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

[hairington]

[ steve has spent a good amount of time with the hatchlings - both because it's something he considers himself fairly decent at after his last year plus taking care of the primary settlement's toddlers and his own experience from home, and because. well. it's about time dragons came into the picture with this weird fantasy abraxas world. he knows eddie's excited about them (he hasn't stopped talking about them since they arrived) and steve has to admit that he's grown. extremely fond of them himself.

which, of course, means that he's more than willing to drop everything he's doing when someone calls out about an escaped hatchling. steve hasn't seen khloris yet, but he (and many of the other summoned) know where to start looking. and as it turns out, he's just arrived in when he hears the yell of another summoned, looking towards the noise to see the tony green creature sprinting off. ]

Hey- wait! [ steve calls out, surveying the scene and deciding to try and head off khloris somewhere in the middle. he takes off around another couple of fire pits, weaving between draconae and summoned alike to catch up with it, which he's able to after a few moments. ]

Gotcha! [ he says with a kind of grin, an expression familiar with all those who know they shouldn't laugh because they don't want to positively reinforce the behavior, but also the chaos is. kind of funny.

khloris, who steve isn't going to go as far as to say recognizes him so much as recognizes someone in its way slides to a stop just a foot or two from steve's hands. he lunges, trying to get ahold of it, when it skids off and sprints down under another couple of tables. ] Shit, come here- [ except steve isn't really paying attention to what he's doing, and definitely isn't paying attention to anyone who may or may not be barreling straight towards him as he pushes himself up onto his feet.

sorry, hilda. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ In the back of her mind Hilda realizes that she probably looks like a complete mess. The blurry faces as she streaks by them all probably have something akin to amusement on their faces but she doesn't stop to confirm her suspicions. With half of her hairstyle in complete shambles, its left hair falling into her face making it a little difficult to see. But she perseveres, shoving it out of the way, determined to retrieve her stolen hair accessory.

...And try to catch the little demon of a dragon. That was the most important thing, not that last bit.

She hears the voice before she sees Khloris and the figure staggering to his feet. Several things happen at once: Khloris, deciding to take a gamble, doubles back the way he had come in the hopes that his pursuers would run into one another. Part of that tactic involves flying straight at Hilda's face before veering sharply upwards, leaving a stream of pollen in his wake, which unfortunately for Hilda triggers the pollen that had already been in her hair to bloom. Long stems curl down in front of her face, obstructing her view even further and she lets out a squeal - right before barreling into Steve. ]

[hairington]

[ if steve has a few minutes to really look, he might realize the whole stolen hairpiece side of this ordeal. granted, that would involve khloris also slowing down enough for steve to see what it's got in its clutches. unfortunately for hilda, or maybe fortunately for her, he hasn't noticed one way or the other - he's here to try and stop the hatchling, which would also mean she'd get her hairpiece back, right?

either way, khloris takes a sharp turn - leaving plenty of pollen in its wake. steve feels a tickle of sorts in the back of his throat, but he knows if he sneezes, he'll lose whatever upper hand he might have here (spoilers: he doesn't have any at all). even so, he's still focused, still sprinting a little too fast, and-

steve's got a pretty decent sense of personal space, and some athletic reaction times to boot. but even with all that, he can't exactly change the direction of a near-sprint at the very last moment. he does see it happening, though - the way khloris veers sharply upward. how, through the pollen he leaves behind comes barreling another figure, someone who has something...over their face? her face. oh it's a woman oh crap. ]

Hey, wait, look- [ because he's watching this happen, almost in slow-mo. she comes stumbling through, trying to move whatever's in her face away from her eyes, and he's trying to slow down. it's not enough, for either of them, but thankfully steve's hands are out to soften the worst of the collision. does it entirely help? no, because as he tries to move to the side with his hands on her upper arms, it sends him off balance and falling to the ground. she ends up coming with him, equal parts either the fact he's tripped her or that he's still kind of holding onto her, and they go tumbling to the ground. ]

Ooof! [ is the sound that escapes him, when he (probably thankfully) lands on his back and she lands right on top of him, knocking the wind right out of him as she does it. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda knows that she's going to fall before it happens because that's typically what happens when someone is running full tilt towards a tiny creature only to have your vision completely obstructed by the sudden appearance of foliage. She would have thought that person running towards her would at least have the foresight to step aside or out of the way or something. There would have been no blame pointed at them if they had sidestepped out of the way in an attempt to save themselves from a collision (well, there might be a little, actually) because it's entirely possible she would have done the same.

Bracing herself, she prepares to meet the stone floor, only instead, to be met with the softness of a body. The wind is knocked out of her too, punctuated by a little noise of surprise. But unfortunately still mid-struggle, her head knocks back - only to be pulled back down by the hand of gravity. The foliage hanging in front of her eyes is by no means thick enough to cushion the force of two foreheads meeting and the surprise gives way to a cry of pain. ]

Ow, ow, ow!

[ Tears sting at the corner of her eyes as she tries in vain once again to wrest the rest of the damned flowers out of her face. ]

Why do dragons have powers like that anyway!

[hairington]

[ their foreheads collide (and steve's pretty sure some part of his face and nose might have hit something, too) and honestly, it's kind of freaking painful. steve lets out a oomf as his head reels back from the collision and then ends up landing on the stone ground. it's really quite impressive, in a way, that something as innocent as an escaping hatchling now leaves both him and the woman on top of him in this much pain. steve gives up on trying to get up at that point, both his hands coming up to his face. ]

I don't know. Magic? God, ow- [ he answers, though it's partially muffled by his hands, as he just kind of lays there and tries to let the searing pain from his forehead and face settle.

in the end, he does suppose this is his own fault for not getting out of the way. he just hopes whoever it is he collided with is in a better state than he is. he kind of lets her figure her own right way up, okay to just sort of. continue to lay there for now. ]

You okay? [ he asks after a moment, equally muffled, as he finally opens his eyes and tries to see what all is happening. ] Like- you're not too hurt?

[theidlemaiden]

I think I'm still trying to figure that part out.

[ Her eyes sting from the dull pain but she ignores that momentarily to tackle the reason behind their collision. There's still a fair amount of foliage in her eyes and one manages to snake its way into her mouth sending her coughing and spluttering. At least she manages to sit up so that she's straddling the stranger for a lack of a better word. Hopefully he isn't too concerned about lack of personal space.

With some very determined grappling she manages to pick most of the plants from her eyes giving her a proper view of who it was exactly that she collided with. He isn't a familiar face, at least not one that she can recall sitting down and speaking with for any extended amount of time. And she'd definitely remember if she had. ]

Are you okay? I'm sorry!

[hairington]

Yeah, I get that.

[ steve doesn't really see much of anything right now, which is pretty okay for him - the throbbing in his nose and forehead kind of takes up all of his attention, punctuated only by the way the other half of this collisions seems to need to sit right up, and he can feel her legs on either side of him, and okay - maybe he should be a bit more worried about this entire thing but god damn it, he needs a second. ]

Yeah- yeah. 'm fine. [ he pulls his hands away from his nose just enough to scrunch up his face, feeling the pain shoot through and then dull. god it hurts, so much that he's not really aware of the fact she's actually straddling him. not until he looks up at the face of the woman (one he doesn't...really recognize) to see her staring back at him. ]

Oh- wow you're beautiful. [ escapes him before he realizes it, and then when he does realize it, he lets out a huff of a laugh. ] Sorry- I think I'm okay. It's not- [ he checks his nose again, then pulls his hands away, checking his fingers. ] I'm not bleeding, right?

[theidlemaiden]

[ The sudden compliment that spills from his lips takes Hidla out of her concern for just a split second too. Several emotions flash across her face: confusion, surprise, and then a dash of bashfulness as her own laughter mingles with his. It's enough to start the beginnings of a smile slowly blooming across her face. 

There are more important things to address than his surprising compliment, namely making sure that he was okay. No harm in a little flirting though, right? Hilda hums, gently taking a hold of the young man's face in her hands to gently tip his face from side to side as she examines him a little more closely. When she's done scrutinizing him she gives him a bright smile. ] 

I'm happy to report that there's no bleeding. But just to be safe - [ Warmth emanates from her hands as she quietly casts a healing spell. Her eyes twinkle with a teasing light. ] that should stop any bruises from appearing on that handsome face of yours. 

[hairington]

[ she laughs, and steve feels some small amount of weight leave his chest. she's not upset, okay, that's good, and she is very pretty, so he's feeling better about this situation by the moment. her hands are very suddenly on either side of his face, cupping his cheeks, and it's not that steve goes limp exactly - but there is no resistance as she turns his face back and forth.

steve blinks at the bright smile, and feels himself smile a bit in return. ] Good. That's- yeah that's great. [ and then suddenly her hands are warm, and... oh. oh yeah, the pain is very much gone now. ]

You can do- that was magic, right? [ steve is still smiling, eyes twinkling just the tiniest bit. he's still a bit amazed with magic, despite his year and change he's been at abraxas. ] That's awesome.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Considering their position, Steve's body slackening a little in her hands doesn't go unnoticed. The realization only proves to fuel her growing amusement. Even after the spell fades, the warmth lingers along with her hands. Relief flickers in her gaze when it becomes apparent that he's feeling better. His compliment however serves to make a little bit colour dust across her cheeks. ]

Just a little bit. But it's nothing special. I'm just glad that it came in handy for moments like this.

[ Clearing her throat she straightens up a little bit. ]

I feel like we've gone about this in the opposite order though. I don't usually sit on someone's lap before I introduce myself. [ Her hands slip from his cheeks and then holds out a hand to shake. ] I'm Hilda.

[hairington]

[ he definitely sees the color dusting her cheeks and doesn't bother hiding the way his smile grows ever so slightly at it. ]

I don't know- I think it's pretty special.

[ when she straightens, he does too - not too much, just enough that he doesn't feel like he's going to lay back on the ground at any given moment. the girl in his lap doesn't exactly get off of him, either, which steve really finds he doesn't mind all that much.

the tilt around usually has steve's brow arching, his smile turning playful. ] Oh, really? I never would have guessed. [ and then she's holding out her hand to shake, and steve can't help the chuckle that leaves him, shifting a little more to shake her - hilda's - hand. ]

I'm Steve. And I'm usually more coordinated than all this, but I don't know. Didn't turn out too bad.

[ oh yeah, he's back baby. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ The question is, is she purposefully not moving off of Steve's lap or if she's really just that oblivious? Hard to say. Or maybe it isn't. Whatever the reason, she's a little preoccupied at the moment in an attempt to deflect his compliment. ]

Everyone in Abraxas can do a little bit of magic. I'm sure you can too.

[ And she really isn't being modest when she says that a little healing spell isn't anything to bat an eyelash at. Practically every student at the Academy had to learn how to heal - you never knew when you'd be in a scenario where you had to heal yourself or someone else without a skilled mage present.

But right. The cute boy that she's sitting on the lap of. Releasing his hand, she taps her chin thoughtfully. ] 

I don't know, I think you're going to have to prove that to me. I'd normally say you owe me a dance or something but the middle of an eating area isn't really the place for that, is it? 

[ Because it cannot be ignored that they're still in a very public place with some very amused Draconae watching. With a little bit of reluctance she climbs off of him and stands up, offering him a hand. ]

[hairington]

[ there's a reason he's not bringing attention to it, after all. he has no idea which of the two it is either, and he isn't about to make assumptions. and listen- she might be too preoccupied with deflecting his compliment, but he doesn't have to accept it, shaking his head. ]

Not like that, nothing useful. [ which isn't exactly true, but she doesn't need to know that he's got a heightened sense of smell and eyesight, or that he can get back up even after nearly dying. those aren't really useful bits of magic in the every day.

or in the now, considering how close she is. he doesn't need heightened senses to handle this. ]

I could...take you out dancing sometime? Doesn't have to be right now. [ oh, that is definitely asking her out on a date. that is definitely what that is. steve's actually feeling pretty decent about it too, even gives her a smile as she climbs up off him and offers him her hand. steve takes it, finally getting back up on his feet.

and then, jokingly: ] Or do you not trust me?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Maybe not every day, but then again, it's all perspective, isn't it? Enhanced smell would be the envy of every chef or a perfumer! And enhanced eyesight could come in handy when someone was trying to hunt down say...a pesky baby dragon that continues to remain elusive despite their best chasing efforts. 

A date hadn't necessarily been top of mind for her when she had let that little suggestion slip out. It's just a part of her typical repertoire of banter. So when he offers up a dance in return there's an interested glint that sparkles in her eyes as she pulls him up to his feet. Gazing up at him, her hand lingers, holding on for just a moment before letting go. ] 

Well we sort of did do a trust fall where you caught me so...I think that's enough to go off of. Actually, [ Something else dawns on her. ] there is something else that you could do for me. I'd love to know the name of my future dance partner. 

[hairington]

[ man, that would be super helpful, wouldn't it? if only someone was smart enough and actually remembered he even has abilities enough to use it. oh well!

and it's fine, it doesn't have to be on the top of her mind, because it's not really ever far from his. her suggestion is just enough of a reason to take the risk, and judging by the way she doesn't immediately shut him down, steve's feeling pretty good about it.

he's feeling especially good about it when she agrees that whatever this weird meet-cute had been is enough of a reason to trust him, which shows on how his smile grows just a little bit bigger. ]

Oh? Whatever you need. [ and then, the question, and steve laughs - nodding and letting one of his hands brush back through his hair. ] Fair. My name's Steve. Steve Harrington.

[theidlemaiden]

[ There's always a next time. It's not like it's going anywhere after all.

Bashfully she extends a hand out towards him. ]

Steve Harrington. I'm Hilda Goneril

[ She lets the name roll off her tongue teasingly as if savouring the sound of it. There's some silly joke in there paired with the way that he was probably aptly named for the lovely head of hair that he has on his shoulders before something else dawns on her. She's heard that name before. And, come to think of it, she might have seen that hair before too. ]

You wouldn't happen to be a friend of Eddie's would you?

[hairington]

[ oh, it's his time. she extends her hand and steve - smooth, without any hesitation - takes it and kisses the back. he's picked up on a thing or two during his time here, and this has been one of those things that's worked in his favor, so. ]

It's good to meet you, Hilda. [ another smile, and steve lets go of her hand. is about to ask if she has a favorite place to go dancing, when-

the mention of eddie shifts steve's expression around. something practiced slips into something more honest, a charming smile into something more tired but fond. should he be surprised that eddie's the first person other people are meeting? because somehow he's not. ] Yeah, I know Eddie. [ a laugh, and then steve's lifting a brow. ] Should I be worried that you're asking?

[theidlemaiden]

[ Hilda's eyes trail his movements, equal parts amused, equal parts adoringly. Someone would be hard pressed to see that. And because she's watching him, she sees that flicker of something else break through the smooth, suave facade that he'd put on.

Living life around people who enjoyed donning masks isn't new to her. She could count on one hand the number of nobles she had interacted with growing up that were deft at wearing multiple and she lived with two of them. It would be hypocritical of her not to admit that she wears her own. The point is that she knows a mask has a time and place and she wouldn't fault Steve for putting on the charm because she definitely appreciates it.

But perhaps, she appreciates what she can now identify as care for a friend more. Her expression warms, something that flirting could never hope to achieve or prompt. She puts on airs, huffing slightly. ]

Not unless you count me being concerned for his hearing after hearing how loud he likes to play his music. Does everyone in your world listen to music that loud?

[hairington]

[ he is being watched, and steve finds that he doesn't really mind the way her eyes follow him. it doesn't feel like he's being picked apart, but instead like she's seeing something else there. and maybe it's because it involves eddie - that she knows him, that her reaction doesn't seem angry or annoyed or negative - that steve's gonna make the assumption that hilda likes him, and if someone likes eddie, he's pretty sure they're good in his book.

still, his brow lifts a little bit - curious, bemused - until she asks her question and steve just sort of laughs. ] Yes and no- I like my music loud every now and then, but Munson's on a whole other level.

shall we start wrapping soon my lovely?

[theidlemaiden]

He kept insisting that it was better that way. I'm still not convinced.

[ Despite her skeptical words, there's a clear line of affection that runs through it. Steve's clear care for their mutual friend only serves to make her eyes crinkle a little further. She slips her arm through his, turning them back towards the eating area. ]

Have you two been friends for long? I'd love to hear about how you two met.

ties this off with a bow.

[hairington]

It's the kind of music he likes; I don't know. He says its about some kind of experience.

[ steve recognizes the clear affection in her words, which may or may not be why he's so easily settled into it. her arm slipping through his own feels almost exactly like something he himself had been planning on doing, so it's pretty easy to start walking in the same direction she leads. ]

Yes...and no? We're closer here than we ever really were back home, but I'm gonna need a drink or two before that story happens.

[ and maybe that's just exactly what they'll do for the rest of the evening. if hilda will even give him that long... ]