Wanda- [ he shakes her shoulder just a little, not enough to hurt her further if she is hurt but enough to wake her if that's all it is. the blood on her face reminds him, suddenly, of el- and doesn't help the rising panic in his chest.

she's breathing, though - he's checked that much. but if she doesn't wake up he's going to have to carry her back to town, which, honestly, he could but- ] Can you hear me?

[carmesi]

[it's just a momentary thing, and, in that time, wanda doesn't feel much of anything at all. for a very few blissful minutes, she doesn't get to deal with the pain that's locked her unconscious nor the worrisome thought that her magic is somehow being afflicted by an unknown factor.

and then she hears her name. feels someone's hands on her shoulder, one hand by her neck to keep her mostly upright. her own hands feel the ticklish sensation of the grass under them, and her eyes open to find steve with a very much concerned look on his face.

is it because of her?]

I'm okay.

[it seems that she has picked up a few bad habits from one blind lawyer, claiming to be alright when she isn't quite so. her strength is returning to her, though, as is evidenced by her grabbing at his arm with a hand.]

[hairington]

[ it might be a momentary thing, but it’s a terrifying, awful moment. steve feels his stomach tighten, his chest grow cold. for a brief second he’s somewhere else - shaking max’s shoulders, screaming her name, watching as she slipped further away and he didn’t know how to fix it and-

that’s when wanda stirs, and steve feels breath return to his lungs. she moves to push herself to sit up and steve pulls his hands back, hovering inches from her, afraid. because he is, he’s scared, and it keeps that expression there even as she says i’m alright. ]

Are you? Really? Because you just passed out, and… [ he reaches forward without thinking about it, brushing his finger under her nose. ] Is that blood? Wanda, what happened?

[carmesi]

[wanda scrunches her nose at the touch, shaking her head a bit. she brings a hand to rest against her forehead, taking a deep breath as she straightens her back, feels the muscles and bones stretch out under the movement.]

I must be tired.

[she doesn’t want to worry steve.

her hand moves down to just over her lips, rubbing at the blood there. hm.]

Help me up?

[hairington]

[ steve just sort of frowns at her, not quite sure how much he wants to believe her. this is a lot more than 'i must be tired', but also...steve's not sure. maybe this is just something else he doesn't quite understand. maybe this is just one more thing he doesn't know enough about to really fight about it.

his eyes are on her hand as it moves from her forehead to her lips and hesitates there, a bit like she's realizing just how much she is bleeding. steve's reaching into his hip pouch, pulling out a fairly clean piece of cloth. ]

Here- [ to wipe the blood away. and then, when she asks him, steve nods and quickly cups his hands at her elbows, trying to provide something solid for her to grab onto to stand. ] Are you dizzy?

[carmesi]

—thanks.

[she says regarding the piece of cloth, using it to wipe at her nose. it's not the cleanest, but it's not like her blood is making matters cleaner anyway. at the question of whether she's dizzy, she replies with a soft,]

A bit, I think.

[wanda is still gathering her bearings.]

Do you see Clover? [her horse. gaze raising up to meet his eyes, she scans the horizon, but is reluctant to look around lest she makes herself dizzier still.] I had some... snacks in my bag.

[those might help.]