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]

You already know the answer to that.

[So Jaskier grants him no more than that. He puts his hands on his hips and inhales deeply. Magic dome or not, the place is rather lovely. The rich smells of forests on the wind. Much less sand. If anywhere has reminded him of their locales on the Path on the Continent, it's here. (If one ignores the looming shadow of the Singularity, which he does. No more monoliths, thanks.)

They head off together, shoulder-by-shoulder. The New Path, one may say. (Ooh. Good new name for a song.)]

The Solvunnites, you mean? [He fills in the blanks of what Geralt doesn't say, taking his own swig of -- ah. Ah! That's nice wine. All at once, with a sorrowful sweep through his heart, he misses his vineyard. No one had ever been less than perfectly enthused to receive a bottle from him.] Yes, well, I realized that Lyfbringr and yours truly share a few traits. Now, take this not for me believing I have anything to do with the divinity, but -- you know, it struck a chord in me, a person of both flora and fauna. I believe we share a vision of sharing nature's beauty.

[Jaskier, of course, is the epitome of nature's offerings.] Wait a moment. Are you mentioning it because you like it? Oooh, Geralt. You should have said so. I would be honored to give you a private performance.

[flame_emperor]

"I've found so, yes." Edelgard extends a hand idly and conjures a small gout of Fire, which she idly plays with, letting the flame dance between her fingers. But she stops, holding it in place and looks up at Stephen, mildly confused. "A...super-hero?" She can't help but chuckle a little. "I'm afraid I'm a bit lost on the meaning, but it sounds like an exciting profession." Or something Caspar would proclaim himself to be, perhaps.

"Would he? I'm not so sure." She replies, dismissing the flame. "Master of the Mystical Arts might appeal, but I doubt he'd want to be considered any sort of hero, let alone a super one. He prefers to slip into the background as much as possible." More suiting to the Empire's spymaster, after all.

[impressionism]

She shrugs noncommittally; if she had her way she'd run straight for Libertas in the Free Cities, but she doesn't want to end up looking an entire fool if she has to run straight back again. She's leapt without a safety net her entire life, but she's also gotten used to things like a good night's sleep, which she's not going to have once she leaves.

That doesn't mean she has a lot of love for them.

"I tend not to want to hang around the place that threw me in jail first thing, no. Where do you normally call home?"

[flame_emperor]

"The idea was so novel I felt compelled to see if it could live up." Edelgard admits. "But even if the taste hadn't been so...that, I feel the presentation is somewhat lacking." It takes all the pleasure of a fine, full-course meals and just...throws them all away in favour of brutal efficiency's sake.

She looks for a place to dispose of the still-mostly full can. "No, I believe that's one innovation I think my homeland can do without trying to replicate." She carries on. "And good day to you, Thancred. Enjoying yourself?"

It feels a little daunting to be thrown so suddenly into this peace summit while still trying to find her feet in Thorne. A bit like coming in many chapters late to a story and having little to no context for events, but Edelgard has always been a quick learner.

[flame_emperor]

"Again, it's no trouble." Edelgard replies, but she cocks her head to one side. "The Singularity? No, not yet. I understand we need someone who has already been there to shepherd us for our first time, and there is someone else here I would make my first trip with. So far we've been unable to find someone to take us." But she also hadn't been looking very hard, since getting the lay of the land in Thorne was of a more pressing concern first.

"Have you?" She asks in return.

[techmaturgy]

[For a second, he thinks he's tripped her, and even though he intended this, he can't help but wince a little when she goes down. That doesn't last more than an instant, however, because she's turning the stumble into a graceful tuck-and-roll that has her not missing a beat. He's impressed, and possibly a little surprised.

Still, he will not be deterred. Viktor gives an exaggerated shrug that she can (hopefully) see from halfway around her loop.]

I slipped.

[How can she possibly blame him for this!??!? He isn't actually going to throw rocks at her, so he seems to concede, leaning back a little on the hay bale, apparently waiting for Samus to tire herself out.]

[techmaturgy]

Conservation of mass.

[He says, like she should know what he's talking about. Really, he's in too much disbelief to put it in layman's terms. Viktor knows that magic doesn't need to function under the laws of physics, but even the plants that he ran through the Hexcore couldn't survive that amount of accelerated growth. It stood to reason that some parameters still apply.

This--if what she's saying is correct--is unprecedented.]

You're saying that you just...make these things. Out of what? Energy? Thin air?

[hegemonwings]

Good to know, then. Thank you. [ it's something to go on if she wants to try to narrow that down further on her own time later, at least. the sharpness of that look doesn't surprise her, either—she's all too used to being on the receiving end of much, much worse from those opposed to her chosen path. someone having an unpleasant association is nothing. ] And... no, she isn't. Nor is her High General, really.

[ byleth gestures to herself, before shrugging. ]

But Her Majesty and I are making the best of it. There isn't much else any of us can do, after all. She's somewhere around... we split up in the Free Cities section not long ago.

[flame_emperor]

"Yes, I will. But first..." Edelgard crosses the tent to where she had claimed her sleeping area and quickly rummages through her things. "Ah, here." With a clinking sound, she removes a bottle and two cups, a purchase made earlier in the day. "Shall you join me in a nightcap?" She offers. It won't be that unusual to see them discussing the day's events over a bottle of Solvunn wine if anyone were to come in.

She sits down across from Byleth and begins pouring them one glass each. "Let me think...there was one gentleman who seems like he might be promising." She begins. "From Thorne, like us. We've bumped into each other a few times now and he seems a quick-witted, sensible fellow. Thancred, do you know him? I think he was part of our summoning group." She raises her glass to Byleth. "I believe he shares some of our reservations about our hosts. To your health, General Eisner."

[cointosser]

[As Jaskier rushes towards his Masters in Alucardiness, this is definitely becoming an opportunity for Hats on the Dhamphir. Being: the only dhamphir Jaskier knows, and the only Alucard.

Experiments much be made.]

I'll be sure we skip the ugly hats, then.

[No, Jaskier is not accepting criticism on his own choice of flashy hats, thank you. He throws his arms up.] It was very good! You know the last person to cook for me because I was feeling unwell? I wish you'd tell me, because I can't think of a single person.

[He is not counting Geralt grilling another dead squirrel over a fire, all right.] Okay, a few people. Like. Three fingers' worth. Believe me, Alucard, the whole house would welcome anything you'd make. And I believe we can plan a menuuuu... while trying out hats?

[fourarmedandangerous]

"Our kombat is unfinished." Goro replies as though that answers everything, mostly because for him, it does. There can be no other considerations until that has been resolved. Though he notes she ignores his question about her dragon-like companion. Now that he comes to it, he didn't see the fellow at all during his time in the Primary Settlement either. That in and of itself isn't unusual since Solvunn covers a great deal of territory and he might have simply been elsewhere, but Himeka's silence has him curious.

"I do not subscribe to the notion that simply because we were all Summoned that makes us all any sort of...community." He replies dismissively, watching Himeka take her seat. "Or that we owe anything to each other. Why would it?"

[cointosser]

[It is with a great sweep of his hat across the air in front of him, meeting his heart as he bows, that Jaskier thanks his audience, the clapping polite but all the more appreciative because of it. It was not complete jest that Jaskier wrote of Lyfbringr; the more he muddles over the god's image, the more he finds them a rather attractive prospect in deity. If one must choose.

Sort of like Melitele. Also, benefit: both have lovely breasts.

After a day of his performances, Jaskier feels he has more than earned a bit of respite. He steps off the stage with his lute against his back to pluck up a goblet of wine he's kept nearby, flicking a bit of grass off the top before he drinks.

He pauses in the midst of a swallow, lowering it as a tall man lingers after most of the Solvunnites have turned back to the shrine or to converse with each other, giving Lyfbringr a second glance. After a moment, he approaches with a smile gracing his face. (Oh. He's adorable, isn't he?)] I feel I've seen you before. Were you around listening earlier, this morning? Am I to hope I've made a new fan?

[One would have a hard time forgetting that unique shade of hair. Like a lilac.]

[fourarmedandangerous]

"I'm well aware." Goro replies, gesturing dismissively with a lower arm. "Appealing to his civic pride will be the better course, I think. I don't intend to raise the need for weapons until I have ample reason to."

"Ambition is necessary for what I aim towards. The Singularity is too valuable a prize to be left to squabbling humans to fight over. It is a power unmatched by any of the Realms. Of Armageddon itself. There can be no peace while that power remains unclaimed." He nods at Fandaniel. "Agreed. They claim high-minded ideals, but truly they all want war. But they all lack the will to take the first necessary step."

After a moment, he steps closer. "We spoke of war at the Cadens Base." Enough for Goro to believe Fandaniel has at least some understanding of its tides and flow. "I wonder...how might you go about convincing the Free Cities to take that first step? Call a thought experiment." He offers, but he's watching Fandaniel very closely, very...intently.

[cointosser]

New. [He gives a huff of a laugh, shimming his shoulders as he sinks lower into the water. There's always been something so quaint about the phrase, though Viktor is hardly the first to use it with him.] Acclimating to being magically spirited away to another sphere? Ah, we're all still acclimating, my good man. You're in suitable company.

[Take it from him: a dude who's been here nearing a year. It's great.]

To be fair, it's a lovely heated pool.

[Also ask a man who's spent far too many days bathing in ponds. He stretches, perhaps giving Viktor a bit more to look at if he's going to go around scrutinizing sexy bards in baths. Look at all these muscles. The hair. The... the necklaces he's getting wet now, he really should have taken those off. Do bone rings go back in water? Are bones wet? Bones are usually wet.]

It's good to hear at least one of the newest recruits is, in fact, very disinterested in being recruited. [He smiles. He wonders how long that will last -- or for how many.] Tell me, as someone acclimating: what else do you think of it all? I'm sure you've been waxed to about the Singularity already. Or perhaps you're one of those who isn't quite surprised to find themselves on a new world?

Solvunn

[impressionism]

A loud snort of laughter comes from somewhere behind him. Someone of his size is hard to miss even though Hennessy had been sort of actively avoiding running into either one of her roommates whilst roaming around exploring the other factions, and when she spots the flowers -- well. It would take a stronger woman than her to resist needling him a little.

"Cons: disgustingly rural. Pros? Someone has an amazing sense of humor, if not style."

It would be almost worth picking up the entire Thornean operation and moving it over here temporarily just to watch Spaceman over here adapt to the sheer pastoral horror of it all.

[cointosser]

[Sick! This is one of his real purchases so far. Thank you, lovely Summoned. Jaskier gives her a grand smile and produces two roses, carefully devoid of their thorns, and ties them together with a bit of ribbon. Perhaps they're for herself, or for a special someone? Ah. He hopes so. No florist could wish for a greater use than that of love.]

I wouldn't call it local magic, to be fair. It's very much mine. [In fact, he's only found himself with something similar -- himself, and the man Rinwell once traveled with she's mentioned a few times.] You're already familiar with magic, then? Are you a mage?

[cointosser]

[Worry not; "wow" is about the best reaction Jaskier could ask for. A good wow, even! He certainly can't get a sarcastic wow out of Geralt. Still, wow doesn't pay the bills, though certainly he may be remembered for his, er, potent herbs --

Oh. Wait?

Jaskier turns with a flourish.]

A princess? My lad, of course! Whether she be a real princess, or merely awaiting a crown in your heart, I believe I have blossoms that could woo the steadiest of royals. Tell me about her. Perhaps I can suggest a bloom or two?

[cointosser]

[The Lonely Mountain King's performance would only be awkward for Anakin; Jaskier has absolutely no reservations on telling others their family members are needlessly attractive, to everyone's great detriment.

It's also why, in his youth, many men wanted to cut various parts of him off. Or generally just beat him a bit.

That's why one keeps a Witcher around!

Though Jaskier is alone now, with his hair still bearing its white coloring from his failed attempt at catching a random, unspecified animal. He still has yet to learn its name, but he would love to learn. It was adorable. And could prove rather useful for cosmetics, should one desire to change the color of their hair.

With Jaskier in high spirits during the summit, he decides to take the addition of one of his audience members as mere suggestion instead of criticism. It's always temperamental what his reaction can be: whether he can accept they are two men commiserating over hating sand or that he can remind his audience they're free to write their own music if they should so wish.

He goes with the former.]

Ah. While technically true, I decided I did not desire the implication that love, too, can be so forcefully eroded away. Some things must stand strong, even under the constant beating of sand. [He twangs a note on the lute.] If one is to extend the metaphor.

[cointosser]

[Don't think Jaskier missed you scoping out the goods, Amos. Even if he hesitates a moment, having forgotten his face.

No insult to him. It was quite a while since Jaskier met him in the Horizon, and the person he was then was far different than the person he was now. Separated by, oh, nearly two years, some trauma, and two different circumstances in which he had lost Geralt.

He smiles that easy smile for his audience, however, picking at the words.] Better as opposed to?

[He hopes no one's about to poke at him for how he'd been for the last, er, month. Hold on a moment. Wait, yes! That solid, formidable form! The handsomely chiseled face!]

Oh, as opposed to losing my mind, you mean? Gods, I'd hope so. [His smile turns brighter with recognition.] Fancy meeting you at last here, of all places! [Wait.] Am I, er --

[He tilts his head. Oh. Right. The song.] It's not meant to be about me, my friend. Or anyone in particular. It's more about expressing a universal feeling. A universal truth.

[londonbound]

[ Rhy laughs again, and winks. He cocks his head as if thinking, then declares: ]

Luckily, I have never met a bar fight I couldn't win. Or summarily flee from. Whichever happens first.

[ Usually, this is because someone else gets him out of trouble, but that's neither here nor there. ]

[londonbound]

I do that. [ Rhy answers smoothly, as if he isn't even flattered, as if this is just how things are. The twitch of his lips when he smirks gives him away, though. The way he clings to Jaskier's arm.

Rhy sidles in against him, skin heated and breath smelling of booze, draped over the bard's arm like a pretty trinket and more than eager to let himself be led wherever Jaskier has in mind. ]

My thoughts on magic? You'll have to be more specific, my friend.

[speak_n_spell]

[Well that sharp response earns a blink and a bemused frown, for sure!]

...whatever you normally say when someone apologizes to you, I suppose? [NOW the sass creeps in] Does it happen all that infrequently?

[speak_n_spell]

I think we'd ruin their fun, and that would almost be worse! [Lasting peace seems a little unlikely based on her (admittedly limited) understanding of the politics at play, but the crowd's enjoyment of the event is very real, and worth preserving.]

Oh no, go right ahead! It's all about cultural exchange, after all. [It hardly matters which faction he's in, they're almost certain to be from very different backgrounds originally! Sypha tips her little waxed paper bag towards her new friend.] My name's Sypha. Cheese curd?

[baltimores]

[ Amos gets up when Sam not-jogs over to him. He accepts Sam's hand when he offers it — a handshake, finally, a real one — and find himself blinking in surprise at the space over Sam's shoulder at the sudden hug. It takes him a second to figure out to return it, and then they've pulled back from each other, able to look each other in the eye for the first time for real.

It's different. It's not really, because Wings looks exactly the same as he always does. Maybe a little more tired, but that kinda comes with a physical body, doesn't it. That and how he's pretty sure Sam has met with literally every person here (hey, as long as they can both admit it). But for the first time, Amos can take everything in around Sam the way he's supposed to. The cooling temperature on his skin as night falls, the smoky smell from cooking and campfires, the taste of mead still on his tongue — all the shit he's gotta actively concentrate on feeling while hanging out in the Horizon with Sam, and it's just here. With him.

Goddamn, is he fuckin' happy, he realizes.

And so is Wings. Alright. It's been a long time coming.

In response to Sam's question, Amos glances down at the last of his mead. It's really barely anything at this point; he picks it up and tosses it back, gesturing for Sam to come with him as he goes to bus the mug. ]

Sure. Drinks here're good. [ He frowns at how it's all just shut down for the night. ] Shit, I known I was gonna catch you, I would've gotten two fresh ones for us before they closed.

[ Guess the scene can't actually be perfect, huh. Amos shrugs as he returns the mug, turns back to Sam proper. ]

Actually, been spending most of my time out in the Free Cities section. [ Where you live. They both know it, even if that's not Amos' motivation for spending so much time there. ] Sure, they're several hundred years behind, but honestly? Kind of a relief seeing somewhere in this world's starting to figure it out.

no worries!!

[baltimores]

[ Hey, no worries, kid; Amos is just as lost as to why they won't take his suggestions as you. Sometimes you just really gotta drill it into people... and this probably isn't exactly the best environment to bully them into accepting everything you know, huh.

Not that Amos really gets why, but he'll gladly exchange that losing battle for the hyperactive kid who at least speaks his language. For as muted as his expression is, the smallest of smiles does eventually find its way on Amos' face when Peter introduces himself. ]

Hey.

[ Man of not-nearly-as-many-words, but that's just more his natural demeanour than an indictment on Peter. Seriously, he doesn't mind the chattiness. At least he's excited about something Amos actually knows about.

Maybe a couple of somethings. He knows a couple of people from around the same year as Peter; probably safe to assume he knew them before, too. Like the people summoning here really clustered around that particular timeframe for some reason. Maybe it's that superhero stuff Wanda was telling him about before— huh.

It's not important. ]

Only ever really been to New York as a kind of pitstop. I'm from Baltimore.

[ So, yeah — it is an anchor point. Centuries apart, but there's a shorthand there. Possibly in what people understand Amos being from Baltimore actually means, because he didn't get a lot of that back home once he left his birthplace.

He huffs something of a laugh. ]

Being to space once is more than most everyone else here. [ Not that it's the fault of anyone else here, but also — seriously? Can more people just get on his level. ] Hey, ask me whatever. Kinda nice to talk to someone again who might get it.