the thunder rolls [open]

[monomachy]

Who: Diana Prince [monomachy] & anyone!
When: Throughout March and April, after the storms begin.
Where: Cadens and the Horizon
What: Weathering the storm at Mag's, finding unwelcome gifts in the Horizon, pondering her fortune, deciding there's something really weird about that lightning.
Warnings: Will be added as needed.

i. as the storm blows on out of control [cadens]

Hardly a day has passed since the Summoned returned from Ikorr, and the air is thick with the scent of ozone. Morning comes, and lightning streaks horizontally across the sky--and does not stop in the following hours or days. The strange pattern of the lightning was already concerning to Diana, but after a few days, something in the back of her mind whispers that it isn't natural. It never strikes, just breaks the sky over and over again, day and night. Soon, she finds herself focusing on it, eyes tracking the light across the sky, and something beneath the ozone touches her senses.

There's magic in the lightning. Perhaps behind the lightning. Considering the strange vision she'd had upon returning to the Free Cities, she shouldn't be surprised.

But there's no time to ponder further; with the lightning doesn't come rain, but instead wind, furious and cutting, kicking up the dust of the desert and making travel dangerous, even around the city. Several caravans have been stalled at the gates, which means that for the time being, Diana is out of work. But she doesn't mind--it gives her an opportunity to help out around the city more directly, which is where she feels she's more needed right now. Sam and Mag have turned the Sarstina Inn into something of a shelter, with meals and relief from the dust for those caught unawares, and when Diana ventures into the storm, that's where she brings anyone she happens to find as she patrols the nearly empty city streets. With her face covered by a dark scarf and her hair tucked away, she might be unrecognizable to anyone who doesn't know her, but as soon as she's safe within the inn's walls, she's shaking off the sand and dust by the door so it's easy to sweep away. She offers a kind smile to whomever she'd shepherded into the tavern, gesturing towards the bar. "Mag has food and water for you. Once you've recovered a little, I can help you get to where you're trying to go."

ii. deep in her heart [the horizon]

When Diana finally finds a moment to breathe and focus enough to get to the Horizon, the situation isn't much better than it is in the waking world. Her Domain, normally watched over by a sunny sky, is instead overcast with grey clouds that hold the same strange lightning she saw in Cadens. And no matter the strength of her will, it refuses to change. Diana frowns, brows drawing together, and casts her eyes out across the Horizon. It does not comfort her to see that the conditions are much the same for as far as her eyes can see.

There is a heavy sense of foreboding in the air, and she makes a cursory sweep of her own Domain. Her short red chiton allows her to move through each space quickly, though she notices that the normally bright gold embroidery of the sigil of the Empress seems somehow dulled by the strange conditions. She keeps no borders around her Domain, so she would not be surprised to find another person there. What does surprise her, however, is finding a single rose with a dead moth entrapped in its drying petals set upon a marble bench near the agora. Diana's expression tightens as she sees the reminder of Koth, one of this world's gods whose influence had reached out and touched her so many months ago.

Diana takes the memento to the edge of her domain, but does not bury it as she had once before. Instead she holds it in her hands, contemplative, running her fingers over the cracking petals and sharp thorns. She doesn't try to hide the token if she comes across another Summoned, instead gesturing vaguely towards the sky. "I almost wish it would just rain."

iii. the thunder rolls [wildcard]

[ooc; head empty, let's do stuff! feel free to pm me or add me on plurk at watchet for anything specific. i may add closed starters below, and i will match tagging style.]

Comments

i

[aquilus]

Even Altaïr has been driven to spend most nights in the Sarstina for the duration of this unnaturally inclement weather. He's paranoid, not a fool, and some of his other more secluded haunts are no fit for anyone now. Unlike Diana, his hood is down inside the inn, a rarity lately, but he recognizes her instantly. The way she moves and the way she cares for others are consistent enough.

He moves toward her and her wayward charge, offering the man the glass of cider he'd just gotten for himself — this one clearly needs it more — before turning his attention to Diana.

"You should take a rest yourself," he says. "Even you look a little weathered." No less strong, of course, but air suffused with sand isn't good for even the mightiest among them.

[monomachy]

Though she spots Altaïr moving towards them, she only flashes him a tired smile in greeting before making sure the man she'd guided here is going to be alright. Only once he's been directed to sit at one of the tables with his newly acquired cider does she finally turn her full attention to him. There's still sand and dust in her hair, and it makes her look washed out.

There's grit in her mouth, and she thinks of the people who still might be out there, trying to brave the storm to find food or better shelter. But--

--he's right. She's no use to anyone if she stretches herself too thin. She she sighs, stopping a protest on her tongue, and nods in consent. "I could sit for a little while." Diana moves towards one of the empty tables, gesturing for him to join her.

[aquilus]

He expects that brief delay — duty to others, even in this small way, is simply part of Diana — and signals for the bartender to bring her something to drink. If nothing else, she could use some basic refreshment; they're all a little more parched lately.

"There's no point in you working yourself to the bone, even for a greater good." His lips quirk into a crooked smile. "I realize the hypocrisy of that statement."

His altruism is different than hers, certainly, but they both know what it is to put off rest until it's long past necessary.

[monomachy]

Seeing him smile, even with the city in the state it is, brings a smile to her face in turn. It feels good to find something humorous, even if it is at both of their expenses.

She accepts the water when the bartender brings it, and takes a long drink. She's swallowing more sand than she wants to think about, but is still grateful to clear out her mouth from the grit. Once she sets the cup on the table, she lets out a slow breath. "How have things been in here?" It's crowded, and she knows it must be driving him up the wall, so it's more of a question directed at him rather than the general situation at the Sarstina. But she leaves it open for him to answer however he wants to.

[aquilus]

"Frustrating and stressful. But the people are bearing it as best they can."

The people or him? Knowing her as he does — and knowing that she knows him — Altaïr understands the undertone of her question. He expects she will understand the undertone of his answer. Of course he is not only describing the people.

"It would be easier to have patience if we had a sense of when it might end." He frowns. "This is unlike any poor weather the local people have experienced, according to them. And I have never known windstorms to span such a distance."

inn.

[falcony]

It doesn't take time at all for Sam to gather everyone he can to help adjust the Inn's main tavern. The weather has everyone on edge, and knowing that it's stalling - if not entirely destroying - merchant caravans and trade around the cities sets a kind of tension through the whole of the city. Mag doesn't even bother putting up her usual amount of pushback and complaints.

For better or for worse, soup kitchens and temporary aid shelters all end up looking pretty much the same. If there are any empty Inn rooms, they're pretty immediately converted, and the ground floor tavern space fills quickly.

Sam is of course working just about every time Diana comes through the doors with new faces, helping direct families and single people where they can best find a spot to put their things and take a seat. When everyone's settled, Sam comes up to Diana's elbow with a couple of cups in hand, either water or something stronger, depending on the time of day. "How does it look out there?" He asks, handing her one.

[monomachy]

On Themyscira, there had never been a need for a shelter like this, and making such things had never been a part of her training. Though it's never been easy for Diana to admit her own shortcomings, she knows that she wouldn't have been much help with coming up with a plan for the Sarstina. But Sam--he had known exactly what to do, had taken charge and gotten it all set up in what she thought was record time. She's always admired that about him; from the Welcome Committee to this shelter, he doesn't hesitate to lead the way towards making others feel cared for.

So Diana had vowed to herself to do her part as well, and with her divine physiology, there were few better suited to brave the dust and sand and guide others to safety. The grit in her nose and mouth is a small price to pay for ensuring the security of others.

It isn't until evening nears, when the clouded air makes it seem deep night, that Sam approaches her and she decides to rest for a time. There are no doubt still people out in the streets, searching for shelter and water, but there is only so much even Diana can do without daylight. The ale burns against her raw throat, but she knows that the feeling is only temporary for her--she can only imagine how anyone who has been out longer would feel. It pulls at her heart, but she stops herself from turning towards the door once more.

There's a slight rasp to her voice as she speaks, and there's still dust and sand settled in her hair like a washed-out veil. She blows out a slow breath. "Like the desert is trying to swallow the city." She looks around at the organized chaos, and lifts her cup slightly as she gestures. "How are things in here?"

[falcony]

Sam understands the pull that Diana feels - to keep going, to turn back out there, to dive headfirst back into the storm on the off chance someone might have been left behind. He's lived most of his life that way, done most of his work that way, which is why he probably knows the exact moment to slip up next to her and offer the drink. He recognizes the look in others, and it may or may not be the reason he's as efficient in catching someone before they've pushed themselves too far.

And it hasn't been easy for him - staying here, knowing that there are others lost out to the storm. But His time in Cadens and Abraxas in general has proven to him that there is a place for everyone, and sometimes what people need the most doesn't even feel the most useful. Still, he gives it his all, moving furniture and helping batch make more soup than the inn has ever seen in its life and now he spends his time doing rounds - passing out water, snacks, blankets, towels.

Everyone has their job, their place, and Sam takes it upon himself to make sure the people out there helping don't overdo it. Makes sure that's added to the list.

"Better than before. Most everyone's settled or found a place to settle, which is good, since they're now letting themselves feel just how exhausted they are." He gives Diana a small smile, like the two of them know how that could feel, as he takes a drink from his own ale. "The quiet will be good- gives us time to restock in case anyone comes in later tonight or tomorrow. You had a chance to sit down yet?"

[monomachy]

"Overdoing it" is an unfamiliar concept to Diana--not only because Amazons were trained to push themselves to the brink, but also because she doesn't yet know her own limits. Nothing seems like too much (like enough) when she has so much energy, so much power inside her. She tires, yes, but would it ever truly be too much for her to push through? She doesn't know.

She doesn't know if she wants to know. It's a spiral she doesn't know if she could escape.

As he answers, she casts her gaze around the common room, and it does seem as if the people she can see are in better spirits than just hours ago. She has no doubt it's due to Sam and Mag's efforts, and not for the first time since arriving in this world, she's grateful for them both. Her attention lands on him again, and she shakes her head. "I haven't." Even this brief moment with Sam feels somehow like a betrayal, like she could be out there doing more, always more. Antiope's specter hangs over her: You must go. "Have you?" It isn't accusatory; in fact, there's genuine concern in her tone.

[falcony]

That is true - Sam is working up against the mere fact that he is mortal, and he does have limits, and those limits happen to be sneaking up on him more and more over the last couple of years. But that's what this circle is for, these people that watch out for each other. When you get a lot of these types, who don't want to sit down, who know there's more work to be done, who need to do it because who else will? They're going to be the one to understand.

Diana may not know what overdoing it means, but Sam also knows what it means to be the one to introduce the word. I haven't, she says, and Sam's brow arches. Oh? She knows where this is headed, right?

Except that of course she follows it up, of course she knows to ask the same. Sam huffs a laugh and shakes his head - no, he hasn't. And perhaps he should have seen it coming, too. "How about this-" he tilts his head over to what appears to be a couple of empty seats. No table - those are all in use - but there are two stools open for the taking. "I sit if you sit, even if it's just for a second or two. We need to finish these, anyway." He lifts the tankard.

1

[thearchangel]

"You've been at this a while too, huh?"

It's sympathetic, understanding. Garrus, despite his earlier forays into natural exfoliating, has sand in the cracks and crevices of his plating. He's perched on a bench, leaning back against a wall. Easier than wedging himself into a chair that doesn't really accommodate digitigrade legs. He lifts a bottle to her in weary salute.

... A bottle of water, but don't tell anyone.

"Take a breather. There's a lot of us out there patrolling right now."

[monomachy]

She's just ushered her latest charge to the bar for food and water when Garrus addresses her, and despite her exhaustion and the grit in her eyes, she finds it in herself to smile at him. She looks much the same as he does, with sand and dust creased into her hair and clothes, and it lifts her heart that others care the same as she does, that there are others leading the people of Cadens to safety.

At the invitation, Diana moves to join him on the bench, leaving a thin veil of sand on the inn's floor in her wake, but glad to sit for a few moments with a friend. It feels wrong, somehow, to rest when there may be people in trouble outside the Sarstina's sturdy walls, but as she's heard several times over the past few days, running herself into the ground won't help anyone.

She sighs as she sits down, briefly trying to block out the wind howling through the streets. "I'm glad to see you here." Despite her exhaustion, her tone is genuine. "It's like the desert is trying to swallow the whole city."

[thearchangel]

"Hey, if a rocket, black hole, or fungus dungeon couldn't take me out, a little sand is nothing."

Hopefully that's reassuring. Depreciating humor, his go-to when things turn weird, or difficult. And frankly, this whole situation is disconcerting. Especially with what Shepard noticed in the Horizon. He's also very, very used to seeing people like her run themselves ragged. Run themselves into nothing.

Shepard's the same way.

He passes her the water, nodding. "Can't help wondering if that mess at the party had anything to do with it." After a moment, he lowers his voice, leaning a little nearer to Diana. "You seen the Horizon, lately?"

[monomachy]

A little sand is an understatement, but from his tone, Diana catches his meaning. "Do I want to know about the fungus dungeon?" She says the last two words slowly, as if she has to think about pronouncing them. They are certainly strange to say together, and she finds herself both amused by and curious about them.

She takes a long drink of the water, trying to ignore how much sand and dust she's undoubtedly swallowing. Cadens' desert sand is so much coarser than that on the beaches of Themyscira, and not for the first time, she finds herself longing for her home.

"I would not be surprised if it did." She nods grimly, and then gestures towards the ceiling with the bottle before handing it back to him. "Have you seen the sky here? Just before the sand storm set in. The lightning--it isn't natural."

[thearchangel]

"When a bunch of us got captured, dragged underground," he explains. Yes, it's a weird way of putting things, but if he gives it a more lighthearted name, something less serious, it's easier not to dwell on it. To move forward better.

He takes the bottle back, toying with it in his talons before he nods too. "I saw it. Looks a lot like what Shepard and I saw in the Horizon."

Which does not bode well, if you ask him. If something there is affecting the "real world" weather, then... hell, what else could it drag across? More monsters?

"We thought maybe looking into talking to people who communicate with it." With the Horizon.

i.

[kobes]

Koby's initial reaction is some wheezing and coughing, into his sleeve, hair turned dusty from the storm. He'd managed four or five trips -- transporting stock for Nadine, to the new store -- without taking a break, but on the last round he'd gotten the tiniest bit turned around and ended up several streets off. He's still relatively new to Cadens, to this world, and if he deviates from the familiar at all, he still gets lost. This is just fine when the air is behaving, but when there's a near-constant sandstorm, it can get...problematic.

So he leans over, bracing his hands on a nearby table and trying to catch his breath long enough to thank the relative stranger for her assistance. Just -- give him a moment. Finally, still shedding literal streams of sand from every fold of his clothes: "I-I'm all right. Thank you. Sorry." There we go, every base covered.

[monomachy]

Diana is worried about every charge she brings back to the Sarstina--after all, they've all been out in the sandstorm, breathing in dust and who knows what else. But the young man she's just guided to the inn's doors truly alarms her, with his hacking and wheezing, and she pulls off the layers of cloth wrapped around her face and hair without waiting to shake off some of the sand near the door. She'll clean it up later, if Mag really has a problem with it.

As he catches his breath, Diana hovers nearby, her hands held up in front of her as if she's ready to either catch him if he keels over or pound on his back if he chokes. Once he actually speaks though, she's gesturing frantically for the person behind the bar to bring over a carafe of water and a cup. Despite his words, there's still alarm in her eyes as she speaks, and there's a slight rasp to her voice from being out in the storm too. "You do not look alright." Even at the worst of times, she can't help but be blunt. "And you have nothing to be sorry for. Here, sit, and drink some water." She's already pulling out a chair, clearly still concerned that he's about to collapse. Perhaps she's overreacting, but he isn't the first person she's fretted over today--just maybe the loudest.

[kobes]

Koby's hardier than he looks, but even that isn't particularly impressive -- he's short, scrawny, and absolutely coated in sand, all of which makes for a truly dismal picture. Then again, he's been out in the storm for a while, moving stock and trying to do exactly what this woman's done, make sure people are safe. The main difference is that Koby's younger, smaller and not nearly as physically fit.

And he knows it, coughing into his sleeve and sitting down in the chair heavily, though not without a mildly perturbed scowl. "I didn't -- realize it was that -- obvious." It comes out between wheezes. "I'd lost track of time, I-I think." Hard to track the sun when it's blocked out by sand, after all.

The water is sipped slowly, at least, no risk of a repeat choking performance. Koby's newer in town, and while he's a resident of this exact inn, he still doesn't know everyone who frequents it. Still, the woman gets a thoughtful once-over, mild familiarity lighting up the young man's sand-coated features. "I've seen you here before. I think." Hard to tell, considering she's just as bundled up and sandy as he is.

[monomachy]

Though barely a handful of people in Cadens know it, Diana also happens to be a god, which certainly helps her remain steadfast despite the sandstorm outside. Her windburn and sandburn heal quickly, and even her raw throat is starting to repair itself as she stands beside him. She's still covered in a thin veil of sand, but she's looking better than she did just a few minutes ago when they walked through the door. She doesn't have to imagine that she's better off than the average mortal--she knows it as a fact.

Her brows draw together. She doesn't think he should have been out in the storm at all--but she reminds herself that she doesn't know him. Her expression and tone soften, and she asks: "Where were you trying to go?" Because he must have been doing something important to put himself through that.

She briefly touches a hand to her chest, bobbing her head in greeting. "I am Diana. I am on Sam Wilson's Welcome Committee, and I visit the Sarstina often when I am in town" She casts her gaze briefly towards the door. "And it seems I am permanently in town for now, because of the storm." She looks to him again, very vague familiarity tugging at her mind, but no name comes with it. Still, she supplies: "You are living here, yes?"

[kobes]

Koby doesn't know this, of course, but he is more than a touch envious about how well the woman -- Diana, apparently -- seems to be withstanding the storm. He coughs again, turning to stifle it in his (sandy) sleeve, then reaching for the water again. "Nadine's new shop -- I'm helping her move stock over." A sheepish smile as he swallows the mouthful of water. "Not great timing, but we were already in the middle of things when the storm started."

Somehow Koby hasn't met Sam Wilson yet -- then again, he's fairly insular still, used to keeping to himself. Making friends isn't really necessary when you're part of a larger entity like the Marines. They're sort of built-in, among the other cadets. But that isn't the case now, so Koby tries to swallow back his awkwardness and offer a smile, sandy as it is.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Koby. Are you not usually in town, then?" Immediate curiosity, even as he's currently coughing up sand. "For the moment, yeah. I've only been here...a little over a month, I think."

sibling reunion!!

[divasmio]

After being first introduced over the network, Apollo and Diana made plans to meet at the Inn. Seeing as he's already staying there, it's no trouble for Apollo to make his way to the restaurant area and seek her out based on her description.

When he spots her — He assumes it's her, as she's matching her description and standing where Diana said she'd be — Apollo beams as he greets her. One of the most striking things she might notice is how much he looks like Will.

"Diana," he says warmly, "it's nice to meet you in person."

[monomachy]

Despite her best hopes, the storm has only seemed to worsen over the past weeks. She has accepted that she's going to be stuck in Cadens for the time being, and try to make the most of it.

The most, it seems, is the arrival of a slew of demigod children--and one full god, who asked to meet her. Diana has felt nervous about very few things in her long, long life, but without question, she can add this to the list.

She doesn't have time to change out of her sandy clothes, but can't be bothered to find something else to wear. She's been out day and night guiding people to the Sarstina to reorient themselves from the sands, and has barely taken time to eat or sleep since the storms began. Anyone else might look dead on their feet, but Diana is simply sporting a pair of dark circles beneath her eyes. For a god, it's a deep testament to how exhausted she must truly be from her body constantly repairing itself from the wrath of the sandstorm.

The man he calls her name is, yes, very similar to what she imagines Will may look like in a decade or so. Her heart swells when she sees him, and despite the way her stomach flips at the sight of one of the gods she grew up worshiping, she stands her ground and inclines her head. Her voice, when she greets him, is equally as full of warmth. "Apollo." She keeps her voice steady despite the emotions starting to roil in her chest, and she smiles, wide and brilliant, at odds with her current appearance. "I am so very glad to meet you."

[divasmio]

Apollo moves closer and raises his arms like he wants to hug her, but pauses, unsure if that'd be something she's comfortable with. Still, his smile doesn't falter.

"Perhaps we should sit down. I want to know all about you. Tell me about Themyscira!"

[monomachy]

She recognizes the gesture and the intent behind it, but is glad that he makes no move to take it further. While Diana is usually very comfortable with physical touch, it would be a little much for her to be hugged by another god right now.

Mag has already set aside a table for her, and Diana gestures for him to join her. Once she's settled, she exhales slowly, and offers him a smile. "And I, you. There is much to say about Themyscira--the people, the city, the culture. I should ask if there is anything specific you want to know."

[divasmio]

He takes a moment to think. Where to even start? Apollo wants to know everything about his new sister. Perhaps it might be a little confusing if Artemis ever finds her way here, but even from this short interaction he knows she would love Diana just as much.

"Your family," he starts, grinning ildly. "Tell me about your family."