abraxaslogs | nether catch-all

[ Kyle's domain is familiar and mostly unchanged to anyone who's been here before. If you're friendly with her, Rousma might come to greet you in her dog's skin, bounding ahead of Kyle to lean against your leg and ask for scritches in her child-like voice. Or she might be napping next to the stream, where a large purple lizard is also curled up, lazily snacking on the purple flowers that grow by the water.

Kyle might either be waiting with them, or inspecting something growing in the grass, closer up you might notice newly growing yellow flowers seem to have caught his attention. ]

( OOC: hmu if you want a specific starter, also feel free to include the crechures or leave them be! if they already have CR you can also assume/handwave that they had a quick check-in via messages during the trek to their new territory )

Edited 2025-02-26 21:54 (UTC)

[Wilhelm knew that he and Kyle would be going their separate ways, but he hadn't anticipated it happening quite the way it did.

Soon after settling into the Feywilds — tentatively, wondering how long it will last this time — he arranges to see his old teacher in the Horizon. As he approaches the temple where he knows he'll find Kyle, Rousma comes tearing toward him, tail wagging. He scratches behind her ears, a grin spreading across his face.]

Hey, Rousma.

[It's still weird to hear a child's voice coming out of a dog. He's never quite sure whether he should treat her like a girl or a dog or both — clearly, she likes being pet. She bounds alongside him until they're halfway to Kyle, at which point Rousma breaks ahead to race him. (She wins. Wilhelm let her, but that may not have mattered...)]

Damn, I'll have to get faster.

[ Rousma giggles at him: ]

Then you is needing to find a puppy's skin too! [ She gives a loud, happy bark! as she circles them, then leans into Wille's side again.

Kyle remains where he is crouched in the grass and wildflowers, inviting Wilhelm to sit with a warm smile, dressed in a plain white t-shirt and black trousers. Fairly relaxed, despite the circumstances, albeit with a hint of worry in the way he looks Wilhelm over, as though he can determine his physical state in the real world from here. ]

Wilhelm would rather learn to be a frog, I think. [ he says this to Rousma before turning to Wille again. ]

You and Iris are settled for now?

[ He had been slightly alarmed at first to realize that nearly everyone else in Thorne had ended up in the ocean, while the two young men had found themselves nearly on the other side of the world - but they managed. ]

Edited 2025-03-02 18:38 (UTC)

[ The Summoned are offered rooms, and Kyle selfishly moves quick to claim for them one of the few that has a real door rather than a simple curtain. There's assurances from the Draconae about their safety here, that they'll be allowed to stay. Kyle isn't certain he wants to stay, but without knowing the aftermath of what happened between the territories at the crater, it's hard to say if they can return to Cadens. He doesn't broach the subject with Viktor yet, letting him settle - and there are things Kyle sets out to do on his own.

When he returns from his first attempt to speak with Ermis, it's with little to show for it and a day's wait to hear back. He's antsy within the stone walls of this place, different from how he acted when they were here for the holiday, and doesn't sleep well that first night of waiting.

When he leaves to meet with Ermis for the second time, he leaves behind some spit in a glass jar to trade with if he goes to the craftsworkers and needs something. Kyle only vaguely understands how much bodily fluid is required for a decent trade.

It's later in the day when he returns to their room, just as antsy as when he left, his right hand worrying at the cuff of his left sleeve, seeking stray threads to wind between his fingers and pull at. ]

[While Kyle busies himself making connections and getting their bearings, Viktor takes to organizing their space, not knowing how temporary it may or may not be. He has complicated feelings about leaving Cadens and the workshop behind, unsure if he'll ever be able to return. There's a sadness to that, not only for his lost work, but for the time that he and Kyle shared in his apartment, just a few precious weeks of comfortable domesticity.

Still, he imagines this was always inevitable. The fragile peace finally broken, he has to take what he can and start over. Viktor spends some time in the room organizing his notebooks, taking stock of what was lost or damaged, despite his waterproofing enchantments. He's taken over the little desk, and is characteristically hunched over it, pouring over a book when Kyle returns.]

Was your trip productive?

[He straightens, and leans back in his seat, his version of getting up to greet Kyle. Of course Kyle was productive, even if all he did was scope out their situation, though Viktor does hope he maybe brought back something exciting.]

They didn't ask for your blood, did they?

[ After the past few days it's nice to see Viktor comfortable. He lets some of the worry bleed away, closing the door behind him (his hand still shifts for a lock that isn't there, which irks him). ]

I am currently in possession of all my blood.

[ There's a slip of wryness in his tone as he crosses the room, slipping behind Viktor where he's seated in his chair at the desk. He lets himself run his hands down Viktor's chest over his shirt, curving over him to bury his face in hair for a second or two before speaking again. Viktor always smells nice, it soothes him too. ]

Ermis showed me something they've been keeping hidden. I asked if you could see it too - their Inner Sanctum is discussing it.

[ He hopes they will allow it. But a small part of him is afraid, too, for what else they might learn. For the increasing pressure of time, for all the upheaval that has already happened. ]

Not all of it.

[A little joke, as he leans back into Kyle's touch--of course referencing the vial that Viktor still has in his possession. He lets the moment linger, knowing that there's business to discuss and potentially unpleasant news to share. Things can't go back to the way they were, and increasingly it feels like they're on a precipice.

This gets his attention, turning slightly so that he can see Kyle's expression and gauge it accordingly.]

What sort of something?

[ He huffs a small laugh at that. True.

When Viktor turns to look at his face, he opts to carefully set aside some things on the desk and perch there, to save Viktor's neck from craning.

His expression is thoughtful, he doesn't look concerned, but he starts picking at the edge of some piece of paper as soon as he's seated. ]

You remember the first time we were asked to come here?

[ It's not exactly a fond memory for him. At the time they hadn't spoken in some months, not since Viktor found out Kyle's motives for assisting him. Viktor's last words felt like a slap in the face, and he'd responded poorly. Back then, he would not have trusted Viktor enough to tell him what he found today. He frowns to himself. ]

Thorne told Rhy and me that they would accept two things from the Nether in exchange for their assistance. Naval weapons, or a relic that they claimed was theirs that needed to be returned. They told us it was related to the Singularity and nothing else.

I remember.

[With Kyle seated on the desk, Viktor rests his hand against his leg. Their first visit to the Nether seems impossibly long ago, at this point, but it's not hard to remember all the conversations that brought them here. The fight that they had is one that lingers, even if everything is different now.

There is no reason to believe that Kyle still thinks him a threat that may need elimination, but he's always been more realistic, about the dangers posed by traveling between worlds. Thanks to their connection, Viktor now knows it for himself. He sees Kyle's concerned expression and looks worried in turn.]

The relic. It's still here? Did you see it?

[ He nods. With Viktor's hand on his leg he stops worrying at the corner of the paper, placing his own hand over his, brow furrowed. After what they've been speaking about most recently, it feels like a small betrayal that he can't just be excited to tell him about this. ]

It's a device - [ he doesn't have the exact word for hologram even if he vaguely recognizes the technology, so he just describes what it looks like, and then obvious: ] - it can't be from this world. It's too advanced.

[ His fingers curl around Viktor's hand. There's a strange symmetry to this, of why they began speaking in the first place, to what Kyle might be able to show him. He could easily fixate on it right now, but he finds himself trying not to. ]

It contains schematics. The Draconae believe it's for a gate to travel between worlds.

[This does feel like a precipice. Viktor thinks he knows what Kyle is going to describe before he even begins to, and there's a tension in shoulders that grows, slightly, as Kyle begins to talk. The first centuries of summoning must have brought in people from worlds with technology like what he describes, but a device itself...he needs to see it.]

I wonder how it arrived here.

[Because the ritual, to his knowledge, does not carry over items--only people. Unless one of the ancient summoned was able to build it. Viktor frowns, though it's short lived, the expression immediately exchanged for one of surprise.]

A gate? Are you sure?

[He shouldn't feel excitement, though it's hard not to. Was the answer to this world's greatest mystery hidden away in the Nether all along?]

Edited 2025-03-06 16:50 (UTC)

[ Kyle will have told Viktor that the fact that the Summoning ritual doesn't allow items through was a strange detail to him. The Gates between Basawar and Nayeshi didn't have such a restriction, the Kahlils before him had returned with items that the Payshmura kept as holy relics, proof of paradise. ]

I can't be sure that it would work, but yes. That's what the plans look like they're intended for.

[ He continues to frown. This is all he can really tell Viktor, he'll have to see it for himself - as long as the Draconae allow it. ]

They were right to keep it hidden. Especially after what the Summoning ritual did to their lands, the dragons... [ a pause, looking down at their hands ] ... I told them that. But I also told them that if it can be built, and if the Singularity's spread can't be stopped... it should be a last resort, for those who want to go.

[ Kyle is frightened by what they saw at the crater, all those people being torn apart and vanishing into nothing. He is thinking worst case scenarios in which there may not be time to make sure this is safe if things keep accelerating. ]

I would have to study them, to be certain.

[He hopes that's where this is going. Viktor understands the trepidation, but if anyone can puzzle out a schematic like this, or even recognize such a device, it will be him. He owes it to the rest of the Summoned, to see what it's really about.

That said, he's in agreement that this needs to be kept as secret as possible. The Summoning ritual has been disastrous--opening a gate might be even moreso. For as much as he wants to reach out and seize this opportunity, Kyle has shown him that they need to be cautious.]

Do you think they would let me see the device?

I know.

[ That part isn't in question, that he could puzzle it all out. Kyle has always believed this. As for Viktor's actual next question, he gives him another thoughtful look, beginning to scrape the surface of the desk with his nail again. ]

We'll hear back tomorrow, earliest.

[ It took them a day to approve Kyle. He's hopeful right now, considering how much more open Ermis was during this conversation compared to the last time they met. They no longer represent their territories, but even back then, not knowing what this relic was, Kyle had decided it was best kept far away from the main continent. ]

Thank you for asking.

[He supposes he doesn't blame the Draconae, for being cautious. Viktor wonders if he might send a note to Babis, to vouch for him. If they want to understand the nature of the device, however, they'll have to let him see it sooner or later. Things are coming to a head, and the native Abraxans will need the help of the Summoned.

Viktor falls silent for a moment, as if he's not sure he should ask his next question.]

What if it can be built?

[ His hand stills. He studies Viktor again, a slight cant to his head as he tries to put his words together more carefully this time. Quietly: ]

I haven't changed my mind.

[ If it works and they can leave - he still wants to go with him, if that's what Viktor is asking. He glances down at the book Viktor had been reading, at the papers he'd been sorting. ]

I'm sorry about the workshop.

[ Maybe it's a silly thing to say when they've just found out there's a chance they might leave this world sooner rather than later. Still - as much as Viktor has always wanted to leave, he did make a life here too. ]

All right.

[He doesn't disguise the little smile that pulls at the corners of his mouth, and he rubs a hand along Kyle's thigh affectionately. Despite the gestures of affection, Viktor is clearly lost in thought, and his eyebrows pinch together, slightly, when Kyle mentions the workshop.

That's been on his mind, too.]

I wish I had been more prepared. [To shut it down, and leave for good. Viktor has most of his important notes, but there was no way to bring the automaton. That in itself is less than ideal.] I've been thinking we may need to send someone to destroy it.

[ Kyle should've been the one to prepare for it, considering he'd once before thought about how to destroy Viktor's work if it became necessary. That was a long time ago now, though - and maybe he had been hopeful when they left for the crater that - despite all their other preparations to run, they wouldn't have to.

His eyebrows raise, then furrow. ]

There's still a chance we could go back.

[ But even he doesn't sound very convinced. They still don't know who or what instigated the chaotic violence at the crater, or what the situation is back at Cadens now that they're gone.

Even so, he feels strangely protective of the space - even if he didn't live there very long. ]

Likely not.

[Viktor voices what Kyle does not. At least they're both on the same page--he's not even sure he wants to go back to the Free Cities, after all this. It doesn't seem safe.

What he does know is that he cannot leave the workshop as it is. When it becomes clear that the Summoned can't or won't return, the government will seize everything inside. Viktor does not trust that they will keep his arrangement with Reva, so he has to take matters into his own hands, before the worst happends.

Worse than the Singularity swallowing everything, anyway.]

I will miss it. There were good memories made there. But I cannot leave it unattended.

[ Kyle studies him, discerning whether Viktor's just saying this or if it's how he actually feels. He seems to land on the latter, and after a minute slides off the desk. Once standing he leans over to press his forehead to the crown of Viktor's head. ]

Then we'll take care of it.

[ What's most important is here, anyway.

Kyle steps toward the middle of the room, more relaxed than he was when he first came back. At least for now. ]

I can get us something to eat. [ Before they begin planning to firebomb a building - or if Viktor has more work he wants to get organized. ]

I don't want you to go.

[Selfishly, Viktor might want to ask another friend, someone less known. He might never forgive himself if Kyle attempted to return to the Free Cities and was captured or otherwise compromised in his attempt to safeguard all of his research.

Viktor's touch lingers on Kyle's arm until he moves away, then his hand slips back to the desk. He nods in agreement, though it feels reluctant.]

We shouldn't plan on an empty stomach.

[ In his life it's always been that - if he is best suited for a task (if he believes he's best suited), he will be the one to carry it out. So - while it's not necessarily a surprise to him by now that Viktor doesn't want him to do anything potentially dangerous, for him to voice it aloud and with a touch is enough to give him pause. He doesn't say anything - in the end if he's the one who can go, he'd want to see it through - and he doesn't want to put any of the others in danger regardless. ]

True. There's not even enough sun for you to photosynthesize either. [ he teases at Viktor's reluctance. There's not many windows in this space where Viktor spends much of his time. Having not bothered to take off his boots when he initially arrived, he steps straight to the door. ]

I won't be long this time.

[ He'll bring said food, and maybe see about bargaining for some wine too. ]

Fair point.

[He smiles, and lets his touch linger as Kyle leaves. While he's away, Viktor continues to busy himself organizing their space and cataloguing his notes. He doesn't have to wait very long, but in that time he's cleared some space on the desk so that they can have something to eat.

He also begins to formulate a plan, though he won't launch into it all at once. It's still nice, to savor these small domestic moments.]

What have you brought me?

[ He returns with a clay pot in both hands, held with a thick cloth. Balanced on top is a smaller pot, and tucked under one arm is a dark glass bottle. He sets the first two items on the desk where space as been made, unrolling the fabric to reveal metal utensils - cocking his head at Viktor as he lifts the lid on the larger pot. ]

Meat stew - [ he does not know the name of whatever this dish is, but it indeed smells like a meaty stew with vegetables. It's also spicy enough to make eyes water from the smell alone. ]

Dessert - [ this smaller pot he sets aside, leaving the lid on to keep it warm - it's some kind of sweet pudding to counteract the stew. ]

And more dessert - [ this is the wine he sets down, which is also quite sweet - made from some fermented fruit. ]

[Very predictably, Viktor has little reaction to the actual food and perks up at the mention of dessert. If Kyle does not prevent him from doing so, he'll most certainly reach for that first.]

How thoughtful of you. Two desserts.

[He does seem to stop himself, after a moment, instead deciding to be responsible and set the table. There isn't much--he hopes Kyle has brought some utensils with him, but Viktor has managed to find two glasses. He sets them on the table, then gestures for Kyle to hand him the bottle.]

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