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

[cryptsleeper]

[Duty and purpose.  That gets an eyeroll.  Terrible platitudes, and for what?  To keep people captive.]

Sounds like a more gilded prison, in truth.

[Bias aside, the thinking that the Summoned have answers to questions?  That's fascinating.]

The world is always ending, in one way or the other.  But thinking that there's some innate solution just by existing is...not new, but I haven't heard it articulated in that precise and blunt a way.  [The little nod of appreciation is there.  It is a good way of thinking of it.]  Does anyone in Thorne seem to have an answer?

[itookashot]

Julie and Jesper had a conversation that was related to the one she had with Julie, only Jesper leaned more in the opposite direction. Mostly in that he is wary of messing with something powerful and unknown and thinks poking at it is asking for trouble he doesn't want. But if it's what Inej wants, he'll do it. Jesper's loyalty is absolute, even if he doesn't think something is a good idea, he will throw himself entirely into it for the people he loves. If she tells him to point his gun at the Singularity and pull the trigger, he will.

Jesper listens to her story closely and frowns. The real concern first is that Inej says they have an enemy. "He'd better watch himself. No one wants to make an enemy of us, although they do seem to make them anyway." To be fair, that's because they are usually underestimated. No one will ever do that again to them at home. He frowns and reaches out to take her hand, squeezing it, a reassurance that he's there and any person who would make an enemy of her will have two Crows now.

The caskets sound like a bad idea, although it does seem to line up with Thorne. Jesper grows thoughtful as he thinks it through. "Thorne seems to have taken us to be their tools. People here can't go there without dying, so what happens? They grab people who can survive it, and use them. It's smart and ruthless, and I doubt their motivation has changed at all since this began." Now Free Cities and Solvunn can bring their own. Jesper may not be the planner in their group, but he has a clear eye for motivation. Kaz would probably already have fifty plans on how to get the power of the Singularity under their thumb.

"I can't blame the Free Cities or Solvunn for taking a page out of their book and doing the same. Otherwise Thorne would win and dominate them both." That at least seems clear, he doesn't need the history of the planet to see that one place would want to dominate the others. It's their world's story too.

[meiren]

[ Does he have anything but time? It huffs something like a laugh out of him, but he does understand the implication. He nods once and then tips his head away from the main crush of the crowd, wordlessly inviting her to follow as he begins to move towards a clearer area. ]

Months? [ It seems difficult to imagine. But it does mean that she has significantly more experience than Zhou Zishu himself does.

It's not that he's ever entirely unaware of his surroundings, but she very much has the bulk of his attention now. ]

And how do you find it?

[princessvegas]

Just the one? [ She gets out a breathless laugh before he kisses her again, something she meets with fervor. Her hand covers his, holds it to her breast. She leans into him, knees slipping a bit on the random assortment of pillows under them.

Passing silhouettes catch the corner of her eye, dark on the canvas of the tent. She does a quick estimation in her head of how long they realistically can bank on the others following her false trails before they get tired or hungry enough to return. Another hour, maybe a little less. Nothing to worry about.

She kisses him again, hard, hips rolling. ]

[princessvegas]

I mean, I never saw it, but that's what I heard. The magic right around it is too strong, they can't take it. But I don't think we're test subjects, exactly. We're supposedta be heroes or somethin' like that. The head mage in Thorne, he says the Singularity is pullin' the world into itself, real slow, and that if Abraxas gets sucked up, the universe ends, so we're meant to stop it. Or at least most of us. [ Her assumption is that those left over from the dungeon are not expected to be particularly helpful. ] Not sure how, though.

[ It has never really been explained to her -- no one in Thorne bothered telling the imprisoned Summoned anything at all, and the Summoned who weren't condemned weren't very good at relaying the exact message. ]

But remember, shit was different when I got dragged here. Back then, they couldn't pick who they wanted, and it was only Thorne. I don't got a clue what they tell 'em now, or what Solvunn and Cadens say is the mission.

[ She shrugs. This is not her fight, and her only goal is to keep Abraxas peaceful and going long enough for her to live out the rest of her days here. She doesn't give a shit what happens after that.

Giggling with delight when he snatches up the cup, she claps appreciatively. ]

I knew you couldn't have a fuckin' bullet power, I just couldn't figure out what you did have. Now, you wanna be careful in Cadens, 'cause like I said, they don't like magic. Don't ask me, I think it's dumb as fuck, but it's not like Thorne, where they want people to learn stuff. Oh, have you been to the Horizon yet? 'Cause that might not be the only power you got.

[gynvael]

Mm, one— [ of several, is what he means to say, but then she kisses him hard and he finds little reason to finish.

His other arm goes around her—holding her close as much as steadying her. He can hear footsteps outside, the rustle of other tents nearby. No one ventures towards theirs, though. Can't say he's giving it too much thought right now.

Her lips are nearly bruising against his. He bites at them, dragging his teeth as he falls into the driving pace she sets. The cushions are inching on the floor, towards one end of the tent, and he shoves one out of the way so he stops sliding. It's good; it always is, but also—they've fucked often, the reasons varied, and this, these moments where they just want to, where there's no freshly bleeding wound either of them are pushing aside—it feels as if they deserve it, the short reprieve. ]

apologies for the delay on this!

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[It helps, perhaps, that the book is one that Emet-Selch is already familiar with. Something that is meant more to pass the time with rather than something new to dive into. But even so, he cannot deny that with the setting sun it has gotten to the point where it has become all but impossible to actually read anything. And though the third eye on his forehead might allow him some amount of low-light vision that most others would not, it is not so detailed as to allow him to actually read the words on the page.

Much though he might wish it were otherwise.]

In a manner of speaking.

[Still, he doesn't seem to object to having been disturbed. Instead, there's a pause and then he speaks up again.]

I had thought to see if the stars here were different to those I have become more familiar with.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[For all that he has not precisely been seeking to avoid Thancred - and why should he, when it is not he who has any significant problems with the other - neither has he made any significant attempt to seek Thancred out either. Nor had he much needed to. His soul is one that had been easy enough to spot, once they had all gathered for the summit, and that had been more than enough for him. Especially when there had been far more interesting matters to hold his attention.

(And one that had been less enjoyable, but necessary all the same.)

Still, Thancred is here now, and though Emet-Selch is no more inclined to speak of their brief encounter in the Horizon at the moment than Thancred does, he does still note that he still seems as displeased as ever to be in the company of an Ascian and one corner of his mouth twitches up slightly at the familiarity.]

Come to make a plea on behalf of your beloved hero, have you?

[He doesn't sound offended, or irritated. If anything, he sounds almost amused.]

[shadowthief]

She smiles and leans into his side again as they walk at that protective remark of his. She does feel safer, not being the only one of them here, even if she isn't sure she would truly wish it upon any of them. It's no better here than at home, with the warring factions.

Inej nods a little as he susses out the ideas behind Thorne's motives. He may not be the best planner, but Jesper is Kaz's second for a reason. That puts him in charge here, inn their boss' absence, and she wonders if he has realized that yet. "Probably not. I get the idea that this has all been going on for centuries, in some form or another." A very, very long war. But then, the wars of their own homelands were not so short-lived either.

"Do you think it's possible for a world to exist without war inside of it?" she asks pensively, tilting her head back to look up at him.

[gynvael]

[ He gives a small huff of a laugh in reply. He hasn't seen her, he thinks, wandering much, and he wonders if she's largely stayed here. How at home are those in Solvunn? Might be the nature of it makes their Summoned less inclined to feel like there must be real answers elsewhere.

For a moment, he doesn't answer. You don't, is what he's inclined to say. You learn to let go of what cannot be changed, or you wind up swept in it, too. Though perhaps he's not as good at letting go as he wants to be, even if he knows where it will lead him: with blood spilled and more than a few regrets.

Still, he has someone to take care of now. Several someones. It changes things, a bit. ]

Are you concerned someone's doing something wrong?

[ Are they still in the world of hypothetical speaking flowers here? Feels as though they aren't quite. ]

[techmaturgy]

[The good news is that he already has an answer to this question--Viktor has always wanted to make magic as accessible as possible, so the fact that anyone here can learn is already progress. There are too many possibilities, almost, but Viktor would rather not start from scratch, if he can help it.]

My work back home involved the harnessing of arcane forces through technological means. Ideally I would be able to reproduce that here--something like the new magic practiced in the Free Cities, but more...adaptable.

[techmaturgy]

Useful as it is, it's still primitive.

[Just flint and steel, though having the mechanism is useful. A trigger mechanism is simple enough to replicate, given the right materials, and has a variety of uses.]

Given the current state of technology in the Free Cities, however, I would probably use it as a stepping stone to something else. The beginnings of a combustion engine, perhaps.

[Literally anything but another gun, thanks.]

[princessvegas]

[ Illicitly moving from one faction to the other has presented Julie with a strange honeymoon phase of peace, which she is completely unaccustomed to, now. Her personal relationships are not in free-fall, no one she knows is on death's doorstep, she no longer has to spend all her time either working or losing herself in magic, and the world is not in complete chaos. It has been over two years since she had anything like that, and she's not sure if she can actually believe she deserves it. But she can take it, for sure. Who knows when it will end? Probably not next week.

When she pulls away to catch a breath, head thrown back and chest heaving, her grin is red and swollen from his teeth. She slows, grinds back and forth with an airy mewl, and glances around. From several feet away, one of the bottles of wine begins to float toward them; she accepts the bottle from her third hand and uncorks it, takes a parched drink, then offers it to him as she leans to scrape her teeth along his neck. ]

[gynvael]

[ The brief air of magic sends the lightest hum through his medallion. He lifts his hips, electric sparks thrumming through his veins.

He takes the bottle with a soft grunt, though he doesn't drink just yet, distracted by her teeth against his skin. There's a second, and then he tips his head back, propped up on one elbow as he swallows a healthy dose of wine. (Several.)

He stuffs the cork haphazardly back into the bottle. It's shoved between some pillows nearby, because he knows her invisible hand can reach it, and he turns for her to nip further at his throat. He drags his nails down her back—against the bumps of her spine. It's taken time and a hell of a lot of liquor, but he's finally really feeling that warm buzz that makes everything that much more pleasant. ]

[vixening]

The two of them do fall into step easily, though Yennefer is quick to settle herself into a position of prepared tension - the sort of guard she keeps up no matter who, or where, she is speaking. It's also why she doesn't react, necessarily, to the honestly quite blunt question about the ruling pair. Though, because she is in some ways prepared for her, the smile she gives is less of a reaction and more controlled - cool, but entertained. This woman seems quick to turn to the politics of the castle, but then again, Yennefer's own path here hadn't been all that different.

"My opinion on them as rulers..." She considers her next words for a moment, her eyes casually watching their path through the crowds, subtly keeping an eye out for any particular interest given to them. "Most of my knowledge, and therefore my opinions, will be of the Queen herself. She comes from a long line of Thorneans - military personnel. She rules with a firm and experienced hand, and her husband..." Yennefer glances to the woman, and then shrugs. Distant, vaguely interested but also with a hint of experience that cannot be masked entirely. "Is more difficult to have an opinion about, as he has been somewhat absent from courtly matters, or at the very last from those which I've been present in."

[itookashot]

I suppose if it's desperate time and desperate measures it makes sense to do whatever you can, but arresting all of you was a stupid idea. You can't make people do what you want that way. Heroism, money, power, a return home, those would make sense to offer.

[ Then people who want to go would maybe work for them. Jesper agrees that leaving the thing alone is the best call. He would like to go home, but it isn't like he'll risk his life to do that, not right now. For Inej, he'd risk his life, for himself, eh, he'll see how things play out here. But he can hear Kaz in his head telling him not to trust those in power for a single word they say. ]

Ah, well, I am new, so what they tell us is that these are dangerous times and they need our help and that we're important. But then they don't ask anything of us or tell us what to do. Which seems counter-productive if you want people to be helpful.

[ So instead Jesper shrugged and wandered into the city and figured things out that way, he would've listened if they had more specific things to say in the barracks. Although he assumed they just wanted them to join the army, maybe then they would give more specific answers. He should ask Sephiroth if he's heard more since he joined up. That might be a good idea. But Cadens is new to this, maybe they don't know what to say or what they want yet.

Jesper grins widely at her at the clap and playfully rolls his hand as a ta-da and half-bows. It is so rare that he gets to use his powers without being terrified, but he doesn't feel scared with her there. Maybe he is quick to relax around fellow roguish types. ]

Don't tell anyone here, I've been hustling at darts. It all seems doable, that's the game.

[ Jesper does have incredible aim! That is true with or without his powers, he could make 85% of his shots without any help at all. But that 15% is the hard ones that get the most attention, so he needs them. Jesper fishes a bracelet out of his pocket and shows it to her. His tricks really are pretty subtle, if no one is watching, they wouldn't notice. His fingers touch it and it suddenly seems to turn into putty, soft and loose, mixing together. The shiny gems and metal mold together and turn into a pendant instead, firm again and newly formed. He sets it on the table between them.]

I haven't noticed any new powers yet. Did you have the fire before or is that something you got here?

[cointosser]

No, gods, no. Who would ever assume that Yennefer of Vengerberg thrives in chaos?

[Ah. Perhaps it wasn't the best choice of words, but he moves on immediately anyway, sweeping them towards the dining tent and into the next conversation.] Fixation? Who's fixated? I'm only -- I noticed it. There's nothing wrong with noticing.

[It's long, all right. Like a goose neck.

It's very pretty.]

Of course I don't! I'm a well-respected member of the citizenry, thank you. If my name is known, it is known with reverence. Jealousy, even! They've already begun singing my songs in the taverns, late at night. Perfectly respectable, thank you. I haven't even gotten my other arm blown up.

[It was only the once, for sure.]

[cointosser]

[Yes, he was right. This thing is completely stupid, and... all right, he's not thrilled about the queue, but. If it's this stupid, he must do it, and he must make Hector suffer alongside him.

It's quality time spent together.]

I'm beginning to think it may be rather easy to, er, slightly swindle the local population. [Which excludes them, obviously. They're going for a laugh, not to... to actually ponder an orb.]

And that I'm learning to new, very interesting things about you. I don't suppose you'll be enamored with watching me ponder and rub an orb for a full five minutes? We'll find some other balls to ponder after if it's... a bit too boring.

[cointosser]

[He just likes the word groveling. It seems fun to have someone grovel at you.]

Forget the apology. Er. I could make a dragon. Probably. I think.

[He can't make dragons at all. Unfortunately. He can't even turn into one. But -- oh. That might be a fun magic to look into, thinking of.

He never said the dragon needed to be made of dragon. (Why is he trying so hard to impress him? Because Jaskier thrives off impressions. Unfortunately. Which means his salesmanship has been laid to the side.)

He gives his knuckles a crack, spreading his fingers. And the vines grow again, weaving, tangling. Sweat beads on his forehead as the magic draws on him, but he. Fuck. It just seems like a fun idea.

And so he's left with this nearly alive creature, twining around his arm, made of vines and leaves patterned and flattened like scales, with a flickering tongue made of small pink carnations.

It looks a bit like Himeka's dragon form in his Horizon, actually. Long and serpentine.] There. That is something.

[aquaveiled]

[ It's a fair question and it is, apparently, not as commonplace amongst certain groups of people. She's heard her fair share of distasteful stories in the Tertiary Settlement to keep some of her history to herself. But here? It makes for a decent story, she supposes. ]

Fairly often, at least when I first ventured out onto land.

[ She says as if that's just how it goes. Which it may be when you're from the sea. ]

It was how I bartered my way from Hingashi to Vylbrand. And Limsa Lominsa is a city-state that's founded and ran by pirates.

[ Once inside the eatery tent, Himeka is happy to plop down at the first available seat. Has she been here a few times already? Yes. Should anyone who knows her be surprised? No, not at all. She pats the spot next to her. ]

I spent about six moons there completely bereft of money and common sense. But I did learn a lot in the end.

[cointosser]

[He's beginning to think he could drown under these compliments if he only kept Rhy occupied enough to give them. He kisses the back of his neck gently, moving his hands down to his biceps from his shoulders.

At least the scar could so easily be some sort of painted ink on his skin. But as his fingers move down his arms, brushing a different scar, he peeks.

Like the initials carved in Nadine's thigh, he knows so much better than to ask. He does not let himself pause over it; he rolls his thumb across the scar, knowing Geralt has always responded to them getting attention, and then moves back up to his shoulders.

He sings. He chooses a little love ditty he wrote when he was quite young to impress the cook's daughter with his knowledge of philosophy. It's terrible, a product of his inexperience, and yet he is fond of it as one of his first steps into the game of love.

Sorry. What could he be so sorry for?]

ah my last tag decided not to go through... my apologies

[cointosser]

[Perhaps to anyone else the very mention of offices alone could be a boring topic, yet Jaskier looks captivated. Finding anyone to speak of about music was rare enough; the variations between instruments even more so. It is not to say the people of the Free Cities are uneducated -- indeed, they're more educated than a vast majority of those dwelling on the Continent -- but music is not a priority here when the military soaks up so much coin and attention.

All those masters in one place. The art, the poetry, the theatrics...]

Gods. How I would love to walk among such a group.

[His voice gone soft, wistful. He smiles, and his heart flutters in such a lovely way.] I think only because it comes so naturally. A skill that has received its fair share of practice, I suspect, though it was all unconscious. [He can't help but think he might not be so sad to see this man attempt. Trembling fingers and thumbs.] Surely you have something similar that comes easily to you? Something I should envy in turn.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier grimaces.]

No... no, that's very much the opposite of reassuring. [But Jaskier gives him a companionable pat on the shoulder, because gods know the man is trying. It was an attempt, which is more than most get.]

Right. That's absolutely how I'm going about it. And nothing has happened yet! Given that was months ago, I'm sure I'm getting out of, er. Any repercussions.

[princessvegas]

[ She shivers at his nails, digs her own into his chest. She mouths up the side of his neck, the corner of his jaw, then presses her forehead to his temple. He presses up, further into her, and she gasps, writhes against him. Her head swims when she squeezes around him. ]

Fuck me now. [ Her voice is just a soft purr, low and thick like honey. She holds the other side of his face. ] Eventually, one of 'em's gonna pop up and surprise us, and the tavern's open, so it probably won't be Jaskier.

[ Neither of them have the luck to bet on four to one odds. ]

[gynvael]

[ His mouth makes its way to her earlobe. He sucks gently, seating himself well inside her as he does. There's a huff from him at the reminder, one that turns quickly into a sharp inhale.

Right. Limited time. (What's the etiquette for sealing a shared tent with yrden?)

A curse spills out of him. He holds her waist, fucking her steady, letting the tight curl build inside him. She's near enough he only needs to tilt his head up to catch her lips, and more flowers tumble free from his hair. ]