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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.

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[ Erik shrugs, eyebrows raised. ]

Worth a shot. [ As much a joke, he really wasn't asking her to fix that. Wouldn't have made much of a difference in the long run, since he's absolutely planning on continuing with the work, and that will mean getting wet all over again. ]

Alright, that's... one way of helping.

[ Rather intense, but he thinks he likes that. She was fairly vague about her abilities, and he's always been interested in what people can do. Mutant or witch, or whatever else she might be, he's pretty keen to see all the things she's capable of. ]

Metal bending? [ He hums. ] I like that. To answer your question; yes. I'm making use of some tools and supplies to set the fence into place.

[ He waves a hand over one of the sections to show her, nail-like spikes digging harder into the wood, wiring tightening around the beams. ]

[ Julia laughs, assuming the worth a shot was a joke, because she probably would set them on fire. It's the level problem she's dealing with. One flame, easy, but turning it into a mass fire would be just as easy. It might take a while for her to learn moderation. Magic itself has always been easier because there are spells of different difficulty levels. ]

I'll admit it did catch one very neatly, but I didn't think through the aftermath. Aloy, the woman who owns this place, seems to like digging holes and things, but she probably knows where they all are.

[ Julia likes her gumption though, she's a very interesting person. She'd love to ask her about the parkour thing sometime. It's clear the way in was a way to keep people out, but she didn't try to change it for all of them. Which means it would be too hard, or maybe people forgot to inform her they were taking over her space.

She's still learning about this community and the people in it. Unsure of the answers right now. She looks closer at the section he's trying to show her, the bubble coming with them. ]

Very cool and handy of you. I guess you're settling in pretty easily, handy seems to be a valuable resource around here.

If it's big enough, she'll know where that one is too, [ He points out with an arch of his eyebrow. ] I wouldn't worry much about it. She could make use of it for something, and if not, I'm sure there are plenty of powered people here who could fill it back up again.

[ The way they're all helping fix the place so quickly is proof enough of what they all can do, so Erik doubts a hole in the ground will be much of a challenge to them. Erik could probably assist with it, but he's got a feeling that to others here, all it would take is a wave of a hand to make it as though it had never happened. ]

I could do it by hand too, but, [ He shrugs. This is easier, and faster, and maybe he likes showing off just a little. He's proud of his abilities, after all. But as the old, tired man he is, he never knows what to do with being called cool. ] I don't mind the hard work. And Solvunn isn't too different from a place where I lived recently, just less industrialized. But between you and I, this is preferable. To me, anyway.

[ He turns to her, tipping his head. ] How are you settling in? Big city girl, and all. Having a hard time, or...

I'll let her know and see what she wants to do with it. She seems to like traps. I plan on doing that parkour test another time, if she ever lets us come back here.

[ There is no real reason not to, considering they've all been excellent guests and are helping clean things up, but she knows the obstacle course at least is new, and that was a whole lot of crazy. After that, the parkour run should be very easy. The rain was still going strong around them, no sign of letting up, and then there was the boar attack. Quite the welcome party. ]

Why do it by hand when you can do it with magic? Oh, sorry, I mean super powers.

[ For him at least, it's super powers. For her it's magic. They are cousins at the least, in terms of power and the source of them, born to do something supernatural, but he's not a magician. Maybe the magic is a little bit of a crutch for her. She uses it by instinct. There was a time she stopped using altogether because it'd become too much of a crutch, but she's back at it now.

She blows out some air in response to that, a sort of annoyed sigh maybe, which says plenty on its own. ]

I guess I'm settled. There's just a lot of time and space to think. And I know some people like that, but .... [ She shrugs. Clearly not always the best for her. ] I've been so go go go before getting here. My friends and I, we're not the best at taking a pause.

It does look like she needs them.

[ Considering the whole place got trampled by giant boars, it seems like a reasonable investment on her part. Erik would have focused on heavier, sturdier walls, but then he has unique abilities that would help in that regard. This whole place is pretty damn impressive.

Still, he's nowhere near as eager as she is to try Aloy's obstacle course. He was lucky enough Wanda brought him along through a portal, and if he were to return for whatever reason, he would much rather go with that method instead. Or flying, that's definitely an option. ]

That makes it sound like I come from a superhero reality.

[ Which, you know, certainly not how Erik sees it. Even if he were, he'd sooner be classified as a villain.

He lets out a low chuckle, imagining her going stir crazy. They haven't known each other long at all, but you know what? He can definitely see it. ]

For what it's worth, you get used to it. You may even grow to like it. Who's to say?

[ Or this place will get lively soon enough. Also a possibility. ]

Superpowered reality, at least. You didn't say if you and your people decided to go the hero route.

[ His people being mutants, who he did describe as being public but disliked and feared. She can't imagine it would be very comfortable to get attention in the public without doing something with those abilities, but she is used to hiding what she's capable of. ]

Magicians and witches, we're definitely not that.

[ They can afford to be, being secret, but she has no way of knowing what she'd do if her identity did become public. Especially with her goddess powers. People had started to pray to her, and she answered those prayers, but it was all so new. And it was only made aware of by the types who would respond positively to it. She was lucky that way. They aren't villains though, or heroes, just sort of living their lives. Existing with magic ].

My friend Eliot is over in Thorne. They have more cities and a giant castle, which suits him, but I'm not sure I'd choose that either. They're apparently very controlling.

[ Julia doesn't love being told what to do and has a tendency to get a little rebellious under the wrong kind of authority. It's for the best she didn't end up there. Eliot is from her world, the only one she knows of, and she knows not everyone gets that. She saw him in Nocwich and it changed everything in a good way, to know she's not alone, even if they're a long way away. ]

If I believe in meant to be ... I'd say this is where I should be, whether I like it or not.

[ The gods. She has to find them, eventually. It's the only way. ]

There are a lot of us. We can go either way, or neither of them.

[ Some mutants out there just want to be left alone, he's sure. Erik too wants the same, right now. But he has touched on both ends of the spectrum, certainly. He's always been more firmly in a gray area when it comes to morality, something he's very aware of.

But some mutants don't lead public lives, not like Erik has. He'd have a hard time finding a place in the world where no one's ever heard of him, or would recognize him from television or news. He has never cared about keeping his identity a secret, so that's something he's learned to live with. ]

I've heard the same. [ He wouldn't have chosen that place for himself, either. ] It's unfortunate you aren't in the same faction, though.

[ Erik doesn't have a whole lot of people he would want to have around all the time, but if they showed up here, he too would prefer they were in Solvunn with him. ]

Fate. [ He smiles faintly, considering the possibility as he takes a sip from the cider. ] Can't say I've ever been a believer or that, but we shouldn't discard any options, in a place like this.

Okay but do you guys dress up in matching uniforms? [ She grins at him. ] Or wear a lot of spandex? Because that is very superhero energy.

[ Julia grew up a nerd and she still is one, entirely. She loves fantasy of all kind and used to own comic books and graphic novels. She ended up giving them to Quentin or selling them as she got older and focused more on her grown up future as a lawyer, but that hopeful nerd exists underneath the seriousness. ]

Yeah that does suck. I'd much rather we be together. He does like the finer things in life though, I think he'd hate it here.

[ In truth, he's from a farm and hated it so much that they're practically triggering to him. But Julia promised to keep that secret for him, as for someone who wants to be very cosmopolitan, it is a guilty secret. Julia's a city girl herself, as Erik knows, but she is down to earth in comparison to Eliot's dramatic personality. It would be fun to have him here though.

She glances out to the fields.]

I had a fate. In thirty-nine other timelines, I died. But we changed it and now no one knows what will happen in the fortieth timeline.

[ Erik opens his mouth— closes his mouth again, realizes he has no argument to make there. Is being a psychic part of her magic, because... ]

There is a small group of mutants who do go on missions, mostly public defense assignments. [ Best not to get into the details of what the X-Men get up to, it's all... a lot. ] I was only a part of it at the beginning, but there were leather suits.

[ He's going to absolutely skip over the fact that he has worn outfits of his own, as Magneto. It's not like he's going to wear anything like it here, so no point in giving her fodder for teasing him. ]

Suppose it depends on whether he likes you more than he likes those luxuries.

[ For all that Erik can be a loner at times, he thinks there are a handful of people he would gladly be in a different faction for, were he to have that choice. But none of them are here, so it's a moot point. ]

So much for fate, then. [ He says it with a smile, an eyebrow arched as he looks at her. He likes that, rebelling against the notion of fate, or destiny. Predetermination negates free will, and he's a firm believer of the latter. ] That's what the future is, for us lowly humans. We never know what it might hold for us.

Leather suits! [ Julia claps her hands together and laughs. She would absolutely tease him, wise to keep it quiet for now. She might get it out of him another time. She's delighted though. ] I love it. Now they are definitely superheroes, that description is it to a T.

[ So that technically means Erik was one too, when he ran with the group. She isn't going to scratch at that right now though, if he wants to talk more about it later, he can. ]

I would like to think he does, but it's not like we have a choice. He actually knows a lot about agriculture, he said he'd tell me more about it so I can potentially do more good here.

[ Julia won't specifically say that it's because Eliot is a farmboy, but his skills and knowledge will come in handy. She doesn't know how much she wanted to help Solvunn in the start, but by now it'll give her something to do, and she does have an innate instinct for helping others. That's how she became what she is now. Besides, gardening and that sort of thing, it could be soothing, like him fixing the fences. ]

Neither of us saw this in our future, that's for sure. Did you try the obstacle course?

I knew I was going to regret telling you that.

[ He lets out a long-suffering sigh, but he's still smiling, so chances are he doesn't actually regret it. He's lacked friendly interactions like this, it feels good. Even better that he knows that she isn't so much as cautious around him just because of his powers. Granted, she has powers of her own, but still. ]

I've done my fair share of farming on occasion, but I can't say I'm too knowledgeable. People here seem eager to help, at least.

[ Not just the other Summoned, but the locals too. Erik wouldn't mind making good use of his time here, to keep busy if nothing else. ]

No, I came here with Wanda. The path cleared for her, she must be good friends with Aloy.

I promise I'll only bring it up occasionally to tease you.

[ Julia laughs and it feels strange to do that again, so freely, after everything going on, but it is natural. Maybe it's him, maybe they're a little bit like kin spirits for being out of the ordinary here and in their own worlds. Whatever the reason, it's nice. It's cool to think he might have been on a superhero team even if briefly. That's not a thing they do back home, but maybe they should have. ]

I guess we'll be experts in no time at all. It's weird that they don't really have currency, so it's community actions that work.

[ She's a city girl, of course she's also a money girl. Julia's wealthy where she comes from and she's always been aware that comes with privilege. She'll have to learn how to do pretty much everything else. So much is shucking off what she's known. ]

Wanda's amazing, isn't she? [ Julia brightens. ] It's nice to have another witch around.

Thank you, how kind of you.

[ The sarcasm is clear, but he's not even slightly upset by it. She's not mean or cruel about it, and honestly, it is probably silly to imagine. Erik decides that it's probably for the best that she not know about Magneto for now, or about all the outfits that he wore over the years. ]

Honestly, I can't say that I mind the lack of currency. A commune in the truest sense of the word. It might serve me well.

[ He's never had many possessions, nor has he ever been terribly attached to them. The only thing he truly cared about was a necklace, and he doesn't have it with him now, so it hardly matters.

The question draws a soft, admittedly fond smile from Erik, and he nods. ]

She is. [ Amazing, extraordinary no doubt. ] She has a unique capacity to make people feel welcome.

[ She laughs again at his obvious sarcasm but she'll put it in her back pocket to tease him about another time. It's nice to feel that she can with someone, honestly. With most of her friends dead, it's really come down to Q and Kady these days, so she's taking small connections where she can get them. ]

It's not so much that I mind here, but Nocwich does require money, and I'd like to buy some things there.

[ Julia knows she's lucky that she's had funds to tap into her whole life, she wouldn't dispute that, and she's been fine bartering here, but she likes some of the scarves the werewolves have. Yes, they give them warmer clothes here, but she thinks they look particularly soft. They don't work on the barter system so she shows up there penniless. She couldn't stay overnight, she couldn't use the spa. It's probably a silly thing to get hung up on. ]

Yes, she did make me feel welcome right away. I'll say that the group here seems pretty great. Even the two who tried to kill us with an obstacle course.

[ That's said dryly, because she didn't end up dying obviously, but it certainly wasn't an easy time. ]

Well, a little harmless materialism never hurt anyone.

[ Just because he doesn't particularly care about owning things doesn't mean he doesn't understand the appeal. It could be that he would find something at some point he would be interested in having. But he does have a neat ability that allows him to transform any piece of metal into coins, so. (Don't tell anyone.) ]

You really are bitter about that, [ He says with a soft chuckle, looking at her over his drink. ] It's a peaceful, welcoming group. I don't know how it is in the other factions, but I can't complain about this one.

Nothing fancy, they have these incredible scarves that look so warm. Like anyone from the northeast, I am always ready to layer in the winter.

[ Soon enough he'll see that himself, with Julia enjoying the fuzzy sweaters and coats time, with gloves and scarves, depending on how cold it gets around here. She wonders if she will even feel the cold the same way anymore. She isn't cold right now but that could be because she's not wet. That would seem like such a small but real shame to her. ]

I came here with a girl who was messed up by the obstacles on the way in, I guess I just worry about people who aren't ready for it. The course was voluntary, I know, but it could be scary to others, so much all at once.

[ It's not her she's concerned about. She literally has a bubble of protection around her at all times. They can try to hit her with just about anything. She met someone who had never heard of a supernatural thing in their lives, they were overwhelmed by the information here. Julia feels for them; it's only been a few years of her understanding magic. She has a bleeding heart. ]

Well, that's not unreasonable. It does look like it might get very cold during the winter seasons, here.

[ So it's probably not a bad idea at all to prepare for it in advance. Erik hadn't even thought of it, honestly. But then, he doesn't often feel cold. Even now, he's more uncomfortable than anything. ]

Messed up— as in, injured?

[ It seems a little excessive, at least when they've supposedly been invited here. On the other hand, if there's no other way to get here, he supposes it would be up to each person to decide whether they would be up for the challenge. ]

Even among the Summoned, it seems people here rely on magic and superhuman abilities a lot. I haven't met many baseline humans, so far.

I personally love winter. I don't know if it snows here, but I hope so.

[ It's just the kind of season where you wear your fuzzy sweaters and drink tea inside and look at the snow. Maybe one of the things she has to learn here is to slow down and take time to exist without drama, but snow is a perfect way to do that. Apparently they're going to find out soon. ]

I don't think she got injured but her clothes were messed up and she had struggled getting here. I mean, props to her for being determined enough to come anyway.

[ The same as Julia being tossed around every which way during the obstacle course and getting up to do it again. But the point is that it seems like a weird way to welcome people to a community. She nods though when he brings up that people rely on abilities, so it could be an assumption that most of them would be able to take care of themselves. ]

I think Wrench is, I don't know if you've met him. He told me that magic and everything doesn't exist in his world, as far as he knows. It must be really intense to go from that to giant sharkmen.

[ It's not the first time he's seen that sentiment expressed. He can't really say he shares in that feeling, but he has never had a time in his life when he just got to enjoy things for the simplicity of them. The coolness of the snow in his hands, or the warmth of the sun. The smell of dew and fresh grass in the morning.

Everything was always loss, pain and suffering. And then— anger, revenge, violence. Even when he was Henryk, there was always fear there, lurking in the dark. ]

Well, I suppose she made the choice to go through it.

[ But he agrees, it seems like an odd way to welcome newcomers. Erik can't complain, but he's got some advantages. Even if Wanda hadn't helped, he could have just flown here on his own. ]

I haven't yet. But this place takes some adapting even for someone familiar with powered people, so I can only imagine.

[ He finishes his cider, then tips his head at her. ]

Thank you for this. I should get back to work now, if you don't mind.

[ She offers her hand to take the cider back and nods her head. ]

Keep at it, I'm sure Aloy's very appreciative.

[ The woman is very intimidating too, so best to be on her good side, not that Erik probably has to worry about that. ]

Sorry you're about to be rained on again.

[ She'd just be a pest hovering but when she does walk away, so does her bubble. Alas! ]

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and wrap!