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

[philancer]

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?

[theidlemaiden]

[ 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.

[philancer]

[ He watches her fluster and blush with a curious look and a faint smile playing about the corner of his lips. Like he’s not entirely sure what caused that, but he’s not gonna complain about it any, either. He’s always found her adorable like this, even if it happens so rarely.

But that faint smile widens into a grin when she holds out the match box for him. Although he just waves it away and looks towards the coals instead. ]

Luckily for you, this happens to be one of my specialties.

[ Something he’d discovered entirely by accident when he’d still been at the Academy, but it had its uses. He’d honed it a little more since coming here, with new magic to learn and master.

Bending, he blows out on the coals, much as he had her fingers, and tugs on that whisper of magic inside of him. The unlit coals spark, smoke, and then finally catch as tongues of flame dart up, spreading over the surface she’d need lit and starting a merry fire.

He glances up at her for approval, grinning impishly. ] You know, you can ask me to do anything you like, you realize? I feel a little silly just sitting and watching.

[theidlemaiden]

[ In hindsight this sort of reaction probably does happen rarely - but as of late, it seemed to Hilda that it was becoming more and more common. She didn’t know what to make of that, except, perhaps, the obvious feelings that had emerged in the wake of a conversation that had nothing to do with them. The immediate conclusion she draws is that she doesn’t particularly enjoy it.

Thankfully it’s easier to distract herself from her flustered feelings as she marvels at the magic Sylvain manages to use so effortlessly. Envy and awe mix together, prickling at her skin. But more than anything admiration shines through in her gaze as she’s met with his impish grin. The shine in her eyes and the grin on her face hopefully gives all the approval that he’s looking for. ]

Show off. You’re really trying to take after the dragons, huh?

[ Something in her admiration softens then. Without thinking she reaches out, hand resting gently against the curve of his cheek. Like her body needed to be closer, wanted to make this realization tangible somehow. ]

I know. But I really wanted to do something for you because you always do everything for everyone else. [ The smile dims a little more, doubt edging into her quiet words. ] I’m not great at much but I’d like to think I can do something for someone I care about sometimes.

[philancer]

If I say yes, will you let me nibble on you next?

[ There’s a playful wink that accompanies those words, trying his best to keep them light, because he doesn’t want to push too far into uncomfortable topics again - either about the dragon or Sylvain’s desire to nibble on her.

Still, he leans a little into the hand that cups against his cheek, letting his arms wrap around her waist and draw her closer against him. ]

You, sweetheart, are great at way more things than you give yourself credit for. And you do do a lot for me already. Even if you apparently don’t see it. But fine. I can relegate myself to fascinated audience a while longer. Just for you.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Her reaction to that is two fold: she lets out a tittering laugh that she hopes comes across as more amused than nervous just as another embarrassed flush spreads across her chest. Thank Goddess for clothing that covered everything. If he does hear any nervousness, hopefully he takes it as having more to do with their recent experience with the dragon last month. ]

I think I'd like to avoid dragons nibbling on me for a little while unless it's a little hatchling.

[ She allows herself to be drawn into his side for a moment, mostly caught off guard by the act and his words. There's no part of her that actually believes she's done things for him aside from giving him grief about his lack of sun protection and general grating on his nerves but she knows at this point that it's a fruitless endeavour. Better to use her actions than her words to show her intent she thinks - especially when she finds herself inadvertently tongue tied in moments like these.

Hilda lets out a sigh, looking at him for a moment before beginning to untangle herself from his arms. ]

Then I better make sure that the meal is a good one then. But I can't do that if you're holding me.

[philancer]

[ She’s blushing again. Flustered. Good. It might be his new favorite look for her.

He lets her disentangle herself, even if its with obvious reluctance, moving to beside where she’s working and hefting himself up to perch on the counter beside her. One foot swings absently underneath. ]

What about a lion? Is that better or worse than a dragon?

[ Yeah, he’s not letting her change the topic just yet. How many more shades of pink and red can he make her turn, he wonders? ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ If she could read his mind he'd be in so much trouble. And it wouldn't just start with an empty stomach - which in hindsight probably wouldn't be that much of a threat considering he was the one who could cook and enjoyed doing it.

And while she can't read minds, she does at the very least get the inkling that he's trying to coax a reaction out of her particularly with where this conversation is going. Thankfully the burning coals gives her something to turn her attention to - namely placing her skewers on the grill so they can cook. She can't stop the wryness from edging into her voice. ]

Better but not by much. And isn't Dimitri supposed to be the lion? Are you calling yourself that? Because if there's any animal you'd be, it would probably be a horse.

[ And that's only because he has such a soft spot for them. There's no other reason she'd say it otherwise. If there's any animal that she'd draw parallels with Sylvain, it would be a fox. ]

[philancer]

[ If people could read Sylvain’s mind, he’d never be out of trouble. For so many reasons he can’t even begin to count them.

He’s watching her work with a grin, although he has to choke on a sudden laugh at her statement. ]

Man, I’m really tempted to make a very inappropriate comment about that but maybe I’ll wait until you’re around less sharp, pointy objects.

[ He can’t believe you set him up like that, Hilda. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ So determined to rid herself of the flustered feeling fluttering around in her chest like butterflies, it takes Hilda a beat longer to understand why exactly Sylvain is laughing. When she does though the intensity of her glare could rival that of the heat around them. 

She can't believe that she just set him up like that. ] 

You're really making it difficult not to just throw all of these right into the lava.
 
[ But she doesn't make any move to do so, not having forgotten the whole point of her efforts today. The image of Sylvain despondent and pale in the Featherhive had been all but burned into her mind. It was a stark reminder of what had likely been their reality in The Pit, the very thought clenching her heart in a vice-like grip, maybe more so now that she knew what her heart felt for him.

The sizzle of the meat fills the silence that follows and even though her hands begin to work on skewering the shrimp, for a moment her determination wavers. Nothing she had done after The Pit had felt like enough to help soothe the horrors they had gone through. This was a silly idea. Feelings for someone alone couldn't heal. In a similar vein, neither would making him a meal. How she could possibly relate, help, do anything when she hadn't gone through any sort of hardship in her own life? The only person that could possibly make Sylvain feel better was -

Her voice is light when she speaks next, not a trace of that annoyance from before remaining. ] 

If you're bored you can just head back to the room and I'll bring it down later. I saw that stack of books you both borrowed from the libraries. I don't think we're allowed to take them back with us so you should go and read them while you have the chance.

[philancer]

[ he’d hoped the teasing and banter would be enough to carry them through the next several minutes. Falling back into old and familiar light-hearted patterns.

But he can practically see when her brain starts to run in circles again, and heading nowhere good. Despite her light tone, he can here a different sort of note lurking underneath and he reaches out to catch her hands, stilling her motions. Interrupting her task and her excuses. ]

Hey. Stop that. I don’t know where your brain just went, but it was in the wrong direction. I’m not bored. And I don’t want to be anywhere right now that isn’t here with you. [ A pause, as he arches an eyebrow and plays a card differently than he normally would. ] Unless that was you being subtle and telling me to get lost.

[theidlemaiden]

[ When Sylvain stills her hands, she barely has enough time to angle the skewer away from him so that he doesn't accidentally get poked by it. Only the mildest look of incredulousness - not so dissimilar to the looks of exasperation that she's used to giving him - crosses her features.

That is until he speaks. Her voice catches in her throat and she feels the little wings in her chest beat harder against her ribcage. There's a huff to her voice as she gently begins to pull her fingers from his grasp which is thankfully made easier by the fact that they're coated in marinade and shrimp juice. ]

My brain didn't go anywhere; it doesn't have legs. And I'm not telling you to get lost! I'm telling you that you don't have to sit here and watch me cook for you. It's probably not as interesting as a book. Isn't there that saying, idle hands, busy mind? Or something?

[ There's no such thing so it's clear she's reaching, but they always did say, "fake it til you make it", didn't they? The point being is her insistence has more to do with the worry that if he sits here and idles into dark places there's nothing she can do about it. They had the Featherhive as evidence of that as well as the rooftop in Cadens. She hadn't been brave enough to ask more then. And she isn't brave enough now. ]

Anyway, I thought you'd love being waited on hand and foot! Not just anyone gets this sort of service from me, you know.

[philancer]

Not having legs doesn't stop your brain from going crazy places any other time.

[ He's definitely gonna get himself stabbed.

But he's also a master at 'fake it till you make it' so don't think that's gonna work on him so easily. ]

I want to sit here. You are definitely way more interesting than a book. And I'm pretty sure you made that saying up just now, so I'm gonna ignore that one entirely.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Easily she counters back a little petulantly with - ]

It doesn't go to crazy places. My head is weighed down with thoughts of gems, jewelry and accessories. There's no room for anything else.

[ And there may or may not be an added poke to his hand for good measure. Taking her own made up advice she takes to arranging her shrimp skewers again. It's not quite the same thing as the light hearted banter he had hoped for but at least it isn't disheartening conversation. And at the very least, it seems to be distracting him. ]

You say that but I'm not about to forget the very dramatic readings that you and Claude did when we got here anytime soon. And the stack of books in the room also says otherwise.

[philancer]

Liar.

[ He informs her of this cheerfully, despite the fact that she’s got skewers in her hand again and it’s probably dangerous to rile her right now. Especially when he’s perched right beside her.

But the mention of the books he’d found here - the very creative, very erotic books - just make him grin all the wider. ]

I found a new one this morning! I’m saving it to regale you all with it tonight. The author definitely had some interesting ideas. And positions.

[ Bet you can’t wait for tonight now, huh? ]

[theidlemaiden]

Of course you did. I'm sure you and Claude will find plenty of uses for them.

[ She sounds positively world weary at the thought of more things fuelling their already active imaginations but an echo of a laugh colours it. Her own words spark some preemptive annoyance as if waiting for the spark of her bitter jealousy to appear.

To stifle them she makes quick work of the shrimp, placing them alongside the other skewers on the grill. The spit and sizzle of the meat and seafood fill the silence she lapses into. Contrary to her earlier statement her mind wanders to things that are definitely not of the sparkling variety: these new mortifying feelings for him, worry over how they would only complicate and fuel the jealousy, why she couldn't escape this perpetual cloud of gloom, and how Sylvain seemed to be just fine with everything that had happened in the Featherhive.

Somewhere there's a version of her that hadn't spent as much time as she had with Sylvain and might have thought that what she saw on the surface was the beginning and end of it all. That whatever memories of his the Featherhive had dragged violently out that had reopened old wounds in the process disappeared in the morning light. But she knows better - scars linger and sometimes keloid growing bigger and difficult to ignore.

Her discussion with Claude about how he had been giving Sylvain more time before asking him still lingers in the back of her mind. Quietly she wonders if she should ask, her doubt from that conversation rearing. Her worry engulfs it, pushing her instead to ask the question she had been wondering as the days stretched on. ]

Are you okay? After the Featherhive I mean. [ Her words rush out. ] You don't have to talk about it. I understand if you'd rather speak with Claude or Jesper about it I just thought I'd check.

[philancer]

Or maybe I’ll convince you to come find another garden with me one night soon.

[ He adds this with a playful wink, expression turning mischievous as he watches her.

He really is tempting fate now.

Of course, he hadn’t expected her next quiet question to have diverted in quite the direction it did. He stills, caught off-guard, looking for a moment like a deer caught in the headlights.

Then he just slumps a little, huffing out a breath that is half sigh and half soft laugh. ]

I wouldn’t rather speak with Claude or Jesper, actually. Jesper wouldn’t understand all the nuance of something like that from home. And Claude… [ He pauses, makes a face. ] I dunno. We don’t typically talk about shit like that.

[ And there’s a lot Claude still doesn’t know about him. Things he’s only confessed to Hilda on a dark, starlit roof one night. ]

I’m… not as great as I could be, I suppose, but I’ve been a lot worse, too. Does that count? I know none of it was real. But that didn’t mean I wanted to remember it quite so vividly either.

[theidlemaiden]

[ At his not so subtle invitation she tries her best not to react by immediately turning her face away. Even with the aid of looking directly at the cooking skewers it's difficult feat, and one that she almost succeeds in – were it not for the tips of ears colouring at the memory of their first encounter in the Vermillion Court's maze that is. 

When an answer doesn't come immediately she spares him a little glance at the moment he still has the stunned expression on his face. For a split second panic swells in her chest. She shouldn't have asked, she thinks. Or maybe she should have left a more obvious out from the conversation. 

Another apologetic amendment is on the tip of her tongue when suddenly, he speaks. Questions arise in time with what he says: Jesper is smart and empathetic of course he'd understand; what did he mean that he and Claude didn't talk about that sort of thing? But then he deflates a little further and so does she, as if her body can't stand the sight and needs commiserate with him.

Hesitantly she reaches out, touching her hand lightly to his knee. ]

I don't think anyone would want to remember any of that. That it happened at all and you don't let on says a lot about how strong you are ...And no, to answer your question, that still doesn't count as okay. You don't have to be like that all the time, and you don't have toe be okay now, but I think you knew I was going to say that. 

[ She looks up at him with concern. ] 

Just because you don't typically talk about it with Claude doesn't mean you can't start now. I think it would be good for you both. 

[philancer]

[ Not being 'okay' has never been very acceptable at any point of his life.

His father saw it as weakness. His brother saw it as an opening. Dimitri took it as all the more reason to fret and worry and carry it on his shoulders. Felix got annoyed and Ingrid found it uncomfortable, or worse, got angry about it. Not being okay was... inconvenient.

It was just easier to bury it instead. He was a firm believer in 'fake it till you make it'. It had always been the best strategy. At least until now.

He didn't think she was going to buy that as a viable coping method.

He lays his hand over hers, where it rests against his knee, grateful for the contact. Something else he'd had to adjust to, here. With Claude and Jesper, too, but especially with her. People reaching out in comfort, a tactile connection, physical reassurance. It had been an immense adjustment for someone who had wielded his physicality as a weapon - and had it wielded against him in kind - for so long he'd all but forgotten it could be used any other way.

Squeezing her hand, he makes a face at her suggestion to talk to Claude about this. Which... just sounds awkward as fuck, honestly. ]

I'm not sure how that could ever be good for either one of us.

[ ...Spoken like a true Faerghan. What are feelings and can he eat them?

Vulnerabilities were to be hidden under thick inches of heavy armor, not left exposed on his back for anyone to take aim at.

And Claude had very good aim. ]

Ghosts can't hurt me, Hilda. [ He's not Dimitri. He doesn't let them haunt him like that. Has no intention of ever giving them that much power over him ever again. ] Miklan is dead. And home - and all its troubles - are a long way away. Probably quite permanently. He's made enough of my life hell. I don't intend to let him ruin any more of it.

[ ...That applied to more than just his brother, actually. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ There's the sound of a gentle challenge in her voice. ]

Why wouldn't it be good? Have you tried?

[ Then again, Hilda knows how difficult it is to get Claude to talk about his feelings – never mind anything about himself that isn't layered with several masks and hidden behind multiple curtains and a door with an impossible lock. From that perspective, it might seem too daunting of a task - even for someone like Sylvain.

And for that reason, she knows how daunting it is, it gives her all the more reason to encourage it - especially if it means that Claude and Sylvain have a better chance of working out here. Even with that determination it doesn't stop her heart from sinking slightly at the thought before she forces herself to move on.

Her fingers tangle with his, gripping it tightly like she had in the Featherhive. There's no way for her to know that he's isn't referring solely to Miklan and the ghost of his memory, but if she knew it wouldn't have changed her answer. ]

You're right they can't and he won't but - [ She falters. ] they still did in the Featherhive. What I mean to say is that, if you talk with Claude about it, even if something happens like that again, there could be more he could do to help.

[philancer]

[ He makes a face before shaking his head. He's had that conversation too many times for his liking already, and as unpredictable as Claude can be, he doubts there's many avenues left that could make it different from previous ones. Not enough of a chance to entice him to try, anyway.

But he gives her fingers a gentle squeeze and a small, sad smile. ]

It's okay, Hilda. There's not much to help here. It's in the past, and there's no chance of changing. Claude can do a lot of things but I'm pretty sure he can't list time travel among them yet. And hopefully never, because that's kinda terrifying to think about. I know how to cope with the rest of it.

[ He doesn't miss the fact that she's insistently trying to shove this off in Claude's direction, which has those walls he'd started to lower at her first soft question rising up again. Reading social clues he's long been familiar with. That he should talk to someone about this, but she's not including herself in that number.

He doesn't blame her. He wouldn't want to bother with this - him - either. ]

[theidlemaiden]

It's not about time traveling back into the past to change anything that happened to you. It's about being able to understand how to help support you going forward for as long as we're here.

[ Hilda speaks without thinking, frustration edging into her voice. She can't even bring herself to find amusement in the joke about Claude discovering how to time travel and all the chaotic possibilities that could potentially cause. ]

Because that's what we're here for, isn't it? That's what people do when they care for each other.

[ This time she allows herself to be included in that even if her own belief in her abilities to do so effectively seem to wane by the day. Even the things she has some semblance of confidence in like showering someone with gifts or compliments and reassurance have fallen by the wayside, crushed underfoot by the heavy weight of gloom and self-doubt. She hasn't been herself these last several months - that much has been evident to her. Trying to tread water while watching the affections of others bloom in front of her only threaten to drag her down further. Nothing she can fathom or accomplish is any comparison to what Claude or Jesper can provide. The old adage that has kept her in her pretty box surfaces: why should she try if it means it ending in disappointment? Feelings have never been excluded from that.

Maybe cooking for Sylvain or giving him gifts isn't how she's supposed to help him or Claude and whatever it is the two of them are figuring out. They both deserve to love and be loved without the bitter taste of her jealousy colouring it; Sylvain already spent time with Jesper so Claude can easily fill the remaining space, filling the corners with light. Her feelings, so fledging and new, could be something fleeting if she tried hard enough. A naive, silly daydream of days gone by. And if she can do that with Sylvain, then she can do that with her feelings for Claude. They just didn't realize they were a better fit yet. But if she can encourage him to speak to Claude, if she can knock their proverbial heads together, then maybe this is how she eventually, gracefully, exits stage left.

Her eyes stay fixed on him, something between a soft plea and determined encouragement mingling in her voice. ]

I just think you should try.

[philancer]

[ He stills at her words, because for a moment… he doesn’t know how to answer that. Which just makes him feel guilty.

He’s never had a friendship like Claude and Hilda’s. Despite the fact that they’ve recently had so many hardships, there’s a depth to their bond, their trust, what they share with each other, that he has no idea how to forge on his own.

Not that he wouldn’t say his friendships with Felix and Dimitri and Ingrid had been shallow - they hadn’t been, and his loyalty to each of them, should they need him, would be unwavering until he took his last breath. But it wasn’t like what he saw flow so simply and genuinely between Claude and Hilda. Or even so many others.

Support… that wasn’t something he ever expected to come from anyone. Even the concept of it was completely foreign. Needing that kind of thing, letting yourself be that vulnerable to someone else… he’s pretty sure his father had done everything he could to grind that kind of weakness out of his heir at every possible turn.

Maybe that’s why he has such a hard time understanding her words so often. He’s got no frame of reference here for what she’s talking about.

Which just has him sighing and lifting a hand to rub at the back of his neck, feeling uncomfortable as he stares down at the floor. ]

I’ll try. For you. But I’m really not any good at this whole ‘caring’ thing.

[theidlemaiden]

[ Her brow furrows at that, the heat of annoyance rising in her chest as she twists her hand to give his hand a pinch. ]

What are you talking about?

[ She flails her arms towards the grill - which, actually, is a good reminder for her to turn the skewers before they become burnt to a crisp on one side. But with her hand still holding Sylvain's, Perry's presence soon makes itself known, their ghostly hand turning the skewers before picking up a fan to gently fan the flames. ]

All you do is take care of us. What do you call looking after Claude in the Pit? What about when I was drunk and you carried me home and took care of me? Or everything you did for me after the rifts closed and those monsters were taken care of?

[ While she is nowhere near over nearly dying nor is she ready to talk about it any length, she can't exclude it from the list of ways that Sylvain had shown them care since their arrival. And it's only a drop in the bucket. How does she prove to him otherwise that he's one of the most caring people she knows? Is it by drawing comparisons to her paltry care of others? Is it by pointing out how everything she does seems so selfish and hollow in comparison? ]

[philancer]

Ow.

[ He eyes her skeptically a moment, absently rubbing where she’d pinched him. ]

That’s different. And absolutely none of that involved anything about opening up about old nightmares that should just stay buried.

[ Although at least that kind of caring was the sort he was pretty good at. He guesses. It might be the only kind. ]