EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON

[abraxasmods]

Event #6 - EVENT INFO

go to the OOC event info and plotting post

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Those that agree to attend the Summit will travel via portals to the designated location, which is out in the open in neutral territory. Plenty of pretty mountains and flowers. A magic field is erected over this area. Characters can only enter and exit at designated portals. It is not possible to leave this encircled area, which will also negate teleportation and portal spells. Plus, you don't want to embarrass your faction by sneaking out of bounds!

Before entering, all will be given a pin that designates what faction they belong to. This pin is not only color-coded but enchanted so that even should the appearance change, mages from any faction can identify who is who. The Summoned will be required to wear this pin at all times during the Summit.

The Summoned will be offered a comfortable tent to stay in during the 3-day Summit period! There's also a communal bath and a lounge to enjoy. A simple but tasty complimentary breakfast is provided for everyone, and additional meals can be bought from the faction booths or at the lounge. See the Neutral Section detailed below for more.

As noted, CHARACTERS MAY CHANGE FACTIONS USING THIS EVENT. To switch factions, please reply to the comment here. See the OOC post (link above) for details or questions!

The "Peace" Summit

An open plain flanked by mountains to the north and south, a large circular area has been fenced off. Large poles embedded into the earth are connected with magical rings, drooping heavy in the middle as if the ethereal chains have real weight. The area is divided into thirds, each section a mass of colorful tents and booths. In the center is a large wooden stage. All attendees must sit through this keynote speech. It's only polite.

The Prime Minister of the Free Cities begins the opening address. In formal military regalia she's the first to address the crowd, raising her arms high to command attention. She's smiling.

+ Marlo's Speech

"We'd like to start by welcoming all of you. For those that don't know me, I'm Marlo Renier, Prime Minister of the Free Cities. With me are Councilwoman Winifred Bordeaux of the Solvunn Communities and Queen Ellya Gladwin of the Kingdom of Thorne. We come together today in the spirit of good will. We may be divided by borders but we're all neighbors. We all share this continent. We may not always share the same opinions or agree on everything but who does? There's one thing we do agree on though - nobody is looking to start trouble. That's about the last thing anybody needs right now. That's why we're all here today. A show of good faith, a display of trust, and hopefully the first step on a long road of diplomacy and mutual understanding. And we all expect everybody on their best behavior and to conduct themselves in the spirit of this Summit.

I'm going to turn things over to Councilwoman Bordeaux now. Thank you, and you all should come check out what the Free Cities has to offer! Councilwoman?"

Marlo steps aside for the representative of Solvunn to take center stage.

+ Winifred's Speech

Winifred steps forward, nodding hear head to Marlo before turning her attention to the gathered crowd. Her own attire is modest, a dress of ivory and forest green adorned with hundreds of embroidered flowers and a velvet bodice in a deep wine red.

"Thank you, Prime Minister. Some of you are likely only to know of Solvunn due to the terrible circumstances surrounding Eifstide, for which we must humbly apologize. It was not our intention to cause such pain and happened merely by accident. While that does not take away what has occurred, we do hope that we can move forward together to create a brighter, more connected continent. All of us has something to share with each other, and it is my sincerest hope that we may learn from you, as well.

The Gods smile upon the unification of our mighty communities! May we be blessed with a friendship of longevity and prosperity!. For those of you curious as to what Solvunn can do for you, look no further than this Summit's festivities. It is my pleasure to let Queen Ellya of Thorne conclude todays formalities."

+ Queen Ellya's Speech

When it's Queen Ellya's turn to speak, she addresses the crowd with hands folded. For this occassion she's worn an elaborate gown of bright blue shot through with silver that seems to shift and move through the fabric.

"Such inspiring words, truly. I can only echo the sentiments put forth before me. I hope that this Summit shows to one and all that Thorne intends no aggression toward our fellow kingdoms. Certainly, through collaborative efforts such as this, understanding can be found. Tensions can be resolved. Even between such opposite minded cultures. I am confident that these few days will be very illuminating for each and every one of you. I urge you to go forth with eyes and ears open, to ensure all that can be learned is. Enjoy yourselves. Indulge yourselves. Educate yourselves. The festivities will now commence!"

Spreading her hands towards the audience, Queen Ellya slowly steps back to her place with the others.

From here on out, the festivities commence! Characters are encouraged to freely explore each faction's section as they please - and of course, to be respectful of their neighbors. They're all friends here, after all.

Mingle & Activities

Every faction has their own setup of booths and displays that feature a variety of activities and items. Booths open in the morning and close a couple hours after sundown in the evenings. Attendants at each place will be friendly, although some may notice that while the Summoned wander more freely, there is very little intermingling among the locals of each faction. The occasional dirty look may be exchanged when no one's looking and those with keen eyes might find evidence of petty bits of vandalism.

Click to expand the sections below for a description of each area.

Thorne Section

Each booth in Thorne's section are adorned with opulent fabrics in the same blues and silvers of the Queen's dress. Magically lit lanterns are strewn on the fronts and within tents and will change colors throughout the day and over the course of the weekend. Regardless of the weather, being beneath the awnings is always pleasant as if indoors in a properly warmed and ventilated room. Nothing is left wanting. Luxury and ease through the use of magic is emphasized.

Though not calling out any who wander the aisle, any who approach a booth will be greeted with a pleasant smile. Mages are eager to show off their magicks by the use of spells, staves, wands, and magical enchantments from ancient tomes. A booth from Hayle University gives demonstrations and short lectures on the hour every hour, letting the Summoned know that with enough practice they, too, can become a Master of Magicks.

For those who came with a full coin purse, there are fine wines, expensive tapestries and fabrics, sparkling accessories and more available for purchase. If you're feeling hungry, it is highly suggested that you try the decadent and delicately dressed dishes comparable to what's served in Castle Thorne itself.

Along with magic shows, the most popular booth is that of the Pondering Orb. Form an orderly line and wait for your turn to approach the orb. All will be allotted five whole minutes to think their deepest thoughts as they lay their hands upon the orb and ponder. The little bit of tingling that you feel and the faint glow that grows the longer you touch it just means that it's working.

Free Cities Section

The Free Cities area can be heard from nearly all the other sections, alive with sound and activity. There's a state of carefully balanced chaos between the different booths and lanterns are connected by long wires, powered by generators placed proudly out in front - in almost direct competition to the magical light show that Thorne has been putting on. It's just a bit of friendly rivalry, of course. There's nothing wrong with having such a strong reliance on magic, even if it seems rather outdated.

Attendants are eager to show off all their grand innovations, including meals in a can (main course and dessert all in one dubious goop can!) and a small variety of old-style guns. They are the only faction displaying these weapons. In addition, they'll talk about the impressive level of productivity their workers provide in the name of progress. Naturally, no one is forced to work overtime. It's only that their people are so dedicated to their work, even a common factory worker will go out of their way to help science and innovation. The Summoned are encouraged to consider joining a nation with such a high level of ambition, and there's always room for everyone in their powerful military.

To commemorate the event, those participating can stamp their bronze with a fancy gear pattern. It takes about fifteen seconds to press and renders the bronze worthless to spend, but what's more valuable than a souvenir? There is a sign that says No refunds if you aren't happy with the result, although if the machine happens to swallow your coin, you will be given a new bronze to stamp free of charge. Isn't that generous?

Solvunn Section

Solvunn's booths are covered with handmade tablecloths in various styles - quilted, patchwork, crochet, and intricate embroidery. Enchanted candles of all shapes and sizes float and illuminate the area, some changing color as the day goes on. When the sun sets, all the candles take on a shade that imitates moonlight.

Those who are running booths will call out to anyone who approaches, ushering them to the booths in order to ply them with friendly conversation and small samples of their wares. For the right price, there are specialty honeys, cheeses, candies, and all other manner of goat-based products. A few booths also have goat's milk soaps, lotions, and candles. Ask a Solvunnite about what good a goat is and they'll tell you everything. The mages are equally more than happy to show off their mastery, though not just in flashy elemental magic. Mages fond of divination, tealeaf readings, and interpreting tarot will offer one-on-one demonstrations, especially if you've some coin to spare.

This year, Solvunn has decided to extend its Spring Equinox celebration to the other Abraxans at the Summit! Everyone is encouraged to join in the festivities as now is the time for observing the balance of day and night. This celebration is devoted to new life - new community members, additions to their flocks, and the bringing of goodwill for the year's crops. A maypole is erected at the center of the celebration and if it stays upright until the following festival, it's taken as a sign that the community's harvest will be bountiful.

Additionally, the shrine of Lyfbringr has been erected with paintings and several small statues depicting an androgynous god that appears as an amalgamation of man, flora, and fauna. The shrine is enclosed in a tent that is half bright cheery colors and darker monochromatic shades.

Representatives of Solvunn stand by to weave colorful ribbons or rings of flowers into people's hair or tie small bells onto their wrists. There are many baby goats frolicking in a temporary paddock that guests are free to mill about in. The Summoned are invited to consider a life among a peaceful neighborly commune where help and friendship are right at your doorstep!

Neutral Section

This area is meant for everyone to mingle, but the Summoned will find they're mostly the only ones here as the locals prefer to stay within their factions. It's lightly decorated with no particular colors or emblems of any one faction. Ample ambient lighting gives the place a warm glow once the sun goes down. Wooden benches are placed sporadically between the different designated areas, making sure that no one has to go far to find a place to rest their feet.

The Lounge Tavern is open at noon for 2 hours for lunch, and then again at sunset in the evenings, where anyone can come to have a drink or a meal. Beneath the protection of a large, open air tent, seating is provided in the form of more wooden benches and long shared tables, as well as a few stools. Vintages, ales, and meads from each of the factions are available to enjoy. A few recreational activities are available, as well, such as darts and dice games. The tables and seats are placed close together, to encourage mingling and talk among each other. Though the bar is staffed by NPC volunteers, all are expected to bus their own tables when they leave.

The Sleeping Tents are where the Summoned will return to for the night to sleep. Each tent has large number of pillows, throws, and a few large mats that can be arranged as desired for optimal comfort. The ground itself is lined in animal pelts, mostly sheep and goat, making it soft and inviting. They are indeed shared, but there's plenty of room for everyone. Each tent can fit about 8-10 people - or more, if you cozy up.

The Communal Baths open in both the evenings and in the mornings for a few hours each, which is effectively an open bathhouse pool. The pool is dug into the ground itself and lined with special tile manufactured from the Free Cities, hailed for its ability to hold water without the use of special sealant. The waters are magically warmed to the ideal temperature using enchanted stones from Thorne that create a natural border around the edges, and soap (made of goat's milk, courtesy of Solvunn) and towels are provided. Here, those attending can bathe as well as use it as a mingle.

Summit Events

Meant to be a "collaboration" between the factions, the Summit also offers activities that take place on the main stage where the speeches were initially given.

Raffle

The Summoned will be provided a single courtesy raffle ticket, which they can use to enter the raffle contest. Additional tickets will cost an extra 5 bronze coins. To enter the raffle contest, fill out the comment here and we will RNG your prizes!

Regardless of luck, all those who enter will receive all 3 (one of each) of the following consolation prizes:

• Inkless Quill: Provided by Thorne, this is a magical quill that never runs out of ink...sort of. It'll work for about a month of heavy use before it runs out of juice. The Thorne sigil will automatically watermark any pages that this quill is used to write on.
• Tote Bag & Charm: Provided by Solvunn, this soft woven tote bag comes with a small handmade charm depicting a sigil of one of the old gods. If asked what the god or sigil means, the only answer is that you will know when your time comes.
• Glow Ring: Provided by the Free Cities, this ring will adjust to fit any finger size. It comes with a round orb instead of a jewel that can light up on command and act as a powerful torch or flashlight. Very powerful. People have gone blind by looking directly into it for too long.

An Escaped Creature

On the second day of the event, rumor has it a small creature has gone loose! The offender in question is this little fellow, who is the size of a small poodle. The Summoned are asked to help find and catch him, if at all possible. He's noted to be harmless if mischievous, but all those in the area are warned to be careful for if he's startled, the animal will eject a magical plume from his quills that can cause one of the following temporary effects: excessive sneezing, a change in hair color, glitter bombed, or to emit a constant glowing aura.

No one knows where he came from or who brought him, but ask any of the faction attendants and they'll be liable to start pointing fingers at the other side. Nonetheless, all those who make an effort to help catch him will be thanked and available mages may attempt to help with the side effects.

If you want your character to make a real attempt at catching him, reply to the comment here by Feb 20th and we'll RNG who eventually catches him. If your character fails, however, they must take one of its side effects for the rest of the day. The choice as to which one is yours! The winner will be rewarded with a token bottle of wine for their troubles or a very fancy dessert if they don't drink.

Comments

[cointosser]

[Oof. That got rather dark and personal quickly, didn't it? And here he was only casually thinking of, er, cults or something.]

Oh, absolutely. It's going straight into the usual playlist.

[He's not sure how much good it will do for anyone, even past the efforts of this summit, but Jaskier only figures a bit of mixing between the cultures would do all the territories some good. Their viewpoints are all so... stilted. Perhaps some in the Free Cities would like a little nature in their lives, and less a blatant distrust of magic.

Probably foolishly optimistic. But if he's to make this place his home --]

Hat pins, you say? [He rubs a few fingers together, considering his lute. Hmm. Well, a little break isn't going to get him into trouble... outside of perhaps spending a bit too much coin.] Are you sure you can afford a pin on top of all of your cheese?

[Clearly he has some cheese-related plans in mind. (Not that Jaskier blames him. Earlier he'd had a bit of flatbread with goat's cheese and honey and nearly ascended.)]

Flowers

[meiren]

[ He's seen the man with the flowers around before, and hadn't done much more than take note the same he has with most other things. But as he goes to move past to get another drink, Zhou Zishu can't help but overhear a bit of the sales pitch and something about it stops him in his tracks. There's the briefest pang of longing for the flowers that surrounded his home, for all that the current offerings don't look anything like what used to grow around the manor. But more than that, there's a flicker of an idea through Zhou Zishu's otherwise placid expression.

He pauses a bit outside the conversation that's currently happening, studying the man while he gives his speech. It's only when the other person moves away holding a brand new flower that Zhou Zishu approaches slowly. ]

They're lovely. [ Always best to start with compliment. They do at least look healthy, to Zhou Zishu's imperfect eye. ]You grow these yourself?

[funbreaker]

[ And there it is, the other shoe dropping and clattering to the floor.

There is still a brief moment where surprise passes over Thancred's face before his expression flattens into something steelier. While he did not witness Fandaniel in this form throwing himself into the abyss of Zodiark on the moon, he heard all about it from Himeka. Himeka as he's met her here has not yet lived through it, but his memories of her recounting are still quite clear.

And, more than that, he did watch as Amon was dragged into the pool of nothingness in the aetherial sea, finally relinquishing himself to be purified and join the mass of lifeforce that made up their world. It was true that he might be reborn again to continue to thrash against the yoke of life, and yet truly, that had been the least of their concerns by then.

Meteion, his creation from another life, is the whole reason they're in such a mess. Thancred won't forget that so easily, no matter how much he'd been able to relate to some of Fandaniel's woes, that temptation to take the easy way out and simply salt the earth. ]

Careless. Right. [ He's not convinced. ] Why they opted to summon you of all people here I can't begin to imagine.

[ It truly makes no sense. Fandaniel isn't likely to do much beyond plunging this world into deeper chaos, depending on where his whims carry him. ]

[cointosser]

[The we is so soft, he may expire on the spot. While Hootle is the result of some sort of magic, he is just as fond of the owl as Sam is to Red. There's nothing that makes these companions feel less... real.

A bit of the point, he thinks, that Geralt was making about their memories. About their experiences in the Horizon.]

Ah. Yes. I was hoping you wouldn't notice. [As if it wasn't about the most fucking blatant thing in the world.] I'm afraid one even as sunny as me [Because he's The Sun, get it?] has his melancholy days. At any rate, you've done a brilliant job.

[He smiles at Hootle, and because he can't help himself (look at how adorable he is!), he gives him a kiss on top of his hat.] I think that's a yes, isn't it? I will regale my audience with compliments of your craftsmanship, Rinwell! And of course, I would be honored if you came to watch. I'm willing to bet Hootle has a few moves that may surprise even you.

[gynvael]

[ Whether Jaskier recalls or not, Geralt almost never asks. Not unless he senses Jaskier wishes to talk about it. For the most part, he is just there. Close by.

His eyes drop to the shock of white hair Jaskier now sports. It should be amusing, much like Geralt's own shimmery mishap, and it is. Was. But it's also—

Unsettling. To see that colour on his friend. He knows it isn't the same thing, that it's entirely temporary and the result of an easily spooked animal. He's reminded, that's all. Every time Jaskier sees the white and remembers it's there, that look on his face—he's reminded of himself, early in his years when he would forget and then see the flash of white and realize that he's...changed. Changed much more than even his peers.

Still, the awful joke draws a huff and a small smile out of him. He rolls his eyes. ]

I joined her earlier. [ In the baths, naturally. His mind has been on other things at night. He knows it isn't unsafe here, that likely nothing will happen. He can't help being cautious nonetheless. His gaze flicks briefly to Ciri, who rolls over with a mumble, then returns to Jaskier. ] Back to sleep?

[ If the answer's no, a walk might be on the horizon. He could stretch his legs, in any case. ]

[funbreaker]

[ The stranger stands a good head over Thancred and he's built like a Highlander to boot. Straight to the point as well. He can work with that.

He shifts to one side of the tent in order to grant the man the option to move further in and give the shrine a look, if he's curious. ] It is nice to get out of the sun for a moment as well.

[ He chances a glance at the pin on the man's front, surprised when he finds that he's also come from Thorne. ] It seems we somehow managed to avoid running into each other back at the castle. [ After a pause, he probes a bit more deeply. ] Do you intend to return there?

[ There's been some chatter about changing factions, and it seems like anyone who does decide to turn coats can do so here without risking some terrible punishment. Thancred has his reasons for remaining with Thorne even if it may not be the faction that suits him best. He's certainly used to being in hostile territory, so it's nothing new for him. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Oh. He hates this!

The flame illuminates the tent and Viktor looks not unlike an animal caught in the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, leg brace half-unfastened (the source of one noise) and handkerchief pressed to his face with his free hand (an effort to stifle the other). His eyes flick to the light source, then to Rhy's state of dress, and then to the entrance of the tent, as if he is briefly considering the logistics of an escape.

It's not going to happen. He slowly lowers his hand and pockets the handkerchief, visibly wincing, though whether it's because of the cough or because of sheer embarrassment is unclear.]

I will be.

[That is a lie--he is not currently all right and he doubts that he will be all right, in the long term, but there's no sense in worrying a stranger, especially not after barging in here and causing a disturbance.]

I'm sorry. I thought this was unoccupied.

[funbreaker]

[ That relief is not something that Thancred begrudges Himeka, as he feels much the same the moment that they reach each other and she presses into his hug. It's hardly the first time, as Himeka would often make a point of giving him a hug after he returned from some long reconnaissance mission or another. Still, after all the time that has passed since he was pulled out of that fountain, he hadn't been certain he'd ever see her again — and thus, he squeezes that much tighter.

It hasn't been that long since they last saw each other, in truth. Five years it had felt like to him, on the First. Yet at least in that case the world as they knew it hadn't literally been on the brink of collapse. There's so much he wishes to ask her (Did she get here around the same time as him? What faction is she with? And most importantly, were the Final Days averted?), but they are yet surrounded by a good number of people who are slowly dispersing to go see all the summit has to offer.

So eventually he does pull away from the hug, at least enough to hold Himeka's shoulders at arm's length, not at all able to hold back on his fond smile. Much like every other Scion and plenty of other members of the realm besides, he feels that much more at ease to have her at his side. It's the knowledge that one way or another, things will sort themselves out. ]

I'd wager we have a great deal to discuss.

[ He takes a quick look around them as he searches for a relatively private area where they might speak. ]

Let's find a place where we can sit and chat, shall we?

[endcaller]

[It's a question that has plagued Fandaniel since his arrival.

He'd been in the process of merging with Zodiark when he'd been called. The barriers of existence between him and the primal had fallen away, the souls of the Martyr screamed as their sacrifice was twisted to obey his commands and then suddenly he was breathing again.

A cruel joke that was, as most cosmic gags tended to be, at his expense.

Fandaniel's lips tug into a knife-like, humorless grin.]

Quite the conundrum, isn't it? I have spent many hours pondering that same question. I can only guess that I was found while they reached for someone else?

Maybe they had intended to summon Zodiark but found...well, me. A simple mistake, really.

[He lifts a hand to the center of his chest and taps a gloved finger over his heart.]

All theory, mind you. I have no more insight than you as to why they'd want me here. I don't know why they would want any of us. Surely they have their political matters well enough in hand to not drag other worlds into it...

[fourarmedandangerous]

Goro, as always, has preferred to take his rest in his summoned throne of jagged stone, a trick he developed after his first foray into the Horizon that no doubt made it even easier to find the already distinctive Goro. He is watching the fire, his lower hands steepled together in thought. He does not look towards Viktor as the young man slides into a seat across from his throne.

"People have heard your claims, and they are impressive, Doctor." The Shokan replies easily. "But truth is often lost in the retelling. I have heard these claims and I would be interested in knowing the truth for myself about this...hex-tech. I understand its uses are varied, to say the least." An invitation for "Doctor" Viktor to expound on those many uses. Goro has but one in mind primarily, but such matters must be approached delicately, and in proper way. Humans tended to be so squeamish about the possibility of kombat.

lounge baybe

[techmaturgy]

[Sam is more-or-less impossible to ignore--Viktor knows someone who is ostensibly in charge when he sees it, even if it's more a social position than anything official. Easy enough to pinpoint him as someone worth getting to know, if only because he needs resources, and he has few compunctions about riding coattails of someone more established (provided their general philosophies align). Once again, however, he finds himself wishing that Jayce was here, to field all this and make these connections. Neither of them really liked doing it, or felt particularly good at it, but as always, time spent on socializing is time better spent on work, so it was helpful to be able to divide their duties in that way. Here, Viktor's on his own.

The good news is that Sam seems determined to make the rounds, meaning he doesn't have to do much--he can review his notes from the various lectures and demonstrations and wait for Sam to come to him. When he does, Viktor isn't surprised, offering him a nod of greeting.]

You're a very popular man.

[There's no judgement in his voice, rather, he says it like a simple statement of fact.]

I hope you're finding some time to enjoy yourself.

[yeshou]

[The mages he talks to don't seem to understand what he's saying, which confuses Wen Kexing a little bit. It's enough that he's still pausing when the voice cuts in, drawing his attention. He turns toward Hendrik, a grin instinctively spreading across his face before he can subdue it.]

Ah? So even a stranger is admiring my good looks? Well, you have good taste.

[He chuckles at his own joke, amusement coming through almost childishly as he delights in ridiculous self compliments.]

But mastery of any craft takes years of hard study and dedication. To achieve such grand ability, one would have to begin early in life and maintain a rigorous routine. Otherwise, they can't truly be called masters, can they? I've already passed the ideal age for new skills.

[His smile turns wistful, waving his hand in imitation of some of the magic gestures he just saw.]

In many things I'm already too late.

Stargazing

[fourarmedandangerous]

It might surprise people who know him, but Goro is an avid practitioner of meditation. He finds the practice of stilling his mind and contemplating the void helpful in taming the fire of his rage, so that he might better control it, unleash the inferno when he wills it, and not because it rages out of control unbidden. Captain Wilson had been...an unfortunate lapse of control, and one Goro was eager to get on top of so that his composure would not be so easily broken by a mere human again. Here, away from the tents and crowds and sleeping humans, Goro finds time and space to practice his own form of brutal serenity, under the blanket of stars.

Or he would, if the sound of feet coming over the grass was not breaking through the silence of the night. Goro breaks his concentration and is already rising as Fandaniel approaches. He's going to see about finding another spot...until he realizes who it is. The man he'd met from the last batch of Summoned. A man quite eager to play the fool, and yet the conversation had not been as tiring as Goro had assumed it would be. It had left Goro curiously intrigued.

So he lingers as Fandaniel reaches him. "I did not expect you of all people to be affected by insomnia." Goro says by way of greeting, even favouring the Ascian with a nod.

Neutral Territory, Tents

[fourarmedandangerous]

There's a shifting of much bulk from the back of the otherwise empty tent as Goro turns to look at the tent flap. Almost immediately, his command that whoever it was should find another tent dies in his throat when he sees it's Hector. As humans go, this one isn't too objectionable, so, his legs crossed, and his lower arms resting on his knees, the Shokan waves expansively at the rest of his tent.

"As you can see, there is plenty. You are welcome to take your rest, if you wish."

Due to having previously had the run of the tent to himself, Goro has undone his topknot and divested himself of most of the tanned leather and furs that are his usual garments, having stripped down to simply his yin-yang panties smallclothes. The leather skirt, harness, and other assorted pieces lie neatly piled next to the sleeping area Goro has claimed for himself.

Neutral Territory, Tavern

[fourarmedandangerous]

Goro pauses, a pitcher of ale halfway to his lips when he hears Himeka. Not lowering his drink, he turns slowly and looks down at her. It actually is her, asking to join him.

"You must be joking." He replies simply, not sure if this is a trick or not.

Nightmare!

[flame_emperor]

Edelgard has always been a light sleeper, in part of necessity, but mostly due to the fact that she's suffered her own fair share of nightmares over the years that have left their mark on her, and while in recent days they've come less often, the nights they do arrive have lost none of their intensity.

Samus' own thrashings had already awoken Edelgard, who sits up from her own spot and sees the other woman thrashing across the tent, recognizing the signs of a terrible dream. For a moment she debates leaving well enough alone&mash;Samus is a stranger, albeit one who made a good first impression and whom Edelgard did not mind the idea of sharing a tent with&mdash, but ultimately realizes she can't. She rises, doing up her robe over her night gown so most of her body is covered, and approaches the sleeping woman to try and gently wake her...but Samus is quicker, and the speed and intensity with which she suddenly launches herself at Edelgard sends the other woman falling backward, hand grasping behind her for a knife that isn't there as old instincts kick in.

Surely those...talons were just the darkness, and Edelgard's own burst of fright playing tricks on her.

For a moment the two women are motionless, staring across from each other, both unsure how to proceed. It's finally Edelgard who takes the first step, sitting up and straightening a bit.

"I apologize. I was going to try and wake you." She offers sincerely, placatingly. She can tell Samus is half-ready to flee the tent from how tense she is, and Edelgard doesn't want that. "I did not mean to startle you, Samus."

[endcaller]

Fandaniel sways across the grass and stops beside Goro. He is wearing different clothing now; a tamarind purple cloak and embroidered turtleneck but the pale features and dancer-like gait make his identity apparent even in the dim light.

Goro's comment amuses him. When he was mortal he had been plagued by insomnia. Sleep always brought the strange dreams and vivid nightmares. Now, as an Ascian, sleep isn't anything he has to worry about.

"Did I strike you as a man fond of naps, my lord?"

bath...house...

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor is, predictably, less frequent here. In fact, he goes exactly once, towards the end of the summit, after he's thoroughly exhausted himself and the prospect of sitting in hot water for an indeterminate amount of time is too appealing to pass up. He takes steps to mitigate scrutiny and goes as early in the morning as possible, a not-so-subtle bid to avoid anyone and everyone he possibly can. In additional service of this goal, he's doing his level best to fully zone out, head tilted back and resting on the rim of the pool, eyes closed. Everything is quiet, and much nicer than he expected. Until.

Someone is talking. Someone is talking...to him? Or thinking out loud? Maybe there are others here, but when Viktor cracks an eye open, it becomes apparent that he is the one being addressed. He doesn't answer right away, as if he's debating whether or not he actually wants to do so, but after a moment he's sitting up, scrubbing at his face and forcing himself back into coherence.]

I'm...not sure it's so simple.

[Call him a pessimist when it comes to matters of politics, or maybe he's just seeing the possibilities of what the three nations could do, working together, and he's a little peeved that the best they could come up with was a heated pool. Or, maybe he's just trying to form a coherent thought, emerging from the haze of an aborted attempt to relax. Ah, well.]

Unfortunately, I missed the brink of war. What happened, exactly?

[He tries to tell himself that every conversation is a new learning opportunity, even if it's taking place in a communal bath (awkward).]

I had to go Orb

[speak_n_spell]

[There's plenty to take in over in the Thornean section, though Sypha views it all through a sliiiightly judgmental lens. These are the people who imprisoned Alucard and many others upon their arrival, after all. Not surprising that their mages are mired in pedagogy and reliant on tools.

A line spilling from one booth blocks the aisle, forcing her to slow. She pops a fried cheese curd into her mouth and stretches onto her toes to find the cause of the traffic jam. At her elbow, someone murmurs: I don’t…I’m not sure it actually does anything.

Sypha's gaze flicks between the thin, pale man and the object of his skeptical squint. Some kind of large crystal ball? It looks mundane as anything, minus some arcane sparklies. Pure bunk.

Locking eyes with the stranger, she raises a finger and calls a single spark of lightning to its tip. The glow flickers in her eyes as she grins.] I know one way to test it!

[With a soft zzt! the mote zings into the booth and strikes the orb]

[cointosser]

Please! It's not charity. I mean. All right, I suppose it is, but you deserve it. We all need a stepping stone when we first begin.

[And he has learned quickly, especially from Julie, that people from their world are not necessarily... used to this sort of work. Not work itself, but going on the search for coin. Crafting a talent for it. Then squeezing every coin out of every man you meet, if possible.

But. He does think herbalism would suit Nadine, seeing as she'd done such a good job with Geralt. (Before he ruined it.)

He plucks out another white rose and tucks it in her hair behind an ear.] I think you'll be a natural healer. And if you need herbs for your practice, you know where to come. Look. I'll even let you pay me if it makes you feel more comfortable.

[He absolutely won't take her coin, actually.]

[techmaturgy]

It's all a bit much, but Viktor is used to posturing. Sure, navigating a one-on-one with someone who stylizes himself as some kind of vaguely brutalist authority (throne?? and all) and could probably snap him like a twig (in four separate directions, even!) is literal worlds away from clawing his way into Piltovan society, but it's the same basic skillset. Nothing he hasn't figured out before.

He takes a moment to settle into his seat, leaning his crutch on the table behind him, still within arm's reach if he decides he needs to extricate himself from the conversation.

"You don't have to call me that. I'm not a doctor."

He'd sooner refer to himself an engineer or an inventor than expound upon his various and esoteric degrees from the Academy, especially when the development of Hextech more-or-less subsumed all of it anyway. There's something to be said for getting right down to business, at least, though he still takes half a moment to gather his thoughts, as if he's deciding what he wants to divulge.

"Are you familiar with what they call 'new' magic?"

Since arriving, he's managed to do some cursory research on the various types of arcane applications used in this world. New magic isn't necessarily the closest equivalent to his own work, but it does involve a merger of magic and science, so that seems like the best place to start.

[cointosser]

[It isn't terribly hard to pick Himeka out of a crowd, but so caught up in making himself appear -- well, you know, all right, he's forgotten all the people who could be here that he hasn't seen in ages. And Himeka, even, was over two seasons ago, and on the other side of bars.

Even if he was depressed (he's sort of better now), the sight of the brightness in her hair, her eyes, and the sound of her applause is enough to brighten him immediately.

If only he could wear the brooch he had made from her scale. It would have matched his outfit perfectly.]

Himeka! My dear, it's been absolute ages! [He gives her a sweeping bow, swinging his lute to his back as Hootle gives a flutter of his wings and a questioning tilt in his head.

Jaskier goes in for an embrace. He has to, after all. If they're still meant to be bonded.

The mention of his apprentice gives him some pause, and a strange, twisting sense of guilt. Would Himeka be disappointed with Moglad now, after what Jaskier's memories have done to him? Gods. He hopes not. His smile tightens a little.] Oh, I'm sure Moglad is far beyond tired of hearing my performances after all his lessons. Fuck, it's good to see you. I'm delighted to finally perform for you face to face. Er. In a manner of speaking.

[speak_n_spell]

I can put the sign back up, if you'd like. [That was an exceedingly brief bath by Alucard standards. Even when they were traveling together, with little more than snowmelt for washing, he'd taken a minimum hour in the mornings.

It's odd. It doesn't match what she thought she knew of him. But what else is new, lately? Hesitantly, she hooks her hair behind her ear and says:] I didn't realize you were body conscious. I'd...like to apologize, for all those times when we were on the road. I wouldn't have wanted to make you uncomfortable, even if Trevor did badly need every one of those baths.

[cointosser]

Without even inviting me! You brute.

[He brushes his fingers through his hair and is unsurprised to see more glitter falling out of it. Geralt's mishap with the creature has ensured that everyone within a few feet of him is now cursed with the sparkling dots, though admittedly, Jaskier is a bit enamored with it.

He flicks a bit of glitter at Geralt.]

Mm. Not right now, I think. [Jokes aside, his fingers are still shaking, his heart still skipping. He does remember. His dreams often take place in different locales, but with the same themes. Darkness. The dank smell of old water. A snap.

He moves to his feet, rolling his hands down his chemise in a vain attempt to smooth it down. With all of the people in the tent, he is doing the polite thing and sleeping with far too much clothing, if you ask him.] I may go see if I can get my hand on some more Solvunn cheese.

[baltimores]

[ Amos has been trying to get the idea across. Thing is, there's too much of a gap between his knowledge base and that of the Free Cities' natives, and his Solvunn identification probably isn't helping things, either. And if he's gotta cover a couple hundred years' worth of the history of electromagnetism to even begin to get his point across... it's gonna take forever, isn't it.

It's frustrating, not that he lets it show; certainly nowhere near as much as this current stall manager. He's more baffled than anything else, this being a problem he's never encountered. So when the kid pops up out of nowhere and chimes in like he understands what Amos is talking about, the relief is palpable.

He only notices that the Free Cities guy has effectively just been boxed out of the conversation when Peter apologizes to them. It earns a blink, his own glance at his former conversation partner, a slight shrug of his shoulders being the best he can really do to apologize on his part. Maybe some... other... time...

Because yeah, no, Peter's got his full attention now. Hell, some of the enthusiasm he'd started this endeavour with even seeps back into his voice. ]

Hell of a lot more than this, yeah. [ He nods; he's been through this a couple of times before, so might as well cut right to the chase. ] It's the 2350s where I'm from. I'm a spaceship mechanic. Or, you know. Was. [ The generator earns a glance, even though it's not its fault that there's nothing so much as resembling even a rocket around. ] Name's Amos.