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ABRAXAS MODS ([personal profile] abraxasmods) wrote in [community profile] abraxaslogs2025-04-12 11:57 am

EVENT #24: RESOLUTION - IC LOG

Event #24 - Resolution

News of the increasing tremors across Abraxas soon reached the minor territories. Though Nocwich, the Feywilds, and the Nether are more insulated from the effects of the Singularity, they'll feel it, too: intermittent quakes that knock books off of shelves, cracked foundations in old buildings, and large tidal waves that swallow ships and boats into the ocean, destroying coastal buildings.

By APRIL 16, it's clear that something worse is coming. The air in the crater hums with electricity, the ground shaking. For weeks, quakes have spread throughout the region, all emanating from the ancient relic. As dawn breaks on APRIL 18, the sun rises behind the solid stone structure, a shadow of a shadow stretching long across the desert.

As the territories struggle to maintain order, the very fabric of reality itself begins to shatter.


If you have any questions about specifics for this event, please don't hesitate to ask. Because the world of Abraxas is so large, and because so many of you have had your unique plotlines, we are not able to provide every possible detail all in one post - but that doesn't mean we don't have those details to share!

Part 1: Convergence
Within minutes, Abraxas watches the world peel away like old paint. A vendor in Aquilla falls through a shard beneath their feet that reflects the deep ocean of Earth; a Royal Guard in Thorne is swept up into the vacuum of space. What doesn't fall into the shards falls through them, dropping landmarks, creatures, and familiar faces onto a quickly unraveling Abraxas.

Between the fragments of Abraxas's reality, a dark fleshy substance presses through. A raw, meaty film stretches across a myriad of undulating limbs, wet with a thick milky goo. It pulses with the beat of a racing heart, eager to break free but unable to squeeze through. Where it can manage, bone-like tendrils sprout up and wide in any direction, appearing like blackened trees after a devastating fire. Through them, the pulse of life can be felt and seen as the "bark" shakes with each heartbeat.

Veins slither forward from the pieces of reality and encase the Singularity. One by one, multiple shards, large and growing - the source of all things - appear around the Singularity. Through them peer the reflections of another world, turned upside-down but most certainly recognizable to those once torn from their homes: a glimpse of a great modern city, the interior of a spaceship, the stretches of an ancient dark road.
While smaller shards can appear and disappear across Abraxas, catching unaware Abraxans in their wake, the primary "canon world" shards are only in the crater. These are the ones that must be closed, which only the Summoned can reach.
Return
Across these shards, the Singularity's tendrils stretch beyond imagination. No mages are required this time to break down these barriers. Instead, the shards themselves can be seen from the other side, too, frightening passersby as they glimpse another realm amid destruction.

Regular people cannot survive going through the shard. If anyone is curious enough to try and enter Abraxas, they will disintegrate immediately. But the previously Summoned are different. They can willingly enter if they choose. And, in cases where they don't, the Singularity's instability might force them through regardless, opening a shard up at their feet and dropping them back into a world they thought they had left.

Returning Summoned will only remember they were once in Abraxas after the shards breach their canon world. Once the veil has dropped, the memories will come flooding back - and they will realize that the place they temporarily called home, however long or brief, is now in trouble...along with those they left behind.
Because each Summoned is unique, please don't hesitate to ask us about your character's return if you're unsure how it might work for them!
Converging Realities
The reflections of another world are not the only thing breaching the fabric of reality. You realize, with dawning horror, that the pieces of a previous reality entirely shaped by your mind - the Horizon - are pushing through into the physical world...and some of them belong to you. A friendly sheep you created as a friend might bound out of the crater toward you. A monster you trapped in your psychic basement tears through a small village. Pools of lava from your special corner in the Horizon set fire to a flowering shrine.

But that isn't all. Some of you who have been here longest might recognize the portion of an enormous stone labyrinth that emerges through cracked shards the desert. As the light hits them, the walls of the maze shift between gritty granite and glass, flashing iridescent colors. Should anyone approach the reflection, they will find themselves at the entrance of the maze or lost somewhere within it.

Others of you will recall the same sickly-sweet smelling goo that shrouds a tower of oddly stacked containers. Bits of the substance leak out of the shards, staining the sand they land on.

Long ago, you might've suspected that these were the domains of the Gods. Now it's clear that that's exactly what they are: sections of the Horizon, just like yours, belonging to those who carry the potential to ascend.
Across Abraxas
All across Abraxas, particularly throughout the major territories, chaos reigns. Officials struggle to retain control of their population, no longer able to effectively direct their citizens as panic sets in and destruction is wrought over the land.
Kingdom of Thorne
In desperation, the forces of Thorne are attempting to siphon off magical energy in hopes of at least slowing the encroaching threat. While the artifacts and spells they have on hand were not designed for this particular purpose, they are making do.

The real push comes not from Thorne's castle but from Nott. The current High Mage, Mace Hemmet, is inexperienced in the face of such an unprecedented crisis. As a result, Ambrose Rhett steps back onto the stage, once again. He knows more about the Singularity than any mage. It's time for the former High Mage to come out of hiding.

Lord Veda fully supports Ambrose, lending the strength of Nott's forces behind him and offering whatever is needed. Even shelter and supplies for castle mages sent to battle the rifts and a promise to work hand in hand with the castle's forces. Meanwhile, King Rudolph Sidwell - himself more of a soldier than a scholar - returns to Borrel to be with his men. Against his advisor's counsel, he travels out to sea in one of Thorne's warships to rescue sailors trapped under the roiling and shaking ocean at great risk to himself. Queen Lia is thus in charge, and she sees the value in inviting both Ambrose and Lyle Veda back to Castle Thorne.
The Free Cities
Already mistrustful of magic, citizens in the Free Cities are gripped by a multiplying fear. Some believe Thorne is responsible for what's happening, while others grow angry that the end has now arrived due to Marlo's inaction against the Singularity as promised.

Prime Minister Marlo Reiner is in a frenzy. The only thing keeping her from utilizing every resource at the Free Cities' disposal - tested or not - is the calmer head of Quilleth Kaur. It's no secret among the upper authorities of the desert region that the two are closer than simply friends or fellow politicians, and Quilleth remains close by Marlo's side in Portam Hall to present a united front.

Curfew is reinstated. Massive generators are carted to stations along the outsides of the walls to defend them against unknown threats from beyond this reality. The cacophony permeates the desert - a loud grinding of mechanisms and the crackle of New Magic that drowns out everything else. Soldiers patrol at all hours, a rotation of everybody available and able. Outposts and mining operations are treated the same, ringed, and defended as best as possible. Trade and travel between the cities halts.

All the while, the Free Cities' population becomes increasingly restless. They expected to be better protected by their advanced technology and armies - and it's clear that their government and soldiers have let them down.
Solvunn
The normally placid Commune is more divided than ever. Having fostered a deep devotion to the Gods for centuries, extremists and fanatics sing the praises of the end times. Some take to proselytizing the centers of towns and villages or along roads about how the end of this world will bring them together with the gods. Fervent prayer is common no matter the level of faith, and the oldest shrines see an increase in pilgrimages. Some people scatter themselves in earnest, while others hide away in their homes.

As reality crumbles, the most fervent believers begin to throw their most prized possessions into the reflections to be one with the Gods, whether it be material goods or loved ones. Fights break out between families and neighbors, clashing over true devotees and fear for the safety of others. The Elders try to mitigate, torn between their duties to the Gods and their fellow man.

Isar Hart is rumored to be a true believer, but he stands beside his friend and current Head of Council Rowan March. They call for all Solvunnites to return to the Primary Settlement to "take this hallowing moment in reverence. Meanwhile, without a direct call to action on the Gods' behalf, Edda Hagen, despite her recent appointment, is scarce - though some report seeing her on the roads late at night.

The Commune is in chaos.

Part 2: Doorways
As reality splinters further, it becomes clear that the answer lies in the epicenter of the Singularity's crater. Unlike previous crises, there are no officials or territory leaders that will guide the Summoned or make requests of them. Instead, it's up to you to figure out what to do. Logic dictates that one should approach the Singularity to determine the next steps.

A certain God will chime in - and he might be worth listening to.
Due to the thinning veil between the mortal realm and the domain of the Gods, the Summoned can now communicate with the Gods through the Network. Using the information they learned from the minor territories last month, plus the knowledge they've gained regarding Abraxan magic throughout their time here, characters can come up with a solution.

We'll outline the solution for players to know OOC, but this does not mean characters can't have doubts or concerns. However, for the sake of moving the endgame plot to its conclusion, the majority of characters should believe it's their best chance to prevent further destruction despite the risks.

RESPOND TO THE GODS HERE.

Coming to Terms
As you work together to gather what you know, it becomes clear that the only way to stop the Singularity from overwhelming not only Abraxas but all worlds, is to permanently seal the shattered rifts - which, according to what you know, will require at least some of you to remain on the other side of the rifts while others stay behind.

The spell must be performed during the lunar eclipse taking place tomorrow night. Everyone will have a brief 30-minute window to perform and complete the spell using various runes learned from the Gods, the Fey, and Solvunn. You're told that you may need to channel an immense amount of energy, so much so that the process could leave irreparable, lasting effects upon you and your soul.

You cannot receive assurance of the outcome. While all sources indicate that this method grants you and the universe the highest chance of survival, it's unclear what the impact will be on you and your friends. You'll have to take that risk if you want any hope of seeing the next sunrise.
A few Gods may fill in the gaps for rifts that do not have a Summoned willing to go to that canon world. For some of you, it would be possible to stay in Abraxas while one of the Gods takes your place. Remember, too, that the person stepping into a canon world does not need to originate from that world. The process only needs someone on the other side.
Defining Fate
You and the Summoned gather into the crater, now expanded many miles in all directions. It's evident that the crater is safest: here, the quakes do not affect you, and though the rifts continue to fracture and shatter, the creatures emerging do not seem interested in attacking anyone within the crater - only outside of it.

Having learned you must wait for the arrival of the lunar eclipse, there is little else to do except spend time together. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise. You have time to make your decision. You can say your goodbyes. After all, even if this works as intended, some of you may not be with each other tomorrow. And, if it doesn't go as planned...you'll want to get anything off your chest you haven't yet shared.

Things will be relatively quiet at the Singularity's crater to allow characters to have any final moments they wish to have together. They may use the Network to communicate or speak to each other in person! Once the lunar eclipse arrives and they proceed with the plan, there will be no turning back and no time for long discussions.
When the lunar eclipse arrives, you must act quickly, each of you locating the correct rift. You'll have had time to identify each rift the night before, so navigating there should be easy, to a degree. As the eclipse takes over the sky, you begin to experience a powerful rush of energy from the Singularity that makes it difficult to breathe and blurs your vision. While you can fight through this, it'll take all of your strength - and relying on your gifts from the Singularity will help.
◎ The spell itself is simple: you copy the runes from the research you've done, drawing them around the rift itself. How you do so depends on the power you possess. You can paint it, etch it with a weapon, use a magical design in the air, mark it using a floral pattern, or so forth. You're drawn naturally to the method that feels most intuitive to you and the power you wield.

◎ Once drawn, you must reach into yourself and channel the power that connects you to the Singularity. Physically, you may experience the following symptoms: a splitting headache; feeling as though you're torn in half or your soul is rendered; an overwhelming rush of emotions; or all of the above. You might feel you can sense the very universe crying out.

◎ The longer you persist, the less certain you are that you will survive the process unscathed. You can try to stop, of course...but at a certain point, you'll be too late and the power continues to flow from you regardless.

Closure
Flashes of light pulse with the closure of each shard. You hear the crackle of glass as the rifts are crushed and reformed. The ground shifts and shakes in every territory, the night air vibrating with chaotic power. This could be everything...or it could be the end. For a terrifying moment, you don't know which.

Your body is suspended in an abyss, a reminder of your entrance to Abraxas. You feel once more a light and the oppressive water around you. As the world stitches back together, the veins on the scorched trees shrivel and crumble to dust. The trees turn to ash.

The eclipse passes. The night is calm. Most significantly, the relic that cast its shadow over Abraxas for thousands of years has vanished. The crater is empty. There is no more Singularity. Yet, Abraxas still stands.

As for you - that's another matter. In your quest to restore the universe, what has become of you?
ancunin: (pic#16799525)

[personal profile] ancunin 2025-04-21 05:48 pm (UTC)(link)
A horse? No - a mule, maybe...

[ BUT TOO BAD, HE'S WORRIED ]
ancunin: (pic#16799521)

[personal profile] ancunin 2025-04-21 05:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Then I suppose congratulations are in order! Assuming we aren't all about to perish, of course...

Well. Not so much walked as fell...
assembles: (is the actual worst)

[personal profile] assembles 2025-04-21 06:34 pm (UTC)(link)
It's true that there isn't always a chance like this, but they have a small window of opportunity where they can say their goodbyes before the eclipse comes. Steve certainly plans to take advantage of it, with his only concern that he'll somehow miss someone.

Still, he's got a mental list, and it helps that most of the Summoned are now gathered in the crater, preparing themselves for the upcoming ritual. There's a tension in the air with everyone fully aware of what's to come, but at least they have a moment of calm to catch their breath and talk, too.

He hasn't discussed any of this in detail with Nadine before now, so while he doesn't know for certain if she's staying or leaving, he can guess. She's tied closely to Geralt, Jaskier, and the others, which means that she's probably going to stay with them. She had never seemed that interested in her home, or attached to it, during their conversations. And from what he recalls, her world had already gone through some sort of apocalyptic event, meaning that there wouldn't be much reason to go back there.

So he approaches her where she's seated, clearing his throat to draw her attention from whatever she might be doing.

"Hey. Just wanted to check in... you know, before tomorrow."
judgmentbolts: (05)

[personal profile] judgmentbolts 2025-04-21 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
What's that supposed to mean?

[ He knows exactly what it means. ]

Look, I've gotten a second chance already, coming here. I'll not waste the time I've got left trying to run from the reaper. If I'm lucky enough to stay mortal, I'll do what mortals do.

I can always commission a portrait with one of my nipples out, if you're that worried about forgetting me.
techmaturgy: (6)

[personal profile] techmaturgy 2025-04-21 07:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Viktor isn't necessarily looking for approval, but it's nice to know that he has it all the same. As for his mysterious gift, there's nothing he wants to keep secret about it. Momentarily playing coy was just that. His smile is sincere.]

Before I left Cadens, I was working on a shielding system, for the Free Cities government. I wanted to put it to use in the mines.

[And if the government does use it, it's something that's only functional defensively. With some of his friends staying behind, Viktor can hope that they'll help him leave his mark on this world.]

Mags has the blueprints, if you get the chance to collect them. I'm sure there are engineers in the Free Cities who would be able to complete my work, but...I would need to know they would implement the technology as intended.
ancunin: (pic#16691549)

[personal profile] ancunin 2025-04-21 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Then I'll not argue with you further when you've already decided.

[ He thinks of Karlach now, her decision, and of Wyll and Tav joining her in the hells to live. Nothing is ever fair, is it? ]

Speaking of, I heard a certain beloved painting ended up over the mantle at Mag's! Do make sure no one desecrates it after I'm gone...
ushiri: (pic#15999570)

[personal profile] ushiri 2025-04-21 07:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Kyle touches Claude's shoulder and nods with another small smile. ]

Whatever the future might've held for you if you had stayed in your own world... you should have the life that you want now.

[ They have never known for certain how this works, what happens in the timelines they're Summoned from after they point they've left. But from his own experience outside of Abraxan ritual, he understands Claude's fear of those potential complications, what could be lost if all three of them were returned to their respective timelines.

If they don't need to risk it, they shouldn't have to. ]


And since you're staying... I have something for you.

[ From within his cloak he retrieves a crude, blacked bone blade, one of his two curse knives. He offers this to Claude. It emanates a faint malevolent aura to anyone sensitive to such a thing. It's rare that he's used them, but out of anyone he would've shown Claude before. ]
ushiri: (pic#15999570)

[personal profile] ushiri 2025-04-21 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He gives a light laugh in spite of everything - or because of nerves, and shakes his head with a small shrug. ]

I had to give an alarming amount of blood the last time I did something like this, so - I think we are already off to a better start.

[ He follows her glance to Rousma, smiling sadly. Maybe she will survive the crossing, or maybe he should have convinced her to stay. She's not his sister even out here, he keeps reminding himself, she is a piece of him he can't let go of, out of love and regret, and because of that she could only choose to come with them.

He meets Wanda's gaze again, raising both eyebrows. ]


So - you'll go live with your man? If we don't all die?

[ She deserves to be happy too. ]
assembles: down, neutral, unsure (sounds plausible)

[personal profile] assembles 2025-04-21 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ As soon as Steve had seen Astarion on the network and realized that these shards in reality were letting people who had long left Abraxas return, he'd of course wondered about a few friends from home, Thor chief among them. While Thor's time in Abraxas had been brief, he'd nonetheless left a big impression while he was here, and so it had come as a relief when his loud and large handwriting had appeared in Steve's vision all of a sudden.

While they'll be returning to the same universe, that doesn't mean they'll end up in the same time or place, especially since Thor's visit to Earth remain brief from the sound of it. Steve still has no idea where or when he'll end up, or if he'll get to stay with people like Sam or Wanda, which is the hope. It's a gamble, but what in their eventful lives hasn't been?

There's no guarantee he'll see Thor again, even after returning back home, so Steve does want to make the most of the moment. For all that fighting off some of the monsters that have come through the rifts sounds like a good time (and he's sure they'll do that too), the chance to enjoy a drink together is one he can't pass up.

It's not hard for Thor to get around anymore, and so Steve asks him to come to his and Sam's shared room in the Sarstina. He's made sure there's plenty of drink for them, not that either one of them is likely to feel much of it. ]


... So, even you forgot everything when you went home, huh?

[ He takes a long swig of his ale, thinking this over. He doesn't want to just lose three years worth of memories. ]

Wonder if there's anything we can do about that.

[ Not that he's expecting Thor to have the answer; he's just thinking out loud. ]
abraxasnpcs: (Default)

Reply: Umbvagher

[personal profile] abraxasnpcs 2025-04-21 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
I heard that you and Nero started a whole thing with Araneadis. Pretty brave! She doesn't really have friends.

Is that your brother? Looks great, bud! I like the horns. I've got some cool horns too.

Unless...? You want to share more about these gravimetric spikes?
abraxasnpcs: (Default)

Reply: Umbvagher

[personal profile] abraxasnpcs 2025-04-21 08:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course! Everyone in the group chat gets a copy.
techmaturgy: (pic#15429918)

[personal profile] techmaturgy 2025-04-21 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, now I have to figure out how to feed her in the real world.

[Though he imagines she might be content eating grass. They're returning to Piltover, at least for a time. Perhaps Viktor can find some of her favorite flowers, and bring them along. Or, if she chooses, she can return to the cave that was her home.

There are many uncertainties, he reminds himself. He's not even sure this device will function.
]

It's daunting. I'm still not certain we can produce enough energy to power it fully, but we'll have to try.
techmaturgy: (7)

[personal profile] techmaturgy 2025-04-21 08:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[He shrugs, taking the glass with his free hand and giving it a cursory taste. It's acceptable, and he takes that as his cue to sit, giving Cid a moment to process what they both know will be an inevitable parting. A nod soon follows.]

To my world, yes, if only temporarily. There's something I need to collect, from the Hexgates.

[Which will, ideally, allow him what he really wants--the ability to move between universes. He believes the Anomaly is what will allow him to accomplish this, though that's all a bit complicated to explain.]

So, I don't think this needs to be goodbye. We'll come see you again, if we can.
techmaturgy: (pic#15348837)

[personal profile] techmaturgy 2025-04-21 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"I suppose I'm lucky that a rift opened to mine, then."

There's no rift to Basawar, either, which he knows is what Kyle wants. If the Anomaly works the way he hopes it does, though, they should be able to get back there anyway. Viktor allows himself to hope, because the alternative is unacceptable. He's come so far, and his goal is finally within reach. He won't let it all fall apart now.

"We'll go to Piltover, yes." Temporarily, anyway. "There's something there I need to collect, so...with any luck, this won't have to be a goodbye."
techmaturgy: (pic#15429929)

[personal profile] techmaturgy 2025-04-21 09:08 pm (UTC)(link)
It does explain things, yes, and Viktor smiles fondly. For all their differences, he hasn't forgotten how the two of them arrived in Cadens around the same time. Everything they've weathered as Summoned is something they have in common. A shared experience, even if they've had their disagreements.

"You'll be fine without me," he says, not that he's offering anyone a choice, when it comes to his departure. "I may have destroyed the workshop, but I left a few blueprints with Mags that might be helpful. My shielding system, primarily, if you need protection."

He's already done all the math, even.
cryptsleeper: <user name="malagraphic"> (N: !!!)

[personal profile] cryptsleeper 2025-04-21 09:40 pm (UTC)(link)
If she needs plants, perhaps ask Jaskier?

[Not that Jaskier or Alucard are in great states, but Alucard can't imagine a request like this getting a no either.

Alucard frowns. He isn't surprised, but it does leave him worried.]


Will you all be physically safe if it fails? There won't be any fires, caved in buildings...?
cryptsleeper: (he smile!!!!)

[personal profile] cryptsleeper 2025-04-21 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[The darker look on Astarion's face does catch Alucard's attention, but he's polite enough not to prod at it. Everyone is entitled to have complicated feelings about their parents, biological or vampiric.

He smiles a little more at the long story part.]


I did guess. I'm sorry you lost that ability, as I am afraid that it means we'll also be quite stuck here until moonrise. Would you rather fill me in on what has become of your life, or what you've missed here?
theidlemaiden: (pic#16106067)

[personal profile] theidlemaiden 2025-04-21 09:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She seems perfectly content to have exerted some of her own strength on him, leaning into the solid coolness of his body. With him beside her now - properly - she slips an arm through his to bring him that much closer as she leans a head onto his shoulder. ]

Well it's a good thing I'm so willing to share this one then, hm?

[ Ah, ego. ]

Oh, Annabeth! I know her. I didn't know that you two were friends. That's very sweet of her to get your things. Though I'm surprised that you aren't in a huff about someone opening up your private sketchbook and including an addition of something.
cryptsleeper: (A moment in thought)

[personal profile] cryptsleeper 2025-04-21 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll yell at the Horizon later for not giving me a second, or just a very large one.

[Hilda's a comfortable presence to have leaned against him. She knows precisely where on the dhampir it is comfy, and it is a practiced thing to just be like this now. Alucard wraps one arm around Hilda's shoulder and lets the hand on that arm hover above hers. Sometimes it's worth lacing their fingers together, others there's a want of freedom of motion. Right now, he doesn't mind either.]

I thought I'd need my sword in all of this. I don't think I'm wrong in that regard, it just hasn't been needed yet.

[The point about the ego hits though, and the dhampir wrinkles his nose slightly.] Special times and circumstances, I suppose. And what good is it in being annoyed in the face of...whatever decision we'll end up having to make soon?
godshattering: (pic#17581565)

[personal profile] godshattering 2025-04-21 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, now you sound like Hilda. I think she's used that one on me a few times before.

[ Maybe more than a few and some meant more seriously than others on the scale of tears though these, he knows, are real. When Wanda's hand finds his he squeezes it back with his own grip every bit as tightly. They may not be down to literal moments left together at this very moment, but as the time draws nearer and nearer it's difficult to feel like it's anything but that. ]

I might've earned it then, too, if you were wondering.

[ Probably not - something like that wouldn't surprise anyone here, he's pretty sure, and least of all Wanda after everything they've been through. Joking's a little too difficult to turn off entirely given that it was the way he'd kept morale together during the war when things seemed most dire. ]

Anyway. Your timing is still as good as it's always been if you're here now. But no tears, right? You're off to more adventures.

[ If she'll let him, Claude will tug on their hands to bring her forward into a hug rather than simply standing by each other. Even if it would suit him just fine to whenever else, it hardly feels right now. ]
godshattering: (pic#17581565)

i am NOT READY

[personal profile] godshattering 2025-04-22 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's fitting to be here at the end of it all with Steve standing next to him. Something that's been true since so close enough to the start of being here that Claude calls it as much and they've been through so much over all that time. Time which is now coming to a close far faster than he'd like as he's made his way through goodbyes with each one weighing heavy. But he would never begrudge anyone the chance to leave while they can take it, and what he wants more than anything for all of the Summoned is to make a choice which will bring them happiness.

That doesn't mean it will be any easier to have to say goodbye to Steve if that's what's coming.

Claude nods at Steve's answer with it being the confirmation he was seeking as his smile shifts briefly to a deeper shade of sadness fleetingly. A second later his attention goes back to the shards as he concentrates for what he'd spotted some time ago. One more flicker and then a harbor comes into focus on a taller shard. ]


That's Derdriu right there. One of my favorite spots to sit by the sea... when I first arrived, anyway, since it got a little harder to go there once I became duke. But the real question is: is it the Derdriu I know? Or from when it fell to the Empire, or maybe from years before I ever left home to meet my grandfather. Lots of possibilities and no way to be sure aside from stepping through it.

[ Too many unknowns and too much that Claude isn't willing to risk. Even for his love of schemes and the occasional card or board games, this is something else entirely when they're already about to walk into so much unknown with the impending ritual and the hope it'll work. ]

It would've been nice to see a glimpse of home, though. [ That part's added wistfully since it may not have clarified any more than what's waiting in that sliver of Derdriu he can see, though he turns his attention to the other shards again. ] One of them is yours as well?
theidlemaiden: (pic#16517649)

[personal profile] theidlemaiden 2025-04-22 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
Can I come when you do? I'd love to see that. 

[ She's not openly laughing at him but there's certainly the airs of that thought bringing about a mirth to her voice as she settles into his touch. The hand of his left hanging is immediately threaded with hers, fingers settling into a place that feels right. That feels a lot like home nowadays too, if she's being honest. The teasing continues as she glances up at him, a spark of mischief in her eyes. ] 

True. But I just thought you might not want anyone see any scandalous sketches. 
[ The mirth falls away though, leaving behind something that gives off the impression of how she's really been feeling. Exhausted. ] 

You can still be annoyed even if the world is falling apart. I am. 

[ And that's something she's probably made no secret of to those that know her the best. It's a sign of grief if anything, a part of her too smart for its own good having stood on the precipice of change before. Something big was coming and it would be a change, for better or for worse. ] 
cryptsleeper: (Judgement by portrait)

[personal profile] cryptsleeper 2025-04-22 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
Of course. Then you can join me as I move to yell at the giant rock that makes all of our lives miserable.

[It is meant to be funny. Absurd because that is the best defense and means of processing all that has happened in the past few months. Everything is trousers on head madness, and so a single man yelling at a rock is just right.

Once their hands are clasped together, Alucard squeezes Hilda's hand gently.]


I think you have more sketches that could be read as scandalous than I do. You have how many corset designs relying on me at this point?

[For all the ease of their back and forth, Hilda isn't wrong to finally address the gravity of the moment. Being annoyed is just one of many stages.]

I've had the world fall apart before. It wasn't quite as literal as it is now. The sense of dread it brings has a different texture.
techmaturgy: (6)

[personal profile] techmaturgy 2025-04-22 02:53 pm (UTC)(link)
There's an idea.

[He's sure Jaskier would be happy to do it--but if their Horizons are becoming real, Viktor can likely steal away some cultivars. Plant them wherever they go. He leans back from his work, a smudge of grease on his face.]

I'm not able to build the device as intended. We're attempting to use the principle of it to close the rifts, rather than tear new ones open.
carmesi: <user name="berks"> (Default)

[personal profile] carmesi 2025-04-22 03:33 pm (UTC)(link)
( chin up, she feels in his actions and emotion, and wanda finds herself unable to try and be contrarian about it. she knows that his world is not particularly the best, that it is ruin by a blight on the land and that his fate isn't uncertain—rather doomed, if the curse on his arm weren't already proof of it.

and yet it makes her heart ache, knowing that he was a father, and whatever reprieve there was in this world, it'll come to an end, at least as he knows it. but then again, maybe he would be one of those who finds it easy to get used to a new place and make the most of it, no matter how much it's changed. )


I don't think you give yourself enough credit.

( because those parental notes aren't lost on her, how oft she feels like a child around him, but not in an insulting way. )

You're staying, then?

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