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

[subhuman]

[ At that, Dante smiles though he doesn't reopen his eyes. Instead, he gives a short salute with his index and middle finger in acknowledgment. ]

The foundation of any good society. Maybe I'll get to see it for myself once they decide to let us out for recess.

[ The fact that he can't just waltz around the city itself is something that bothers Dante quite a bit. ]

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[Fandaniel's assumption is... mostly correct. He is, indeed, from a time well before Zodiark's defeat. Before, even, Fandaniel had set the Telephoroi on the world. And yet... he is aware that Hythlodaeus had returned to the star - that the two of them had, in that future he has not yet seen, been together. Something that could scarcely have happened had Zodiark not fallen, and there is hardly an abundance of reasons for how that might have come to be. But it is a matter he means to bring up with Hythlodaeus and not Fandaniel - he has no idea that Fandaniel is even tangentially related to such things.]

In that it pertains to the nature of this world and such time as we might spend on it.

[He does not believe most of what has been claimed about the Singularity, nor the world they now stand on. But at the same time, neither does he mean to leave the question unanswered.

Still, he doesn't make Fandaniel wait overlong. Instead, there's a brief pause - likely as much for effect as anything - and then he continues on.]

If this world is indeed connected not only to ours but others, then I would study the truth of that connection, and what place it might have in light of our ultimate goals.

[aquaveiled]

Astrologists? That is rather close. Too close to be a coincidence, wouldn't you say?

[ She's got several theories about the existence of the other worlds of the summoned, though no real concrete evidence. This does lead her to believe, though, that mayhaps Nadine is actually from one of the 13 shards? Wouldn't that be interesting! They have more in common than they do not.

At the description of how the cards are read on her star, Himeka does have to chuckle a bit. ]

I can think of a few people would benefit from those predictions.

[ She may be one of them, to be honest. ]

Oh? What do you teach?

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka's immediate silence probably says more than what follows--her own hesitation to simply nod and say "of course". But these gods...they have become something of a pet project of hers.

She has to understand them more, and what threat they really pose. ]

Sometimes belief is enough, isn't it?

[harmonian]

For morale, I guess, sure.

[He wipes a hand across his forehead and sighs thoughtfully.]

But sometimes gods end up being...something. Like a weapon. And if the weapon is so powerful that the nation doesn't worry about being invaded...

[His eyes narrow and he looks meaningfully towards Himeka.]

Where I'm from folks have considered the True Runes gods at various points in history. If Solvunn has something like a True Rune then we're in trouble....

I mean we're all in trouble. Just one Rune could destroy most of this continent.

[gynvael]

Still keeping you under lock and key?

[ He doesn't mean the dungeons; he's aware Thorne has done away with that particular stance. He doubts they'd be flashing their peacemaking intentions if they had plans to walk back on promises of amnesty. But a cage is a cage. Doesn't matter if it's a small cell or if it spans a city.

Geralt's always wondered about that. Thorne is the only one whose borders for the Summoned are so tightly bound. Is it because of Nott? Are they afraid of losing people to that outlier territory? Perhaps. ]

[unnecessaryflourishes]

I had hoped for somewhat more innovation.

[He's aware that he is, perhaps, expecting too much all at once. That most of the people of their world - of what is left of their world - do not have the benefit of even centuries of experience to look back on, much less the sort of forethought to look so far into the future as he or Hythlodaeus might. Too, he knows that the act of discovery is rarely a straight line. That it is much nearer to a thing of fits and starts, of dead ends and false beginnings, even in the cases where he has lent a hand and nudged possibility along more productive paths.

And yet... he cannot claim that he would claim the weapon Hythlodaeus hs found to be anything other than a mere curiosity. A dead-end of possibility and a path that will, ultimately, lead nowhere.

Or so it would no doubt be on Etheirys. Here it is more difficult to ascertain, and rather than dwell on that he turns instead to what Hythlodaeus is doing. The soft sounds of his pauldrons being delicately unhooked and set aside, and then the gentle touch of fingers along his spine. And he can feel them, even through the thicker leather of the robes, though its largely indistinct until those same fingers slide upward, to where the material of the robe is thinner. (Even if the cloth itself is still fairly thick - and it has to be, to hold the spiked pauldrons without tearing.)

Nor does he complain, even despite the sounds his muscles - too long held stiff and tense, even before his meeting with Fandaniel - make under the careful attentions of Hythlodaeus' fingers. Even when Hythlodaeus starts offering more pressure, he makes no complaint, simply enjoying the moment for what it is. (It has, after all, been long indeed since someone had even so much as thought to offer even this much, regardless of the reason, and that Hythlodaeus is the one doing so only makes it all the sweeter besides.)

...And then there's that sudden crack, and Emet-Selch draws in a sharp hiss of a breath before wheezing out something in a long-forgotten language. One that is not the one they share, for all that it is not one that has been heard on Etheirys for millennia; it's only a moment later that Emet-Selch remembers to use the language of this world they have found themselves on.]

Do that again.

[Hideous though the noise had been, he doesn't seem hurt. Especially not if he's asking that Hythlodaeus repeat whatever it is that he'd done in the first place.]

[londonbound]

[ It's not because Rhy is shy; he just wants some space. It's sweet how seriously Jaskier takes his request. And adorable how he actually goes about to fulfill it. While Rhy is stripping out of his clothes at the edge of the hot spring, the bard does his best to clear nearby bathers out by singing some sort of bawdy song -- and Rhy can't help but wonder if it's for his benefit in other ways as well, trying to cheer him up.

It actually works, even. He's smiling more genuinely by the time he climbs into the water, watching Jaskier with rapt amusement.]

Let it never be said you aren't creative, my friend. [ Rhy compliments him as Jaskier settles now that they're mostly alone on this side of the bathing pool. ]

Thank you. As for relaxing... I shall do my best.

You're already helping.

[sorser]

[That's fair; Stephen would not hope to start from scratch, either, if he considered uprooting himself from Thorne. He's already started so much work, wrangled connections into place, stubbornly carved out a foothold to obtain more research. He'd not leave the Castle without very good reason, believing himself to be more helpful to everyone from within Thorne than without.

So. He finds he cannot push the subject, though Viktor has notably dredged up a sense of disappointment, where he had not experienced it prior. Ah, well, that's what the Horizon is for. He makes a mental note to do a bit more exploring the next time he finds himself in that malleable plane.]

So you've already established a project or two during your stay in the Free Cities?

[That seems to be the implication. Do share.]

Industrious of you.

[sorser]

[He makes a sound of amusement at the thought of losing coins by giving them to Wanda, instead of a malfunctioning flattening machine. As though he even has that much coin to begin with; his income situation feels uniquely like the one back home, in which he relied upon already-established resources to afford him his proverbial lunch money. The days of rolling in cash are long behind him, and there they shall stay.]

It can happen.

[A mistake in a spell. He's made them, too, and apparently on a larger scale than he has the privilege to yet experience. But once again, one need only ask Peter Parker to confirm. Stephen chooses only to agree, though, not expound. No point.]

Though usually a "mistake" leads to a different variation of the same magic. The intention becomes skewed and, like you said, volatile. Do you know what spell they had intended to cast?

[Going from an innocent Point A to a dead-raising Point B, while not impossible, seems very improbable. Either it was no mistake at all, or they were already dabbling with problematic magic from the start.]

[sorser]

[He isn’t sure he buys it — as far as Stephen’s concerned, his question regarding why strong magic is needed between the two men (who are, apparently, something more complicated than Just Friends) has been swept under the rug. In the end, it’s none of his business if they don’t want to truly share, though he finds a difficult balance between leavings things be and sticking his nose into them.]

If you need me for a task, or a spell, you’d better spit it out while I’m here. After the peace summit, I’m assuming we’re going to all be shuffled back into place. [Into their proper territories, with a few presumably having shifted here and there.] You’ll have a difficult time finding me in the castle, then.

[There is always the Horizon, though Stephen is pushing for information now; not facilitating it for later.]

[princessvegas]

[ He kisses her and she bites at his lip with a purr, standing on her toes to stretch after him when he pulls away. Everything feels pleasantly buzzy, tastes like fruit, and she makes a thoughtful noise before she answers. ]

What does Geralt like? [ Her voice is low, humorous and sultry at the same time. ] You like wine. And horses. And me. And you especially like when I do this.

[ Her free hand wraps around his cock with a gentle ringing, because most of her limbs are still draped in strings of bells, and her neck cranes so that she can nip at his jaw. ]

[funbreaker]

[ Literally staring into someone's soul, an old habit? Thancred would like to challenge that, and yet he knows that it's most likely the unaltered truth. The way the Ancients lived and perceived the world is something he only barely understands, and he has little more than what he saw in a recreated Amaurot and Himeka's secondhand accounts from which to draw. The Ancients are given to simply looking without asking, and Emet-Selch had seen the exact same scars on Thancred's aether.

Yet the apology doesn't do much to make him feel better, nor does the sweeping praise of Lahabrea. Maybe he had once been a man deserving of such comments, Thancred could hardly speak to that. The version of him thousands of years after the fact had been a twisted husk of his previous self. Thancred understood well that Ascians looked at those who'd been sundered and saw something that wasn't even human or even alive. With that in mind, it's not so shocking that Lahabrea had been willing to snatch up any body that might serve his purposes.

In Thancred's case, he can only assume the idea was to stay the hands of the Scions and the Warrior of Light, to make them hesitate enough that he would be able to get the upper hand by using a friend against them.

It's all quite far in the past for him by now, but it's not as if Thancred will ever truly be able to let it go. Watching Himeka's body being used as a puppet by Zenos had ripped open those old wounds anew.

He nods mutely at Hythlodaeus' first question, suddenly wishing very much that he was anywhere but here, but he may as well get through this uncomfortable conversation in full so that they don't have to revisit it. He pinches the bridge of his nose, hoping that this will somehow be the last time he has to relive it. ]

Lahabrea used my body as a means of confronting those close to me, Himeka and the other Scions. They were ultimately able to defeat him, at least to the point of driving him out of me. [ That was not, in fact, the end of him. Thancred had not been present for that moment, though he'd drilled Himeka about it after the fact, once they'd reunited. ] I could not begin to tell you the specifics of how I survived. I suspect you can see that more clearly than I ever could.

[ Thancred doesn't know how readable the scarring on his soul is, but he does know that he owes Himeka his life. He can only hope he's done his best to repay that debt by now. ]

[cryptsleeper]

No idea if it's that or self interest.

[Alucard has taken to assuming the latter. Still, he can't help but raise an eyebrow.]

What are they telling you inside those walls?

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard expected just a quick name exchange. Nothing more. But he says Alucard and the young man looks as if he's been blown over by a gust of wind. That staring says it all, and it feels rude to pry but.

Who the fuck else has the name of Alucard?

So as much as he wants to take advantage of this hard earned noping out, he has to at least cushion whatever blow he just dealt.]

I also respond to Adrian Tepes. [With that, he will depart with a polite nod. Hopefully, that might offset a fraction of whatever just happened.] Good evening.

[funbreaker]

[ Seeing the movement out of the corner of his eye, Thancred glances back down to see the bottle offered. He blinks a time or two, glancing up to meet Zhou Zishu's gaze before he nods and takes it.

He knows nothing of worth can be found at the bottom of a bottle, but this also isn't about that. Sharing a drink with someone as an act of commiseration isn't a bad thing, and so he takes a swig before setting the bottle down in the grass between them.

Just bored? But based on Zhou Zishu's smile, Thancred knows he must only be joking. ]

That would be something, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, I have to assume there's much more to it than that.

[ Sitting under an unfamiliar set of stars with someone he barely knows, as far from home as he can be and still not certain of what his future might hold back there — it's all surreal enough that Thancred finds more words tumbling out of his mouth before he can think better of it. ]

Would you believe me if I told you this wasn't the first time this sort of thing has happened to me?

neutral zone; i

[funbreaker]

[ The Summit will soon be coming to an end, with each Summoned having to choose which portal to step through. As far as Thancred's heard, not many people's minds were changed by the displays here. It ultimately felt more like a chance to mingle than anything else, but nothing terrible came of it either, so he views it as a net gain. Simply being able to see Himeka in person outweighs all the other less pleasant meetings he'd been forced to have.

As he steps into the tavern for a final drink and meal for the road, however, he does wonder if this particular meeting might be enough to tip the balance. Emet-Selch sits there, still dressed exactly as Thancred remembers, as if Himeka never drove that axe through his chest and consigned him to the Lifestream. Of course he already knew that he was here, having had a meeting of sorts in the Horizon, but it's not as if that truly counted.

There's a part of Thancred that wants to turn around and leave right then and there, but he may as well get this conversation out of the way now, just as he did with Fandaniel. So he steels himself, draws in a breath and lets it out again (it would not do well if he flew across the table at someone in such a crowded place), and then moves to plant himself firmly across from the Ascian.

Regardless of whether they'd been avoiding each other, there are a few things Thancred should make clear. So, here he is.

The less said about their first "meeting," the better, so he completely skips addressing that. ]

I'm only here for one reason, Ascian.

[falcony]

[ uh-oh. sam has literally no idea what he's unlocked here, but at the same time he's pretty sure this is the most he's seen hector get excited about something. which also happens to be all that sam really needs. ]

You like working with animals, or just enjoy keeping them as pets? But renting a stall isn't difficult. If you need any help I know a couple of owners, maybe they can get you once close to your place.

[ sam is resisting the urge to tell hector he should just start a zoo, but you never know. ]

Wait- are you actually going to try and keep some of those creatures as pets? Can you even do that?

[fourarmedandangerous]

Goro nods. "Then as the more-experienced Summoned, I take it as my duty to introduce you to it." He replies. "The process of entering is relatively simple, and will only require guidance for your first time. And it will allow you access to the network." A move that will surely not lead to any headaches or frustration on Goro's part in the coming future.

[HA-HA! Foreshadowing.]

"But I must warn you, the first time will be..." He thinks for a moment, face crinkling in thought as he searches for the right word. "Different." He settles on. "You will be more...exposed, than you may like." And not in the naked sense. "But if you wish it, I can guide you there. It makes communication easier...and assures privacy." That last part is really the most important.

[vixening]

[ ah - that is something that yennefer notices. the way she turns from the kindness, but also that there is something more. missing others she says, and yennefer turns her attention forward - so that she's not looking directly at the other woman.

don't have anyone and graves stick out, but yennefer does not seem too worried about it. as if she's not surprised, perhaps, or maybe a part of her simply understands the feeling. ]

Almost a sister. [ yennefer offers, casually, a bit wistfully. she is not dead, yennefer knows that, despite the best effort of the nilgaardian army. yennefer remembers seeing her, in those dreams as well - a shell, a bit off, haunted by the scars left behind. yennefer had felt so protective in that moment, and yet simultaneously, just as lost, unsure of what to do to help despite her own direction, her own solution she'd yet to find.

it's not a dissimilar feeling, to how she is now, except that rather than driven to a specific goal, yennefer feels more distant than anything. ] We'd gone to the same school - to learn how to control chaos. It's why- [ yennefer turns to wanda, gives her that same small smile again. ] Your magic reminded me of her, especially the flowers.

[shadowthief]

It's... [She clears her throat.] ...interesting? Not the worst thing I've ever had, but certainly not the greatest, either.

[shadowthief]

Not getting himself into trouble, is he? [She knows Jesper, and he has a terrible penchant for it, really.]

Of course, [She nods a bit.] Likewise. I should hope you could help me navigate the cities when we go back? I like knowing the ins and outs of the places I stay.

[Boy, is that an understatement.]

[shadowthief]

She doesn't like the look of that smile, if one could call it that. It's sharp, a farce of what it should be on his face, somehow. "I'm simply requesting information. If it's too much trouble, I'll move along." She lifts her eyebrows. The tiniest act of defiance, or perhaps a dare of some sort, even Inej isn't quite sure. But something in the air shifted in the last few seconds, and she doesn't like it.

[shadowthief]

"Not pure as in innocent, Jesper, but you are loyal and you are honest, and that," she presses a finger against his chest, above his heart. "is the valley in which your heart lies." She presses her hand flat for a second before dropping it back to her side altogether.

She laughs softly at his gilded admonishment toward the boy they both had their own tangled feelings about. "Yet, there we are, at his side, despite it all." she huffs another soft sound, amused and disbelieving all at once somehow.

Inej swallows whatever feelings the news has brought her, she will not forget it, but she will place it in a box and take it out another time when she feels ready to look at it. "At least there is that," she agrees quietly with a nod, she isn't sure the other girl could take that particular loss a second time.

"I was in a similar situation in Solvunn," she says, glad for the change in topic, falling into step beside him, or as close to it as she can, his stride is a lot longer than her own. "the people do seem genuinely helpful, near as I could tell. I don't know about the other cities... Though, I think Thorne is the worst of them. A friend of mine, Himeka, told me of her time there, before she was able to escape to Solvunn. They were held captive in dungeons, it was terrible." she ends that story on a soft, respectful tone.

[lackingtalent]

Well, I for one am pleased to be disappointed in this case! And hopeful that their innovation lies in other things.

[Technology, culture, the arts- et cetera. Not in things as pointless as harming each other.

Yet. He knows just as well as Emet-Selch that discovery is no straight line. For this short-term success and long-term failure, for ten others, twenty even- they will pave the way to success eventually. Lessons learned in failures are utilized to make successes more reachable. It is that way in all things.

Yet the subject of the crudely imagined, manufactured, and executed weapon is long past. His healing is reduced- yes. Barely capable of mending the slightest injury now, for reasons he suspects are due to the Singularity yet hadn't found the time to make a reasonable effort to investigate as of yet. But it is enough- with a playfully hummed tune, and the press of his hand upon the area which elicited that awful sound, to allow it to heal properly. To encourage blood flow, to soothe inflamed sinew, and to relax tense muscle.

Yet the Allagan word, the strange word, uttered quietly but aggressive in structure, uncouth, even unpleasant- has his hand draw away in the midst of execution. Causes those sweet and soft notes to die in his throat. And before he can say anything, query anything- his friend speaks once more- this time in their familiar tongue. And he does not sound agitated. Nor displeased. Nor pained. So... ]

Certainly. If you'll remove your cowl.

[And yes, he's going to help with that. Up and over Emet-Selch's head it goes- and it is folded a few times and placed to the side. And oh, it is a heavy thing- a far cry from even robes worn in winter. The thought is unvoiced, for what is revealed to him is... different.

Eons ago, they had seen each other bare. The extent of their knowledge of each other had made such common. But that was a different body. The Garlean variant of hyuran Emet-Selch has taken that sits before him is similar in some respects. Yet utterly different in others.

He sees flaws in evolution. He can't not- the bone structure far too heavy-set, and the torso and the arms seem far too short. Much less the neck! It is almost as if the body is compressed.
...But it is (oddly) pretty in other ways. The way the shoulders- though bent forward slightly due to poor posture- are larger than even their own. The way his muscles are defined is pleasing- quite dissimilar to the way that-

Ah, his muscles.
Yes, That's what he was doing.
Giving Emet-Selch a final glance, he moves himself to repeat his action, letting up when the crack of the other shoulder fills the empty air around them. And that area is healed in the same manner. And as he moves closer, so his head is perched over the other's shoulder, parallel to his, his hand draws down to the small of his back. The other arm lightly holds his right shoulder.]

Breathe out.

[The shoulder is pulled. His palm presses the small of the other's back forward with even force. A great, long crunching sound fills the tent as Emet-Selch's spine should find itself moved, again, into proper alignment. Again, that healing spell.

...And a quiet laugh.]

I'll thank you not to complain. This may feel cold.

[He is forewarned, not without due cause. The lotion- a little something sheer luck had found Hythlodaeus possessing- is somewhat chill against warm skin. Yet it is also soothing. And as it is spread, gently, along the broad expanse of Emet-Selch's shoulders and back, it should be somewhat pleasant. At least for the skin that had been manipulated and pulled and pushed during this little session, the sign of Hythlodaeus' work presenting itself in red marks upon it.

As for an aded bonus, it smells good. Perhaps not as good as Hythlodaeus himself, as fresh from the baths as he is- but perhaps halfway there. ...And oh. He can't help himself. A little peck of a kiss, some quiet, lingering affection, finds itself at the base of Emet-Selch's neck.

And as he withdraws, to procure himself some of the wine...]

I doubt now is the time, but you should know something. I met with someone today...

[A sip. And he cradles his glass, lowering it- but not putting it down.]

...Someone who possesses the seat of Fandaniel. Yet not our one. [A slight pause.] ...Not quite. The soul is there, most certainly. Yet the soul, I think, is destroyed.

[And...]

The soul that replaces it, in my opinion, is not one suited for the seat.