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

[baltimores]

[ Well, he had been asleep.

Amos had taken one look at the mess that the interiors of every tent was — pillows and blankets everywhere and people crowding them and, in some cases, each other — and decided it wasn't for him. That he'd be more likely to get a good night's rest outside. So he'd taken what he'd needed, settled himself in, and at some point while staring up at the night sky, had fallen asleep.

And now he's awake, eyes cracking open at the sound of Wen Kexing's voice. Hell, he might have even just ignored him and gone right back to sleep, but — he's got a drink on him.

So Amos sits up, throw pooling in his lap, and looks up at him. ]

I like it more out here.

[ His voice is a little indignant; he does. But then his eyes drift to Wen Kexing's drink, and it melts away, replaced with genuine curiosity. ]

There any more of those around, or did you get the last one?

[ If he's gonna be awake... ]

free cities performance

[baltimores]

[ Spending so much time in the Free Cities section, it's inevitable that at some point, Amos hears... music. It sounds like a whole production; it also sounds familiar. So he wanders over to where the sound is coming from, and stares at a man he's met before, who looks considerably better at this point in time.

He's vaguely amused/entertained/baffled enough to stick around through the whole thing. The birds even make sense, in their own way. One settles itself on his shoulder, and it takes him back to another night, if only just for a moment.

Amos hangs back when the song is done, letting Jaskier greet his adoring fans. It's only once they've dispersed that he catches his eye, approaches him.

Glances at his chest before making eye contact again. That's the style, huh. ]

You look better.

[ Not much more than that needs to be said — Hunter's been found, hopefully Jaskier kicked his ass if he needed to. And then he furrows his brow, because he really is someone who never listened to music or partook in any of the arts all that much. If ever. ]

Are you supposed to be a cactus?

free cities, meal in a can

[baltimores]

[ Amos has been wandering all about the Free Cities' section, partaking in pretty much every single booth he's come across. He's passing by this particular one just in time to hear the words space ration, and that has him stopping and glancing over. Not that he's interested in eating the kind of food he'd had up in space, but that someone he's never met before is even familiar with the concept...

Okay, this is the booth he's visiting now. He eyes Samus first. ]

Really? They figured out how to replicate that, but not the part where you actually go up the gravity well? [ And then he turns to the vendor, bemusement but also curiosity written across his features. ] Yeah, fuck it. I'm game to try.

[ Another glance back at Samus as he waits for his own meal in a can. If there's someone else here who's been to space... Damn, he's kinda hopeful now. ]

[cryptsleeper]

[Thank your asking absolutely no follow ups, Jaskier.]

I'm glad you're composing again.

[As brief as the comment is, there's no less than genuine relief in Alucard's tone when he says it. Jaskier in better spirits makes the world feel just that little bit more on balance as far as he is concerned, and that can only ever be a good thing. That it's gone down so well is besides the point. He can just rest content in the knowledge that some tiny, little thing went right.]

Oh, I assure you that I ca-- wait. How did I become your provider of hat things? [The raised eyebrow is mostly there for effect.]

The cheese will be fine. I'm considering making it into a cake, if you wouldn't oppose letting me taking command of the kitchen for a bit?

[cryptsleeper]

Don't give Jaskier ideas. He's already got Solvunn's god to deal with.

[Alucard shakes his head, as if that might shake off the horror of it.]

I haven't. If it doesn't change over or wash away at midnight, then I assume we're doomed by hours.

[cryptsleeper]

Ah.

[There's a lot of awkward paths before them now, isn't there? And in the past, Alucard would have bristled with sharing anything of himself with anyone, thanks to too much paranoia and fear that were heavy on him when Thorne first pulled him through the fucking well.

It says a lot that he can manage this much.]

--I can turn into bats as well. But that's the limit of my transformations.

[cryptsleeper]

I can't monopolize the baths, no matter how much I'd like to.

[Of course Sypha noticed how quickly that went, all things considered. And it'd be enough if she didn't remark upon it but.

But she does, because she's Sypha.

He can feel himself cringe, shoulders rising up to his ear, the familiar need for the earth to swallow him whole.]

No, that's not-- [Not right? If it isn't, what's the truth? She'll ask. Shit, she'll ask because of how he's reacting right now.] There's no need. The stench of the Belmont was more important to deal with.

[yeshou]

[ He's still a little tipsy, because actually sleeping at night is still something Wen Kexing doesn't do well. Especially in a strange environment where nothing feels trustworthy. The man who made his reputation by overthrowing the fiercest leader of murderers and being the untouchable lord of hell still isn't used to something like peaceful evenings or security. He finds diversions for his restlessness, and right now the easiest solution is to stay awake and drink.

And like his wariness, his curiosity never really diminishes either. Wen Kexing tromps right over to where Amos is sitting, invading his space like a stray animal hoping to find some food or item of interest on the ground. He grins, bending slightly to offer over his half-empty flask, eyebrows raising at the curiosity he feels he discovered. ]

You like it better on the rocks then under warm cover? Brother, you don't have to prove your resilience to the elements like this. If a tent won't do, then there must be other places to rest. Why choose something so far in the open?

free cities performance

[chosenfordarkness]

[ The Summit is proving to be interesting, if only because it highlights the 'everything is fine and we're all getting along' mood each faction is pushing on its Summoned. He can feel the tension hanging about, and he wagers that most people aren't unaware if they've been around longer than he has. They've likely witnessed it if what he's heard is to be believed.

Still, it's an opportunity to look into what the other factions are trying to offer for a shift in loyalty. His is solid to Thorne unless Kylo decided that were to change. As far as he's concerned, his loyalty is to his family. To his grandson, specifically. It's a lucky thing he hadn't heard the bard's song of the Mountain King, or that would have been quite an awkward thing. Instead, it's as he's wandering about the Free Cities' section of the Summit that he tunes in to the melody.

Anakin stops to listen as Jaskier waxes poetic about how terrible sand is, and he can't help but nod along in approval. He has opinions on the matter. In the end, the song's theme changes to love in the harshest environment to cultivate it. It is lovely. ]

You forgot to mention how it eventually wears everything away.

[nadine_he_loves]

I really do appreciate the offer, but I really don't need it. I came with pretty much everything I need.

[Which Nadine doesn't see anything wrong with, despite that everything she owns fits easily in a pack. She has a few sets of clothes, she has her bag of supplies and tonics, her sword... All she needs is enough to cover living expenses, and possibly supplies for her continued education.

She'd gotten use to only owning what she can easily carry with her even before this world.

Her head ducks a little, when Jaskier sets the other rose in her hair, fighting the little flush that threatens at the gesture.]

You know...you're the third person to tell me that. And that I'll take you up on. Actually... a lot of the recipes I know already are made with plants local to Nott, if I give you dried leaves and flowers, would you be able to grow those?

[She's not entirely sure how his plant magic works, but she has samples of the plants she can't easily find here.]

[chosenfordarkness]

Anakin is keenly aware he's being stared at, lucky for Ronan, he finds it amusing. He doesn't address it, but he doesn't feel the need to. He'll let the man have his awkwardness in peace. Hell, he knows how it is. Thankfully, he's not interested in Ronan's opinion for his official standing.

"What do you know?" It's posed earnestly, his eyebrows raising in intrigue. "I've only really heard gossip, and I know to take that with a grain of salt."

Look, three ravens in a trenchcoat is still more exciting than listening to politicians try to shine themselves in a more favorable light.

[fourarmedandangerous]

"A gesture of respect, I assure you." Goro replies. "But as you wish."

He waves over a server as Viktor asks his question. "The fusion of technology harnessed and powered by magic? I am familiar with the concept yes, though not its exact workings. Will you take anything to drink?"

Goro himself asks for a pitcher of their strongest ale, no mugs. "I take it the underlying principles are the same as with your hex-tech, then."

bathing pools.

[falcony]

[ it's not the first time sam has seen geralt since the summit's beginning. if they hadn't gone through the portal together, they've at least passed by throughout the day - checked in, caught eyes from across the crowd, settled into tents nearby. but this may be the first time they've had settled to talk since the festivities began, both of them pulled in separate directions (it's mostly sam. sam pulling himself in every direction. sam, keeping himself busy. sam - who has probably tried to approach geralt if only for a friendly clap on the shoulder and then was immediately distracted into something else instead).

and honestly, sam wasn't even expecting to meet with geralt when he finally finds himself at the baths. he'd just been heading there to hopefully work himself down, to relax a little (it is supposed to be a festival, after all), maybe have a drink. except that as he approaches the baths, he notices the familiar back of geralt's head. the dark, angry scar that he recognizes.

( it's only half a breath, barely a second, that sam sees geralt bloodied and shaking. sees him barely holding himself up on his couch, while sam tries to hold the pieces of flesh together. the smell of blood. of jaskier, panicked. the queen, who was just outside, talking of peace. )

sam steps around to the other side of the bath, sets down his bottle of wine he'd brought with him from the lounge and lowers himself into the pool, letting out a sigh of relief at the warm water. ]

You weren't planning on meeting Julie here, were you? Cause I'm not leaving. So y'all might need to find somewhere else.

[ it's a joke, said with all the grins and raised brows sam can muster, as he pours himself a drink with the bottle he'd brought. ]

[vixening]

[ he's young she can't help but notice. and while her own view of what constitutes as young is a bit skewed, due to her own age, it's the smile. the easy smile. she wonders how long he'll last. ]

Ah. [ the sound isn't mean, necessarily, but there is a kind of exhausted air to it. very new, very young - had he crossed paths with her before all of this, just months ago, she probably would have been more willing to play the experienced teacher, the willing mentor. now, yennefer is tired - but they are still out and about, still amongst a good number of the court.

so she nods. ] They will continue to be, you're a welcome guest as a Summoned. You're quite valuable.

[gynvael]

[ She made a valiant effort, but the sparkles are stubborn. Assurances from the mages that it's only temporary are complete bullshit. Bathing only seems to make the water around him shine, and then it all clings to him again when he leaves.

She looks good, though. Better, since the three of them made their way to Cadens. Even if he's not touching on the painful irony of this cropping up barely a week later. Hell, part of him can't be too surprised. Geralt knows all about Destiny's impeccable fucking sense of timing. At least she and Nadine made it at all, and where silver linings are concerned, there's some value in not having official papers stamped and signed announcing exactly where they came from and where they're going. ]

Suppose we'll fit in? [ He turns around to rest his arms on the smooth stone ledge, a small smile toying on his lips. His elbow brushes hers, and he lets it. He undoes the ribbon around his wrist; he minds not the flowers, but the tinkling bells are another matter. His instincts dislike being heard from a mile off when he moves. ] As part of the village goat herd.

[gynvael]

welcoming speech

[chosenfordarkness]

[ It's interesting to see who truly sits as favored to the Court as the speech progresses. He trusts what any politician says about as far as he could throw them. Which...okay, is pretty far if he's using the Force. That's beside the point. As much as he doesn't take what the Queen says at face value, something about the other leaders doesn't sit right with him even more.

Some of the faces he's seen in the castle, though putting names to them is a bit more difficult. She gets his attention, though. Standing off to the side and complicit, yet seeming to hold a nearly unbearable weight with that proper, rigid stance. Anakin certainly understands the weight of duty- hating to be put in with a group all the while disagreeing, but at the end of the day shouldering it and not causing a fuss.

It's one of the reasons he hated being a Jedi. The weight of telling the galaxy they were peacekeepers, meanwhile commanding an army of clones for the sake of that potential peace in the end. But that doesn't matter anymore, nor does it matter in this place.

Once the speech is done, he approaches her. Something about her speaks power, though it's hard to get a read on her. Much like Kylo, there's so much control.

He speaks, but clearly, she was somewhere else. He gives her a good-natured smile. ]

I said you look as though you'd rather be anywhere but here, my lady.

[gynvael]

[ the commentary is all in the face, dean. ]

[vixening]

[ amos can continue to stare, really. yennefer decides she doesn't really care enough him, or whatever his issues are, to let it get under her skin. the vague recognition probably means that she'd seen him some time ago - which would have had to be before the portals, before half of the summoned left. internally, she curses that entire day - the decisions she'd made, the things she'd done. between geralt, between staying, between ambrose, it's only really caused her problems.

but that's not something she can change now, so instead she focuses on her wine. hopes, if only vaguely, that perhaps he'll just be quiet and content to stare until she's done and she can leave. but men are hardly that easily pleased, and whether or not he wants what most men who stare at her want doesn't matter, as she can tell there is some kind of tension. anger? frustration? and it's currently directed at her.

the mention, though, makes her snort once - a harsh sound - as she speaks around her next sip. ] High Mage Ambrose did not attend this summit, so you wouldn't have had the chance. [ if amos is looking, really looking, he could probably find his fair share of disdain and hatred and sharp-edged opinions under those words. though, really, he probably doesn't have to look too hard. he's not from thorne, and yennefer finds she doesn't really care.

except that his eyes are still on her. his words are obviously angry. yennefer, upon realizing that this whole conversation probably has a lot more to do with thorne and its mistakes than it does her, sets down her mug and turns her head to face the man. ]

The fuck does it matter to you? [ that anger that underlines his words is spat back right to him, her jaw just as tight. ] You left, I did not, and whatever is being flaunted around out there, I don't really care if you want to come back. I have my reasons. [ have, not had. that's a slip of the tongue that yennefer herself doesn't even notice at first. ] And I don't give a fuck if you agree with them. That answer enough?

[shadowthief]

There's not so much as a sparing glance cast toward her in particular, and she thinks that must mean either he has no clue who she is, or that he knows exactly who she is, and he's doing his level best to not let her know it. She cannot decide which option is the better one.

"Do you know very much about the university?" she asks conversationally. He was, after all, there in support of Thorne, and should probably at least for the sake of appearances, seem like he cares about someone that might be considering joining this side of the line.

you HAVE to go orb

[techmaturgy]

[Orb aside, Viktor has been appropriately enthralled--mages are the stuff of legend, where he's from, and Piltover's general aversion to magic means that most of his experience with it outside of Hextech has been pure theory. To see the real thing practiced so openly and in so many different ways is more than a little overwhelming. He's barely begun to process the idea that he, too, could learn how to manipulate this world's magical energies.

He hasn't puzzled out the orb yet, either, leading to his wondering out loud. Perhaps he didn't expect someone to answer, much less immediately suggest a course of action. Before he can really respond, she's summoning up some kind of lightning to her fingertips, sending it directly into the orb. He winces involuntarily, bracing himself for, well. He's not sure what.]

Oh, uh-- [The surprise is evident on his face.] What should I be looking for? A reaction?

[vixening]

[ it had been a balance more than it hadn't for yennefer, spending the day both looking and appearing not to. her reasons are complicated - the urge in her to find them, to see them, really see them, to find geralt and ciri's light-colored hair in the crowd, to track down jaskier, to make contact. but all the while knowing she can't let it be down just how much of her is wishing to do so. it is a summit, she knows there will be some compromises made, and the plan for the queen does have her leaving soon after the speech wraps up - but still, yennefer has to be careful. careful, and vulnerable, even with how much closer they are to the singularity itself.

through the day her eyes are constantly on the crowd, to the backs of heads. yennefer considers what she'll even do if she does find ciri, because if she does, it would mean danger. it would put her too close to the one thing yennefer has been trying to protect her from. but still she looks. hopes. wonders if ciri will even want to see her.

it is not until later, when yennefer is still a bit tense from her socializing, having her guards up, the complete lack of magic and chaos at her fingertips. it is not until later, as yennefer is headed to the baths, that she catches a figure following her. for a second, possibly more, yennefer panics - checking her surroundings in the most subtle way for anything at hand. it is when she turns briefly and catches sight of who it is that the panic gives way to something a bit more complicated, but not necessarily any less tense.

she continues to the baths, her mind on ciri and what she could be thinking. what she could be feeling. yennefer wonders if ciri received the note, or if it's anger that she comes to this meeting. if yennefer will, once again, find herself defending choices she hasn't even made. doesn't even know fully. she heads to the furthest, most private, secluded area she can find before she hears ciri's voice, her name, a complicated mix of something relieved and something a lot more tense.

yennefer comes to a stop, then. turns to face her. holds the distance between them because she's still not sure what this is supposed to mean. at first, yennefer's expression is neutral. placid. controlled. ]

Ciri. [ because what else is there for her to say? to do? ciri is the furthest of them along the path, has known about all of this all this time. had known the same that geralt now knows, and she had still come to yennefer, before all of this. still turned to yennefer. still accepted her help, when yennefer had offered it.

the neutral expression holds for a moment, one moment of actually seeing the girl, before something about the control of it falls. something in seeing her, older, alive, so powerful and so bright. she's drawn to it, perhaps even more now than before, and yennefer makes a move to step towards her but stops herself mid-step, needing something in response before she can let herself hope. ]

[vixening]

[ he certainly is quick to take it, isn't he? yennefer actually ends up watching him for a moment as he makes himself comfortable and orders a drink for himself, both clues that she knows to take as someone who is plenty comfortable with...what, she's still looking to figure out. flattery? conversation? socializing? for a brief moment yennefer considers sitting up a bit straighter, considers pulling her elbows off the wooden table and seeming a bit more polite. more like the woman she spent the day flaunting around.

except that she is far enough through this bottle and far too exhausted by the day to really continue the front. when the man turns his attentions back to her, she realizes enough of what will happen to not be entirely annoyed when he continues to speak. wanting conversation, curious about her. she supposes that's not so far a stretch, and he hasn't done anything yet to outright annoy her, so she gives a single nod. ]

The Venerable Yennefer of Vengerberg, to be specific. [ there is no actual fire behind the correction, and yennefer tilts her goblet towards him, something a little like sarcasm underlying her words as she takes her next step. her reputation. ah, yes. well. at least she has an idea of what his questions will concern. it also lets her know he is from thorne, that he hasn't been here for the events that make up said reputation. ]

And I suppose you're new through the well?

[gynvael]

[ Being in this place has made Geralt realize that he's grown to be familiar with a number of people in ways he did not expect and had not necessarily intended—something he's still working out how he feels towards. He isn't used to being approached. But the man who approaches him now is not familiar, in face or in scent.

Though approach is a generous term for it.

Geralt does not say something. He doesn't even say something when he's splashed a second time, though the expression on his face is a cross between exasperated and resigned. He does, however, look straight at the other man before taking a drink. ]

If you ruin my hair, you'll owe an explanation to some very disappointed little girls by the goat pen. [ He did not sit for thirty minutes with children pulling on his hair and goats chewing his feet just for it all to come loose. He promised them he'd keep the flowers they'd diligently woven in. He's committed.

He will not be taking any questions or comments on how easily swayed he is by small children clutching flowers in their little hands while cornering him. It's not the point. ]

free cities

[chosenfordarkness]

[ All anyone had to say was machine and Anakin was in. It's been too long since he'd gotten to tinker with a droid or even have the simple pleasure of repairing a ship. He's feeling a little stir crazy about it if he's being honest. At first, he tells himself he's going to go just for the sake of looking at it to quell his curiosity.

Standing in line, wouldn't it figure the guy in front of him broke it. He tries not to seem too irritated by it. At the suggestion he gives the machine a good kick, Anakin's expression is baffled amusement. ]

Yeah, because kicking it will solve an internal problem.

[ It doesn't stop him from striding up to the machine, looking it over before tapping to see where the access panel is. Is he supposed to be in there? No. Does he care? Also no. ]