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]

[ Moments like this make Samus think, if briefly, about what her own life might be like if she continued down her military path. Would things really be that different if she stayed with the Galactic Federation? Would she for that matter, be much different? Just another soldier?

Probably no; it would only be a matter of sooner or later that she would leave, she thinks. She values her independence too much. Still, the experience is there as formative part of her life. She can understand it and resent it all at the same time. If she pities him, she doesn't show it much more than through a brief furrow of her brow. ]

Same. Fresh meat. [ She starts to move away from the gun vendor, either bored of them or not preferring to have a conversation like this carry on in front of a line. ] Adapting to this world has been... a process.

[gynvael]

[ His smile fades, as it often does, into something smaller, but it lingers still. Doesn't matter if it's the alcohol's doing; they've found a semblance of calm and it's more than they've had in awhile.

Perhaps being pushed into this trip, gathered into their tents, has had it's upsides. It's a circus of bullshit, to be sure, and he'd rather not be in...proximity to certain people, but it's also a change of scenery. Something to focus on.

He hums, passing what remains of the wine to her. ] Impolite company is made for when the night is deepest.

[ It's as much a suggestion as an invitation, for later when they aren't apt to be banished from the pool. Should the mood strike. They'd hardly be the only ones. ]

[londonbound]

[ Rhy's face falls. He's overstepped, and not in a fun way; it doesn't lead to banter or competition or any attempt at an answering flirtation. Not even anger that could be pushed into a proper fight if only they found a reason.

No, he's just made his fellow Summoned feel awkward, and now he feels awkward too, and the feeling is unfamiliar and unpleasant. Rhy sighs, lifting his shoulders in a shrug and sinking heavily onto the bench at the table. ]

Oh, I'm being a cad. Never mind all that. I shan't keep you if you're turning in.

[londonbound]

[ Jaskier's embrace is warm and steady; maybe it's just because he knows this is real, but it feels somehow better than it had in the Horizon, more grounding. Rhy sighs, slumping against him, giving in to the urge to bury himself in that warmth. ]

I'm beyond helping. [ He laughs. Even muffled against Jaskier's shoulder, the sound rings hollow. ]

But if you're not careful, I'll drink you dry.

[shadowthief]

[She laughs softly at the other's enthusiasm. It might just be Inej's favorite thing about Himeka, actually.]

Thank you.

[She takes the offered can and wanders a short distance away from the booth so they aren't in the way of anyone else wanting to investigate.

She opens her canned meal and takes a cautionary sniff of it, just to see what she might be in for.]

Bottom's up?

[shadowthief]

She laughs again and leans her head against him– certainly not his shoulder as might be typical, he towers over her far too much for that. "I hate that you've been dragged into this mess... but I'm glad we have each other." It's a simple statement, but a powerful one. She means it, with every ounce of her.

Inej nods at his insistence to go somewhere else and walks along with him. There's no small amount of pride her eyes as they walk away from the dice. He's doing the right thing, even though she knows it is not an easy one for him. "About two months now, I think."

[shadowthief]

You've met him? [Her eyes light up in a way that only proves some part of her might have worried it was never really him she was speaking to that day.] Is he okay?

Oh. Yes– [She nods with a small smile.] that was me. I never did find anything else that seemed useful. You're...Sam, yes?

[techmaturgy]

[What she's saying makes sense, and he nods, like he's considering the principle of safeguards for the first time. An interesting proposition, certainly. But--]

Sorry, a what?

[He can make a few guesses about computer--an entity that computes? Computes what? But there's some kind of acronym, too, one he's never heard before. Viktor sounds a little surprised. Until now, he's felt they've been able to talk on a similar technological level, but he's been caught off-guard before. She seems to know more about this than she'd initially let on.]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor doesn't seem to mind the momentary pause in conversation--he fills the silence by shuffling cards, recognizing that Geralt seems to be taking a moment to think. It's a simple question, at least, with a straightforward answer.]

No, I've been in Cadens proper for several weeks now. I have nothing to offer a military outpost. [Not entirely true, because they're probably always in need of mechanics, but given the things he needs to do, it would be a waste of his time.] It seemed better to leave as quickly as possible.

[gynvael]

[ His head tilts. Viktor is one of the few who's chosen to leave quickly. Must've found an easy means to support himself. Not everyone can or wants to. ]

What do you offer?

[ Casual and open-ended, the kind of question that can be dismissed with a dry remark. He hasn't a need to know, but colour him curious. He's found the stranger's candour worth noting.

And his head is not so deep in the sand he doesn't realize connections are useful, despite how much he'd rather keep to himself. ]

[techmaturgy]

It has to be out there.

[Said like a joke, something he's not sure he actually believes.

Viktor, on the other hand, hasn't abandoned thoughts of getting home. He's sure, with enough time, he would be able to reverse-engineer the ritual that brings people here. The hardest part would be sending everyone back to the proper place, as inter-dimensional transportation is beyond the realm of what he thought possible.

But, he's done the impossible before. The real problem is not having enough time, so he needs to focus on buying himself more of that, first. He offers a shrug--Viktor is aware that he can do all of these things, so it's really just a matter of what he finds most interesting.]

I prefer to work with my hands. [Tinkering, building, making tangible improvements to the existing technology.] Though I wouldn't be opposed to something at the academies.

[gynvael]

[ Pocket dimension is not a term he's heard of, though it's sufficient to describe what the Horizon is. He doesn't consider it another dimension, exactly—it doesn't exist in any tangible form, as most dimensions do. But close enough. ]

No. Control of the Singularity itself. I suspect they believe that can only be done from reaching into it as we have.

[ There's more to it: Thorne has tried to steal their ability to enter the Horizon. It failed spectacularly. One of the queen's secret little experiments. But with Relena long vanished, and a number of others, he thinks he's one of maybe two or three left who even spoke to Relena directly afterwards.

He's kept it quiet since. Given the few who seem inclined to help their hosts, he isn't interested in granting anyone in power more ideas. ]

[techmaturgy]

Incessant complaints about being kidnapped.

[This is a joke, obviously (or is it??). He concedes after just a moment.]

I'm a scientist. An engineer.

[So, actually, lots to offer a military outpost--just no interest in offering it, so the logical course of action had been to get out as soon as possible.]

[funbreaker]

[ While it feels as if Byleth is being quite careful with her choice of words, it seems clear to Thancred that she and Edelgard are close. The nature of that closeness would require further observation, of course, but it does seem to go beyond the loyalty one might feel toward their emperor. For all that Thancred can even understand that sort of thing.

He'd been dedicated to Minfilia, though the lines drawn between them among the Scions of the Seventh Dawn hadn't been quite so rigid. It's the closest personal comparison he can draw, however, even if his familial attachment to her made it somewhat muddier. ]

You'd be surprised. I'm certain you would have managed one way or another, but I'm glad you don't have to. It seems that both of you would prefer the other be here. [ Even if it meant they'd therefore both been dragged into this unpleasant situation. ] And in what direction do you intend to guide her now? [ Surely they have thoughts about Thorne and how they fit into that hierarchy. Thankfully no one else is currently in the shrine with them, so speaking of this in Solvunn's "territory" shouldn't cause any problems. ]

[funbreaker]

Thancred. And yours?

[ The Free Cities area is quite busy with people flitting to and fro, though there's also a good deal of noise between all the chatter, the hum of the machines, and the periodic sound of something exploding (in a controlled manner, for demonstrational purposes).

That being said, it doesn't take long for Thancred to find a tucked-away corner behind a set of booths where there's a large tree to shade them, and where they're not likely to be found or heard by anyone. There's no chairs or bench, but he doesn't hesitate to sit down on the grass cross-legged. It's not so different from how he'd found Stephen when they went into the Horizon, though he doesn't know if they'll be going so far in this case. It depends on how adventurous this woman is. ]

So, the Horizon. It is not a place one can venture to, exactly, save for within your own mind. [ He taps at his temple with his second and third fingers. ] Think of it as... another plane of existence, one that only us Summoned can apparently access.

[londonbound]

[ The little goat seems to be getting impatient and squirmy, so Rhy pulls his hand away. For a few moments, his eyes look beyond Mat, recalling days spent running around the kitchens pilfering sweets and getting underfoot, Kell always pretending he'd been against every silly plan young Rhy had come up with but always going along with it anyway. ]

I know the feeling. [ Rhy concedes quietly. He looks away, but it's not the animals or flowers he's seeing. ] Ever since we met. My parents brought him home when I was only four summers old, but the moment I saw Kell, I knew what he meant to me. I love him with all my heart.

We've... never been parted for so long.

[ He can't even be enthusiastic or grateful for Mat's declaration about new friends. He wants to be. But like so many other things he wants to be and all the masks he wears, it rings hollow even in his own head. It's been so long since he's actually spoken about Kell -- except to Lila, to worry about him -- that he can't help himself anymore. Mat seems like he understands. ]

[londonbound]

I've been studying this particular type of magic for about two and a half months now. Fire comes more naturally to me, so I've been practicing with that as well-- but the healing magic is more challenging. I can soothe minor aches and pains, close small wounds, help blood clot.

[ Magic first aid, if he knew the term.

He cocks his head thoughtfully, studying his new tentmate. Is he interested in learning magic? The best mages are in Thorne, but surely he's found that out by now, considering the whole point of the Summit. Rhy doesn't point it out though, not directly. ]

I haven't seen you around the castle. You must be from one of the other locales. Newly arrived?

[wiedzminka]

Can't forget a nice, sharp blade.

[ She provides, helpfully. A girl's got to have priorities. ]

What about you? [ Ciri sinks a little lower in the water, letting her hair get wet. He's got all this shampoo, so she might as well use some too. ]

And don't you dare tell me you don't care or that there's nothing you really like or some horseshit like that. It's cheating.

[gynvael]

So equally incessant complaints about the lack of advancements, then.

[ It's said wryly, but—

He's only ever met engineers when he was pulled into here; they don't exist back home. Not really. And the only thing he's gathered from them—between Sam and Amos—is the occasional bemoaning of their missing resources and equipment.

Beyond that, Geralt's understanding of the profession is rudimentary at best. He's never asked for details, out of a desire to not waste his time with irrelevant information that he will not grasp in any useful way. ]

[cryptsleeper]

It does.

[It only makes sense, after all.]

Exhibitions don't build themselves, and the bones of dead creatures need support structures. [There is a shrug. Alucard himself considered the work, but he knows it won't really do in the long run. It was why the graveyard proved to be so excellent for his talents and needs - there was more to physically do and figure out. It gave his brain things to think about that weren't his own problems.

On the other hand--] There are plenty of inventors in the city though. I doubt you'll struggle to find something suitable.

[hegemonwings]

[ another slight cock of her head, as if considering. he's not wrong, of course, but the two of them still draw a great amount of strength from one another. but she's likely said too much as it is. ]

Perhaps you're right. And... thank you.

[ the distinction of station and subservience drawn between herself and edelgard is a lie, anyway, not that thancred—or anyone else, summoned or no—needs to know that. byleth is empress consort in everything but name, engaged in secret with a gift and a promise on the new dawn. even beforehand, they had understood one another in a way that no one else had, and stood side by side against the world. byleth's loyalty is to her, not the empire, despite the formal language and deception she cloaks it all in now. ]

She's guiding me in this, if anything. I understand tactics, strategy, combat, logistics, magic... but politics aren't my field, so I'll follow Her Majesty's lead. [ not compared to edelgard, hubert or ferdinand at any rate. ] But we mean to gain a seat at the table, so to speak. Even just to observe. I don't know that I trust our hosts, or their methods... but they don't trust any of us blindly, either. I imagine they're less withholding to those who've earned that trust. [ she turns a hand over, palm up, gesturing to the side. she's lying, at least in part, but her face and voice betray nothing. just that largely flat affect, same as ever. ]

Beyond supporting her... I mean to take up mercenary work, as far as my own name goes. Hunting monsters, protecting caravans and such. Nothing to escalate tensions.

[ but enough to earn recognition and goodwill. those wide, doll-like eyes land on thancred's again. ]

What of you, then? I'm surprised you would stay in Thorne, if your people are elsewhere.

[techmaturgy]

[Despite his very best efforts, his face falls a little. It's about what he expected, and not exactly what he's looking for. Magic for pain relief is an intriguing concept, but more of a stop-gap than a permanent solution. Still, what can anyone expect after just a few months?

He shakes his head.]

No, I'm in Cadens.

[As intriguing as he finds Thorne's focus on magic, Viktor doesn't feel like he's been misplaced. His talents are more suitable for the Free Cities, even if he dreads the way they might want to make use of them. He kicks his foot out of the metal boot, betraying some of his general frustration, then sits back in the chair.]

A few weeks, now.

[techmaturgy]

Constant.

[Something else that could be taken as a joke, but he's actually serious about it. Very difficult, to lose widespread electricity.]

They're headed in the right direction, as far as technological advancement is concerned. [Applications of water and steam, farming equipment, that sort of thing. He's less thrilled about the military having such a broad influence, because that means scientific advancement will be used for less humanitarian purposes.] Some of it just needs a little push.

sorry for the delay!

[supersoldier]

[That is the confusing part about it: that there are grand displays of magic at every turn in Thorne's section, and then there is an orb that could serve as a night light at best, drawing the longest line.]

Neither do I.

[And yet he has stood here and stared at it for a length of time, trying to puzzle it out through observation alone. Maybe an argument could be made that participation would quell his curiosity rather than standing here like a stone statue, but he doesn't seem keen to move.

With the exception of glancing to the stranger.]

Do you have any interest in magic?

[supersoldier]

[Fortunately for him, there is one thing he can offer to avoid the trap of saying there's nothing he enjoys, and it's very easily given.]

The same. A sharp blade, and someone skilled to test it against.

[What else, though? Sephiroth doesn't have a bevy of hobbies, at least not ones that took him beyond the confines of his own quarters back home.]

Back home, I would train against different types of monsters, as well. [Is there something you enjoy that does not involve swinging a sword around, Sephiroth] And I'd read, when time allowed for it.

[He is terribly exciting, you see.]