abraxaslogs | EVENT #16: WINTERTIDE

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EVENT #16: WINTERTIDE - IC EVENT LOG

Event #16 - Wintertide

OOC event plotting | island investigation log

Previous years have seen political complications arrive during the winter holidays. Luckily, this year appears to be a simpler affair...as much as that's possible for one of the Summoned. Although there are no diplomatic events, the status of the Summoned has grown over the past three years - and that means locals pay particular attention to you during important celebrations, especially if you've earned yourself some Influence.

Festivities start to pick up on DECEMBER 14 and continue until they reach their peak on DECEMBER 21, which coincides with a phenomenon known as The Dimming. During this period, the Singularity goes dormant and magic wanes. Celebrations continue in the following days until the Singularity gains its full strength.

For the island investigation taking place on December 29, click HERE.
NOTE: The island investigation log includes a DECISION for all characters who participated in Event #12 regardless of if they've returned to the island. Please read this section even if your character isn't participating in the excursion.

Local Festivities

Customs vary between nations, but no matter where you reside, you'll be encouraged to play a role. You're not limited to what the locals are doing, either! If there are any traditions from your home world you miss or want to share with your friends, you're welcome to do so. Teach each other songs from home, make your best approximation of a classic holiday dessert, or if the spirit of generosity compels you, you can even donate gifts and food to the less fortunate.

Player-organized open events are described HERE. Take a look if you'd like to attend or contribute to any of the available plots.

Thorne: The Dimming

Throughout the Kingdom of Thorne, the Dimming begins. Held in harmony with the annual cycle of the seasons and the slide of the Singularity into temporary dormancy, the Dimming is a celebration of two halves. The mood is generally somber and reflective in the days leading to the winter solstice itself, with the promise of a fantastic explosion of life, light and renewal waiting on the other side.

General Activities

◎ Around the city of CASTLE THORNE, horse-drawn sleigh rides take you through a picturesque route of freshly fallen snow and breathtaking mountain views while you enjoy some mulled wine. Rides are free for the Summoned. Many will try to entice you into their carriage. It's good for business to have given one of you a ride! As you go about town, you might attract notice. If you're lower on the Influence scale, you have a chance of going unbothered. If you're at 4 or higher, you're unlikely to escape attention. People will buy you a drink, ask you about life in the castle, or want to see you demonstrate your magic while theirs has waned.

◎ In BORREL, the Winding of the Thread involves a single cord wound throughout the city. Hopeful residents write wishes on colorful ribbons, then hang them on the cord. While large wishes are often only symbolically taken, smaller wishes, such as a new scarf or a friend to have tea with, can be granted by generous souls. And who might that generous soul be? Why, you! If you're so inclined, you can take a ribbon as a promise to fulfill that wish. You can put up a wish of your own, too, of course. Maybe a fellow Summoned will answer it?

◎ In NOTT, one of the frozen ponds has been smoothed over for locals to go skating while other ponds are open for ice fishing. When you're ready to take a break, you can enjoy hot drinks, crisp ales, and Nott's famous fish pies. Merchants are busy during this time, so if you need a little money, most will pay you to run an errand, help stock their shops, or mind the kids for a couple of hours. Residents in Nott are especially happy to meet you after all you've done.

Main Events

Awakening of Magicks
Castle Thorne | Dec. 21

The burden whereby a Thornean mage sacrificed their life to offer a magical casket to the Singularity is no longer necessary, thanks to the Summoned. The Awakening of Magicks is a new and more uplifting ceremony held in one of the city's enchanted gardens. At the center stands a beautifully decorated topiary tree shaped to resemble the Singularity. Though lined with ribbons and holly, it's completely unlit.

Throughout the evening, you can enjoy delicious food, soft music, and a gift basket of Thorne's finest wines, desserts, and soothing potions. It's an ideal time to exchange presents or take a stroll around the winter-themed garden. Important aristocratic families will be there, and they all seem very curious about your presence.

At the end of the night, the Summoned are gathered by the King and Queen. Here, High Mage Ambrose Rhett will guide you in a spell to cast firelight from your palm, releasing a flickering ball of light towards the tree and illuminating the "Singularity" itself. The ceremony symbolizes your unique role in Abraxas and your ability to have your magic at a time when all other Thorneans are in darkness. The tree will remain lit until the real Singularity gains its full strength.

Light of Many Moons
Borrel | Dec. 18-20

Less a formal event and more an enticing phenomenon, locals gather annually on Borrel's seas to watch the moon jellies light up the ocean beneath their boats. Climb aboard to see for yourself. Boats won't travel out unless at least two people are aboard. Grab yourself a friend or wait to see who joins you as a surprise. The glow lasts only for ten or twenty minutes before it fades.

Stories say that if you glimpse a sea jelly that glows an odd red hue, you have a weight you must cast off by the season's end. Catching sight of this red moon jelly during your ride will cause your thoughts to wander toward something important you've always wanted to do or say. You might gain the courage to act right then and there, or you might do so later with a trusted companion. Afterwards, you feel a great relief.

By the time you're back ashore, you're probably pretty cold. Luckily, Borrel's inns are happy to serve the Summoned on the house during this special occasion. Enjoy a hearty meal and a drink free of charge.

Feast of the New Dawn
Nott | Dec. 27

Usually held in Castle Thorne, Nott has requested to host the feast this year to show their appreciation for the Summoned. A more humble affair than the castle's royal banquets, the town's best bakers, cooks, and brewers have come together to provide a feast of stews, grilled fish, and an array of pies and tarts.

Lyle Vela, Lord of Representatives in Nott, will attend. He won't have time for long conversations, but he'll be happy to learn your name and shake your hand. If you'd like to ask him a quick question or give him a message, you're welcome to do so. Just take care what you say. Although Nott's dissatisfaction with the monarchy isn't a secret, the town is hosting you on behalf of Castle Thorne, so be sure to keep things diplomatic.

Ask a question or pass a message to Lyle Vela here.
There are no Influence requirements.

Free Cities: Festival of Enlightenment

Enlightenment and freedom from dependency on magic have come once more to the Free Cities. The phrase "Lights for Enlightenment!" is on every citizen's lips. Extravagant parties bring a buzz everywhere. Many creators flock to show off their work, whether that's a new invention or the season's trendiest fashions. Outfits emphasize the concept of illumination, using reflective fabrics and gems. Vendors offer little mechanical toys, decorations, and jewelry. Some glow due to naturally occurring substances, some have chemical reactions activated with the press of a button.

General Activities

◎ Each year in CADENS, special light-up carriages take eager citizens on set routes around the city to view the street decorations. Most importantly, each wagon is sponsored and designed by a particular association to draw attention to a cause or their services. The Academies, Fort Wilbridge, and the Free City Theater Company are common sponsors. This year, the Summoned will have a carriage to decorate using lights, metal bits, and glowing paints. Add your unique touch to the design if you like. The carriage is running regardless, so you should probably try to put something on it.

◎ In AQUILA, you'll have your pick of galas to attend from garden parties to fashion shows. Some of the most wealthy and influential people are out and about, and enterprising individuals are eager to make friends in high places. Naturally, this includes the Summoned, who've become a unique feature in the Free Cities. If you're lower on the Influence scale, you have a chance of going unbothered. If you're at 4 or higher, you're unlikely to escape attention. Designers will try to get you to wear something of theirs to show it off while locals will invite you to their exclusive cocktail parties or try to introduce themselves. You might even find some gossip or story about you in the papers the next day.

◎ In LIBERTAS, the party comes to you. Festivities spill out onto the streets at all hours of the day, sweeping up everyone who steps into the city. Art is displayed on every corner while outdoor stages are set up for concerts, poetry readings, and plays. Why not take to the stage yourself? Charity work is also common. Entertainers visit orphanages, and volunteers deliver food to those in need. All of them could use some help. Residents in Libertas are especially happy to see you after all you've done.

Main Events

Circus of the Sciences
Cadens | Dec. 17-19

In front of Portham Hall, great inventors gather to show off their creations, each vying to win the coveted prize of government funding. All inventions are on display to the public and judged by a team of Ministry officials. The harshest of them is Aleksander G. Klingel, known for his vital contributions to Cadens' technological advancements. This year, he's returned to solicit the Summoned in an experiment you might recognize if you've been around. It'll take only a minute! All you have to do is hold a metal rod. The tingling can grow painful if you hang on too long, but Aleksander won't stop you if you're determined.

Inventor Clarice Amaury has also created what she calls a Soul Mirror (trademarks pending). Designed as a therapeutic tool, the beautiful scenic cube behaves almost like a genuine biome. Clarice claims that watching the soothing forest within will help you reflect on your inner self. You're certainly relaxed and contemplative after you've interacted with the cube and your thoughts begin to turn toward something important you've wanted to do or say - which might be to the stranger next to you or a friend. Follow your heart, and you could find it feeling much lighter.

Gala of Illumination
Aquila | Dec. 20

The most influential party in the whole of the Free Cities, the Gala is held in the Gallery of Fine Arts, an architectural marvel that's converted into an enchanting ballroom. Well-known figures will be here, from famous performers to wealthy patrons to powerful politicians. Getting an invitation to this coveted event isn't easy, but the Summoned have a standing invitation. To entice important guests - including you - organizers offer free styling assistance, one-of-a-kind designer pieces to borrow for the night (you'll need to return it after!), and a gift bag containing wine, handcrafted accessories, and exotic desserts. More fancy canapés and drinks await inside, alongside dancing and famous artworks.

Fallon Marsh, Aquila's representative, will attend. With a sharp eye for commerce, he's led the city's economy to blossom during his tenure. He won't have time for long conversations, but he'll be happy to learn your name and shake your hand. If you'd like to ask him a quick question or give him a message, you're welcome to do so. Rumor has it he has something of a rivalry with Aleksander Klingel and Quilleth Kaur, but it's best not to bring that up.

Ask a question or pass a message to Fallon Marsh here.
There are no Influence requirements.

Liberty Charity Auction
Libertas | Dec. 22

Libertas has often been the most community-driven of the cities. This year's Liberty Charity Auction is focused on the children left parentless after the attacks, and the Summoned are encouraged to attend. It'll be held in a performance theater next to the Willow Memorial Park. Quilleth Kaur will give a heartfelt speech in memory of the lives lost before yielding the stage to event organizers. Art pieces, exclusive collectibles like the first draft of a famous manuscript, and painting or acting lessons from the masters of their craft are all up for bid. Some of the more expensive pieces might be out of your price range, but you can bid on smaller items like imperfect sculptures or used tools.

You can sign up to auction off something, as well. Don't worry if you're not highly skilled or don't feel you have much to give. Learning about your unique home world or owning something you've made is an appeal in and of itself. As long as your efforts are sincere, you'll earn a bid to help the children. All proceeds will go to orphanages in the Free Cities.

If you'd rather help behind the scenes, you can organize the items up for bidding, write and deliver invitations to guests before the event, or help serve food and drink to attendees.

Solvunn: Winter Solstice

As the Winter Solstice approaches, spirits in Solvunn are high. Hung across every doorway and window are boughs of holly and large garlands of evergreen decorated with bells, twine, and poinsettia. Small altars adorned with candles glow at dusk. At night, bonfires roar in the middle of town where the adults can mingle. Songs and stories of the Gods are shared.

General Activities

◎ Throughout the PRIMARY SETTLEMENT, you'll be met with open doors wherever you go. Kindly neighbors will invite you out of the cold for a meal or gift you a bounty: mead, bread, scented candles, or even money. It's vital you accept the offerings, though there's no harm in paying it forward. Locals will be happy to take your gifts or accept an invitation from you in return. As you go about the settlement, you might attract notice. If you're lower on the Influence scale, you have a chance of going unbothered. If you're at 4 or higher, you're unlikely to escape attention. People will insist you join them to visit a shrine, ask for a blessing, or request your wisdom with a problem.

◎ In the SECONDARY SETTLEMENT, one key tradition returns: the Goat of All Tidings. A handsome-looking black goat wearing a festive coat made of patchwork tapestries is brought out and set loose to a boisterous chorus of cheers. It'll run freely, waiting to be caught. If you can lay a kiss upon the Goat of All Tidings, good fortune will follow you into the new year. Fail to apprehend and kiss the goat or befall its temper, and misfortune shall be your guide. Be careful! Snow and sleet make for slippery meadows this time of year.

◎ In the TERTIARY SETTLEMENT, preparations for Xeimer's Plunge are taking place. Pickled herring and fresh-caught fish are being collected and placed into bowls carved from antler and bone for the Elders to examine. Only the finest fish will do. Xeimer's shrine features a small pool in which approved offerings of fish are placed. Of course, his shrine must be protected and tidied daily to make sure it's ready for the upcoming Plunge. The herring attracts pests and small predators, which you can help defend the shrine from.

Main Events

Blessing of Light
Primary Settlement | Dec. 20

Known only as The Light, this Guardian of Darkness is a key figure during the darkest days of the year. Along with Xeimer, the Light must be appeased or else the community risks plunging the world into an everlasting winter. In previous years, this involved Elders going from house to house to light the candles placed outside every door in small covered altars.

This year, due to the significant role of the Summoned in Solvunn, you've been asked to accept the task. Since Solvunn believes the Singularity's dormancy is part of a natural cycle, they will not request you use your magic, though you may if the Gods compel you to do so. The candles can be lit with a simple wooden splint. However you decide to do it, though, the important part is that you agree to give your blessing to each home by lighting the candle, then taking the offering placed beside the outdoor altar. The offering is usually a bone charm carved to represent the flaming crown of The Light.

You can turn down the role if you want, but declining to take part will be met with uncertainty, and even a hint of fear. The natives will want to know what they've done to offend you so greatly.

Snowdrop Exchange
Secondary Settlement | Dec. 18-22

Pledging yourself to the Gods is important to Solvunnites, but equally vital is your relationship with your neighbor. The Snowdrop Exchange is about reaffirming those relationships. White drooping snowdrop flowers bloom across the fields of the Secondary Settlement throughout the winter. You'll be encouraged to harvest the flowers and make a small bundle tied with a blue ribbon, then gift the bouquet to another person. This can be someone you want to get to know better or someone who already has a place in your life.

Doing so will cause you to experience a strange warmth in the cold. You find your mind wandering to something important you've always wanted to do or say. You might gain the strength to act right then and there to the person you've pledged to, or you might do so later with somebody else. Once you do, you feel much lighter, as though Xemeir himself has released you from the weight of your worries.

Xeimer's Plunge
Tertiary Settlement | Dec. 21

To make good on their promises, the Council has chosen to hold this year's Plunge in the Tertiary Settlement. Xeimer's Plunge is based on the Herald of the Frost's love of the winter waves. Participants strip down and dive or run straight into the freezing Hydra Gulf to join him on his swim. Don't fret! You'll get thick blankets, hot cider, and a roaring bonfire to gather around afterwards. While there's a desire to appease the Old God, the event is also about accepting a thrilling challenge, something the locals love to do.

Rowan March, a member of the Council, will attend. Known for keeping the peace between farms, Rowan is a familiar face to all of Solvunn. He won't have time for long conversations, but he'll be happy to learn your name and shake your hand. If you'd like to ask him a quick question or give him a message, you're welcome to do so. Rumor has it there was conflict between him and former Council member Josselyn Creed - now disgraced and executed - but you'd be wise not to discuss Josselyn during this happy occasion.

Ask a question or pass a message to Rowan March here.
There are no Influence requirements.

Oleuni Square

Summoned who were here for the previous winter will remember Nocwich's role in the celebrations, mediating a discussion in Luna for nation officials. This year, Nocwich has taken a backseat, but since the holidays often bring a good amount of money to shops and markets, Nocwich will open for visitors from December 14-20 and from December 23-28. To conserve magic, portals will close on the 21st and 22nd.

Only Oleuni Square will be open. Luna and Ikorr are both closed. Lady Elin is also not available during this period.

The Marketplace

Making up the majority of the Square, the Marketplace consists of a series of outdoor stalls and a few actual shops. Whatever you can think of can be found here, from jewelry to clothing to food and wine. There are fancier eateries where one can order a meal and cheap street vendors. Much of what's available is of fairly high quality. If you're looking to buy some gifts or simply spend time with friends from other nations, here's a good place to do so.

All of the usual sights and sounds can be found, with a few additions for the season.

◎ THE MAIN STAGE. Musical performances and plays will celebrate the Winter Solstice. Merchants will bring around roasted chestnuts and cider for attendees to enjoy. Dancing is encouraged!

◎ SHOPS & STALLS. Shops will cater to those searching for presents or that touch of something special to their outfit for an upcoming party. Take a look at winter-themed jewelry, fine fabrics, and bouquets of flowers found only in Nocwich. Or what about a glowing tattoo for a permanent mark?

◎ EATERIES. To attract customers, eateries and inns will offer special items for the holidays. Try uniquely spiced mead and cocktails, taste exquisitely crafted desserts, or order the chef's platter for dinner. You can also book a romantic holiday room for you and an important someone.

The Arcanis

The height of luxury and the pride of Luna, The Arcanis is a "cruise liner" that first made its introduction last year. The decks are spacious and could be mistaken for a grand opera house. The ship seems suspiciously bigger on the inside, but locals will tell you that it looks as expected - nothing unusual to see.

Though The Arcanis is normally docked in Luna, the werewolves have moved it to the shores of Oleuni Square for this occasion. It offers an eatery, gambling lounges, and spas, as well as the following unique features that take place only in the winter.

◎ SKYLINE SEA

Once a year, during the Dimming on the night of December 20, creatures of the deep sea take to the skies. Legend has it these creatures never used to reside in the water, but the Singularity's growing strength forced them to migrate deep under the ocean due to the interference with song frequencies.

Most of the marine life are whales and sea jellies, but following behind them is the fearsome golden serpent and its friendlier but no less gigantic companion the rainbow carp. These creatures will not attack. They will simply migrate across the sky and vanish into the stars.

You can watch this incredible phenomenon on the deck of The Arcanis or on the shores. You'll get a thick fur blanket to protect you from the cold. Those watching are encouraged to make a wish and then share that wish with one other person. The Lunae believe sharing a wish with another will help it come true.

◎ CHARLIE THE TURTLE

Charlie, affectionately referred to as Admiral Chuck by the captain, is an ancient turtle that's resided on the ship since its first voyage. He's often seen lumbering through the upper and lower decks at an average turtle pace. Staff will claim that they've seen him speed by out of the corner of their eye, but none have proof.

Legend has it that Chuck may have witnessed the Sinking of Tornis or perhaps even once was a resident creature of the now-vanished city of Tornis. No proof of this exists, either, but turtles are extraordinarily long-lived so he may have been there.

While he isn't very talkative during the rest of the year, the winter cheer has made him open up again, especially if you bring him food. Those gifted in animal speech or other unique communication abilities can have a conversation with Chuck.

To converse with Admiral Chuck, reply HERE with what you'll say and an answer of some sort may come. Keep in mind that he is, in the end, just a regular turtle, so his insight may be limited.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ The Solvunn group is tight-knit so she hears about the dinner at Claire's place and immediately gets to thinking about how she can help out. Claire's a talented healer from what she knows, something she personally is only an amateur at, and she seems like a kind woman worth getting to know. She's hardly a wilting flower so Julia arrives early and carries with her two entire baskets full of fully alive and lush wildflowers that are otherwise buried around the settlement. They are practically spilling out when she brings them into the house and they smell lovely.]

Hi, I thought maybe we could make boutonnieres or bouquets out of these! I wasn't sure what your decoration plan was going to be for everything.

[Julia carefully puts them down, not sure yet where Claire has space or what she's already got going since she's showed up during prep time without asking. The one good thing she remembers from her mother's many, many parties is that an extra hand or six is always valued and appreciated. She's been setting up for that sort of thing since she was a child.

She ties her hair back and looks around.]

Thank you for inviting me. Is there anything in particular I can chop?

[ It always warms her to see new summoned especially, and Julia is welcomed with a warm smile. When she sees the basket of flowers, she gasps audibly in glad surprise and moves closer. ]

Who doesn't love a boutonnier? [ Another smile graces Claire's lips, one of nostalgia. ] The idea of making them brings back a very distinct memory of my first formal dance when I was seventeen, just before I went into nursing school. All of us made them for our dates. And of course, I remember helping my daughter pick one for her prom date.

[ Ah, but she wants to avoid thinking about Bree so that she isn't sad, and so she jumps on Julia's enthusiasm. ]

I'm glad you're here; I want to keep the stew going so that no one is turned down; we could certainly chop more vegetables to have them ready to go. You've given me a choice though, flower arranging or vegetable chopping, and I know what I'd rather do at any given moment.

[ She eyes the baskets, unable to hide the fact that she's actually a flower nerd. ]

I went to prom with my best friend, he tried to do a magic trick with the corsage and ruined it. I still tease him about it.

[ Julia and Quentin were inseparable from a young age and even though she was asked to prom by some other guys, she knew he wouldn't go alone, so the choice was easy. They laughed about that corsage for weeks. It's nice to think about him even if she misses him so much. She's coming up on the most time she's ever been without him.

She would ask about Claire's daughter but can sense it's better to keep this all pleasant. If she misses Q, she imagines for a mother it'd be harder to be without. Well, they can distract Claire just fine as a group. She sees the way Claire is staring at the flowers and laughs.]

Vegetable chopping it is for me. Go nuts. I have plant-based magic so I've been training with it.

[ That's an explanation for why the flowers look so alive and bright despite the weather. Julia can simply make them bloom even as they are deep under the frozen ground, and pull them out. She's been doing it frequently to get the attention of a certain goddess, but also giving them out to friends since she doesn't have money to her name.]

So I'm assuming you're from a place with Christmas and proms, an Earth?

[ Julia goes to wash her hands first so she can get to chopping.]

[ Julia says 'plant based magic' and it takes everything in Claire to not excitedly burst at the seams. As it is, she grins in genuine excitement at the amount of flowers in front of her, ready to be turned into something. ]

That's the sort of magic I've discovered for myself! Well, nothing like this, these flowers are beautiful, and my garden is sadly dormant, but look at these. Your magic comes from before ever visiting the Horizon?

[ Flowers have always been wonderful to Claire; they're the entire reason she found herself flung across time. All she'd wanted was to grab a few forget-me-nots for her collection and instead, she went back to the 18th century. It's nice to talk about Earth-based things too, and it seems her smile is here to stay for a while as she settles and begins to sort through the flowers. ]

I'm from Earth, or a version of it in any case. Mine had very little magic. Just enough to keep people guessing, but for the most part doesn't exist. On your Earth, is magic abundant?

Yes, I'm a witch back home too. I guess you could say I specialize in life magic, which includes healing and plants.

[ Bringing both people and plants back from the life and healing them. Julia's specialization in magic is meta-composition, which was the study of magic down to the molecule, but she didn't get to pick what her goddess powers would manifest as. They reacted to what she needed as a person, and that was to fix what was broken, since she couldn't fix herself.

The goddess detail is not one she's sharing quite yet with everyone; it's not a secret exactly, but Julia doesn't know fully what it means to her. She should really figure that out before she announces anything, although a few people have had it come up in normal conversation. Magic though, that she can talk about all day every day.

It is nice to talk about Earth with someone. There are several people here from it, but they do seem to be different times or in the future, it's always a good moment of connection, to feel like they're from the same spot even if they aren't.]

Yes, but it's a secret. There's supernatural stuff all over the globe that no one knows about. Magic, dragons, gods, other worlds, unicorns, vampires, fairies. You have to be a part of the community to learn about it. I didn't know until a few years ago myself.

That's...fantastic. I want to be able to do so much with the magic the Horizon gave me, and I think I'm on a good path now. It's taken a lot of practice to accomplish the trees and wreathes, but I've never been able to sustain the life of a plant after I've plucked it. Perhaps I never will be, but I think it's a wonderful ability. Life magic in general, I mean.

[ She's been saved by healing magic, and in her mind the two go together. That sort of magic isn't the direction she wants to go, but it's so incredibly neat to her. It doesn't occur to her to press beyond the admission of Julia being a witch to press for more details; that's enough right there to keep Claire in a state of curiosity for a while about magic alone. ]

I wonder if magic is actually abundant and things are more like what you describe. There are so many myths and stories about everything you just said, and I've always thought they had to be based on something true. Did the magic come first and then the realization that it was much more than you thought, or vice versa?

[ When she works with the flowers, her fingers have a light touch and she's gentle, careful with the petals as she pairs colors together, trying to decide on an arragement as they talk. ]

Considering you have the patience to practice, you're on that path, trust me. Magic takes a lot of resolve and focus, but it's worth it. I can't really train the life magic, but I can teach you a whole lot of other spells if you want.

[ The life magic is internal, it's specific to her being rather than an external energy. Spellwork from her world can work for anyone with the ability, and everyone has it here, but the life aspect is from her goddess seed. It radiates from her core and can't be drawn upon. Otherwise she probably would be happy to teach people. It's exciting to her, though, to be able to teach the rest.]

In my world, only some people get trained magic, you have to be chosen and then pass like the SAT of magic. Everyone else gets mindwiped and thrown back into the normal world.

[So she has very good reasons and inspiration for wanting to spread that magic to other people. Brakebills be damned, as if they should have a say over how magic is used permanently. Julia will teach anyone who wants their spells and probably take small amounts of pleasure in knowing the snooty people there would be horrified that the underclass gets to use it.]

There's always been magic. All the way back to before humanity. There's something called the Wellspring that's existed longer, it's the source of magic. Kind of like the Singularity here. But the knowledge is controlled. It could be in your world too.

[ Claire has always loved learning, and Julia's offer makes her look up with a smile, the answer already clear in her eyes. ]

I'm taking you up on that, and my schedule is fairly fluid, so I'd be willing to study anytime you're free. [ Taking a sip of cider she hums, adding another thought to that. ] I understand some things you're simply born with the ability to do; I honestly wonder if traveling through time the way I did has been passed on by blood. My daughter can travel through, but neither of my husbands could.

[ She's been questioning certain aspects of her life, of things she thought were fact and are now being called into question. Was she really in a car accident as a toddler, or was that the crushing pain of her mother pushing Claire through the stones and to safety? For a moment she gets lost in the thought, then blinks, letting out a breath. ]

I'm beginning to think you're right, that there's every possibility magic has been there all along. I don't know if I was meant to be exposed to it back in my time or not, but I don't want to waste the opportunities I have here.

[ It's unlike any other chance she'll ever have, and because of things said to her by others in the past, she wonders about her own inherent magic, if she has such a thing. Could she, and then could she have passed it down to Bree? ]

Funnily enough, being brought to Abraxas in general has made me question more about my life at home than what I'm doing here.

We'll figure out sometime, it's easy once you learn how to tap into your power and let it loose. It's in there.

[ The spells that Julia knows are a mixture of hand gestures and willpower. That's why it is easy to teach, because the hand gestures are mostly to visualize what the mind is putting into. She'll start teaching Claire her type of magic and soon she may become a proper hedge witch. Not a Brakebills senior, but she doesn't think anyone should be. Even if 39 versions of her were. The will required for spells is within Claire's spirit, and Julia can already tell it'll be strong.]

It sounds like it could be genetic, yeah. Maybe you and your daughter just didn't learn how to harness it. Time magic is actually pretty difficult, and because of that, it can be really easy to make mistakes. Like if you didn't know how.

[ So if things happened to Claire and her daughter because of time travel, it could easily have been their magic working instinctively but throwing them out of sync. That's why magic on the whole should be trained, and she knows that generally it is here in this world. Some people never use it outside of comfortable spells to get by, some are highly trained. Julia would like to help the Summoned get some skills under their belts. You never know when you might use it.

Her chopping is going well and she sets the pile aside, picking up something else to continue.]

It makes sense. It puts the whole universe into question, honestly. I knew for a fact other worlds and the multiverse existed, but it's another thing entirely to experience it so directly.

[ The magic talk makes Claire feel almost giddy with excitement, and if someone told her a year ago how deeply she'd fall for the craft, she'd likely roll her eyes. There's something about it though, the power and learning to control it, to be responsible with it, that fascinates her. ]

There's so much to be done with magic, I imagine when it goes wrong, it can go spectacularly. I've only had plants fail to thrive, or blossoms come out all wrong. The deeper one goes, I assume the graver the consequences of mistakes. Regarding the time travel, I'm not sure if I'm the one who inadvertently made the mistake, or if I'm the consequence of someone else's.

[ It's difficult to know, and she may never, but at the very least there are people here who don't mind talking it out with her, and it helps her to put things in perspective. ]

I've met someone fascinating from the Free Cities, he has a ship that takes him all through time and space. If not for the constraints of this place, I've no doubt someone like him could help me find exactly what time and universe I truly belong to. In fact, multiple people could probably help, but outside of Abraxas, I've no chance of meeting them.

[Yes, it's super dangerous, untrained magicians die all the time. And if you use too much of it, it can burn the life right out of you. It's kind of like anything, you know? Too much of a good thing. It's about moderation.

Julia came pretty close to going too far more than once. She loved magic too much but she was focused on being the best, on learning it becoming the only thing that mattered. It wasn't the healthiest relationship in the start. Now she has no limit to her power. She can't burn out, she wouldn't turn into a Niffin, she's not pulling on the Wellspring anymore. Yet that safety hasn't caused her to go overboard and try too much, since she learned the importance of moderation.

She'll keep an eye on people who do want to learn under her. It seems like it would be hard to overdo it here, but that doesn't make it impossible.

When Claire brings up the Doctor though, Julia's whole demeanor changes. She brightens instantly, a wider smile on her face, hazel eyes warm, her tone affectionate.]

You mean the Doctor, yes. He has a way of making people feel like they can do anything. He's convinced he'll be able to find us even after leaving here. Apparently the multiverse is no big deal.

[ Julia has already been sucked into his positivity and adventurous spirit, and while pragmatically she thinks he's probably wrong, it doesn't keep her from wanting to believe. And sometimes belief is more than enough to make things happen.]

Is that what you would want? To travel time and space? Or do you want to go somewhere in particular?

[ Claire doesn't miss the way Julia lights up at the mention of the Doctor, and she takes note of it. Nothing major, just a simple star next to those two in her mind. ]

I want him to be able to find us if he can. There was a moment I thought he knew my husband. He traveled with someone once, of the very same name and time. They even fought in the same battles. It turned out not to be the same Jamie, but it gave me hope that finding my time is possible.

[ Julia's question makes Claire's fingers pause in their work before she excitedly continues. ]

What if my answer is that I want to see everything? All over time and space, I want to see everything wonderful. Which is loaded, I know. Perhaps I'd go back to a time when Greece wasn't ruinous if I had to pick a point on Earth.

[ ooc: loving this convo; I was super slow and there's lots of new stuff, so totally understandable if you'd like to get a wrap on this in the next couple of tags ❤️ ]

I want him to be able to do that too. I think he can, the problem is if he remembers us or not. From what I've been told, people don't keep their memories. But I've beaten memory spells before.

[ Julia did it in a graphic way before, but it still worked. The problem is they might need to do a blood seal the way she did, and they don't know when or if they'll disappear here. She wouldn't hold it against the Doctor if he forgot though. They are at the mercy of the situation. If the theory is right, they go back and don't know they've lost anything. Julia's been on the other end though; these things have a way of not being truly lost.

She smiles at Claire's enthusiasm; she feels much the same way. The possibility of exploring the cosmos is one of the things she was most excited about, when she was about to start her training with Iris. That chance has been lost to her for now, but the Doctor could offer it again.]

I'd love to see that too. Athens, when the great minds were coming up with philosophy. Rome too, when it was at its height. I think I'd love Elizabethan time too. Shakespeare!

[ To meet William Shakespeare! Now that would be every book lover's dream.]

There's no harm in us hoping for that.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT #16: WINTERTIDE - IC EVENT LOG

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Sorry for the wait work was hell

omg never apologize! i hope you get to relax /smooshes ur face

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my brain broke for a minute, but i'm still here!

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Yes let's wind down here, we can do something new!