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

[aquaveiled]

[ The thought that mayhaps she should have told Jaskier sooner does pass her mind, but she was feeling selfish. Selfish with her desire to try and pretend it wasn't happening, that each time she visited the Horizon his domain wasn't a little more faded.

That was what cemented it for her--that his connection to this world ebbed bit by bit. For the first time in years since they had to flee to Coerthas, Himeka felt unprepared and alone. Except this time even those she had claimed responsibility for disappeared as well.

Solvunn is quiet...too quiet at times. Too easy to give into her own thoughts. And now three faces short that would bring her reason to smile in turn.

Himeka opens her mouth to apologize for leaving it unsaid for so long only for Jaskier to take her hand and apologize instead--no, to sympathize. And really, few others new Estinien as well as she did, but Jaskier...is someone she knows he spent some extended time with. Rare, for the dragoon.

She bows her own head before she shakes it. ]

It's...not unlike him to disappear for a while. But I know he was fond of you...I doubt he would have left without the chance to say goodbye had it been given.

[ She adjusts so she can squeeze his hand in turn. ]

I'm sorry...I didn't say anything.

[ A nasty habit, that. ]

[a_better_man]

I never say no to an attractive stranger that wants to buy me a drink!

[And he admires anyone who can hustle some coin - he's been doing similar himself, with his busking. Maybe he ought to try his own hand at darts. He's good at it.]

Can't say as I'm ready to speculate too much on what they want. Different folks have all different sorts of ideas, though.

[But Mat hasn't seen enough first hand. There just hasn't been enough time to make an informed opinion. And far too many rumors floating about.

Fuck it, he's taking some time off thinking about it. All it does is lead to a headache, and he'd like to enjoy the festival. There's plenty here to enjoy, after all.]

Quite a nice festival they've put on, anyhow.

[leitstern]

[Jasper turns his back and clenches his fists. Feet adopt a wide stance before toes begin tapping the floor: his entire body impatient and disgusted by this man's preening display that pokes at uncomfortable feelings and experiences.

He clasps his hands behind his back in confidence.]

I think it time you take a little air.

[His growling voice shows he is on the verge of throwing him outside the tent, if nothing else.]

[chosenfordarkness]

A tragedy, really. Should I give you time to mourn?

[ He scoots over enough for Stephen to get in there, too. Just a couple of dudes hmm'ing and ah'ing at a broken thing. What's better than that? ]

I guess if you want to call it that? I've always been good at fixing things, but this is a little archaic compared to what I'm used to.

[a_better_man]

[You have magic. The way she says it so simply, so matter of factly, sends a shiver down Mat's spine. As though it's not a question, it's a fact, a truth that she knows. Again he's reminded of the Aes Sedai. Light but he hopes that she's wrong. That they're all wrong.

But again, he won't voice that.]

Connections...huh. Yeah, that's something we know about in my world, at least. Maybe it's all the same thing, really. Just...different faces in different worlds. I don't know. But I do thank you for taking the time to talk to me. You've given me a lot to think on, my lady.

[He'd first suspected his presence in this world had something to do with being ta'veren. Maybe he'd been right.]

And a bit better understanding of my circumstances. Consider me in your debt.

[chosenfordarkness]

Sandstorms can be quite dangerous. The wind is strong enough to knock things over and cause damage, the sand can get into your eyes and lungs, and if you're somewhere unfamiliar, can lose your way.

[ He offers the information with a shrug. Anakin can't say for sure if such things exist in this place, but he hopes not. He can't wish that on anybody.

Honestly, he can't wish the desert on anyone, either.

He hums, considering. ] Just seeing what I'm meant to be missing in Thorne. Yourself?

[meiren]

[ Another flavor of magic. As if one isn't strange enough.

Zhou Zishu studies him for a moment longer, then lets out a breath that isn't quite a sigh. Clearly this is going to require a good deal more research to make any sense at all. The Singularity he's heard whispers about, but the rest of it?

There is so much he doesn't know. Zhou Zishu has never much liked not knowing things, if he could help it. ]

I see. [ Just dry enough to make it clear just how much he's seen, but he's not going to press further. ] I appreciate the explanation.

[itookashot]

Do we know why people go back, then? Could it be Thorne intentionally sending away people who can call them on their shite?

[ It would be logical! Get rid of anyone who can point out how they messed up, bring in new people who have no idea and have an incentive to help them out. Jesper himself avoided signing up to help the Free Cities unless he has a very good incentive too, like $$$$$, but he did meet a few people in the barracks who were already prepared to help out or sign up for the army even. He doesn't know how people go, only how they come.

He is concerned about the whole locking up thing, but he already was pretty sure Thorne was full of it and not worth getting involved with. They might have some fancy food and shiny objects, but it's not enough. Free Cities wasn't paying his way here, otherwise he'd be suspicious of them too.

The bullets are long and would suit the rifles he stole them from, but he can also change their shape and size to whatever he wants. It means he'll have to spend less money than most people on bullets. Not that he's going to admit to that. She is right on the money about that but Jesper's so used to pretending he has no powers that he just shrugs. ]

You're right, it would be useless without a gun.

[ Neither confirming or denying although the assumption is there. And that's why he needs a damned gun. He stuffs them back into his pockets. Jesper is a bit surprised about the lucky part. ]

I have been called lucky, so that tracks.

[ He's the one who always ruins his luck for himself. He has gotten out of situations and scrapes many times when he shouldn't have. The times he loses are his own fault, not that of lady luck. ]

And I like to spin wheels of fortune, we have those, part of our gambling.

[chosenfordarkness]

[ Politics are the worst, tear down the whole establishment, honestly.

He gets the impression that there's more to her than meets the eye, a puzzle to solve but only on her terms. Still, she's someone to get to know, especially if she knows her way around magic as the mages have praised. A powerful woman is never a bad ally to have, and he knows the resourcefulness needed to keep that sort of position. He'd glimpsed it enough with Padmé and her relationship to the Senate or even with the Chancellor.

Never underestimate a pretty face. ]

Oh, of course. How stupid of me, I should have thought of that! You'll have to forgive me, I'm so easily distracted from reality by promises of frolic. [ Don't roll them too hard or you'll strain yourself. ]

I can't see this working for anyone. It's a thinly-veiled attempt at best from the sounds of it.

come at me tbh!!

[photophobic]

[Kylo pauses, looking up from his plate and leaving his fork in place right where it is, bolt upright, speared viciously into what appears to be some kind of baked potato that Kylo has neglected to cut open and may be planning on just picking up and biting into. His eyes focus on Julie's cheerful face, and then— recognition. An incredibly awkward smile attempts to pull at the corner of his mouth.]

Mm. So far.

[Nothing to stop him setting something or other on fire at any given moment after all. But his mood is more pleasant already for Julie's excitement at recognising him, regardless of the pin she wears identifying her as (presumably) the enemy. The tension in his shoulders appears to loosen, just a fraction.]

You're... [hm. his mouth tics.] You look the same. If a little more... naturalised. Like you've found a place for yourself.

[gynvael]

[ She is further on the scale of drunk than not, but she gets one of his typical silent laughs for it. And maybe a look from someone passing by around the ledge.

(Part of him half-expects a small chicken to appear out of nowhere in her hands. They've spent time in the Horizon far more than they have in person.)

He props his head up on his hand while she mulls it over. He idiot flicks his own bell, on the ribbon he's taken off. It chimes in tune with hers. Might give it to Rinwell later to put on her little owl. The girl has already stuck a hat on it, apparently.

He raises an eyebrow. Answer enough. He'll take it. ] I'm flattered you consider me polite company.

[princessvegas]

[ She sighs and shakes her head, turning and beginning to walk towards the direction she last remembers seeing people sell wine. She gestures for him to follow. ]

Nah, it ain't that simple. We don't really know for sure how it's happenin', but we think it's the Singularity sends people back. Maybe somethin' to do with our connection to it. But it can be anyone who disappears, not just people Thorne brought, or who live there.

[ If only it were so easy, to know what happens when people vanish. But the first person Julie ever knew who disappeared had been one of the ones that Thorne wanted, had pampered and doted on. So she knows for sure it's not that, it's something bigger.

One thing about being evasive with someone like Julie is that she knows when it's happening. Her existence depends on reading people, getting what she wants out of them -- it's easy for her to pick out a non-answer masquerading as an answer. So she looks at him from the corner of her eye, picking out the thread that he doesn't have the magic bullet power that she'd jokingly suggested, but he can definitely do something along those lines. Conjuring small objects, maybe. Really, she just doesn't care enough to continue questioning it. ]

Y'all get a gun, you're gonna make a target of yourself. Far as I can tell, they're real rare outside of the army, so you havin' one means spotlight on you soon as they hear a shot go off. But it ain't my ass'll land in a cell when a stray bullet hits a kid, so I guess save your pennies and see what you can find on the black market.

[ She comes from a world where there are only two options for staying safe -- either you stand out so much that you gain power and influence, or you blend in well enough that no one gives you a second glance. She's always been more on the side of the former, but the latter is just as well, maybe even better in a city like Cadens, where it's easy to disappear. She didn't rise to the top of her new society because she gets easily lost in a crowd, but then again, she wasn't trying to go against the rules of New Vegas, either.

With a dry scoff, she snorts and enters the tent of a Thornean vintner, pulls a silver from her coin purse. Wine is something she can justify spending money on. ]

Yeah, some people call me lucky too. I say it depends on your definition of luck.

[princessvegas]

[ As completely wrecked as she was that night, she remembers that smile, almost like he doesn't know how to move his face in that way. It's actually strangely adorable, akin to watching puppies learn to stumble around before they can walk. There's something concerning about how foreign it is to him, but it's more in the way one might be concerned about a friend whose parents yell a little too much.

Her head tilts a little, her eyes narrow the smallest bit. It's not hard to read his meaning, and it's almost comical how far off he really is. Julie's not exactly a tight-lipped person, but neither does she feel the need to deeply detail her journey from the dungeon all the way to Cadens. She knows it doesn't line up with anyone else's, knows that her path has been markedly different from any other Summoned's. She chuckles softly. ]

Found a place, sure. It's where everyone else I cared about went. My thoughts on where they wound up ain't the important part. The clothes are 'cause it's in the middle of the fuckin' desert, and I ain't keen to sweat myself to death.

[ The truth is that, while Julie doesn't trust or believe in any of the factions, she trusts the Free Cities the least by far. They're too reminiscent of the government she'd known her whole life, the same one that created the superflu, that let it get loose, that lied to the people while they dropped like flies. The American government had effectively annihilated the human race in her world, and the fact that she sees so many similarities in Cadens chills her to the very bone. In her own group, she's been vocal about her opposition.

But she's the minority, and everyone else she cares for went there and never looked back. She needed to be with those people far more than she needed to be on the "right" team, and since she doesn't think Thorne is correct in its approach to the Singularity either, it just doesn't matter where she is. The only place she actively wants to be is Nott, and that's not on the table, for many reasons.

Something she vaguely remembers him mentioning, the last time they met, it nags at her. It has, basically this whole time, since he said it, but especially since she began learning how to use magic, how to channel it through herself. ]

You asked me once, if I could feel it. The Singularity. I didn't... I didn't know back then, that not everyone does. I thought everyone felt it all the time, like I did. Like spiderwebs, when you walk through 'em. Did you know? That most folks can't feel that?

[techmaturgy]

Welcoming Committee it is.

[Apt, at least. Viktor hadn't expected actual political involvement in what Sam is doing--he can see and understand the inherent benefit of getting to know everyone in their very unique position. It's logical. Tactical. Were he more socially-inclined, he might be doing it himself--as it stands, some light networking is the most he can stand. He's sure that comes off in the way he stays at his table, watching rather than making rounds.]

I'm also in Cadens. I heard that until recently everyone was summoned to Thorne, some by mistake.

[Perhaps his way of asking if Sam was also thrown in prison. Viktor is glad to have avoided that, at least.] It's an adjustment.

[princessvegas]

[ Yes, she actually is quite drunk, which is not really surprising, considering that she's been drinking nothing but wine and huge flagons of ale for like three solid days. She doesn't know that she's drunk enough to create chickens in either plane, but she's very drunk.

There's a chuckle, sharp enough that it makes her swallow, then she sighs. Her eyelids flutter closed, head still resting on the edge of the pool. When she speaks, there's a heavy sense of ease in her voice. Between the alcohol, the water, and the actual physical presence of people around her, she is comfortable in a way she cannot remember being in over a year. ] You're not, you just wouldn't understand the joke. I'd never fuck anyone I'd call polite company.

[gynvael]

[ Ah. There's the interest. Geralt's eyes narrow, searching the man before him. It's a stranger's face to him, but not wholly so. There are shades of familiarity, like he might've glimpsed him briefly once or so long ago. Just nothing that stands out in particular.

He wants to say, Thorne had a lot of people locked in their cells, but he knows what the man is referring to in particular; he hasn't any desire to bullshit around a conversation that's clearly happening whether he wants it to or not.

Besides, word's gone around. Not much of a secret, and not much of something he cares to keep a secret, either. What happened behind those closed doors is another matter—but that, no one will ever know except those who were there. ]

Yes. Why?

[gynvael]

[ Geralt studies him right back, a bit contemplative. He really doesn't care for this conversation at the moment, but he's also not exactly in the most charitable of moods about. Much. Look, it's been a long fucking...decade. But especially a long two months or so. Three?

The stranger seems not at all discouraged, so Geralt simply carries on. ]

You arrived with a friend.

[ It isn't a question. He doesn't know how it works, but it's happened: him and Jaskier, Alina and Mal, Sam and Bucky, Dean and Castiel. Julie and Nadine. Himeka and Estinien. The list goes on. He suspects it's to do with how the Summoning spell works. A connection that it pulls on. Or maybe they're all intertwined by the universe's version of Destiny. Who the hell knows? ]

[techmaturgy]

I'm sure there are entire worlds where they've solved all of these problems.

[Now that he knows, definitively, that there are other worlds and planes and universes out there, including this one. Surely someone, somewhere, has managed to get it right.

Viktor is under no illusions about getting home--maybe, eventually, he'll be able to reverse-engineer the ritual, but that's not his priority right now. The first thing will be buying himself more time. And, speaking of--it seems they have similar ideas.]

I've been doing some odd jobs back in Cadens. Ideally I'll have a place to work soon, even if I have to rent it.

[A tacit invitation, perhaps.]

[gynvael]

[ His eyebrow lifts—less from the information, more that he's being told. It is—was—part of the reason Yennefer remained behind in Thorne, but Yennefer has certainly not made it known to anyone and neither has he.

Still, the honesty isn't unwelcome. A beat passes. ] Thorne keeps a closer eye on its people than others. I'm told they've still barred you from leaving the castle city.

[ Gilded cages and all. He'd thought that about the guests who had not been imprisoned and it seems not much has changed since. As far as he knows, Thorne is the only nation which keeps its Summoned so close at hand with flimsy reasoning. The Free Cities makes it so it's difficult to exit the barracks, which isn't a hell of a lot better, but there's some semblance of choice. Enough of a willingness to tough it out in cramped, shit quarters in an unsavory neighbourhood, and you can get by. But he knows that isn't a luxury everyone has, either. If he hadn't found Rinwell, where could she have went on her own?

Even so, the freedom of movement helps. There's a desert he can roam, as unforgiving as it is. Thorne would drive him mad, staying within the city walls. ]

[wiedzminka]

Mm. [ Ciri acknowledges the time frame with a hum, but it's mostly for her own context. It seems they're summoning new people every couple of months or so out there in the desert. From what she can tell, the other factions are doing the same, though it's difficult to know if it's with any consistency. Either way, it's clear everyone is trying to bolster their number of Summoned -- and even someone who's just arrived can see through the blatant attempts here. ]

Or it could be seen as a test of loyalty. Either way, there's not much in 'political alliances' to speak of. It's a half-hearted effort to show they're trying to avoid outright conflict, but I wouldn't say any of these countries are allies.

[ Ciri waves over someone from the bar, ordering a bottle of brandy. It's a strong drink, but if they don't finish it, she's happy to give it to her new friend. If nothing else, at least she's not hurting for coin. ]

Why? [ Ciri leans an elbow on the table, propping her cheek up in her palm and eyeing Samus with a faint smirk. ]

You considering the goatherding life?

[gynvael]

So it goes. [ Why else are most of them here? A handful truly believe in the factions. They haven't exactly been subtle about it, especially the few on Thorne's side. The rest—they have their own reasons. Varied and bringing them all to the same place, anyway.

A few seconds of silence pass on his end, whether or not Viktor finds it suitable to fill the quiet. He's thinking, a bit, before he offers, ] Have you remained at the barracks?

[ It's where the Free Cities squirrel the newly displaced away, so he's not surprised that's where many have remained. Geralt's never been one to interfere, but the truth is, he doesn't think any good comes out of so many of the Summoned relying on the the army for a roof and a meal, in an outpost located outside the main city. No one's ever stopped anyone from leaving that's what they want. It's just made especially difficult, given the lack of money and incentive. Geralt happens to knows one person who's been running around providing exactly that. ]

[gynvael]

[ Geralt just tilts his head in return, like he doesn't know what else the answer is meant to be. He gets it; he's made for exactly one thing, too. But if you can kill a man, you can run some mindless errands for a couple of months.

In fairness, Geralt carries a particularly keen sense of diligence—which is perhaps visible even in the oddly exacting, efficient way he's been trimming the flowers despite it being the most mundane of tasks. ]

I took what came. [ Helping at the inn is a start. Geralt hums. He isn't interested in encouraging the young man to throw himself into the desert, but nor does he want to leave him hanging to dry. They're in the same shit boat. ] Ask around, you'll find Sam Wilson. He'll help.

[ Is this the second (third?) he's sent Sam's direction? It may be. ]

[cryptsleeper]

Haven't met anyone from one such world yet, admittedly.

[There must be. It is statistically impossible for that not to be the case. But here, with so many worlds represented, there remains not a soul from such a place.

Alucard has since accepted and embraced the fact he has no desire to return home. Cadens allows him to be blessedly anonymous, divorced from being known as the son of Dracula and his father's killer back home in Wallachia. The only reputation he's earned is the weird guy who fixed up the graveyard. There's no need to do more than that.]

Have you had any luck with the museums or libraries for something more steady? Cataloging or something of the sort. That would be better pay as well.

[Accepted, such as it is.]

[exoterminator]

[ This sounds an awful lot like he's trying to describe an AI without actually knowing what a computer is.

Samus won't admit that what he describes sounds incredibly attractive, especially to someone who feels far more comfortable with technology than the magic and arcane energy that seemingly drives everything in this world. Compared to Thorne and Solvunn, the people of Free Cities seemed to have the same mindset as what he proposed. It makes her vaguely wonder if it was just good fortune the both of them ended up here or if it was an intentional machination.

She's thoughtfully quiet for a few moments. She thinks about encouraging him to go to an academy anyway; they're likely to have more resources that would benefit him, far more than anything she or this hay bale could do for him. He clearly has so much potential. It'd be a shame to see it wasted. ]

If you attempt recreate something like an AI or computer here I think the most important thing you'd need to focus on are limits.

Runes that stop [ She closes her hand, makes a fist.] the flow of information—arcane energy—and runes that let it through. [ She opens her hand again. ] So it doesn't do what you don't want it to do.

[exoterminator]

[ She had a rudimentary understanding of what the Horizon was by this point but little more—some kind of pocket dimension or extraplanar existence. Having such little (read: none) natural affinity or experience to magic made research a test of patience leading to answers either nebulous or convoluted. His explanation offers a far better start of understanding... and unfortunately more questions. ]

So all this posturing over control of an unobtainable pocket dimension? Really?

[The longer she was here, particularly at this summit, she began to think she'd just need to see and experience it first-hand. ]

They have the ability to summon individuals from across time and space and haven't figured out a better key.