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

[funbreaker]

[ As Shuten slides into the water, Thancred scoots to one side to make sure that she has ample room to spread out. Not that there isn't plenty of space in the baths, but it does still feel a bit odd that they're both here. He's still doing what he can to be considerate despite her seeming lack of modesty. ]

An oni...

[ He glances down to study the gently rippling water for a moment. It's a term that he believes exists in Hingashi, though it's primarily to denote any creature that is larger and more fearsome than its kin, as they're said to possess a demonic sort of fierceness.

Not that he can assume that the term means the same thing for Shuten. Now that she's fairly near to him he does take a moment to look over and study those horns more closely. ]

And what denotes an oni as being pure, exactly?

[itookashot]

[ Jesper's always considered himself broken too. Broken because of his powers, broken because of his addictions, broken because he keeps letting people down due to his weaknesses. He told Kaz once that sometimes he lets his bad get the best of his good, and he knows that, but he keeps trying anyway. But that's why it's easy for him to have compassion for other people. Everyone's wounded, that's the word Inej likes to use. He can see it in Wanda too, due to her reaction to what he says, and he understands.

Jesper's always been the one that his female friends have leaned on. When Inej or Nina need him, he's everything they could ask for. The big brother, the best friend, the backup. He has a soft spot for women in his life, and Wanda's slotted herself in there with just one conversation and her glossy eyes. That switch hits him and all he can think is he'd do anything to make her smile. ]

Because I envied seeing you use your magic like that and decided to invite myself into your space. Now you're stuck with me forever, sorry.

[ Jesper smiles and he stands up to sit on the bench next to her instead. She'll see he really is a beanpole, tall and skinny as a rail. He sighs and shakes his head. ]

No, I'm in Free Cities. I grew up on a farm and left as soon as I could, so the idea of going back to one makes me break out in hives.

[ It's why he couldn't go to Inej, and she was kind enough to let him get away with it. Jesper would be deeply unhappy in a quieter more peaceful place, he's too loud and twitchy. ]

But that's what the Horizon is for. You can visit any time.

[funbreaker]

[ In that case, it sounds as if Thancred only just missed the dragoon. He could make some comment about how Estinien always manages to find a way to slip out of any situation he would rather not be a part of, but he knows that is not a joke that would land in this circumstance.

Still, what he's experienced does seem to imply that Estinien simply returned to their world, mayhap without his memories of his place, but in one piece all the same. ]

Well, I can assure you that so far as I'm aware, he's alive and well. [ Whether or not that will remain the case is far less clear, but Thancred doesn't know what will ultimately come of their trip to the end of the universe, and he does not want to saddle Himeka undue distress over an outcome they cannot know or control.

For now, it seems more important to focus on the here and now, along with everything that he's missed. ]

Right, you said earlier that you escaped Thorne. [ The buzz of activity that is the summit starting up for its first day means that there is little attention on them at the moment, and that may grant them a chance to discuss this at least in broad terms. Nonetheless, he casts a quick glance around them before returning his attention to her. ] — What happened?

[techmaturgy]

I'll look for you there.

[He means that, though from what he knows about the Horizon he's not sure where to start. Nothing he can't figure out, of course, and he's not about to keep Thancred here to answer questions about it. For a moment he looks a little bewildered at being offered a hand, like it's been a long time since he's had to actually network so formally, but after a moment he takes it and gives it a shake.]

Viktor. Thanks for indulging me.

[itookashot]

Jesper wouldn't wish either of them here either, it's not so bad or anything, but he'd much rather be back with his merchling. The fact he may never see Wylan or Kaz or his Da again is something he intellectually knows but hasn't emotionally grappled with yet. But he meant it when he said he'd rather be here with her over her being alone. He'd give his happy rich home up for her in an instant, and she knows that. It's how they are.

Jesper has not even considered that he would be in charge. He is much better as a right-hand man. Don't make him have a panic attack. He does have a sharp way of looking at situations though that he learned even before Kaz, although Kaz strengthened all their ways of seeing the world through paranoid eyes. "Aren't they always?" Wars for centuries. Jesper managed to dodge the Ravkan one thanks to his father, but they did have their own little wars in Ketterdam every day. Just little battles.

It's an interesting question and one that does not surprise him from Inej. She is a very hopeful person, despite everything that's happened to her, and it is one of her qualities that makes her better than anyone else he knows. "I hope so," he says honestly. "I'm skeptical, but not every world can be the exact same." Maybe 99% of them are like theirs, and there is some unicorn universe in peace. Sure, why not! All worlds he's heard about so far are full of strife though, so. "But what would we do in a peaceful world?"

[bloomly]

( it's an expected question, and yet doesn't that somehow make it even more difficult? she approaches it with silence, to start, her fingers working nimbly, steadily, as though her thoughts have no bearing on the movement of them. there are a few braids, now, threaded together with daisy stems: fragile things, maybe, but they're woven so neatly in that it will take a little effort to get them pulled out. that may be the point. )

Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe not here.

( a half of a shrug--then it's moving her hands so that she can lace all the braids together, tie them down the center of his hair with one larger band. )

It's hard to say. I just sometimes get a bad feeling, and I can't tell if it's something from back home that's chased me here, or if it's something from back home trying to warn me, here.

( idly, she works her fingertips down to the end of his hair, smoothing the length of it out against the back of his shoulders--before she plants her palms there, as though to signal something with the gentle squeeze. his muscles barely move beneath her grip; he's quite strong, she thinks. )

So! Now that you're done, you owe me a favor. That makes sense, right? Since I did something su~per nice for you, like this?

[bloomly]

( it's the wordless gesture, like that, which is encouraging to her--they don't garner much notice, as they shift away from the crowd; she matches her steps carefully with his, and though they're walking, it's a pace that's definitely slow enough to continue their conversation.

her arms bounce a little, idly, at her sides. )

I don't know how I feel, yet. Is it strange to say that it feels... lonely? Most of the time?

( a small laugh, her nose wrinkling as she looks up at him. )

There are plenty of people there! And shrines, to pray at, and I should feel right at home but... it just doesn't feel right. Do you feel good, about where you're staying?

[meiren]

[ Zhou Zishu's eyebrows do both lift at the display, which for him is something rather like open-mouthed shock, and also unforunately the most reaction anyone is likely to get out of him. That is something indeed. ]

I will admit, young master, I am quiet impressed.

[ He even sounds it, despite the lack of overt expression. Well, he'd wanted to see something new, and he'd most certainly gotten that. This is no trick of lights an mirrors. ]

Is it. Living?

[meiren]

[ His expression shades slightly wry as he reaches to take the bottle back. Does he need to get home? Certainly there are things he left unfinished, promises he can't keep without being there. But he has a limited time anyway, and everyone around him had known it. Would it be so different to leave now? The end result would be the same.

On the other hand, does he want to stay here. Zhou Zishu huffs out a quiet laugh and takes a long drink. ]

I don't have enough information yet. [ That much is true regardless of anything else. ] I can let the currents guide me for now.

[ For the most part. He does have someone to look after, here. And he's enough of a handful to keep Zhou Zishu plenty busy. ]

[meiren]

[ His eyebrows lift a little at the question, but he does take a moment to consider it. There aren't many places Zhou Zishu can say he's ever necessarily felt good in, but he's adaptable. It never really mattered. ]

Lonely, I can understand, if you are far from home. [ All the people in the world won't make a difference if they aren't your people. Zhou Zishu might be luckier than most, that his person came along with him. As aggravating as that person can be most of the time. ]

But as to how you feel. [ A pause, thoughtful. ] Everything here is so different to me that it's difficult to think of much else.

[ Another glance in her direction. ] Do you often have feelings? Intuitions?

[exoterminator]

[ Tempted as she is to regale him with tales of Bad Experiences in a fervent act of warning, Samus can see that defiant shimmer in his eye and she already regrets saying so much. She respects it but also fears for him, his thirst, his drive. He will get into trouble. This shouldn't be any of her concern or care, but...

She tears her gaze away from him, uncomfortable with a look she knows all too well. Her tone is deliberately monotone, and finally, actually sounds legitimately tired. ]

A computer is a tool, only as altruistic as who uses it. Leave it to its own devices and it will make its own rules.

[ Somehow this has managed to be the most exhausting exchange of the evening. ]

[exoterminator]

[ Similarly she doesn't say anything, exchanging that glance with him as she raises her hand and grasps the other side of the orb.

It's smooth. It's vaguely warm from the previous person's residual heat. It glows.

...

It does... absolutely nothing.

She stares flatly at Geralt. ]

[cointosser]

[Ouch. That could edge towards insulting, but it's Himeka, and he's taking it on the more complimentary side.

The question is meant to be teasing, but it does give him pause. Maybe it's the wine already getting to him (he's barely even sipped at it). It's really the weight of his knew knowledge. Not only Estinien, but the memories that lay heavy at the back of his mind, no matter how much he'd like to forget about them.]

Lucky this time. If I'm being truthful.

[Lucky Yennefer showed up as she did. Lucky he is alive one more day. He lifts his glass and takes a mighty gulp. Maudlin again. He can't stand being maudlin. It doesn't suit him.]

A musical could work, if I played myself. No one, of course, could mimic me just right.

[Which may destroy the point, but...]

A certain pirate. [They'll come to the bees one day.] A famous one?

[exoterminator]

[ Requiring someone else to access it sort of makes it sound like... a transmissible disease, she thinks. Or, no, maybe that's too harsh. Perhaps more analogous to an idea that is contagious and requires one to pass it along to another? Perhaps she's overthinking that, and decides to focus more on the here and now and his instructions. ]

That's not reassuring. [ She dryly quips, hiding whatever real trepidation comes from that admittance. Samus has fearlessly braved many strange things in her life but not quite like this...

Closing her eyes to put herself in a semi-meditative state is a state of vulnerability she prefers to not be in, least of all around someone else she barely knows and trusts. She doesn't think Thancred will try to hurt her or that she couldn't handle herself, but, still... it's an unfamiliar discomfort. It's difficult for her to shake the edge of paranoia that saves her life in so many other situations. ]

Okay. Just... mediate?

[ She might open one eye now and then to impatiently check in on him. Give her time to clear her unease, Thancred. ]

[...]

.........

[ She's trying, I promise. ]

...Does it take long?

[exoterminator]

[ Wait wait... wolf form? Well, he did just turn into a cloud of bats, she supposed a wolf wasn't beyond his wheelhouse. So he's able to shift into multiple forms. What else could he turn into, she wonders? ]

I will buy a leash if only for your sake.

[ Otherwise she can sense the need for retreat, shifts her weight onto her other leg. She feels it too. Alucard has been pleasant company for their brief but seemingly recurring interactions, though she can't help but feel like both instances have been her interrupting him in some means or manner. Perhaps next time it could be more amicable.

...Perhaps she shouldn't even be anticipating a next time as she nods and takes her leave, hesitating only to think of apologizing—or thanking him—again but the words never come out. ]

[gynvael]

[ Chased me here. He slips that piece of information away. If something was pursuing her back home, he's curious what it is that makes her think it may have slithered into this world after her. He's been wanting to know himself—what else may have come through in between these summonings. If that's a possibility they need to keep an eye on. It's been, what. Months? Fucking around with a spell no one's used in ages, if not ever?

Magic like that doesn't often come without consequences.

He doesn't ask, though, what exactly she means. Her initial question goes unanswered, as well. She will find this a common feature of conversations with him. Instead, he makes a thoughtful sound while she finishes fussing with his hair. It isn't the first time he's had it in a braid, but it's certainly rare. He tends to have little care to do much more than tie it back out of the way.

He lowers one boot off the stool's footrest. His hands are empty of flowers now that they've all went into his hair. He turns his head a little, though he doesn't quite look over his shoulder at her. ]

Depends on the favour.

[techmaturgy]

[Ah. Well, they seem to have struck some kind of nerve with each other. Viktor frowns, waiting to see if she's going to elaborate on what's apparently personal experience, but when that's all she has to offer him (like he doesn't already know this) he scoffs.]

Well, if you're looking to put that expertise to use, I am always open to collaboration.

[That's said testily, like he wants her to know he's moving forward anyway, and if she thinks it's a bad idea she's welcome to offer her practical knowledge, instead of keeping it to herself and vaguely chastising him for tampering with the forces in question. He decides that this is hitting a little too close to home, so after a moment he hauls himself to his feet in preparation to leave.]

I think I might try to get some rest after all. Try not to wake up anyone else.

[gynvael]

[ It is quite smooth. His medallion hums no more or less than it has in this place. The amount of magic about makes it impossible to tell what's causing his medallion to react: the orb itself, the little sparks of light, the spell that makes the orb glow.

Hm.

He stares back at her. Considers what may happen if he gives the orb a push and it cracks upon the ground. He isn't here to cause trouble, but it's a thought to...ponder.

Eventually, their time is up. Geralt does not break eye contact with her until they have finished the allotted five minutes.

He pulls his hand away. It tingles a hint. ] Enlightening.

[supersoldier]

[Sephiroth’s eyes trail to the man’s pin, then back to his face, and it’s obvious that his look has turned skeptical.]

And yet you’re in Solvunn.

[It’s a statement… with a very clear implied question. Why? Does he plan on switching sides? Or is the allure of this strange magic on display not quite enough to draw this man in?]

[vixening]

[ wanda listens, and yennefer feels a bit like she had back in those halls of aretuza, showing the younger girls the more interesting sides of magic. the things that had been kept from her, that she had to find out for herself. think for yourselves she had told them, as they had watched her, enraptured, as she opened doors, gave them access to things she also - at one point - thought impossible.

she shrugs - it is possible their understanding of it is different, possible that the laws she'd been taught and that she'd learned to press the boundaries of are far from the same laws and rules that apply here. but the heart, the essence of it, she'd yet to find any evidence isn't true. ]

In a way. We call them conduits- pulling chaos from its source and using it for other means. We conduct it through our bodies, using magic to apply it to what we see fit. [ she does see out of the corner of her eyes the way that wanda pulls up her sleeves over her hands. up to her knuckles.

when wanda says mine is different, she turns to her a little more. curious, and listening. ] You think? You're unsure?

[vixening]

[ no, not the best choice of words, but the flash of loss only lasts that - a flash. because jaskier is moving on and yennefer can focus on the jump of the conversation, on the sound of conversations around her, on jaskier's arm - his actual arm, him, not just some version of it that she'd seen in the horizon - under her hands.

i noticed it he says, and yennefer's brows lift. and - as if to punctuate the movement - she does tilt her head, leaning it as if to accentuate it just a bit more for him. the collar and bodice of her dress that she's picked today does show it off well, she knows. it had been part of the reason she'd chosen it. ]

Only noticed? You're certain that's what you'd like to call it? [ her smile is curled with the exact implication he can probably bring to mind himself - of their time in the horizon, before everything had gone to shit. about the nights they had spent together - because she knows, as well as he does, that they'd done a bit more than noticing.

still, she does settle back into her place at his side as they continue - relaxing back into a gentle pace as she just nearly laughs. her hands, where they're curled around his arm, do run along the fabric of his sleeve, though it seems to be less of an intentional movement, and something more subconscious. seamless. she shakes her head. ]

Oh, of course, of course. Definitely respectable. And I'm sure all the taverns singing your songs are filled with the very same members of the citizenry you so clearly represent. But I am glad for your other arm. You've only got so many limbs to explode in a lifetime- wouldn't want you checking off the list too soon.

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor gives Hector a look that indicates he is well aware, and might be weighing his options in that department, before he inevitably attracts the attention of the military. He nods along, at least, indicating that he understands.]

It's a matter of puzzling out this world's specific system. I'm used to working with symbols, so it will just be a matter of...adapting.

[By now, he's heard of the Horizon, but given the general activities of the Summit, he thinks it will probably be better to take care of that once they're back in Cadens. In truth, he's still wrapping his head around how such a thing might be possible.]

I've had someone offer to show me. It seems like a good testing ground.

[lackingtalent]

[There is a reason indeed. Emet-Selch is cared for. Immensely, unquestionably, absolutely. Therefore, he has a mind to spare his feelings- rather than asking him to dredge up details on something that must have been extremely painful emotionally as well as physically.

Yet Thancred has misunderstood his question. His own fault, he's more than certain. To illuminate:]

Because I wish to know of three quarrels in particular. Emet-Selch is but one. All three came to blows with Himeka... from what I was told during our brief chat on the moon. Yet we could not speak for long enough for me to ask why.

[A faint pause. And his grip tightens around his mug.]

So, presuming you have been with her for long enough to have witnessed the result- I would like to ask if you know.

[And there it is. Confirmation that he has absolutely no idea, at all, of the Rejoinings, save for a feeling (unexplained, of course) of Zodiark's power increasing. Nor does he know of... anything, actually, since the Sundering- save for what he has gleaned from watching Himeka from the Underworld himself.

There's a gap, essentially- between the Sundering and his true death. More like a chasm.

Ah. But he is asked a question. His eyes raise from the mug, and meet Thancred's. There were concerns about altering Eithery's outcome by dispensing information which might have things done differently, yes. But...

Well.]

An excellent question. And it is one I do not know either!

[A faint smile- a glint of amusement in his eyes follows, yet he does not laugh. No doubt this one is feeling vaguely toyed with. So he sets himself to explaining.]

When she reached journey's end and could not proceed any further, I and Emet-Selch were called. We provided a means of which she could reach the Metia- and some encouragement besides for her to bring you and your comrades back. As half-faded souls of the dead, you see, we could not hope to stand against what the Metia had become. Therefore, we thought it prudent to say our goodbyes and return to our journey. ...Unfortunately, I was brought here shortly afterward.

[A light tapping of his fingers on the mug.]

One of your number, a young girl, I believe- was quite vexed! and vocal about her expectations not being met. Far be it any business of mine, but one of these days, I imagine her face may very well stick like that. She should be warned, for it would be a pity.

[But. His smile fades, his fun had, and instead, his eyes meet Thancred's in gentle seriousness.]

I cannot tell you if your efforts were successful. I can only tell you what I believe. That the hopes of all souls of Eitherys, living and dead, are with you, your faction, and Himeka. And while I regrettably know little of you- I know Himeka [Hemera.] is not the sort to disappoint. I believe in her- I trust in her, and I know she will be successful.

... And as she trusts in you, so shall I.

[chosenfordarkness]

And if something does happen, that's future-you's problem to worry about. [ But it's probably fine, right? How long a memory does Thorne really have? ]

How are you finding the Free Cities? If I were curious about moving.

[subhuman]

Not a name you'd forget. I like it.

[ Because clearly Stephen is looking for the Dante Seal of Approval, right? Right. (Unfortunately for Stephen, you can't return it. It's a mar on your record from this point on.)

As for his interest...well, he has interest, it's just whether or not he wants to put in the effort. ]

If there's a version with pictures you've got me. I like to think I'm more of a "learn on the job" kind of guy.