EVENT #15: THE NETHER - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #15 - The Nether

OOC event plotting | settings info

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After a Conclave vote earlier this month, you're prepared to accept the formal request from the Nether for your assistance. By now, you'll know who the delegates are and that the dragons have suffered an illness from the rifts that opened this summer, due to the unfortunate actions of one of your fellow Summoned. Whether or not you agree with your Conclave's majority rule, the decision has been made.

The expedition will begin on October 16 and last 10 days. If you need to return home sooner, you can activate your portal stone at any point during the trip, but there's no going back once you do.

Though mysterious, the Draconae - or daemons, as others call them - are not elusive like the Fey. Anyone who's been to Nocwich will have seen a handful of them amongst the population, and some reside in the Free Cities or the outskirts of Thorne. The only nation they aren't found in is Solvunn.

Into the Heart

Your arrival to the Nether is a frosty one. The northern island is barren, save for a thick layer of snow, a few birds, and some hardy insects. Massive skeletal remains can be seen as you walk over the ice. Every few minutes, the ground trembles. The Draconae warriors greet you at the base of the volcano, including Orion, The Warden herself. Though they appear intimidating, they're grateful you're here and will clap you heartily on the back.

Entering the Obsidian Heart requires nerves of steel, but appearances aside, the narrow walkway is sturdy. As long as you're brave, you'll make it down without a problem. The less sure-footed are encouraged to ask for a hand. If they do, they'll be assigned a Draconum warrior who will cheerfully carry them down the winding path. You can also help each other, of course! Any Summoned who are capable can carry their friends, too.

As you venture down, the oppressive heat intensifies...until suddenly it stops. The moment you reach the fiery gates, the smell of brimstone fades from the air and the temperature eases into that of a pleasant summer's day. If asked, the Draconae will tell you this is how it is - a blessing from the two remaining dragons. Without them, the air would suffocate all life within.

Although the main purpose is to aid the dragons, the Draconae will invite characters to take breaks, participate in recreational activities, and explore the Nether. They want their guests to be comfortable, especially as the Summoned have arrived to help.

Around the City

At the center of the volcano lies the Obsidian Heart, where the Draconae reside. Made of stacking homes and stone bridges that spiral downward, it's a wonder how anyone finds their way. There are no maps, signage, or any form of direction. Their ability to navigate appears inherent. The most dangerous beasts lurk beneath the lava, so unless you intend to go swimming, you're unlikely to run into anything aggressive.

Doors and furniture are heavy and are made of iron, bronze, or steel. You might need to push or pull furnishings and doors with both hands and extra effort. Luckily, citizens are happy to help - as long as you ask. If you don't, they won't interfere out of respect for your autonomy. In fact, if they see you huffing and puffing, they might stop to watch and will sincerely cheer for you should you accomplish your objective by yourself.

Watch your sticky fingers. While petty theft is a minor offence in other places, the Draconae are highly protective of their belongings and treasures. Hands and heads have been lost over stolen trinkets.

The Hieran Wing

As a guest, you'll be invited to stay at the Hieran Wing. Named after Hierus, the oldest living dragon, the Hieran Wing is located in the eastern section of the Citadel. The rest of the Citadel is under heavy guard and inaccessible.

◎ The rooms are carved into the stone itself. Bedding is comfortable, if simple, with room to store your belongings. A curved stairwell grants you privacy even though many rooms have curtains rather than doors. The few rooms that have doors contain no locks. Your safety is assured, but if you're nervous, you can ask for a guard to watch you at night.

◎ The dining area consists of open-fire grills, pots, and raw ingredients - including spices and fiery hot peppers. As great believers in self-sufficiency, the Draconae will leave you to make meals to your taste and liking. You can hunt and fish your meat, as well. There are numerous lava pools where one can net jumbo shrimp, crabs, and flaming fish. For larger game, you can go after the Erymaes Boar or Petran Bison. Feel free to share your catch with your friends or offer to cook for the culinarily challenged.

◎ The library contains only fiction. You'll recognize several titles from your faction or Nocwich, suggesting they've brought back their favorite stories to read. Other titles are new, written by the Draconae. Novels and poetry span all genres, but the most common ones seem to be adventure, horror, and erotic romance - some of which contain surprisingly detailed illustrations.

Magma Pools

Outside the Hieran Wing, unusual cerulean magma pools are provided for bathing. Despite how they look, temperatures are equivalent to that of a steaming hot spring. The magma bubbles naturally from within the volcano and provides soothing effects. No soap or cleaning agents are required. These magma pools contain tiny frogs that leap and jump around. The Draconae consider them a tasty live snack. Don't be surprised if you see a local munching on them.

The Foundry

The Foundry has expanded over the past two centuries. A marketplace now circles the ancient forge. Observing the tradespeople inside and their secrets are off-limits. However, you can browse a selection of tools, clothes, accessories, and potions. Healing potions are common due to the Draconae's lack of healing magic.

You'll have the chance to request custom-made jewelry and purchase glass ornaments that are blown for you on the spot. Merchants won't sell the large weapons on display, but daggers and other small weapons are available. They'll also modify any pieces you own by adding jewels, altering the fit, or repairing nicks and faults...for a price. The Draconae deal in Abraxan currency if you have any, but they'll accept a vial or two of blood or saliva as payment.

Negotiations & Meetings (Rank 5+)

The first order of business is to present your Conclave's terms to the Inner Sanctum, the Draconae's governing body. If you've been voted as a delegate, you'll be greeted by the NPC meeting you (and your partner, if you have one). If you haven't been selected, you can still speak to some of the NPCs available.

A Place at the Table

Negotiations will take place in The Solar on the second day, a hall lit with a fiery orb of light. This is where the Inner Sanctum conducts all of its business. Tightly guarded, you're the first outsiders allowed inside in centuries. Here, you'll have the chance to present your terms and convince the Draconae to accept. You'll also have the first day of your arrival to gather a few details about the NPC you'll be meeting.

Only one meeting is required. The Nether will give you their final answer the following day.

Be sure to reply with the terms before starting the thread. Mods will approve or ask for revisions, so try to submit your points by OCTOBER 17.

Once approved, please TAG IN with your character under the correct faction heading.

Meeting the Inner Sanctum

Members of the Inner Sanctum who are not involved in diplomatic affairs are Aster, The Guardian and Anneth, The Flame. Additional descriptions about the two NPCs and where they can be found will be in their character comments below.

Characters who are Rank 5+ (negative or positive) and who are not acting as delegates can speak with one of the two NPCs above.

To do so, TAG IN with your character under the NPC you want to meet.

Runaway at Pyritean's Rack

Abraxan outsiders will whisper that Pyritean's Rack is a nefarious torture device created by the Draconae for their victims. This is true if the victim in question is delicious meat. The Rack, in other words, is a giant cooking area filled with grilling racks and pits. Shelves of ingredients and spices line the perimeter. Its most striking feature is the primary heat source, which uses magma rather than fire. Ingredients and meat unique to the Nether result in dishes and flavors not found elsewhere. Hot peppers are a popular feature.

The Draconae cook and share their food each night at the Rack. The station is always occupied. Locals take turns hunting and fishing, preparing ingredients, and cooking. Consequently, food is provided without cost. You only need to lend a hand.

Not everything goes smoothly, though. An escaped hatchling has infiltrated the Rack, and Khloris, the baby dragon, is eager to snatch and steal food throughout the week.

Earning the Torch

Impromptu competitions are frequent. They usually begin when one cook sees another outdoing them and makes a challenge. You can either issue a challenge or receive a challenge. Challenges can be between you and the natives, or you can face off with another Summoned. Judging is done by the crowd, which can be chaotic.

Not to worry! There's no downside to losing except your pride. Though the competition can grow fierce and heated in the moment - including vulgar insults and much jeering - once all is said and done, there are no grudges when the food hits the table. Sore losers are looked down on as being thin-skinned.

Winners will receive a jar of spice mix or marinating sauce from one of the many talented cooks. We won't be modding this aspect, so just be realistic with your character's cooking skills. Be sure to work things out with your thread partner if the competition involves another player character!

Escaped Hatchling

One young dragon has escaped its sanctuary at Dragon's Glass. Curious, it's drawn to the smell of food at Pyritean's Rack. As a result, it's disrupting competitions, breaking equipment, and stealing ingredients or even chunks of meat off people's plates. Desperate to get the dragon back before it causes more trouble - or worse, injures itself - the Draconae have asked you to catch the hatchling.

Of course, you'll need to contend with the dragon's unique abilities.

Khloris, the runaway in question, leaves behind small patches of grass. Its pollen dust coats nearly everything it goes near. When eaten or touched, the pollen causes flowers to sprout in your hair for a day or two. It can't fly far or very high, but it's prone to swooping down to snatch meat off the grill. The Flame informs you the dragon can be lured with gold trinkets or bright colors like red and yellow.

To see if your character can catch the dragon, submit for a roll HERE. Submissions will close October 18 at 11:59 ET. Results will be posted on October 19 so players can account for their success or failure.

Ailing Dragons

The two ailing dragons are Hierus, the Obsidian Drake, and Kruos, the Glass Serpent. Mated to each other, they're the only remaining adult dragons in the Nether and have been for decades. When you visit them at Dragon's Glass, their condition is worrisome. The dragons' scales have lost their luster and are grown over with painful white patches. They appear lethargic.

Those researching can offer the dragons healing potions or ointment to aid their symptoms while a cure is worked on. If you're not much of a healer or a scientist, you can feed them or simply spend time with them. The dragons are intelligent and appear capable of understanding you, though they can't communicate directly.

Characters have 3 avenues of participation, depending on their interests and strengths: gathering ingredients, researching the cure, and looking after the baby dragons and eggs. They'll have time to do all three throughout the 10-day excursion.

Finding a Cure

At first, you aren't sure where or how to start. The Draconae suggest the Ashlands may be a place to explore. It's dangerous, they warn, but they have a potion that'll help keep you safe. Due to the hazards, you're told not to go alone. As you travel through the deadened land, you notice an odd phenomenon: where you walk, the air around you clears, and the ground beneath your feet springs to life. You realize you don't need the potion to protect you.

The changes are temporary, fading behind you as you walk. Curiously, the effect you exhibit is similar to what the Draconae claim their dragons are capable of - though to a much smaller degree. Still, you have to wonder if you and the dragons share a similar magical connection to the Singularity. You can't help but notice that those of you who regularly interact with the Horizon and have been doing so for a while seem to affect your environment more. Your aura may be a little larger and the vicinity restored around you lasts a bit longer rather than melting away immediately - maybe even up to a minute or two.

Restoration and Gathering

Your ability to restore the land has unlocked a vital element. Ingredients once thought lost can now be gathered by the Summoned such as yourself, and they may hold the key to curing the dragons. Bring back these ingredients to your peers waiting at Dragon's Glass. The more you gather, the more they'll be able to research and experiment, so don't be shy about making multiple trips.

There are three sections for you to explore. Each one has its dangers and a specific ingredient to collect.

Due to its circumstances, Aetherie is only available on Day 9 of the event, shortly before the cure is finalized. The Draconae will seal the area once more when they realize what's happening. Cinder's Core and Featherhive are open for the full duration of the event.

◎ Cinder's Core

Filled with petrified trees and fossilized bones, the area that restores around you demonstrates its previous life as a flourishing rainforest: the humidity grows, the grass turns lush, and tropical flowers sprout under your fingertips. Although its sulfuric air won't affect you, you'll need to brave dangerous heights to reach the tops of trees and dried-up waterfall cliffs to retrieve the kydros fruit. The fruit smells like citrus and is surprisingly light despite its size.

Vines brought back to life can help you climb, forming ropes for you to climb and bridges that weave beneath your feet. They'll wither once more behind you, so you'll want to move quickly to avoid losing your footing. Height isn't the only danger - the ground below is littered with sharp skeletal protrusions and jagged trees. Beware of dangerous thorn bushes that will come to life in your presence and try to crush you in their spiny embrace as you ascend.

◎ Featherhive

The air here is too toxic for the Draconae to breathe in for long. Luckily you're unaffected. Scattered across the ground are the remaining husks of birds' nests. A dragon's skeleton curls under a rocky overhang. Use your restorative ability to journey deep into Featherhive's heart. Pushing aside the thick overgrowth reveals a small clearing covered in bright crystals for you to harvest.

Although Featherhive poses no physical danger, the land is haunted by shadow birds, ethereal spirits connected to the dragons - and you. As you pass through, they flutter around you and parrot familiar lines to each other. Their movements are jerky and strange. Quickly, you realize the birds are mimicking your memories. They might replicate an entire scene or echo a phrase or two that's plagued you all your life. Or, if you're lucky, they're merely repeating your grocery list. Shooing them will cause them to dissipate into smoke, but they'll soon return.

◎ Aetherie

The loss of a dragon released a noxious gas through this village without warning. Escaping villagers were forced to leave behind those they could not save and seal the doors. The Oblivion is a painful moment in history for many, and none have set foot near the area since. Near the end of your stay, the Draconae request you use your ability to venture where they can't and gather Anoix pods, powerful healing seeds from a plant that only grew in Aetherie. They believe the abandoned huts will contain pouches of the pods on shelves and cabinets.

Entering the village, you expect a tragic scene of corpses. Instead, you find something far worse. The dead have mutated into grotesque arachnids, limbs fused to bulbous abdomens. They show no signs of recognition or awareness and attack you on sight. Hidden in the depths of the purple haze, rat-sized spiders scurry forth. Their venom causes painful sores that will fester and spread if left untreated. Multiple bites may result in temporary blindness or paralysis of a limb. Luckily, this will clear up within 24 hours to a few days, depending on the severity.

Grab the pods if you can or flee if you're overwhelmed. When word reaches The Warden, she'll rapidly send her people to reseal the abandoned village and come to aid any who need it. If you're injured, The Flame and her apprentices will tend to you at Dragon's Glass.

Research and Magic

Dragon's Glass is a glass-domed temple said to be forged from the fires of Kruos. It's located in the Spiral, which is outside the Obsidian Heart. Here, the two remaining dragons reside while ill, along with their clutch of eggs and a few precious hatchlings.

Anneth, The Flame, will invite you into the temple's alchemy labs, where you can apply your skills and knowledge to create the healing elixir that cures the dragons. Doing so requires you to experiment with key ingredients found in the Ashlands. You'll have access to basic alchemy books and apprentices at the temple. Use any additional tools, supplies, and knowledge you possess, and take advantage of the resources donated by the factions.

How you approach your research is up to you, but each ingredient comes with a set of risks - so be careful while you work!

◎ The kydros fruit contains seeds that will explode when heated, causing a chain reaction like popped popcorn. The explosions aren't large, but they might scorch your supplies. Crushing them in the open air results in a similar chemical reaction. However, soaking them in water makes them soften into mush, allowing you to turn the seeds into a paste that could be useful. The fruit is similar to grapefruit and is excellent for a sore throat.

◎ The crystals come in three colors: red, blue, and black. Extended contact will dye your skin that color. The stains are extraordinarily stubborn, so your clothes may not recover. These crystals resonate with a strange hum that suggests they respond well to magic spells. Combining them with a liquid will give off a foul-smelling smoke, so you may need to find ways to neutralize the stench before combining it into an elixir.

◎ The Anoix pods must be used sparingly, as no more can be gathered from Aetherie. They possess strong healing properties, but each pod is very delicate and must be split open with care so as not to damage the soft seeds inside. In addition to researching the cure, you can also attempt to help the Dracaone grow new Anoix plants using the preserved seeds.

The final cure will use all 3 key ingredients. Don't worry too much about continuity! As long as your character participated, you can assume they made a valuable contribution.

However, to assist with coordination, we've provided a RESEARCH DISCOVERY section where you can present any findings your character would share with others in-game.

Hatchlings and Eggs

While curing the adult dragons is a priority, the hatchlings and eggs aren't to be neglected. Baby dragons are active troublemakers, and without their parents to keep them in line, they've become especially unruly. The apprentices at the temple can only do so much. The Keeper has even made rare appearances in Dragon's Glass to lend his assistance.

Meanwhile, the eggs are beginning to show signs of affliction. The shells are beginning to weaken, and the feathery growths appearing on them will suffocate the hatchling inside if left untreated.

Babysitting the Dragons

If you have a spare moment, you can look after the baby dragons. Keep them out of trouble by reading their favorite stories, singing songs, and playing with them. They'll also need to be fed, watered, and their bedding changed or fluffed. The hatchlings are mischievous but friendly. They're eager to bond with the Summoned for reasons unexplained, as if they feel something resonating within you.

Many are attracted to shiny objects and bright colors and will attempt to steal them. Conversely, they might gift you a trinket that they've pilfered from someone else. The local Draconae would appreciate it if you returned any missing tools or jewels.

Hatchlings you'll encounter in Dragon's Glass are:

◎ Okenus spouts water instead of flame. Bearing fins instead of wings, this sea dragon is vital to bringing lakes and rivers back to the Nether. Currently, it can only make tiny puddles and rainclouds. Watch that your belongings don't get wet. Standing near the dragon might cause a small storm cloud to spawn over you and rain down on your head. A simple spell will make the cloud disappear, but if you don't have any magic, you might have to bring an umbrella.

◎ Epeius can form miniature gusts of wind beneath its wings, but it doesn't have firm control and frequently spawns them when excited. These small dust devils and whirlwinds will follow you around. Though they aren't powerful, they can be a nuisance, knocking over cups, blowing away hats, and sending papers flying. The other hatchlings will find your misfortune a source of amusement.

◎ Ledas can help salt deposits form in the shape of large salt crystals. Salt is important to the Draconae, which the hatchling is aware of and thus takes great pride in its abilities. The crystals can be eaten as is or crushed into granules. Ledas will strive to impress you with the largest crystals that it can make...which occasionally results in the structure collapsing, littering the ground with salt. You might find yourself sweeping often around this dragon, but at least you'll never be short on seasoning.

◎ Anthusa is a very special hatchling that creates bioluminescent algae. The algae grow on its scales, forming a symbiotic relationship. Unfortunately, without a proper habitat for this algae in the Nether, its glow has dimmed in recent years and the hatchling has become languid and sickly despite its youth. Nonetheless, Anthusa is friendly and curious even if it struggles to keep up with its siblings. You can help Anthusa play by lifting it to heights it can't reach, and carrying it back when the dragon is too tired to walk.

Weakened Eggs

As noted, the eggs demonstrate signs of suffering, too. Three eggs are waiting to be hatched. Whether all of the eggs survive is dependent on the decision that each faction Conclave made regarding resources found, as well as the help provided by you and your fellow Summoned.

The eggs can't be cured until the dragons are cured, but you can help slow the growths by gently scraping them off and wiping the eggs regularly with a clean cloth. They must also be kept heated, so check the magma frequently and refill any magma basins. The growths can be donated to those researching for additional study if you wish.

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Comments

Jonathan Crane | Free Cities

[restingstitchface]

[Plotting comment. Open and closed starters below.
Questions? Find me at safekeeping.]

Rooms / Open

[restingstitchface]

[Crane fingers his hair while tapping his feet. His concentration lapses for a moment - eyes straining to focus before darting to his associate. Their chatter snaps him into the present and he parts his fingers to brush away his fringe.

Fatigue muddles his brain and loosens every muscle. But sleep is the last thing on his mind: he rubs his eyes and nods. But is he listening?]

Would you repeat that?

[One finger rubs below his nose. He feels a personal sort of embarrassment for his current state.]

[thedreamer]

[ The Doctor isn't much paying attention to the physical state of the man before him. No, he's far too lost in his own ruminations, thinking of various things aloud, turning over an assortment of details in his head at a steady pace. It's nothing altogether illuminating necessarily, just idle thoughts of what he's seen so far in the Ashlands, what he's felt after visiting with the dragons, and a host of other stray thoughts. ]

Which bit? The part before or after swimming in the English Channel with a mermaid?

[ Just testing him. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Mermaids. Swimming in the English Channel. Some stories in this world are believable but he hardly knows this man. He inhales deeply - out of fatigue more than frustration - and wonders whether he is aware inside his own dream.

Because it is becoming hard to focus. But this incessant talking is keeping him awake. Not alert, no, but if he can push through the next hour he should be fine.]

The bit that is actually true.

[Does this man ever sleep?]

Library / Open

[restingstitchface]

[Crane buries himself in work; the rare opportunity for learning and experimentation a siren song to his desire for knowledge. But knowledge comes from learning - so today he is visiting a library to deepen his understanding.

But he finds the opposite of what he expected: stories and erotic poetry. There is no love in his heart for the latter. He cannot care for intimacy but remembers he could.

With intense and quiet focus he begins reading. One book becomes two. Three become four. He finds literature a great comfort and is soon reciting a poem.]

𝒩𝑜𝓌 𝒻𝑜𝓁𝒹𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓊𝓅,
𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝓁𝒾𝓅𝓈 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑜𝓈𝑜𝓂 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝒶𝓀𝑒.
𝒮𝑜 𝒻𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝓎𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻, 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝓁𝒾𝓅
𝐼𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝓎 𝒷𝑜𝓈𝑜𝓂 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓂𝑒.

[He is no stranger to reading to an audience.]

[thearchangel]

[Actual paper books have yet to become mundane. They're still pretty damn novel, as far as he's concerned. The stories are the most interesting - way more engaging than having to pour over casualty reports. At least until he hears a familiar voice. And leans slowly around one of the rows of books.]

[... Oops. Now he feels like he's intruded. Just a bit.]

I didn't figure you for the romance type, Doctor.

[restingstitchface]

Ah, Mr. Vakarian.

[Caught with his proverbial hand in the jar, Crane straightens his posture before smoothing out the pages. There is no shame in his manner. No bitterness towards another man who is curious without being cruel.]

Well, I hardly enjoy the popular kind of romance, but I do respect a good poem.

Featherhive / Closed

[restingstitchface]

[Crane has no desire to revisit his past. Considerations of his future and profession are all he entertains - all dedication and devotion is given to his great work. His hands craft his future by exploring the unknown. He ventures into danger and journeys deep into wondrous lands.

One being his own mind.

He brushes fingers against others harvesting crystals from the ground. He flinches and recoils, twitches and whitens and apologises - only to be interrupted by echoes bouncing off the trees. The taunting of the flock is a cold and comfortable blanket.]

Scarecrow!

Nerd!

Boy!

[Each word invokes a different response. The first causes him to wince. The second prompts laughter. But the last sees him pale and freeze - the stern voice of a woman ringing between his ears.]

[nomnoms]

[ This is a task Nanaue is easily suited to - as both collector and pack mule. He seems to be enjoying himself, digging through the undergrowth to find a shiny crystal, his face lit up with excitement. He's accompanied Crane because, well, Crane asked! Whenever they make contact reaching for the same crystal, it's most likely Nanaue's fault, and he seems oblivious to Crane's discomfort. His focus is on the crystals.

Until... ]

Bird.

[ He points over Crane's shoulder at the taunting, shadow bird. Nanaue usually likes birds. They seem to like him too. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Few birds mimic: he knows of parrots, parakeets, cuckoos and lyrebirds. But these feathered pests strike him as mockingbirds. His gaze follows the pointing fin, towards a blackbird on a brach. One bully soon becomes a flock. His lone voice now a chorus.


You ask me, he looks like a scarecrow!

Man, it's like kicking a scarecrow!

Hey, Scarecrow!

The memory of his nickname is enough to silence him. But the word no longer grips his heart. His lips twist and smile and he leans back on his ankles like he enjoys it.]

Ah.

[He looks towards Nanaue, his tone soft and encouraging.]

Perhaps you should go say hello?

[oversight]

[ It's likely morbid curiosity the keeps bringing Blake back to these woods, perhaps even something akin to a sickness. While he doesn't yet like a single thing he's heard from those black birds, their touchpoint to the past and to his home keep him searching; it's one tiny comfort to know the life he was forced to leave behind is worth acknowledging here in any form, but he chases it nonetheless, like a forsaken child searching for validation.

It's the sound of the birds crowing their taunts — familiar in a way that is too obvious to be coincidence — that brings him to Crane. With a bag slung over his shoulder half-laden with crystals, he glances up at one of the birds, over at Crane's pale and prone form, and then scares away the crows into dark dust with a treenut gathered from the forest floor. ]

They'll be back.

[ Figuring Crane could use the free hands to further dispel the mocking murder, he reaches to open his bag in case the doctor wants to make a deposit. ]

And they'll have somethin' to say 'bout it.

[ Is he here to save Crane? Not entirely, no, but there's a tinge of intention here where he might not have otherwise bothered. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane lifts a finger from his bundle to adjust his glasses: moving his arms to circle his collection. The silence of the clearing is punctured only by the voice of an associate. He shakes his head at that and offers a small smile. He cannot deny this man is proving useful.

His cold expression fades as crystals fall and tumble into the sack. Their release is a load off his arms - but not his mind - and colour tints his face.]

Everybody has something to say about everything. You cannot blame them for joining in.

[One can see he is refusing to acknowledge his situation, refusing to share emotion. Sharing it has never brought him good fortune.]

[gynvael]

[ Once he realizes the odd magic from the birds, Geralt spends his time in Featherhive alone, and only when he must. There are only so many of them gathering, and he suspects as more and more understand what this place holds, they will not return. He isn't eager to be here, either. Still, the birds seem to unearth only the deepest parts of his past—fragments from his childhood, from his days on the Path decades ago.

As long as he stays out of people's way, it makes no difference. Most of the chatter is meaningless to those who know nothing about him.

This time, though, he does run into another figure. Not stranger entirely—he vaguely recalls the face around Cadens—but not someone he's spoken to. Perhaps the man might remember seeing him, too; a Witcher is hard to miss. He means to continue his work alone, but the birds draw his attention. His gaze flicks from shadow to stranger, then back to the shadow.

The bird cocks its head and promptly latches onto him. Its mimicry changes with each phrase, as though imitating multiple voices—but all of it is warbling and childlike.

They'll poison us. That's mine! Give it here! Do you think they'll come back for us? We haven't had bread in da—

A squawk erupts from the crow as Geralt waves an exasperated hand through its ethereal form. The others remain, and he knows this one will soon return, too. Their spirits seem to be tied to the land. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Strange words, warbling and childlike, draw his attention. His thoughts linger on who has experienced such a thing as hunger - something he relates to personally. People see it as embarassing, a sign of weakness, but his experience of it was nothing but educational.

His brows knit together and he resumes working. But he cannot deny curiosity and lifts his gaze - only to see a man he has seen in passing.]

Having trouble?

[beautifullies]

[ Claire has been working beside Crane to gather crystals; before she can actually apologize in return, the birds begin, and she looks at Crane, eyebrows raised. ]

Tune it out, the birds can't hurt you and we can drive them away—temporarily.

[ She is curious about his reaction to the last word, wondering who the woman is. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Words are listened to and forgotten; dismissed with a frown and a clenched jaw. He swallows his bitter disgust and nearly chokes, invisible fingers - thin and delicate - constricting his throat. He balances a crystal in his hand and finds comfort in its weight.]

Thank you, but I think you should remember the kind of people I worked with.

[Back home? Criminals that run the gamut from arson to serial homicide.]

I've heard worse.

[nadine_he_loves]

The birds here are really rude.

[Nadine has been spending most of her time working with the ingredients rather than collecting them, but there's always the chance that the environment they come from could offer some more help. Or be useful to her.

She hadn't expected the spectral peanut gallery. Most of what she's heard directed at her so far has been harmless. Snatches of prayers, the principal of the school where she'd worked, her grandmother railing against sin. Only every so often, low and fond and lyrical, how I love to love Nadine. Words she'd really rather never hear again in her life.

Not about to pry into someone else's business - least of all her technical therapist of all people - she can at least be vaguely and generally sympathetic.]

If I come out here again, I'm bringing earplugs.

[restingstitchface]

[Crane glances over his shoulder at where that voice is coming from. His eyes dart around the clearing, blinking away embarrassment when he spots one of his patients.

He looks down and offers a gentle smile. He remains on his knees, gloved fingers digging crystals out the earth.]

I'm hardly a violent man, but if I come out here again, I'm bringing a shotgun.

Featherhive (finally...)

[rarebenedictine]

[There's something deeply unnerving in the sound of an old woman's voice coming from a flock of spectral birds. Cadfael had a fair share of his own screeching, one more disturbing than the other in how accurate they sounded. From that experience he gained the knowledge that the birds can be shooed away. So he steps in closer, waving at the birds to make them go away.]

Begone, foul creatures!

[The birds dissolve into wisps of gray smoke. They will come back so the respite is temporary, but at least it grants a few moments of peace. With the birds gone, Cadfael approaches Jonathan, his distress made more pronounced in contrast to how composed the man usually is.]

Are you alright?

[It's a genuine question. Even if the answer is too obvious, Cadfael prefers this one as a better conversation starter to the more direct Do you need help? Man as proud as Jonathan could too easily answer no to that one.]

[restingstitchface]

[One minute he hears voices. Two lines of a chorus, three echoes from the past. He needs four seconds or five to contemplate how they exist before one word banishes them into ether. Of course they were singing for an audience.

Not for himself, of course.

He gestures towards the bag on the ground: a satchel filled with crystals. His voice is calm, his face void of any difficult emotion.]

Well, I'll feel better once these are back at base, but I'm fine. All things considered I've heard worse.

Dragon's Glass / Open

[restingstitchface]

[Crane ignores whoever is speaking to score and segment delicate pods - holding them firmly to make gentle incisions with a scalpel. He softly prizes each apart and hands them to his colleague to shuck the seeds.

He dusts stained fingers against his clothes and begins multitasking. Time and experience have taught him to soak handfuls of seeds in lukewarm water before grinding them into paste. The result is a fragrant ointment with hints of citrus: delicate and sweet with a refreshing and crisp scent. He occasionally ventures into the nursery with the results of his work.

Returning to the laboratory he is assaulted by a foul and pungent stench. Bad memories of past illness upset his stomach. He becomes an outside observer as the muscles in his throat clench - he hurriedly covers his mouth and nose with a sleeve. But the smell invades his sinuses and he stumbles on his feet. He waves off offers of a shoulder to lean on as he curls over and begins to retch.]

nursery

[princessvegas]

[ It's late, or what constitutes "late" when underground. The dragon hatchlings are all supposed to be settling down in their little nests. Sleeping. And some of them are -- Okenus and Ledas both appear to be completely tuckered out, the way they're flopped into their bedding.

On the floor between the nests sits Julie. Anthusa lies sleepily in her lap, but Epeius apparently still has some energy. He's perched atop her head, between some flowers that show she has recently been in pursuit of the missing Khloris. Epeius is rapt as she flips the page of a picture book she holds in front of herself. ]

And so the little dragon went soarin', far far far over the ocean. He flew all the way to visit the moon, and then he flew back to where his mother was waiting for him. [ With a soft squawk, Epeius flaps his wings a few times, and Julie rolls her eyes upward toward him. ] Hey, no winds. You'll wake everyone up.

[ She notices Crane in the doorway, bringing the scent of... maybe grapefruit? She can't tell. Her gaze settles on him as she slowly turns to the next page. ]

You here for a bedtime story?

laboratory

[sorser]

[It is a foul stench, one that even makes Stephen want to gag as the smoke coils up from a collection of crystals currently being utilized as a prospective ingredient for an elixir. An unfortunate side-effect that will be better avoided the more practice they have working with them, but right now?

Definitely in the trial and error part of the process.

He spots Crane having a rough time with the smell, and he can't blame him; in fact, he feels vaguely guilty about the fact, realizing that everyone else in the room--or wandering in unaware--might have benefitted from a heads-up first.]

Sorry, I-

[Stephen gestures with both hands, carving out a spell with amber energy. A gust of wind rushes through the lab as a result, just enough to dispel the smoke and at least push the majority of it out into the hall.]

You all right?

Closed / Norman

[restingstitchface]

[The worst experiences of his life involve theft of one kind or another. Childhood tormentors stealing his possessions, university peers helping themselves to his intelligence. He sets aside his bitterness of losing his lunch and hunts the culprit across the temple.

He narrows his eyes when he catches up to the thieving miscreant who is not alone. He clenches his jaw and offers a polite smile.]

Norman.

[takeatrip]

[Jayden, for his part, has no idea what the little dragon is up to. It had run off for a bit, something that's totally normal, and so Jayden's using the moment to rest a little; playing some sort of game consisting of summoning competing rainclouds with Okenus had been very endearing, but also exhausting.

And maybe that's something Okenus picked up on, because when the little dragon returns, it's with food. It leaps onto Jayden's lap, proudly presenting what it's stolen.]

Where'd you get that?

[The question is soon answered, however, and Jayden looks faintly sheepish when he notices Crane.]

I'm guessin' this is yours?