• OPEN •

[carmesi]

WHO: anyone and everyone in solvunn
WHAT: mingle for the summoned, particularly the new people
WHEN: a day or two after the new summoned arrive
WHERE: in aloy's homestead—crossing some wilderness but close to the primary settlement
WARNING: TBA

A. THE JOURNEY THERE

The invitation to Aloy’s homestead is made shortly after the newly Summoned find their bearings within the Primary Settlement. Aloy begrudgingly agrees to it, but seeing as how their group has grown within Solvunn—it probably is for the best to be a little more open to the presence of others. Much like with the treehouse by the lakes, it’s good to know of another place further away from the settlements where the Summoned might feel comfortable enough to traverse into.

That is not to say that the homestead is very friendly to strangers, though. Aloy has set up tripwires, disguised pitfalls, snare traps, and other devices in the surrounding area, creating thus a challenging attempt for anyone who wants to travel there by themselves. Additionally, a way to avoid most of that (read: not all; consider it a bonus for getting close to the homestead) is to go through the arboreal parkour course that has been set up. A network of catwalks, platforms, and balancing ropes to traverse the woods. Reaching Aloy’s truly is a test of guts and skill. 


(Alternatively, travel with Wanda or Himeka—the path clears up for them. For the ballsy, follow Nero and Rocket; surely they aren’t scheming anything…)

And, past all of that, the woods will open up to a tall, spiky fence, about eight feet tall, and the gate will lead towards the homestead proper.

B. HOME SWEET HOMESTEAD

The seasons are turning, and while Solvunn doesn’t suffer from incredibly cold winters, there is definitely a chill in the air. Storm clouds in the distance by the coast rupture with booming thunder, bringing down the temperature quite significantly. It makes the bonfire burning outside a welcome source of warmth. Despite the threat of rain, there’s a strong chance the skies will clear up, as the wind picks up.

Within, Aloy’s homestead boasts the woman’s survival and technical skills. Making the most of her resources, there are meats hanging to dry, chopped wood on the side of the house, and animal skins splayed out that will most likely need to be stored at some point. The inside of the homestead is a simple affair, but for someone who isn’t in the business of receiving guests, it’s decent enough.

For today, the space—inside and outside—has a few extra wooden chairs and tables, picnic style, and they’re decorated with an assortment of food: recently harvested apples from the orchard, berries, roasted mushrooms and acorns, and more complex dishes thanks to Himeka’s arduous work in the kitchen the day before. At one point, a giant stew will cook over the bonfire, with meats and veggies, with bowls to the side for anyone to take their fill. Additionally, there will be grilled fish, flat breads, baked cabbage with lentils and, for those with a sweet tooth, apple pie. Wanda will also be sharing sarmale, a pot of goulash, spinach and cheese pastry—gibanica, and a table of assortments to build their own burgers. Additionally, there will also be apple cake and mandelbrot cookies. All in all? No one’s going hungry at the homestead.

But, worry not, all that food needs to go down with something. Barrels of mead and ale will be available for all to drink. For those who don’t want anything alcoholic, there is apple (and other fruit) juice available.

Make merry and mingle, new faces and old faces alike.

And, of course, please take one of the pamphlets.

C. THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING

Lightning strikes, and almost immediately the boom of thunder brings an eerie quiet to the homestead and the forest past its fences. There’s the awkward laugh the tries to break the silence, shaking the jitters away. Some are quicker than others in mobilizing, perhaps feeling the pinprick of raindrops that others don’t, and start moving what they can salvage from the food and miscellaneous items into the cabin. Some may choose to spare themselves of the rain, pushing the way inside or hiding under the roof’s awning at either side of the cabin; others may be entirely unbothered by the rain, as heavy drops fall fast from the darkened skies.

More thunder rumbles in the distance, roiling ever closer from the mountains in Thorne’s southern border.

A few Summoned might notice it first, that it isn’t really the rumbling of thunder that shakes the muddled earth. The grunts of approaching beasts are mixed with the sound of hooves drumming up in rhythm of an uninvited approach. Birds fly away in flocks as the mammoth boars make their way through the forest, inadvertently towards the homestead.

They are due their mating season, and traveling to the wintry mountains of Thorne has been delayed by the appearance of the beasts in the rifts, the journey now a toll on the boars as the continuous lighting and thunder confuses, frightens, and angers them.

They ram into the fence at different points, and chaos would soon ensue, but thankfully all the Summoned have their powers back.

Right?

D. CLEARING UP

After a few boars were felled, the rest scrambled and escaped, continued their path northward. Killing some of them was inevitable, but nothing ought to be left to waste. The skies clear, the waning moon appears over a colorful sunset, and the rain stops. The fire is built again in earnest, and meat is, quite literally, back on the menu at the grilling station, as per Nero’s helpful suggestion. Some fences need a little mending, and a general amount of cleaning up within the homestead needs to be done, too.

As sunset gives way to nighttime, the sky—once marred in dark tones of gray—gives way to a beautiful night sky, with stars and constellations to be delighted by many. Wanda will be offering to dry the wet clothes of those still sticking around, and Himeka hands over warm cocoa or warm cider, something for everyone.

Now that things have quieted down, and with folk sitting around the fire or standing just by the edges of it, Rocket and Wanda inform everyone of the letter from the Nether that they received—something, perhaps, so they can get a general idea of what everyone thinks; about getting involved, about helping, about Solvunn’s interests in all this. It’s not meant to start an argument, debate, or a long conversation, but it’s something to have everyone think about — to know that they might be sent off somewhere else, soon, for a while, and brace for the trip.

Those who have been in Solvunn for a lot longer will be around, to ask questions or start a conversation about what has happened, what is currently happening, and theories for their futures, here.

Aloy didn’t mention anyone can stay to sleep, though, so best feel ready to head back at some point.

Comments

BOARS

[aquaveiled]

[ The boars' timing couldn't have been worse. The storm rolling in gives them plenty of cover both visually and aurally, the sound of rain hitting the earth like so many little hooves in between the cracks of thunder and lightning. Were the weather more forgiving, she may have suggested a roast outright, but mayhaps that will have to wait until after the attack has ebbed.

If anything, it gives the newly Summoned an opportunity to strut their stuff, so to speak.

She may not have a sword to offer--and thanks to Wanda it seems like that is covered--but she can offer something just as useful. She thinks. Just as Sandor fells one of the boars with bloody gusto, another rears up to avenge it's fallen comrade. In that same instant, a wall of ice shoots up from the ground, taking the brunt of the boar's charge as it's forced backwards.

Himeka stands with her cane above her head, readying her next spell as small orbs that orbit around her like planets to a star shift from blue to a fiery orange. ]

You're not quite done yet!

[dogmeats]

( Here he is, bracing himself to be bowled over by a giant bleeding swine, thighs tensed, sword arched, spine bowing forward, eyes target-locked and preparing for impact — but then right before the beast clears the space between them, an rush of frigid cold blows by. Where once was a view of trees and pigs, in a blink, there is only ice as solid as stone, sucking the warmth from the air.

He double-takes, baffled, bowled over by confusion rather than hog. His eyes jerk up toward the source of the voice, and he sees--

Well, he's not actually fucking sure what he sees. A girl, or a lizard — some combination of the two, nearly as bizarre as the Drow he met on the first carriage ride here. Not quite as bizarre as the shark man, but for fuck's sake, how many different non-human types are there running around here?

That's not the most pressing issue, though. What's pressing is those orbs circling around her that quickly begin to look an awful lot like fire. He points his sword at her accusingly, and shouts- )

You hit me with one of those flaming fucking balls, and it'll be the last thing you do!

( It's the first hint of fear he's shown since he's been here. Not even the boars inspired it. )

[aquaveiled]

[ That's exactly what they are and, notably, much more powerful than any glacial manipulation she has available. But it's so second nature in the midst of a fray to bring out the spells she knows hit hard--the change in timber of his voice registers something in her brain, but not enough, not quite yet. Not in the same way Julie had hidden immediately.

Instead, she takes the shout as the sort of banter she's come to expect in battle from someone who is clearly a seasoned warrior. A threat, yes, but not an unwelcome one as far as Himeka is concerned. (Or maybe she should rethink how normal being threatened is? Ah well.) ]

Then you'll be happy to know I have good aim!

[ The orbit of the fire balls expands around here as she directs her cane towards the boar, projecting a fiery explosion right onto it--somewhat serendipitously on the opposite side of that ice wall. The boar shrieks, singed but not defeated, shaking of charred bits of fur and skin as it tries to turn around. ]

[dogmeats]

( His answer is only to snarl out a growl — good aim, she'd fucking better have good aim. There's no time to argue with her, though. The boars are still coming, gaining ground on him even in the brief moment he stopped to shout at her.

The beast threatening to bear down on him is deterred with an explosion of flame, sending it reeling. He staggers back a step or two as the heat plumes gently across his face even at such a distance. Grits his teeth, and turns to shoot her another unhappy look.

And then he's back to it, driving his blade into the snout of another hog. The smell of cooking meat is normally a pleasant thing for him, but right now, it only raises his hackles and his throat swelling thickly with anxiety he won't admit to.

They carry on. Each fireball that comes within ten feet of him has him faltering slightly, but sheer determination drives him forward, almost aggressively compensating too hard as if to prove he isn't bothered.

By the time all's said and done, he wanders up to her and throws his sword down at her feet in exhaustion.

More than a little irritated, he demands; )

Just what the fuck are you, anyway?

[aquaveiled]

[ It's a bit of a mess, though it's no one's fault. The hogs are in a state of frenzy and while she's confident that Aloy would have fended them off to the last if it came to it, Himeka is glad that there were so many others around to protect her homestead. The other woman put so much time and effort into the place, it would be a shame to let ran and a gaggle of rampaging hooves destroy it.

But it's also exhilarating. Himeka has learned to accept that there is something she enjoys in battle, no matter what oaths she'd taken. Feeling your own aether combine with that of the earth, bursting out in something powerful and brilliant--there's nothing like it.

As such, she's breathing heavily and soaked, but in otherwise high spirits despite the carnage around them. Even as the gruff man approaches her and asks her so kindly... ]

Me?

[ Himeka blinks, her smile fading a bit as she looks down at the sword. She stares at it just for a moment.

But eventually, she sets the butt of her cane on the ground and leans on it a little, giving him a once over. Being in the front of the fray--well, he certainly looks like he was in the front of it all. He smells of pig blood. ]

I'm a mage. And not just a sorceress of destruction. Are you alright?

[ Maybe better if she weren't flinging fireballs to his left and right, but... ]

[dogmeats]

( Follow his lead, Himeka: just refuse to take any oaths whatsoever, and then you can do anything you want and anyone who has a problem with it can just go get fucked. It worked out well for him, for the most part, right up until they set Blackwater Bay on fire.

Has he mentioned he fucking hates fire? He might otherwise be impressed with a lady demonstrating such battle prowess, but they're off to something of a bad first impression.

A mage. )

You don't fucking say.

( As though that much weren't blatantly obvious. She's shooting bloody spells out left and right, isn't she? He's fucking gathered that. It's all the rest of her he's confused about. )

I'm fine. But the next time we're in battle, keep your fucking fireballs on the other side of the field.

[aquaveiled]

[ Or you can just make promises to everyone and try to fulfill them all, right? No pressure, no worries. But he's setting bays on fire and worried about what she's doing?

(Valid either way, to be honest.) ]

I do fucking say.

[ Her voice is rather calm despite the liberal use of the f-bomb, as opposed to the f-word she uses most often--"friend". ]

And you're a...

[ She glances at the sword. ]

...more of a Dark Knight, right?

[ Certainly less of a Paladin by his look alone.

He doesn't sound fine, but she isn't going to force healing upon him unless it's truly a dire situation. He's still standing and that's usually the bar minimum when it comes to battle.

And he's making it clear that her magicks aren't exactly welcome. Himeka raises one brow and then the other, feeling like she did a decent job of corralling the boars while leaving him to taking them down in melee. Did he not think it was decent teamwork? She frowns slightly. ]

Do you normally work alone?

[dogmeats]

( There's something he's still getting used to in this world: women who look the part of refined ladies, who look like they may be highborn, all dropping swearwords left and right just as much as he does. Not that Cersei and the like didn't spit their vulgarities in private, but it was much fewer and farther between than the public, vocal casual cursing he's been seeing left, right, and sideways in these parts. Equal parts refreshing and amusing.

Or it would be, in any other situation.

He squints at her, momentarily taken aback from his tirade by the half-unfamiliar term. )

I'm no knight, girl. Dark or otherwise. ( Whatever the fuck that means. ) And I might work alone half the time, but the other half doesn't usually include mages hucking flaming spheres past my head either.

[aquaveiled]

[ No Dark Knight? Well, she wouldn't want to put him in a box that he doesn't feel he fits in nor wants to be associated with. So she simply asks-- ]

What do you call yourself, then?

[ Both by title or name, as she realizes they've yet to exchange those.

Then it starts to register what his issue is. Or, well, at least one of his issues, as she's getting the feeling that he's of a general surly nature most of the time. But particularly now, if he's met with something he dislikes.

Himeka's mouth forms a small "o" as she nods, finally understanding--it's the fire that's the problem, isn't it? ]

I suppose that is a bit much, isn't it?

[ And mayhaps he doesn't feel the same sense of comradery with his fellow Summoned right off the bat. Friendly fire or just...you know, fire fire can be dangerous. Her lips ease into a hopeful smile. ]

Well then, I'm happy to use different spells next time we work together. [ Yeah, she's just assuming that's going to happen whether by intent or circumstance. ] My fire spells are some of my most powerful, but there are others. I'd hate to lose your blade-work, Sir Not-A-Knight.

[dogmeats]

( What do you call yourself, then?

What a good fucking question. What is he now? Used to be a Kingsguard, used to be a sworn shield, used to be a member of the city watch. Used to be a lot of things. Stopped being much of any when he turned craven at the Blackwater and spent his time carting a Stark pointlessly ever northward.

Rather than searching for a title, he snaps back a name: )

Sandor Clegane.

( If he's to call himself anything, might as well be that.

She's right about two things: it is a bit much, and he certainly doesn't feel the same comradery with all these other unfortunate fuckers that got pulled along to this shit village.

It's all he can do to huff disdainfully at her offer to compromise — too angry still to appreciate it, but unable to find any fault in her offer.

At length, he retorts sharpyl: )

See that you do.

( And then snatches up his sword from the ground, intent to stalk off bitterly like the asshole he is. )