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

OTA ✿ dragon-sitting & egg-sitting

[aquaveiled]

[ It should be of no surprise to anyone who has spoken with Himeka for any length of time that she would choose to devote herself to the baby dragons, her own scales, horns, and tail notwithstanding. She's always professed a fondness for dragons, finding them delightful companions and creatures deserving of respect. The dragonets in her Horizon are not entirely different in personality to the hatchlings in the Nether, she's coming to find--curious, playful, and a bit mischievous. She knew there had to be similarities!

Okenus is unsurprisingly the one she is initially drawn to, what with it's penchant for creating little rainstorms. She happily accepts the droplets on her face and scales, smiling at the other Summoned near her. ]

It's refreshing, isn't it? Besides...two can play that game!

[ And she holds out her hands and pools aether together, creating a sizable swirling ball of water floating just above her palm.


Anthusa is hard to ignore given how it struggle to keep up with its siblings, but is not in want for spirit. She's content to walk alongside as it tries to give chase, pausing when Anthusa seems to become winded. She spares a glance at the other Summoned before kneeling near it. ]

Here, let us help you fly for a bit, hm?


[ But she's found that story-time is something that all of the hatchlings enjoy. And boy does she have stories! Tales hailing from her star about the dragons she's met--leaving out the thousand year war waged against them, of course--the varying types she's seen there too and the very origin of dragonkind as she knows it. ]

You see, Midgardsormr flew across the expanse to find a new home for his eggs. He found it on my star, Etheirys. And there hatched what we call the First Brood, the oldest and most powerful of dragons--the seven Great Wyrms. They were Bahamut, Tiamat, Hraesvelgr, Nidhogg, Ratatoskr, Vrtra, and Azdaja. And it's from them that all other dragonkind were born. They started out as little ones...just like you!


[ And though they cannot speak for themselves--mayhaps because of it--Himeka does spend some quiet time with the eggs. For as chatty as she can be with the hatchlings, she instead tends to the eggs with quiet reverence, gently cleaning their surface and trying to keep them warm. She may be found offering a bit of her own aether by means of a magical glow coming from her hand to the egg, in hope it will help boost their vitality. ]

That there are so few...

[ They're precious indeed. ]

With the eggs

[divinityfrompain]

[ Julia's found a lot of peace and pleasant time spent with the dragon hatchlings. She's never had a chance to meet any babies, the ones she met were giant and sassy, so she has a lot of fun with them. Anthusa she has a particular soft spot for, probably because it struggles more than the others, and so it's had a remarkably fun time sitting on top of her head. It must feel very tall there, even though she's petite.

Anthusa is currently curled up around her neck, hiding underneath her long dark hair, when she tells it they're going to go check on the eggs. It seems content to stay so she comes over to join Himeka, the dark dragon almost fading away into her hair at times. ]

Here, let me take one.

[ She takes it into her lap as she sits and gently cleans it too. In the end, Julia voted yea because she doesn't believe any species should go extinct. Now that she's there, she's glad that they did. Whatever the price, the sick dragons have convinced her it's for the best. She watches Himeka use her magic to try and help and bites her lip. ]

I wish I could do more, but my magic is ... unstable.

[aquaveiled]

[ To be an egg, small and defenseless yet so unaware of the world around you. Himeka tries to think of what it was like when she was so young, but no one remembers their earliest days, do they? It is a blessing that despite the odds against them, these eggs have an entire city of people looking out for them.

She smiles at Julia, glad for the help, pausing only when there seems to be movement under the other woman's hair--

--ah. Little Anthusa...it's impossible not to want to help these hatchlings ones out. ]

I see you're making friends. They seem quite taken with you.

[ Himeka had high hopes for Julia, given her previous experience with dragons. She's glad to see it's going well, or as well as it can be.

As for her magic...Himeka doesn't hide the way her expression shifts a bit from openly friendly to curious. She does not have Y'shtola's aethersight, but she has sensed something different about Julia since they met. Her aether feels more...dense than most. It's as if the air around her is acutely aware of where she sits. Needless to say, she wants to know... ]

Unstable...?

[divinityfrompain]

I'm quite taken with them. I think everyone feels that way now that we're here. I've visited the adult dragons too, it is really ... unnerving. I hope we can help them.

[ Julia felt like hell as soon as she saw them, like seeing any creature suffer is difficult, but they're so close to extinction, it really is a frantic situation. Little Anthusa nuzzles at her and she smiles. The hatchlings haven't tried many mischievous things on her, they prefer crawling on her, she's not sure how personal that is. She did tell Himeka she had a positive experience with a dragon back home, she's not sure how much that factors in. So much of all of this is new, she has no idea what she's doing.

Her hands at least she can trust with the egg and Anthusa leans over her shoulder to look at it. These are precious lives. Julia's worked so hard to try and heal people recently. She doesn't think her healing can fix this.

She looks up at Himeka and sighs. ]

The way human magicians work is specific, we use spells and draw from a particular source. I was recently changed into something else, so all the ways I know how to use magic, they've changed. I don't need to do hand gestures or common spells, but it also means I don't know how to control what I can do.

[ It's so difficult to explain but she thinks that's a pretty good summary of why she feels particularly stuck right then. Julia's afraid if she tries what she could do before, or puts that same energy into it, she could hurt someone. Much of what magic she has done since becoming a deity is instinctive but powerful. It's not just growing one flower, it's growing an entire forest. That's a lot! ]

I was supposed to be trained back home, we had just started, and then I was here.

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka certainly wants to believe that they know, that they can sense a friend of dragonkind when it's presented to them. It's likely wishful thinking on her part, but they'll manifest it through their own actions anyway. Despite having the entirety of the Nether supporting them, they clearly could use more support. ]

It is. Putting faces to the reasons why we're here makes it all very...real.

[ Seeing any creature in such dire straights is difficult, but it really hits home just how few of them are left. It would be so easy to end the line...and she has to wonder if there are people in this world who would want that.

But why? Not only are dragons wonderful, but they serve and even greater purpose here in the Nether. Imagine what they could do prosperous out of the volcano!

Greater dreams aside, it brings a smile to her face to see the little ones find such comfort in Julia's presence. Do they fully understand the odds against them? She hopes not. Let them grow up big and strong.

But she is exceedingly curious as to what Julia mentions about her magicks. Changed into something else? Inhuman? A different source? She knows well how dangerous uncontrolled casting can be (having been the cause of quite a bit of it in her earlier days).

So while she continues to work her own gentle magicks on the egg, she asks-- ]

What were you drawing from before? From yourself?

[divinityfrompain]

The adults look so tired. I think they can understand us, I went to see them when we first arrived, but they didn't talk back. If they can talk at all.

[ Julia isn't going to assume that conversations are the same here. Just because all the species of this world seem to get each other doesn't mean the dragons are the same. Everyone has their own thing. She does feel like they want to communicate, maybe. She wonders about the gods too, if they'll make sense to her if she gets to meet them, or if they even want to meet someone like her.

She knows that Himeka in particular is passionate about dragons so she's not surprised to see her in her element, so to speak, caring about them. Julia thinks most species could do with one of Himeka to cheer them on. Having some cheerleaders for humans would be nice, they definitely need it at times, and she thinks too many of them are skeptical. She used to be. ]

It's called the Wellspring, it's this infinite source of magic that people can tap into to use their gifts. Metaphorically it's like an actual well, but not too long ago, all humans were shut out of using it because we sort of killed a god.

[ Julia shrugs. It seems like such a crazy thing to say out loud. She strokes the dragon egg very gently. ]

He was about to destroy an entire planet out of boredom, we tried every other tactic first.

[ They tried to offer him amusement, gifts, begging, all sorts of things in Fillory were done to try and get Ember to show mercy. He was considering it, sure, but she doesn't think they should have to do that when they survived only at the whims of someone capricious. She told him off before Quentin killed him, and she doesn't actually regret it. ]

But the old gods were pissed so they turned magic off for humanity. My power now is drawn from myself though. I could use it without the Wellspring.

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka nods and bows her head slightly. She's certainly tried to use her somewhat limited knowledge of dragonspeak here, but it's only been the hatchlings that have been responding. And with that, only really mimicking what she's saying. Apparently it isn't exactly universal, but it does make her believe there is a common language they could share.

She looks down at the egg currently in her lap. Her magicks have ceased but the egg itself is still warm, still holding a faint glow from what she'd given it, not unlike the moon reflecting the light of the sun. Could these little ones hatch with that knowledge? Do they know how loved they are? ]

The Wellspring...

[ "Aetherial Sea". It does make her wonder if they are speaking of the same thing, to an extent? The metaphors seem to line up at least.

Her eyebrows shoot up at the mention of planetary destruction, however. ]

Out of boredom? Less has been done for more...

[ Then again, Zenos had done quite a bit to chase the thrill of feeling itself. Mayhaps they aren't so different. ]

So if you're using your own aether, is it--limitless?

[ Or is this another situation not unlike Slyphie's mother? There's definite concern in her voice. ]

[divinityfrompain]

[ Julia wonders when these eggs hatch, who they'll be, if they'll have as distinct personalities as the hatchlings. They'd have to. Will they wake up to healthy parents? She really hopes so. She's already fallen in love with each of the hatchlings in their own right. ]

Ember was the Chaos god of the world there, Fillory. He and his brother created it together, but he was bored with it. Gods can just build new worlds any time they want, so he figured he could destroy it and start something new. The millions or billions of lives on it didn't factor into his thoughts.

[ With that kind of mentality, there really was no way for them to win, no way to persuade him. Especially after he killed his brother, he didn't want to keep the world they built together. Fillory's death was inevitable at that point. It was him or Fillory. ]

We did the right thing. Killing isn't easy, but I'd blacken my soul a little to save lives.

[ Her soul's been blackened by less noble actions. Julia only can wish she did it instead of Quentin. She knows it weighs on him, and she was already in a dark place where one more bad act on her part she could live with. The fact he killed Ember and they lost all magic is a heavy burden to bear on her best friend's gentle shoulders. But there was no other choice at the time.

She pauses at the question and looks down at the egg, sighing. Julia's not really keeping secrets, she's told a few people at least enough details for it to be out there, but it's hard to explain what she truthfully doesn't understand. ]

In my world? It's limitless. I don't think I can create entire worlds here, which is for the best. I was happy just creating my domain here.

[ The implication is there, about the gods and creation. ]

[aquaveiled]

[ And she thought the ancients had amazing powers--ones that they held, for the most part, in high esteem and saw their job as one of creation and nurturing, a responsibility to the world above all else. Of course she's met people across her lifetime who have a callous disregard for the world and others on it, but thankfully it isn't something they can undo on a whim.

But it does remind her of something Emet-Selech had said once: ]

"I do not consider you to be truly alive. Ergo, I will not be guilty of murder if I kill you."

[ --Oh, she said that aloud? Himeka shakes her head. ]

--I'm sorry that you had to deal with that. Sometimes battle is unavoidable.

[ It does seem like the right decision. Someone will inevitably be left wanting, someone hurt, but deciding what is the greater good and sticking it o it is the hardest part. ]

For what it's worth, your aura doesn't feel black.

[ She's no where near as keen as Y'shtola or Emet-Selch had been, but there is a solidness to Julia that most don't have.

But then Julia drops that little bomb and Himeka pauses. She looks Julia up and down, the wheels in her head turning as the puzzle pieces fit together. ]

...Like Ember, you mean?

[divinityfrompain]

[ Julia's surprised by the quote, mostly because it doesn't sound like Himeka at all, but she figures out quickly enough it's not from her. She's echoing something that is reminding her about what Julia is talking about. ]

Something like that, yes.

[ She thinks Ember probably did see people as not really alive to him. Or at least not important enough that their breathing mattered to him. All toys rather than people. Pebbles. She knows that to the Old Gods, humans are like that, they are cells, little blobs of minuscule energy compared to them. Some of their children echo that belief. ]

I'm just sorry my best friend had to be the one to give the killing blow. He's a very soft and kind individual, it weighed heavily on him, all the responsibility that came with it.

[ Quentin is delicate, he's struggled his whole life to feel anything less than terrible. Magic gave him something to hold onto, and he was responsible for the destruction. She wishes he was here, he would love to spend time with dragons. As for whether her aura is black or not, she doesn't know. She knows that she's gray at best, but that's fine by her.

Himeka jumps to the right conclusion and Julia sighs, looking at the egg. ]

There is this god named Reynard. [ She still hates to say his name, it's like poison on her tongue. ] He used his power to torture and destroy people. It wasn't enough to kill them. [ What he did was so much crueller. ] I was one of the people he destroyed.

[ She's alive, but at what cost? A cost she's suffered since. ]

I spent a long time seeking revenge, but when I had him, his mother Persephone begged me to let him live. When I did, as punishment she took all of his power and gave it to me.

[ A gift for mercy, but not one that Julia chose. Not one she wanted. She had Reynard in her permanently nothing could change that. ]

So yes, like Ember. But I really, really hope not in any way outside of our species.

Dragonsitting

[philancer]

[ Having recently wandered back in from gathering ingredients, Sylvain's looking a little dirty and tired, but as he accidentally finds himself in the area where a familiar redhead is currently babysitting, he can't help but smile.

Dropping his belongings just inside the entrance, he tucks his hands in his pockets as he wanders in Himeka's direction, hearing her talking to the smallest of the baby dragons, who's currently looking about as worn out as Sylvain feels. ]

Well, you like you've got your hands full. Literally. They keeping you out of trouble, or was that meant to be the other way around? I forget...

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka looks up from her current collection of wards at the sound of a familiar voice and offers Sylvain an easy smile as soon as her gaze settles on him. He does indeed look tired, but in better spirits than the last they had spoken. So she will consider this a win. ]

I'd say we're keeping each other on our best behavior.

[ Definitely could go either way. But debatable considering how she and that little water dragon and gotten to it earlier in the day. No one in a twenty-fulm radius was dry.

One of the hatchlings gives a big, big yawn. They aren't used to having this many visitors. ]

And you? You're dirty.

[philancer]

Let’s just say I had to fend off the advances of an overly affectionate plant. It didn’t like taking no for an answer.

[ His voice is dry with amusement as he shrugs off the underlying concern in that question, even as he comes to crouch down in front of one of the little dragons and affectionately run a fingertip along its scales. He can’t help but grin when the little creature arches into the touch like a contented cat, making a purring little trill in response.

A glance over at her, however, has an eyebrow arching upwards as the corner of his lips quirk with suppressed laughter. ]

…Do I want to know why you’re dripping?

[aquaveiled]

[ An overly affectionate plant? More likely than one would think these days. ]

It must be rough being so popular. Were you successful, at least?

[ But she won't press since he seems otherwise fine. It's easy enough to offer a bit of healing should it come to it. They're all here for these little dragons in the end, after all.

And to his question... ]

I'm a little popular too.

[ And a little proud of it. Who doesn't want to feel wanted by baby dragons? ]

Have you met Okenus? They command the might of the seas! Or...they will someday.

[philancer]

Depends on who you ask, I suppose.

[ He wrinkles his nose as he rolls a shoulder, revealing one sleeve that’s been ripped down the back, as if by a thorny grip. He doesn’t look otherwise injured, though. Just… thoroughly groped.

Still, he grins at Himeka’s introduction of the water dragon, his eyes brightening as he takes the little creature in. ]

Ahh, I see! I didn’t realize I was in such illustrious company. Were you swimming in the depths, then?

[aquaveiled]

[ She raises a brow at the bit of, erm, costume malfunction he's had and...sorry Sylvain, she does have to chuckle a bit. He definitely could have done worse, but it seems as if he had a very memorable experience. ]

I'm afraid my magicks can't fix that for you. Mayhaps it can suit your new rugged look?

[ The hatchling doesn't seem to get the banter here and instead lets out a little huff of a bubble out of its nose. A very mighty bubble. ]

Mmm, we were more...irrigating the lands, I would say. But all in good time! It sounds like there were once lakes and rivers of true water here, sometime ago.

[philancer]

As long as you don’t want me to grow the damn beard back.

[ He’d had enough ‘rugged’ to last him a while.

But he can’t help but grin at the little dragon, who is quite impressive, he supposes, for a dragon. Who he still has slightly mixed feelings about. Mostly because every time he saw one, death and destruction tended to follow. Now he was just paranoid.

Still, he’s pretty sure one this size can’t cause too much trouble just yet, so he crouches down and reaches for the pouch at his waist. Which immediately gets not only Okenus’ attention but its siblings as well.

Looked like all that grilling he’d done earlier would come in useful after all, even if he’d saved some for a later snack. He holds out pieces in his fingers to the little dragonlings before offering the pouch to Himeka as well. ]

Hungry? It’s not much, but I had some leftover from a competition earlier.

[aquaveiled]

It was kind of fun, wasn't it? If I could grow a beard I certainly would.

[ It would be as long as the rest of her hair!

For what it's worth, the pouch has Himeka's attention as well. Estinien used to liken her to a dragonet when she and Orn Khai would get into it together, teaming up on him for his own good. But, mostly, Himeka just has a keen sense for snacks. ]

Always!

[ At least she's kind enough to let the hatchlings get their portion before snatching a piece of her own. She's glad he offered. ]

Oh, did you compete? If I'd known I would have tried to go head-to-head.

[philancer]

[ He’s not sure who gets more excited over the prospect of food - Himeka or the baby dragons. The fact has him laughing as he hands out what he’d had left, dividing it up between them. ]

A couple times, yeah. Took me a little bit to get the hang of how they cook things here, but it’s not so different from doing it over a campfire, really. And we’ve still got some time here, so if you want a competition before we go back home, I’m sure we can squeeze one in. I’m not going easy on you, though.

dragon-sitting

[sketchycharacter]

[Nate's never had a pet, and he's pretty sure their hosts would take offense at the notion the baby dragons, but hell if the little guys make him kind of want one. It'd be a terrible idea, for sure. But the heart wants what it can't have, or however that saying goes.

He settles down in the nursery (?) and before long he's got his sketchbook out, alternating between careful portraits and quicker renditions of dragon life-in-action. He's in the middle of a sketch of Himeka and Okenus when a bit of water splashes on him, and he laughs.]

Hey, careful. Don't want to get the art wet.

[aquaveiled]

[ Who wouldn't what a baby dragon? Mayhaps someone who prefers a little less chaos and a little more order in their life, but where's the fun in that? Dragons have certainly colored many of her experiences for the better, she can only recommend befriending them to others.

You can lose track of time when you're having fun too. That's about where she is in this little contest of water skills when Okenus summons up a particularly volatile little storm front and it seems like it's gotten out of range of its target. Himeka looks up, swooping some of her (now damp) mass of hair from her face towards Nate. ]

The art?

[ Okenus seems equally curious and starts to make way to the man on the ground--of course as it moves the storm comes with it, which is defeating the purpose of saving any said art. ]

May we see--be careful!

[ The little dragon flips, scampering backwards and loops around Himeka instead. That works too. ]

[sketchycharacter]

[Oh, that was really cute. The flip would make a great sketch if he could get it down quick before he forgets—

Okay, no. Focus, Nate. One thing at a time.]

Yeah, of course.

[He flips back to a page with one of the better-defined drawings and angles the pad toward her so she can see. Both baby dragon and its babysitter are identifiable in the art, which depicts them in the middle of a rain battle, like the two tiniest hurricanes in existence clashing.]

[aquaveiled]

[ She'll just bear the onslaught of the little storm as she had up until this moment. It's fine, really, Himeka likes the water. Even if being rained on isn't exactly the same as going swimming, she can take it.

It's a bit of a stretch to lean forward and see without bringing waning storm with, but what she sees is absolutely delightful. ]

You drew us? [ That's an honor if she's ever had one! ] And so well! It's amazing!

[ Himeka laughs and claps her hands with Okenus tilting its head back and forth as it watches her and then the drawing.

Recognition! Immediate recognition! Okenus squeaks and lets out a strange garbled sound--it's words, actually, words of a different dragon language that Himeka has been trying to teach these little dragonlings. ]

It looks like you have two new fans.

[sketchycharacter]

[ooc - life stuff happened, feel free to drop this if it's too old!]

Thanks. Always nice to hear that.

[Is he preening? Maybe just a little. Hey, it is always nice to hear a compliment. Better than hearing how he's a complete fuck-up.

He's even more pleased (along with surprised and impressed) when the little guy actually seems to recognize itself.]

Man, dragons are pretty smart, huh? I keep thinking of the babies as being as intelligent as — I don't know, dogs or something. Looks like I'm underestimating them.

[aquaveiled]

[ ooc; no worries, it happened to me too! ]


[ It's a well-deserved compliment, besides! Himeka is nothing of an artist herself so she is always impressed when she sees real skill going from pen to paper. ]

Have you always had this talent?

[ The dragon perks up at the question as well, as if it hadn't considered what it takes to draw a picture, but they are suddenly very interested. Mayhaps this is a skill they can learn?

Himeka nods, smiling down at the hatchling. ]

Smart and very curious, in my experience! Eager to learn and understand us just as much as we want to understand them. Isn't that right? Forh ais?

[ The hatchling raises its head and in a very scratchy voice, replies... ]

"...Ess!"