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

[gynvael]

[ For the best, that she remain unaware. It seems to be boosting her confidence as she crosses. Keeping a log steady in the water is easier said than done. Fortunately, Geralt possesses a grip stronger than the average human, and Hilda possesses an...optimal height for balance.

He makes a soft, assessing noise. Something about how she says that reminds him of Ciri, newly begun in her training. Surprising herself. ]

Mm-hm. [ He'd enjoyed it. He can see the appeal of soaring through the clouds. The freedom it holds. Sam often spoke of a similar sentiment when he reflected on his wings. In a sense, Geralt understands. His attachment to his horse is about more than companionship. It's about where he can go in a world that discourages him from settling anywhere for long. ]

You try to ride a wyvern back on the Continent, you'll have as much luck as roping a bear.

[ An ill-advised venture. Doesn't always stop some idiots from attempting it, though. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ He should really just say it with his chest: she's a little challenged in the height department. Which she wouldn't object to because it's true.

Recovering from her little slip in the mud, she continues to make her way across the log before playfully hopping across to the other side. And what’s success if not celebrated with a little flourish of her arms raised above her head? She turns back towards him, satisfaction written across her features. ]

I feel like if there’s anyone that would be able to rope a bear it’d be you. Just imagine the song that Jaskier would write about that.

[ After a moment's contemplation she couches down to steady the log for him in return. If he does begin to journey across it he'll notice that it holds almost as steady as he had held it for her, alluding to more strength in her noodly arms than she'd ever admit to.

Behind her the lush jungle comes to life. Vines curl and slither silently through the underbrush as if readying themselves to investigate the newcomers. ]

How many brothers did you have?

[gynvael]

[ If he were the sort to do so, he'd have applauded her flourish. As it is, Geralt lifts an eyebrow and merely takes his turn on the log without fanfare. He isn't expecting her to hold it for him, but she does, and he certainly notices that it stays steady.

Interesting. ]

I can imagine it, [ he replies dryly, ] and I'd prefer not.

[ He crosses the log without pause, his steps surprisingly light. As soon as he reaches the other side, the bog dissipates into the dried-up crater it'd been. The desiccated log collapses to the bottom. Humidity ripples through the air anew when he begins to walk with her.

He hums, a sound that's thoughtful and a touch melancholic. ] Thirty, at the start. Four of us grew up together.

[ Fewer now. He already knows he will not see them again, and though he misses them, his brothers are not where the future lies. The world they were moulded by changed decades ago. There is no place on the Continent for a Witcher and killing monsters when the beasts have long dwindled, when he finds more monsters in men than in the woods.

As for Abraxas, he's the only one of his kind now. He doesn't foresee that changing. So that's what it is. ]

[theidlemaiden]

I'd give you a little sample of what I'd think it could sound like but I don't quite have Jaskier's lovely voice. I could help give him some ideas, though I'm sure he's chalk full of them already. 

[ Is this her teasing Geralt? Maybe. Just a little bit. It's mostly just to test the waters and see what that would feel and look like because quite frankly, she hadn't before. As soon as he's over she relinquishes her hold on the log just as it falls back into the bog. Dusting off her gloves, she falls back into step with him. The jungle around them seems to follow them, watching, waiting. Vines twist out in front of them making the path ahead uneven and bumpy.

To hear that his brothers had dwindled from thirty to...what she has to imagine is far less if the noise preceding it is any indication. It gives her pause, eyes flitting towards Geralt immediately. ] 

Four brothers? I can't even begin to imagine having four. Although Holst is sometimes like having four wrapped into one incredibly large body. [ She grins up at him teasingly. ] Who was the troublemaker? I bet it was you. 

[ So engrossed in her teasing she doesn't sense the way a vine creeps towards her with the intent it seems to snatch her up by her ankles. ]

[gynvael]

I dread what schemes you and the bard will get up to.

[ He sounds long-suffering, the state of a man who has spent most of his life being given shit by nearly every soul he knows. Particularly those closest to him. Hilda and Jaskier, he considers, seem the sort to either get along famously or be at each other's throats. Possibly both at the same time.

Wait. How big is her brother? He'd assumed they matched in stature until that remark. There's a vague squint in her direction, but he chooses not to ask. (Did he also imagine her brother with a similar pink hue to his hair? Maybe.) ]

If only. [ He stomps abruptly on the snaking vine, reaching down to slice it with the hunting knife he'd brought in place of his sword. Seemed less cumbersome for the amount of climbing they needed to do. Luckily, their destination nears. ] They'd have likened me to a spoilsport. Though I was not immune to the belt.

[ He won't deny he had his moments. Geralt seldom stirred any shit and spent his time keeping his brothers out of trouble, but when he did do something, it was usually an incident of proportion—both as a boy and later in life. The bee. Destroying a portion of Nenneke's office. Bringing his Child Surprise to Kaer Morhen despite promising he would not. That one time he might've slaughtered eight men in the market square. ]

[theidlemaiden]

Fun ones as long as he doesn't go around spreading untrue rumours about me.

[ Technically it's only one rumour but it's probably the worst rumour anyone could spread about her because she's not an axe-crazed murderer, thank you very much. At least the muttered sentiment is only said with just the tiniest amount of venom perhaps confirming Geralt's assumption about them being a bickering (but fun!) duo.

Hilda's immediate reaction to Geralt's response is cut off by his sudden movement, startling her. She reels backwards over the undergrowth before catching herself, just short of falling flat onto her own ass. The source of her near fall lies unmoving at her feet and she can't help but look a little bit exasperated before giving Geralt a grateful look. The rocky outcropping that she assumes they'll have to climb looms above them. The thought of having to climb anything isn't exactly appealing to her, but they aren't there yet. She has time to pretend that that isn't the fate that awaits her. ]

Ugh, the belt. [ Not that she can ever relate. If there had been any punishments that awaited her she always managed to wriggle out of them by bursting into tears. Repremends rarely took a physical form. ] Does that mean you've never pulled a prank in your life? Ever?

[gynvael]

You get used to it. [ Befriending Jaskier comes with certain embellishments added to your life's history.

He's prepared to catch her in case she flips head over arse, but fortunately, it isn't needed. His gaze flicks to another slithering vine; this time, he catches it before it surprises either of them. Makes him wonder what this place was like while the whole of it was alive. Full of snares, apparently.

Hilda may be pleased to learn that, for once, Geralt is going first. He tests the footholds, charting the optimal path up. Climbing a rock that shifts under his touch is more complicated than a standard cliff, but these at least are not mountainous peaks many feet tall. ]

I didn't say that. [ Geralt also does not say if or what antics he may have enacted in his childhood. ] And you? Or shall we agree you were perfectly behaved?

[theidlemaiden]

I used to think about how fun it would be to have someone write songs and ballads about you but now I'm starting to think that it might be more embarrassing than anything else. 

[ Especially if you're someone that stands out in a crowd whether that's with pink hair or grumpy-looking, stoic, tall and with white hair.

Geralt would be right about that one too. The wall in front of them doesn't look like the most dangerous thing in the world to scale but then again, she hasn't scaled many cliffsides in her lifetime. Life springs around him as he begins his ascent. Once he's a little ways up, she follows suit, trying to mimic the places he had placed his hands and feet.

As she climbs, several vines reach out in an attempt to curl around her limbs. They hold firm but she manages after a moment to pry them off. ] 

You could share with the class though. Curious minds want to know! [ Her. She's the curious mind. ] It depends on the prank. If it could get me in trouble I wasn't a part of it.

[gynvael]

You don't want a moniker that follows you for life?

[ Putting your reputation in Jaskier's hands is dangerous, anyhow, if you run the slightest chance of...upsetting him. Which, all right, Geralt is aware what happened was entirely his fault, that he was definitely a complete bastard to his friend, and the song doesn't necessarily bother him, but.

Water under the bridge, as they say.

He reaches the top a ways before Hilda and waits at the edge in case she needs a hand up. He snorts softly. ]

You'll need to buy me an ale for that. [ He can be bribed with food and drink. ] And something tells me you weaseled out of trouble often.

[ She has that look about her. ]

[theidlemaiden]

I'd rather take a back seat to things.

[ And if that meant less recognition, that was fine with her. The moment Holst had defeated Nadar, her father had paraded him around their entire duchy - and while Holst had taken it as gracefully as anyone could when being fussed over, she had absorbed all of the secondhand embarrassment. ]

The more people become aware of the amazing things you're capable of, they start to expect it. That's such a big burden.

[ The very thought could make her break out in hives. Or maybe that's the leaves currently brushing up against her arm. She knew she should have worn longer sleeves. Nearing the top she reaches out for Geralt's outstretched hand - but not before batting away some of said leaf. If there’s help being offered Hilda rarely passes up on it. ]

Really? Well if you buy me food I’ll tell you all about how I was never in trouble.

[ She is absolutely the type to have weaselled her way out of trouble. Then again, also the easily swayed sort if there’s a meal involved. ]

[gynvael]

[ His expression turns amused. ] There are worse things than to go unnoticed.

[ He'd have rather been so, too, but it's too late for that now.

It isn't long before they reach the patch. He pushes aside the brush to reveal the round melons within. Whether it's any use for the alchemists below, he hasn't a fucking clue, but it's what they've been told to gather. He plucks one and slips it into a satchel. ]

All right. I shall play fair and will not ask Claude.

[ Would Claude tell all? That's the real question. ]

[theidlemaiden]

Exactly, you understand. 

[ Whether or not that was Geralt agreeing with her doesn't seem to matter since she's so convinced about being noticed for feats or anything outside of her outward appearance. 

She peers around him to stare at the funny little melons and once he steps back she reaches in to pluck one of her own as well. As amusing as it is to think that this is Geralt's version of teasing her, the protest is on the tip of her tongue all the same. ] 

That's so mean! If you did that I'd just have to go to Ciri or Jaski -

[ A loud screech cuts her off as suddenly she's left off the ground by the ankle by a vine. Thank god she's wearing pants today otherwise she would have had to choose between the kydros fruit and the sanctity of her reputation. ] 

wrap soon?

[gynvael]

[ The vine is slashed in two, freeing her, almost as soon as she's tipped upside down. Geralt catches her by the arm so she doesn't drop directly on her head. He sighs as the vine withdraws, slithering away into the brush again. His gaze flicks over their surroundings like he's waiting for more to attack. ]

They like you.

[ That's the second or third time the vines have come for her. Perhaps they should leave quickly.

He plucks a fruit for himself, keeping his other hand free in case she requires additional rescuing. ]

Come on. Before I lose you to the damn jungle.

wrap soon!!

[theidlemaiden]

I'm used to admirers, but not like this.

[ And frankly, if this is the sort of attention she continues to get she doesn't want it. As her feet find solid ground again, she wobbles slightly as her blood rushes back into the rest of her body.

Blood rushing back to her extremities isn't enough to deter her from her dramatics however. She presses the back of her hand to her forehead, eyes fluttering shut. ]

I think I'm feeling a little faint - I'm not sure I'll make it back down the cliff on my own.

[gynvael]

[ Unfortunately for Hilda, Geralt can hear when someone's truly about to pass out, and her pulse and breathing do not indicate anything of the sort. At best, she seems slightly flushed.

And there's a twig in her hair.

Dramatic is an understatement. His gaze roams over her with more amusement than concern. ]

You'll be fine. [ He walks past her. ] Don't fall behind.