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

[meiren]

[ That pulls a wider smile from him, and a flicker of acknowledgment. There's really no reason to be secretive, other than habit, and Zhou Zishu can admit to a certain amount of curiosity about the places in this world he hasn't seen. It's a neat compromise. He can appreciate that sort of thin. ]

Alright. A trade.

[ Of course, it doesn't take into account the fact that good deal of what Zhou Zishu has seen, he doesn't understand and has no context for. But that's not what the trade is. ]

I've only seen the one city. Cadens. It's busy. Wealthy. Very proud of itself.

[cointosser]

Well, my thought always was, if they fucked up the process, it would've been polite to send them back.

[Look, Viktor doesn't know it's personal, only because they decided Geralt was wrong, and he was right. And what had either of them ever done for Thorne? He has a few songs that linger in Thorne, he supposes, but he abandoned the place as quickly as he could.

Jaskier's brows raise.] Oh? [He doesn't exactly throw off mage vibes... more like the greenwitch-a-hut-in-the-middle-of-a-swamp vibes.] What would you need to study that sort of thing? A mage performing the ritual itself, I imaigne?

[cointosser]

[He nods. Er. It's not technically true -- or, rather, that it's completely right he learned it. Not the flowers, at least.

He lets the leftover vines die, turning to ash and then nothing, and instead offers a little flourish of his arm. Trailing the movement, blue illusions shaped like birds flutter and fly from him, before popping into sparks.]

That, really, is what I learned. When I first arrived, there was a magic demonstration. From what the mages told me, magic is sort of... it just imbues to one here, and you can learn to coax and practice it with time. So I watched this demonstration, decided I wanted to do it myself, and the magic came to me. Eventually. It started with one bird, then I crafted it to several.

[He probably mean the plants, though. That...] I've never gotten a straight answer, but I believe the Singularity has the capacity to grant boons itself. Magic, I suppose, of another flavor. Those spells come more naturally, like repeating a song I've heard before rather than crafting a new one.

[wiedzminka]

[ Judging by the beaming look on Ciri's face, she definitely wants to visit. She laughs, amused by the juxtaposition of his serious face and the glimmering mess of his hair. ]

Am I ever! You really know how to spoil a girl.

[standvastig]

[Well, "Sam" is at least a name he has heard in his world, which is more than can be said about some others. Hendrik notes the offered hand as he carefully sizes up the other man, reaching out with a firm handshake in return. He appreciates the straightforwardness, if nothing else; he's always found it difficult to just strike up a conversation.]

Hendrik. Summoned by the mages of Thorne.

[That was the best way to put it; he wasn't about to firmly align himself with a kingdom in a situation he still knew little about.]

Within the last month, I should add. This is the first I have been beyond the castle town's walls.

[standvastig]

[Solvunn? Ah, right, the very faction for which this section has been arranged. Even with the formal speeches and hearing the names of places here and there, they have yet to sink in as actual areas in an actual world. Not seeing anything beyond Castle Thorne as its city hasn't especially helped matters.]

I do not mean to underestimate one of these factions by any means. It is more a matter of...

[He trails off, looking towards the statues in the shrine for a moment and then towards the tent's entrance. For all appearances, it may look like he's trying to decide if they are alone, when what he's looking for is the right word to use.]

...Perception, I suppose is the word. As you have said, the others here present their magic and their military.

[cryptsleeper]

In Cadens, there should be craftspeople capable of the commission. For now, perhaps one of the merchants in Solvunn's section would offer a temporary solution?

[Alucard sounds terribly serious, but that can't be helped. This tiny, tiny creature of chaos does need some restraint/]

But we are in agreement there. I appreciate not sparkling as I was the other day. [The cousin is very rude.]

[hylife]

Really?

[ Link's eyes grow big and hopeful, especially now that he is on guard for sudden plant attacks (no offense to the kind salesman in front of him, but when one comes from a world where bushes and rocks can suddenly start moving and prove themselves monsters... it pays to be cautious about things that pop out of the ground). If Jaskier can recreate a plant from an illustration in a book, then one from the Horizon - which are practically real! - should be no problem at all.

Of course, Princess Zelda could just as easily admire her favorite flower in the Horizon, in that case... but that isn't the point. Jaskier seems to understand that. Link has no reason to doubt the man's expertise in the area of creating special things for special someones. He sure sounds confident enough! ]

No, no poison. It can be cooked into stealth potions, but... [ He shakes his head. Also not the point! ] Princess Zelda was researching this flower before she left Hyrule. I think she might like to continue.

[supersoldier]

[Well, she seems taken with the idea. Sephiroth’s uncertainty regarding playing host in his own domain abates slightly. His lips curl into a faint smile, and he dismisses the pretense of fussing with his glittery hair.]

Based on what I’ve learned so far, it doesn’t take much. [To spoil her, apparently.] Loyal horses, interesting monsters. Am I missing anything else?

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor, for his part, seems to take it all in stride, nodding along as Thancred offers an explanation. Ordinarily, he might dismiss it all as pseudoscience, but from the way it's being described, this astromancy seems to be in line with most other magic systems he's learned about since coming here. A specific force, and a conduit to harness it.

Predicting the future, though, seems a little far-fetched.]

Are you a mage?

[Even if he isn't, Thancred is clearly speaking from a place of experience, which has him curious.]

[techmaturgy]

If they-- [hang on] --fucked up the process in the first place, it follows that they don't know how to reverse it.

[Or they never cared to figure it out. Given their reasons for summoning people from other worlds and planes of existence, it's obvious that all the time and effort was spent learning how to do that, with no thought for a return journey. It's meant to be a one-way trip.

That's not going to stop him from trying to figure out what they couldn't or didn't bother to do, but Viktor has already decided it's not necessarily a priority. Better to slow or halt the progression of his condition, first. Then he'll have the time to puzzle out a way home.]

That would be helpful, yes. [Hell, even watching it from the outside would give him much of the information that he needs. Right now, all he really has to go on are the cards. Despite his general air of exhaustion (and aggravation at being interrupted and made to converse), it seems that talking about this sort of thing animates him. He sits up a little straighter and furrows his eyebrows, clearly engaged in puzzling this out.] But I could do without if there is proper documentation. If they are summoning specific individuals--that is, if they know exactly who they want to bring here before they actually do it--it will be easier, because it means the initial location of the subject is known, and built into the ritual. Do you understand?

[supersoldier]

[He’s willing to provide any details about Masamune she may be curious about. Those are, after all, simple enough to respond to, and ingrained into his memory to boot. But her own fiery curiosity has sparked his own, which means she’ll have to unfortunately suffer through the minor interruption.]

Why are you so interested?

[He has had a few people question his military background, only to nod and accept it. Never has he been met with such fervor, such eagerness to know — as though she seeks to live through his replies vicariously.]

Do you want to fight in a war that badly yourself?

[That was technically two questions, but what is abiding by one’s own rules. He won’t even drink, since he considers the point moot.]

[itookashot]

Start in the city?

[ Jesper pauses, considering. It's not that he's stupid, it really is that once he got to his city, he failed at doing basically everything but being good in a gang. So he's never had to work anywhere else, he went straight to violence. So in his mind, the best way he can make money and be of value here would be to get a gun and join a gang. Value outside of being a competent mercenary? What an odd thought. ]

I've been helping at the inn for a room. Better than living in the gutter.

[ That he definitely had to do after he ran out of money and was kicked out of the academy. As someone who remembers being homeless and starving, Jesper's very aware of what he doesn't want. He takes flowers from a little girl and starts making his own crown. He is not as skilled, but not that bad at it either. ]

Is that what you did at the start?

[itookashot]

Right, the Singularity. Very dramatic.

[ Jesper's uncertain. He shrugs. ]

Thorne's made up of magic users. Singularity is the source of magic, we're the only ones who can go there safely. They probably want us to do something that makes them stronger, bring the magic back, so they can crush the other sides and be the sole power. Something similar happened back home, although our versions of mages are treated poorly, they're not in power.

[ Despite the fact it would make sense that Grisha would be in charge of things, for a long time they were slaughtered and the only reason Ravka changed that was so they could use them for their own benefit. He doesn't know if Grisha coming to power would change dynamics, if they could be corrupt and controlling the way Thorne mages seem to be. But it's possible. He's stayed out of all of that intentionally.

He shakes Mat's hand and gestures to the side. ]

Want to get a drink? I managed to get a little bit of coin from darts.

[funbreaker]

[ While it's brief enough, Thancred does observe as Hythlodaeus kindly speaks to each and every Solvunn native who approaches him on the short walk. It appears, then, that he has already made a name for himself in the commune. To what end Thancred could not say, though if he's to believe Himeka's judgment of the man, then it could simply be out of the kindness of his own heart.

This is someone who chose to give himself over to a god for the sole purpose of saving his people. Would Thancred not have done similarly in such a position?

Once Hythlodaeus joins him, he thankfully begins to speak of events that Thancred is aware of: Fandaniel's actions on the moon and what must have taken place when Zodiark was destroyed. It makes sense that all of those Ancient souls would have then finally been able to join the Lifestream, finally put to rest. Yet Hythlodaeus had remained?

It's up to Thancred to determine if Hythlodaeus is a threat, and so while he will take those words at face value for now, he doesn't trust them implicitly. Yet this man may have vital information, and so he'll need to trust him at least enough to ask for that.

He shakes his head and clears his throat. ] You have not. I'm aware of what took place there, though I was not present when Fandaniel threw himself into the abyss and bound himself to Zodiark. I arrived shortly after and heard the broad strokes from Himeka. [ Yet another instance of when he should have been there, yet arrived a hair too late. Thancred pauses then, frowning to himself as he glances down at the table and then takes a small drink from his tea sample. ] Not that she remembers any of that here. Surely you've already determined that much?

[techmaturgy]

No repayment necessary. And, uh. It's Viktor.

[Which he should have, perhaps, said before they started throwing rocks at the magic wall, but it seems appropriate now. If he realizes he's being teased, he doesn't show it, instead looking a little unsure of what to do with that kind of thanks (it is just a handkerchief).

Now that they've stopped creating projectiles, he ventures a little closer to the edge of it, nuding the place where the barrier meets the grass with his boot, as if that's going to tell him something he doesn't already know.]

Somehow I suspect the more immediate issue will be the mages. We will be ruining their hard work, after all.

[funbreaker]

A fair point. If enough Summoned shared what little they knew about the process to their new benefactors in Solvunn and Cadens, that may have been all that their mages and scientists needed to replicate it.

[ Given how so many of the Summoned had been treated in Thorne — that is, like prisoners — it stands to reason that they would want to retaliate by offering the other factions that vital information. Granted, it would be best if none of them were enacting these summoning practices, but Thancred could see how such a transfer of information might have happened, out of spite or a need for revenge.

Yet he can't quite hold back a sigh. ] Which likely means that we're all being brought here in larger numbers, to bolster each faction's ranks. [ He is fairly certain that is not a good thing. Like it or not, each one of the Summoned is a weapon or a source of power in some form. They're all stoking the fire in one way or another, despite all this talk of peace.

There is something here that he finds curious, however. He's heard much from the likes of Himeka and others, who chose to leave Thorne as soon as they had the opportunity, but Yennefer... ]

I assume you could have just as easily walked through one of those portals as well, yet you chose to remain in Thorne. Why is that?

[ He can only assume she isn't one of the Summoned who'd been unceremoniously thrown into a cell. ]

[funbreaker]

[ In another time, in another place, maybe Thancred would have been more interested in pursuing that attention. Yet despite the stranger's height, he does have a boyish enough face that Thancred assumes there is quite a difference in age between them. Of course, age had never stopped him from flirting shamelessly with someone if they had information that was important to him, but that's neither here nor there.

He's surprised more that an apology follows, and while he can't quite stop a laugh, he's quick to shake his head. ] It's quite all right. I won't turn down some flattery when it comes my way. [ He isn't going to encourage the behavior, however, as there are plenty of other people who would likely not take as kindly to such comments.

He readjusts, stretching his legs out in front of him in the water and then leaning himself back. It's true that having to learn of an entire different place after just settling into one was quite a lot, particularly for anyone who didn't wander as much as someone like him. He would be happy to explore all the factions if crossing borders was an easier task. It's something he'll need to look into eventually. ]

A friend from home? [ He nods, not having missed the fact that quite a few people have been brought here in groups. ] It is strange that they don't always summon people from the same star to the same place. Not much for the rural life, though, are you?

[ Thancred quirks a smile. That much he can certainly understand, having always lived in cities of decent sizes. Whenever he's spent time in a remote location, it was out of necessity more than anything else. He would live with the goats if Himeka needed him in Solvunn, but for now they've both decided that it's for the best if he remains in Thorne. ]

[falcony]

[ that is what it comes down to, isn't it? that geralt has found his way to survive, has found what works for him, what pleases him, even. and those are the rules he works within. sam, meanwhile, has his own set of rules - rules that don't allow him to be able to sit still. that keep him from being able to stop. hope, the need to fight, what drives him...he has his family, he knows his family, but there was a reason he stepped up with steve and nat when he knew what it would mean. a reason he did what he knew would end up with him on the run.

someone has to be hopeful, despite it all. and if it wasn't going to be him, then who?

but for now, his attention is on geralt. on the tension he catches in his shoulders. he knew this would be a tougher conversation, but he also can't help but notice how complicated it's all been. and getting. continues to be. geralt says i want to and sam doesn't really know what else there is to say. because the choice is in her hands, isn't it? and for all that geralt may want, and may try, and may work to fix whatever it was that happened to them all in that dream, there's a point where it doesn't fall on him. ( and sometimes that alone is enough to make someone go crazy ).

sam nods, at his answer. nods, because that's all he can really do. ] She's got the easy chance now.

[ it's not sam's place to think she'll do it. hell, he barely knows the woman outside of longwinded complaints from jaskier and short comments and expressions from geralt. and, he supposes, everything it is she's done so far. it's not a lot to go on, and it's not sam's place to say much about it, so he doesn't. at the more thoughtful expression, sam lets out a breath, slips a little further into the water, tries to roll his shoulders a bit in the warm water in hopes that maybe they would loosen. ]

It's a ballsy move. You offer up a chance to move for free and without consequence, and you could lose everyone.

[lackingtalent]

That is well, then. I must confess, I'd little idea what to say should this recap to be news to you.

[A smile follows, small but meant- simply from the perspective of Thancred being, well, the only person he's met from the sundered Eitherys so far that he doesn't have to hold his tongue around. ...At least partially. For there was some things Thancred did not know of.

Still! Good enough for him to concentrate on the menu! And his elbow finds its way to the table, his head rests within an upturned hand... and his gaze lowers. Oh, there are so many choices.]

Yes. I did not sense your presence there. ...I'm glad of it.

[He does not explain why. For how could he, to someone that wouldn't understand the measure of what could be detected by the soul? What he had sensed on the moon alongside Fandaniel was uniquely horrifying. ...And yes. The presence had made him worry for Himeka.

Abruptly, he turns the menu so Thancred can view it. And as he slides it across the table, a long (too long) finger is pointed toward a picture of something green. Matcha?]

I have. Yet she is aware of other things. Emet-Selch, for instance. I... would prefer if her future is kept hidden. Much depends on her, after all. Were a single element approached differently... our star's fate, in her time, may yet change.

....What would you suppose this tastes like?

[Having his curiosity indulged is important after all.]

[falcony]

Jesper? [ there is a fond kind of familiarity around the name. sam liked that kid the couple times he's seen him. liked him quite a bit. ] He's newer, right?

[ he blinks, thinks back. ]

Wait a sec- you're the one I was talking to about the boogiemen, yeah?

[ this is one of the faults of the network not having...you know...images attached. he's doing his best! ]

[aquaveiled]

Once they decide indeed. Of course that piques her interest, given how long she spent in the dungeons.

"Were you imprisoned too?"

There were so many, but she can't recall each and every face. Many she hasn't seen since all those months ago, too. (Whether they are even still around is another question, but pulls too much at recently opened wounds in the people she's lost. She's not quite ready for that yet.)

Wine is a much happier topic. And Hennessey definitely has the right idea on that. Himeka nods enthusiastically, starting to smile.

"Oh yes! There's no way to tell which you'd like the best if you can't sample each at least once if not three times for good measure."

[techmaturgy]

[This gives him pause. If he's understanding Hector correctly, this seems to be a formerly dead frog. An undead frog? Making new things, he can understand, even if it seems a little ethically suspect (he reminds himself that he should learn more, before making a judgement, and it seems like Hector's abilities have been dampened anywyay), but reanimation? He's not sure if that sits right with him--his first thought is wondering whether or not the creature is in pain.

The uncertainty shows on his face, and it's a moment before he speaks again.]

I mean no offense. But. [why.] What purpose does this serve? Reanimation?

[falcony]

Not always, but one of them is definitely better than the other.

[ but really, sam's not here to downplay the fact he is, actually, pretty good at talking to people. pretty good at this whole friendly thing. he's had to be, but thankfully he's also not bad at it.

still, he's also one of those people that can - usually - read a person. which also lets sam know that the man he's now seated across from had been, in some ways, watching him. not in any bad way, but curious, at last. still - he takes the offered hand and shakes it and sam considers that a win. ]

Where'd you end up? [ because sam hasn't seen him around cadens, yet, but that doesn't mean much. he's been, as seen even here, a bit all over the place. but then there's that comment of unofficial ambassador and sam laughs, shaking his head and taking another drink from his mug. ]

Dunno about ambassador. Maybe Welcome Committee? Lord knows Marlo's not paying me. [ a very small joke, one that most wouldn't realize had any more complicated depth to other than the fact that sam. knows who the prime minister is. but then he shrugs. ] Not sure how much you've heard of the history of this whole place - but I was pulled through with the first group, back in Thorne. We came to Cadens uh... [ give him a moment to think, and possibly count out on one of his hands. ] Six months ago?

[falcony]

[ that's pretty in line with sam's experiences - working with a lot of soldiers suffering ptsd and whatever else comes back with them from the war, for a lot of people, it's a lot easier to just keep that distance. on edge, distant, safe. sam's had his own time in war, had his own time in those big fights, but - a bit like maxwell - he likes people.

now, as far as whatever else there is to blame - that's up for discussion. maybe later. for now, sam listens with interest, nods because he can sense some of the similar themes. military rations, limited materials. ]

Same tune, for sure.

[ sam's eyes turn to the can, but then at his words they're back to maxwell again, brow raised. ]

You from space, then?