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

[exoterminator]

You don't need my permission for that.

[ Inconsiderate is she that perhaps the transformation might be horrific to bear witness to or embarrassing for him to bear being witnessed, but that's not important to her. She takes a step back but her posture indicates she'd be willing to spring into action to catch the little deviant creature the moment it, hopefully, falls out of the air. ]

Do as you must.

[cointosser]

Oh, stop! You'll have me blushing before long.

[Oh, no. His reputation is spreading already, isn't it? All right, so he isn't secretive about it, but he once made a promise to Geralt that he wouldn't need hire him for another bout of bodyguarding from angry cuckolds.

Well. He's pretty sure he made that promise. At some point.

Never one to be topped by such expressions, he raises their hands together and gives the back of hers a kiss.] Have a lovely peace summit, Nadine.

[yeshou]

[Wen Kexing does follow after Hendrik, taking the invitation with keen interest. He enjoys the Thornean displays he's seen so far, but none of them have quite shown him what he wants to see, and Wen Kexing is always on the lookout for something new that might potentially help him.]

Of course. I won't ask you to do anything excessive. I am just curious.

[Eager, really, but he's trying to behave. He clicks his tongue a little at the mention of the Free Cities though.]

Ah, they love their machines. All of their inventions and innovations make my head hurt. There are secrets to be learned and they take great skill, yes, but how many are masters? Most of them are just there to make what they are told to make.

[Is it better than Thorne's mage magic? No, probably not. But he doesn't necessarily think that goes the other way either.]

Those magic masters, they seem to study more mystical things. But I want to learn more than tricks with lights and illusions.

[exoterminator]

I'll take your word for it.

[ She finds the idea of a gunblade ridiculous enough to be interesting, and wouldn't admit openly that building this weapon—crude as it was— with her hands was a welcome reprieve to just... walking around here looking at things no more technologically advanced than this. If he has access to any weapon more refined she thinks she's getting desperate enough to entertain the idea. ]

A proper demonstration. [ She repeats dryly. Was that interest in a mutual love of weird weaponry or her...? The dry tone continues, coolly, as if she was only mildly interested in his proposal. ]

Where exactly is this Horizon? [ She has a rudimentary understanding that the Horizon is something for the Summoned but little more. Was it some secret tavern no one wanted to openly discuss? Maybe the whole thing was fake, some New Summoner hazing ritual and he was just using it as an excuse. ]

[yeshou]

I would like to try it!

[It's very important that he become familiar with the best alcohol this world has to offer in all the kingdoms. And the sooner he can do that, the better. Wen Kexing grins, glad that his new friend shares his appreciation for good food and drink. Being able to enjoy meals is one of life's greatest gifts. He wants to enjoy that to its fullest!]

Then we need to try the best of them here. Let's get as much as we can and compare them! If you like, I'll buy you dinner for your advice. I have been in need of a good guide.

Free Cities

[unnecessaryflourishes]

For all that Emet-Selch spends no small amount of time lingering over the guns - more out of curiosity than a desire to recreate them - the other technology being offered as if it were some marvel is none the less of distinct interest. As, for that matter, are the people who might also be interested in the various levels of technology on display. After all, he can hardly be the only one to have some familiarity with the concept, and even in the cases that any passers-by are not as familiar with it as he is, there is no reason to not indulge his curiosity.

(After all, what better way to learn of the worlds not his own that have come to be represented here?)

As such, he doesn't even so much as bat an eye at the wonder he can hear in her voice - if it should be something she is unfamiliar with, then he is more than glad to speak more of it, despite not being one of those summoned to the Free Cities.

"There is quite a considerable amount of power to be found in steam. Should one know how to harness it."

[techmaturgy]

If you had broken it, is what I meant. Since you seemed concerned.

[But she didn't, so the line of conversation is moot. Really, now he's just wondering how long she needs to run off whatever nightmare she had. Ah, well. He supposes he shouldn't begrudge anyone their coping mechanisms.]

Careful, or I'll do it again.

[exoterminator]

...Actually, no. Not yet.

[ His conclusions are so swift but reasonable she's admonished she didn't think of this sooner herself, being familiar with a wide range of flora and fauna, though admittedly specializing more to the point of how to catch andor kill them. The last creature she found herself in the immediate maternal care of sort of... took care of itself immediately after hatching. At least in so far as food was concerned. Perhaps she was over-worrying what should come naturally.

Samus seems satisfied, voice pitching up in mild excitement (as much as her stony face will permit) and eager to test out his theory. Better than spending so much coin on food. ]

I bet there's a lot of flies in the goat paddock.

[ She moves to leave the vendor's stand and motions for him to follow with a side nod of her head, as if she'd suddenly gained two pets.

More pragmatically, it's because he was still holding the little Byat Khuu. ]

[exoterminator]

Now you're looking for an excuse.

[ She says on the next pass but her dismissive tone also suggests she's content to not needle him further about it. Given what little she knows of him he is, indeed, more than capable of building a better crutch but it also seemed like the least of his priorities right now. She's almost certain whatever he's working on right now, in fact, was nothing remotely close to a better crutch.

By now her muscles start to edge on that familiar burn, enough she thinks if she got some water she could keep going for another excruciatingly long set of laps, but the idea was to push herself to exhaustion. Instead she convinces herself to slow down on the next pass and jog to a stop in front of him, curiosity needling her. She hopes, in a way, it could serve as another and possibly better distraction... maybe for him, too. ]

What are you actually working on?

sry this is probably not going how you wanted it to byleth

[cointosser]

[Oh. No. No.

She picked the very wrong person to casually cast a flame in front of. He doesn't hear what she says beyond In passing. He doesn't have to. There's fire and to harm. Jaskier's heart jumps into his throat as he stumbles back with a yelp, dropping the roses before he can hand them to her. He feels the prickle in his fingers, his palm. The memory of skin burning. The memory of a fire mage torturing him; a memory he thought he had buried under weeks of drinking and forcing his presence among others. One he buried in song and pretending he was all right.

Fire is a forbidden source.

It consumes those who use it.]

I -- [Forget the coin. Forget -- fuck. Everything. He can't be here. He cannot break down in front of a fucking stranger.] I'm sorry, I have to -- to go.

[He nearly trips on his coat in his haste to put several more feet between them, leaving the roses behind, clutching his other flowers to his chest.]

[cointosser]

[Could it be? Has he really forgotten the heartfire-warmth of pure, unadultered praise? It's, of course, all the better coming from such a lovely face, even if he is -- wow, he is very tall. It could be double-edged, the precipice before some sort of unrequested criticism; for now, he takes the words as they are.]

My, it sounds like such a curse.

[Sarcasm marks his tone as he grins; having his songs accompany anyone is a blessing, thank you, and by the gods, how sweet it feels to have it be recognized.]

No, please, I do love to hear it. If I don't know how my music is enjoyed, I have no way to improve upon it. [He holds out a hand: upon it grows a violet, the same color as the tall man's hair, as an offering.] Jaskier, as you well know. Lovely to meet you.

Boothes: Thorne

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[Of all the things Emet-Selch has seen - and been passingly dismissive of - in the section Thorne has claimed for themselves the so-called "Pondering Orb" is the one that has him the least impressed. At least the grand displays of magic could be said to have a purpose, something he cannot say of this.]

I might ask myself the same thing. Certainly, it is not anything I have any interest in trying my hand at.

[If he wished to make something glow, he can think of far more useful things to make glow than a simple orb. And even then, he would hardly make a spectacle of it, the way Thorne seems to have.]

[cointosser]

[Gods. If he had a sign of a deity he could make, he'd be making it at Amos right now. Instead, he only gives a little breath and a raise of his brows; he needn't insult him over it.] I cannot imagine.

[To put it lightly. Music had been such a large part of his life that he can barely recall not having it, not studying it, not performing it. Of course hnne had other arts he invested in, but nothing had struck him quite as music had.

Which is why he's so happy to talk about it.]

Why yes, of course! Stories, life histories... I was even paid once to recount an entire relationship at a bonding ceremony. It was a bit funny, they met in a swamp --

[Er, perhaps he shouldn't recount that tale again. The ceremony was very private.] It's what bards do. All of Geralt's exploits had to be told by someone, after all, or he'd never get any work.

[cointosser]

[It's a bit easier to assume the boy has some suspicions towards magic rather than he's expecting to be attacked by them (though, to be fair, there were those thorny vines that had once held a man down while Ciri slit his -- anyway. He hadn't meant to make them.)

And yes, even the faint sound of coins makes any freelancer's ears perk up. He doesn't relinquish the bouquet yet, but.

Oh. A curious request.]

Actually, I believe I could. I've recreated one from an image painted in a book. [His eyes sparkle. A very special someone.] You have one in mind? Something special? Now, I won't make anything dangerous or poisonous, so you mustn't even ask.

[Not that Link has a very poisoner-look about him, but... he's had his experience with desperate elves.]

[londonbound]

[ Rhy can tell; he's good with people. Normally, he respects their boundaries too. It's not the former that drink impairs, but the latter. He's looking for company, and though he's not going to be outright pushy, he's not easily deterred, either. ]

I'm not normally that bad! It was a stupid fluke. [ he defends himself, scoffing. It's the dart's fault, somehow. He takes up another one from a nearby tray, waiting for the space to clear, and then throwing it at the board in a high arc. It lands with a thud, near the upper outer edge. Better than missing, at least. ]

How about first one who hits the bullseye wins this informal little game, and the other buys drinks?

[londonbound]

[ His heart is pounding, the tension pulling at his shoulders, urging him to shove away or strike out. But Jaskier doesn't deserve his anger or frustration. It isn't his fault.

Rhy takes a long breath, letting it out shakily and focusing on Jaskier's hand, the gentle pressure of it on his arm. It has been getting more and more difficult to control his temper lately-- or any of his moods. It's like they try to take up more and more space the bigger the emptiness inside him feels. As if frustration and self-loathing will ever be able to take up the same space.

His arm squeezes around Jaskier's again. Rhy realizes they've stopped outside the lounge, the cool night air tugging at his coat. His head dips, and he presses his forehead to Jaskier's shoulder with a sigh. ]

You did nothing wrong. I've had too much to drink.

[sorser]

Say it isn't so.

[Okay, he'll leash the sarcasm from here, stepping forward and crouching down. He won't pretend to understand the working mechanisms from within, nor even have a good line of sight from where he's angled, but he is curious.]

So what does that make you, exactly? A mechanic?

[sorser]

[The mandala continues to hover, though occasionally its many layers unfold themselves, then flatten again into a disc — nothing more than idle movement perpetuated by Stephen for someone who’s more than a little curious.]

There are subtleties to each school of magic. [Of course. And even within those schools, different techniques and approaches depending upon the subcategories within. He cannot make a sweeping statement that applies to all — but he has a feeling this man knows that inherently.] But otherwise? Yes. The Singularity itself allows us the innate skill to manipulate the energy in our environment just enough to produce magic. A tool for any given problem.

[It feels like a much more empirical way to talk about it, but in Stephen’s experience? Most spells can and should be approached with some semblance of practicality.]

Are you asking everyone about the nature of magic because you’re looking to cast a few spells yourself?

[vixening]

[ she sees the other startle, sees the magic disappear, and yennefer gives her something of a curious look. sees the way she wraps her arms around her middle. defensive, uncertain.

yennefer does not make another move from where she's settled, still a few feet away. ]

No, or at least- I don't believe so. You're not in Thorne. [ though yennefer is hardly one to talk - it's not as though she's been out and about lately herself. still, it's a gut feeling and yennefer goes with it all the same. still, yennefer can't pull herself away from the way this woman is holding herself. the startle, the uncertain look, regarding her magic. ]

Are you in the Cities?

[sorser]

[Stephen actually does a double-take, initially looking askance when he hears a voice he recognizes, only to be met with a face he does not. He looks past the man, as though he may see a taller figure beyond, but no such thing — his expectations are tempered when he notes, again, the stranger and the color of his eyes.

The connection is made a few seconds later, only making sense through his own experience with the Horizon, how malleable a man can make his appearance. But this a substantially different change, so much that his tone is still testing when he speaks.]

Considering your own show of sorcery prior— [He fishes for verification.] —I can see why you’d think this is a little patronizing.

[gynvael]

[ If he catches the strain in Gideon's answer, that spot hesitation, Geralt does not remark on it. He remembers Gideon speaking of her friend, a bit, but he's never met her. ]

Every place hides its bodies. [ He's certain Solvunn is no different. He doesn't mean any deep, dark secrets. Just—people are who they are. Even those who insist on kindness to their neighbours. Perhaps especially those. ] You were in a small village as this?

[ He's retreated to his own reclusive home. Hidden away in the mountains. But that's different. They don't live there exclusively. They venture out through the world most of the year. He's never known what it's like to be in a little commune, never setting foot outside it your entire life. It feels stifling, the thought, even though he knows it's common for most who grow up in small towns and villages. ]

[gynvael]

[ He takes the daisies when they're given. Lines up the stems so they're even, an idle gesture. What, the shrine? He's only heard roughly of what it is, which is why he's come to examine it for himself. ]

Fertility, harvest. Not uncommon for spring.

[ He's more curious if it's got ties to any of the cautionary tales heard out of Solvunn as of late. Sometimes gods are just gods—figures to worship. Sometimes they are more. Sometimes they lurk in the woods, an entity, and they take the sacrifices offered. Sometimes he leaves it be, because the villagers simply do not want to see the truth, that their god is only a hungry monster taking advantage, and he knows if he removes it, they will only find another to begin anew. Some things about humans are not for him to solve.

His fingers curl lightly around the flowers. She's presumptuous, isn't she? But he's used to that, too. ]

Am I? [ She will find his hair is as tangled as it looks. He doesn't own a brush. ] I don't believe your flowers know shit, either. But if you do, what does it matter?

[ He believes none of it, it's true. He spent a good portion of his childhood at a temple nonetheless. One of the few close people in his life is a devout woman. What she taught him is still important. It makes no difference if the lessons came from a higher power or where; the purpose they serve is the same. ]

[vixening]

[ that comment gets a bit of a snort out of her, if only because yes, that sounds exactly like politics. and that sounds like politics from someone who has done his fair share in it. yennefer has put in her time, had believed herself through with it, and yet here she stands once again.

still, the way his expression lights up with mention of her name has her brow arching. just for a moment. and then she matches the smirk he gives her - it is always nice to be flattered, almost more now than before. infatuated is an interesting way of putting it, though yennefer can't find she really cares. she takes the compliment like a woman used to receiving them, the smirk warm but still sharp.

there's much she could say about survival. about what is required for beautiful things to remain. but she lets his words linger instead, the vague sense of approval at his words until his attention turns to the festivities. ]

Because things have become quite tense as of late between the factions. Some- [ there is a sense here she is not talking about thorne. ] -have thought it necessary to interfere with things they have not before cared about, less than peacefully. What better way to calm those who believe war is on the horizon than a summit?

[ can you hear her roll her eyes, anakin? ]

[aquaveiled]

[ Only a week? Himeka tilts her head. ]

Nott is...in Thorne, isn't it? You were able to leave?

[ Mayhaps things have changed more than Himeka has given the Kingdom credit for. She's still wary of the powers that be, even if she isn't all that concerned about the other Summoned or everyday citizens.

To Nadine's question, she nods. ]

The gods are woven into all aspects of life. They provide and they protect, supposedly against any threat.

[ Even war from their neighbors, or so they are led to believe. Such protection rarely is given for free, though. ]

[vixening]

Yennefer turns at the mention of her name, her expression pleasant and polite. She's had a few locals approach her here at the summit, which is the biggest reason for her nondescript reaction. But at the sight of the other woman, the pin on her chest, she puts the pieces together quickly enough to note her as another new summoned. Another new Summoned who she has failed to note.

"I am she, yes." When the woman speaks, Yennefer finds herself appreciating the direct tone she carries with her. She turns the rest of the way to face Edelgard fully. "Of course. Let us take a walk."