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

[shadowthief]

She might have given a laugh at the startled way he reacts to her, the way he always seems to react to her, but there's not even a chance for that before he's swept her promptly off her feet. She lets out a surprised sound at the action and then throws her head back in a laugh like bottled sunshine and squeezes him back, her legs curled up against herself to make herself as small as possible for him to spin with.

"Your accent is terrible," she says, but her eyes are just the faintest little bit misty. He really had been listening to her that day. She lingers closer to him in that moment, a comfort of home here with her far more important than not touching him right now. "I can't believe this happened, right after I found you." she huffs a soft laugh and shakes her head at the thought.

[cryptsleeper]

[He nods once. It's worth saying, even if he knows Sypha won't share this. Part of Alucard is still terrible paranoid and scared about the matter and--

--fuck. His brain is going to start rattling around at this point. There's a soft huff, and Alucard's gaze moves back in the direction of his cactus.]

If you don't mind, I'd prefer to call it a night.

[cryptsleeper]

[If he keeps his mind and hands occupied at all times then he cannot fall into the worst of depression. At least, that is what has proven most effective at the moment and Alucard fully intends to keep at it.]

The spellwork is remarkably complex - I'm still working to understand the whole of it so nothing is damaged when elements need to be replaced entirely.

[There are floorboards that have to go, old elements that might need to have reconstructed pieces put in place, there's so much.]

I was approached by a small group of individuals who were able to offer some coin but I'm still working on the full budget. [It'll be a lot. He knows that much. And...he sees where Jaskier's going. He nods once in quiet approval.]

So long as I'm not centered or even mentioned at the event, I am hardly going to complain. I can put you in touch with those who initially approached me, that way you have more people to organize with. Would that work?

[a_better_man]

There's been nothing like that since I've been here. They seemed very welcoming of us all...

[Mat's tone is puzzled, but it's clear he's not disbelieving anything he's heard, he's just trying to put everything together in the right way. What changed? What's different now, if they once were locking people up with no explanation?

That's one constant, at least. A lack of any meaty explanations.]

They've left me alone, at least, and my roommate. Oh fuck me, I've never liked politics.

[nadine_he_loves]

Yeah we are. But at least if you aren't in Castle Thorne, there are ways to keep yourself as distanced as possible.

[But it's impossible to escape. Even in Nott, arguably the most isolated and unaffected city out of the main three kingdoms, wasn't free from it entirely. They have no way to blend in with the locals or conceal what they are, not fully. And Nadine knows they're watched a great deal more than it seems. They have to be.]

Yeah, the first of us were all brought in through Thorne. By Thorne. But they imprisoned half of us with no reasonable explanation beyond 'some people might be a threat', so a lot of us left. But I talked to some of them before they went through the portals, and some I caught up with later through the Horizon.

ahh hello!!!

[piqure]

[ there's telltale pinpricks across the skin, the few quick and short moments before steve comes into peter's periphery. they settle somewhere at the base of his neck and pull peter's attention to his right in tandem to steve's step.

he'd seen him before, at sam's little horizon get-together, in a room filled names and histories and reunions, but with the anticipation of seeing tony stark, he's missed a good opportunity to catch up with some of the rest. Maybe it was a little bitter sweet, when the last time you'd seen someone - before he'd disappeared himself - was at the funeral of a loss that ached too much.

but in this place of in-betweens, it seemed like lots of bets are off. he can't help but wonder what steve remembers. ]

Mister Rogers! [ but, there's a small smile, a sheepish twist and shrug, last dart twirled between fingers.] Yeah, yeah that's right! And you're Brooklyn.

[ a shift of weight, from one heel to the other, dartboard considered. ] Ah — Do you - want to play a round?

[funbreaker]

True, I can't imagine any of us so newly arrived would feel particularly aligned to one faction or another.

[ It could be that's partly why this summit is taking place. While Thancred doubts that it's all about them, the possibility of convincing someone to switch sides may have played a part in the planning of it. Given that it would be natural to feel some disdain toward the faction responsible for bringing them here, the others might assume they could coax them into moving.

But Thancred's already learned that all of them are guilty of these summoning practices. They'll need to use some other means to determine where they ultimately want to end up. ]

What do you think of it so far? The Free Cities.

[ The booths can tell him one story, but the impression of someone as new to all this as him might be more valuable. ]

[nadine_he_loves]

I'd like that very much. And I'm sure you'll still have plenty of fun for the rest of the festival. Just save some energy for when we get home.

[Nadine may not be interested in semi-public friskiness, but she's sure Jaskier has plenty of 'friends' that are. She can't imagine his metaphorical bed will be empty. For those that don't mind the difficulty in proper privacy, this is probably a great opportunity for a little fun.

She reaches over to give his hand a friendly little squeeze.]

As for me, I think I'm going to hit the lounge for a bite to eat before it gets swarmed. I'll see you around, Jaskier.

[princessvegas]

[ What an interesting change of pace it must be, for people to just think he's a grouchy man with dirty hair and weird eyes, rather than having any preconceived notions. He can be reassured that any cutting remarks Julie may make are based entirely on him as a person, not because he's a Witcher.

She snorts into her hand. She's been drinking since shortly after the speeches too, and she's not entirely how anyone could make it through this event sober (or why they would want to), but it's keeping her in a good mood. ] Oh, is that how it happened? Usually when you gotta help a chick outta its egg, it means it's a weakling.

[ He composed that the day we met, he says, and her brow knits as she tries to remember all the lyrics. Jaskier put several different remixes in the karaoke machine, and the people who live in the club will sing fucking anything, so she's heard it quite a bit. ] All that shit happened the first day you managed to pick up a dumbass with a lute? There was the elves and the goat devil, and a horde... Wait, you're you and no one called you that before him?

[ She shakes her head a little. That's maybe the most unbelievable part. ]

[funbreaker]

[ The moment that Himeka mentions Lunar Bahamut, a fight that feels like it was ages ago for Thancred, his eyes widen to mirror hers as his head jerks back in quiet shock. While it's true that Thancred did miss some of what happened on the Source after he'd been taken to the First, he had also been unconscious at that time. There had been a clear event that marked his "leaving," whereas Himeka has been with him during most of the entire time that she does not recall. ]

— Is it possible that your memories have been tampered with? [ It's the only possibility that makes any sort of sense to him, frustrating as that would be. Or, impossible as sounds to him, could it be that they're on slightly different timelines that have only now merged?

He sighs and shakes his head to himself, staring down at his hands clasped in his lap as he wonders what he should tell her, if anything. It doesn't feel right to keep such vital information from Himeka of all people, but it's also a lot. ]

A great deal has happened since then. Whether it's still in your future, or something you experienced yet were made to forget, I'll leave it up to you whether you want to hear it.

[ Of course, he wants to know what Himeka's been doing on Abraxas for the past eight moons as well, what happened to her in Thorne and how she ended up in Solvunn. Given who she is, he can't imagine her time here has been without incident. ]

[hylife]

[ Well, that earns a sympathetic half-chuckle from Link. He couldn't (and, crucially, wouldn't) have said it better himself. There's one advantage to speaking with others who feel freer to express their thoughts than he does - he can just agree with them.

And feel a little less alone for it. ]

I've never had a head for it either.

[ Which accounts for why it hadn't occurred to Link that Thorne might have since changed their practices, if just for publicity's sake. Seeing so many Summoned here from the kingdom suddenly makes a lot more sense... and not one of them dirty or malnourished, at that.

What changed, indeed?

He'll have to ask Zelda or Himeka what they think. For now, Link can only offer Mat his sincere wishes that he fare well. ]

Take care of yourself over there. Solvunn is a fine place to take refuge, should you ever need it.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier laughs. Oh, that's permission. He knows permission when he hears it. And -- yes, he supposes he was asking for it. He's pressed enough of his help on the dhamphir (for now.)]

Alucard, please. I know you very well. You will be the anonymous beneficiary.

[All right, so he's forcing his help a little bit more. But it will be fun! Yes, these sort of things were made for him. Or, rather, he was crafted quite specifically to host. For host he shall: a charity event, he thinks. A concert.

He has to spread his good name, after all.]

Yes, that will work, I should think. They may have even heard of me already. [His smile glimmers at that.] Here, come, I'll tell you my ideas as we shop. Though... I do hope you'll come to see it.

[meiren]

[ His expression takes a turn for the decidedly wry as Zhou Zishu turns to face him properly again. ] Have I seen enough to have an opinion?

[ Oh, he has several, which might be clear from the huff he gives that's almost a laugh. What Zhou Zishu is less certain about is how much of it is safe to share. It's impossible to miss the tensions here, the fact that they are literally sitting in an attempt to quell them aside. Perhaps it's a bit more paranoid than necessary to be so reticent, but some habits are too well ingrained to be left behind with the position that needed them.

Once a spy, always a spy. ]

Have you been here long?

[hegemonwings]

[ her eyes, near doll-like, stay on yennefer as the woman considers her in turn. really, though, it already seems like it may be a boon to find her like this. whatever carefully selected words or party line she might follow with that public mask are less likely here, especially with that somewhat brusque reception.

but politics aren't her strength—her role in that setting is largely to stand there and appear suitably dangerous while her emperor does her work. so, she's no intention of prying too deeply, knowing she'll likely overplay her hand if she even tries. yennefer isn't turning her away, at least, so there's that.

byleth inclines her head in thanks, stepping over the bench and taking a seat. ]

Questions, and... well, drinking alone is seldom a sign of a good night. [ a touch blunt, isn't she? her expression stays placid as she says it, though she takes a sip of her ale. ] Byleth Eisner. My Emperor and I have been enjoying the Queen's hospitality for some weeks, but our hosts aren't the most forthcoming with real answers.

so sorry for the delay!!

[piqure]

[ the posited question had been, in part, idealistic optimism. peter's not entirely blind to politics, nor the idea of speeches highlighting only the pretty promises of people with too many secrets to ever actually tell them because...well, truth was worth a lot. especially - he'd imagine - to people in the position these leaders were in, considering the glorified kidnappings of so many people from so many different universes, just for a chance to fix their own.

he can't entirely blame the logic, but he doesn't entirely agree.

still, while he asks the question - hopeful indeed still because you can knock the ideals of spider-man down a few notches but you can't quite snuff them out for good - he already knows how it sounds and when the other teenager responds, it only serves to drive that point home, and peter deflates almost immediately. a tired sort of agreement, as though it might actually be a small bit of exhausting to hold on to bright-eyed ideals. ] Yeah — yeah, I figured, honestly.

I mean it sounds nice, right now, because at least no one is threatening anyone? [ small blessings? ] But — last time there was any sort of event, they had a public execution lined up, so...

[ he pauses, hesitates, and sighs. what an introduction he's making.] Sorry — Hi. I'm Peter. Peter Parker.

[hegemonwings]

[ oh the suppression was all over the place, viktor. real bad scene. and it's mostly a formality, but still, good to put the name to the face. she offers a slight smile. ]

No. They've just been evasive to any real questions. Talked up my achievements, but wouldn't elaborate on what those were... I've heard similar from others there. [ she lets out a breath. ] And my Emperor and I are skilled enough mages, but hardly brilliant. I'm not sure what they're expecting.

[cointosser]

It was two. [Jaskier amends, but he's smiling anyway. It's simply how they are. Besides, one finds it hard to be really annoyed when this is the perfect distraction from what awoke him. Solvunn cheese is a testament to the art of cheese, and the bit he eats with dried cranberries in it is delectable with the bite of wine.

A fine wine, even if it's not as good as the ones he made himself in the Horizon. A practice he certainly misses now. Still, he's not sure if he... if he still has the heart for it.

It's true enough he's been avoiding the Horizon now. A place he once viewed as both fun and comfort.

His eyes jump to Geralt with seeable surprise. Both of them know he rarely, if ever, asks. He didn't think to bring his lute right now, but he hardly needs it to perform, either. His nails start tapping against the wood as he finds his rhythm. It never occurs to him, really, to deny Geralt's request.]

Lyfbringr, with crown of thorns,
Spare me a moment, my lord,
The priests have darkened the air with words,
And made sure to me to warn.
But surely you know well this warmth in me,
Did you not craft it yourself?
When you grew me in your garden between bud and bloom,
Rose me straight from the earth?

[piqure]

[ peter nods along, finds his interest entirely peaked.

2350 - that's a long time into the future for him, something so far removed he doubts he'll witness what his own world would like three hundred years down the line. though - that train of thought ends as he leaps to another, a set of what ifs that remind him he'd effectively missed five years in a matter of seconds once before. that time and linearity and relativity make that impossibility into an improbability instead and he isn't sure he's entirely excited by that realization.

at the mention of the city, there's a quirk of recognition, a nod like he knows the name. ] Oh hey, we're like — kind of local, then! Relatively to the rest of the people who got summoned here, I mean. [ and it's an interesting fact to know that america still exists in the 2350s. or baltimore did, at least, and new york. ] And yeah — seeing space once was definitely more times than I thought I'd get to go, for sure. [ the statement is complete, of course, with a somewhat awkward huff of a laugh. but, amos offers an opening for questions, and everything in peter's nature suggests a full-hearted intention in taking it.

though there's a longer, slightly drawn out beat, until he can't stand not to ask: ] Okay — I know this probably is going to sound really predictable but — are there aliens in your universe?

[ look, he has more technical follow up questions, he does, but it's the first thing that comes to mind! ]

[yeshou]

[Wen Kexing chases the creature down with street like a dog fixated on catching a rabbit. He somehow manages to keep himself from pulling over any tables or displays in his rush, but a few of the bystanders browsing have to dodge when he and the animal come tearing through the crowds. He's so determined to just run the little creature down that Wen Kexing follows it right into Zhou Zishu's barrier.

The animal, with nowhere else to go, runs toward the tables and the former Tian Chuang leader, speeding up as it finds itself boxed in. At the last moment, it slides, turning and making a loud noise as it confronts Zhou Zishu, Wen Kexing coming in right behind it. The little monster rattles its quills, sending a plume of strange dust all around it. Wen Kexing trips and stumbles as he jerks away, falling once again in an attempt to grab the animal and instead finding himself collapsing onto Zhou Zishu in the cloud.

The creature darts away again, leaving the two of them to recover alone. Wen Kexing's shouts of outrage come between coughs.]

Little demon! You come back! I'll cook you in a pot, you big rat!

[yeshou]

Beyond the sky. [ He frowns, looking up at the black space dotted with stars. ] You can't live there.

[ But that's the point, isn't it? Wen Kexing looks back at Amos with a bit more confusion and a touch of awe. Whatever ability or technology he has, if he can make something fly so far up he can live in the constellations, that must mean he's some elevated immortal, right? So if Wen Kexing is a bit more wide-eyed as he listens, it might not be just the drink. ]

Maybe they know they can't win. Even with their talents and armies, sometimes being stronger isn't enough.

[ He smiles thinly, taking another drink from the flask before holding it out again. ]

Even those who are dangerous and feared in great numbers can be defeated. Those leaders are probably looking for weaknesses, seeing what ways they can push each other off-balance before they make a move. Maybe they don't know what to do with us either.

Star Senior, how long have you been here?

[meiren]

[ His eyes widen slightly, but Zhou Zishu doesn't have time to do anything but take a step back before there's a cloud of dist covering anything. And then Wen Kexing comes barreling through it and crashes into him and it's all he can do to keep them both upright even as he bends slightly with the force of his coughing.

When he finally manages to straighten again, he glances around quickly to confirm that the creature is gone--and that everyone else nearby is staring at them. It might be understandable, considering the ruckus, but the looks seem more...amused?

He twists towards Wen Kexing himself to make sure they're both in one piece, and immediately finds himself staring as well. Open bafflement flickers across his face as he takes in his sparkling zhiji. ]

...Lao Wen?

[cointosser]

[Once the invitation is accepted, that's more than enough for him. His smile was already genuine, but -- perhaps there is a little elation there, in that despite everything, despite their new memories, there is some buried sense of hope.

At least not only in him. In that she, too, can find herself smiling again. After it all. After the second loss of her magic.

His hand squeezes hers in the shadow of the crook of his arm.]

Thorne's charms? Ah, you may certainly try. I do recall the private baths. Gods, I miss those. [He glances at her though, with a waver in his heart. Perhaps a question: are you really trying to convince me?

Geralt has Ciri. Ciri has Geralt. And despite everything, he has come to find care for Yennefer, too. Who has no one. Especially... especially now.] Is that little prick Ronan still trying to run the supply chain? He was very rude.

[No, he'll never let go being denied pierogi.]

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing lives by talking far too much at all times. To make up for years of silence, being sent around like a dog or tool only to be used, to convince himself of his own humanity and put on the trappings of something more than what he was. It may be an odd performance as a gentleman, but it's a start. He willfully ignores Geralt's show of disinterest, treating it as more invitation to keep going. ]

Ugh, in that crowded place? No, we left right away. I'm not seeking war or unnecessary death. I'm a scholar who values all lives.

[ He smiles, and makes a point to put extra emphasis behind it as well. See how kind and scholarly he is? ]

I wouldn't harm one of those flowers in your hair, master, and I certainly cannot become anyone's soldier.

[yeshou]

[The gesture is surprising enough to shake Wen Kexing out of some of his anger. He looks over at Viktor like he doesn't quite understand the kindness at first, then the tension around his eyes relaxes.]

I'll heal. It's only rocks.

[He moves closer to Viktor, checking to make sure none of the errant pebbles did any damage as they flew back at them, and when he's satisfied, he reaches out to tap Viktor's arm lightly. He holds his hand over the spot for a bit, letting the heat of something channel into his fingertips and through them like a small current. It trickles up with a comforting aura, offering relief.]

I pushed them forward with my inner energy. But that barrier sucked it right out again.

[hegemonwings]

"He didn't say where his friend was. Though he said there was someone we ought to stay clear of in Cadens." Byleth nods at the prompting, sipping at her wine, even as she feels the desire to move closer.

"Of course, Your Majesty." Her lips quirk a little. "Viktor. Speaking of Cadens... he's a Summoned engineer there, opposed to their military policy. Concerned his work may attract attention from the wrong people. They've not asked anything of him yet, but..."

Viktor had made it sound like he saw it as a matter of not if, but when.

"If we can establish ourselves soon, we may be able to offer our backing before the Free Cities' government gets the chance. Mutually beneficial, and it could give us an edge."