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

For Claire

[philancer]

[ He's been out to several of the areas for retrieving ingredients for the potion-making so far, and this is the second time he's had to come out to Featherhive. Although the first time he'd been out here had been... enlightening. He was still trying to decide if that was a good thing or not. He's pretty sure it's a 'no'.

Wandering out here with Claire this time, he keeps a wary eye on their surroundings, just in case. The birds had been more annoying than dangerous, but he's not writing off other threats that might be lurking about. ]

Have you been out here for ingredients before?

this is perfection

[beautifullies]

[ Claire has only agreed to go back into the trees because nothing happened to her, but she assumes she can handle it; memories are just that, they can't hurt her, and so she isn't afraid. ]

I have, and now I know too much about someone in Solvunn. He isn't very happy about it.

[ Sandor's story, of his face being melted away by his brother, made her stomach turn. She's still thinking of it, really, because the idea of it is so horrific. ]

I'm assuming you do know, about the birds and their uncanny access to our memories?

[ Claire glances over at Sylvain just as she sees the birds beginning to gather en masse almost silently for now, watching; but are they digging through her mind or his as they wait for their moment? ]

[philancer]

[ Sylvain would like to argue that memories can hurt a lot, actually, but he’s been particularly haunted by them for most of his life, and he’s not about to volunteer that sad fact in explanation.

Still, he gives her a sort of half-hearted smile that isn’t at all convincing. ]

Yeah, I know about them. Claude, Hilda, and I were out getting some ingredients earlier. They were feeling especially chatty then, too.

[ Which reminds him… He winces slightly, a hand coming up to rub at the back of his neck. ] I suppose I should apologize ahead of time. If they repeat even half they things they were cawing about earlier, well… Sorry.

cw: miscarriage

[beautifullies]

[ She's grown close to all three of them, and so of course she's concerned about all of them. Claire hasn't had her memories used against her yet, so she has no idea how badly it can hurt. Her expression softens as she looks at Sylvain and she shakes her head. ]

Don't apologize, whatever happens, it isn't either of our faults.

[ Kneeling for a crystal, she just barely has a hand wrapped around the base of it when the first words tumble from a crow's beak.

I don't even know if it was a boy or a girl. Will ye make me beg?

Claire feels as if she's been punched directly in the gut, the air escaping her as the chorus of birds seem to take turns gutting her.

It was a girl. She's buried in the cemetery, next to the convent. She was beautiful. So small. I could cup her head in the palm of my hands. Her eyes were closed.

There's a new sound in the mix, one that begins as a quiet moan, one hand moving to cover her own mouth, the crystals forgotten. This is cruel, even compared to Sandor, this is cruel. How hard she's tried to forget about Faith, even though she still occupies such a large part of her soul that there isn't a day Claire doesn't wake up and remember.

She had wisps of the most beautiful copper hair.

The birds begin to sing, a cracked, broken voice singing to a daughter gone before ever taking a breath. She can't make herself get up to force the birds away, and both hands cover her face as she kneels on her knees. ]

[philancer]

Oh, shit.

[ It takes him a moment to understand, but when it sinks in, he’s dropping his lance to the ground and falling to his knees in front of her. His hands come out, clapping over her ears as he tugs her head up, putting himself in the center of her focus instead. ]

Claire? Look at me, Claire. Just me. Don’t listen to them. Take a breath for me, Claire. Focus on my voice.

[ He should get up, chase them away, but he’d learned last time that it’s a temporary measure at best. They kept coming back. If they’re going to get the ingredients, they’re going to have to get them despite the evil birds’ attempts to stop them.

In the distance, a little further than the ones tormenting Claire, he can hear a familiar voice raised in sharp anger, echoing from multiple throats.

Hurry up and die already!

I’ll kill you!

If not for you… if it hadn’t been for you…!

He flinches, despite himself. ]

[beautifullies]

[ All that she can see, even with her eyes open, are Faith's lashless eyelids, but when Sylvain puts his hands over her ears it brings her back to the present. Not that she would be glad for his own torment, but the birds beginning to chime in with his memory snaps her into focus, back into at least a functioning state.

Reaching out, she holds onto his arm and even as she fights back her own tears, echoes his words back to him. ]

Don't listen to them, it's just us, alright?

[ Her worry for him manages to show through her own pain, and she wonders what happened, less context clues for her to follow. ]

We know now.

[ They know what the birds are using to break them down, and they're going to have to be stronger. ]

[philancer]

[ He offers her a small, sad smile, because it’s nothing he hasn’t heard before. Those words, they’ll haunt his nightmares to the day he dies, he knows. Still, hearing his brother’s voice, echoing through the air behind him… It’s enough to make his skin crawl.

Still, he manages a nod, letting his hands drop to hers now as he gives them a faint, supportive squeeze. ]

It’s still just words. A mimicry. Are you alright? I can chase them off, but…

[beautifullies]

But they'll only return.

[ There's a wavering smile, and for a moment, Claire reaches out to touch Sylvain's cheek, a gesture meant to be motherly, comforting. And then, there's just enough of a break in the noise that she remembers she always has some sort of bandaging in her pockets, just in case.

Digging into her skirts, she pulls out thick wads of padded cotton and breaks it up. ]

Put this in your ears. We'll have to think to communicate, but it might help block out the birds.

[philancer]

[ He appreciates her concern, but considering he’d come out here as her bodyguard, he’s not sure that’s a handicap he can afford.

Instead, he takes the pieces of cotton with a crooked smile… and then holds them to her own ears, to indicate she should wear them. ]

I’m fine. I’ll keep watch, if you can handle harvesting the crystals. I’d rather not have my senses compromised, just in case a threat does show up.

[ Which is when a much older, harsher voice calls from a nearby tree, making him jump in surprise.

Know your place, boy!

His mouth drops open as he blinks in that direction in surprise. And a hint of confusion. ]

Well. That was a new one.

[beautifullies]

[ It goes against every instinct Claire has to not insist and let Sylvain actually do the taking care of. But, with a resigned and quiet sigh, she accepts the cotton back into her possession. It isn’t that she thinks he or anyone else isn’t capable, there’s simply something built inside of her, a drive or will, to care for anyone and everyone else first. Even now, despite the wound that’s opened across her own heart. ]

Alright. I’ll finish as quickly as I can.

[ The suddenness of the bird’s new words catches her off guard, and she drops the cotton, looking at Sylvain. ]

…You recognize the voice?

[philancer]

[ He makes an expression that's mostly a grimace as he rubs a hand over his face. Shoulders slumping slightly, he offers her a half-hearted smile that doesn't come anywhere close to reaching his eyes. ]

My father. [ He supplies the answer with a wince and a sigh. ] Peach of a man, as you can tell. Now they really are trying to haunt me.

[beautifullies]

He seems like a true delight.

[ Her tone is dripping with sarcasm; she's unfortunately met her share of violent, angry men. ]

Was...all of that directed at you?

[ She doesn't want to assume because she didn't hear a name, for all she knows it's something he over heard. She isn't sure which one she'd rather it be for his sake. ]

[philancer]

[ He offers her a faint, crooked smile, opening his mouth to answer, before another bird opens its beak and lets forth another stream or familiar tirade. One he’s heard so many times he could quote it word for word.

Don’t forget yourself, boy. You should always be aware of your position. Act accordingly!

The words are just as sharp and he sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. ]

Oh yeah. My father… is a difficult man to please. At least for me.

[ To be fair, he really had brought that on himself. Mostly be never being the heir the man expected him to be. The Margrave just couldn’t comprehend why his fool son, who he’d offered everything in the world to on a silver platter, just for being born with a Crest, wanted nothing to do with any of it.

Sylvain, who had grown up trapped between his father’s expectations and his elder brother’s hatred for stealing all that should have been his, had done what he could to survive the weight of both. Although not very well at times. ]

[beautifullies]

[ Claire's shoulders sag at the confirmation, and she tries to hurry the best that she can for his sake now. She'll never understand parents who are this way when they're an extension of your heart, out there in the world. It will chew them up and spit them out soon enough, she can't imagine being the one to impart that lesson to her child. ]

Complicated, I'm guessing, doesn't even begin to explain it?

[ She would never press him to open up further, but she does leave it open even as she shoos some birds away, getting at least some of the noise out of the clearing before spying a crystal she needs and crouches down to dig around it. ]

My husband was taken in by uncles who...didn't care for him much.

[ And they both, at various times, tried to have her gotten rid of, and she can't say she's ever felt remose for helping Jamie murder Dougal. ]

[philancer]

[ His lips quirk wryly at her question - which is a summary all in itself. ]

Yeah. You could say that. A lot of things back home can be summed up that way. Complicated.

[ And so very little of it in a good way.

He glances over when she mentions her husband, curious and patient, but he inclines his head in understanding. She hasn’t heard her mention him a lot, other than that time when they’d spoken of him in her Horizon. ]

I’m sure that made things complicated, too. Family’s great at that, apparently. How did he deal with it? Them?

[ Hopefully better than Sylvain had with his.

Although as if hearing that stray thought, another pair of birds nearby start up an exchange, as if they were conversing, but using the long-ago confrontation between he and Miklan, in the moments just before his brother lost himself forever.

If not for you… If it hadn’t been for you…!

SHUT UP! he hears his own voice - younger than now - shout back, anger and guilt still audible in his voice. He hadn’t realized that was how he’d sounded, back then. I’m so tired of hearing that! You’ve always blamed me for something that isn’t even my fault!

The birds’ exchange stops there, for which he’s pathetically grateful, even if his mind supplies the sound of Miklan’s furious shout that had followed that, the way his brother’s fist had tightened around the Lance of Ruin as he called on its powers for the final time. The wash of black power that had engulfed him, transformed him, even as bones popped and flesh shredded and Miklan’s horrified screams had changed into the furious roar of the massive black beast that consumed him.

Sylvain’s gaze has gone distant, caught up momentarily in the memory and forgetting he was standing here, a world away. But he’s quick to push it away, blinking as he forces himself back to the present. And manages to shoot a baleful glare at the pair of birds now ruffling inky feathers of shadow before they caw down at him in something that vaguely resembles a much older chant of his brother’s. Die! Die! Die! ]

Is it just me or do they get even more annoying the longer you have to listen to them?

[beautifullies]

[ It isn't fair to him, for her to hear all of this. He heard what will always be the most painful thing she's ever gone through, but it wasn't an exchange like this, a moment of overhearing a heated conversation. She continues gathering, moving as fast as she can, but she won't forget what she's heard. How could she, when it's clear this is something traumatizing, the tones, the words. It isn't her place to ask for more details and push him to hurt further, but when she's finally finished and he asks his question, she lets out a breath. ]

They're worth despising, that's for sure.

[ Her voice is quiet, and she can't help that she's looking at Sylvain like she wants to wrap him in a warm hug. He asked her about Jamie, but this is at the front of her mind now, making sure he's alright. ]

I think we can go, we have plenty, and neither of us needs to hear anymore. Come on.

[ She reaches out to lightly squeeze his arm, the basket on her arm nice and full thanks to her hastiness. ]

[philancer]

[ His jaw is clenched tight, which does something to diminish the faint smile he tries to shoot her in reassurance. He's clearly not convincing himself very well either. But he does catch her hand where it rests on his arms, turning to tuck it in the crook of his arm instead as he tugs her away from the tree, and the birds still surrounding them. ]

Yeah, okay, if you're sure. [ She'd be a better judge of that than he would - he'd been preoccupied watching for threats he could actually do something about. ]

Although if you want to get in some target practice on some really annoying birds, I'll support that, too.

[beautifullies]

[ Claire does take pause at that, and an eyebrow raises at the idea of getting target practice. She hasn't in a while, though she's confident in her aim. Practice does make perfect, and she needs to do something with the tight knot of emotion still sitting like a rock on top of her heart. She's good with a gun, but other weapons? Maybe practice would be beneficial at the same time it's cathartic. ]

What sort of weapon do you have?

[ In otherwords: yes, let's hit some birds. Not something she thought she'd ever think, but these aren't typical birds, either. ]

[philancer]

Well, my go-to is my lance, but that might be a little unwieldy for you. You're welcome to try it if you want, though. Otherwise, I have a hand crossbow you could try with?

[ He tugs his jacket to the side to reveal the small contraption hooked to his belt. Reaching down, he unhooks it before holding it out to her in offering, as well as the small quiver of bolts beside it. It's small and compact but well-made by one of the weaponsmiths in Cadens. ]

I don't actually use it that much, so if you wanted it, you're welcome to it. Do they not have weapons readily available to you all in Solvunn? I haven't seen many of the Summoned from there typically carrying anything.

[beautifullies]

My husband would be better with the lance; this too, but I'm a good shot with the weapons of my world. I feel like my aim, at least, might translate.

[ She's watched Jamie when he hunts, so she knows what the basic stance and grip should look like, so she manages to at least not look like a rookie. ]

There are weapons in Solvunn of the pitchfork variety, but overall, they're peaceful. I have carried over a habit from home, however.

[ For a moment, she breaks her stance to raise the hem of her skirt up just enough to show him the hilt of a dagger in the top of her boot before resuming position. ]

Now, I may need some guidance on how to manage this arrow.

[philancer]

[ He glances down when she starts tugging up her skirt a little, eyes going wide, because his brain.... goes to a much different place for a moment before he shakes himself out of it. But spotting the hilt of the dagger in her boot, however, he chuckles in approval. ]

Smart of you. Well, feel free to add the crossbow to your arsenal, if you think you might need it. And if they won't throw a fit over you having it. Weapons are considerably easier to come by in Cadens, compared to the other two Factions, or so I hear.

And it's a bolt, when you shoot with a crossbow, not an arrow. [ He corrects her gently with a wink, helping her slot the ammo in place and showing her how the weapon works, what she needs to load and release to shoot. ]

There, just like that. Now you just need to aim at your target and release. Give it a try.