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

[theidlemaiden]

You're supposed to be on my side! 

[ Hilda's gaze whips towards the pale man, eyes narrowing and looking like this is the worst form of betrayal that anyone could have ever done to her. Unfortunately it seems like the bird with its vacant eyes seems to be rather obliging towards his request. The voice that croaks from the bird's beak is different from the last one, but Hilda cringes recognizing it as the voice of another tutor - another one in a long line that had tried and failed to shake her from her lazy tendencies. ] 

No, no, no, Hilda. Not like that. Like this, see? Holst managed to picked this up so quickly. I'm surprised you can't. 

Alright that's enough. 

[ As heat rises to her cheeks, her hand swats out towards the bird who immediately takes flight. ]

Let's find these crystals and get out of here. I haven't seen or heard those tutors in a very long and I'd like to keep it that way. 

cw: verbal flashback of past abuse

[ancunin]

Oh don't be so sensitive!

[ Which isn't particularly apologetic sounding, both his tone and expression remaining amused for the moment. So her tutors were a little pushy, he hardly sees that as cause enough to warrant her strong reaction.

The place where the bird had been is empty. He did notice something... strange about the way it moved, though.

Suddenly, there's a flutter of wings from behind them, and a harsh, belittling voice calls out from the beak of a shadowy bird: ]

Oh how sweet you sing for Godey, little one...

[ Astarion's expression immediately shifts to shock. He picks up a rock, and unlike his spell when he throws it at the bird, it strikes true - the creature dissipates in another puff of smoke. ]

Are we certain these crystals are very important?

[ See, it was funny when it was happening to Hilda... ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ He's right of course. Reacting that strongly to the voice of a governess or tutor that she'd had when she had been younger shouldn't elicit that strong of a reaction and frankly, it's a little embarrassing that she had. Warnings from the Draconae hadn't prepared her for actual voices from her past coming back to haunt her - not that there had been anything that she thought was worth bringing up. Apparently she had thought wrong. If probed further she'd simply chalk it up to the fact that it had caught her off guard; it certainly had nothing to do with her deep seeded anxiety around not being able to live up to her brother's legacy.

Her own surprise comes and goes - before quickly returning as Astarion chucks a rock at the bird with startling accuracy. She can absolutely see the irony in this situation but unlike her pale companion, she's going to show a little more compassion by not making a verbal comment.

Instead she's going to give him a raised eyebrow. That's likely to convey what she's thinking without her needing to say it. What was that about being sensitive? ]

I'm certain. The sooner we find them the faster we can get out of here.

[ The leafy path beckons them and she starts onwards again. It's clear from his reaction that it hadn't been a pleasant memory. What should come as no surprise is that she's curious to know more, but she's wouldn't probe further if he completely shuts her down. That being said, she didn't want him to feel the need to bottle it up either. ]

I guess Godey wasn't a very nice person if you'd throw a rock at them like that.

[ancunin]

[ Astarion watches the back of her head as she begins to walk, not wholly convinced.

After a few seconds, though, she'll hear a beleaguered sight as well as his light footsteps following behind. It's only a handful of steps before he's at her side again. ]

How very astute of you! Let's call him a wretched loose end from my past - and I'll do far, far worse to him next we meet.

[ This he answers with gleeful and irreverent confidence, but if she were to catch a glance at his expression she might notice tension around his eyes and the edges of his lips that better fit the implications of violence in his words. A fairy tale prince he is not.

He turns his gaze toward her again, eyebrows raising in faux-innocence: ]

Well then, since we're readily prying into one another's histories... who's Horst?

[theidlemaiden]

[ She does in fact see the tightness confirming her idle suspicions that Godey probably wasn't a very kind person. Not when Astarion sounded like he'd like to skewer him like a piece of meat getting ready to be grilled.

Everyone had a different version of a fairy tale prince didn't they? Speaking of – 
Really, the question about Holst should have been something she should have seen coming from a mile away. Her nose wrinkles slightly before giving Astarion a look that says she can see right through his little innocent act. For that she might just try and let a large leaf that she's pushing aside slap him in the face. ] 

My older brother. He's great, really. Just a little overbearing, overwhelming and amazing as any prodigal son would be. All of my tutors and teachers expected me to be just like him especially because I was a Crest bearer. I just didn't see the point in trying very hard when he's going to be the head of our house some day, you know?

[ All of it is said with the weariness of a little sister. But in the same breath, there's no resentment, no bitter wistfulness for more responsibility. ]

[ancunin]

[ Astarion has no idea what a Crest Bearer is, and isn't entirely sure he cares enough to ask. He gingerly toes at some of the undergrowth that's brightened around him like a halo of greenery, idly looking for anything shiny and crystal-like. ]

How lucky for you then, to be suddenly whisked so far away from your family and household staff.

[ An absent comment, lacking bite. A pretty little noblewoman like her might've been a target at one point - her disappearance passed off by rumors that she fell for the charms of some beau and ran off to escape her the pressure of her family's expectations.

A glint of something catches his eye and he bends down.

Nope, just a wet rock. He gives it a toss into the ugly, dead looking bushes off to the side. ]

[theidlemaiden]

It was lucky. In some ways at least. 

[ You could summon a spoiled rich daughter out of Fodlan, but you couldn't summon the spoiled rich upbringing out of her - or something like that. Overhead she hears the soft flutter of wings, signaling that more than one had come to accompany this time around. 

Faintly she hopes that if they do start talking again that it's aimed at her and not Astarion. He didn't exactly seem thrilled to hear that particular ghost from his past. They continue their traverse, life springing up around them, vines reaching for them like they were the sun. ]

Do you know how difficult it is to get to know anyone when there's a hulking big man breathing down their necks and threatening them for even looking at me the wrong way? Having Holst in a different world is really doing wonders for my social life.

[ancunin]

[ He hears the birds flitting around in the dark as well, and has a similar thought. Better her than him. What she heard from Godey just earlier was relatively tame, all things considered. ]

Think about the poor souls who have no one looking out for them. So many young men and women go missing in the city, with no one to care or wonder what became of them...

[ His expression and tone both turn morose as he says this, and he scoops another rock to hurl in the direction of the fluttering wings again. Though they remain out of sight, he can hear them tittering. ]

But no, you're right. [ His moods seem to turn quite quick, an airy quality to his voice as he waves a hand. ] All anyone should hope for is a... happy middle ground. [ A raised eyebrow, another knowing grin. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ The raised eyebrow is met with one of her own as she tries to puzzle out what exactly Astarion is trying to get at. Her sense of self-preservation had always been better than appearances might let on, but she's always erred on trusting others.

Eventually she lets out a resigned sigh. ]

I suppose you're right. They do say that you really only start to miss the things in your life until you don't have them anymore.

[ As if on cue voices begin to echo overhead that sounds like the distinctly deep tones of Holst's voice but she can't make out the words. Thinking that it's for the best she flounces on, moving aside greenery and crouching low as if getting closer to the ground will help them in their quest of finding the crystals. A curious glance is cast over her shoulder. ]

Did you arrive here on your own?

[ancunin]

[ Astarion's gaze follows the birds overhead, tracking them as he scoops up another rock that he hurls with the same calculated precision as before. If only the pests were just a tiny bit more solid, he might actually have some fun.

He says nothing to the comment about things missed in life, managing to bite his tongue for once. Anything he'd say would be spit with pure venom. ]

I didn't, actually. [ To which he seems surprised himself to admit as he continues to lazily toe at the dead plants, half-heartedly looking for crystals. ] But it's a little - let's say complicated. Not to mention she's stuck in that cultist commune.

[ Solvunn, he means. He pulls a face, wrinkling his nose at the thought of farm life. ]

You see, the odd thing is that she knows me. But I've never met her before in my life!

[ He glances over at Hilda, studying her reaction. Is this a common sort of problem amongst the Summoned that she might be able to enlighten him on? ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Upon hearing that he's arrived here with someone else she seems to perk up. Arriving alone had never been something she'd had to contend with in Abraxas. Those who had wound up here without knowing a soul are far braver than she'd ever be.

Even arriving alone at Garreg Mach on the first day hadn't technically been her arriving alone - she'd had a small contingency of servants (at Holst's behest) there and she had known several faces and names before the first day of classes had even begun. Overhead a small chorus of voices faintly echo - You're Holst's little sister aren't you? I bet you're just as strong and bright as he is. Oh, did he not accompany you? You wouldn't mind introducing me to him at some point, would you? Whether or not she hears them is hard to say. Her attention is focused on Astarion.

Astarion's situation isn't quite as ideal as she'd hoped though and she pauses, blinking up at him as she processes the information. She chooses her words thoughtfully. ]

Does she remember the same sort of events as you? Or are they slightly different?

[ancunin]

[ Astarion doesn't appreciate being interrupted, so as the birds continue he just raises his voice just a smidge louder - even as he continues to keep tabs on how close they get. There are plenty more rocks to be thrown, and he doesn't mind the target practice. ]

Well - [ he drags the word out so that it sounds more like weehhhlll ] - mostly, I think? We didn't exactly write it all down to compare and contrast. But the major points line up.

[ Now he's considering whether they should do that. He lifts one hand to hold his chin, looking thoughtfully into the middle distance. It's not as though he can't already come up with some key differences, mainly how Haelva had him feeding off of her... ]

The main point of contention appears to be that she doesn't exist, at least not by my version of events. What she says she did, I attribute to someone else - and she has no recollection of them.

[ Somehow, Tav and Haelva as interchangeable. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ It's not quite the scenario that's found herself in with Sylvain, Claude and the friends who had come and gone. And they, unlike he and whoever had arrived with him from home, had written everything down in what was a ridiculous looking timeline with multiple crossing points.

Everyone that had attended the Academy still existed in the timelines they had identified - or rather, had existed depending on which timeline and when in the war they were referring to. Had she not thought about the gruesome end of her friends and her own death to a morbidly obsessive point she might have tripped over the thought. Thankfully she skips right over it to the person who was mostly consistent through every timeline they had compared that long day in the domain: their dear old professor.

She's never been the cagey sort - that is a trait she'll leave for people who have actual secrets, so deciding to tell Astarion about the situation they found themselves in is an easy one. The hope is that it reassures him in some way that the situation he finds himself in isn't a solely unique one and that others can commiserate in the confusion. ]

It's not quite the same thing, but my friends and I are from different timelines. As in, we remember most things similarly and have experienced similar things - except with different outcomes. As far as we can tell, some version of ourselves exists in the other's with maybe the exception of our professor. They were either female or male depending on who's version of the timeline we're talking about.

[ancunin]

[ He's certainly not going to complain about her forthcoming nature. At least not about this. There's another rock in his hand, and though he's clearly listening to her, he's also tossing it up and down in the air, catching it each time without looking. ]

Interesting. My two are the same gender - not that I wouldn't enjoy the variety in any other circumstances...

[ She's right, though. It's not entirely the same as his problem. Maybe if the rest of their merry band inevitably get kidnapped and sent here, he'll find some more answers. Or, ugh, more questions. He catches the rock again, then just holds it in his hand, glancing at her curiously. ]

Do you suppose that means there must be a male version of you somewhere? [ And a devastatingly beautiful female version of himself?

And yes, he's still concerned about this whole 'different timeslines' reveal. But priorities in the moment. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Amusement lights up in her eyes at that question. Clearly it’s a well received one and she understands his priorities because that’s exactly where her mind had gone too when all this talk about timelines had first come about. ]

Maybe. I’d like to think that that version of me would be just as cute. The other versions of me sounded more or less the same so he’d probably have my personality too. It’d be weird to think of me as anything but who I am.

[ Although she did have to wonder too if she would end up looking more like Holst. Her brother wasn’t necessarily unattractive, but he wouldn’t be what someone would consider conventionally handsome either. Then again, if he was amazing at everything else, something had to give. ]

Do they look alike? Your two friends that is.

[ There’s no hesitation in her referring to them as that because there hadn’t been anything else from Astarion for her to assume otherwise a negative or terse relationship otherwise. ]

Apparently our professor - or the different versions of them - had pretty similar facial features and personalities.

[ancunin]

[ It makes him wonder about his own potential alternates. Is there a version of him somewhere that didn't meet a grisly and cursed fate? Did he (or she) manage to rise above magistrate to secure even higher ranks within Upper City society? Of course he thinks so. But he's still stuck like this, so advancement for any dopplegangers doesn't do much for him in the end.

He gets a little distracted thinking about himself before returning to the conversation. ]

Oh, no. They're two completely different creatures in body and mind! One is deceptively small and sweet. The other is large and the sort that likes to intimidate their way through problems. Or hit them over the head. Whichever.

[ These sound like negatives, but for the most part they are not.

Something catches the light from beneath the bramble, a promising reflection of crimson. ]

Is that one of them? [ The crystals. Finally. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Before she can ask which one is the one that's here (because frankly, both of those descriptions could sound like they could vaguely fit any of the Summoned she's come across) her attention snaps towards the crystals.

Following his gaze, the delighted gasp she lets out is a confirmation that yes, it should very well be the crystals they came here looking for. It's a blessing really because it means that the sooner they collect them the sooner they can get out of this creepy landscape and back to being surrounded by attractive Dracaonae. The removal of some underbrush reveals the crystals that are a lot larger than she had initially expected. She's quick to grab a hold of her little pickaxe to begin extracting them. ]

You can get started on that one over there. which one of them is here?