abraxaslogs | EVENT #15: THE NETHER

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EVENT #15: THE NETHER - IC EVENT LOG

Event #15 - The Nether

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Toenail care is super important! How are you supposed to march long distances when they're pressed up against your boots? Doesn't that feel uncomfortable? What if they get ingrown or worse - fall off?

[ She shudders at the thought. He might be teasing but she's being incredibly serious. There may have been a war against the Empire but Hilda's own personal war had involved trying to make her manicure and pedicure last more than a couple of days. Some people had prayer, some people had weapon care – she had personal, self care. ]

Ignatz was the best. He had the same meticulous eye as he did for his art. Everything was so evenly cut, seasoned and looked good on a plate.

[ Speaking of evenly cut – she pauses a moment to contemplate her own portions. They weren't awful. Best not to stop to think about it too long though. Her perfectionist tendencies aren't going to help her here. With the meat done she reaches for some of the spices and seasonings trying to recall what had been tasty, sniffing them or tasting a little here and there. After a moment's contemplation she begins tossing some into a bowl.

There's a fondness in her voice as she picks up where she has left off. ]

But you're right about everyone else. We had to ban Lorenz from the kitchen though. Having him in there just aggravated everyone else except Raphael and that's because nothing can bother him.

[ He valiantly bites back a laugh, because he’d been kidding, but he really should have known better. Instead, he just hums thoughtfully as he pretends to ponder that grim fate. ]

I can’t say I ever gave it that much thought. They’ve always been shoved in boots, as far as I can remember. I was usually more interested in a hot bath, when it was available, and a hot meal. My toes were more likely to fall off from the cold, not my poor nail care.

[ #justGautierthings

He snorts out a laugh as she describes the antics of her classmates, especially the shade thrown in Lorenz’ direction. ]

Was there anywhere he didn’t aggravate everyone? Ignatz doesn’t surprise me, though. He’s definitely creative enough to carry it off. And did Lorenz even know how to cook or was he just in there ‘supervising’ and making a nuisance of himself?

[ She immediately pulls a face. ]

Goddess – Sylvain! I'm trying to make you a meal. Don't you think we could leave out talk about toes falling off?

[ Said like she hadn't just been talking about ingrown nails and nails falling off. Clearly it's Sylvain who's at fault here.

She hums jokingly at the question about Lorenz and the small pool of people he didn't immediately send into a tailspin of annoyance. For all her ribbing and roasting of the Gloucester heir, she had grown more fond of him after their departure from Garreg Mach than she let on. The rose maze in the Feywilds had provided that surprising revelation. ]

Lorenz knew a couple of dishes but I think it was more necessity than anything else. And it only came after we teased him relentlessly about having too noble of a taste for wartime food and how it was incredibly tone deaf to the people around him.

Hey, you started it!

[ He defends himself with a laugh, lifting his hands in the air in surrender when she makes a face at him.

Still, he returns to his original position, watching her continue, as she goes on to explain about the Count’s son in the kitchen. Something Sylvain is still having a very hard time picturing. Then again, his only memories of Lorenz were from when they were all at the Academy together.

And they were all young and stupid back then, he’s pretty sure. ]

He must have gotten better about taking criticism, then. I remember when teasing like that would send him storming off in a huff.

Just because I started it didn't mean you had to take it that far.

[ Her huffy little retort has the hint of a laugh in it, one that would be a difficult thing to disguise so she doesn't bother. Continuing on this way between the pair of them makes it feel like the shadow birds and the talk that they'd had on the balcony are light years away. And so long as she pretends things are fine then why wouldn't they be? Isn't that how things always were with them?

With the spice mix as good as it can be she pulls some of the oil towards her, patting a little bit on the portioned meat before proceeding to coat it in her spice mixture. ]

He's built a little bit of tolerance. [ A little is still not being as generous as she could be, but that's mostly out of habit. How else would she keep him humble even from a whole other world away? ] Now it takes a little more teasing than what you remember to get him to do that.

[ She lapses into a silence as she continues her work and after a moment, there's a tinge more fondness that finds its way into her voice. ]

Lorenz has grown a lot. I think you might have actually gotten along with him now.

[ That gets a very emphatic scoff of derision over the very idea. ]

I don’t know if I’d go that far. We were not at all fans of each other. I don’t see that changing all that easily. At least I liked you and Claude, even before we showed up here. Lorenz and I… were united by the strength of our mutual disdain for each other, basically.

Well of course you liked me. Why else would you have done those chores for me?

[ It's mostly said in jest. She's still sensitive about the things she had gotten people to do for her then and still sensitive about it now to some degree depending on the circumstances. Even if they had spoken at some length about what Sylvain considered her taking advantage of him that wasn't going to stop her from being hyper aware of old habits rearing their head.

More than that though, it brushes up against the conversation they'd had shortly before arriving here. One about feelings, about wanting certain things from one another. A topic that she's been trying not to think too much about and failing spectacularly at. ]

Oh, I'm sure there are more things you have in common. I can think of some actually: you both ride horses, are nobles, and begrudgingly take care of Claude even though I think you both secretly like it more than you'd ever let on. [ There's a pause, before letting out a laugh. ] Actually, maybe I have more in common with Lorenz than I thought too.

Because you batted your eyes at me adorably and asked me nicely?

[ He just grins at this retort, because that’s exactly what she’d done, actually, but he still liked her anyway. Even if he’d gotten scolded for all those late books in her place. Honestly, that hadn’t even been that big a deal. He’d gotten way worse scoldings from Ingrid.

He’s still making faces at the Lorenz comparisons, though. ]

Up until that last one, you coulda said the same for Ferdie. Or Ingrid. Or Petra, for that matter. Although Claude does indeed need a great deal of looking after, I suppose. [ He gives a dismayed sigh, as if over the prospect of this. ]

[ Scoldings were scoldings no matter how light or harsh they were. Frankly, the number of times that she’d experienced them in her lifetime were far and few between. She could probably count on one hand the number of times that she had been scolded to the point where it had been bad enough to make her actually cry and feel an iota of guilt of what she had done. Early on as a child she had learned how to wriggle her way out of them, or at the very least, make them as short as possible.

And batting her eyes and asking nicely? Those were definitely tactics that she had employed. She does it now in fact, turning on the simpering charm and casting him the biggest doe eyes and fluttery lashes she can muster. It isn't long before she breaks out into a laugh that's more snicker than gleeful giggle. ]

I’d pay to see the three of you in a room. Ferdie, Lorenz and you to be clear. I think it would be really funny.

[ With the meat seasoned she begins to skewer them, alternating them with the vegetables she had cut earlier. The laugh in her voice subsides into something quieter, something more gentle. As genuine as it is, it's clear that it's said with some level of care, as if she's watchful of any bitterness that might coat her tongue after the fact. ]

Claude is lucky to have you looking after him though. He gets in the habit of thinking he has to do it all himself.

He’s lucky to have both of us looking after him.

[ He’s quick to amend that statement with the more accurate version. Although a moment later, he wrinkles his nose before laughing. ]

Actually, I’m pretty sure I’m terrible at that role, you can have it back. I’m the one more likely to instigate him into more mischief on behalf of a dare he can’t say no to.

[ As soon as her words leave her lips Hilda braces herself, waiting for the ensuing bitterness to awaken. The familiar climb of it up her throat is there but there's not enough time for it to manifest, not when Sylvain provides a not so subtle reminder for her that there is still the possibility of something for them however nebulous that may be.

She shakes herself from it with a begrudging sigh of her own. Instead she focuses her attentions on folding the meat slightly to give it a more appealing look on the skewer as she continues her work. ]

You're both awful. Being the responsible one is exhausting.

[ It's not quite an acceptance of his statement, but it's at least something. ]

No wonder Ingrid spent so much of her time scolding you. She had her hands full with the three of you.

Ouch.

[ He says it with a wince that’s somewhat ruined with a grin, even if he feels a pang at the memory. ]

You could have at least pretended not to find me as annoying as Ingrid did. And here I thought I’d been on rather good behavior. [ A telling pause, as he takes a moment to rethink that, before amending again, ] …for the most part.

[ A look passes between them as if she had been waiting for that amendment. With the meat done she pauses, contemplating the shrimp in front of her. She had seen one of the Draconae marinating them earlier. Maybe she should do the same. They had been juicy and flavourful and probably seemed like something Sylvain would like. But had they been shell on or off? She had seen both.

As passively observant as she is she can't help but hesitate, doubting his comment about not being picky. A thought crosses her mind, unbidden. The same could be said about his feelings for her.

In an attempt to distract herself further she tugs a bowl, spices and some lemon juice towards her as she begins creating some sort of marinade that she can only hope will taste alright. ]

I didn't say you were annoying or that I thought that. Just that you sometimes do annoying things - like trying to embarrass me in front of Rocket.

[ Although the same could be the same about Rocket. He's not here to be lectured about it though. ]

I never did that!

[ He thinks?

…Jaskier, on the other hand… ]

You didn’t have anything to be embarrassed about anyway.

[ His lips twitch, because she looks adorable perplexed right now and he has to bite his tongue to keep from offering her unwanted (?) advice. ]

For now. I know you.

[ Did this thing need oil in it? Or did she brush it on after? Did she cut enough garlic for this? ]

Telling people that I'm good at fighting or calling me Killda isn't funny! I don't want people to know I can do any of that because they'll start expecting it.

[ The perplexed expression only continues, perpetuated by her trying recall what she had seen the others do. She glances up just in time with a handful of garlic to see his lip twitch. Anxiety rockets through her. ]

What was that for? Did I do something wrong?

But you are good at fighting, what’s so wrong with people knowing that? Besides, I think that secret’s out, considering the number of times you’ve come to our rescue now. When you’re not getting munched on by a dragon anyway.

And I never called you Killda! [ Outloud. ] …Although that is a pretty clever nickname, you gotta admit.

[ …Yeah, he’s gonna get himself in shit again.

He laughs at her immediate panic, fond and quiet. ] No, you didn’t do anything wrong, sweetheart. You’re just adorable and I’m enjoying watching you work. You’re doing just fine.

I haven’t come to anyone’s rescue.

[ The protest she provides him is a muttered one, cheeks puffing out only just; equal parts unhappy about the mention of the dragon that she still has nightmares about and that she has to try and dissuade him from this topic at all. Of course it’s convenient and easy to forget that she had in fact taken part in rescuing Ciri and Jakiser from the mountain. And that she had frantically dug Petra out of an avalanche. Discrediting herself is always easier than giving herself credit when credit is due.

Her real ire flares however at the insistence that Killda is a good nickname. ]

It’s an awful nickname. I’m not Felix! I don’t want to be given a really ridiculous edgy nickname — I sound like a brute.

[ The garlic is thrown into the bowl in exasperation. ]

Don’t say that either. I’m really worried this won’t taste good. I’ve only worked with it once. And I just want to make sure that you enjoy it after that awful experience with those stupid shadow birds.

[ He stills at the mention of the shadow birds, some of his humor draining away at the memory. And the realization of why she might be doing this. ]

No one would ever mistake you for a brute, Hilda. And you don’t have anything to make up for. Those birds are just old ghosts. Forget about them.

[ Remnants of that steely look in her gaze from the Featherhive returns as her head snaps up to look at him. ]

Yes I do.

[ There's a finality to her words, a fierce under intone that almost challenges him to make her change her mind. It's only emphasized by her tossing the prawns in a little forcefully into the bowl as she begins to toss them and letting it sit so they can marinate. ]

Ghosts are still ghosts. And those ghosts hurt you. And I know that if the situation were reversed you'd say the same thing.

[ How else is she supposed to explain to him that she would fight them if she could even though it's likely never to bring him actual comfort because she isn't the person his heart might actually yearn for? Would reiterating what she had said to him in the past suffice? Likely not. But she needs to try. ]

You do so much for me. I still haven't repaid you for everything you did for me while I was recovering. And before you say that I don't have to, I do. If you won't accept that then if anything, those ghosts might never apologize so I'm going to make it up for them even though they don't deserve it.

[ He blinks at her slowly a moment, not expecting such an emphatic reply from her. Especially not over this. He’s not actually sure how to reply to that. Any of that. ]

I do say you have nothing to repay me for, Hilda. But I appreciate all the trouble you’re going through anyway. And you don’t need to apologize for anyone. Especially for ghosts that would never have apologized for themselves in the first place.

[ He’s pretty sure those words hadn’t even existed in Miklan’s vocabulary. They certainly had never existed in his father’s. ]

[ It completely escapes her that she hadn't meant to tell him what all this fuss was for. That moment has come and gone, replaced with her frustrations instead. ]

Ooo, you -

[ She abruptly cuts herself off to give him the most fearsome glare and a little flail of her fist. ...Which is probably made less so because she's picked up the skewers of meat so she can move them over to the grill, but the attempt and spirit of frustration is there. The charcoal is still intimidating to her, but shouldn't be any more complicated than the last time she and Wilhelm had accidentally smoked themselves - and their neighbours - out in an attempt to light them. She crouches down, still ranting to some degree about his stubbornness and almost dismissive take towards the people who had wronged him in the past, as she struggles with the provided matches. ]

That's even more reason for me to be doing this. Your brother will never do it, so I will. And it's not just that. I meant it when I wanted to do something nice for you.

[ Because she wanted to show him that he was cared for. That even though she was still very much lost in a haze of confusion she still thought he deserved the world even if the world still points to a life, a whatever they wanted to define it as, with Claude in her mind. And how in spite of that resignation she liked him -

The matches prove as stubborn as she is and refuse to catch during her little rant. But ironically they do catch when she has that stark realization, startling her and making her yelp as it singes her skin. ]

My brother is dead, Hilda. They don’t do a lot of talking. At least not much that I’d want to listen to.

[ His retort is wry, even as he warily eyes those skewers waving threateningly in his direction.

…He probably deserved that.

Any attempt at levity, however, is dropped immediately when she yelps in pain and he’s up and around the table to see what had happened in an instant, reaching out to cradle her hands in his much larger palms as he inspects the little burn. ]

Are you okay? What happened?

[ Hilda can't quite decide what's more shocking. Her lighting bolt realization, the mild burn she had suffered (that's in the moment dramatics speaking. It probably isn't that bad. Probably), or the fact that he's suddenly in front of her. Why she would have thought he wouldn't after she had let out a yelp of surprise is beyond her but once again her mind chooses to focus on other things.

Namely the way that his hands hold hers with the same tender quality that he's looking at her now. He's been closer, kissed her, did sinful things to her with his mouth - but for some reason this leaves her feeling tongue tied, sends a tremor of warmth that she can feel in her bones. It probably has everything to do with the thought that crystalizes in her mind: she likes him.

Oh no. Oh no, no, no. A murky echo of her voice telling him she wanted him - all of him, his heart, his body, his mind - rings out. That's what the missing piece from that night had been. That was what she hadn't been able to name, had been too afraid to look closely at that day on the balcony.

A nervous laugh falls from her mouth, her cheeks sporting a pink flush as she tries to pull her hand from him. ]

I'm fine! Just a little burn. The matches weren't lighting - I've never been very good at striking them in the first place.

Here. Let me.

[ He doesn’t let her pull away, not when he can see how red her fingers had turned. Gently, he lifts them to his lips, playfully blowing a cool breath over her skin. But he unleashes a gentle healing spell at the same time, letting it tingle across her skin as if he’d breathed it into her fingers.

That done, he presses a single kiss to one fingertip before releasing her hand finally, casting her a playful wink. Completely unaware of the way her mind is currently racing. ]

Better?

[ A protest is already on her lips, ready to tell him that blowing on her fingers won't help a burn. She'd normally be keen to joke and play along, but the gentle cool air on her skin sends her already reeling mind into a flustered state before she feels the familiar comfort of his healing magic. It feels like cool aloe on her skin, the very kind that she'd foisted upon him during the hottest parts of the summer in an attempt to help with the sunburns he was so susceptible to.

Already she can see the angry red fading to pink, like her finger has been left blushing in the wake of his kiss. ]

Yup! I mean yes, definitely better. Thank you.

[ Goddess she isn't some sort of simpering maiden - well, she can be but it's so rarely on purpose. Clearing her throat she retrieves her hand, ignoring the reluctance that springs up.

Her finger might be better but that still leaves the unlit coals. Sheepishly she holds out the match box to him. ]

Do you think you can help me? It's the only thing I'll ask you to do. I promise.

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