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]

[ He'll take the compliment with a sideways smile and a bit of a shrug. He tries to take most things in stride, or at least seem like he does. Dante hasn't really been convinced of the validity of the concerns of this world just yet, but he's not discounting them either.

Power in the wrong hands may not end a world but it can be dangerous all the same. ]

If they do I'm sure they'd tell you to check it out of the local library. I don't know about you, but I haven't read anything in a book that's solved my problems.

[subhuman]

[ He nods. Though gauging by this guy's reaction, should this be forbidden knowledge? Hm. Alucard really didn't seem like it was something he was trying to keep under wraps. ]

Didn't think it was a secret.

[ He makes no point in making a deal of it, though. No feathers to ruffle here, just...things to keep in mind about his current benefactors, he supposes. The food's damned good, though. ]

Nope, though I've heard people mention it. Something about some mystical mediative plane of existence?

[petcromancer]

[That's his secret, Jaskier, he's an immature man-child. He grins as Jaskier laughs, glad that the bard's good cheer has returned.]

Think you could ponder the ball so thoroughly they send you away early? I bet you could have a Thornean sweating without too much effort.

[Hector's willing to stand as close as he needs to to egg Jaskier on. In fact, he may be pre-gaming, technically adhering to the single file queue for the orb as he slots in behind Jaskier and rests his chin on one of Jaskier's shoulders.]

[petcromancer]

[Hector nods. If someone else hadn't already offered to escort this man to the Horizon, he would.]

The best thing is, even if something goes wrong with an experiment there, there's no real risk.

[Hector lost a couple of fingers there once, getting too friendly with a monstrous 'dog' from another summoned's domain, but it's fine. He got better.]

[cryptsleeper]

They've given me a few practical solutions over the years, but my father's library was far more advanced than the rest of humanity at the time.

[Sorry, 1400s Wallachia vs Dracula's Castle? And only one has electric lighting and library documents on how to make it work? Yeah. Libraries good.]

But that kind of information strikes me as something that would be purposely excluded from the general collection.

[itookashot]

Interesting, I've always thought it made sense for the merchant class to be so close to a port city. Constant business coming in and out.

[ Royalty and military ruled the other areas, depending on where it was, but there was always money coming in and out of Ketterdam. Legal or not, it was such an easy place to do trade. Money was the power and the people who could wield it. He knows there's a heavy stack of coin waiting for him back there, although he kept it stored for now, not trusting himself with it. He doesn't trust himself even now, although he's managed better than he ordinarily would without gambling.

Jesper makes a face at the thought of said racist sexist militarists. ]

Fjerdans for us. Very hateful people. They're technologically advanced and hate magic, they're more advanced than here, a lot of types of guns and a tank, a giant armored weapon vehicle.

[ Jesper has had a lot of different people say what types of technology work for them, so he doesn't assume at this point. Thus he explains just enough, in case it's new to someone. Tanks are definitely the most advanced tech he personally has ever experienced, and he rode in one. It was fun and all, but he'd much rather be on foot and with a gun in hand. There's too much left up to change when zooming around in something mostly machine.

Ketterdam is the best, in Jesper's opinion, it's where he'd pick without questiom. He doesn't like to think about how helpless the situation is here. He can't choose to go back. He's stuck. He may never see it again, or anyone there. But Jesper is not someone who lets himself stay down. He finds a way to bounce back. He sighs though, glancing up at the sky.]

I'm saving up for a gun. It costs a lot here. Doing odd jobs, a messenger, working at an inn, whatever it takes. But I suppose I'm going where the wind takes me. What about yourself?

[carmesi]

[perhaps, in another life, wanda would have been like one of those younger girls that yennefer had taken under her wing. had wanda even known that her powers were anything akin to 'magic', or deserving of the title 'witch', she definitely would have benefitted from others who were like her.

as it stands, there was no such thing as 'school' for wanda. only agatha's long-winded call to triumph, teaching wanda an ounce of her knowledge only for it to be used against her. she is a quick learner, turns out.

wanda lingers on this thought. agatha. can she trust yennefer? there's a sudden tension in her shoulders, looking away, a dismissive shake of her head.]

I've probably got it all wrong. I'm still learning about it.

[her powers are all she has; she doesn't want to lose them, not to anyone.]

[flame_emperor]

It's not the first time Edelgard has been thought of as blunt, and she'd be the first to admit that it's not untrue. But at least in this case she has ample reason to be; she was brought to Thorne without consent, and if she's expected to be of some service, she needs to know more about these rulers and if they are in any way compatible.

Unlike Yennefer, Edelgard's posture is relaxed. She's no one here, and even if an enemy from Fódlan had come here before, the summit would be a terrible place to launch a surprise attack. But Yennefer's tension doesn't go unnoticed, nor does the way she scans the crowds as they walk. "I wasn't even sure if the king had even accompanied us to this summit." She replies, and given his track record it sounds likely that he has not. "So most of the day to day ruling is done by Queen Ellya, then." Wondering at the king's strange hands-off approach to rule, Edelgard takes a moment to consider what Yennefer has told her of the queen.

"She's of military upbringing." Which is the norm for nobility where she comes from, so that doesn't strike her as strange. "Then it would be fair to say most of her support comes from the army then, as one of their own? Is that sentiment that's shared by the commonfolk of Thorne?" After all, if most of her support comes from the military, she has to keep them happy. And the interests of the military and the common-people do not always align.

[sakaya]

[Feel free to scoot closer Thancred, come now!

Shuten won't be too pushy when it comes to personal space. That's only reserved for the ones she wants to eat most has taken a true liking to.]

Mm. I guess 'pure' is too strong of a word? You must understand that I'm not the type to spend time on semantics.

The easiest way to put it is, "not human." It all may just come down to priorities, desires, and the way we express them. And for the way of the oni, it's not totally compatible with what humanity considers decent.

[aquaveiled]

[ She rarely softens her words even when she ought to. But given that it is Jaskier, she probably means it positively. Probably.

His demeanor says just as much if not more than his words do. Though he has had much on his shoulders in the past when they have met, there is something different now. A new weight of sorts, or mayhaps it's an extra bit of tiredness in his eyes even after an exciting performance.

Himeka rarely softens her words, but she does pick up when someone may need something a little extra. She gently nudges his knee with her own. ]

Mm, I was going to say between the two of us that I was the lucky one.

[ OF course he would star in his own musical. Why did she entertain the thought of anything different? ]

You'll write and star in it? Then I am hereby putting in my audition for the role of Geralt. I think I have his disposition down well.

[ Cue her doing her best stern and stoic brooding man face. She holds it for a few seconds before melting back seamlessly to her usual self. She taps her nose with her index finger. ]

On the nose, right?

[ That deserves another drink. Is she already almost done with her wine? Yes, yes she is. ]

Not terribly famous, but well-known enough. She had quite the reputation in the southern seas, this Pirate Captain.

[ Oh yes, it gets juicier. ]

[gynvael]

Not many of us left from then.

[ He doesn't elaborate further than that. People disappear. It isn't fun. It happens. Now and then, they return, with or without their memories. The nature of it all suggests something Geralt isn't sure he knows enough to put together yet.

He moves on instead to the Horizon. Simpler topic. ]

Mm-hmm. [ He needs another drink. ] Someone at the castle will help you in.

[frontlinetitties]

[She flashes him a crooked grin, quick and pleased.]

I'm gonna hold you to it. Although you know 'a large building' doesn't give me a whole lot to go on, right? Meet me out front or something and gimme the guided tour. I guess I could show you around my place too if you're really that interested but I promise you, it's morbid as fuck. Totally bad and gross. You'll probably want to--

[But the sound of someone calling her name - just about discernible over the general cacophony of the crowded drinking hole - has her turning away from him, peering out into the crowd. When she spots the owner of the voice she abruptly shouts 'yeah, be right over!! at the top of her lungs (sorry), before turning back to him with a guilty grin.]

Oops! I was meant to be getting a round in before you distracted me with your alcohol-tolerance bragging. I guess I'd better go see to that.

[She says, as she pushes back her chair to the sound of wood squealing against wood, and the muffled moan of one of Sephiroth's fallen drinking buddies beneath the table.]

What's your name, and I'll come find you in that other place sometime. Or do I just called you Mister First Class?

[She does her very best to emulate his accent and tone, swipes the bottle of liquor from the table, and takes one more swig.]

One for the road!! And I'm Gideon. Gideon Nav.

[sorser]

[The weight of the question hangs heavily, much like the moments of silence that pass before Stephen manages a reply. He cannot ignore the figment of hope hinging in the air, as though everyone is holding their breath, waiting for his reply. He doesn’t want to shatter it into disappointment in his first breath, but he doesn’t want to provide them a false solution with misplaced confidence, either.]

Meridians. You’re referring to the pathways in your body that enable the flow of energy?

[Even before he became a sorcerer, the was not unfamiliar with the concept; but then, it had been nothing more than psuedo-science in his eyes. Something to be scoffed at, nothing worth any real research as dictated by his medical schooling. These days, Stephen has widened the keyhole in which he views the universe—as someone he once knew would say it—and it isn’t even close to the ridiculous idea it once was.]

I’m not unfamiliar with the concept. Before I became a sorcerer, I met a man who manipulated magical energy through similar means to help him walk again. I do it, too, when I need to — for my hands.

[He doesn’t linger on that topic longer than necessary. This isn’t about him.]

But the pathways themselves being damaged isn’t something I’ve had to deal with before. That doesn’t mean I can’t try to offer what advice I can, or look into how this world could help you. How were they damaged in the first place?

[gynvael]

[ He's tugging his shirt over his head when the magic begins to glow in her hand. At first, he thinks she might be making an arrow, something thin and narrow—but when it smooths out on one end, he realizes it's, hm.

He peers closer, then takes it. The tip is sharpened, and he tests the point like it might be especially sharp. It isn't. It leaves a faint blackened mark on his skin instead. His eyebrows go up. ]

You wrapped charcoal in wood? [ Is he sniffing it? He's sniffing it. Not quite charcoal; the mark it leaves behind is much less heavy and thick, and it doesn't smell of charcoal. But it's the closest thing in his mind.

And actually, not a bad concept. He can recognize the value of not having blackened stains on your fingers despite having seen approximately zero pencils in his life. It must be something from her world—and he's curious, suddenly, what that could mean. It's a small thing, but his time in and out of people's domains has told him there are a number of useful items this world does not have. Items he's never encountered before. Somehow, it hasn't occurred to him one could just learn to conjure it up, even though now that he thinks about it, that's only logical. It's no different than conjuring anything else. Maybe there are other things she could learn to bring to this place, in time.

He turns the wooden stick over in his hand. Likely for drawing, though the fine point of it suggests it could suffice for lettering, too. A writing implement. What is it, that Sam keeps asking for? Every time he gets yet more ink stains on his hands? The way Geralt says the word suggests he's making a haphazard guess at best. ] Is this...a pen?

[princessvegas]

[ If she looks slightly taken aback, it's only because it had not occurred to her that anyone might not know what a pencil is. It is such a ubiquitous, old concept in her world -- even people from many centuries earlier than Julie would recognize the basic idea, if not the exact modern representation.

Her eyebrows raise and then, oh, okay he is smelling it. She can honestly say it's the first time she's ever seen someone sniff a pencil, and that certainly reflects in her expression. ] Not charcoal. It's... well, we call it lead 'cause that's what it used to be, but the middle is made of graphite. It's a pencil.

[ She brings her bag over to herself with her invisible hand, digs through it. From the random assortment of (mostly stolen) trinkets inside, she surfaces a small notebook with Nott's sigil on the front cover, then gently takes the pencil back from him. On the first page of the notebook, she writes her own name, smooth script that matches her hand on the mental network they share. ] When the tip breaks or wears down, you can sharpen it again and keep usin' it. And it's not permanent like quills and ink pens. You can erase with it. [ She makes a mark, flips the pencil and erases it to show him. She offers the pencil back, looks up at him. ] Kids use 'em in school, especially for math or when they're just learnin' how to write. We make colored ones too, for art, but this is the kind people use more.

[gynvael]

[ Oh. A pencil. He tilts his head, watching her write. There's something fascinating about it, in part because he's used to being shown a variety of strange objects in the Horizon. But this is the first time someone's done it in the physical world.

When she says erase, a certain understanding comes over him. He brushes the remaining edge of her name. ] We use bread for that. To rub out charcoal.

[ He takes the pencil back, running his thumb over the smooth design on it. As foreign as the item is, he can tell the make of it is solid. That these are inexpensive tools in her world, manufactured in masses by a machine and disposed of without a second thought, does not cross his mind. To him, it's something of a crafted piece: carved from wood and neatly painted and put together. It shows in the careful way he handles it.

He writes his own name, experimental. She'll recognize it, too, of course—a script that carries the distinct edges of one who's learned to write based on ink and quill. He's noticed that amongst the Summoned, it isn't actually a common hand at all, appearing only with Ciri and Jaskier. Perhaps one or two others.

The pencil glides smoother, though. Interesting. ] I might have to keep this.

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred shrugs at that answer. It's still quite vague, but he can gather that he won't be getting too much out of this Zhou Zishu, at least not tonight. They've shared a drink together, along with some thoughts, and that will have to be enough. ]

There's something to be said for simply going with the flow until you're given a reason to diverge.

[ With that, he pushes himself up to his feet and dusts any stray blades of grass off his coat. He casts the night sky one final glance before nodding down to Zhou Zishu where he sits. ]

My thanks for the talk and the drink. I cannot say we may see each other again any time soon, but I suppose we'll see where those currents lead, eh?

[ There is always the Horizon, to say nothing of what else might change between the factions in the future. ]

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred is well aware that it's not reassuring, but Samus seems the sort who would prefer someone give it to her straight, and she's more than welcome to ask someone more experienced for aid. On the other hand, they're here now, so they may as well give it a go.

He watches as she closes her eyes, though it's not long before she comes out with another question. He lets out a soft laugh and shrugs. ]

I suppose it depends on how practiced you are at clearing your mind. [ He's not that skilled at it himself, as there's almost always something he's thinking on or worrying about, but he's slowly getting the hang of the process all the same. She'll be fine. ] Speaking of which, that's the other warning I wanted to give you.

The first time, and the first time only, that you enter the Horizon... you will be without all your memories. You'll have a general sense of who you are and how the world works, but experiences, people, all of that will be gone. It's disorienting, but I'll do my best to guide you as you find your bearings.

[ He pauses, granting her a few moments to think on that. ]

Assuming you're still willing, I'm ready when you are.

[fourarmedandangerous]

Goro nods, then lowers himself to the ground, folding his legs up lotus-style beneath him as he does so. "Then sit." He commands, taking a deep breath. "This will require you to clear your mind, and enter a meditative trance." Easy for Goro, who already practiced such techniques. A clear mind was an important asset for a warrior, and leader. "When this has been accomplished, I will place a hand on you. That will allow me to guide you into the Horizon."

He looks up at the moonlit sky. It's past midnight now. "I will deposit you and take my leave. I will return shortly before sunrise to escort you out. You will have plenty of time to indulge your urge to create in the meanwhile."

And then once that's done, it will be far easier for Goro and Fandaniel to speak privately.

[princessvegas]

[ The idea of using bread as an eraser is clearly foreign to her, based on the way her brow furrows -- would that even work? It sounds mostly like a good way to make a big, crumby mess. It must be better than nothing, she supposes.

She watches him write, and it surprises her that she's actually never thought about him writing on just plain paper before. She's only ever seen his words scrawled on cobblestones and in woodgrain, all manner of places no one should be able to write at all.

Wait... wait, is this how she gets rid of all the fucking pencils she's accumulated? ] You can have it. You want more? It's the only thing I can make so far, so I got like eighty of 'em in a drawer at home.

[ She has also left them all over his place, too (and Sam's). At this point, she's akin to bird shedding feathers as she flits around, except it's pencils instead. She does not bring this fact up. ]

[itookashot]

And they never explained to you why they randomly separated everyone? They can't be surprised that so many people escaped when they had the chance. I hear that's how anyone got to Free Cities and Solvunn in the first place.

[ They ran. Jesper would have been one of them, without any hesitation. He would not want to stay in a place that randomly decides to jail people, he'd like to be jailed for actually doing something, thank you very much. As much as he loves fancy things, he loves freedom a whole lot more, so he would have likely escaped Thorne at this Summit if he was there instead. Something about royalty really rubs him the wrong way.

He's annoyed on behalf of the people he's come to know here, because that is Jesper's way of thinking. He is intensely loyal to people and they don't have to do much to earn it, just be interesting and engaging and he's hooked. Her explaining all this to him, having a good conversation, it's already getting him connected to her, whether she knows it or not.

Jesper's not used to showing off his gifts at all, though he is a natural show off, and her reaction to the real Durast abilities is interesting. Telekinesis honestly is an off-shoot of what he's actually doing, and he doesn't entirely know how to explain it but he considers. His mother told him, long ago, and Nina tried to tell him as well. ]

I'm manipulating matter, anything that has substance or form, glass, steel, wood, plants, a lot of things. It's actually how the telekinesis works, I can feel the object from anywhere and make it move. People who are well trained in it can take poison out of blood, make dead flowers bloom, and create bullet-proof cloth. I'm not there yet.

[ But he could be. Some day. He's untrained and he can already turn metal into liquid and modify firm objects into something else. Durasts aren't the showy Grisha, and Jesper knows they're not taken as seriously as the straight-up warriors, but he doesn't have to be a soldier. He just has to be smart. He hasn't considered how useful these powers would be in actually getting money, but she has sparked it in his head now. Maybe he's been going about getting coin the wrong way. She's a genius.

Jesper watches her do the smoke as well, a storm cloud, it's like multiple Grisha elementalists together. It's the type of thing he knew existed but he doesn't get to see it, since he always was in hiding. He blinks when he sees her pluck wine out of the air, it's not telekinesis but he knows something is supernatural, turning when he feels a hand on his shoulder. Only nothing is there. Fascinating. His eyes widen and he looks back at her, grinning. ]

That's brilliant. You're doing great it considering this is all new to you.

[gynvael]

[ More? How many has she...? Geralt blinks at her. Right. He supposes she naturally wouldn't be able to rid of them once she makes them. Now that she says it— ]

Can't see why not. [ He wasn't expecting a boon of writing implements, but he won't complain. He holds the one she gave him up. ] When you make ones that write in colour, let me know.

[ For its uses, in part, but also because he's simply interested in seeing them when she's learned to do so. Is it possible he'll be drowning in pencils in the near future? Perhaps, but he's equally been drowning in potted plants and potions so Geralt's accepted this is just the result of surrounding himself with people constantly learning magic. Doesn't bother him, really. No one in his household has much in possessions; Geralt only ever truly keeps with him what he can pack onto his horse. Her pencils will have a place to go. Save them the cost of ink at the same time.

The chase is probably starting to wind down for the night. He's expecting any one of the others to show up soon. They do still have a bottle to finish off, though—which he offers to Julie as he settles onto his side. ]

[flame_emperor]

Edelgard chuckles when Thancred reveals she is treading ground already covered. "Ah, of course she did. I should have suspected as much." She replies, though she notes that if Byleth only described herself as a "capable" fighter, she was underselling her skill. Well, best to let Thancred see that for himself, if the prospect of collaboration has already come up. "She's eager to pick up her sword again, so I imagine you won't need to wait long in that regard. You're a swordsman yourself?" She asks. If so, even better. Edelgard's competent enough with a sword, but it's never been her preferred style of weapon.

She watches Thancred size her up, her posture straightening a little as she does so. She always dresses to be as covered as possible, even if it would be more practical not to. She has her reasons for that, and she isn't about to disclose then. The benefit of course, is that, coupled with her relative small size, it helps hide her physique, which is...not what people would likely expect. Having two Crests her helps with her strength of course, but she has never wanted to be completely reliant on it. Her own strength matters too.

"I'm no stranger to battle." She replies simply, with a dismissive shrug. "But while I'm happy to lend a hand to General Eisner whenever she requires it, I think I can be of more use in the court. Which is why I've been trying to find out more about our hosts. They went to all the trouble of bringing us here, so I want to know what kind of rulers they are." Knowing what kind of rulers they are will make it easier for Edelgard to plan her approach, and identify potential threats, or allies.

[flame_emperor]

The mention of "divine beasts" does draw Edelgard's attention, especially in reference to technology. "These beasts are...mechanical?" She asks, somewhat-guardedly. The Sheikah must be a people native to her world, or at the very least some kind of organization.

As to the meals in a can, she waves her hand. "Completely and utterly inedible. Not to mention they completely defeat the purpose of a meal." It's as much about the conversation and companionship as it is about nourishing oneself. The dining hall at Garreg Mach was always full of lively debate and conversation, especially when she found herself invited to one of Byleth's many meals with her students. "I think that is one innovation the Free Cities should strongly consider leaving behind. Not everything has to be sacrificed for the sake of brute efficiency."

The young woman's excitement is easy to see. "I've done my fair share of research." She answers. "Though not as much since my student days. But I'm always happy to learn. Technology like this is not unfamiliar to you?" She asks with a gesture towards the engine.

[flame_emperor]

"On the world I most recently hailed from prior to this one". What a curious way to phrase that. Not "where I'm from" or "back home", and it doesn't strike her as a careless turn of phrase. It speaks to a greater degree of experience world-hopping than Edelgard currently has.

"It's their privilege, I suppose." She replies, noting the man's indication he's with Solvunn. "It's become so commonplace and everyday to them it rarely merits attention." Probably only when it breaks, or doesn't function as intended, she imagines. "I've heard Solvunn prefers a more agrarian existence." Farming, logging, fishing. "Commendable in its own way, but I wonder. I can understand the fear of relying on machines too much, but surely there must be a happy medium between preserving their way of life while taking away some of the hardships that living off the land like that brings." But Edelgard has ever been the practical sort. If a tradition is serving no useful purpose other than "that's the way we've always done it", it should be discarded. The same sort of principle she applies to her own rule.

"Are you a scientist, then? You speak in rather utopian terms of your work."