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

Gabriel & Lucifer — Babysitting

[familysucks]

[In Solvunn, help caring for the commune's children is always welcome. Michael is rarely, if ever, among those offering it. Even newly-created angels were never young the way human children are, and he's certain the locals would not approve of the kind of discipline Heaven administered being applied to their children. His skills are worth more in other areas.

He's not planning on spending much time looking after the dragon hatchlings, either, but there is apparently no just looking around. They need the help and he's a set of hands.

Michael finds himself suddenly responsible for a wiggly, scaly little beast. Their care instructions are simple enough, but convincing an excitable hatchling with no care for time or order to listen to a story or nap when all it wants to do is play is an impossible task. Ledas is eager to show off its skills, and Michael's impassive expression only seems to drive it to try ever harder.

(Dragon hatchlings are nothing like angels, and yet there is something all too familiar about this.)

Eventually Ledas tires enough to sit for a few bites of food and a post-meal catnap—but only so long as it's on his lap. Long-suffering, Michael allows it, fingers gently scritching Ledas about the head as it alternates between snoring and happy trilling. There's a faint glitter to his hair and clothes, not from magic or shed scales, but from leftover salt.]

[notrunninganymore]

Aw, look at you, now you're making non-human friends too.

[Gabriel, of course, absolutely must be obnoxious as he wanders up on this scene. He hadn't purposefully sought out Michael, but of course once he'd been in the area of the baby dragons and sensed Michael's presence, he'd just had to see what his brother was up to.

He's expected to find him talking to someone, not babysitting, but this is way more delightful. Especially with how very domestic the scene is.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[Unfortunately for all of them (himself included), Lucifer's nearby, too.

He was going to ignore the hatchlings as much as possible. He wasn't here for them, not really. Their health is important only for what the dragons as a whole can do for the Thorne Summoned, eventually.

And if it was just Michael he might about-face and turn the other way in an irritable rustle of feathers, but Gabriel... Gabriel will either make the sting worse or better and Lucifer's willing to gamble if it means getting a few potshots talking at Michael.] Smooth tactic, Mikey, making them dependent on you to win them over.

[familysucks]

[Gabriel and Lucifer aren't his two least favourite people in Abraxas, but they are two of the most difficult to put up with—though credit where credit is due, Gabriel's been remarkably well-behaved since his arrival. Suspicious, really. More suspicious that both of them should happen on him at the same time. Michael's posture stiffens, expression souring. He looks to Gabriel.]

Wouldn't you expect that to be the baseline?

[Not making friends with dragons specifically, but non-humans in general. Michael is hardly human himself. Seems only logical that he should be getting along with things that are more like him than not.

Michael turns his attention on Lucifer next, and that's when his expression truly darkens. There's no thought that goes into it. Between the two of them, the bulk of his irritation will always be directed at Lucifer. What the hell is he accusing him of this time?]

Dependent. Have you fallen so low that a warm place to sleep and a soft hand are all it takes to earn your loyalty?

[Oblivious to the rising tension, Ledas continues snoozing away.]

[notrunninganymore]

[Gabriel's about to ask Michael if he has any non-human friends--Gabriel's only met humans so far--or if he's just being pedantic, but then there's Lucifer, and then--]

Ah-ah-ah-ah!

[He says it sharply, like he's scolding cats, because really he might as well be.]

This is a no fighting zone. The baby's trying to sleep.

[The baby dragon doesn't actually seem bothered at all by the brewing argument, but it's certainly easier to blame the little creature than it is to say that he's bothered by the idea. Not that it's any secret.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[It's a good thing Gabriel intervenes because Lucifer is about to cruelly go into the fact that you know yeah, it sure helps, as if you know what a soft touch is like, for you to even touch another person you clearly need to be UNDER THE WEATHER and anything remotely going near the black hole of the Feywilds is a bad bad path.

But.

Gabriel intervening to stop them means Gabriel gets the heat and Lucifer turns a glinting glare his way, his tone all false sweet sympathy.] Ohhh, right, we wouldn't want the babies to experience a bit of 'sibling fighting.' [He's almost expects Gabriel to take off and maybe that's the freshness of talking with Wanda about how he resented Gabe for running in the first place.]

[familysucks]

[Michael is always being pedantic, but he does also have at least one non-human friend. Not that he'd ever call Louis the vampire 'friend' in earshot of Gabriel. He'd never hear the end of it.

He doubts that Gabriel wants to get between them now any more than he did in the past, but here he is doing it anyway. Michael gives him a frown.]

Watch your tone around your elders.

[It's not nearly as sharp as it could be. It's just a reminder that there's still very much a hierarchy in place, in his eyes. Michael would rather this didn't turn into a real fight either. In the current context it would be a political mess, a real headache.

He turns on Lucifer again.]

And you watch your attitude. It'd be a shame if it got out that one of the Draconae's precious, delicate dragon hatchlings came to some kind of harm while one of Thorne's Summoned was around.

[It does not seem likely that the hatchling's about to suffer any kind of stress-induced illness, however. Ledas stretches, almost tumbling to the floor, but there's Michael with a soft hand to roll him back into a secure spot before he can.]

[notrunninganymore]

[Gabriel is not at all surprised that his brothers continue to be annoying--and they call him the obnoxious one--and nearly quips back at Lucifer despite being the one to decry fighting in the first place. But then Michael steps in, and although Gabriel gives him an incredibly unimpressed look for the comment about watching his tone, he in turn can read Michael's and decides to let both that remark and Lucifer's go.

Besides, it's a little funny that Michael backs up Gabriel's dumb excuse about the baby dragon, and that raises Gabriel's mood enough to give another go at dealing with his siblings.]

This is the one that makes salt, right? Real biblical of it.

[And somehow no surprise that this is the one Michael's ended up with.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[He's hardly interested in watching his attitude until Michael continues talking and

y'know

low-key impressed, Michael. That's some Grade-A manipulation right there. (He is not telling his brother that. That'll just spiral them into other problems that they're trying to avoid.)

He clicks his tongue. Tucks some of his tension under the surface, though the strain and irritation are still there. But look. He's putting some effort into it, you're welcome, Gabriel.] I skipped out on the Hatchling 101 instruction. [If there was one.]

[familysucks]

[No comment on the biblical remark. Michael's not into historical fanfiction.]

How did you guess?

[Was it the salt dusting his clothes, or was it the haphazard piles of shattered salt crystals still on the floor? He's supposed to clean those up at some point.

As before, his gaze shifts from Gabriel to Lucifer. Colour him unsurprised that no one looked at Lucifer and thought he'd make a fine babysitter for the hatchlings.]

It's somewhere between caring for livestock and watching children.

[Goats don't generally demand to be read bedtime stories. Those may not be particularly useful reference points for Lucifer, but they're what comes to mind for Michael. He's seen plenty of both in Solvunn.

Michael prods the hatchling dozing on his lap, and Ledas blinks awake. Now that he has his siblings to foist it on, making sure it keeps napping is no longer a priority. His voice is the exaggerated, syrupy sweet tone reserved for telling the youngest of children they've done a good job.]

Ledas, these two have never seen a dragon that can make salt. Why don't you show them?

[The hatchling perks up and bounds to the ground with a happy trill, eager to demonstrate its crystal-growing skills on the closest boot.]

[notrunninganymore]

[Okay, the tension and stilted conversation is awkward, but a big step up from just moments before and so Gabriel is not complaining. Instead he cheerfully plays along with Michael's request of the baby dragon, adding an encouraging--]

Hell yeah, show us what you've got. We could all use some more salt.

[Because that's definitely what these three angel are lacking in: salt. And although he doesn't remark on it just yet, he absolutely did not miss the voice that Michael used with the baby.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[He twitches at Michael's sickly sweet tone but doesn't comment.

He'll brag about 'taking care of' Ledas later and it'll be completely a lie but hey, he'll take what he can.

For now he just stares dully at the hatchling and wonders if they could be trained as attack dogs until they get older.

Then again, Lucifer thought that with the teenagers of Thorne, and look where that's gotten him.] I bet you can't make as much salt as I have. [For this entire situation he's in.

But. See. He's helping. A challenge!]

[familysucks]

[Fortunately, the hatchling is not yet old enough to read sarcasm or false enthusiasm. Ledas is plain old excited to have an audience of three, now. It wriggles, turns in a circle, and a few translucent white crystals sprout from the ground. Small at first, they expand to the size of a man's fist—and then they crumble.

Ledas blinks away sparkling salt dust and lets out a dismayed chirp, as if this is an unexpected development and hasn't happened the last dozen times it attempted a sizable crystal.

Michael's voice is a bored monotone. He has seen this show so, so many times.]

Very impressive.

[Then, to his brothers, with a harder edge:]

Remind you of anyone?

[notrunninganymore]

[Gabriel watches the creation of the salt crystal, not quite sure knowing what to expect but entirely curious about the whole thing, and... The result is not exactly overwhelming. Just 'whelming' might be fair.

Still, he offers a much more enthusiastic response than his brother, directed toward the very adorable little dragon.]

Hey, not bad at all. People definitely would've fought over that much salt back in our world.

[Maybe not in current day, but then again, maybe. And as for Michael's last remark--]

What, being adorable and conjuring up useful stuff? Yeah, now that you mention it.

[He's not sure if this was meant as an insult but he is not at all insulted.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[The downside of Lucifer, always, is he's always going to take whatever side seems most advantageous when it comes to family.

So, of course he was going to slip into the mindset of Gabriel and take this as a compliment instead of the tossed insult Michael likely meant it to be

excuse you, he is very impressive, if you'd only just notice from your High Horse for once--

ah.] We are certainly very adorable. [It's sung with a lilt, and an exaggerated smile, but no conjured salt pillar for the small dragon has that over them.

But Michael is, unfortunately, still stuck with two younger brothers.]

[familysucks]

[Exactly the response he ought to have expected, but worthy of a grimace nonetheless. He knows they know that's not the likeness he was highlighting, and he knows they'd never read a remark as an insult when they can take it as a compliment. Gabriel and Lucifer are both cheeky brats to the end.

(They're not wrong, either, but that only adds to his frustration. Michael will not be admitting anything of the kind.)

It's evident from his expression that he'd like to say something catastrophically unkind, but then Ledas turns around and bumps his leg, drawing his attention. Right, the baby dragon. The hatchlings are intelligent enough to sit and listen to stories. Ledas might be smart enough to be upset if he highlights its attention-seeking nature as a negative trait.]

Not the point I was making, not that I should expect any different from you two.

[Michael bends to collect Ledas, who's already stretching upwards to receive its reward of a cuddle for showing off its trick. The hatchling curls up into a convenient round bundle as he straightens.]

This isn't a free show. If you're sticking around, I expect you to help.

[He approaches Gabriel, who's going to receive an armful of baby dragon if he stays where he is. Michael knows better than to make a move towards Lucifer. One, despite the political constraints, he still doesn't trust him not to harm the creature; two, he remembers the Feywilds.]

[notrunninganymore]

[The grin that Gabriel already had upon making his stupid comment only grows more pronounced when Lucifer joins in, and Michael's expression only makes it funnier. But underneath the humor is also the strange sense of nostalgia and distant familiarity of a time long ago.

It's not the same now, and it's only a fleeting moment, but Gabriel will still take it. And he'll also take the offered dragon, not considering for even a moment the idea of refusing, now holding Ledas in his arms like the baby dragon is a large, scaly cat.]

What, are you tired from carrying him around? I heard Josie was worried about your noodle arms, but I thought she just wanted a gun show.

[He knows exactly how absurd this sounds, and that's 90% of the appeal of saying it. The other 10% is to let Lucifer hear that some Solvunn local thinks Michael needs to work out.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[Good, Gabe, take the dragon so that he doesn't have to 'help out' or whatever (though he isn't surprised that Michael didn't even try to hand the hatchling to Lucifer).

There's something very dangerous about all three of them being here like this, and that's Gabriel dropping fodder for the likes of Lucifer, snatching it up like a dog grabbing floor snacks, interested and amused.] Josie?

[familysucks]

[That's a glower for you, Gabriel. Are you trying to get a poor old woman killed? Though he may not have heard the factions allowed Summoned from Thorne and the Free Cities to cross over in the name of trying to find their Lost all those months ago, he should know borders are no guarantee of safety against the likes of Lucifer. He'd push Josie down the stairs for a laugh if he thought it'd get under Michael's skin.

(Or maybe he'd be a polite stranger in the name of gleaning gossip, but that's arguably worse.)

He does not acknowledge Lucifer's question. There's nothing to gain from entertaining his brother's curiosity.]

Surprising to hear criticism of the vessel coming from you, of all people. [Michael puts a hand to Gabriel's head, measuring the difference in their heights with a spread thumb and index finger. It's a non-zero number.] Were they making you pay by the inch?

[notrunninganymore]

[It's probably wishful thinking, but Gabriel does believe Lucifer isn't stupid enough to cause trouble with Josie if he ever ends up in Solvunn. Surely Lucifer doesn't want to get smote into dust by Michael and/or anyone else lurking in Solvunn who would be bothered by anything happening to Josie, and has enough sense to avoid such a scenario.

Surely.

But Gabriel does at least have the grace to look slightly contrite at Michael's glare--sorry bro--and in return allows the diversion of topic to his own vessel instead of indulging Lucifer's question. He'll just pretend he didn't hear it.]

Hey, I'm fun size. There's aaaaaall sorts of advantages to not having a giant for a vessel like you two do.

[Not that Adam or Nick are Sam-size or anything, but still. Unnecessarily tall.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[Fiiiiine, he'll ask Gabe later.

Look, Lucifer isn't actually stupid enough to cause whoever it is harm, not because of Michael, but because of Wanda. But then, he'd better not end up in Solvunn. The last time there was even the potential option he went as far north in the other direction as he could.

He keeps his attention on Ledas for the first time because the topic of vessels is never a good one for him. It makes him roll his shoulders, like his wings aren't connected properly, like having a giant should be good enough for how wrong fitted he is in here, without a damn thing he can do about it.

Lucifer says nothing.]

[familysucks]

[Lucifer is silent so Michael doesn't address him, but the angle of his wings beneath the vessel says he's still paying attention. He doesn't trust Lucifer enough to completely dismiss his presence.]

Is that so? [Michael reaches over to scratch the little dragon's chin; Ledas lets out a happy trill.] See what advantage it gives you caring for the hatchling, then. They need their bedding changed and the floor swept. There's a story book in one of the piles—page twenty-four.

[That's where they left off, before the opportunity to show off got Ledas too excited to sit still.

He drops his hand and turns to go, foisting the responsibility for the hatchling onto his brothers. He's extricating himself before one of them inevitably says something that leads to violence.]

[notrunninganymore]

You know I'm not doing any of that!

[Gabriel doesn't quite shout the words, but he does say that loud enough to be sure Michael can hear it as he leaves. Ha, Gabriel doing the work part of taking care of this baby, as if. Gabriel is just the fun uncle who feeds the kid candy and takes them to a theme park and then returns them to their parents, which is exactly what he's planning to do here, just replacing 'parents' with 'a Summoned that is not him'.

And then he turns his attention to Lucifer, idly petting Ledas' scales as he holds the little dragon.]

I haven't been giving off the impression that I'm responsible now, have I?

[Even though he might almost be, at least on occasion, he still certainly hopes he's not actually giving that vibe.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[Oh good Michael is gone.

But why did he leave them with the hatchling.

Ugh. He'll have to peace out of here too shortly then, before Gabriel has the idiotic idea to leave him with it. But surely he's not that optimistic.

Right?

He looks at Gabe, his expression weirdly open (1st cause for concern) and strangely contemplative for a few seconds (2nd cause for concern).] Before? No, of course not. [3RD CAUSE FOR CONCERN.] Now though? You're getting there, yeah.

[He is 1000% lying and tiptoeing carefully around false honesty.]

[notrunninganymore]

[Gabriel fixes Lucifer with his absolutely flattest possible look, something that's always a bit of a struggle for him to do on purpose, because he instantly always wants to laugh. But it is very important to get his utter Disapproval across.]

Very funny, Luci.

[He refuses to believe this, not just because it's Lucifer and he's obviously just being Lucifer, but also because he just absolutely wouldn't accept it from anyone. He is not responsible and is not going to be seen that way, and on that note, he turns his attention toward the baby dragon in his arms.]

Come on, little guy. Let's go find whatever the dragon equivalent of candy is.

[He's going to be a terribly irresponsible babysitter and everyone's going to have to deal with that!!! So there.]