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

[carmesi]

['among other things'. definitely a man of science, then. for all that it implies, he keeps his curiosity at bay, delays any questions should he have any. wanda likes it when she is not pushed for answers.]

Must be exciting then, to see magic being used so freely. [especially in thorne] Will you try and learn some for yourself?

[carmesi]

[well, wanda cannot remember the last time someone called her 'sweet'. this woman—shuten—the way she speaks reminds wanda of loving grandmas. well, outside of the scope of liquors.]

Wanda Maximoff.

[it's easy enough, then, to share her name with this relative stranger. the horns and teeth don't worry her, nor scare her; she's met the hulk before, aliens, too, and she's seen some wild things for a human.]

I'm in Solvunn myself. Maybe we could meet in either of our Horizons?

[she feels a little silly asking, making plans like this.]

[sealingpower]

How... do I remember it? [She asks between her tears] The same as its always been, for as long as I can remember. We had just gone to the Spring of Wisdom and were preparing to retreat down the mountain to meet the other Champions when I was suddenly pulled here. I had thought I'd drowned in the Spring!

[Zelda wipes away some of her tears with the heel of her hand.

Watery green eyes look to Link, her innate Wisdom telling her something isn't right, but she doesn't know what.]

Why would you ask such a strange question?

[carmesi]

[it remains fascinating, watching as other people showcase their magical skills. she has never been surrounded by so many people who could—and all her life, wanda has been considered 'weird' for being able to control things with her mind. she does not want to imagine what people would say about her now that she has turned out to be a witch.

and so she watches, the pendant, and then her eyes return to his hand. one moment the pendant wasn't there, the next it returned.

wanda raises her hand and, with a light dance of her fingers, uses her magic to picks up the pendant from his hand, making it hover over his hand. it's not that she can sense how he feels a little sick, but she notices the way he looks around nervously. she brings the pendant towards herself, looking it over as it lands on her fingers.]

Do you think this place could do that? [she questions, then offers him the pendant back, looking him in the eyes.] She might just get better at it.

What about you?

[sealingpower]

"You have my gratitude." She breathes as she sets her tray down. "It's quite lively here, isn't it."

She smiles a little sheepishly.

Zelda isn't scared or offended by the intense air around the man. She's dealt with Ravali, whose not the friendliest, and her father for that matter.

"I have indeed, just arrived. I am Zelda, Prin..." She starts to introduce herself out of habit but stops when she remembers her title holds no weight here. "Just... Zelda."

She nervously tucks a stray piece of blonde hair behind her ear, hoping the man didn't notice her slip up.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance..."

Really! Trying to act as a commoner is more difficult than it looks!

[funbreaker]

[ There is some small sense of relief in having found someone who knows about as much as Thancred does, though he expects that there will be large gaps in knowledge on either side. He can't say he knows how much a soul sacrificed to Zodiark, then released, could have known of the goings-on of the star, and yet they seem to have at least a small patch of common ground.

That doesn't mean that Thancred won't still be keeping his guard up. This is a professed friend of Emet-Selch's, after all, and while Himeka had insisted in her retelling that the Ascian had been quite different all those thousands of years ago, Thancred still views it as cause to be wary.

From his quite unique perspective of the Ascians, or who they used to be.

Why Hythlodaeus is glad Thancred was not present, he doesn't quite follow, his brow twitching in slight confusion — though the conversation continues to Himeka quickly enough. While he does understand Hythlodaeus' point and had made such considerations himself, the truth of the matter is that when she was looking at him with eyes desperate for answers, he couldn't just turn her away.

He gives a brief shake of his head and lets out a breath. ] It's a bit too late for that. I'm not willing to withhold everything from her, though rest assured I haven't shared all of it. [ Mainly because it would be far too much to cover in a single conversation, and she'd had plenty to catch him up on as well.

Thancred tilts his head at Hythlodaeus, watching him closely. ] Given that Fandaniel himself is here, there are certain things she should know. Does she know who you are, at least?

[ And are they truly going to have a conversation about tea amidst all this? Thancred glances down at the menu with a small sigh. ]

... It exists on Etheirys as well. It's primarily enjoyed in Hingashi. As you might guess, it has a certain earthy taste, slightly bitter but with a hint of sweetness. It might be an acquired taste, but I'd say it's worth trying.

[ He leans back in his chair and glances off for a moment, processing how surreal it is to be speaking with an Ancient about tea of all things. ]

[falcony]

[ sam knows what that sharp inhale means, just as he knows that geralt knows what he meant. that if someone was really going to make the choice, if they'd been planning on making it before, it would be now or never. sam's got his own thoughts on that, on people he needs to talk to, on temperatures to check if there will be movement. but for now, they just sit in the understanding. of this new chance they'd never really had - not this easily, not this openly sanctioned.

he can sense geralt's attention going to the movements around them - of the other summoned, heading to their beds or to other centers of energy. it's people who, before, had weeks upon weeks of travel ahead of them, or shady mages to put their trust in. now, given the opportunity, would they continue to make it?

for a moment, sam's content to just. make a noise of acknowledgment and then settle into comfortable silence. he's used to it, by now, and wouldn't mind it. which is why when geralt suddenly speaks again - and not only speaks, but says something with implications far beyond a casual comment, sam immediately turns to him - eyes a bit wide. not because he's shocked, or because he thinks it's a bad idea - honestly, he's not actually all that surprised by the declaration. because he does know what ciri means to geralt, and while he doesn't know the details, he has put it together enough to know that home for them hadn't exactly been safe.

it also just...takes a moment for him to realize what that means. that geralt is staying, staying with ciri, probably with jaskier as well. that they've decided to make this place home. he doesn't exactly have the words for it, for the complicated way this reality and fact sit alongside what had been sam's driving force for so long - to get people home, who wanted to go. he supposes he just never considered that within that understanding, that some would actually want to stay.

but then the moment passes - sam, who smiles. nods. because it makes sense. makes sense that geralt would want to settle somewhere like this, makes sense that they'd want to make a home. he gets it. ] Yeah, okay. [ and he nods, laughs for a soft moment and then reaches back to take the bottle from geralt. ] Y'all might want a bigger house, then.

[ and that is...that. he supposes there isn't much more that needs to be said, and the rest of the night continues in that same fashion. they chat about some things that matter, and some that don't. they share the bottle and relax in the waters, and then they go their separate ways to sleep. it's not all that different from the nights they'd spent back in cadens - except for the fact it isn't.

sam figures he'll have time to decide how he feels about it all soon enough. for now, he has another mission, another driving force. and he can worry about the rest later. ]

[itookashot]

"Pure? Me? That's a bit of a stretch." Jesper laughs at the very idea, but he can't help but be very pleased by her good opinion of him. He might not always share it, but it means a lot to have someone like her think it. It just means he has to make sure to live up to her vision of him, and having someone expect better of him is a good thing. It'll keep him from leaning into his mistakes.

"It's easy to be loyal to you." Kaz is the one who makes it difficult to be loyal to him, but Jesper is, deeply so. He may be temporarily retired with his sugar daddy boyfriend, but the moment Inej or Kaz needs him, he'll be back. And he's here now, for her.

She may be good at holding back her feelings but he knows her, and he knew that his news would be painful. It's painful for him and he never managed to reunite with Matthias at all. He thinks it would be worse though, to have been with him again, only to lose him. They may not have been the closest of friends, but they were family, they were Crows.

"As tragic as it is, at least Nina was not here to experience it." He'd love to see their wonderful friend again, but that would have been too much to ask of her. Too cruel. One loss is enough.

"There's an inn in Cadens that lets Summoned stay in exchange for help around the place. It's a temporary option but the woman Mags is a nice sort." Getting back to the facts because Inej will be coming back with him, he assumes.

[falcony]

[ he nods, and then because he can, there's a small grin as he says- ]

Welcome.

[ -and then they're back, because yes, there are inherent benefits to getting to know the other summoned. and honestly, before all of this, sam had done it more out of curiosity and needing to make sure others were taken care of than any specific motivation. now, however, there is more driving him.

which goes to say, he's glad to have finally settled enough to meet viktor. he'd seen him vaguely around the summit, and now knowing he's in cadens, it pulls a few pieces together. sam nods along with his comment, letting out a sigh at the memory of the castle. ]

Depends on what you consider recent, but yeah. Some of us were pulled through and welcomed as honored guests. [ only a vague sense of sarcasm there. just vague. but hey, at the very least that is one question answered. ] But others they claimed weren't who they meant to grab got sent to the dungeon.

[ and then, at the mention of the adjustment, sam laughs a little. ] You're telling me. The level of science around here is...a few hundred years behind what I am used to back home.

[carmesi]

[oh, well. wanda looks like she likes what she hears—this idea that there shouldn't be any judging because of one thing that happened. it paints a different light for her, her perception of this man.

it looks like she is more interested in what he has to say afterwards, about being a follow of a martial sect.]

There is a grandmaster here? [sounds official and important] —and no, I don't. I've never had a teacher, though... [a light shrug, a small amused smile] It feels like you're throwing compliments around.

['trained hero']

My name's Wanda.

[hylife]

I'm sorry.

[ Link's gaze drops to the floor, suddenly uncertain but conscious not to show that to Zelda. It was a strange question to ask her, but... his mind is racing back to the moment they ran into each other in Solvunn, and even then something wasn't quite right. All those little moments since she arrived that they've just barely missed understanding each other. The Princess behaving exactly as if she had just stepped out of one of the very few clear memories he has of her.

Is she now saying that's exactly what she did? His brows pinch together, confused, or just... unwilling to accept what this means for them.

That right now, in Zelda's mind, he hasn't failed her yet... and Link has to tell her that he did. ]

Princess, I... trust your wisdom and judgment more than my own. [ Obviously. ] I need to show you something before I can fully explain.

[ After all, there's still that little kindle of hope that she will see what he's seen and find a simpler explanation for it. Maybe none of what he remembers about his death is real. He's dreamed the whole thing! Something like that. ]

[funbreaker]

Is that so? I've heard tell of other Summoned venturing at least far enough to deal with bandits in the surrounding area, but it could be they received express permission for that.

[ Thancred's already gathered that there a number of Summoned within Thorne who have made names for themselves and earned some prestige as a result. Kylo Ren, Ronan Lynch, Yennefer. If those in charge in Thorne are that insistent on keeping them on a short leash, then presenting oneself as being dedicated to their goals and interests might be the best way to earn some freedom.

He literally chews it over with another bite of his dinner, well aware that as soon as he returns he'll need to look into earning himself coin and testing the length of said leash. ]

I was planning to look into some mercenary type work once this summit is all said and done, so I imagine I'll learn those limits soon enough.

[ There's little that will stop him from moving where he wishes, within reason. He's willing to play along to an extent, but he does wonder when he might reach the end of his proverbial rope. If that does happen, Solvunn remains an option available to him. ]

[sealingpower]

You're... sorry?

[Zelda hesitantly reaches a hand out as though to put it on his shoulder but retracts it when he says he has something to show her.]

"Link, what is it that has you so upset?" she asks, putting her own distress on hold. "Please, show me if it will help."

[hylife]

[ Just as Zelda is drawing away, Link is scooting in closer, until they're both cloistered into their little makeshift pillow-fort.

Just like the princess, Link has put aside his distress. Now this is a Task. It isn't about emotions, when it's a Task. ]

Have you been to the Horizon?

[londonbound]

[ Rhy catches the look, tipping his head slightly as he considers it. He's aware the Cities aren't keen on magic, so it seems significant that Viktor is interested in his. Healing magic, specifically. And he... well, frankly. He doesn't look like he's doing super great, despite his insistence. ]

If you have questions about healing magic, I'm sure some of the Thornean delegation would be happy to answer in more detail. I'm afraid I haven't the experience for much yet, but there are far more talented healers here who have been studying for years.

[ He does have his own questions he's curious to ask, though. If Viktor doesn't appear too sleepy, considering it is pretty late. Rhy keeps odd hours (Rhy doesn't really sleep), but he won't be pushy if the man just wants rest. ]

Honestly, this is my first opportunity to meet Summoned residing in the other countries face to face. What is your impression of Cadens? I was told they recruit their Summoned into the military.

[gynvael]

Any research towards the Singularity would open doors. [ Aiding Thorne is not in his interest, but he is interested in the Singularity and Thorne remains the only place where one can actively, openly desire to learn of it without causing suspicion. He can't do much from Cadens. They want to destroy it as it is.

Still—if Thancred wants an excuse to use to exit the city gates, that's one way. If he can convince the High Mage that a trip would be worthwhile. In fact...

He tilts his head. ] You'll find a man named Stephen Strange. He might get you where you want.

[ Exactly how or why, Geralt doesn't elaborate further. He's pointed Thancred in a direction; if Stephen thinks Thancred is worth divulging to what he's investigating, then that's his decision. Geralt's only asked the man to look into the nature of the Singularity. How Stephen's went about it, he doesn't know, but he's been given word that Stephen can be trusted. So far, he hasn't found cause to doubt that.

The Singularity is a larger matter than who does or does not control it, whether it stands or falls. It goes past what political machinations so many of those who first chose to remain in Thorne seem keen on. He wants to know exactly what power it holds that perhaps even these territories don't realize. And that isn't information he wants circling back to anyone in power—nor anyone who would use it for such. ]

[sealingpower]

[Her eyes widen when Link moves closer, and her thoughts turn briefly to questioning if he feels the same way she does. Then he brings something else up and she shakes her head, pulling herself back to reality.]

Horizon? I have not.

[She has heard only bits and pieces of it, but really has no idea what it really is. However, she does know that people can take one another there.]

Will you show me?

[londonbound]

[ Rhy touches his chest reflexively, fighting off a wince. There's no way for Mat to know how literal that used to be -- Kell's heartbeat tucked against his, literally a part of him. Now, there is silence. Now, Rhy knows he's not simply right there anymore.

But he didn't mean to bring down the mood. Rhy swallows down his sigh. It's nice of Mat not to point it out, to offer a distraction instead. That's more Rhy's style.

If nothing else, he's good at smiling, whether he's up to it or not. So Rhy smiles, reaching out once Mat is kid-free to wrap an arm around his back. ]

Right you are. Drinks and games, I hear. Let's see if we can't make some trouble.

[hylife]

Yes.

[ Of course he will. He would do anything she asked of him. But right now specifically, that also happens to be his plan. Link settles cross-legged before her, with no awareness whatsoever that she got carried away for a second there. Even though he then holds on both hands, palms up, in an invitation for her to take. ]

You only need to hold my hand and clear your mind. You won't remember anything, but I'll be with you so you don't have to worry. And when we get back...

[ Link pauses for a moment, hesitating over what to say next. After all, she might be furious with him. Or disappointed. He can't ask for too much of her help. ]

Um. Tell me what you think.

[wiedzminka]

I hope so.

[ Ciri tells her, sincerely. It's more a wish than a threat, but there is an underlying understanding there as well: Yennefer knows what she is promising this time, and to whom. She knows what it will cost to break her word now.

Pulling Yennefer into a sudden, tight hug, Ciri holds her for only a few moments, pressing her face into Yennefer's hair to breathe in her familiar scent, feel her solid warmth. Her real, physical body, not the Horizon's projection. It's the only meeting like this they'll likely have for a long time to come. ]

Be safe.

[ She whispers. Then, she kisses Yennefer's cheek, lets her go, and turns away to spend the rest of the Summit avoiding being seen together once again. ]

[sealingpower]

[Zelda moves to sit facing him, but flushes a little when he asks her to take his hands. She swallows to compose herself first and nods, placing her palms on top of his.

Despite her earlier distress, she manages to clear her mind, only nodding when he speaks.]

[gynvael]

If you're skilled.

[ Further out in the desert you can go, the better the pay—and he has the benefit of being able to roam further, for longer, than most.

There's a moment where he seems about to say something more—but his gaze flicks to the left, past the tavern (a woman, thick black hair and an elegant gown, passing by)—and he gathers up the cards on his side of the table, handing them back to Viktor to shuffle into the deck. He drops a few coppers on the table to pay for his drink.

He stands, without much of a glance back. ] Thanks for the game.

[hylife]

[ Her hands are soft, a gentle weight in his slightly broader palms. Link has taken Zelda's hand many times in his memories, over the course of his duties as her knight, but this is...

Well. Still his duty, he reminds himself.

He takes a deep breath once she's seemed to settle herself, closing his eyes and focusing on the power of Singularity running through them. It's second nature for Link to reach out to it - after all, he's spent so much of his life with his hand over the heartbeat of that kind of power, ever since he'd awakened to his connection to the Goddess.

That makes the transition to the Horizon remarkably smooth. He wakes in his Domain with the warm sun on his face and soft, cool grass on his back, staring up at the sky from atop of one of many gently rolling hills. On the air wafts the loamy scent of wild Hylian rice and wet dirt, and - if one concentrates - the sweet scent of fields upon fields of Silent Princess in full bloom.

Link sits up, gently squeezing Zelda's hand. ]

Princess?

[funbreaker]

[ Even if Byleth claims that politics is not where she shines, it sounds as if she has plenty of other areas of expertise. While Thancred is used to politics as a point of necessity, it is also not where he would first place himself. He's capable of participating in political maneuvering to some degree, but acts of diplomacy often fell to Alphinaud, who exceled at it.

It's only himself and Himeka here, however, which means that he may need to exercise some muscles he hasn't oft used as of late. That shouldn't be a problem, of course.

Byleth makes a good point and Thancred has seen others who seem to have already taken this tack, getting into the good graces of people of influence in Thorne so that they have access to more resources or information. How genuine each of them is remains a mystery, but he does intend to find out if he can.

Yet he can't mask the fact that the moment mercenary work comes up, he perks up with a swift nod. As the question is turned back on him, he crosses his arms and shift his weight. ]

Yes, well, we decided it might be best to not put all our eggs in one basket. Thorne seems to have access to a great deal of knowledge that would be lost were I to leave. [ Yes, he could keep in contact with people like Byleth and exchange information that way, but he can't say he truly trusts anyone he's met in Thorne thus far, not even fellow Summoned. It takes more than a conversation or two to earn that, and while he would assume all Summoned are on the same "side," he can't be certain just yet. ]

Mercenary work, however... I have an interest in such things as well. [ With that, he takes on a mischievous smile. ] Shall we consider ourselves allies or rivals in that arena? [ They'll be in competition for work, of course, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to team up depending on the job in question. ]

[nightwash]

"In Thorne?" Ronan presses, a nasty smile working its way onto his mouth. He's all too happy to offend her, but it's not her scholarly ability he doubts. "Have you had a change of heart? Seen the error of your ways? Or do you want to get closer to the Singularity's protectors because sabotage is so much easier from the inside?"