EVENT #22: KHION - IC LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event 22 - Khion

OOC Event Log ⦁ The Nether

Despite the unsettling tremors from the previous month, the citizens of Abraxas are determined to enjoy their winter festivities. For you, the collective wintertide celebrations - The Dimming, The Festival of Enlightenment, and the Winter Solstice - have often been held in your home territories or Nocwich.

This year brings a change. You'll receive a personal letter from the Nether, signed by Aster, the Guardian themselves. Whether you were there to aid the Nether or not last autumn, the letter thanks you nonetheless for your assistance and informs you that much has changed in their lands...for the better. Indeed, so much so that the Draconae wish to invite you back so you can see for yourself the positive impact you've had.

Their gates will open DECEMBER 16 and close on DECEMBER 20. Because the Draconae do not possess magic as powerful as other races in Abraxas, they kindly ask that you stay for the week since they cannot maintain a persistent portal.

The major plot occurrence will occur at the end. The fallout of this incident will carry over into January.

Above and Below

Previously, only the Obsidian Heart - the volcanic city - was accessible as the area above was far too cold and desolate. Now, with the adult dragons having returned to their full strength and their hatchlings growing by the day, the Draconae have begun to reclaim their territory beyond the volcano.

You'll be able to explore areas within the Heart, but you'll find most of the festivities above-ground. The Draconae are a fun-loving people and they're quite fond of the Summoned after all the help you've given them. They also understand that tensions between the major territories have been high as of late...and would like to grant you some reprieve from a war many of you didn't ask to be a part of.

Accommodations

This time, guests will stay in stone huts built from the Nether's volcanic stone. The stones preserve an unusual amount of heat, meaning the huts are very warm. Bedding is comfortable, if simple, with room to store your belongings. The Draconae believe strongly in mutual respect, so the doors contain no locks. Your safety is assured, but if you're nervous, you can ask for a guard to watch you at night.

If you don't do well in the cold, the Draconae will offer you warming potions and thick furs. Curiously, the furs closely resemble what the werewolves in Luna wear, suggesting that the Nether and Nocwich have resumed more active trading in recent months.

◎ A larger community hut is in the center of the small village that's slowly being built. 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 spots for ice fishing. Since the natural world is steadily being restored, game and fish found are of the common variety like deer, bison, and trout, as opposed to the stranger creatures that were found inside the Obsidian Heart's lava pools. Feel free to share your catch with your friends or offer to cook for the culinarily challenged.

◎ Hot springs can be found to the north. You'll have to hike to reach the area but it's a lovely walk. The waters themselves are crystal clear. At night, they glow with hundreds of tiny unknown creatures. These creatures are believed to be the result of the previously sickly hatchling, Anthusa, who creates bioluminescent algae. Now that Anthusa is much healthier, it can be spotted playing in the hot springs and lakes.

◎ Large fuzzy rodents the size of a small cat will occasionally invade your sleeping quarters or eating areas. They're easily chased off but they can be a huge nuisance by stealing your food and chewing holes in your blankets. You're warned only to chase them off not injure them. Unfortunately, their blood is quite corrosive and can cause a harsh burn to the skin. While the burns will heal up in a few days, it's best to avoid the situation altogether.

Sights & Activities

Opal Flats

The Opal Flats are natural wonders that have recently come into being with the dragons' increasing strength. The pearlescent icy surface glows at night which makes it the perfect place for ice skating after sunset. You can borrow a pair of ice skates and join the Draconae on the ice.

◎ When you're done with the ice, you can join one of the tents nearby that are hosting spiced cider workshops. Here, you can make your own spiced cider blend. Flavors include clove, cinnamon, and berries unique to the Nether. You can test infusing your blend into small cups of cider until you're happy with the results. Your final personalized blend will then be packaged into a jar and tied off with a ribbon. Enjoy it yourself or give it to someone special!

◎ Keep an eye out! The young dragons are troublemakers and will sneak into the workshops to steal cinnamon sticks, drink from the steaming cider pots, and knock down hanging decorations. You can help rehang decorations or remove the dragons from spaces they shouldn't be in...though they'll soon find their way back again. The Draconae seem exasperated but tolerant of the hatchlings so you shouldn't worry too much about the mild chaos. It's to be expected.

◎ Once more, Khloris is the biggest menace and it's grown larger since. While Khloris has learned to better control its powers, it's still prone to causing flowers to sprout in your hair should you come into contact with too much of its pollen. Fortunately, the effect is temporary - just a few hours.

Dusk Falls

Each day, starting at dawn, two Draconae guides will lead a hike up the mountains. Make sure you bring your hiking boots! The slopes are frosty and can be dangerous but they'll keep you safe as much as possible. Otherwise, it's a lovely trip and takes about two hours to reach the top. You'll encounter a beautiful view, fresh mountain air, and a cavern at the peak where you can go inside and look at some frozen waterfalls.

◎ Unusual ice-like spiders infest some portions of the cave. While they're quite big (about the size of a wolf spider), they're harmless and seldom bite. On the occasions that they do, the bite is easily treated with a bandage and a few days to heal. However, they do have a bad habit of dropping down from the ceiling onto the heads of passersby wandering through the caves. The experience can be startling if you're not expecting it.

◎ Once you've all finished enjoying the sights, you can return to the bottom. Luckily, you won't have to climb down. Instead, the group will get to ride one of the two adult dragons in the Nether: Hierus, the Obsidian Drake, and Kruos, the Glass Serpent. They'll bring all of you safely back to the base of the mountain.

Cinder's Core

Walking through the Ashlands no longer requires any special potion. The air is now clear. Cinder's Core lies at the southern end. Previous visitors will recall that it was full of petrified trees and fossilized bone. The detritus of a fallen ecosystem remains, but alongside it is new growth of flourishing green thanks to the young dragon Okenus. This includes the trees growing the unique kydros fruit.

◎ You can help harvest the kydros fruit to contribute to the feast above the surface. Now that they're growing freely again, the Draconae are no longer reserving them for the potions and have reintroduced the fruit into their regular dishes! Mildly sweet with a hint of citrus, it tastes somewhat like a pomelo.

◎ Be careful when harvesting or traversing the area! While the jungle is starting to recover, it's still a jungle full of tripping hazards, slippery vines, and high cliffs - some of which now have refreshing waterfalls. There might also be a hidden snake or aggressive birds. These creatures aren't dangerous to any real degree, but if they bite or peck, it'll leave a mark!

Mysterious Gifts

While the Draconae participate in traditional gift-giving, this occurs only between the closest of mates and friends. More common is an activity they call Krypto's Box. Krypto's Box is a massive jar in the middle of town with a hole carved out at the bottom to function as a sort of dispenser. Filling the jar are hundreds of vials containing a mystery potion. Each year, the batch of potions is blessed by magic from the young dragons of the Nether. In other words - these mischievous creatures have influenced the potions' effects.

You can take a potion and gift it to someone. Neither of you will know what the effects are until the recipient opens it, but you can trust it'll be something mild, temporary, and amusing. During Khion, it's not unusual to see the Draconae wandering around covered in glitter, swirls of flowers, or hovering 2 feet above the ground. Accepting a mystery potion is part of the fun. The local Draconae will gift you some alongside your Summoned friends!

If your character has received a potion - whether from a Draconum or another Summoned - comment HERE to see what effect they'll receive. If you don't like the effect, simply disregard your character having received a potion to begin with.

Making Friends (NPCs)

The occasion is less formal this time, so Anneth and Aster will each be available for you to meet regardless of your status. There's also one surprise guest that some of you might recognize from last year's Epulum event in Ikorr: Babis, the cheerful Draconum who was merely looking for a good time and found himself embroiled in a mysterious theft.

Descriptions about the three NPCs and where they can be found will be in their character comments below. Depending on who you talk to, you can learn a little more about neighboring Endsmuth, the dragons, and relations with Nocwich. The meetings might not last very long, but you'll be able to get in one or two questions!

Characters of any rank can speak with one of the three NPCs available.

To do so, TAG IN with your character under the NPC you want to meet.

Renewal

The Nether's limited magic means that they seldom feel the effects of the Dimming. However, even the Draconae begin to notice something is wrong as the final day draws near wherein the Singularity should go completely dark, falling into its usual state of hibernation. The dragons, in particular, are disturbed and have communicated as such to both Anneth and Ermis, the Keeper.

Before anyone can determine what's truly happening, a massive quake strikes all of Abraxas. As far away from the epicenter as the Nether is, even they feel the effects, a tremor that knocks over decorations and cracks foundations.

For any who are near the cliffs overlooking the ocean below, they can observe a giant tidal wave that consumes the island where some of you recall being held captive on.

Portals Awry

Naturally, you want to return home after such an unexpected event. The Draconae hurriedly open the portals to your individual territories and assure you they will assist in any way possible, though they are equally unsure of what's just happened.

Stepping through the portal, you expect to pass through and face the familiar sights and sounds where you reside. For a small handful of you, that may be exactly so. For many others, however, you'll find yourself in a completely unexpected place.

Indeed, it seems that whatever force has caused the quake has also disrupted the Singularity's no longer waning magic, corrupting the portal magic and sending you into an opposing territory. In a time of war, this could be disastrous for all involved...and it's clear from the locals who greet you on the other side that they are as baffled as you.

Players can choose to mix things up and send their characters to a new territory for the duration of January. Since this will be temporary, feel free to separate close CR or put your character somewhere they won't enjoy. It won't last long!

Characters will not be placed under any restrictions for accidentally landing in a strange place. They will, for the time being, be treated as guests while officials determine what to do next.

The Wrap-Up will detail how characters' experiences will go once they are in their new territory.

---

Comments

NPC Meetings

[abraxasmods]

Characters of any rank can speak with one of the three NPCs available. There is no restriction on characters per player.

New responses close after December 31st. Please tag in before then if you'd like a thread.

ASTER, THE GUARDIAN

[abraxasmods]

Mated to the Overseer and bearing an equivalent rank to him, you might be surprised that Aster is often mingling with their people. When you observe them flitting around the festivities, though, you'll realize Aster is more interested in governing the Draconae's day-to-day life than the wider picture of politics - which they're more than happy to leave to Charis.

Aster's hobby is crafting. Unlike most of the Draconae, they use precious wood imported from Nocwich to make wood and string instruments. Their instruments are some of the finest in the Nether, but their skill at playing music can be described as enthusiastic as opposed to talented. Their pure joy makes it difficult for anyone to criticize too harshly, and the children are at least entertained by the simple songs. During the winter season, Aster has a fondness for playing Draconum-style jingles, which are jaunty and bold in tune.

Speaking to Aster will provide you the most insight into the Draconae and their relationship with both the dragons and the outside world. You'll find Aster at the following places below, where they'll greet you cheerfully:

◎ Accompanying the guides and guests on the Dusk Falls hike
◎ Handing out (much gentler) mystery potions to the Draconae children around Opal Flats
◎ Ice fishing with a large jug of cider, and occasionally taking a break to play their lyre

MYSTERY POTION

[abraxasmods]

Reply to this comment with your character name in the subject header and we'll provide you with an effect!

Randomizing is optional. If you'd like to choose a mild effect of your own, you may certainly do so and skip the randomization.

Nanaue

[nomnoms]

Kyle | Thorne | Open + Closed starters

[ushiri]

OPAL FLATS;

[ Despite living most of his life in the cold northern reaches of his home world, Kyle never learned to ice skate until he came to Thorne. He's no expert by any definition of the word, having only two winters to under his belt to practice in Nott before this. If you catch him at the start of his attempt, for once you might notice him lacking his usual natural grace, awkwardly shuffling around as he tries to drum up some muscle memory from the last time he did this.

Or, as he gains his confidence back and starts picking up some pace, you might find yourselves hurtling into each other. He'll try to catch you before you both tumble onto the hard ice either: a near miss, an awkward grab of each other's arms that sends you spinning, or an actual collision.

As long as neither of you are obviously hurt he'll laugh, and then look apologetic: ]

Sorry - are you okay?

COMMUNITY HUT;

[ Kyle prefers not to cook if he doesn't have to - in Nayeshi there were days he lived off of ramen and stolen cereal.

The smells here are enticing, he can't exactly complain about the free meals in Thorne, but there are other types of food he misses - specifically the kind with some kick. If you're someone doing actual cooking, he might hover nearby with a plate - if you're a friend, he might nick something straight from a bowl or pan, hissing if it's still hot enough to burn his fingertips - or his tongue. ]

CINDER'S CORE;

[ He visited this place last year, when the lands were still damaged and difficult to traverse. Despite his misgivings about what happened back then, he wants to see the change and growth for himself (to see, for once, that maybe they have done some actual good for this world). He sets off alone, or with a companion, stepping gingerly around the new growth, bending down to touch the newly sprouting plant life. He'll be tempted to pluck one, as he likes to collect things - but in the end he'll leave the new undergrowth be.

Instead, he'll stick to collecting the kydos fruit in a little pack. The way he does his collecting is a little funny - a tear in space opens up in front of his hand, from which he reaches in and seems to pluck a fruit - you might hear a rustling from above as he does this, a missing fruit on the branch. ]

Have you tried one yet? [ he'll offer this one. ]

WILDCARD;
( hmu with whatever or adjust my prompts as needed! )

viktor;

[ushiri]

[ They claim a stone hut for themselves, returning to it at the end of the first day - all of the blankets piled onto one bed where they relax. Kyle likes the familiarity of their room at the inn where they meet in Nocwich, but this is nice too (minus the giant rat they chased out earlier) - any extra time together like this is good. Even if it makes it increasingly harder to leave each time.

He's been thinking a lot about what to do about that lately, too. ]

One for your birthday, and one for the holiday -

[ He's sitting cross-legged, set in front of him two gifts - he doesn't indicate which is which, it doesn't really matter - only that it didn't seem right to give Viktor one gift for two events. One is a small pouch (light, with something hard inside - the light sound of a metal chain shifting within if he lifts it), the other is wrapped in plain paper and twine (vaguely shaped like shoes, but also very light in weight). Besides the rocks and bug shells and candies he sneaks into Viktor's bag every month, these might be the first gifts he's picked for him on his own, with no outside opinions. It makes him both excited and a little anxious, and though it doesn't show on his face, his hands fidget with a stray piece of twine. ]

Alucard | Free Cities -> Thorne

[cryptsleeper]

[plotting post here]

Cinder's Core | Open

[cryptsleeper]

Oh for--

[Alucard had gone into the Cinder's Core because the forest was a fascinating thing. He had never encountered petrified wood before, and now as he runs his fingers over it, he wonders how the effects might be mimicked in a building. It was an easy enough thing to take out a small notebook and try to capture what he was seeing. It was also easy for him to move in the wrong way against some of the new greenery, accidentally disturbing a flock of birds.

Birds with opinions about territory, clearly, as a few have decided to divebomb the dhampir. The instinct of swatting has only enraged them, and so Alucard throws the notebook down to the ground and immediately explodes into a storm of angry, squeaking bats. Squeaking bats that are now beefing with birds, because this is the most normal thing in the world.

The sheer racket broadcasts that there's something happening in the immediate area, and anyone that arrives to investigate will see the last few birds squawk before flying away. In turn, the bats flock back together, forming the dhampir again.]

Istredd | The Witcher | Thorne

[magicalarchaeologist]

The Nether - Various opens

[magicalarchaeologist]

Istredd is delighted to be back in the Nether. There is a skip in his step and an almost permanent smile on his face while there. A heavy weight seems to be lifted from his shoulders and he does everything he can with gusto. The last time he was here, he was so focused on the potion and saving the dragons that he spent all his time with the alchemists and getting ingredients for it. He didn't get to truly enjoy his time here, despite feeling very close to it. And then the group vision had him stay here for a long, long time, keeping that connection strong.

But now he is back and he is eager to try any number of things. He is in the dining hall and more willing to talk to people, but his face grimaces when he ingests a sudden very, very hot pepper and he starts guzzling down water. Which doesn't seem to help, his eyes prickling with tears and waving a hand at his face. "I'm fine," he rasps if anyone tries to help.

Istredd used to explore his continent so he loves to walk and hike, and he first hikes his way up to the hot springs. He reads there in the water, his clothes neatly folded next to him, and is momentary distracted by the beautiful lights as the night grows darker. He laughs when he spots Anthusa from a distance touching the waters with its wings, and it splashes lightly him and anyone else with him. He tries to lift the book and gets it splat in the face for his attempt.

Istredd has never gone ice skating so he looks very, very wobbly as he makes the attempt. As a large man with not much balance, he seems like he's only a few seconds away from falling, waving his arms. He definitely crashes at one point so he looks slightly haggard when he ends up in the spiced cider workshop. As someone good at potions he manages to create a rather nice combination and offers it to the nearest Summoned. "It's good. I promise."

The next day Istredd ends up on the hike up to the mountains at dawn. He is happy to be there and while he slips a little in the snow, he is in very good spirits on his way there, smiling. He points at the frozen waterfalls as they go past it. "Beautiful out, isn't it?" The sights, even the cold air, it feels invigorating. He remembers riding dragons in his life in the vision, but this is a thrilling opportunity to do it for real. He looks between the dragons, tapping a finger against his chin. "Which one are you going on?" he asks the person next to him.

Walking through the Cinder's Core is something of an emotional experience for him, despite how strange that might seem. He remembers how damaged it was the last time they were here, and seeing visual representations of the ways in which they helped this place matters a great deal. "How it's changed," he murmurs to himself. When he picks up some kydros fruit, he smiles at it and holds it like some precious gift.

While it may not be wise to drink any potion that he didn't make himself, Istredd trusts the Draconae not to poison them. "Uhhhh, here, want to give it a try?" he offers the potion to someone else, taking one in exchange. "My teachers would be furious at me." A funny thought to be honest. But he downs it. After a second or two, Istredd starts to glow a very bright purple, glancing down at himself as he radiates it. Not blinding, it's beautiful instead. "Does it look strange?"

Julia Wicker | The Magicians | Solvunn

[divinityfrompain]

Julia had a great time in the Nether the last time. It was shortly after she arrived in Solvunn and felt very confused and out of it, so an adventure with dragons and trying to help them heal was a great beginning. Also the dragonlings became her heart's joy. So she's cheerful when she arrives and waves at draconae she vaguely remembers from the first time. She squeals openly when she sees the youthful dragons and either waves to them or follows them around until she can greet them when they sit down. She remembers all their names having been a happy babysitter in the past.

"Anthusa!" she yells out when she ends up in the hot springs and smiles as the dragon plays in the water, coming close to her before sweeping off. She took care of the sickly dragon and protected it from its rude siblings and she watches it with warmth in red eyes. Normally Julia does not go to the hot springs or gets naked, so this is her first attempt at doing so. She is still pretty nervous and knows she could wear her clothes if she wanted to, but this is a test for her, to push back against any fear she might have. She has her hair up in a ponytail to keep it from the water but it falls out, causing the edges to get wet. "Oh hell."

Julia knows how to ice skate very well so she does little twirls on the ice and shows off. She doesn't do it very often but now seems like the right time. When it's dark out Julia seems to appear to have a white glow all around her so she's like a nightime lamp, a light amidst the darkness. She will encourage people to join her if she sees them uncertain and show them how.

"Noooo, you stop that right now!" Julia is in the spiced cider workshops having enjoyed a drink when she spotted the hatchlings causing their usual form of trouble. She chases them around the workshop, waving her hands at them to shoo them off. She helps hang the decorations back up and scolds the dragons by name when they make trouble, although she maaaaay be secretly sneaking them cinnamon sticks on the down low.

Julia does go on the hike up the mountain so she can ride a dragon, and due to her advanced stamina, she seems to be taking the steep trip with almost no trouble. It might be strange for someone so petite to just be stomping her way up. She does curiously go into a cave and get spiders on her for the effort, screeching and rubbing at her head. "Are they in my hair?!" she panics. And yes. One may still be on the top of her head. Julia goes "woo hooooo" the entire way down on the dragon, grinning over at whoever is going with her and impulsively bumping their shoulder in joy, even if she doesn't know them.

Julia is not the best potion maker, although she does well enough to get by, but she seems very curious about what they have in store. She offers one up to someone else, and smiles. "Together?" In for a penny, in for a pound! "Bottoms up." She drinks it and then her hair turns a bright powder blue. She touches the ends of it. "Ohhhhh, not bad."

hot springs

[suplexer]

Tifa also isn't really used to hot springs. She took the hike out here because she'd wanted the exercise and everyone had said it offered some lovely views, but now that she's here it seems like it would be silly to not make use of the springs.

So, here she goes. She approaches the water wrapped up in a towel and feels a spike of relief when she sees that it's Julia who's already there. At least it's someone she knows.

One of the baby dragons is also flitting around, and Tifa can't help but be charmed by it. She laughs when she watches it splash at Julia and then fly off.

Except then Julia's ponytail falls out in the commotion, and clearly she didn't actually want her hair to get wet. "Oh no, I'm sorry." Tifa's hair is also up in a high bun to keep it out of the way, and as she steps into the warm water, she turns her back to Julia and quickly removes her towel before she settles down into a sit and shifts back around. Awkward.

"Could you use some of your magic to dry it?" Tifa knows from her lessons with Julia that she's an accomplished witch. Some wet hair is probably no big deal, right?

Eddie Munson | Solvunn | The Devil

[satanicpanics]

{ starters to follow!
plotting comment | muttonchops // poultrylegs @ disco }

opal flats; OTA

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie is not particularly interested in the cider workshops, but it’s where he’s ended up. He’d spent most of the previous trip to the Nether babysitting the hatchlings, and this is where he’s followed them, larger and healthier than they were last autumn. He’s clearly fond of the little creatures, even if they did a number on his hai and stole nearly all the rings straight from his fingers last time, and he does nothing to prevent their chaos in the tent.

If anything, he’s opted to aid the hatchlings in their mischief. He's not subtle about it, but he'll slips cinnamon sticks to them, point out the best opportunities for them to steal sips from the bubbling cider pots, and even reaches down to carefully lift the walls of the tent to allow them in once more when they’ve been removed. ]

Oh no. How could this have happened again?

[ He doesn't bother to mask his sarcasm as the hatchlings bound in once more, knocking down decorations and tipping over cups of cider. He's bound to be kicked out of the tent soon enough himself if he doesn’t stop. He doesn’t seem particularly interested in skating either, but maybe you can drag him out onto the ice if you’re lucky. It would be a funny sight. ]

cassian andor / star wars / thorne

[diametrically]

🌌 open & closed starters below ↓ 🌌
( hit me up on discord @ cardialloyed for plotting and shenanigans! )

above & below 💫 open

[diametrically]

accommodations

[ Abraxas has proven to throw anything and everything at them - so why not dragons? They're not unheard of in a galaxy far far away, but they're not common either. Depending on your stretch of space or system dragons are still very much a mystical myth and if they do exist? They don't look anything like the ones in the Nether.

Introduction to a new species aside, he's taken to the freedom outside of Nott and Thorne in stride to the point where he seems to have gone back to his roots in a manner of speaking. Long after he had left Kenari has always remained present in his bones: he has and always will prefer warmer climates. There's no hesitation in accepting the kind offer to bundle up in thick furs or for the warming potions that are handed out by the Draconae. It's how most people will find him if they run into him during their time here.

Cassian is no stranger to hunting or fishing either - though it seems to be more of the latter here. He can be found patiently waiting at an ice fishing spot bundled up in an absurd amount of furs with a bucket filled with fish beside him quietly boasting a fair amount of success. He seems to mostly keep to himself, though if someone is in need of help he's more than willing to lend a hand with baiting the fishing line or doing some quick ice fishing 101.

At some point he'll return to the dining area and begin prepping his bounty, but mid-roll of his sleeves he'll look over at a fellow would-be chef to ask - ]

Do you need help gutting that?

[ Fish may be friends and food but asshole large fuzzy rodents are probably never going to make Cassian's friends list. One unfortunate day, a loud hissing and spitting can be heard from his hut. Since there's no locks it won't be difficult to figure out the source behind the chaos. Feel free to open the door to the following: Cassian, embroiled in a stand off with a large fuzzy rodent who is hell bent on trying to steal the food he's prepared. Don't ask why Cassian is trying to brandish a large blanket at it like some matador because he will not have an answer. He's a little busy at the moment.

If you happen to be on the tail end of the chaos, a streak of brown comes racing out with Cassian hot on its tail. He's clutching his hand tightly to his chest, grimacing as he watches the creature scamper into a crowd. After a moment he seems to swear under his breath before glancing over at whatever onlooker has been stopped in their tracks. ]

...Don't let them bleed on you.

sights & activities

[ The Opal Flats remind him so much of his time on Aldhani that it's very easy to catch Cassian lost in thought. The difference here is that there's no heist to plan, no practiced motions of a guard to learn, no threat of a blaster pressed between his eyes or at his back. There's just an expanse of coloured horizon as far as the eye can see and so much joy around him that he almost feels out of place. So instead he takes to skating off as far north as he can go, cutting a lone figure between the large jutting rocks. As lost in his thoughts as he is, he isn't hard to flag down nor is he so distracted that someone in need of help lacing up their skates or trying to take to the ice themselves goes unnoticed.

Ice skating isn't new to Cassian. Hiking isn't either. Even being surprised by ice-like spiders is met with a mostly even keel reaction and he'll calmly handle them with ease. But meeting a dragon? That's definitely new. So much so that it's very hard to hide the light in his eyes. He seems to be taking his time admiring them from afar, apparently in no rush to leave the top of the mountain as they're as much of the view as the rest of the nature below them is. If someone else is catching their breath after the hike, their own harrowing experience with spiders, or admiring the dragons as he is, he'll extend a small flask with the very recognizable scent of cider wafting from it out to them. ]

It has a kick to it so it should keep you warm on the flight down.

wild card

[ Mix and match or dealer's choice! Cassian will be taking the opportunity to take in all the sights so he can also be found at the hot springs, eating spicy food, exploring Cinder's Core or making spiced cider. Feel free to also incorporate Krypto's Box into it if you'd like - he's supposed to be in really high spirits which is incredibly rare for a Sad Eyed Man like Cassian so take advantage of it while you can. ]

claude von riegan | free cities | the wheel of fortune

[godshattering]

( open + closed starters below | action, prose, and wildcards for anything all welcome | plotting comment or find me at indech! )

accommodations / open

[godshattering]

a. grilling time

[ Much like their last visit, Claude's once again enjoying trying out new methods of cooking things when cooking's not one of his stronger talents. But! He's practiced quite a bit at home and especially so when looking to recreate some of the dishes he grew up eating to where most of what he makes, and his notebook full of scribbles of ingredients, combinations, and notes is once again nearby.

Though he's usually cooking for himself when at one of the stations, anyone who sits down is welcome to share a meal or better yet, be convinced to let Claude cook something for them. Some of his combinations might still be - as he says - outside of the lines but this time he's not serving anything he hasn't tried first himself. He might've learned his lesson with the extremely hot peppers from before.

Still: as he puts a plate or bowl in front of someone who's there to eat or willing to sample what grilled meat is on the coals or stew bubbling away in a pot, he'll wait expectantly. ]

Let me know if it's missing something since I think it is. It could use something else but I'm just not sure what.

b. ice fishing

[ Having been on plenty of hunts before across Abraxas in the different locations they've visited, now it's time for something else: fishing. Byleth would be proud.

Bundled up to a level that even Claude will cheerfully admit might be overboard, here he is out on the ice watching the bobber floating on the very cold water. He'd chosen this particular location after surveying several and deeming the ice sturdiest here (though no actual methods of measurement whatsoever). Now all there is to do is wait patiently for one of the fish he occasionally see the shape of swimming below. A steaming mug of tea is beside him as it's enchanted to stay warm no matter how long he's out here, and occasionally he'll pick it up to take a sip. It's quickly put down once something tugs on the line and begins to pull after it's taken the bait. ]

Hey, I think I've got something!

[ With that it's time to brace himself into putting some strength into it, no matter whether it's a sizable fish or a comically small one which pops out of the water once it surfaces. ]

c. hot springs

[ Always a believer that one should enjoy as many luxuries as they can, the hot springs here in the Nether are no exception as a bit of a spa treatment of sorts. So Claude will describe it to someone else as should they ask, and not even the hike to get there will dissuade him from stopping by them each night. He's not particularly shy himself about using the springs, though always ready to respect someone else who is whether they've also just arrived or are already in the water. Unless some discretion is needed or requested (as he'll ask first), he'll drop the towel he'd brought with him and the clothes he was wearing onto a nearby dry surface before stepping in.

And once in, it's with a sigh he relaxes into the water since it's good on the aches and pains - like from his somewhat less than successful ice skating rounds or just the hikes he'd gladly taken on and enjoyed every second of. While Claude means to be quiet to just enjoy the time here, suddenly he's alert again with curiosity upon realizing what's lighting up the springs now that he's in them. ]

Oh - what's that?

[ The little creatures aren't ones he recognizes from the last trip as he holds a hand out beneath the water to let them flutter their way over his palm through the water. Anthusa's nearby watching curiously, ready to hop in and splash him (or everyone around). ]

geralt of rivia — the witcher

[gynvael]

— starters below —
plot comment | discontinued | quantifies @ discord

OTA — hiking.

[gynvael]

[ His previous trip to the Nether was under heavier circumstances. He'd certainly made more use of his sword than he expected—and the strange magic from the Ashlands left its mark.

This year, things seem far less complicated. It's heartening, he supposes, to see the dragons thriving. Though, Geralt being who he is, he can't help asking what that might mean for the future. The dragons can too easily be perceived a threat...and the Summoned being so close to the Nether might be seen as a problem to nip in the bud.

The trek up the mountain immediately draws his attention. It's been some time since he's had a snow-covered peak to scale. As much as he enjoys climbing the cliffs in the desert, it isn't the same. He does not necessarily invite anyone in particular to join him, but as ever, he expects to run into a familiar face or three.

Besides a cloak over his shoulders, Geralt is dressed surprisingly light for the frosty temperatures. The snow clings to his hair as it drifts down. He strolls along with little effort exerted—and if anyone happens to trip or slip, he's quick to steady to them.

At some point, he may be spotted carrying a certain bard up the steepest slopes. There are deep sighs involved and eventually, he does dump Jaskier back on his feet to continue the walk. He's not a damn pack mule. ]

rowena macleod ★ supernatural

[magike]

( starters below! plotting comment for anything more specific! )

★ OPAL FLATS

[magike]

( whilst rowena doesn't get onto the ice she can often be found nearby, watching others skate, enjoying the beauty of the landscape, particularly the difference in this location compared to some of the still recovering landscapes.

every so often she'll step away, dipping into one of the tents for a little more warmth and also seeing if there's some already made cider that she could convince someone to give her. it's far from her preferred drink but it's warm and sometimes you need to go with what's there in the moment.

what rowena doesn't expect is the moments when flowers randomly begin to sprout, either in her hair or someone else's. and whilst they'd look great woven in there that's certainly not the look that she's been given, almost as if they've haphazardly grown out. not a good look, and something (when she notices, if she can) is something that she tries to rectify -- or get someone to help with )

james sunderland — silent hill 2

[hurtling]

starters below
plotting — fuels — pinkwestwood (@) discord

— ice fishing/pest control

[hurtling]

( over the last several days since james had arrived, he had been forced to confront harsh realities about the situation he was in and what this strange place had expected of him. he didn't consider himself someone who truly cared to involve himself in things beyond his own goals and desires, but at the end of the day when he weighed his options and his own abilities, it was best to just do what was expected of him and comply.

although he genuinely felt an apprehension of getting too involved with anyone or anything, he had a stubborn drive to find his wife despite the nagging thought in the back of his mind that this place wouldn't bring someone from the dead [would they?]. regardless of what the truth was, he needed to see it for himself. so much like others from the free cities, james had decided to embark on this journey to the nether.

while he adjusted himself and made a plan on how to best explore this new area and speak to others on whether or not they've seen his wife, he decided it was best to make himself useful. back home, he was a mere office worker, sitting at his desk for hours on end mostly doing paperwork and reports. here he had to become more useful so he decided to teach himself how to fish.

anyone who was nearby and watching, would see a man in uniform struggling to even get his fishing rod in proper order. as he worked to put the bait onto the hook, one of the many fuzzy rats roaming about seemed to jump him and steal the bait straight from his hook. not wanting to be outdone by a mere rodent, james immediately began to ran after it and when he reached it, he began to stomp it out.

only no one gave him the memo about the blood. )

Ah fuck-

( he managed to yell out, nearly falling back from the pain of the corrosive blood that splashed back onto his upper calf. )

Nanaue | Solvunn | Open!

[nomnoms]

☠ COMMUNITY HUT;

[ Nanaue can often be found returning to the communal space where the food preparation is occurring - always accompanied by his bipedal seal child and some large, half eaten game lugged over his shoulder - leaving a bloody trail behind them. Sometimes he might be chasing said child around as it seemingly is stuck hovering in the air as it 'swims', with Nanaue laughing and accidentally knocking over people over as he follows after it.

If someone seems interested in Baby, he will hold up the fluffy, large-eyed creature. ]

HUG BABY?

[ Baby is SPECIAL. Holding him has an effect. ]

☠ HOT SPRINGS;

[ Please doo not be alarmed by the seven foot tall manshark in the waters, or his massive ( CENSORED(s) ). The rocks near the edge of the spring are particularly slippery near him, with all the water he displaced when he first slipped into the heated waters. ]

☠ wildcard;
( hit me up with whatever, I love a drive-by too we're just memeing up the holidays before disaster )

Hut

[restingstitchface]

[Crane adapts without complaint to the change in circumstance. It does nothing to worry about why he finds himself in Solvunn: better he search for food and shelter. Sometime tomorrow he will stop worrying about where he will lay his head and start probing instead.

One favour for a friend, one might say. He would call it research.

But his circumstances are not the only thing pressing on his mind. He looks at the strange creature, held under his gaze like its owner is seeking approval. His hand twitches like he he wants to pet it but he controls himself.]

Hello.

[He strokes it gently with one thumb. The lightest press against its forehead before his hands return to his pockets.]

thancred waters | strength | thorne

[funbreaker]

closed starters below ↓
plotting comment | demonology | demonology @ discord

— ✦ yennefer

[funbreaker]

[ Between the hikes (yes, plural), the ice fishing, and all of the other physical activity that has come with this visit to the Nether, to say nothing of the colder temperatures, dipping into a hot spring sounds like a perfect way to spend his evening.

The walk out here had offered even more views of a landscape that had changed dramatically in the past year. What these dragons are capable of is truly remarkable, as they possess a magic unlike what he's seen from the Dravanians back home. It is a nice change of pace to see a place that has improved through the help of the Summoned, he'll admit.

Back home, he'd seen Himeka do much the same, always leaving places better off than how she found them.

He undresses and stashes his clothes in one of the spots designated for it, then pads out toward the steaming water. He lets out a relieved groan as he settles down and the warmth immediately soaks into his weary muscles. It doesn't take him long to realize that there's some glowing creatures sharing the water with him.

They look harmless enough, at least, and he scoops one up into his palm to take a closer look. At least for now, he doesn't realize that soon he'll be joined by more than just these colorful creations. Not that he minds sharing. ]

steve rogers | the hierophant | free cities

[assembles]

closed starters below ↓
plotting comment | demonology | demonology @ discord

— ✦ hilda

[assembles]

[ Despite everything, Steve has tried to ensure that he and Hilda keep to their routine. Yes, war seems like it might break out in full at any moment; yes, there are now city guardsmen set up at the Sarstina; yes, the Singularity is potentially expanding its influence and there's a real threat of it swallowing up unsuspecting people.

But a training regimen should be sacred.

So it's probably no surprise that he decided to take advantage of the hike up to Dusk Falls. It does mean ensuring that both he and Hilda are up and at it early enough to meet with the guides, but somehow, he's managed it. There was no small amount of complaining in the process, but they're here now.

Steve hasn't flagged at all during the hike, but that shouldn't be any real surprise. He glances over to Hilda, gauging her current mood for a few seconds before he decides it's worth the risk to speak up. Surely she won't be too difficult when they have guides who've taken time out of their days to lead them on the trail. ]

It'll be worth it for the views, right? And the whole dragon-riding part.

Mat Cauthon | Thorne | Open Starters

[a_better_man]

Opal Flats - Spiced Cider

There's something that makes Mat think of home about the cider infusing. It's the sort of things he imagines the married folk of the village would do. It's a rather sweet sentiment, too. A personal touch. He likes that. Generally he'd rather other folks prepare his food and drink if possible, but it's in the spirit of the holiday.

Not that he fully grasps all the various holidays he's been introduced to. It doesn't matter. It's really all the same in the end. Celebrating one another and good things and light in the dark. Doesn't matter what one called it or how one observed, it all muddled together into the same in the end.

He's enjoying himself, trying his hand at cider making. And he notes he's not the only one.

"Oi!" He whistles to get the attention of the Summoned nearest. "What have you got in yours?"



Opal Flats - Dragons

Mat's mostly here because of the dragons. And their damage.

He can't blame them. There's so much to get into. What young creature wouldn't be getting into anything and everything? Mat rather remembers he was much the same, as a little one.

So he's happy to help fix what damage they do. Or prevent it.

Which gives him a chance to show off his magic, using wind to catch delicate decorations as they fall and floating them back into place. It feels almost effortless now - though it isn't, not really - and how funny to think how terrified he once was. Of course he'd only had a fragment of the information he needed, and now he knew perfectly well it was safe.

He returns a particularly fragile looking ornament to its place with a flourish and a pleasant sound of chimes. Why not really show off?


Mystery Potions

Mat can be found contemplating the jar of potions. It's tradition, after all. And he seems to recall he has had fun with taking random substances before. Granted he usually has a better idea of what's going to happen, but he's gathered this is all harmless and in fun. No mad mind altered states or drastic effects.

And it's temporary.

He knows his friends and loved ones, and can certainly think of a few who might think the same. Which is the whole point, it's a shared experience. Which is a clever idea for a gift, really. Giving a thoughtful little hum, he turns to whoever is nearest and also eyeing the potions.

"What do you think? Worth giving it a go or likely to just tick off who you give it to??"


Wildcard

[OOC: Mat will be all over, I am very down for any random starters you want to throw at me!]

[itookashot]

Jesper can do a lot of the same magic but he's enjoying watching Mat do it instead, because he knows how long it took to get to this place for him. How Mat struggled with his fears about his magic, how long it's taken him to be comfortable, and he's happy for him, proud of him. Plus he's being a bit lazy at the moment, seated with some cider, watching the dragons fly around making trouble. He loves chaos and is usually very at home in the midst of it.

He gestures when Mat is starting to hang up some decorations and it completes what he's attempting to do, his telekinesis lifting it higher and then tying it more firmly together. He smiles and wiggles his fingers at Mat when he looks over. He generally likes looking at him for no other reason than he can. Whenever they get time together he takes advantage of it. Two and a half years later and Mat's still consuming all his attention.

"Looking good there, mage."

Dean Winchester | Free Cities | The Lovers

[righteously]

( closed starters to follow; )

→ sam & geralt

[righteously]

( It takes a little time to get Sam acclimated. It's not easy railing an entire culture, the significant details of a new dimension, and three years of personal history into the guy's massive noggin' on fast-forward. Cas pitches in where Dean falls short, and between the two of them — as well as several bottles of whiskey — they manage to cover nearly everything over the course of about two weeks, more or less.

One of the more significant topics that came up, of course, was the yellow-eyed elephant in the room. Dean doesn't call people family lightly, and after the shit-show that happened when Jo walked in to find Geralt hanging around in the bar that first time... Yeah, he's learned his lesson. Sam gets advanced warning, he's granted answers to the mild interrogation that follows, and the promise of an introduction just as soon as the Witcher's back from whatever hunting contract he's currently on.

They're waylaid pretty unexpectedly by the invite to the Nether, and in the end, they don't manage to squeeze in that re-introduction before the trip.

The plan b Dean comes up with involves a meet-up at the Dragon Tales dining area, with the thought that maybe being in a public space will keep things from getting too out of hand if they go the Benny route.

He also... might have the ulterior motive of just really wanting some Draconaen barbecue. Sue him, he's hungry. Tense, awkward introductions or not, a man's gotta eat.

This is the story all about how Dean stands between Sam and Geralt for the first time, for the second time, clearing his throat and gesturing from one to the other. )

Sam, this is- the guy I was telling you about. Geralt, you remember Sam.

( Except last time they did this, Dean wasn't holding a comically overfilled plate of meat. If you think about it, that means this time's already going better. )

Travis Guidry | Tales From the Gas Station | Open (will match style)

[infiniteban]

A. What the Shit

Dragons! Can you believe it! I live in a place with gods and shit and a big ol' Manshark but this is -- Holy Hannah! [He was a god once too but he chalks that up to whatever he drank after arriving into Solvunn. Some massive hallucination. And while sure, sometimes he thinks that might not be the case, sometimes he's got phantom limb pain for extra arms he--

Well, he tries not to think about it, okay. He doesn't remember it that well to begin with. Best to not call attention to it.] Have you been to the Dusk Falls? Got to ride one of those dragons, can you believe that?

[So Travis can be found all over the place, pointing like a tourist at anything slightly more than unusual, grabbing at the nearest person and making them involved whether they want to be or not.] I'm heading to the forge. Have you been?


B. New Roommate?

However deeply the other person may've been sleeping, they're awoken to the loud ruckus of a human man barging into the entryway, panting and looking frazzled. "Shit, sorry, I was hoping this space was empty. The damn rats! I thought I could win, you know? I had 'em. Had 'em! Damn things took off with my blanket when I was distracted. They made a plan. I know it sounds crazy. Forget dragons. These critters, they're smart."

While that may actually be the case, it's more likely that Travis simply had bad luck.

Sorry, sorry, you're probably trying to sleep, huh?

How unfortunate.

"I don't see any of them here... hey, could I bunk down here? I don't snore or move around in my sleep, I swear." He does one of those things.

New Roommate

[morethan084]

[Daisy's been a light sleeper for a while now, so she hears the commotion outside her hut before they even enter. When the door flies open, he'll find her sitting upright on her bed, her hand extended out in front of her.

He's lucky she's got a good reaction time, otherwise he would've gone flying.

Her hand stays outstretched, but her hardened expression turns into confusion instead.]

What?

[Rats took his blanket? Fortunately, Daisy hasn't run into them so far. Which is why she has a 'you're crazy' look on her face. The cold air instantly snuffs out any warmth she had built up in here from the fire, but she doesn't risk moving just yet.]

Lucifer | Supernatural | Open (will match style)

[thedevilwhorose]

A. Ashlands

[Being back here is disorienting, making him twist ever so slightly. It's wrong. It should be much more than this, despite the air being clear and life growing anew.

It should still be more. It will be.] What, the fruit? [He shakes his head.] Too short to get it yourself? Or too lazy? [Says the one that didn't come here for fruit. Lucifer's clocking 6' in height. His question sounds less snide-mocking if he actually is cordial with the other person.]


B. Hunting - cw: mild animal harm

He's not here for hunting.

Deer, bison, they're not worth his time. Boring, even.

However, he's using the time to experiment. While he has his usual blade tucked away in a sheathe at his back, Lucifer can be found throwing rudimentary-crafted throwing darts at the flanks of deer, observing a mild paralyzing lightning effect, temporary, before he blinks out of sight and appears besides the deer to retrieve the dart, allowing it to run off in a hurry from him.

Lucifer remains, observing the dart.


C. Renewal

Good riddance. [He says from where he watches at the cliffs. There's something satisfying about having watched the place burn to this. To whomever that may be near, he adds with a scoff.] Wasn't the argument for not setting the place ablaze to try and save the life that was there? [He nods to the display.] The land didn't need our help. It'll fix itself.

[That earthquake though. That's not good.]

b.

[ushiri]

When do I get one?

[ Kyle is observing from a perch up on a thick tree bough, frowning. He doesn't particularly enjoy watching the deer get zapped, though he's not about to offer himself up as target practice in its place - hopefully the poor creatures will learn something from the encounter. ]

boothill ✦

[hipshot]

[ hmu on plurk troikas / discord for something specific! ]

closed ✦ hilda.

[hipshot]

[ The holiday air in the Nether is exciting, with things happening everywhere left and right. Such that a dragonet stealing a cowboy's hat and running amock with it for a few minutes almost isnt noticed among the rest of the chaos. It's resolved with only a bit of bribery and a small amount of wrestling, the encounter ending soon after the chase begins. ]

Ain't you got enough toys? Look, I'll trade ya —

[ The speaker with that artificial sounding drawl is a tall fellow in a slightly dusty Free Cities uniform, with a broad brimmed hat bearing signs of abuse in the form of small, hatchling sized teeth marks in hand. Said hatchling scurries around his feet, squeaking and chirping at him, and making a ruckus now that her toy has been taken away, but the tall stranger doesn't relent, putting his hat back on and looking down at her with his hands on his hips like a disappointed father. ]

... And here I was thinking dragons would at least have better fudgin' manners than me. [ Baby dragon chirps back at him and circles him one more time, knocking at one of his spurs with a juvenile claw, and Boothill keeps talking to her. ] Least Vidyadhara do, don't you know that? You're gonna be setting a bad reputation for your kin if you keep this up.

Chris Halliwell | Charmed | The Tower

[inferiority_complex]

[Starters to follow]

Crane

[inferiority_complex]

Chris did something he hadn't really done yet. Ever. He looked around for Jonathan Crane, physically. He wasn't sure what his problem was right now, but he really didn't like it. His heart was beating faster, he was a little jumpy. For a few moments before he outright started looking for Crane, he tried some of the tools he'd been working on. He breathed, he counted.

Fuck that shit.

He looked around, still sipping his cider in a vain hope that sipping something nice and warm will help calm him, but it really, really wasn't working. Spotting Crane's hair he ran up to him, and forever acting on impulse and being a bossy little ass, he tried to grab his hand.

"Emergency therapy session. Right now."

annabeth chase | thorne | the high priestess | ota

[sophos]

OPAL FLATS
Ω ICE SKATING

[ annabeth is good at a lot of things, but she's probably mid-tier when it comes to ice skating. it doesn't mean it isn't fun, and she can glide around without falling over every few seconds, which is probably a good baseline. when she was at camp in the winter, sometimes the lakes would freeze over, and along with the other year-rounders, they'd all go out and try to ice skate without irritating the naiads. that doesn't seem to be a concern here, and she is much more interested in watching dragons glide over the ice. ]

[ she laces up and slides out onto the frozen pond, and she's doing okay balance-wise - however, she keeps looking at the dragons instead of in front of her. it's a little funny, but in a good way. ]

[ luckily her senses are still pretty sharp, so she'll swoop sideways at the last second to avoid a collision when she skates in a little too close to someone, stumbling only a little and regaining her posture with an almost cartoon-y arm spin. ]

Sorry!

[ but look at the dragons! ]

Ω CIDER WORKSHOP

[ so, the thing is... annabeth is not a very good cook. she knows that, but she's lured into the cider workshop anyway, the smells too enticing and the premise too experimental. everything smells delicious, and she doesn't have directions to follow, so she starts making her own notes as she works on her brewing, all of which are scribbled in ancient greek. the dragons having their shenanigans around the workshop keep drawing her attention, but in a more amused way. she just loves a good creature! ]

[ one of the dragons peeks its head up and swipes her notes before she can intervene. she whirls around and scolds it, though her tone isn't very harsh, so it's probably not very effective. it's not her fault she finds the littler ones adorable. she is predisposed to animal appreciation, and they're funky little guys. ]

Hey! That's not a snack! [ she reaches for and dangles a berry teasingly. ] A trade?

[ the other thing is... she might not know what she's doing, but she still wants it to be perfect. which means she keeps taste testing her brew despite the chaos happening inside, sipping it in tiny bits and remaining unhappy. the more she sips, the more her brain swims, the messier her notes, because in her drive for perfection she seems to have gotten more tipsy than anticipated. she can't be blamed for this, considering she has never been drunk before. you can go through the pits of hell and still somehow miss the true youth experience. ]

[ catch her half glowering as her messy concoction remains... bad. ]

DUSK FALLS
Ω HIKING

[ the hike is exactly the kind of exhilarating she needs, especially knowing it presumably isn't leading to certain doom. she's had plenty of those kinds of hikes already, thank you very much. she'd much rather have a dragon guide lead her to the top than fight a drakon at the top. she's in very good shape on account of the whole demgiod thing, so the climb itself goes smoothly, and she is ready for it, her backpack sufficiently supplied with anything someone might need. ]

You doing okay?

[ after making it to the top with much success on her own end and appreciating the view, annabeth treks into the cavern to check out the waterfalls; if you're a familiar face, perhaps she's dragged you along inside with her. these things are better with company! but even if she doesn't know the person hiking in too, she'll still speak aloud upon the first waterfall encounter. ]

It looks so cool. [ no pun intended. ]

[ on the walk back out, one of the ice spiders drops directly in front of her face, and annabeth reacts a little dramatically. she barely bites back a yelp, whipping her backpack off so fast it'd get whiplash if it were sentient, and whacking the spider hard with it as she immediately jumps back about three feet. if someone's behind her, she just might crash right into them, oops! ]

VILLAGE
Ω MYSTERY POTION

[ far be it from annabeth to turn down any sort of challenge, even when it's a mystery potion. given the nature of everything else thus far in this celebration, she can't imagine any kind of truly catastrophic reaction from going in blind, so when she gets her drinkable gift, she'd tried it with little hesitation. now as she wanders the little village, she seems to be trailed by fireballs, but every time she spies one flickering nearby, she just laughs a little to herself. ]

[ as always, she takes time to admire the design of the village the dragons are building for themselves, still delighted to see them living as a society versus her usual experience, which is typically a lot more bloody. it's already been established that she can't cook, so when she meanders in the dining hall, she's strictly looking for something to eat, not to actually participate in the process. it's just hard to be subtler about it when she's being followed by fireballs. ]

What are you making?

WILDCARD

[ annabeth is feeling ✨ FESTIVE ✨ so she can be found almost anywhere in the nether. feel free mix/match/tweak or to hit me up on communism, romanitas @ disco, or ooc comment here for more plotting/custom starters/etc ! ]

Ice Skating

[morethan084]

[Daisy hasn't been ice skating in years, the last time having been when she went with some friends to skate at Rockefeller Center after hours. They had been young, and drunk, and it seemed like a great idea. Until one of them had fallen and broken their nose.

Which is something Daisy keeps in mind as she skates on the ice like a newborn deer. Bracing herself for the impact, she manages to keep herself and Annabeth upright as she knocks into her. Letting go of her grip on her once she's sure they're both steady again.]

It's fine. You okay?

Nadine Cross | Free Cities | OTA

[nadine_he_loves]

Dusk Falls

The hike up the frosty mountain is high on Nadine's to-do list while visiting the Nether this time. This visit, and this time of year, are bittersweet right now. There's an emptiness, a sense of something missing - one she'll likely always feel, to some extent - that's more pronounced than usual. It's tempered, though, by memories of new beginnings. She'd found Jaskier - the true soul of the man - with the start of winter. She'd started medical school in winter.

But the losses still tug at her heart.

A fantastical and once in a lifetime hike seems like the perfect thing to take her mind off of the sad things. Who doesn't want to see frozen waterfalls?

It is quite a hike, though. She's dressed sensibly, in soft warm brown hide trousers and a thick blue woolen tunic and good sturdy boots. But the cold still bites at her cheeks, and the flowers and leaves that grow around her pearlescent horns have turned to cold-weather blooms - holly and winterberry.

At least she looks seasonal.

The cold also serves to take her mind off of things. This early in the morning, she feels it worse than usual. They've got to be near the top of the climb by now...

"Well," she says to whoever's nearest. "If this doesn't wake us up, nothing will. I really hope it's worth it."


Opal Flats


Nadine can often be found around Opal Flats. At times standing by the frozen lake in the evening, in a thick white fur hooded cloak and furred boots, watching the skaters. She has vague memories of ice skating rinks as a child - never the lakes, that wasn't safe, according to her parents and grandmother. She thinks maybe her brother used to skate with her, holding her tiny five year old hand in his.

Those are most of her memories of him, a boy-shape just a bit ahead of her, the back of a head, a hand holding hers. Her eyes, on their own, seek out skaters similarly linked, gliding hand in hand over the frozen surface.

It's been so long she doesn't even know if she still remembers how.


The cider workshop doesn't bring up such melancholy thoughts and rememberings. This is right up her alley. It's not much different than making tonics and potions, just with different ingredients. She infuses things almost every day at work. Which she is trying hard to keep her mind off of. Her practice is up and running, there's another doctor to handle things while she's gone, and she's hired a handful of locals to take care of the shop. It's all fine if she's gone for a handful of days.

Being from New England, it would be embarrassing of her cider came out poorly. Apple orchards were all over New Hampshire, and cider was a point of pride. She has a selection of half a dozen small cups in front of her, and various ingredients, frowning thoughtfully as she considers them.

While busy at work, she's not spared draconic mischief. Her array of ingredients are far too tempting. More than once she has to rescue a stick of cinnamon from a young dragon, or pause in her work to usher out an errant hatchling. It seems this is all routine, judging by how the Draconae are reacting. Much the same way she does when Bluebell treks through freshly planted garden beds in the greenhouse.

Her braid is another source of interest. Nadine's hair has been something of a point of pride here, and between a lack of more than trimming and the aide of magic, she has quite a great length of it. Currently it's woven in a thick white braid down to her thighs, covered in flowers. Her own natural floral growth has been amplified thanks to Khloris. Every so often she feels it being tugged on as it swings behind her, as a hatchling bats at it or tries to snag one of the flowers from it...


Accommodation Areas


At times during the day, a fluffy white wolf wearing a familiar golden antler pendent can be seen around the ice fishing holes and hunting areas. It's become something of a hobby for Nadine, hunting in wolf form. Maybe it's morbid, but she finds something extremely cathartic about it. And it isn't as though she hunts just to hunt, she uses what she brings down. Here, plenty of people can use fresh meat.

And she's always happy to have a partner.

In the evening, she'll be at the hot springs. Over the years, she's shaken her shyness and aversion to being seen without clothes, even in neutral scenarios like bathing. A medical education and bodily autonomy can do that. But she still has her hair loose and falling heavily over her front. In the lit and glowing water, the elaborate flower tattoo on her right hip and thigh is visible under the surface.

She's usually smoking something, and happy to share.

viktor | free cities | death

[techmaturgy]

i. opal flats

[Viktor does not ice skate for obvious reasons—even if he wanted to, it just generally seems like a bad idea—but he does seem to want to participate, especially when Kyle is out on the flats and he can spectate-slash-heckle. Not necessarily a fan of the cold, he’s bundled up in a frankly ludicrous fur blanket, pulled tight around his chin. The only part of him poking out, other than his face, are his gloved hands, which warm a mug full of cider. You might not even notice him, until he shifts in his seat, trying to get comfortable, offering commentary where none was requested, especially if you seem indecisive, about getting on the ice.]

If you’re worried about looking foolish, don’t be.

[This is not meant to be encouraging. The furry lump on the bench that sounds like Viktor is most certainly looking forward to watching you take a spill.]

You would not be the worst I’ve seen.

ii. mysterious gifts

[He’s taken the potion just to be polite, though Viktor tends to be generally cautious about this sort of thing, approaching all of the celebrations and related activities with a healthy degree of skepticism. He’s seen the glitter. He’d like to refrain, if possible, but, you know, peer pressure. And also misery loves company.

That said, Viktor is eyeing both the vial and whoever is accompanying him on this venture (that’s you) with a significant amount of trepidation.]

You go first.

iii. wildcard

[anything u want. My plotting post is here, or just hit me up on lurk at whitticus.]

kyle; cadens

[techmaturgy]

[The little respite comes to a somewhat chaotic end. Viktor can't say he's sad, to see the island that's caused so many of them pain to be consumed by the sea, but it seems an ill portent. Further evidence of the Singularity's instability. Every time they part, it's difficult, but it feels even worse this time, knowing that everything seems to be coming to a head. He leaves Kyle and goes back to Cadens with new anxiety twisting in the pit of his stomach.

But there's nothing to be done about that, not until Kyle enacts his plan to leave Thorne and arrives here safely. Viktor does as he always does--he gets to work, determined not to let any of this distract him, even as it becomes increasingly difficult.

This is, all things considered, a perfectly ordinary first day back. Viktor is seated at one of his drafting tables, hunched over blueprints, the bay door of the workshop fully open, indicating that the workshop is open to visitors. Business as usual--for now, at least.]

wilhelm

[ordinar]

ota | around the nether

[ordinar]

A trip to the Nether makes it easier to hang up his lingering worry over last month's quakes and fold back the seasonal fugue in which this time of year buries him. Accordingly, Wilhelm plunges himself into all that their Draconae hosts offer.

In the community hut, he confronts the fact that he hasn't gotten any better at cooking since his last stay. Lighting the grill is a snap when he's got fire at the tips of his fingers, but after that...it's all guesswork. He pokes at a slab of meat, trying to ascertain if it's safe to eat, and pockets a handful of hot peppers to save for later. He offers to help those who can't get a fire started, and cuts out the flames if they flare too big.

On the glowing ice of Opal Flats, he slowly remembers how to skate. There's some wobbling, but once he gets in the groove he's gliding all around. If he notices someone struggling on their skates, he'll slide over to offer assistance. Off the ice, he plays with the hatchlings, distracting them from their destructive mischief with snowballs and snow angels. And of course, once he's half-numb, he warms up with cider.

Having grown accustomed to rising before the sun, Wilhelm commits to the early morning hike up Dusk Falls. (Just once — the rest of his vacation is for sleeping in.) He makes for an ideal trail buddy in the crisp cold, thanks to his insistence on keeping a ball of flame hovering around him. Don't worry, he'll be careful not to melt any of the sparkling scenery.

Slipping away from the festivities above, he visits the magma pools in the Obsidian Heart. Not to bathe in the cerulean magma flow, but to hunt for the tiny frogs that call it home. He'd been crushed last year to learn that the creatures can't survive outside of their volcanic environment. Sorry, were you trying to relax down here?